The Commonwealth Times; October 14, 2026

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 @commonwealthtimes @theCT1

VOL. 73, NO. 9 OCTOBER 14TH, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT PRESS OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

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VCU students organize walkout to protest sexual violence in wake of Cornell lawsuit SAL ORLANDO News Editor

TADEK WIECZOREK Contributing Writer Around 90 people attended a walkout against sexual violence on Oct. 10, organized by the National Organization for Women at VCU and the Feminist Generation Richmond chapter. The protest follows a lawsuit filed by Jane Doe against Cornell University and seven Cornell Chi Phi fraternity members, alleging she was raped and drugged by the men at a frat house in 2024, according to ABC news. The walkout’s organizers demanded that VCU be transparent about who they are holding accountable for sexual violence. Rebecca Weil, founder and president of NOW at VCU, said she organized the event on very short notice, posting about the walkout three days only before. SEXUAL VIOLENCE WALKOUT Continued on page 4

Walkout attendees hold signs and listening to speakers at the walkout against sexual violence in Monroe Park on Oct. 8. Photo by Burke Loftus.

Richmond adopts resolution ‘Morale is low, but to restrict disclosure of camaraderie residents’ immigration status is high’ DEBORAH AGUILERA Contributing Writer Richmond City Council unanimously approved a resolution on Sept. 28 d i r e c t i n g M a y or D a n ny Av u l a’s administration to establish a citywide “ Tr ust Policy” governing how cit y employees handle residents’ immigration information and cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. The resolution, introduced by 9th District Councilmember Nicole Jones, aims to establish clearer boundaries for the city’s involvement in federal immigration matters while maintaining trust between local government and immigrant communities, according to the legislation. In May, R ic h mond a n nou nced additional restrictions on federal access to its automated license plate reader data and reiterated that the Richmond Police Department does not enforce federal immigration law or coordinate with the U.S. Immigration and Customs

Richmond City Hall, where New Virginia Majority held a rally demanding Mayor Avula to limit the city’s cooperation with ICE on Sept. 28. Photo by Burke Loftus. Enforcement (ICE). Avula announced last week that the city will not renew the contract with Flock, but may sign anew contract with a different ALPR vendor, according to VPM. Under t he ne w resolut ion, t he administration is directed to develop formal

regulations by Jan. 1, 2027, outlining how city employees may handle and disclose immigration-status information, subject to applicable laws and exceptions. TRUST POLICY Continued on page 4

Bad Move Night VCU falls to La Salle in hard Club is so bad fought game that it’s good see SPECTRUM page 10

see SPORTS page 6

VCUarts students respond to exclusion of fall ‘26 seniors in spring exhibition ELLIE WALTMAN, Managing Editor PAPR SENIORS Continued on page 2

Opinions: Your tattoos do not make you less feminine see OPINIONS page 14

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News

Stories of the week

NATIONAL: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the U.S. military plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, an ex-army major convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009. INTERNATIONAL: Indonesia relocated eight endangered orangutans following a wildfire that destroyed their habitats. The primates rescued included three mothers with infants and two adolescent males.

SGA led partnership provides students with free monthly STI and HIV screenings

Ilustration by Jackson Bechtold.

KAYLA MUÑECAS Assistant News Editor. A partnership between VCU Student Hea lt h, t he St udent Gover nment Association and the Minority Health Consortium is making free HIV and STI screening available for students on a monthly basis. The next event will take place on Oct. 27th, on the second f loor of the VCU Student Health Services building at 1300 W. Broad St.

The project was initiated by SGA’s former secretary of state, Maddie Funk, according to SGA delegate Sollina Abraham. Funk witnessed a similar free screening service at the College of William and Mary, which was funded by their SGA, and felt inspired to do the same at VCU, according to Abraham. The partnership was led by Dr. Shannon Green, director of VCU Student Health and worked on by SGA delegate Sollina Abraham and former SGA delegate Arjun Nair.

