TODAY’S FORECAST
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Campus Life: Students meet for quick connections at speed dating
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Sports:
Men’s Basketball:
Bears butcher
Governors 76-69
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Entertainment:
Rihanna reveals pregnancy in iconic halftime show
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Ten hours after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, a newborn was found under the rubble.
A rescue team heard nearby crying in East Syria. They uncovered a newborn girl with the umbilical cord still attached to the dead mother. The baby’s doctor said if she was born before the earthquake rather than during it, she would not have survived. The overall death toll has reached 36,000.
BY EMILY KENNARD News EditorMuch remains unknown about the reversal of the cheer program’s Feb. 6 suspension, but past and present athletes report they complained about the program’s lack of support long before it received public attention for its suspension and racism allegations.
One athlete, Deborah Shaw, graduated from UCA in December 2022. She was on UCA’s track team for two years before joining cheer.
“I was actually not in a very good place mentally when I joined the team and I immediately felt like I was a part of a family who would support me through everything,” Shaw said.
Shaw said she had high expectations for the program because she used to cheer at a gym known for earning big titles.
Smith said the team was unorganized and not supported. “Overall, we don’t get as much support as other athletic teams do.”
concern while on the team “was the coaching or the lack thereof,” saying the coach and the athletes weren’t on the same page.
A derailed train on the OhioPennsylvania line spilled 50 cars Feb. 3, including 10 with toxic chemicals. Two East Palestine, Ohio, residents are suing the rail operator, Norfolk, demanding free medical screenings for anyone in a 30-mile radius of the site where Ohio crews burned off the chemicals Feb. 6. While Gov. Mike DeWine was giving an update, reporter Evan Lambert was pushed to the ground and arrested for trespassing. DeWine said the arrest shouldn’t have happened.
Lawsuit threatens abortion access
A Texas lawsuit poses a threat to the nationwide availability of medical abortions and has a key deadline this month. The case, fled by a group that helped challenge Roe v. Wade, seeks to reverse a decades-old Food and Drug Administration approval of the drug mifepristone. If the federal judge sides with them, it would eliminate pill supplies in all states, regardless of abortion restrictions. Republican states argue that being able to order the pill by mail undermines laws banning abortion.
After the president’s State of the Union address, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders critiqued Biden in the Feb. 7 response from the Republican Party. She said, “The Biden administration seems more interested in woke fantasies than the hard reality Americans face,” and, “we are under attack in a left-wing culture war we didn’t start and never wanted to fght.”
“I was ready to come in and put in the work. A lot of people on the team have come from bigger gyms as well and know what it takes to compete on the national level,” she said.
Shaw said things “started going downhill” when the team’s coach, Kortlind Johnson, had a baby September 2021.
“When our coach came to practice, games and other functions, she almost always had her baby with her,” Shaw said.
Shaw said, “She is a great mother. However, the team felt like this became a distraction.
“We needed a coach who could give us her full attention. At some point, the team did bring this to her attention. Since I graduated in December, I am unsure if she continued to bring her.”
Johnson’s UCA personnel records date back to 2015 for cheer-related positions, and she was rehired each year. Records
state she was supposed to work in her current position until June 2023.
Director of Media Relations
Fredricka Sharkey confrmed she still works for UCA, and an athlete told The Echo that Johnson told the team via GroupMe message she resigned as head coach but will remain the spirit coordinator.
Former cheerleader and current junior Caleb Watson said Johnson’s baby was a distraction, as well as a safety hazard.
“Our cheer coach brought her baby to practice. Every practice, or she wouldn’t come to practice,” Watson said.
“We have to watch the baby while we’re trying to learn
new skills. We didn’t sign up to babysit,” Watson said. “Her baby almost [was fallen] on [during] almost every other stunt.”
Cheer team member freshman Will Smith, also said Johnson brought her baby to practice.
“It was a concern for multiple athletes on the team,” he said. “There were a couple of times where the baby got a little too close.”
A 2019 study called “Progress in Cheerleading Safety” found in an analysis of cheerleading-related injuries that they “were most commonly sustained during cheerleading practice (39%).”
BY BRENNA METTS Sta Writer
Inspired by the loss of family members from addiction, Stephanie Rose spearheaded the implementation of Naloxbox kits across campus, and is now training faculty and staff on how to use them.
Rose, an assistant professor in health sciences, said that the Naloxbox program was not easy to accomplish. She wanted to get the program on campus for fve years, but fear of liability due to a lack of understanding about Narcan delayed it.
“Being able to do this now is amazing. I wish we didn’t have to, but this is a problem that’s not going away,” Rose said.
The Feb. 9 training included information on opioid
abuse and a tutorial on how to administer Narcan in the event of an overdose. Narcan is a brand of naloxone meant for non-frstresponder use that temporarily reverses opioid overdose effects until the sufferer can be treated.
Rose said the class she taught just before had over 100 UCA students in attendance. Her next trainings, happening Feb. 16 and 17, have already been flled.
“The fact that the trainings fll so quickly just warms my heart because it just tells me how passionate people are about saving lives and addressing this issue,” Rose said.
Rose is currently working to expand the program to Hendrix and Central Baptist College.
“It’s important that we’re training everybody and especially students
and getting Narcan into their hands,” Rose said.
UCA is the frst university in Arkansas to participate in the Naloxbox Bystander Rescue Program, which places kits containing two 4-mg doses of nasal Narcan across campus. The frst Naloxbox was installed at the UCA Interprofessional Teaching Center.
Since this installment, 27 total Naloxbox kits have been installed in residence halls and all resident assistants and coordinators were provided Naloxbox training. Rose said she plans to install boxes in Torreyson Library and Ronnie Williams Student Center next.
See Fentanyl - page 2
Shaw said, “Because I competed in two different sports at UCA, I was able to kind of see how cheer was treated in comparison to other sports. It was very apparent to me that the cheer program was seen as in the bottom of the barrel of sports, and I don’t think that’s fair, considering we represent the school the same way any other sport does.”
Shaw said this year’s team had many obstacles that “could have been avoided with proper coaching.”
Watson said he’s taking a leave of absence, but that when he was on the team, he felt uncomfortable going to away games without a coach and wanted more support from UCA Athletic Director Brad Teague.
“If Kortlind can’t go, why isn’t the person over athletics, why don’t they go? But Brad was over across seas whenever the basketball people went, but he couldn’t go to the next state to come with us … for our safety,” Watson said.
Shaw said her biggest
Shaw said, “We just wanted a coach that would show up and help us reach our end goal and were disappointed by the lack of organization and professionalism.”
Freshman Emma Palmer said she also noticed problems with leadership, even though it was her frst year.
“Since the beginning of the year, there had been a lack of leadership on the team,” Palmer said.
“The instability and need for organization is the main reason why so many athletes quit the team from my understanding,” she said, adding the program started with 39 athletes and as of Feb. 3, had only 22 left. Palmer said, “Emails had been sent about the lack of leadership in the program throughout this season, and to my knowledge the season before.
“In response to our emails and complaints, on Monday the 6th, we were called in for a meeting saying that our program had been suspended.”
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Conway residents are still struggling to fll their Adderall prescriptions, despite a November 2022 prediction by the Food and Drug Administration that the shortage would only last between 30-60 days.
Lauren Elkins, a UCA junior diagnosed with narcolepsy type 2 in 2021, has taken Adderall for almost three years to help regulate her sleep and wake cycles during the daytime.
Adderall is a medication that helps manage attention-defcit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, as well as narcolepsy.
While the FDA announced the shortage last October, Elkins reported struggling to get reflls for months prior, beginning in spring 2022.
She has struggled to refll her medication for almost a year now and said it “progressively got more diffcult as time went on.”
She typically sends her prescription to Walmart but said as of late, they are usually out.
“Unfortunately, there are no alternatives for Adderall when taking it for the type of narcolepsy I have, so I just go without and wait for it to be in stock again,” Elkins said.
Going as long as a week without her medication while waiting for a refll, Elkins said her grades “suffered like crazy.”
The shortage is especially frustrating for students who cannot get medicine that helps them stay alert and attentive.
“It is rough, especially as a university student where being able to focus and stay awake is a
requirement,” Elkins said.
The FDA didn’t provide a clear explanation for the shortage but said it is in frequent contact with one of the manufacturing companies, Teva, which is experiencing ongoing intermittent manufacturing delays.
Other manufacturers continue to produce the substance, but there is not suffcient supply to continue meeting U.S. market demand through those producers, according to FDA.gov.
Conway pharmacies say they’ve struggled with getting and keeping Adderall in stock.
A Conway Walgreens pharmacy tech confrmed it has taken a beating from the shortage, saying, “Once we receive any sort of shipment of Adderall, it fies out the door.”
They said getting the drug in stock has been an issue for a few months. When delivering the news to a customer that they cannot do a refll, about 20% of people will ask for alternatives or a different strength, if available, they said.
However, it usually is not.
A Heartland Pharmacy manager said they’ve got it handled, claiming to have little to no trouble getting the sought-after drug in stock.
“Yeah, actually, that’s already kind of done. They’ve got it back in stock now. We’re able to get it now. The drug shortages are all tough, but as far as an epidemic goes, I don’t think it would fall under that category,” they said.
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“The cheer team is at every football game and every men’s and women’s home basketball game, so to be stripped of our one competition we get to attend was incredibly heartbreaking, especially for our seniors. We had been working toward this since May 2022, and it was taken away so fast,” Palmer said.
Smith said, “Initially, we were told that it was due to attitude and lack of respect from athletes.
“They were saying that we had a lack of respect toward the coach,” he said, adding the coach let them know she resigned after Teague had already met with the team.
Shaw heard of the suspension almost immediately from her friends who are still on the team and said it was “drastic and heartbreaking.
