The Commonwealth Times; April 7, 2021

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VOL. 62, NO. 23 APRIL 7, 2021

‘Visceral pain’: VCU student among two killed in consecutive Gilmer Street shootings Richmond police investigate ‘possible drug nexus,’ seek community aid

A street sign marks the intersection of Gilmer and West Marshall streets near VCU’s campus. Photo by Liza Hazelwood KATHARINE DEROSA News Editor

V

CU STUDENT CODY WOODSON DROVE seven-hour round trips from his hometown of Buckingham, Virginia, to see his girlfriend Clarisse Liclic during school breaks, Liclic said in a Facebook message.

“It was wonderful to know I had been loved by him that much,” Liclic said.

Monday night, after walking Liclic to her car, Woodson was shot and killed at the 400 block of Gilmer Street — the second death to take place there in two days.

The Richmond Police Department is investigating a possible connection between the deaths of Woodson, 20, and a 17-yearold, who were shot and killed in the 400 block of Gilmer Street within 26 hours of each other.

Liclic and Woodson began dating in January 2019, Liclic said. She attends the University of Richmond, so the two were only 20 minutes apart while school was in session.

On the day Woodson was killed, him and Liclic had spent the day together and said goodbye around 8 p.m. After walking Liclic to her car, he took out the trash from his apartment, Liclic said.

“I didn’t hear from him the rest of the night but I knew he was tired cause we had been driving all day yesterday [Monday] so I assumed he fell asleep,” Liclic said.

When she hadn’t heard from Woodson on Tuesday morning, Liclic checked for his location on her phone and saw it pinging at the Richmond Police Station. When Liclic arrived, she was told to wait. Then, detectives informed her of Woodson’s death.

One of Liclic’s favorite memories of Woodson is when the two adopted a cat together, she said. Woodson woke her up in the middle of the night to ask which picture of a cat she preferred. In the morning, Woodson told her they were driving to adopt a black cat, which they named Miso.

“He’s impulsive like that,” Liclic said.

Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith held a press conference Tuesday afternoon with VCU Assistant Police Chief Nicole Dailey to provide information about the two Gilmer Street shootings.

The first shooting took place on Sunday at 6:20 p.m., and the second took place Monday evening at 8:13 p.m., according to police. The name of the 17-year-old victim is being withheld for privacy reasons.

Police said Woodson was approached on Gilmer Street and fatally shot.

“These incidents coming on the heels of each other has caused us some concern and that’s why we’ve called you here today,” Smith said during the press conference.

Richmond police are investigating a “possible drug nexus” in the Gilmer Street area and a correlation between the two shooting deaths, according to a department release. Smith said no motive for either homicide has been found.

“We cannot eliminate any possibility at this time,” Smith said.

Smith said he believes marijuana is connected to the first shooting death but could not provide details due to ongoing investigation. He encouraged anyone with video surveillance of the Carver neighborhood or information about either case to contact Richmond police.

“We really do need the community’s help,” Smith said.

VCU sent alerts regarding both shootings. The 400 block of Gilmer Street is located one block north of Broad Street near several VCU buildings. Broad and Belvidere, a student residence hall, is located about 600 feet from the site of the incidents.

The suspect in Monday’s shooting was last seen running down an alley between West Marshall and West Clay streets, where police continue to investigate, according to a VCU release.

“The VCU Police would like to remind students, in particular, to keep personal safety in mind,” the alert stated. “There are certain things you need to be aware

of when living in an urban environment.”

The notice reminded students, faculty and staff of safety recommendations for living in Richmond.

Suspicious behavior can be reported to VCU Police through the yellow Emergency Reporting Telephones around campus.

The university sent an alert at 8:18 p.m. Monday calling for students to avoid the 400 block of Gilmer Street for the second night in a row. A second alert nearly an hour later stated the situation was “resolved.”

VCU’s alert on Sunday was sent around 6:30 p.m., followed by a second notice at 6:57 p.m. A suspect for this shooting was taken into custody, and VCU stated there was no ongoing threat to the community.

No one has been charged with any crime as of Tues- VCU student Cody Woodson, 20, was one of two victims day evening. in consecutive shootings on the 400 block of Gilmer VCU Police tweeted it Street. Photo courtesy of Clarisse Liclic will increase officer presence in the Carver neighborhood, where Parisi and Woodson met while playing Gilmer Street is located. Spokesperson League of Legends, and the two eventually Leila Ugincius was unable to comment fur- met in person, the post stated. Parisi dether due to Richmond police leading the scribed Woodson as “always there with a investigation. smile and a laugh to get you through your “We want to keep the neighborhood as lowest moments.” safe as it’s been,” Smith said.

Nicholas Parisi, a friend of Wood- Anyone with information on Monday’s shootson’s, organized a GoFundMe page in ing is encouraged to contact Major Crimes Woodson’s honor to help his family with Detective J. Higgins at 804-814-7570 and postmortem costs. anyone with information on Sunday’s shoot“I have never felt such a visceral pain in ing is encouraged to contact Major Crimes my heart, but there are people whom Cody Detective A. Sleem at 804-814-7123. loved that are hurting worse then I am, and it is our turn to help,” Parisi stated in the Some written quotes in this story were editfundraiser post. ed for grammar.

2 The Commonwealth Times

Stories of the week

national: Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo testified Derek Chauvin violated policy when he held his knee on George Floyd’s neck. international: The European Medicines Agency stated the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine may be linked to rare but sometimes fatal blood clots.

Family members of Adam Oakes push for anti-hazing legislation ANNA CHEN Contributing Writer Family members of freshman Adam Oakes and a Virginia senator are backing an adoption of stronger anti-hazing legislation more than a month after Oakes’ death at an off-campus Delta Chi fraternity event.

Both Courtney White, Adam Oakes’ cousin, and Eric Oakes, Adam Oakes’ father, are pushing to make hazing a felony. They aim to advocate for other states to amend similar laws in the future.

“We can’t bring Adam back and we understand that, but we can protect another life from being lost by modifying the law,” White said.

The family called upon the help of Virginia senators Jennifer Boysko and Jennifer McClellan on Twitter to co-sponsor anti-hazing legislation in the General Assembly.

Boysko said she intends on working with Adam Oakes’ family along with schools and stakeholders to “actually do something that will make a difference” within anti-hazing legislation.

Adam Oakes was found dead Feb. 27 at a residence on West Clay Street after

attending a Delta Chi rush event. His family said hazing and alcohol played a role in his death.

“The pain that his family is in is worthy of us to review the current policy to increase the ability for us to eliminate hazing and prevent another senseless death like this,” Boysko said.

Boysko said she hopes to start working on anti-hazing legislation later this spring in preparation for the next General Assembly session.

In the meantime, she plans to raise awareness about the dangers of hazing by making sure high school and college students understand the “comprehensive policy” which clarifies the definition of hazing.

In Virginia, any action that results in bodily injury or puts lives in danger for the purpose of an initiation or entry into an organization is considered hazing and is punishable by a Class 1 misdemeanor.

“Nobody goes to college or joins an organization thinking they’re going to die,” Boysko said. “It’s a tragedy.”

McClellan did not provide a statement on the matter.

White and Eric Oakes said having an anti-hazing bill in Virginia “means everything to them.”

“It’s not just changing the law but it’s also about educating kids and everybody that goes to college about the law,” White said.

In light of Adam Oakes’ death, White and Eric Oakes said they’ve become more wary of Greek life. They aim to start a nonprofit organization to educate high school seniors transitioning to college about anti-hazing.