One of the biggest obstacles in creating this event was "nding sufficient funding, but with the help of nonpro"t organizations in Richmond, it was made possible, according to Abraham. A collaboration with the Nationz Foundation, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, led to a first trial, which took place in the Student Commons in December of 2025. At the trial, 150 donated screenings were conducted. “It was encouraging because we know that there’s a demand…but it’s also a little sad because it’s like, ‘Wow there is such great need, and we helped 150 people, but who else could have bene"ted from it?’” Nair said. The students decided to continue and expand the program, resulting in a collaboration with the Minority Health Consortium, which provided free screenings, Plan B and condoms for the event this year. Narcan, a nasal spray that reverses overdoses, is also available at the clinic. Nair explained the benef its of this program for college-aged students. Almost half of all new STI cases each year are amongst people aged 15 to 24, according to the CDC. The majority of college students fall between this age range, they can be at risk if no precautions are taken. However, there are various obstacles that come with pursuing sexual healthcare as college students, Nair explained.

“Thinking about college students, sometimes we don’t want to use our parents’ insurance, right?” Nair said. “Because we don’t want to hear, "Oh, like what is this charge coming in?” Paying for medical fees out of pocket also poses an issue. A comprehensive STI screening through VCU Student Health costs about $35 dollars, according to the Universit y St udent Hea lth Services website. Nair said the cost is “quite a bit of money,” but it is worse if students go outside of VCU Student Health. He said he heard from a student they had to pay over $100 for an outside service. “ W hen half of these cases come from people in our age group, I feel like this is something that should be kind of commonplace to help support student hea lth and wel l-being,” Nair said, explaining SGA’s goal is to bridge the gap between cost and accessibility. To do this, the SGA’s free STI/HIV screening events have health educators, educational pamphlets, contraceptives and other resources available. “Students who are struggling with the stigma around having an STI should know there’s people out there who can help you, professionals that are willing to talk to you about what you’re experiencing,” Abraham said.

‘Morale is low, but camaraderie is high’ VCU Arts students respond to exclusion of fall ‘26 seniors in spring exhibition

VCU Arts Painting & Printmaking major, Mya Jackson, in their studio space on Oct 8, 2026. Photo by Landon G. Walker ELLIE WALTMAN Managing Editor VCUarts seniors in the Painting and Printmaking department graduating this fall were informed that they could not participate in the upcoming 2027 Spring Senior Exhibition held at the Anderson. This follows the department’s failure to inform the students who are graduating in

VCU Arts Painting & Printmaking major, Sophie Nave, in her studio space on Oct 8, 2026. Photos by Landon G. Walker December that they had to participate in the Spring 2026 Senior Exhibition to have their work featured. The Anderson, a student exhibition and programming space located on Franklin St., hosts each senior exhibition to allow students the opportunity to learn about connecting their work to public audiences.

Sophie Nave, a fourth-year Painting and Printmaking major, said the students in the department learned about this rule during their orientation for the presentation of their work. The seniors were invited to the Anderson for an orientation walking them through the process of exhibiting.

“The way we found out was truly by happenstance,” Nave said. “We get about 10 minutes into this orientation presentation, and the director is telling us about this Canvas course that’s going to have all the information on it,” Nave said. The graduating class would not have learned of this rule if the director of the

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Anderson had not responded to further questions about the Canvas course, according to Nave. “I raised my hand and I ask, ‘If we were going to be graduating this December and the show’s in the springtime, our VCU email is not going to work anymore. Once we graduate, how are we going to have access to this Canvas course?’” Nave said. “Kind of o$ handedly, the director says, ‘Well, if you’re not enrolled in spring class, then you won’t participate in the capstone exhibition.’” Nave said that her peers, as well as faculty present, were shocked to learn of the requirement. “We all kind of looked at each other and were like, ‘Did you just hear what I heard?’ I looked over to my professor and he looked just as shocked as everyone else,” Nave said. “We were extremely confused because this was a huge information drop and it should have been relayed to us sooner.” Nave said that despite the news, the department, predominantly students, has come together to support those who will be a$ected. “Morale is low, but camaraderie is high,” Nave said. Grace Sharpe, a fourth-year Painting and Printmaking major, said that while she was not present for the orientation, the response was immediate.

“My classmate called me the very same day that happened and she was obviously very frustrated,” Sharpe said. “When I came back to class that following Tuesday and Thursday, we kind of discussed what we could do as a group.” Sharpe said she was most frustrated and confused by not being able to participate in the senior capstone due to the preset rule in place despite the Anderson hosting artists who are not VCU students. “I know it was some policy issue about us not being students anymore, but there’s other artists who come and they aren’t students and they’re not affiliates of VCU and they still show at the Anderson,” Sharpe said. “I was going to assume that same process would be applied to us, and I feel like even more grace would have been given because we are alum in the spring.” Sher yl Oring, the cha ir of the Department of Fine Arts program, said she is using her role to create more opportunities for the graduating students to elevate the work they have created in their time at VCU. “I believe really strongly that graduating students deserve meaningful opportunities to share and celebrate the work that they developed at VCU,” Oring said. “My job is to listen to their concerns and work with faculty and students to create the strongest opportunities that we can.”