“I don’t think it was simply one thing that led to the suspension. I think it was a lot of problems that have built up over the past two years,” Shaw said.
Watson said, “Last year, this didn’t happen because we had a great assistant coach, Ty Conner. … He is the whole reason why we did good in Daytona. [Johnson] was not there at all.” Conner is now head cheerleading coach at Mississippi State University, according to his Instagram.
Shaw said, “I think that disconnect between the coaches and athletes grew even more this year as a result of other things going on with the team, including racist comments.”
Shaw said the coach was made aware of the racist comments, but “did not seem to have a structured way to deal with it directly and never addressed the issues head-on,” leading to tensions building.
“I, and many others on the team, don’t think she handled it the way a coach should have,” Shaw said.
Watson said, “That’s what [the cheer team is] talking about when they say ‘after all we’ve been through this year.’ It’s the racist mess we’ve been through, it’s the coach never showing up that we’ve been through, it’s the coach sending us to Idaho and other states without an actual coach with us. That’s the problem.”
After its suspension, the team made a Change.org petition that echoed these struggles with leadership.
The petition said, “This team
coached themselves almost every single practice and when the coach did show up, there was no direction or coaching. The coach also never showed up for games and the athletes were told if they got hurt and the coach was not in attendance then they would not be covered under the school’s insurance.”
As of Feb. 13, UCA has not responded to The Echo for comment about this aspect of the petition.
Watson, who went to local news with allegations the program didn’t properly handle racism, said to The Echo that he knows the university was aware of these problems because they came up as part of an Offce of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion investigation.
According to the IDI’s Oct. 21 report, the investigation was prompted by Watson’s Diversity, Equity and Civility Concern, submitted Oct. 5 after Johnson dismissed him from the team.
The offce’s examination involved statements from Watson, Johnson “and students with a variety of lived experiences.” Some statements were sent directly to Teague, while some were sent to IDI.
Watson said, “Whenever we wrote those papers, it was about the racism. It was about the safety concerns. It was about her lack of attendance.
“It’s just crazy that the university is overlooking all of these problems and didn’t do anything about it.”
Watson said Johnson dismissed him the morning of Oct. 4 after she called to confront him about a Snapchat squabble he had with another cheerleader the previous night.
“[Johnson] kicked me off, like, completely kicked me off,” Watson said.
Watson, a Black man, said it was because he confronted another cheerleader about her white privilege, noting he had ongoing interpersonal issues with her making up rumors about him.
Watson said the coach previously told him nothing could be done about interpersonal issues that took place outside of cheer.
Kortlind Johnson“[Johnson] said that I was racist because I said that it was [the other cheerleader’s] white side showing,” he said.
Part of Watson’s complaint was that after his dismissal, Johnson suspended a freshman cheer member for only a week for making racially insensitive comments and saying slurs.
“How is me calling her out for her white privilege racist but people calling us n****rs and stuff not racist? That is blatantly racist,” Watson said.
According to Chief Diversity Offcer Angela Webster’s IDI report, “Coach Johnson admitted to being aware of some incidences of racerelated confict among team members.”
Afterward, Watson said the team was required to attend two classes; one about communication and coping skills, and the other a talking circle about what athletes thought was wrong with the program.
“The frst class, we walked in and they would play the ‘High School Musical’ song ‘We’re All In This Together,’ and we did not touch on race or anything.”
Watson said the freshman athlete’s use of racial slurs was not discussed.
“We didn’t say anything about the girl who told my teammate that she would have been a slave,” he said.
“It was something that kindergarteners should have [gone] to,” Watson said. “The people who were saying the stuff were back there on their phone the whole entire time,
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The training, which was for faculty and staff, is an important part of spreading awareness and destigmatizing opioid addiction.
Because of a grant from the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership, she was able to send all 50 attendees home with a free box.
The $25,000 grant equated to 500 boxes of Narcan. However, she said she will likely be out of Narcan by the end of the month and plans to request more.
“The bigger our group and our coalition is, the more people we can save and the more people we can educate. If we can just get the education out there, hopefully we can prevent people from getting into these situations. We didn’t do the best job in the past about educating … So we’re trying to do a better job with that,” Rose said.
Rose’s two senior interns — Kasey Jordan, an addiction studies treatment major, and Stella Radke, a psychology and addiction studies double major — joined her.
Jordan fell in love with UCA’s addiction studies program after transferring from Pulaski Tech and said she felt it was rewarding to help generations of people by spreading awareness.
“Being from a small town in a community where drug overdose and drugs are a really big deal, it just feels great to be in the forefront of a program like this because it’s really needed. It’s really personal and dear to me because I also have family members who have dealt with addiction. It just feels good to be a voice,” Jordan said.
Radke said that she thinks Narcan training should be treated similarly to how other emergency safety training is treated because “it comes down to saving lives.”
“In college, we don’t say that we come across that many drugs, but we do all the time, especially at parties … So, the more students that have Narcan, the more likely it is that nobody has to die of an overdose on campus. If it’s preventable and it’s this easy to hand it out and carry it around, then we should defnitely be training as many people as possible,” Radke said.
During the training, Rose provided Arkansas opioid and overdose statistics from the University of Arkansas System Criminal Justice Institute’s “You Can With Narcan: Arkansas Naloxone Project” presentation.
Rose said Arkansas has the secondhighest opioid prescribing rate in the nation. While the average rate of prescription is 51.4 per 100 people, the
average rate of prescription in Arkansas reaches 93.5 per 100 people, which is 42% above the national average.
Rose said that the black market has helped spread opioid availability by lacing drugs with a cheap but dangerous alternative such as fentanyl. Buyers who are intending to purchase marijuana, Xanax or oxycodone are getting more than they bargained for, Rose said.
The biggest danger surrounding opioids is how much they depress the central nervous system.
Rose said Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and showed an image of enough powder to bring on overdose symptoms. The picture showed an amount small enough to ft on the tip of a pencil.
In 2020, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 546 overdose deaths, mainly concentrated in the 2150 age range.
She said that the following year, the amount of drug overdose deaths exceeded the number of homicide deaths reported in Arkansas.
Rose said the Arkansas Project has saved 1,509 lives since March 2022.
Personal connections, like witnessing her father’s substance abuse, inspired Rose to become an addictionfocused social worker. Her father struggled with alcoholism and died after relapsing. She also lost her cousin, who overdosed after smoking fentanyl-laced marijuana. The 911 call was made too late, and her cousin, 21, died.
Neely Grace Taylor, 18, received a drug and alcohol violation in lieu of arrest Feb. 10. While on patrol, offcer Tommy Wise spotted a car with its headlights on and made a welfare check. Taylor let Wise search her car after he spotted suspected drug paraphernalia. He found a plastic cup with a water bottle in it for smoking marijuana, an open beer can, a medical marijuana bag without the prescription, a mortar and pestle with marijuana residue
She sought help from her doctor after enduring life stressors and traumas, and at 18, her doctor tried to prescribe her a medication that she didn’t know was habit-forming.
“I ended up in a situation that thankfully, I was able to get out of and got the help I needed, but it can happen to anyone. I just decided I’m going to turn all of this into something positive. I think it helps me to be a better therapist,” she said.
Rose said that part of preventing drug abuse and overdose is through creating a good foundation of coping skills early on. College students especially have a hard time because they are away from their parents, she said, often for the frst time. When they are exposed to stressors without coping skills, sometimes they engage in these risky behaviors, she said.
“The more trauma one experiences, the more likely they are to abuse substances as a way to try to escape,” Rose said. “Trauma is the gateway drug.”
At the end of the training, Rose said attendees could get more information from artakeback.org.
Rose also urged them to download the Narcansas app to improve overdose reporting in the state.
laughing and chuckling and texting, so did it really do any good? No, it didn’t,” Watson said.
Watson said he called the IDI on Nov. 28 to express his disappointment in the investigation and classes, and that after Webster asked him to stop interrupting her, Webster kept interrupting him.
That’s when he said he wanted to bring his mother to talk with Webster, which Webster took as a threat, Watson said.
In an email to Watson, she wrote, “I have gracefully listened to your lack of faith in me. I think the matter turned the corner when you spoke words to me that could be interpreted as threatening,” encouraging him to work with “other campus colleagues” instead.
Johnson said, “I deny any and all allegations that I permitted any form of racism. … I have enjoyed my nearly 13 years at UCA and loved every athlete I had the pleasure of coaching.”
Smith said he didn’t believe the racism “deserves any more attention, just because racism wasn’t the main issue of why we are going through what we are going through.
“I just wanted to make it clear that the issues we were having with the
coach were not solely based on race, but because of race, miscommunication, disorganization, and a lot of other issues, so it wasn’t just racism. While it did play a part, it was not the only reason.”
The team is still set to perform at the NCA competition in Daytona Beach, Florida, thanks to a UCA cheerleading alumnus who stepped up, Antonio Anderson, the cheer director at Sonshine Academy.
Teague released a Twitter statement 3 p.m. Feb. 6, stating Anderson would coach the “competition squad” on an “interim, part-time basis,” and that athletics would hire a full-time coach for fall 2023.
“I think I am safe to say on the behalf of the team that we are all so incredibly thankful that Toni has taken this role. … I am also very thankful that the athletic department has given us a chance to fnish out our season and go to Daytona,” Palmer said.
As of Feb. 13, Teague and Sharkey have not gotten back to The Echo about materials relating to Watson’s allegations or the diversity investigation.
Residents of central Arkansas are budgeting more for gas — not only for cars but for homes too.
“Usually our bill is $50-100, but then, after November, it was $300 two months in a row,” UCA senior and Little Rock resident Christina Gomes said.
Summit Utilities is a natural gas energy provider serving parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas — including central Arkansas.