“He had a bright future ahead of him,” Eric Oakes said of his son. “There’s so many things that he didn’t get to experience in his short lifetime.”

More than 30 states in the U.S. have anti-hazing laws punishable as a misdemeanor, and at least 10 states have made it a felony upon death or serious injury as of 2019.

Only six states — Alaska, Hawaii, New Mexico, Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana — have zero laws prohibiting hazing.

Eric Oakes said if the hazing law in Virginia is amended to be a felony, it could help change fraternity and sorority behavior and make members of Greek life think twice about their actions.

SAHARA SRIRAMAN Contributing Writer With spring commencement drawing closer, VCU’s departments and schools are attempting to organize in-person celebrations to honor students while following COVID-19 safety guidelines.

VCU announced on March 25 its final plan: a virtual university-wide commencement. The announcement stated that in-person celebrations would be up to departments and schools.

Craft and material studies senior Alex Mihalski said she’s hopeful VCUarts will have celebrations that reflect pre-pandemic normalcy, as she’s always wanted an extravagant graduation.

“Honestly, kind of like ‘High School Musical,’ like everyone in the rows throws their hats up in the air; something kind of cheesy,” Mihalski said.

Mihalski said she wants safe ceremonies to convey a sense of celebration and achievement for graduating from college.

“I feel like I’ve put in so much work over the past four years and I just want something resembling a graduation to kind of make it feel more real,” Mihalski said.

VCUarts released an announcement stating that the department will hold an in-person event for their graduates on May 15 at the Altria Theater. It will be livestreamed so that families can watch, as only students are allowed to attend.

Professor Gregory Triplett, the senior associate dean for academic affairs for the College of Engineering, said the department is planning on holding a safe in-person celebration for its students that will be livestreamed.

“We’re going to do it. I mean, they worked a really long time, there’s a lot of investment in their education,” Triplett said.

“We’re going to try our best to make sure they get that piece back.”

He said as of right now, the department

Illustration by Lauren Johnson

VCU departments plan in-person, virtual graduation cermonies

is finalizing whether to hold it at the Engineering Research Building or rent an outside facility, as both would entail graduates splitting into different-sized groups.

He said about 80% of the students who filled out the form asking if they would attend an in-person ceremony said they would.

TyRuben Ellingson, associate professor and chair of the department of communication arts, said the department is planning on placing a few professors into different Zoom meetings, so students can join to meet with them.

The department wanted to do something intimate yet manageable for its students and decide on it early, Ellingson said.

“There’s no perfect solution in a circumstance like this, so I think we’re relying

somewhat on the collective wisdom of the faculty for what we thought would work,” Ellingson said.

Senior political science student Myia Samuels said she expected VCU to organize a more celebratory event since she felt there was enough time to prepare.

When she first arrived at VCU, Samuels had expectations that her commencement ceremony would be large and exciting.

“It does kind of suck that it’s not going to be how I pictured it to be when I came in freshman year,” Samuels said.

On April 2, the College of Humanities and Sciences made an announcement stating that none of its departments are allowed in-person gatherings. Currently, it’s planning on splitting its graduates into three in-person celebrations.

Linda Oakes and son Adam Oakes. Photo courtesy of Oakes family “Hazing is just a misdemeanor in Virginia, and I don’t get that,” Eric Oakes said.

“The biggest thing we can do is make sure this doesn’t happen to another kid the way it happened to Adam.”

Jennifer Malat, the dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, stated via email that the decision was based on COVID-19 physical distance guidelines, as the space would allow the groups to each have a safe event.

Samy El-Shall, the chair of the department of chemistry, said his department is planning a virtual celebration on May 14.

El-Shall said the first two times the department held this type of celebration were successful, as each student is individually recognized and many have voiced positive feedback.

“Several students emailed that they were very happy with the virtual ceremony, and it was so successful,” El-Shall said. “We were happy to see that.”

Scott Breuninger, the dean of VCU’s Honors College, said most students preferred an in-person event.

Although there is no finalized plan, the Honors College plans to have a ceremony at the Stuart C. Siegel Center with all graduates. The event will be livestreamed, and graduates will be able to social distance, he said. Normally, university-wide commencement is held at the center.

“We’re trying to figure out what else goes along with that, so that both the students, the faculty and the staff can all be safe,” Breuninger said.

Political science and urban planning senior Tessa Demarest said she hopes her departments, the College of Humanities and Sciences and the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, will plan safe, in-person celebrations.

She said it’s a good idea to leave the decision up to each school since they’re all different sizes.

“It’s hard because you want to give people adequate time to prepare for these events but, at the same time, the virus doesn’t really tell us what it’s going to do,” Demarest said.

Wed. April 7, 2021 3

Reverend Duane Nettles leads an Easter service in Monroe Park for the Grace and Holy Trinity Church. Nettles joined the Grace and Holy Church as rector in January 2021. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh

Local religious groups celebrate seasonal holidays amid COVID-19, again

ago after spending last year’s Easter with a pre-recorded video.

“From the perspective of the person that’s preaching, it’s kind of nice to know that Local faith-based organizations are cel- other people are listening at the time that ebrating April holidays while following you’re preaching,” Reinholz said.

COVID-19 regulations for the second time The church also celebrated through a since the pandemic began. short spoken service in Monroe Park and Members of the Grace and Holy an in-person worship service, with the Trinity Church, located next to Mon- exception of collective singing and Holy roe Park, celebrated Easter this year Communion. Members were required to through a livestream. Reverend Kim- wear masks and social distance. The Monberly Reinholz said the congregation roe Park event marked the church’s first switched to the platform three months in-person service since March 2020.

SAGAL AHMED Contributing Writer

A churchgoer reads from a service booklet at an Easter service in Monroe Park for the Grace and Holy Trinity Church. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh

Reinholz said this was a unique way to observe the beginning of the Easter season, which lasts for 50 days until the feast of Pentecost on May 23.

“The reason that Easter is important is that God came to show us how to love one another,” Reinholz said.

The church typically holds a spoken service, meaning no singing, followed by another service that is family oriented. A children’s sermon is typically held, followed by the decorating of a wooden cross with flowers. The congregation then sings “Hallelujah” together followed by a brunch in the church’s parish hall.

Reinholz compared past Easter celebrations to royal weddings, such as that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.

“Except for it’s not about two people but just about like all those bells and whistles that you saw, all the flowers, all the music, all the preaching and all of that,” Reinholz said.

The Muslim Students Association at VCU is working on ways to celebrate the holy Islamic month of Ramadan, which is from mid-April to mid-May this year.

Fasting during Ramadan is a part of the five pillars of Islam, the religion’s core beliefs, along with donating to charity. Both acts are practiced during the month and are significant to the Muslim community, according to MSA historian Eisha Khan.

“It’s a month that a lot of people get closer to their religion,” Khan said.

Most of the organization’s efforts will go toward providing iftar, a meal eaten when Muslims break their fasts at sundown, for students, Khan said.

“We’re not with our families,” Khan said.

“We’re going to be homesick. We’re not going to have our mothers cooking for us but we still want everyone to have food to break their fast with.”

VCU’s MSA will provide prepackaged food from local restaurants rather than homemade food to abide by COVID-19

regulations. Dates and water will go out with the prepackaged meals, since both are commonly used to break the fast.

The student organization is not holding in-person Friday prayers, or jumaat, but it does conduct virtual khutbahs, sermons practiced by the imam, or prayer leader, before prayer.