Oring said that listening to the students’ concerns and correcting the issue was her main priority throughout the process. “I just wanted to listen to their concerns and they were clearly sad that they had missed an opportunity to have an exhibition, so we’ve corrected that,” Oring said. “We’re really excited to be able to celebrate their work.”

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The Painting and Printmaking Senior Exhibition will be featured in the Joseph H. Seipel Gallery located in the Murry N. DePillars Building on Nov. 13 in place of the Spring 2027 exhibition.

VCU construction focuses on new builds despite concerns for its aging facilities MADELEINE BIONDI reserves maintenance funds for immediate Staff Writer

Housing mathematics and University level classes, Harris Hall is one of the older VCU academic buildings, being built in 1972 and currently located on Floyd Avenue. Photos by Catt Brito

The ONE VCU Master Plan expands major construction projects while largely opting to decommission old buildings rather than repair. VCU uses the Six-Year Capital Plan, prioritizing capital projects with largescale construction and substantial funding. Funding for maintenance is state-derived while construction project reserves are sourced from the state, university and public-private partnership, according to the plan’s website. CoStar, an online real estate company and one of VCU’s notable corporate investors, is working in tandem with the university to create the CoStar Center for the Arts and Innovation as a consolidation of both visual and performing arts. The multidisciplinary building for theatre, music, dance, cinema and the Da Vinci Center aims for use in 2028, according to the VCUArts website. Brian McNeill, VCU’s Public Relations Director, explains that VCU typically

needs rather than renovation projects. “An important outcome of long-term master planning is to demolish facilities that are beyond their useful life and construct new,” McNeill said. “Generally, when facilities reach the end of their useful life, the most cost-e$ective longterm strategy is often to decommission and redevelop rather than continue accumulating deferred maintenance costs on aging infrastructure.” 87 of the 200 buildings owned by VCU are over 100 years old, and often require updating envelopes, structures and HVAC systems. In 2026, the state gave VCU $21.1 million for maintenance, according to McNeill. The Ginter House and Founder’s Hall are among VCU’s 19th century buildings receiving funds for maintenance, with Founders Hall reaching completion in June, according to the VCU website. Halle Clark, a fourth-year biology student, said the STEM buildings varied wildly in quality, with high-tech updates in some areas leaving others neglected.

Graphic Design, Fashion, Photo and Film are all arts majors located in the Pollak Building on North Harrison Street, one of the older art buildings built back in 1971.

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News

“The newer buildings are definitely made nicer,” Clark said. “The old buildings, they have a charm, but they are harder to do anything in. I don’t know if we need new buildings, per se, but "xing up some of the existing old ones. It’d be great if they could repurpose them.” Moisture concerns affected Johnson Hall in 2021, resulting in the dorm closing due to the presence of black mold. Molly Case, the Communications Director at VCU, explains that VCU has since increased their measures which are overseen by both a building manager and "ve maintenance districts on campus. “VCU maintains its facilities to prevent mold through routine equipment maintenance, active temperature and humidity controls, and rapid responses to maintenance requests,” Case said. Johnson Ha ll is currently being considered for an administrative building, but has not been touched, according to a past report by the CT. Since then, the closing of Johnson Hall has coupled with VCU’s growing class size of 4500 freshmen, resulting in a

TRUST POLICY Mira Signer, the mayor’s press secretary, stated in an email that it is a resolution that should direct the administration to develop a policy intended to protect residents’ safety and personal information. She stated that the measure will establish guidelines for how residents’ information is handled and ensure that their con"dential details are not shared with unauthorized parties. The resolution is intended to strengthen residents’ con"dence in local government

SEXUAL VIOLENCE WALKOUT “I am watching in anger as the institutions that are meant to protect us are failing us,” Weil said during her speech. “I’m watching as the police, as the attorney generals, as the administrators, are just now pretending to care.” Weil said she does not believe VCU is doing enough to support students who are victims of sexual assault. “I want to make people care and I want to show not just VCU as an institution, but also the people who make up VCU,” Weil