In December, customers noticed higher bills, which led to an investigation by KATV’s “7 On Your Side.” The station uncovered that Summit billed roughly 167,000 Summit customers in Arkansas and Oklahoma incorrectly.
Summit responded after customers complained to news media — blaming high bills on internal data failures and increasing natural gas prices.
In October 2022, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said natural gas prices went up $3 per 1,000 cubic feet from 2021 and projected this rate to increase through winter. However, Summit Utilities said they accidentally billed some customers based on estimated energy usage, not actual amounts.
Kevin Carter, associate vice president for facilities at UCA, said there seems to be no issue with Summit Utilities or natural gas prices on campus.
“All campus facilities rely on natural gas for heating. The gas for all of the on-campus facilities is provided by Constellation Energy. Summit Utilities provides gas for all of our offcampus houses. We have not seen any signifcant changes on the Summit bills for the off-campus properties that are related to the overcharging incident,” Carter said.
In the event of price hikes, student fees would not change immediately, Carter said.
“The university has reserves set aside for unexpected expenses. We would not change the student’s rates in the middle of a fscal year,” Carter said.
Patricia Smith, dean of the Honors College, wasn’t as lucky. Natural gas price increases and Summit’s corrections affected her energy bill.
“I believe at least some of the change in cost is due to the increasing cost of natural gas,” Smith said.
Upset customers alerted Arkansas
The following information is compiled from UCAPD incident reports by Assistant News Editor Torrie Herrington
and a plastic bowl with approximately one gram of marijuana with ashes. Wise said he saw ash and marijuana shake throughout the vehicle and advised Taylor to get her vehicle cleaned.
Robert Paska, 81, drove into a ditch and hit a bridge Feb. 8 after trying to park for an event at Reynolds Performance Hall. Paska said he was trying to line up his car, but when he put the car in drive, it did not move. Pushing the gas harder, he jumped
the curb. A witness called UCAPD and Offcer Kaylob Boykin responded and Paska was in shock and bleeding from his left arm. Paska went to the hospital due to being on blood thinners, and the physical plant inspected the bridge to ensure it was safe for drivers.
On Feb. 11, UCAPD helped arrest suspect Jeffrey Haskins, 30, after offcer Phillip Boyd received a call from the Conway Police Department about shots fred at
Attorney General Tim Griffn, who said Summit didn’t provide a suffcient explanation. His offce is now investigating.
“There are a number of factors that have led to the rise in gas bills by Summit Utilities including price, amount usage, days in billing cycle and whether the bill is based on actual or estimated usage, but I still have a lot of questions,” Griffn said.
Some customers took to social media to share poor experiences with customer service at Summit Utilities.
Similarly, Gomes said the company was adamant that her high bill was correct and must be paid, only changing its mind after more customers complained.
“Now, after the situation reached the news, they said to call them to get the bill adjusted. They were not helpful at all, plus, didn’t even come to do a meter check when they told us someone would come do it,” Gomes said.
Several Arkansas customers have made online comments about missing CenterPoint Energy, a natural gas provider that Summit acquired in January 2022.
Despite Summit attempting to make things right by sending corrected bills and not charging late fees for customers experiencing higher bills, there are still some inconsistencies with the new bills.
Some customers received corrected bills that accurately refect their energy usage, while others have received new bills that are even higher. Griffn said, “Summit Utilities’ leaders have assured me that all customers will only pay for the gas they’ve used. But I subscribe to the old Ronald Reagan adage: ‘Trust, but verify.’ I have looked closely at a number of bills that friends, neighbors and colleagues have shared with me.
“In some instances, the difference from one month to the next can be explained. But in other cases, the Summit bills are more puzzling. I am continuing to ask questions and will continue actively engaging with Summit to make sure that no Arkansan pays for gas they didn’t use,” he said.
The attorney general’s offce encourages Summit customers to contact them with further issues regarding inaccurate bills and overcharging.
Papa John’s. Boyd was driving behind a maroon GMC truck, which ft CPD’s description of the suspect’s vehicle. The truck stopped at railroad tracks for a train and Boyd initiated a traffc stop while waiting on backup. Haskins complied with all orders, and CPD arrested him while UCAPD offcers searched his vehicle. Boyd backtracked to see if he could fnd the handgun or any shell casings but found nothing. When Boyd reviewed footage from Bears Den cameras, he saw Haskins holding something in his right hand.
From 5-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, Donaghey Hall will be hosting a movie night on the second foor. Free food will be provided.
From 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, students are invited to play Kahoot and other fun games to learn more about safe sex practices. The event will be held in the New Hall lobby and prizes will be awarded to students who know the most.
From 7-10 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, students are invited to join an alcohol awareness program and paint with Kappa Alpha Psi in the Ronnie Williams Student Center room 205.
From 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, HPaW@ Baridon will be hosting a panel discussion in the Baridon Hall lobby alongside experts in the feld of health and wellness of LGBTQ+ individuals, marginalization, what people can do to promote cohesiveness, inclusion and equity.
From 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, Biz@Bear offers students an opportunity to participate in the Spring Reading Group with up to 12 members. Students will meet in the Biz@Bear Classroom and discuss relevant topics regarding the weekly discussion topic. Food will be provided.
From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, BearX, Black
Male Achievement Challenge and the Offce of Diversity and Community will be hosting a brunch for young men of color to gather and learn about valuable lessons and skills to develop into the men that they would like to become. The event involves various speakers, giveaways and free brunch.
From 5-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, Carmichael Hall will be hosting alongside BearX and the Offce of Diversity and Community inside of Carmichael Hall with a Diversity Fair including multiple cultures and diverse organizations. Residents will be able to learn about culture and enter themselves into a raffe for a free lockout pass once visiting all tables.
BY T ORRIE H ERRING TON Assistant News Editor
Students and faculty read excerpts from their favorite Black authors at the African American Read-In open mic.
The event was hosted Feb. 9 by UCA professor Vincent Price in the Student Center Amphitheater and sponsored by the College of Education and Melissa and Bill Galloway.
“This is the first time that UCA has hosted an African American Read-In. While certainly other cultural and literary events occur throughout the year, the African American Read-In is making its debut today,” Price said.
Price said the idea originated with Jerry Cobb Scott and in the 1990s, the National Council of Teachers of English joined the Black Caucus in making the idea a nationwide movement.
“This national initiative that emphasized the importance of seeing ourselves in the books we read. So across the nation, the event brings communities together during Black History Month to celebrate literacy, voice and representation,” Price said. “After seeing that this event was absent from UCA, I wanted to fill that gap.”
Students and faculty members were able to sign up for three-minute time slots and read any excerpts from their favorite Black authors. A variety of books were also provided for participants to choose and read from.
Dr. Helen Boone recited “Dreams” and “A Dream Deferred” by Langston Hughes.
“As a recent graduate of UCA who benefited from affirmative action and the senior waiver program, I believe the poems ‘Dreams’ and ‘A Dream Deferred’ epitomize my educational journey, and attest to the potency of the past, present and future educational dreams of other African Americans,” Boone said.
Freshman Lauryn Hall said that Boone’s recitement was her favorite part of the event.
“I liked when she started reading poems by Langston
Sophomore Resident Assistant PJ Walker brought together the residents and staff of Carmichael Hall for a time of personal and social development through the art of embroidery in their event “Joyfully Embroidery” on Thursday, Feb. 9.
Walker chose embroidery for this event because they took up embroidery over the summer when they wanted to pick up a new hobby.
“I fnd it a hobby that’s really relaxing, and we were trying to come up with ideas for programs that could promote self-care, so I thought that this would be a perfect outlet for that,” Walker said.
The staff provided the residents with many options for their artwork. Residents had the choice between embroidery and cross stitching, and the pieces had many different designs, including foral prints, fun sayings, and even a laundry-themed print. These kits were flled with all the necessary supplies, so residents did not need to bring anything themselves.
With an activity that was hard for some to master, Walker and other embroideryexperienced attendees needed to offer the others help occasionally, further fostering a sense of community and encouraging conversation among the group. One attendee talked about her past experience with embroidery and cross-stitching.
“When I was younger in middle school, I had this art teacher, and we were learning how to cross stitch on cardstock, and it was really cool because we got to do our own designs. One of my designs that I picked out was a fower because I was going to send the card to
my grandma because it was her birthday coming up,” sophomore Resident Assistant Alayna-Lynn Solerto said. “I loved it so much, and when I sent it to my grandma, she was so happy. And I was very excited because that was the frst project I had ever done.”
With an activity that encouraged steadily fowing conversation and deeper relationships between residents, the event itself primarily focused on the social development aspect of self-care. However, the embroidery kits and the skills that residents learned at the event were provided as a tool to promote future personal development using this activity. This fexibility of embroidery as an activity that can be done by oneself or with a group of people is why embroidery was such a perfect outlet for self-care.
“Right now, we’re socially developing because we are hanging out with other people, getting to know each other while we’re doing this activity. But if I were all by myself up in my room, hanging out with my cat, it would just be personal development while I was embroidering because I’m just working on something that I like to do. That’s personal to me,” Walker said.
The attendees also discussed other campus resources that could improve their social and personal wellness. For personal development, the counseling center was encouraged, while different ways of getting involved and getting out of one’s comfort zone were discussed for social development.
Before the event was over, Walker told attendees that the embroidery piece would likely not be fnished in one sitting and encouraged them to take the piece with them and work on it on their own time.
Hughes because my mom is big into African American authors, and she knows a lot about Langston Hughes, and she would read me the poems,” Hall said.
Senior Danny Fuentes attended the event after hearing about it in his Multicultural Public Relations class. He read “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” by Maya Angelou.
“I enjoyed just being able to listen to all these Black authors and their stories, and being able to even read one by Maya Angelou,” Fuentes said. While the event was held during Black History Month, Price said representation is essential all the time.