The student organization plans to increase its social media presence to engage the community through posting religious verses from the Quran. Khan plans to continue to have Fun Fact Fridays with “light-hearted” Ramadan facts and add historical facts on Thursdays.

“I’m really hoping that the MSA community will really participate in that because I really want them to feel like there is a community,” Khan said Another religious holiday in April is Passover, a week-long holiday observed by the Jewish community. The holiday celebrates the liberation of Jewish slavery in Egypt.

Student group Jewish Life celebrated Passover this year by handing out to-go kits with items such as grape juice to make kiddush needed for Seder, another name for Passover dinner. Students were able to pick the boxes up, while those not living on campus received them through mail.

The boxes contained homemade unleavened bread, known as matzah, shipped from Israel, according to assistant event coordinator Jenna Hasher.

“A little bit more fancy than what we did in years past,” Hasher said.

The organization normally celebrates Passover with an in-person Seder and by going through the story behind Passover and prayers.

Hasher said the holiday is about “escaping your own personal slavery.”

“Maybe you are struggling with personal issues or mental health or anything, it’s kind of about being able to grow past that and liberate yourself from those kind of problems that you’re having,” Hasher said.

4 The Commonwealth Times

Stat of the week

Sasha Elliott was named Atlantic 10 field hockey Defensive Player of the Week.

Tennis freshman’s hard-hitting attitude earns conference recognition JOE DODSON Staff Writer

G

ROWING UP IN TIMI Ș OARA, Romania, freshman tennis player Alessia Ciuca was inspired by the Grand Slam tournament athletes she watched on television.

“I’d stand right in front of the TV,” Ciuca said. “I was trying to hit like them.”

Ciuca has made an instant impact with the Rams, earning three Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week honors for the weeks of Feb. 16, Feb. 23 and March 31.

Ciuca said the awards are proof that her hard work is paying off.

“It means a lot because I know that I’m a hard worker, and every time I try to give my best on the court,” Ciuca said. “When you know you are doing something and then a result is coming, you are so happy.”

Ciuca started the season with four consecutive singles losses before earning her first collegiate singles win against East Tennessee State. Ciuca won her first singles set 6-3 and her second one 7-6 on Feb. 13.

Ciuca has gone 10-7 in doubles with three different partners throughout the season; sophomores Gabriela Davidescu, Luminita Tutunaru and junior Shivani Manjanna.

Graduate assistant Stefana Andrei described Ciuca as a winner.

“She’s very determined, she works hard everyday and she likes to win,” Andrei said Before joining VCU, Ciuca played at the highest amateur level in Europe. In 2019, Ciuca, along with Oana Corneanu, was selected to represent Romania in the 2019 European Junior Championships in Switzerland.

“I wanted to give everything on the court because I wanted to represent Romania in a good way,” Ciuca said.

so they’re used to playing individually and only for themselves.”

Ciuca said she’s gotten to know the team better through team dinners and practices.

Her teammates and coaches described her personality off the court as energetic.

“She’s really funny and she has a lot of energy,” Davidescu said. “She’s a great teammate.”

Ciuca described her style of play as aggressive and ambitious, shown through frustration or discouragement after a mistake is made on the court. She said it’s something that she’s working on with her coaches to improve her game.

“Sometimes I have big emotions on the court but everytime the coach is there for me — she says to calm down and try and focus on the process,” Ciuca said.

Andrei said that Ciuca’s consistency on the court has been an area of improvement.

Since starting the season 0-4 in singles, Ciuca has improved to 6-4 and has won four matches straight.

“We’ve been working with her on consistency because she has a very aggressive Freshman Alessia Ciuca awaits a serve in a match at Thalhimer Tennis Center. Photo game,” Andrei said. “We thought that addcourtesy of VCU Athletics ing a little bit of consistency would make a big difference.”

Ciuca, along with Romanian tennis The hard court surface of American colCiuca still has more collegiate tennis player Ilinca Amarie, won $15,000 after legiate tennis courts were new to Ciuca. In experience ahead of her as she enters the winning the 2019 International Tennis Romania, she played primarily on clay, so final stretch of her freshman season, but her Federation’s W15 doubles tournament in improving her footwork and speed have early success has been crucial to the team’s Heraklion, Greece. The win earned her the been areas of emphasis in practice.

10-7 record. Head coach Vivian Segnini 216 spot in the ITF’s junior rankings.

“Here it’s much faster and you need to said the sky’s the limit for Ciuca’s sucCiuca said that when she was recruited move well,” Ciuca said. “We have been work- cess moving forward if she maintains her

by VCU, having two fellow Romanians on ing on this a lot — I think I’ve improved.” hard-working attitude. the team was a plus. Ciuca said that along When Ciuca first arrived in Richmond “She can achieve a lot if she continwith Davidescu and Tutunaru, Richmond’s in August, she not only had to get used to ues with the same attitude that she has similar architecture and weather helps her a new country and new courts, but also the now,” Segnini said. feel more at home. idea of being on a team.

“I really like it here because it looks so “For everyone that comes to college from Ciuca and the Rams will be back in action familiar to Romania,” Ciuca said. “That Europe, it’s a big difference,” Andrei said. on April 7 when they travel to Lynchburg, helped me because it’s so far.”

“In Europe, we don’t have high school sports, Virginia to play Liberty at 2 p.m.

Another one: George looks to continue family tradition of athletes YANNI KOUIROUKIDIS Contributing Writer

“My team plays a big part — just because I’m fast doesn’t mean I can do it all,” George said. “My speed might be Being one of five sisters in a house full of one of my strengths but I can still keep athletes is a unique environment, but for working it up.” sophomore lacrosse athlete Juliana George, Juliana George’s older sister, Jessica it’s all she’s ever known.

George, played lacrosse at Lafayette ColGeorge, who plays in the attack position, lege in Easton, Pennsylvania. Her younger said her introduction to the sport mostly sister, Mia George, will be attending VCU started at a young age, influenced by her next year to join the lacrosse program. father and older sister.

The Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, native “We’ve always been like a big lacrosse hails from the same hometown as fellow family,” George said. sophomore attacker Meghan McLaughlin.

Her speed on the field is one thing that McLaughlin and Juliana George went to separates her from her opponents. It’s a spe- high school 15 minutes apart and played cial trait that people like Tyreek Hill and on the same club team together.

Usain Bolt are most known for.

“When we played club together she “I think that’s something that anyone was always like the speedy one,” Mccould see watching film or a game,” coach Laughlin said. “Within the team she just Jen O’Brien said. “It’s difficult to defend her brings so much energy every day in pracbecause of that.” tice and during games she always hypes George is ranked first on the team for everyone up.” assists and second for scored goals in the The COVID-19 pandemic brought her 10 games played so far this season. freshman year to an unexpected halt, but Although her coaches and teammates Juliana George isn’t a stranger to major recognize George by her speed, she setbacks. As a freshman, she came into the said she still needs to improve in other program fresh off of an ACL injury, which aspects of her game. can take up to 16 months to fully heal.

Sophomore attack Juliana George runs with the ball at Cary Street Field. Photo by Jay Stonefield “Coming in, I didn’t do anything full speed, and that was obviously a big setback,” Juliana George said. “This year, I think I have a lot more confidence, which has changed my game so much. Just knowing I can do it, like the mental mindset has helped me drastically from freshman to sophomore year.”