Academic Advising; campus Learning Center; and teaching spaces are all located inside of Hibbs Hall, a multipurpose academics building located at 900 Park Avenue and built all the way back in 1965. Making it one of the older VCU academic buildings.

need for housing. The West Grace Street Housing Project began as a replacement and expansion of Johnson Hall, with plans for 945 beds available by fall 2028. Sof ia Robinson, a f irst-yea r in psychology student, said construction favored STEM, sports and arts, prioritizing hype and modernization. “They’re not "xing old buildings due to the cost of what it’s gonna cost to "x,” Robinson said. “The STEM buildings are already nice, add a little budget to the older buildings to respect the culture.” An o$-campus athletic village is also in progress, with one of its four phases already in use. Phase one consisted of a soccer "eld, outdoor track and practice "elds, with preplans aiming to follow it with a tennis center and indoor "eld house, according to the VCU website. Additionally, the Cary Street Gym Aquatics Center reopened on Oct. 5 sporting a new HVAC and lighting system with a repaired pool deck and replastered pool, however removing the slide, according to its website.

and encourage individuals to seek the support they need without concerns about the potential consequences, according to Signer “From the administration’s perspective, this unit y ref lects a shared goal of improving trust, transparency and safety for all Richmond residents, particularly its immigrant communities,” Signer stated. The policy is scheduled to launch on Oct. 19, with its introduction representing an initial step toward establishing a consistent approach to protecting residents’ information.

Counci lmember A nd rew Breton stated in an email that he was grateful the resolution passed despite initial concerns about unwanted attention on the city of Richmond from higher levels of government. “Councilmember Jones prioritizes citizen engagement, and the outcome of those efforts gives us certainty that this is the right thing for Richmonders,” Breton said. Elena Camacho is a communit y organizer for the New Virginia Majority, where she regularly works with immigrant

communities. When discussing the policy with these communities, she highlighted the importance of political trust and honesty between the local government and residents. “ T h is p ol ic y is supp osed ly a n arrangement for residents’ safety and information, and it should not be disclosed to others,” Camacho stated. “A great step has been made, but the work needs to continue,” Camacho stated.

said. “I want to show them that we are here for them, and not here for VCU.” Weil said the people in the VCU Title IX office care deeply about what they do, but she believes Title IX as an institution is not designed to hold rapists accountable or reduce sexual violence. “I see these posters around [saying] ‘We’re in the red zone,’” Weil said. “Okay, what the f*ck are we doing about that?” Z ate y a Ja c k s on , a memb e r of Feminist Generation Richmond, said she acknowledges the resources that VCU offers to students, but feels that people who do come out about their experiences

with sexual violence by those in power at the university will not be taken seriously by VCU. “VCU has services out there, but they’re not easily accessible and they’re not proclaimed,” Jackson said. Jackson said given that some women are accused of lying after coming out about sexual assault, VCU needs to show that they support victims and investigate reports. “As women and as people, we want to know if we are sitting next to a rapist, we want to know if we are sitting next to someone who sexually assaulted somebody,

because that puts our safety at risk,” Jackson said. Protesters chanted during the rally, ‘We believe them, we believe you,’ referring to victims of sexual violence. Numerous attendees were survivors who chose to tell their stories. In solidarity with the survivors, many attendees yelled “f***,” followed by the names of the perpetrators from their own stories. Deborah Cohen, a protest attendee, said a similar situation to the alleged Cornell gang rape occurred 42 years ago at the University of Florida while she attended. It involved a 17-year-old girl being coerced

A walkout attendee wears red paint in the shape of a handprint on their arm, often symbolizing non-consensual touching at the walkout against sexual violence in Monroe Park on Oct. 8. Photos by Burke Loftus.

Organizer, fourth-year political science student and president of NOW at VCU Rebecca Weil speaking at the walkout against sexual violence in Monroe Park on Oct. 8. She wears a white shirt covered in red saying ‘BLOOD OF RAPISTS.’