“Frankly, this event could happen at any time in the year. Representation is important, whether it’s February or November,” Price said. “However, because the event highlights the thoughts and writing of African Americans, Black History Month sets the perfect stage for doing so.” Price said the read-in provides a safe space for students to learn.
“Imagine going through life not ever seeing people who look like you reflected positively in books, TV, or movies. Your accomplishments, talents, persistence is virtually erased,” Price said. “That’s part of what the read-in is about: claiming a space to celebrate and acknowledge lives, history, power, resistance, love, creativity, and excellence.”
He said that the event can also expose students to perspectives they may be unaware of.
“The other purpose of the read-in is for those who are shown only themselves in a positive light in books, TV, or movies, for those who aren’t exposed to the lives of others. The read-in provides a safe space for that exposure and learning.”
During the event, Price asked the audience questions relating to famous Black authors. The person to get the question right won a book by a Black author.
“I love seeing people, especially young people, engaged and interested in this event and simply in reading,” Price said.
Despite their prop truck being almost beaten by the stormy weather and causing a delay, the Blue Man Group succeeded in beating their paint-flled drums in a rhythmically-flled fashion at Reynolds Performance Hall on Feb. 8.
In an email sent to ticket holders and an address to social media accounts, Reynolds staff released a statement in the early afternoon informing the public that one of the Blue Man Group trucks carrying essential show equipment was having mechanical issues.
This problem led to the show having a delayed start time of 9 p.m., which was something that Director of Reynolds Performance Hall Amanda Horton had to deal with.
Horton said she was on the phone for nearly four hours with the Blue Man Group’s management and others trying to fgure out how to get things back on track.
“Amanda called me in a hurry about the delay,” UCA President Houston Davis said. “She was worried about the later start time and if people would still come. I told her this audience is here to see the Blue Man Group and are used to later showtimes when they see them perform in cities like Las Vegas and New York.”
Despite these concerns, more than 800 people attended the sold-out show.
The original Blue Man Group was founded in 1987. Group members included Matt Goldman, Phil Stanton and Chris Wink. The trio quickly became a hit across the country with their unique
comedy and musical talents. The group has since expanded to a worldwide platform, making the Blue Man brand a global phenomenon.
The group frst came to Reynolds Performance Hall nine years ago.
“We brought the Blue Man Group to UCA in 2014 and sold out two nights,” Horton said. “It was an incredible show with lots of positive feedback from our audience. When I heard they were touring in our region this year I worked with their agent to bring them back to Reynolds.”
Horton said that when deciding who to bring to campus, she and other staff keep tabs on other artists they would like to come to campus.
“We keep a wish list that is made up of suggestions from students, faculty, staff and community members,” Horton said. “We also work with agents to fnd out what is touring and might be near Arkansas and attend arts conferences each year to learn about new artists and shows that might appeal to our patrons.”
Audience member Katie Niswonger found the Blue Man Group through TikTok and said that this was her frst time seeing the group in a live setting.
“I absolutely loved the show. I liked the way it kept your attention at all times,” Niswonger said. “I loved the percussiveness of it, I would totally go see it again with friends and family.”
There are still many shows at Reynolds performing this season. Students may receive free tickets to most events. For more information on upcoming shows and how to get tickets, students may visit uca.edu/publicappearances or visit the Reynolds Performance Hall box offce.
Amid questions like “what’s your ideal date” and “who’s your celebrity crush,” students were able to make new connections through the African Student Association’s speed dating event Feb. 9.
Tucked away in Torreyson West room 320, the event started small with only two or three pairs of students. It wasn’t until around 7 p.m. — one hour into the event start time — that an influx of people joined the mix, leading to packed rows that spanned wall to wall.
“It was very discouraging in the beginning,” ASA Treasurer and graduate student Blessing Odusola said. “But Africans like to be late.”
Despite a slow start, senior ASA President Mary Amoaning said the turnout is never really the focus of ASA’s events.
“We want to help unite and bring the Africans here together,” Amoaning said. “I know when I first came here, [I knew] there were Africans on campus, but they’re not exactly very visible. I didn’t really know we had as many Africans as we did until I started going to these events.”
Amoaning said that after COVID-19, the social aspect around campus died down a lot.
“We just want to bring it back up. Especially with these new freshmen, they’re a bit more excited, they’re attending events more. We just want to help unite our people, showcase our culture and also encourage them to get out there,” Amoaning said.
Odusola, who is already in a relationship, joined the event to offer an additional friendly face for those who would’ve otherwise had nobody to talk to. Amoaning also filled a seat. Together the two knew the majority of the people in the room, so conversations were more along the lines of two friends catching up than flirtatious.
In contrast, sophomore transfer student Ivan Traye attended the event knowing few people in the room.
This event was Traye’s first time attending an on-campus event.
“I met, I would say, amazing people,” Traye said. “I didn’t know
that girls here were so open to discussions and to talk about every type of topic like the things they like and how they feel about the university [or] how they chose their major.
That’s really crazy.”
Traye plans on attending more events following his experience at this one.
“I plan on coming every time they’re doing something.”
Coming as soon as Feb. 25, the African Student Association will host a friendly soccer tournament. After that, the group will head to the movies March 7.
The RSO’s biggest upcoming event is the Mr. Africa and Ms. Africa pageant April 1. The last time the event was held was in 2019 due to COVID-19 complications.
“We definitely want to revive it and bring it back,” Amoaning said.
ASA is aiming for an inclusive event and will invite other registered student organizations around campus to participate and perform.
Among the planned judges is Miss UCA Jada Simpson. The pageant will take place in the McCastlain Ballroom.
To keep up with African Student Association’s updates and plans, they can be found at @asa_uca on Instagram.
Carter, an alumnus and UCA’s associate vice president of facilities, said he gets “probably 150 emails a day,” and averages “20 meetings a week.”
“When I was a student at UCA, I knew about the physical plant but didn’t really know what all it did,” he said.
Carter went to UCA for business management and later earned an online post-baccalaureate certifcate in construction management from Louisiana State University while working at UCA.
Graduating at the tail-end of the recession, Carter said he didn’t have many job options.
“The job market wasn’t great at the time and I’d had a lawn care business all through high school and college, so the position for grounds supervisor opened,” he said.
Carter planned to continue working in the position until another opportunity arose.
“But, I just loved working here,” he said. Carter has enjoyed his 13 years at the physical plant and his many job titles are evidence he climbed the ranks.
“I started as the grounds supervisor, and then I was the housekeeping manager, and then construction manager and associate director, and now I’m the associate vice president,” Carter said.
“I think there’s a lot more that goes on in the physical plant than people realize,” he said. Carter estimated 175 people work for the plant, including
about 90 custodians who clean campus buildings.
Carter said he likes to hunt and fsh and that he’s “a big tree guy.”
His favorite thing about UCA’s campus is “the beautiful trees we have,” but he said keeping track of the university’s oldest trees is yet another way the physical plant keeps students and workers safe. Pointing to oak trees he said were 60–80 years
old, he said, “You can see spots where they have limbs that have fallen off, so that makes me a little nervous.”
“In 1987, there was a student that got killed by a limb in the front lawn of Irby. It was a bluebird day, no storms or anything,” he said. “So, that’s something we watch very, very closely.”
The physical plant seems like an unremarkable building to most, but it holds the heart of many operations that keep the campus functional, from indoor temperatures to fueling up campus vehicles.
“We have electrical, plumbing, painting, carpentry, motor pool, transportation, warehouse services. So, a lot of different things happening,” Carter said.
In the physical plant building, a “really small room with lots of computers in it” holds all the HVAC controls.
“We can monitor all the building systems and see the temperature of spaces and we can adjust them from here, too,” Carter said.
One of the plant’s current multiyear projects is to make this system web-based.
“Christmas break, when we had the big freeze and all the pipes were freezing and busting, someone had to be in our control shop in order to monitor that,” he said. “Moving to a web-based system, you can pull it up on your laptop at home and open and close valves.
“One thing that’s kind of unique for UCA is, we have what’s called a district cooling loop,” Carter said. “It sends chilled water all around the
campus, and it goes in and out of buildings, and we have different stations around campus where there are chillers that contribute chilled water.”
He said that is how AC works in the buildings.
“It cools the water down, goes into the buildings, runs through the coils, which — air blows across those coils to create the cold air — but it’s done through a closed loop system on our campus.”
He said damage during a summer construction project a few years ago broke one of those deep, fberglass pipes, and that “it knocked out the air conditioning to about 90% of the campus,” he said.
He described specifc challenges that require the physical plant to be versatile.
“We’ve got buildings that are brand new, and we’ve got buildings over 100 years old,” he said.
An example of this is Harrin Hall, where he said, “We have one building, but two completely different eras when they were built, so it can be a challenge sometimes troubleshooting issues we have over here.”
At the plant’s parking lot, it’s hard not to notice the sound of vehicles leaving and going.
“We have three mechanics that manage all the golf carts, trucks, vehicles, cars, equipment and everything,” Carter said. “We have gas pumps that we fuel all our own vehicles here, except for if they go over the road, like the big buses to take the sports team places.”
Carter said an “interesting fact” was that the diesel used for on-campus zones isn’t taxed, which is why other vehicles have to fll up off-campus.
‘“I’m single but watching other girls’ boyfriends try to gure out what to get them, it’s funny to see what they get them.”
“Getting the half price candy the day after.”
“I would say getting those huge teddy bears, it’s one of those things that people are always wanting. Does he truly love you if he doesn’t get you one of those? You’ve made it if you’ve got one of those.”
“Ignoring it probably, getting denied phone calls, asking them why you didn’t get anything probably. Ignoring the holiday in its entirety.”
“I think just the thrill of it all. The suspense and expectations of people and how it can change year by year, standards can be oversimpli ed and too high, never in a safe zone.”