With her sophomore year coming to an end, Juliana George wants to take more away from the game than just statistics.

“Obviously lacrosse is a big part but this program has taught me a lot more outside of lacrosse and outside of the field,” Juliana George said. “I’ve been here for maybe less than a year because of corona, but I’ve already learned so much.”

The Rams look to take on A-10 conference opponent Davidson in North Carolina this Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Wed. April 7, 2021 5

VCU freshmen Marcus Wilson and Aaron Goggins compete in the 60-meter hurdles event at the Virginia Tech Challenge on Feb. 20. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics

Men’s track and field works toward championship title

KAITLYN FULMORE Contributing Writer

The amount of training this year has been greater in volume but lower in intensity, Sage said. He added that they are “start“Get good sleep, hydrate, focus.” ing to see some of those dividends pay off.”

These self-care tasks, repeated by track After last season ended early, this year and field assistant coach Thomas Sage, are is the last chance for some athletes to grab guiding the men’s team on their path to- the title of champion. ward the Atlantic 10 championship.

“I fully expect both VCU teams to win “You can do everything right at prac- the conference championships this year,” tice,” graduate student hurdler Ian Davis Davis said. “I think we have a really comsaid. “But at the end of the day, if you’re not petitive, talented team, and I think we’ll be handling yourself off the track, you only able to put it together in a month.” have yourself to blame.”

The team is focused on preparing for the KEY RETURNERS A-10 outdoor track and field championship next month as both freshmen and sophAfter getting his senior season cut short omores adjust to the increased physical a year ago, Davis is returning for his final workload of their first outdoor season. season with the goal of competing in the “It’s the boring stuff that’s gonna win a NCAA championship. championship,” Sage said. “We just got to Davis began the 2021 outdoor season lock in and do all the little things.” with a first-place finish in the 110-meter hurdles at the USF Bulls Invitational from March 19-20, and placed first again at the GOALS FOR THE SEASON South Florida Invitational from April 2-3.

The men’s track and field team has one “That was the fastest I ever opened up main goal this season: winning an Atlantic for a season in the hurdles,” Davis said. “It 10 championship. gave me a lot of hope that this season will “Our men’s team is really deep this year, pan out the way I want it to go.” and that’s exciting for us because we realJunior thrower Jaekob Vollbrecht started ly have not had this level of depth,” Sage the season strong with a second-place finsaid. “We got our fingers crossed that ish in discus and third place in shot put at this is the year.” the USF Bulls Invitational. During the reWith the cancellation of the 2021 cent South Florida Invitational, Vollbrecht indoor A-10 championship due to earned first place in discus.

COVID-19 protocols, the team is training Other returning athletes who placed to perform at the end of the outdoor season. in recent invitationals include junior

hurdler Emmanuel Waller, junior sprinter JeVon Waller and junior multi-event athlete Mykalee Atkins.

Emmanuel Waller placed second in the 4x400-meter relay, and JeVon Waller placed third in the 4x100-meter relay at the South Florida Invitational. Atkins recently placed second in the decathlon at the Bobcat Invitational on March 28.

Junior thrower Jaekob Vollbrecht competes in the weight throw. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics

Junior multi-event athlete Mykalee Atkins competes in the pole vault. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics

KEY NEWCOMERS A total of 10 freshmen joined the men’s track and field team this season — tied with juniors for being the largest class group on the team.

Freshman sprinter Lewis Freeman, a runner on both the 4x100- and 4x400-meter relay teams, said the USF Bulls Invitational was “a big eye-opener.” Freeman placed sixth in the 400-meter dash.

Two weeks later at the South Florida Invitational, Freeman placed second and third in the 4x400- and 4x100-meter relays, respectively.

“It’s kind of scary because the potential [for the season] is through the roof,” Freeman said.

Freshman hurdler Marcus Wilson, a Bristow, Virginia, native, concluded his first indoor season with two first-place finishes and ranked twice in the top three.

Wilson’s first outdoor season seems to be following a similar path. At the Colonial Relays in Williamsburg from April 2-3, Wilson placed second and set a personal

record in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.05 seconds.

Another freshman with a successful indoor track season, freshman Trevor Thomas, recently placed third for high jump at the South Florida Invitational with a new personal record of 2.03 meters.

PAST MEETS The Rams have competed in three invitationals this season so far, with multiple top-three rankings by different athletes.

At the USF Bulls Invitational, VCU had eight top-three finishes at their first meet, with first-place victories from both Davis in the 110-meter hurdles and senior thrower Willie Schwartz in the hammer throw.

“I was happy about my teammates and the energy everyone else was bringing to their first meet,” Davis said. “Just being back on the track was an amazing feeling.”

The South Florida Invitational landed the black and gold with seven topthree finishes, with junior jumper Camron Browne placing first for the long jump with 6.83 meters. The 4x400-meter relay team set a personal best with a time of 3:15.46.

“We PR’d when we had so many things stacked against us,” Freeman said. “People raced an hour before, so we’re not running on fresh legs and we were still able to get second. It makes me really excited for what we can do.”

6 The Commonwealth Times

LACROSSE - AT GEORGE MASON

Hometown: South Boston, Virginia

WOMEN’S SOCCER - VS. GEORGE WASHINGTON

Previous college: Radford Best finish in 2021: 2nd, -8 at the Southern Invitational in Fort Worth, Florida “I feel like honestly, I am underperforming,” Gasperini said. “I’ve also played below my standards in a few events. Instead of getting frustrated, I’ve kind of taken a step back and tried to learn from each event that I would consider is then not a great event, like almost a failure, but not a failure.”

Junior Clifford Foster, who’s also on the golf team, has been friends with Gasperini over the past five years, he said. The two met at a golf tournament and kept seeing each other at various tournaments, building a bond.

“When he decided to come to VCU, our friendship strengthened,” Foster said. “He’s super easy to get along with and he gets along with everyone. I think that’s just as a huge part of being a positive person, just Senior Peter Gasperini stands on the putting green during a tournament in the 2021 being able to get along with everyone.” season. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics The two are roommates in Richmond, and Foster said the positive mindset that Gasperini plays with is also visible in his everyday routines.

“Living with him for the past eight or so months, now nine months — I see it every day,” Foster said. “In the morning, he’s upbeat, throughout the day is upbeat, even though he can get down here and there.”

NOAH FLEISCHMAN Gasperini transferred to VCU from Gasperini’s leadership is built on posiSports Editor Radford, where he started as a walk-on and tivity, Foster said. worked his way into being the Highlanders’ “He has always had a positive effect on Trailing the leaders by eight shots with only top player, Ball said. everyone’s attitude,” Foster said. “He leads 12 holes to play at the first golf tournament Gasperini carded a top-10 finish in four from afar, but it’s definitely a loud voice of the season in Savannah, Georgia, senior of Radford’s six tournaments during the 2019 even though he’s a quiet person.”

Peter Gasperini thought he could work his season. He was named to the Big South way at the top. He just had to string a few All-Conference team in 2019 and earned VCU’s golf team will play at the Old Corkbirdies together to pull within reach.

Player of the Week awards twice that season. screw Intercollegiate tournament in Estero, Gasperini looked at coach Matt Ball Florida from April 12-13. and said something the 20-year veteran wasn’t expecting.

“He says, ‘If I can get on around making four or five birdies in a row, I can still get It’s just in life in general, in this thing,’” Ball said. “And most people if you go into anything would never even think about it. He’s thinking about trying to figure out how you can with a negative attitude win individually and just move forward.” or you get down on Gasperini didn’t end up with the leaders yourself, you have no that weekend, but Ball called the optimistic attitude he showed “very rare” and “elite.” chance whatsoever.”