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into sexual acts with multiple men in order to attain “little sister” status within the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity. At the time, the fraternity was disciplined, however, no criminal charges were "led. “If we don’t shut these fraternities down permanently, women on campuses are never going to be safe,” Cohen said. Cohen said she "nds it encouraging that so many young people went out to protest sexual violence. She said she was surprised that more faculty members did not go out to express their support. “I think it’s critically important for faculty members and administrators at these institutions to support their students in trying to make changes in these structures,” Cohen said. Scout Knapton, a third-year musical theater student, said she was supposed to

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have class during the time of the walkout, but her professor canceled class so people could attend the protest. “I am infuriated at the treatment of women in this country right now because the lack of representation of support that we have as a country for survivors is quite frankly disgusting,” Knapton said. Knapton said she wonders why “the red zone” should even be a fear for students on campus. “The biggest fear survivors can have a lot of the time is lack of support, so to come out here and see so many people supporting, that means a lot to everyone, and especially survivors,” Knapton said. A few hours after the walkout, the VCU Division of Student A$airs sent out an email to students providing sexual violence prevention resources.

A father speaks at the walkout against sexual violence in Monroe Park, holding a sign saying ‘EDUCATE YOUR SONS.’ on Oct. 8.

A walkout attendee holds a sign saying ‘BELIEVE WOMEN’ at the walkout against sexual violence in Monroe Park on Oct. 8.

A walkout attendee speaks to the crowd, recounting their little sisters experiences with sexual harassment at the walkout against sexual violence in Monroe Park on Oct. 8.

A walkout attendee holds a sign saying ‘BELIEVE WOMEN’ at the walkout against sexual violence in Monroe Park on Oct. 8.

Three students sit in Monroe Park listening to speakers at the walkout against sexual violence in Monroe Park on Oct. 8. One holds a sign saying ‘I’M WITH JANE.’

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Sports

Stat of the week

VCU men’s soccer scored a goal with one second remaining to beat Loyola 1-0.

VCU falls to La Salle in hard fought game

GAME RESULTS 10/2/26

DEVYNN ALSTON Staff Writer

VCU women’s soccer fell to La Salle University 5-2 on Sunday afternoon, as the Explorers’ early scoring and secondhalf offense proved to be too much for the Rams to overcome. La Salle graduate student forward Justyce Hollenbach scored within the first 10 minutes of the match, before finding the back of the net again during the 20th minute to give the Explorers an early 2-0 lead. VCU responded four minutes later when third-year midfielder Shiori Shintaku scored, cutting La Salle’s lead to 2-1. However, the Explorers regained their two-goal advantage at the 40-minute mark when third-year forward/midfielder Alexis Garcia scored, seeing La Salle go into the half with a 3-1 lead. Even though they trailed, the Rams recorded five shots during the first half, with three being on target. However, VCU struggled to turn its possessions into consistent scoring opportunities. “We really did have control a lot of the game, but then we just couldn’t get that final shot off,” VCU head coach Lauryn Hutchinson said. VCU came out amped after halftime, as fourth-year forward Jazmin Jackson scored in the opening minute of the second half to cut the deficit to 3-2. The goal marked Jackson’s third of the season and allowed the Rams to close the gap.

Jackson said that the team’s halftime conversations focused on raising morale and playing with more determination. “I feel like second half, we came out with a lot more f ight and grit,” Jackson said. Despite the early second-half goal, La Salle maintained its offensive pressure. Garcia scored again in the 58th minute, extending the Explorers’ lead to 4-2. Firstyear forward Shiloh Moore added another goal during the 84th minute to secure the 5-2 victory. VCU continued to possess the ball throughout the second half, but struggled to generate shots. In the 81st minute, fourth-year defender/midfielder Brianna Lawrence attempted a shot but was off target. Hutchinson said the team must improve its execution in both attacking and defense, emphasizing how possession alone isn’t enough to win games. “It’s great that we can keep the ball in the middle, but if we can’t score, we can’t defend,” Hutchinson said. “That’s one of our biggest pieces from our game model, be the best in both boxes.” Jackson echoed her coach’s assessment, pointing to composure and decisionmaking as areas of improvement. “I think we just need to take a deep breath on the ball and just pick our heads up,” Jackson said. “I feel like the game

VCU FH - VS #20 CAL LOST 4-0

10/7/26 VCU MSOC - VS GWU TIE 1-1

10/8/26 VCU WSOC - AT FU LOST 2-0

10/9/26 VCU WXC - AT LANCER PINK INVITATIONAL 3RD PLACE / 6 TEAMS

VCU FH - VS LHU WON 5-2 Second-year forward Isabelle Franklin kicks the ball vs La Salle. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics. would open up a lot better if we just had more time to make the right decisions.” Shintaku acknowledged the physical challenge of the match, noting the rainy, slippery conditions and La Salle’s aggressive style of play. She said the team would regroup in practice ahead of its next game. VCU will look to build on its second-half response when they take on George Washington at the Athletic Village on Oct. 17.