“I think Valentine’s Day is kind of a joke, it was kind of made for selling cards. It’s kind of lost its value. I think Valentine’s Day has kind of lost its charm.”
Story and photos by Julia Trantham Agatha Asumugha senior Eli Thompson sophomore Jasmine Parker freshman Evan Toth junior Rachel Cicero freshman Ashlyn Sanders freshman“What’s the most iconic thing about Valentine’s Day?”
The UCA women’s basketball team had their coach, Sandra Rushing, return to the sideline for her first game back in over a month.
The Sugar Bears (7-14, 2-8 ASUN) faced off against the Liberty Flames (16-7, 10-2 ASUN) on Thursday, Feb. 9, resulting in a 74-43 Sugar Bears defeat.
UCA remains a team plagued with injuries, currently only boasting a seven-member roster, compared with Liberty’s doubly large 14-member roster.
However, Coach Rushing does not believe her short-handed team is an excuse for a loss, “I’m not going to make excuses for seven kids. If you want to play the game of basketball, and you really love it, you are going to put everything into it,” Rushing said.
Liberty began the game on top due to a layup from senior Mya Berkman, the towering center for the Flames, just 25 seconds into the first quarter.
A bad pass from sophomore guard Kinley Fisher resulted in UCA’s first turnover of the game, but Fisher quickly redeemed herself on the defensive side by getting a steal just eight seconds later.
UCA sophomore guard Randrea Wright broke a minuteand-a-half scoring drought when she was fouled on a fast break shot attempt and went 1-2 at the free throw line, cutting Liberty’s lead down to one.
After a missed UCA shot attempt Berkman snagged her second defensive rebound of the game and hustled to the other end of the floor where she was rewarded with an easy shot in the paint, increasing the Flames’ lead to three.
Senior guard Siera Carter subbed in for the Sugar Bears and immediately made her presence felt, scoring a layup after being in the game for just three seconds.
The Sugar Bears secured their first and only lead of the night due to a layup from Wright, making the score 7-6, with six minutes and five seconds left in the first quarter.
Liberty countered hard
with six uncontested points, a successful three-point play from senior guard Dee Brown, along with sophomore guard Emma Hess scoring the first threepointer of the game.
After a near two-minute scoring slump, junior guard Kennedi Williams drained a picture-perfect stepback jumper, increasing Liberty’s lead to five.
Junior forward Kierra Prim drove to the rim hard, sank a contested layup, got the foul call and made the free throw, resulting in a successful three-point play for the Bears, ending the first quarter 21-14, Sugar Bears down.
Liberty picked up right where they left off, beginning the second quarter with a three-point shot by junior forward Jordan Bailey, marking the third three-pointer of the game for the Flames.
Wright led the scoring charge for the Sugar Bears entering the second quarter, scoring two consecutive jump shots, making the score 28-18 Liberty.
Liberty had complete control over the court for the next three minutes, going on a 10-0 run.
The run was halted thanks to UCA’s first successful three-point shot of the night, Fisher’s longrange jumper found the bottom of the net with 2:18 left to play in the half, making the score 38-21, Liberty.
The first half came to a close with a hard-fought second-chance layup from sophomore center Bella Smuda, the tallest player on the court for the Flames, standing at a towering six feet six inches tall. Going into halftime, Liberty led 42-21.
Liberty showed no signs of slowing down coming out of the locker room, with Berkman scoring a quick layup just under a minute into the half that sent her into double-digit points for the night.
Liberty continued to outscore UCA 14-8 in the third quarter, due to the flames shooting an above-average 53.8% from the field, compared with the Sugar Bears’ 20%, making the score 5629 Liberty, at the end of the third.
Sophomore guard Gloria Fornah drew first blood for the Bears at the start of the final quarter, nailing a textbook mid-
range jumper, increasing the Bears’ score to 31, Liberty 56.
The largest lead of the night happened with 27 seconds left to play when sophomore guard Hope LeMelle scored the final points of the night for the Flames, making the final score 74-43.
“Sometimes the game is too long, we have got to get stronger mentally as we go through the
BISONS DOMINATE
ballgame. I am very proud of the team because they could have thrown in the towel with only seven people. But if you are going to play, you play hard,” Rushing said.
The Sugar Bears’ next game is against Bellarmine University at 4 p.m. on Feb. 16 in Louisville, Kentucky.
4 p.m., Feb. 16 at Bellarmine University
6:30 p.m., Feb. 16 at Eastern Kentucky University
Track and Field
Feb. 17, at University of Arkansas
Feb. 17-19, LSU Tiger Classic at Ohio University
Baseball
Feb. 17-19, vs. Southeast Missouri University
by Thomas sTaab Staff WriterSenior forward Eddy Kayouloud continues to play basketball at a remarkably high level for the UCA men’s basketball team, achieving a second consecutive double-double in a 76-69 win over Austin Peay.
UCA (9-18, 4-10 ASUN) emerged victorious against the Governors (8-19, 2-12 ASUN) Saturday, Feb. 11, avenging a loss from their conference rival earlier this season.
Kayouloud’s 24 points and 10 rebounds played a significant role in defeating Austin Peay, but Coach Brock Widders was especially proud of the way his squad performed on the defensive side of the game.
“Our offense has been there for several games now, we keep scoring in the 80s and high 70s. But we haven’t defended well enough to win games, and tonight we did that. I thought we really had our mind and heart on defending and rebounding,” Widders said.
The Bears shot 47.5 percent from the field, along with scoring 40 points in the paint, compared with the Governors’ 38.3 percent field goal shooting.
Kayouloud wasn’t the only one getting buckets for the Bears, UCA had some backcourt play, with three separate guards having double-digit scoring nights.
Sophomore guard Camren Hunter had 13 points, sinking three free throws in the final 40 seconds of the contest to secure the win.
Redshirt freshman guard V.J. Reeves came off the bench and scored 11, sinking two three-point shots for the Bears.
Sophomore guard/forward Elias Cato returned to the starting lineup for the game, scoring 12 for the Bears, including a highflying tomahawk dunk early in the first half that electrified the crowd.
“Elias is a guy who has only been around the 18 to 20-minute mark and I think his value is higher than that. The only answer was to start him. He’s a natural on the offensive end, it comes pretty easy to him,” Widders said.
The first half ended with Cato splashing a short jumper in the paint, making the score 38-30 going into halftime, the Bears holding onto an eight-point lead.
“We went into the locker room and addressed what worked for us offensively, what worked for us defensively, then we wrote on the board 0-0, and that was the score going into the second half,” Widders said.
The zero-to-zero mentality resonated with the Bears, as they started the second half hot, scoring six points before the Governors finally halted the run.
UCA’s lead got as large as 15 points in the second half, but Austin Peay managed to claw their way back to a mere six-point deficit with just 1:51 left to play.
However, some late-game clutch buckets from Kayouloud, Reeves and Hunter sealed the victory and sent the Governors home packing.
The victory is somewhat bittersweet for UCA fans, as it marks the final time Eddy Kayouloud plays in the Farris Center on a Saturday.
Kayouloud made the most of his final Saturday home game, as he produced a stat line with video game-like numbers; 24 points, 10 rebounds, two blocked shots, one assist, shot perfect from beyond the three-point arc and shot 10 for 12 from the field resulting in an absurdly high 83 percent.
The Bears’ next game will be against Eastern Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 in Richmond, Kentucky.
by mary Lesieur Assistant Sports Editor
The UCA men’s basketball team (9-18, 4-10 ASUN) endured its 18th loss of the season, this time against Lipscomb University (16-11, 8-6 ASUN) — ending the game with a final score of 93-81.
“You know, offensively, I thought we played really good basketball … Overall, our defense has to pick up,” interim coach Brock Widders said.
The game was fast-paced, with only 12 seconds in, senior guard/forward Eddy Kayouloud made his first three-pointer of the night, with the assist made by junior guard Collin Cooper. After a missed shot by Lipscomb, junior guard Masai Olowokere passed Cooper the ball, scoring another three-pointer.
With the Bears 4 points ahead after a layup by Lipscomb, Kayouloud returned the favor with a layup in the paint. Within the next minute, Lipscomb had closed the gap by two points from free throws, after a foul by Cooper.
The Bears quickly recovered, widening the gap with a layup by sophomore guard Camren Hunter.UCA continued the trend,
Hunter scoring another threepointer, bringing the score to 16-9.
UCA’s defense hastily turned into offense, with a steal by sophomore guard/forward Elias Cato, assisting a three-pointer made by Olowokere. Elias dominated the court, rebounding a missed threepointer and completing a layup. Seconds later, a fast break by Kayouloud results in a dunk. With 13 minutes remaining in the first half, the Bears still hold a six-point lead on the Bison, 24-18.
Almost thirty seconds after the 13-minute mark, Cato bagged two points for UCA with a layup, assisted by freshman guard Johannes Kirsipuu. Cooper secured a rebound and finished with a layup. The game became tense, with several failed shots, as Lipscomb struggled to keep the lead. Cooper made a layup, making the score 24-29.
Less than a minute later, UCA’s Kayouloud nicked another three-pointer. Two minutes after this, the Bears became stagnant, allowing Lipscomb to complete two layups. With 10 minutes left, UCA
picked it back up, with two free throws by Hunter and a threepointer by Kayouloud. Kirsipuu made a layup, making the score 40-34. Kirsipuu continued and went on to make a layup and a three-pointer.
Now with the clock ticking down from the two-minute mark, UCA was still ahead 45-39, but Lipscomb didn’t give up. The Bisons made three layups in the last two minutes, evening the score 45-45.
The second half was hard for the Bears, with two missed shots before they could make a point for the half. Kayouloud finally broke the dry spell with a three-pointer, making the score 47-45. With Lipscomb in the lead now, UCA tried to pick it up but was unsuccessful. Two minutes in, Hunter secured a layup, after a missed shot by Kayouloud.