The South Boston, Virginia, native’s Peter Gasperini, VCU senior positive approach has helped the team just as much as his play on the course, Ball said.

“He’s stepped up and helped us a whole This season, Gasperini has achieved one lot,” Ball said. “Both his scores and … with top-10 finish with the black and gold — his attitude, like the kid absolutely has a second place at the Southern Invitational winning attitude.” in Lake Worth, Florida, on March 1 and The positivity that Gasperini plays with March 2. He’s struggled in the last couple is something he calls his biggest strength of tournaments for the Rams, finishing outon the golf course, but he carries it side of the top 35 both times. off the course too.

“He’s been spectacular and in the hunt “It’s just in life in general, if you go and has a chance to win, when the putter into anything with a negative attitude or is not hot, that brings him down a little you get down on yourself, you have no bit,” Ball said. “But even on his bad days, chance whatsoever,” Gasperini said. “I he’s thinking he’s going to get better as the think it plays a huge role in the game of round continues.” golf and over the course of my career it’s Gasperini called the last couple of tour- Senior Peter Gasperini puts during a served me well.” naments “a learning curve.” tournament. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics

Positivity drives Gasperini on and off golf course

GAME RESULTS

Getting to know Gasperini

APRIL 1

WON 22-12

LOST 1-0

APRIL 2 NO. 32 MEN’S TENNIS AT UNCW WON 4-1

VOLLEYBALL - VS. RHODE ISLAND WON 3-0 A-10 semifinal

BASEBALL - AT LIBERTY LOST 9-3 Liam Hibbits: 2-for-3, RBI

APRIL 3 GOLF - AT IRISH CREEK INTERCOLLEGIATE

2ND OF 15 +9 Kristian Tannum Donaldson T-4, -1

VOLLEYBALL - AT DAYTON LOST 3-0 A-10 championship

LACROSSE - VS. GEORGE WASHINGTON WON 11-7 Keriann McTavish: 4 goals

BASEBALL - VS. LIBERTY

WON 4-2 Michael Haydak: 2-for-4, 2 RBI

FIELD HOCKEY - AT RICHMOND WON 2-1 Janne Wetzel: goal

MEN’S SOCCER - VS. DAVIDSON LOST 2-0 Mario Sequeira: 3 saves

APRIL 4 NO. 32 MEN’S TENNIS AT NO. 14 WAKE FOREST LOST 4-0

WOMEN’S TENNIS - VS. GEORGE WASHINGTON WON 7-0

APRIL 6 WOMEN’S SOCCER - VS. RICHMOND WON 2-1 Emma Kershner: goal

Wed. April 7, 2021 7

On this day

In 1927, Herbert Eugene Ives broadcasted a picture from Washington, D.C. to New York over telephone lines, making it the first long-distance demonstration of television.

‘I’M COMING BACK’:

Viral TikTok rapper reflects on budding career while incarcerated EBONIQUE LITTLE Spectrum Editor

low risk of reoffending and no convictions of felonies or sexual violent offenses, according to the VADOC’s website.

ICHMOND RAPPER FNF CHOP, KNOWN Chop said he meets all the requirefor his breakout single “Walk Down,” ments and has been awaiting release since said he used to sleep at the studio to Northam’s program was enacted last year. finish recording songs. Now, from his cell VADOC was unable to provide specific in the Richmond City Justice Center, he inmate record information. writes lyrics to his beats over the phone.

“Due to the large number of calculaChop, who was born Deonte Gaines, tions being processed in accordance with was arrested last May for parole violation. the Governor’s Early Release Program, Mr. His music has gained traction during his Gaines’ [FNF Chop] Good Time Release time in jail, with the fast-tempo single Date has not yet been officially calculatamassing more than 1.6 ed,” Adam Dourafei, an million streams on Spotify attorney for the VADOC, and inspiring a dance chalstated in an email. lenge on TikTok. Chop said the correc“My main goal is to go tions department is “draghome and grind as hard as ging their feet.”

I can, to keep everything “I can come home. I can going in the direction that be out there, but it’s all it’s going in,” Chop said in dependent on what they a phone interview. do,” Chop said. “The Chop began rapping in way they’ve been pro2018 and grew increasingly longing the situation dedicated to his craft. He has been making it released “Walk Down” in very, very hard.”

2019, but said maintainChop’s mother, FNF Chop. ing the newfound success Ronetta Gaines, Photo courtesy of FNF Levy has been difficult. said she prays “It is confusing to be 100% honest for him and talks to him with you,” Chop said. “It’s a whole bunch on the phone every day to of stuff going on, trying to keep things keep his spirits up. together while staying strong and you “I keep him covered in know, make sure everything has been prayer, and I believe that done right — it’s a lot.” he’s going to be safe in His team helped him release “No Exit,” there,” Ronetta Gaines said a 6-song mixtape the rapper describes as in a phone interview. “energetic and hyper.” Chop and his managShe and other family er compiled songs they felt could continue members continually call the momentum until he is released, he said. the jail seeking answers, and “Don’t leave — trust and believe I’m have even petitioned directly coming back,” Chop said. to Congress and other groups In addition to feeling concerned about like the NAACP to advocate for the progression of his career, Chop said he his release, she said. is also concerned for his health and safeRonetta Gaines organized a ty at the Richmond City Justice Center. video shoot in March at Franklin Since being incarcerated, he has contracted Military Academy for “Walk COVID-19 twice — once in October 2020 Down,” featuring scenes of and the other time in January 2021, he said. VCU’s campus and Rich“It’s just frustrating going through that monders dancing to the experience while you in jail,” Chop said. song, despite Chop’s inabil“No laying in bed or getting up and getting ity to be there physically. some soup — it’s jail.”

“There was all this energy,” COVID-19 cases at the Richmond jail Ronetta Gaines said. “And even spiked toward the end of August, leading though they knew they were going to be in to protests for the release of nonviolent of- a video, it was the cause. We were all there fenders in efforts to reduce close contact because we want him home.” with other inmates.

DJ Tootrill, Chop’s official DJ for his In April 2020, Gov. Ralph Northam performances, said he is ready to continue added an amendment to the state bud- collaborating with Chop musically. Chop’s get that called for the early release of work ethic is unmatched, Tootrill said. nonviolent inmates with less than a year “He literally slept in studios for nights on their sentence to slow the spread at a time — waking up and washing up in of the coronavirus. bathrooms and going back to work,” TootUnder this program, the Virginia rill said during a phone call. “He wanted Department of Corrections must calculate this more than all his peers.” the inmate’s release date. Eligible inmates The pair first met around two years ago include those with a viable home plan, at Chop’s first paid performance. Tootrill good time credits, or positive behavior, no said he and the audience were surprised by pending criminal charges, a medium-to- Chop’s energetic stage presence.

R

“Chop is the best performing artist I’ve seen come out of Richmond,” Tootrill said. “When you watch him perform, your eyes have no choice but to be engaged.”

Before Chop was incarcerated, the two were in the process of planning a tour, Tootrill said. Now, he looks forward to Chop’s release and return to the stage.

“He just has a sound and a energy that I haven’t seen in the city,” Tootrill said.

Illustrations by Cecilia Ford

8 The Commonwealth Times

Artist residency program provides artistic, mental health resources to Richmond youth GRACE MCOMBER Contributing Writer Two loudspeakers crossed out with a pair of black lines sit atop large graphic text that reads “silence is the most powerful scream.”

The image, created by former Richmond Public Schools student and Art 180 participant Edward Robinson, serves as the poster for the organization’s newest program named in his honor, the Edward Dean Robinson Artist Residency.

“He [Robinson] was amazing,” said Ashley Short, Art 180’s youth engagement coordinator. “The work that he did, and the kind of student that he was, that is a reflection of the kind of students that we’re looking for to be in the residency.”

Chris Visions, artist-in-residence for the Art 180 gallery, poses for a portrait in front of the gallery. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh

Robinson, who died by suicide in 2018, inspired Art 180 organizers to develop a new program that highlights the importance of mental health, Short said. This summer, eight Richmond Public Schools students will spend the summer honing their artistic skills, learning mental health strategies and creating art for the community at the Atlas art gallery as a part of the residency.

The program aims to provide Richmond’s underrepresented students with artistic, social and emotional skills necessary to foster both artistic and personal growth, Short said.

Since its founding in 1998, the organization has partnered with Richmond schools and other community organizations to develop a variety of free or low-cost programs for underprivileged students between the ages of 8 and 18. These include gardening, photography workshops and sculpture courses, among others.

“We want to meet needs that are not met in our community,” Short said. “Art programs can be very expensive in the city, so we want to eliminate that cost barrier.”

During the nine-week summer program, the students will create a portfolio, practice their artistic skills under the guidance of a professional artist and learn skills to apply to both their art and other aspects of their lives.

The students will design and install a mural at the intersection of Brook Road and West Marshall Street and receive a $1,350 artist stipend and supplies, the website states.

“We want to make sure that they understand that you can get paid to be an artist,” Short said. “You can live off your art, and you can create the life that you want off your passions.”

For the first installment of the program, Richmond freelance artist and VCU alumnus

Chris Visions will act as artist-in-residence for the program and be responsible for mentoring the students accepted.

“I’m really honored that I’m the first one in this program,” Visions said. “There’s a responsibility with that, and I take that very seriously. My goal is to leave a mark that allows other artists and future students to blossom.”

Visions works primarily as a freelance illustrator and has illustrated for companies like Marvel, DC Comics and Cartoon Network. He has also created art that centers on mental health and social justice, including the Hope Mural on West Marshall Street, which highlights victims of police brutality including Elijah McClain, Brandon Robertson and VCU alumnus Marcus-David Peters.

The artist said he wants to use this opportunity to emphasize the importance of mental health within the Richmond community, especially amongst underprivileged students.

“I think sometimes we can be boxed into our environment or what we’re given,” Visions said. “And it can be hard to see a way out or see things beyond those circumstances.”

During his own adolescence, Visions said he attended programs that were similar to the residency like the Virginia Governor’s School and the Illustration Academy in Florida.

“This is a very unique program because it’s for kids who usually wouldn’t have those opportunities,” Visions said about the residency. “I just want them to feel free, and those chances get very slim, especially when we have to take on adult responsibilities.”

Visions has a close connection to Art 180 organizers and was sought out based on his past work and presence in the Richmond community, he and Short said.

“We thought it would benefit them to have professional artists or people who look like a lot of the kids to be an influence,” Visions said.

In addition to assisting the students in building a portfolio and developing their artistic skills, Visions said he will emphasize the necessity of positive mental health practices and rituals by incorporating specialists and introducing healthy habits to cope with stress.

“It’s going to be really exciting and fulfilling to provide them a place where they can ... solely focus on the purpose of creating and expressing themselves,” Visions said. “And just having an inclusive environment where they feel safe and being able to walk away with tools that help them get closer to their goals.”

Any rising Richmond Public Schools high school junior or senior qualifies to apply to the residency. To do so, applicants must submit examples of their work and a letter of recommendation. The applications will then be reviewed by Art 180 staff and other members of the community.

Currently, the organization will only select eight students to be a part of the program in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, Short said. However, the coordinator has hopes for expansion in the future.

“I would love for it to go national,” Short said. “To have all these youth coming to Richmond, just to fulfill their passion for art.

I think that’s amazing because Richmond is a huge art city and that traffic into the city would also be helpful for the community.”

To apply for the Edward Dean Robinson Artist Residency and learn more about the program, visit Art 180’s website.

Student group bends time, gender identity through on-campus drag shows EBONIQUE LITTLE Spectrum Editor Now much more than a pass-through to get to the other side of campus, Monroe Park has become a safe haven for “kings, queens and everything in-betweens.”

John Carmel, a freshman film major, and Harris Erickson, a freshman theatre major, started Time Warp, a drag performance group, last October. Seven students perform at Monroe Park, with themes including nods to past decades or holidays.

Since their inaugural show on Halloween, they’ve performed on six additional occasions, though there is no set schedule. Their performances have been well received, Carmel said.

“Drag is an inclusive art,” said Carmel, co-organizer of the student group. “And performing isn’t delegated to one sex or another. That whole sense of everyone is welcome — that’s what drag is.”

Carmel, whose drag character’s name is Jessica Peru, said he has always loved drag performing since he was a child and wanted to find a way to explore his passion for the art at VCU. “I see pictures of me, like wrapping like blankets around myself at such a young age,” Carmel said. “It was just natural.”

Carmel said he and Erickson got the idea to form the group after meeting each other through the VCU Class of 2024 Instagram page. Their first conversation was about drag culture and how they needed a platform for expression at VCU, Carmel said.

“We knew that it was going to happen serendipitously, somehow or another,” Carmel said. “It was just like a perfect pair for us.”

Erickson, whose stage name is Thea Trickality, said they met other interested participants in the VCUarts theatre program or through other acquaintances. Some had never performed drag before, and their understanding of it was limited to cross-dressing, rather than a theatrical performance integral to the LGBT community.

“The reason that it’s tied to LGBT culture is because it was necessary for survival, and it was necessary for communication,” Erickson said. “Now we get to take that history and add a little bit to it, specific to Richmond and VCU.” Erickson said he enjoys introducing the other group members and viewers to drag culture in such an open format, and feels bad for those who have to hide their sexual and gender identity in public spaces.

“John [Carmel] and I always talk about what would happen if [we] were freshmen in the ’70s or the 1800s,” Erickson said. “It would not be the same circumstances, like it probably wouldn’t even happen.”

Junior theatre student Jamar Powers, who performs under the drag name You’neek, said he was initially afraid to tell his family about his performances when he got started in 2018 at a Richmond club. He didn’t allow drag organizations to post his photos on social media, or tag him in any of their posts in fear of losing acceptance from his family.

Although he was harassed in grade school for his sexual identity, Powers said he has found a greater sense of confidence and continues to perform other shows in the greater Richmond area.

“I’m just mainly being comfortable with what I do,” Powers said during a Zoom call. “I knew that I just had to mature, and then I’ll be able to succeed.”

Powers said he did not hesitate to join Time Warp when Erickson approached him with the opportunity last fall, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic prompted club closures.

Time Warp, a student-led drag performance group, “Since Harris [Erickson] sang a variety of songs at their April 4 show. found me, it was such Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore a blessing that I got to perform more,” Powers said. history — from the 1880s to now, where Powers said being a part of Time Warp we’re at a point where I could walk down has enriched his college experience. Before the street literally, in a full gown, and have joining the group, he thought he was one parades of people walk past and hype me of the only people who did drag on campus, up,” Powers said. but now this group has become like “family.”