Kayouloud redeemed himself seconds later, making all three of his free throws and a layup, scoring five points for the team in less than thirty seconds. The game progressed, but UCA couldn’t find its rhythm, missing two threepointers. With 15 minutes left,
Lipscomb held the lead, 61-55. Lipscomb dominated the court, creating an even bigger gap within the next few minutes.
Hunter made a layup in the paint, closing the gap, but this didn’t help. Cato made a layup, followed by three free throws by Cooper. UCA continued its streak, with a three-point shot by freshman guard Carl Daughtery Jr. Kayouloud makes two more layups, the gap now closed to three points, 73-70.The streak didn’t last long, and four minutes went by without the Bears scoring. Hunter made a layup, but that did not affect the ten-point difference. With five minutes left, Kayouloud made his last three-pointer of the night, the score now a staggering 89-71.
UCA couldn’t recover in the final four minutes, UCA only making one last shot by Cooper. Lipsomb ended the game victorious, 93-81.
“What you give up what you give up on defense, it’s going to be a hard win,” Widders said.
The Bears will play Eastern Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 in Richmond, Kentucky.
Getting hassled by campus police is a common experience for students across the country, but just because you’ve had a few too many to drink or you smoked some illicit materials earlier doesn’t mean your night has to end sitting in the back of a police cruiser, wondering what you’re going to tell Mom and Dad.
First off, I am not a lawyer, and this isn’t legal advice. Law is a complex subject that takes years of study to fully understand.
The following are simply suggestions for interacting with police should they stop you while driving or walking.
The truth is, you don’t have to talk to the police, even campus police.
If they remember, they tell you so when they read your Miranda rights, but that’s usually when you’re already getting detained.
If you keep up with the police beat in The Echo, then you’d know that many UCA students could have avoided spending a night at the county jail with this knowledge.
If a law enforcement officer stops you while you’re walking or driving, they probably aren’t just saying hello.
Strain Entertainment Editor
You should never answer any of their questions, even if they sound innocuous.
Friendliness is almost always an evidence-gathering tactic
Telling them you just came from a dangerous street could be considered probable cause.
The first thing you should do is ask if you’re free to go.
If they say yes, carry on. If you are not being detained or are under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave the area.
If they say no and that you aren’t allowed to leave, ask why you’re being detained.
They are required by the law to give a reason for
There is one question that haunts me: “When did you graduate high school?”
Whether I am asked by a teacher or a fellow student, I have always felt a twinge of shame when I answer honestly — 2015. I am finally graduating college this semester, 8 years later, and that’s OK.
When I was in high school, I fell in love with playing music. I played saxophone since middle school and had perfected my craft to a point that I was always the first chair in my section even without hardly ever having to practice. I just had an innate talent for playing music. I felt on top of the world and thought that I had found my purpose in life — I was going to be a high school band director.
There was always one problem though, I loathed being confined to a practice room, and eventually, this would come back to bite me. Pure talent can only carry you so far.
This led to a growing resentment of my life choices. Around my fourth year of college, I had been chosen as the Bear Marching Band section leader, and though I was proud of this achievement, I had become so burned out that some days I would not show up to practices. Missing practice as section leader was one thing, but the purely analytical nature of music classes like ear training and harmony had drained almost all the love I had for playing music.
I had fallen into a deep depression.
At this point Dr. Lamar had retired, I was barely showing up to any of my classes, and had lost most of the
Although Valentine’s Day has passed, there is always someone who complains about this holiday because they don’t have a significant other to share it with.
However, Valentine’s Day extends beyond romantic love; it is a celebration of all genres of love, from platonic to familial.
You don’t need to be in love to give someone a box of chocolates or a pink stuffed bear.
You don’t need to be in love to give love back.
Ironically, Valentine’s Day has dark origins.
According to npr.org, the Romans used Feb. 13-15 to celebrate the feast of Lupercalia. Men sacrificed goats and dogs and whipped women with the hides of the animals they had slaughtered.
detaining you.
If you do find yourself arrested, immediately request a lawyer and tell the officer you’re invoking the Fifth Amendment. It’s possible to comply with the officer’s requests without incriminating yourself. Say nothing else until you’re provided an attorney or can call one. Seriously. Your lawyer — which the state will provide if you can’t afford it — will thank you, and they’ll have a much easier time defending you in court. Make sure to stay polite and remain calm, but confident when interacting with an officer. It can be a terrifying experience, but you have rights.
Remain silent, but comply with their directions.
An officer might say they could cut you a deal for honesty, or that everyone involved is going to get charged if someone doesn’t confess.
Don’t trust them — it’s not illegal for officers to lie to you, so don’t act surprised if they do.
Never, under any circumstances, consent to a search of your property.
You never know what unruly guests have left. Even if an officer says they have to, it’s vital to verbally express that you don’t consent to a search.
If you think your rights have been violated, it could be beneficial to get the names and badge numbers of the officers at the time of the incident.
Afterward, file a complaint with the police department and contact the American Civil Liberties Union about the possibility of taking legal action.
If you think your rights have been violated, there’s always The Echo. Our email, ucaechoonline@gmail.com, is always open.
scholarships that I worked for in high school.
I had a conversation with my new saxophone professor Matthew Taylor about my declining mental health and work as a student. He suggested that I try out something new. The thought of changing majors, even though I was very much done with music to the point of wanting to drop out, had never crossed my mind. How could I change majors after all the time I had invested in being a music major? Could I even financially support this decision?
I called my mom and told her how I was feeling, and that I wasn’t sure how to or even if I could continue. She assured me that she wanted to see me happy and see me succeed and that I could apply for new scholarships to help make up for the ones I had lost.
After some consideration about what I was truly passionate about, I chose to change my major to journalism and my minor to music.
I knew there would always be something new and exciting to report and write about and I could still get my music minor, so all my time wasn’t completely wasted.
I have learned that college is about finding what you really want to do with your life and pursuing it. No matter how long it takes, it’s OK to take all the time you need to find that thing that you are truly passionate about. There are always those around you who want nothing more than to see you succeed, be it your parents or your professors. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you are struggling, and you will find it. After all these years I am now happy and just a few short months away from finally getting my degree, and that’s what counts.
Women lined up to get beat, believing that it would make them fertile. This bizarre festival also included a matchmaking lottery; young men drew women’s names from a jar and spent the rest of the holiday with their new lovers.
Emperor Claudius II executed two men with the same name — Valentine — on Feb. 14, around the third century. The Catholic Church decided to honor their martyrdom with a new celebration: St. Valentine’s Day. Today, Valentine’s Day looks much different.
It’s highly commercialized due to America’s incessant need to capitalize on everything, even love. Next Valentine’s Day, break the cycle of moping over money and romance.
Not that romantic love is not integral to society, but wholesome friendships and family ties are some of life’s greatest gems.
Next Valentine’s Day, break the cycle of moping over money and romance.
There isn’t a solid holiday on calendars that celebrates friendship, but there is one that celebrates adoration and love.
There is no better time to acknowledge the people that keep you afloat than on a day that was designed to bring people together.
Next year, if you feel your heart sink, grab it by its scruff and put it firmly back where it belongs.
There is no time to weep during such a special occasion, one of the most nourishing holidays there is.
Go to Walgreens or Walmart, pick out a silly card and a bar of chocolate and make a friend or family member’s day.
Life is a collage of these little moments. If you can’t remember any other day to remind the ones around you how much they mean to you, then Valentine’s Day is the most blatant reminder.
It may be hard to escape with all the pink and red that is painted across every store and restaurant.
However, humans are not robots surviving off of algorithms and binary numbers.
We require love as fuel, not gas or a battery. If you neglect this part of yourself, you will suffer the sting of loneliness.
No one should have to float by life, never knowing the warmth and tenderness of true love, whether romantic or not.
Be the one to make someone else’s Valentine’s Day a little more special. After all, in life, you get what you give.
Don’t give a harmless holiday the power to ruin your mood. Own it, and you might see your life’s collage grow bigger and brighter.
Movies
Feb. 15— Marlowe (R) Directed by Neil Jordan. Starring Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, Jessica Lange. Theatrical release.
Paramore’s new album
“This is Why,” released Feb. 10, is a reunion of their classic and contemporary sound rich with memorable melodies, engaging lyricism and experimental new wave instrumentals.
Feb. 15—Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey (R) Directed by Rhys Waterfield. Starring Nikolai Leon, Craig David Dowsett, Chris Cordell. Limited theatrical release.
Feb. 17—Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (PG-13) Directed by Peyton Reed. Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Walton Goggins. Theatrical release.
Television
Feb. 16—Star Trek: Picard Season 3 (Paramount+)
Feb. 16—Animal Control (Fox)
Feb. 17—Hello Tomorrow! (Apple TV+)
Feb. 19—Naked & Afraid Season 15 (Discovery)
Music
Feb. 17—Avey Tare—7s [Domino]
Feb. 17—P!nk—Trustfall [RCA]
Feb. 17—Screaming Females
Desire Pathway [Don Giovanni]
Feb. 17—Skrillex—Quest For Fire [Owsla]
Feb. 17—Pile—All Fiction [Exploding In Sound]
Video Games
Feb. 16—Shadow Warrior 3: Definitive Edition [Devolver Digitalt] PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Feb. 17—Wild Hearts [Electronic Arts] PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Feb . 21—Atomic Heart [Focus Entertainment] PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
The 65th annual Grammy Awards was one to remember with Beyoncé’s history-making 32nd Grammy, the phenomenal 15-minute hip-hop 50thanniversary tribute performance, a touching In Memoriam montage and so much more.