Carmel and Erickson plan to continue His favorite part of performing with the the drag shows with a diverse range of cast student group is indulging in You’neek’s members and themes throughout their col“sexual, kooky and crazy” personality. Pow- lege careers, and the two freshmen hope the ers credits historic LGBT activists, such as group will thrive even after they graduate.

Marsha P. Johnson and William Dorsey “Here we are surrounded by former ConSwann, for this ability. federate statues,” Carmel said. “To be doing “William Dorsey Swann, the first drag this form of self-expression, it’s really somequeen on record, fought throughout thing that we should be so proud of.”

Wed. April 7, 2021 9

EDITOR'S LIST OF FILMS TO WATCH “Untouchable” (2019)

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, viewers can hear the stories of Hollywood actresses and colleagues who accused film producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual abuse. In 2017, Weinstein’s sex offenses sparked a turning point in the #MeToo movement.

Available on Hulu | 87% Rotten Tomatoes

“The Blood is at the Doorstep” (2017)

“Richmond: Capital Of _____?,” an exhibit at Gallery5, presents submissions from Richmond artists regarding a theme for which the city should be known. It will be on display until May 6. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore

Virtual gallery seeks to reimagine Richmond’s Confederate history CLAIRE DARCY Contributing Writer

W

HEN RICHMOND BECAME the capital of the Confederacy in 1861, it became known for its ties to separatist beliefs that relegated Black people to slavery. The legacy has carried through time, but a new exhibition at Gallery5 seeks to reframe the city’s image.

“It was something that was a thing that we were known by throughout the country and the world,” said local artist and co-curator Noah Scalin. “If anybody knew of Richmond, they probably had heard of it in context of the Civil War.” Gallery5’s latest art show “Richmond Capital of _____?” invites artists and guests to rethink what the city should be known for, such as vibrant street art to a diverse population, rather than Confederate statues.

“To me, it feels like everybody kind of wants Richmond to be known for our diversity, our natural environment and our willingness to creatively change when we need to,” said Prabir Mehta, the chairman of Gallery5’s board of directors.

The show opened April 2 and will be available until May 6. It is part of the gallery’s monthly online exhibit initiative, which features collections of artwork around varying themes, such as the great outdoors, holiday monsters and a year of separation. Participation in the initiative is open to the public.

“We have a very beautifully talented community here in Richmond, and because of the lockdown and because of COVID implications we decided to open a virtual gallery in addition to our physical one,” Mehta said.

“We’ve been letting the community help us populate our website with artwork.”

The current exhibit was curated by Scalin and Marc Cheatham, a community activist and former member of the Gallery5 board.

While the exhibit primarily operates on Gallery5’s website, select pieces are available for viewing in the gallery’s physical space.

The art featured in the exhibition follows several themes: the future, diversity, creativity and Richmond’s natural environment. Many pieces hint at racial justice protests that occured over the summer and Richmond’s vast art scene.

Scalin and Cheatham invited artists to create the pieces currently available for in-person viewing. One such piece, “Guerilla Marketing,” was created by Richmond artists Nico Cathcart and Silly Genius.

The piece depicts an individual holding a can of spray paint against a graffiti-covered wall. Cathcart painted the portrait, while Silly Genius added the graffiti. The image celebrates the “graffiti culture” of Richmond, Scalin said.

Another piece included is “Migration Flow (Cuban Son)” by Alfonso Pérez Acosta. It features a Cuban American couple — one a first-generation immigrant and the other Richmond-born — dancing with their limbs surrounded by text such as “I am not me without dance” and “dancing is everything to me.” The piece celebrates the diversity of Richmond’s population and the city’s relationship with immigration.

To be featured in the virtual gallery, an online submission form was available until March 29. According to Cheatham, there were “no wrong answers,” provided that the art refrained from looking positively toward what he referred to as “the old south.”

A photograph titled “It’s Educational” by Chris Fessler is featured online. It shows the side of a brick building that simply

“Guerilla Marketing” by Richmond artists Nico Cathcart and Silly Genius celebrates the graffiti culture of Richmond. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore

reads “high school.” The pictured building is Mechanicsville High School, formerly known as Lee-Davis High School.

In his statement to accompany the photo, Fessler wrote that it “presents a vague past, and banal present waiting for you to fill in the blanks and start storytelling its future.”

This harrowing documentary follows the aftermath of the death of Dontre Hamilton, an unarmed Black man with schizophrenia who was shot 14 times by a Milwaukee police officer. Hamilton’s family and community question the police department’s actions, seeking justice and truth.

Available on Tubi | 100% Rotten Tomatoes

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020)

Starring Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman, this film dramatizes a studio recording session of 1920s blues singer Ma Rainey, who feels she is poorly treated by her white producers.

Her band is also entangled in its own drama, as the trumpeter Levee Green tries to break away from the group.

Produced by Denzel Washington, Todd Black and Dany Wolf, this film was named one of the 10 best films of 2020 by the American Film Institute.

Available on Netflix | 98% Rotten Tomatoes

You can’t stop with the activism of the moment, you can’t stop with taking down the things of the past, you have to continue to replace them with better things of the future. What are those things?”

Noah Scalin, co-curator of the exhibit The image was captured during the transitional phase of the school’s name change, which was prompted by the series of racial justice protests in the summer of 2020. A formal vote and decision to rename the high school came from the Hanover County School Board on Oct. 13. The high school was previously named for Robert E. Lee, a prominent Confederate general, and Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy.

“Seeing the energy over the summer … really showed us that we have so much more to do in Richmond to combat white supremacy and place everyone in Richmond on a more equal path,” Cheatham said in an email.

Scalin and Cheatham previously collaborated on a project with Gallery5 called “The New Legacy.” The 2017 project sought to imagine Richmond as devoid of Confederate statues, and it inspired the foundation of “Richmond Capital of _____?”

“The end goal was never just to take our statues down but to transform our community,” Scalin said. “You can’t stop with the activism of the moment, you can’t stop with taking down the things of the past, you have to continue to replace them with better things of the future. What are those things?”

Gallery5 is located at 200 W. Marshall St. and open to the public Friday and Saturday from 5 - 10 p.m.

“The True Cost” (2015)

The damaging effects of quick and cheap clothing production, otherwise known as “fast fashion,” are explored in this jarring documentary. In 2013, a garment factory collapsed in Bangladesh, killing over 1,000 workers due to poor factory regulations. This film links the fashion industry to the poverty, sickness and environmental crises faced by developing nations.

Available on Tubi | 63% Rotten Tomatoes

“Parasite” (2019)

This dark comedy follows the Kim family, who are struggling to make ends meet.

To stay afloat, they deceive the wealthy Parks family into hiring them as a tutor and art therapist. While working for the Parks, they take advantage of the family’s luxurious lifestyle.

At the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, the film became the first South Korean film to win a Palme d’Or, the highest prize awarded at the festival. The following year, it won the Academy Award for Best Picture, making it the first non-English language film awarded the title.

Available on Hulu | 98% Rotten Tomatoes

“Ben is Back” (2018)

In this dramatic film, Julia Roberts plays a mom who tries to help her son, Ben, recover from drug addiction. Ben, played

by Lucas Hedges, returns home from rehab prematurely to see his mom for Christmas, but brings more stress to the family than cheer.