Hosted by Trevor Noah of the “Daily Show,” the 2023 Grammys felt more like the good ol’ Grammys than the program has in recent years.
This year’s Grammys featured elaborate performance sets, a packed L.A. venue and an unnecessarily long three-hour runtime, differing from the scaleddown, music-focused Grammys of 2021 and 2022.
Beyoncé made history this year for winning the most Grammys of all time when she won her 32nd Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Album with “Renaissance.” In her acceptance speech, she thanked the LGBTQ community for “inventing the genre.”
The best performance of the night was undoubtedly the multigenerational hip-hop tribute performance featuring iconic artists of the genre such as Grandmaster Flash, Rakim, Public Enemy, OutKast, Scarface, Missy Elliot, LL Cool J, Ice-T, Busta Rhymes, Salt-N-Pepa, RunD.M.C., Method Man, Queen Latifah, Lil Wayne, Big Boi, Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, GloRilla and more.
The legendary performance, curated by Ahmir Khalib “Questlove” Thompson, was an epic homage to the past, present and future of hip-hop music and will likely go down as one of the most impressive performances in Grammy history.
The In Memoriam montage was beautifully done this year. Quavo performed “Without You” as a tribute to Takeoff. The touching, thoughtful tribute featured a gospel choir and an empty chair with Takeoff’s chain. Kacey Musgraves sang “Coal Miner’s Daughter” in remembrance of the late Loretta Lynn, playing the song on Lynn’s guitar.
Some other standout awards of the night included Kim Petras and Sam Smith winning Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Unholy,” Harry Styles winning Album of the Year for “Harry’s House,” Kendrick Lamar winning Best Rap Album for “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers,” Lizzo winning Record of the Year for “About Damn Time,” Beyoncé winning Best R&B Song for “Cuff It,” Ozzy Osbourne winning Best Rock Album for “Patient Number 9,” Bonnie Raitt winning Song of the Year for “Just Like That” and Willie Nelson winning Best
1. Cook with your partner
Nothing beats a night in. But instead of lying on the couch and watching Netflix, try cooking a meal with your partner. Preparing a meal at home can be relaxing and intimate without the pressure of getting dressed and trying to decide on a restaurant. Countless cooking ideas on Pinterest can help you get started. Some ideas include stir-fries, homemade pizza or even a pasta meal. According to The Chef & The Dish, a virtual cooking class provider, cooking with others has been found to improve relationships and enhance your well-being.
Country Album for “A Beautiful Time.”
Petras accepted her and Smith’s award for “Unholy” as the first openly transgender woman to win a Grammy.
Some other standout performances of the night included Bad Bunny’s opening production, a Motown medley tribute, and Lizzo’s performance of “About Damn Time” and “Special.”
As always, Paramore is here to remind the world of its uncertainties.
In the lead single “This is Why,” frontwoman Hayley Williams chants, “This is why I don’t leave the house/ You say the coast is clear/ But you won’t catch me out” over an urgent and funky beat. It’s the perfect post-pandemic anthem.
While this single is undeniably an exuberant tune, it’s only a tiny glimpse of what the rest of the album has in store.
The two other singles, “The News” and “C’est Comme Ça,” are equally catchy.
In “The News,” Williams shows off her impressive vocal abilities as she belts, “Every second, our collective heart breaks/ All together, every single head shakes.”
Guitarist Taylor York and drummer Zac Farro also bring their raw musical talents to the forefront with the untraditional and groovy sound of “C’est Comme Ça.”
The tracks “Running Out Of Time” and “Big Man, Little
Dignity” are the record’s most notable pieces.
“Running Out Of Time” is a relatable, laugh-outloud track that will no doubt become a fan favorite.
It’s superbly produced and includes a healthy dosage of Paramore humor and Williams’ powerhouse voice.
Williams amusingly laments over her inability to be on time to anything with the lyrics “There was traffic, spilled my coffee, crashed my
First” and “Figure 8” pay more homage to Paramore’s rock side than most off the album. However, they require several listens to appreciate their genius.
The song “Liar” floats as fluidly as a dream because of its delicate, lulling lyrics.
Williams even alludes to the song “Crystal Clear” off her solo album “Petals for Armor,” with the lyrics “And why should I deny what’s all/ At once so crystal clear?”
It’s a polished love song about never needing to hide the truth near a lover. The album concludes on an intense and eerie note with the song “Thick Skull.” It’s a rock banger, which is an ideal conclusion to an album that is caked with Paramore Easter eggs and the original sound that the world knows and loves.
car, otherwise/ Woulda been here on time.”
Its bridge is reminiscent of Paramore’s hit single “crushcrushcrush” from their critically acclaimed album “Riot!” due to its luscious, somewhat sultry sound.
“Big Man, Little Dignity” is a raspy — and astoundingly beautiful — jab at men who overcompensate for their sour personalities.
Williams croons “Big man, ooh, little dignity/ No offense, but you/ You got no integrity.”
Sonically, the tracks “You
“This is Why” intertwines the fresh indie noise of their fifth studio album “After Laughter” with the heat and angst of their third studio album “Brand New Eyes.”
It’s heartwarming to see them return to their roots but also captures the essence of what made “After Laughter” so great. Most pop-punk bands struggle to remain true to their original sound without sounding out of the loop, yet Paramore consistently releases excellent albums time and time again.
“This is Why” is available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music.
Representing Puerto Rico, Bunny, whose album “Un Verano Sin Ti” won a Grammy for Best Musica Urbana Album, kicked off the night with a vibrant, energetic performance of his song “Después de la Playa.”
The Motown medley performance was done as a tribute to the 2023 MusiCares honorees, Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy.
Lizzo’s performance featured a gospel choir, stunning vocals and a gorgeous golden set.
This year’s Grammys also had memorable red-carpet fashion.
Adele, Lizzo and Beyoncé all stepped out in beautiful, dynamic looks.
Adele was classic in a rubycolored velvet Louis Vuitton gown with a ruffled, off-theshoulder detail.
Lizzo shined in an eyecatching, flower-covered red Dolce & Gabbana opera coat, which dropped to reveal a sequined orange corset gown.
Beyoncé stunned in a peachy velvet gown with matching gloves and a deep slit to reveal matching pants and heels.
The look included a statement Grammy-gold hat and gorgeous gold accents, which lined a deep V-cut in Bey’s structured, off-theshoulder neckline.
Performances, speeches and red-carpet looks from the 2023 Grammys can be found at live. grammy.com.
2. Couples painting Painting dates are super unique and engaging. Painting is a great way to relieve stress and channel your creativity. Businesses like Painting With a Twist in Little Rock and Branch Out in Conway offer group painting classes. If group settings aren’t your thing, Etsy.com offers a variety of athome painting kits that range from about $19.99 to $80.00, depending on the complexity of the painting and the supplies included. Painting can be a great team-building activity and bring you and your partner closer together. You will communicate and work together to create something that represents both of your personalities.
by Courtney Shepherd Lifestyle Editor
If you sat down to indulge in Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance expecting it to be bad, you must have gotten confused during her time away from the stage — dabbling with multi-million dollar businesses and motherhood — and forgotten who she was.
When the camera cut to Rihanna, her eyes piercing daggers through her brows, it was immediately clear what kind of performance this would be.
The focus is on her — as if the cameraman got lost in her gaze and was quickly snapped back into reality by the familiar “YAYO” of the command for her cash.
The screen zooms out, revealing two things: her iconic and unending fashion sense, and her pregnant belly. I don’t know about anyone else, but I audibly gasped.
Like any good half-time performance of this caliber, there will be key factors in play to enhance the viewing experience. The first being her outfit.
Let’s start with her red lip — no doubt a Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in shade Uncensored, matched perfectly with a shiny breastplate and oversized red jumpsuit. Her hand cradles her belly, which is purposefully
3. Museum A museum date is a very rich and fascinating experience. Museums are full of history and are a great way to learn new things with your partner. Museums are also pretty quiet, so you can focus on your partner and not be distracted by loud noises, like if you were to go to a restaurant or concert. One of my favorite museums is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. It’s a little far but definitely worth the drive. The museum offers free public admission, so it is also budgetfriendly. Crystal Bridges has beautiful architecture, so you’re guaranteed to get amazing photo opportunities with your partner.
on display, as she rocks back and forth to the start of her hit, “B**** Better Have My Money.” It’s chic, it’s trendy, it’s Rihanna. The second factor won’t surprise you: Riri is in the air. Now, I’m not talkin’ Gagastyle, where she leaps from the rim of the Super Bowl arena, suspended by a harness, and lands on her stage.
No, Rihanna is suspended on a moving platform, alongside her entourage of dancers. But from her cool expression, you would think she was standing in her own living room.
As iconic as Gaga’s performance was, that just isn’t Rihanna. It never has been. Even if she wasn’t pregnant, her performance would have the same feel. It’s difficult to describe, but you know it when you see it.
Aside from her unmatched stage presence, her voice has never sounded better. Only she could stroll across an elaborate stage, pausing briefly to dance to her perfectly blended medley of songs you wouldn’t skip if they queued up in your car, and deliver a memorable performance while barely breaking a sweat. Though, she touched up her makeup in a shameless Fenty Beauty plug halfway through. As she should.
Like the beginning of the performance, Rihanna remains
4. Breakfast When most people think of a date, they think of a five-star dinner in an elegant restaurant. With formal dinner dates, you have several things to worry about like cost and what to wear. For an alternative, try a breakfast date. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it is way less pressure than a formal dinner date. Breakfast dates are more casual. They are also a great idea for new couples who may not be ready to take it to the next level. Breakfast dates are also great for couples who may work a night shift. Hillcrest Little Bakery is the perfect breakfast location in Little Rock.
the focus throughout its entirety. There are no featured artists like in previous shows, and that’s because she doesn’t need them.
Rihanna doesn’t need features, hairography or elaborate dances to pad her performance. She proved that on stage. Her dancers, who did an incredible job bringing intensity and emotion when required, only aided her performance.
Despite their stark white outfits and unified movements, they did not overpower her. In fact, only by watching a second time was I able to give them my full attention, and they deserve credit for their role, as well.
Rihanna’s entire performance felt like a statement to the world that she’s still got it. Her absence from the music scene has not gone unnoticed, but since taking over the beauty and lingerie industries, people have downplayed her ability behind the mic.
Let’s be real — Rihanna has neither made nor been featured in a bad song. There was no way it could have been a bad performance.
The Chiefs may have won the Super Bowl, but we all won by experiencing Rihanna’s return to the stage.
5. Picnic Picnic dates are another awesome casual date option. Not only will this be an opportunity to get great one-on-one time with your partner — you’ll also enjoy spending time in nature and fresh air. Picnics are calming and scenic. I recommend picnicking on the lawn outside the William J. Clinton Library in downtown Little Rock. Don’t forget to bring blankets and food. You can even invest in a second hand picnic basket. Sitting outside with your partner, eating good food and enjoying the views of downtown Little Rock would make an ideal date.
Lizzo shined in an eyecatching, flower-covered red Dolce & Gabbana opera coat, which dropped to reveal a sequined orange corset
8 p.m., Feb. 16— Summer Dean & Garett T. Capps — White Water Tavern, $12 ticket
7-11 p.m., Feb. 17 — The Sleights
— Vino’s Brew Pub
8 p.m., Feb. 17 —
HouseTreeHouse — White Water Tavern, $10 cover
8 p.m., Feb. 17 — Mister Lucky — King’s Live Music, $5 cover
7-11 p.m., Feb. 21 — THIN, The Wind in the Trees — Vino’s Brew Pub Music
Works
by courtney Shepherd Lifestyle Editor
By sculpting life into his art, Nick McDonald balances contemporary influences with the history of African art forms. In doing so, he traverses through inspiration in order to unearth his own identity as a Black artist.
McDonald developed a knack for art as a child, sketching comic books and heroes while his talents grew alongside his age. Now, at 21, he looks back on the people and places that helped develop him into the artist he is today.
2022, McDonald graduated from Lyon College with degrees in Political Science and Art. Here, he learned the medium that would lend a hand to his future artwork.
9 p.m., Feb. 21 — Nate Frederick & The Wholesome boys Bears Den Pizza
TBA, Feb. 25 — Diet Sweets —
Full Moon Records
7:30 p.m., Feb. 16 — Lucy Loves
Desi — Reynolds Performance Hall. “the hilarious and true story behind one of America’s most beloved TV comedies. Lucille Ball paved the way for many of today’s top comediennes, while forcing Hollywood to begin dealing with the rising power and influence of women artists.” Tickets on sale online.
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Feb. 18 — Demure Market Coffee, local goods and interaction.
12 p.m., Feb. 18 — SoMardi
Parade — Main St. in Little Rock.
“SoMardi Gras is back with a New Orleans-style parade through the streets of South Main. This year’s theme is “Superheroes & Villians”,” so grab your best superhero mask, work on your villain laugh, & head down to SoMa!”
“When I got to college, it was a lucky coincidence that Lyon was just starting its ceramics program,” McDonald said. “The professor for it came in the same year that I did.”
McDonald met Jamie Berry in his second semester at Lyon college.
“We’ve been rocking ever since,”
McDonald said with a smile.
“He was receptive to me wanting to put in that effort to learn a medium. It’s almost like an apprenticeship in some ways. I would come through after class hours and see if I could help him in any way,” McDonald said. “I probably, especially at the beginning, did a lot more harm than good stuff. But he was always really patient with me, and so I was able to get the hang of it.”
Through ceramics during his
college experience, McDonald became enthralled with 3D mediums.
“I was starting to develop a voice with ceramic,” McDonald said. “I wanted to add some more textures and things that clay wasn’t giving me. I’ve been getting into textiles
artist. That’s what I’m striving for. So, I want to use all of these more humble materials and work them into finished pieces,” McDonald said.
“I’m struggling to understand and put into perspective this massive swath of Black history and how it affects me in my daily life,” McDonald said. “And how I channel that through my different mediums.”
McDonald is headed to the Penland School of Craft in North Carolina, where he will spend the next two years taking workshops, learning new techniques and showing his art in their galleries. Now, he looks to the future in anticipation of where it will take him.
“A lot of them are eaten up by the suits,” McDonald said. “But they still wear them with a sense of dignity and pride. I’m trying to take in those influences and combine them with my influence of being a Black person, particularly in the South, and mesh all that history together into a more contact focus.”
McDonald also takes inspiration from classical, European-style figures.
“I don’t feel like I should make them mutually exclusive,” McDonald said. “I feel like that would be disingenuous to who I am and what the history is. So, it’s me trying to blend those together by doing more European-style figures but with African costumes and materials.
In his series, “Pops Said Don’t Play With Them Scabs,” in which all of his pieces are titled after rap lyrics, McDonald utilizes different textiles, such as leaves, cotton or wool textiles or jute fibers as a supplement. He began the series in June 2022 and ended in October.
“It’s a small series in which I try to bring that concept to a focus. This series was me starting to develop a voice as a Black artist, in which all my figures are Black people, children specifically,” McDonald said. “A lot of the materials are natural, which I feel kind of reflects an African or Black sensibility.”
McDonald references historical African art, a majority of which has a Nigerian influence. “That’s where my dad thinks that we’re from. He’s big into genealogy.
“Conceptually, I want to be a Black
“I’ll definitely stick with the same themes. I’d like to work bigger, and I’d like to have more control over pieces, not just giving them abstract concepts. I was thinking of me and my little sister, and so I sculpt these little children out of clay. I wanted to put them in these Africanesque garments in which they’re trying to fill the shoes or fill a sense of heritage by donning these suits and putting them on in a special way,” McDonald said.
“Sometimes it is more of a struggle to try to deal with all the different truths that come with that history. It’s not just like an abject horror of slavery, and it’s not all black joy, either. There’s a lot in between. A lot of causal cruelty and a lot more mundane “I’m going through and trying to see the whole history without
To see more of McDonald’s work, check out his website at https://www. nicholasmalik.com/ portfolio, or follow him on Instagram @nicholas_ malik.
by Gretchen bullinGer Staff Writer
Thrifters from all over Arkansas came together at the Little Rock Forever Vintage Market for their Valentine’s Swap Meet event Saturday, Feb. 11.
The La Rosa Collective, curated by Maxi Dominguez, hosted the event as a way to promote clean shopping practices and sustainable fashion. Dominguez has been working with sustainable fashion his entire career.
This market, and others in the past, serve as a way to bring awareness and business to local businesses around the state, Dominguez said.
One of the participating booths, Fur Mama Beads, signed up for the event as a newcomer not only to the Vintage Market, but to selling products at that large of scale.
Kristin Marts, running the booth for her daughter Khatia, said that the
experience has not only been eyeopening for her daughter but also herself.
Marts said her daughter has “found a new purpose,” with making jewelry for this event and has even taken some inspiration from the event for her ideas.
Kean Thrifts, a clothing booth at the event, had nothing but good things to say about the market and its crowd.
Addison Freeman, a friend of the Kean Thrifts booth, said, “The atmosphere is so funky here — in the best way. People are so kind and express themselves through fashion. It’s just a fun thing to see and be a part of.”
Elm’s Attic, another booth at the event, came from Conway to participate. The booth, run by Erin and Jared Hood, housed many different items from hats to cups, showcasing that not only clothing can be sustainable.
Erin was very adamant about supporting sustainability with clothing and other thrifted items, such as glassware, skateboards and any other items found thrifting.
“Anything we can do to recycle,” Erin said, on how sustainable fashion needs to be a practice used for other thrifted items.
With this Valentine’s Market being the first Forever Vintage Market this year, excitement was in the air for the future.
Attendees seemed to be excited to support the venture and the message it promotes. Justice Grice, an attendee at the market, said that she enjoyed the inclusivity at the event.
“I like how there are so many different styles together all at one event,”
Grice said.
The La Rosa Collective has done other swap meets in the past with the motto: “Where Sustainability & Creativity Meet,” as a way to promote recycling and individuality, Dominguez said.
Dominguez also said that these events also promote local businesses with at least 33 of these booths becoming successful local businesses within the last year.
The La Rosa Collective, whose mission statement “Destroying Fast Fashion & Unchanging Individuality,” was promoting its individuality and sustainable fashion. The Collective hosts events such as this a few times a year, with a new swap meet to be announced in the future Dominguez said.
of art masterfully created by Nick McDonald. (From left to right) “Where I Go You Can’t Follow,” “Untitled Self Portrait of a Young Black Man- Defiant Stare with Good Teeth and Gums,” “Head of a King Placed On a Throne So He May Remember His Place,” “Dr-Re-Re-Reams,” “Motherof Many Soldier, Mother Magnolia,” & “Do Ya Thing Child.” “I Found A New Way to Cope, ItAin’t No Slave In My Soul,” by Nick McDonald. The piece is made of carbon, ceramic, jute and pottery, and is part of his series, “Pops Said Don’t Play With Them Scabs.” (Left) Attendees of La Rosa Collective’s Valentine’s Swap Meet search for unique finds at the market. (Right) La Rosa Collective hosts swap meets as a way to promote recycling and individuality, according to Maxi Dominguez, curator of the La Rosa. “I Saw Grief and I Screamed, Found Peace In The Dirt,” by Nick McDonald. The piece is part of a short series, titled, “Pops Said Don’t Play With Them Scabs.” photo courtesy of Nick McDonald photos courtesy of Nick McDonald photos by Gretchen Bullinger