Available on Hulu | 82% Rotten Tomatoes

Have suggestions for our watchlist? Email spectrum@ commonwealthtimes.org

10 The Commonwealth Times

Quote of the week

“The dead cannot cry out for justice.

It is a duty of the living to do so for them.”

— Lois McMaster Bujold

TAGWA SHAMMET Opinions Editor TEN MONTHS. It has been 10 months since the murder of a fellow Black American. It has been 10 months since an officer put his knee on a Black man’s neck. It has been 10 months and still no justice.

May 25 is a day that will be remembered forever. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin responded to a call regarding a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store.

Somewhere along the way, the allegedly fake bill led to a knee on George Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds.

Now — 10 months later — we are being forced to relive this tragic day, those damning 9 minutes and 29 seconds, for the next month.

On March 29, Chauvin’s trial for the murder of Floyd commenced. Chauvin faces three charges: second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Jurors will have to determine whether they believe Chauvin is guilty and provide the judge with their decision.

I have watched the trial live every day since then. Starting with opening statements, I could already see how excruciating this was going to be.

The prosecution opened with video of Floyd’s murder, which was filmed on an iPhone by 17-year-old bystander Darnella Frazier. Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell highlighted the 9 minutes and 29 seconds that Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck to open the trial. Then, they debunked any narrative of Floyd having some form of heart failure or that his drug usage attributed to his death.

of them had their knee on Floyd’s neck.

There’s no reason innocent people who were powerless in that moment should be harboring such deep pain over a murder they never committed. They shouldn’t have to think “Could I have done more?” when they never should have been in that situation to begin with.

It feels like everyone is being traumatized by this trial except the very man on it.

Sure, they ’ ll convict Chauvin. It’ll be this nation’s way of showing that there’s faith to be restored in the justice system. For Illustration by Lauren Johnson those of us who never had faith in the system to begin with, Chauvin will serve as a win to shut us up for the foreseeable future.

He will be our reward to compensate for the freedom imply protecting the community from a of those like George Zimmerman, Darren fake $20 bill and serving the area by mur- Wilson, Brian Encinia and so many other dering Floyd. Great job, Chauvin. white authority officers who got away with The 9 minutes and 29 seconds Chauvin murdering innocent Black Americans. used to restrain Floyd is more than enough Chauvin will be sacrificed in an effort to evidence to show that Chauvin is guilty. appease us. I hate to break it to the system, What hurts me the most is watching but Chauvin isn’t enough. Just because you eyewitnesses account their version of what parade him onto my television screen all afhappened to Floyd, while tears swell in ternoon, that doesn’t mean justice for Floyd their eyes. They sob on the stand, bearing has been served. the burden and guilt of Floyd’s murder on The only person on trial here is Chauvin. their shoulders.

He must be made to answer for his crimes “If I would’ve just not tooken the bill, and receive the punishment this oh-sothis could’ve been avoided,” said 19-year- fair and just system has promised us all. old Christopher Martin, the cashier at Cup There’s nothing that can bring Floyd back Foods, after he expressed how guilty he felt to his family, back to our world; however, over the situation.

Chauvin’s conviction will surely make the He was just a kid doing his job. Now, sting hurt less. he seems to be more guilt ridden and shaken up than Chauvin does. Only one

THIS IS DEREK CHAUVIN’S TRIAL. Not George Floyd’s The defense, however, was all over the place. Blaming paramedics, the unruly crowd of six people, Floyd’s drug usage and anything under the sun that wasn’t Chauvin.

As the days progressed, it became abundantly clear that the defense had every intention of putting Floyd on trial. A dead man on trial. It churns my stomach every time I see Eric Nelson, Chauvin’s defense attorney, get up to speak.

In his opening statement, Nelson said, “The evidence is far greater than 9 minutes and 29 seconds.”

The reality is — it’s not.

If an average civilian put their knee on someone’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, this wouldn’t even be a conversation.

But, we can’t expect the same treatment for police officers, right? I mean, they’re just here to protect and serve. Chauvin was s

Tea Time with Tagwa My hijab is not oppressive, it is empowering

TAGWA SHAMMET Opinions Editor

Tea timers, Islamophobia is in the air.

The nation of France is finding itself in yet another tug of war with the hijab.

A hijab is a cloth worn over a Muslim woman’s head to create a sense of modesty and protect against the male gaze. It is a tradition practiced by many Muslim women. It is also commonly known as the most identifying factor of Islam. To many people, seeing a woman in hijab always indicates a practicing Muslim.

For the French government, the hijab is a red flag.

On April 2, members of the French senate voted on the “separatism bill,” which is comprised of roughly 51 parts, including these three: 1. To ban the wearing of the hijab in public for those under 18.

2. To ban burkinis in public pools.

3. To ban the wearing of the hijab for those accompanying children on school trips.

While the bill has not officially gone into law, the vote reflects the majority of the French upper house. Many senators view this bill as a form of respect to the nation and its morals.

Apparently Islam and the traditions valued by its followers are stark contradictions to France’s morality. I guess suppressing women and restricting them from partaking in their religious practices is not outside of France’s moral scope.

This is not the first time France and its people have disrespected the hijab and its importance in Islam. In 2016, armed French police arrived on a beach after spotting a Muslim woman in a burkini. A burkini is a hijabi version of a bathing suit that allows Muslim women to partake in water activities while staying fully clothed. The French police demanded that the women remove her burkini and articles of her clothing. This came alongside 15 French towns banning burkinis from their beaches.

Again, in 2018, Mennel Ibtissem — a Muslim woman wearing the hijab — appeared on the singing show The Voice.

While her voice wowed the audience and the judges, her hijab did not. Many French

form of female oppression in Islam. By banning it, their white savior complex allows them to believe they are saving Muslim woman.

As a Muslim woman, let me debunk that narrative for you. You aren’t saving anyone.

I pride myself in my hijab. Sure, it is an indicator of my religion, but it is so much more than that. It is modesty. It is comforting. It is empowering. Most importantly, it is a choice.

My parents never forced me to put my hijab on. In fact, both my sisters have refrained from putting it on. I chose to wear my hijab and I am proud to. It alIllustration by Karly Andersen lows me to highlight my religion while fans of the show began chastising her and challenging me to see what new styles verbally assaulting her through social media. I can showcase for the day. It invokes These social media attacks slowly turned creativity and joy. into a campaign for the removal of her from Muslim women are not these helpthe show and she became an enemy of the less creatures that must be saved. EspeFrench people. Eventually, Ibtissem left the cially not by Western men who have no competition. grasp on Islam.

The French government’s problem is France’s obsession with the hijab is not exclusively linked to the hijab; it stems just another obvious and explicit charade from what the hijab represents. They have a of Islamophobia disguised as empowerskewed belief that the hijab is just another ment. And that’s the tea.

Wed. April 7, 2021 11

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12 The Commonwealth Times

Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle KEY CHARACTERS

By Ed Sessa

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Los A ngel es Ti mes Sunday C rossword Puzzl e

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

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Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

Contact Dominique Lee @ leeds3@vcu.edu

KEY CHARACTERS

Lo s A n g e l e s Ti m e s Sunday Crossword Puzzle

Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis Key CharactersEdited

by EdbySessa

Level

Sudoku

1 3

By The Mepham Group

3

4

Complete the grid so each row, column, and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) containsSolution to Monday’s puzzle every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

1/15/19 Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit

Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle

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2

sudoku.org.uk

4/7/21

4

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, please visit sudoku.org.uk

DIFFICULTY LEVEL 1

2

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