Thriller finish: VCU bests Loyola University Chicago 1-0

VCU VB - VS URI WON 3-1

10/10/26 VCU VB - VS URI WON 3-0 VCU MSOC - VS LUC WON 1-0

10/11/26 VCU FH - VS FU LOST 2-0

10/12/26 VCU WSOC - VS LU LOST 5-2

VCU MTEN - AT ATLANTIC REGIONAL WON 11 LOST 12

10/13/26 VCU GOLF - AT MORAINE INTERCOLLEGIATE 1ST PLACE / 16 TEAMS

VCU men’s soccer celebrates the last second game winning goal by first-year midfielder Esteban Vasquez. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics. BENNEY KOCH Staff Writer VCU men’s soccer defeated Loyola University Chicago 1-0 on Saturday at the VCU Athletic Village, scoring with one second remaining in regulation to secure their first win at the new facility.

The Rams have dealt with persistent i nj u r i e s t h r o u g h o ut t h e s e a s on . VCU entered Sat urday look ing to build momentum in its final Atlantic 10 m atc hup s w h i l e m a n a g i n g a depleted roster. Both teams struggled to generate scoring opportunities in a defense-heavy first half. VCU recorded one shot on goal and Loyola

had two. Fourth-year goalkeeper Trevor Maloney made two saves in the opening 15 minutes to keep the match scoreless at halftime. In the 52nd minute, first-year midfielder Bya Ndimubandi received a second yellow card and was sent off, forcing VCU to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match.

Despite the disadvantage, VCU continued to hold off Loyola’s attack. The Ramblers outshot the Rams 20-10, but Maloney finished with three saves to earn his first shutout of the season. With the clock winding down, VCU found one final opportunity. Third-year defender Nikita Hayes sent a ball into the top of the six-yard box, where first-year midfielder Esteban Vasquez finished with a one-touch shot to score the game-winning goal with one second remaining. The goal was Vasquez’s first collegiate score and Hayes’ first assist of the season. Vasquez said the moment was especially meaningful given the circumstances surrounding the match. “Gratef u l for ever y one of my teammates, grateful to God that these are the ones that have been helping me in this journey,” Vasquez said. “[It’s] amazing, it’s my first goal. Especially in that moment of the match, with one less player – it’s a grateful day and a day to remember for all my life.”

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Hayes said the team knew it needed to maintain its energy after Ndimubandi’s ejection and continue fighting for a chance to score. “It was amazing. All of us worked really hard before the red card and then after he got sent off, we knew we had to keep our momentum going and still have the positive energy,” Hayes said. “We just kept fighting and kept trying to score, and we got a chance, and took it.” VCU head coach Dave Giffard said the

team’s morale has remained strong despite losing players to injuries throughout the season. He said the group’s willingness to step into bigger roles and continue competing is a ref lection of the team’s culture. “Guys keep stepping up and answering the bell. Today was nice to have [Esteban] come in – he’d been injured and hadn’t been available for three weeks or so, and came in and probably played his best game here for us,” Giffard said.

Giffard said the win gives the Rams three important points in the conference standings and keeps them in control of their chances to earn a position that would provide an additional week of rest before the A-10 Tournament. With the team still managing injuries and Ndimubandi unavailable for the next match, Giffard said health and recovery will be the primary focus in practice this week. The victory moves VCU to 2-2-1 in conference play and extends its unbeaten

VCU field hockey locks down the win in high scoring affair

VCU women's field hockey celebrates vs Lock Haven. Photo by Ashley Davis.

VCU field hockey defeated Lock Haven University 5-2 on Friday afternoon at Cary St. Field, improving to 7-5 on the season. VCU took an aggressive approach, launching several shots on target in the first few minutes and staying on the attack. With 7 minutes left in the first quarter, second-year Hannah Zimmerman struck first, scoring off a pass from third-year Lucia Donati. “When I’m in the middle, everyone just knows their job,” Zimmerman said. “The left knows her job, the right knows her job, the middle knows her job, so just following through is what I’m supposed to be doing.” Lock Haven responded quickly, drawing back to back penalty corners and scoring on the second attempt to tie things up 1-1 at the end of the first quarter. VCU stayed on the attack into the second quarter, applying pressure and forcing multiple saves by Lock Haven. With just 35 seconds left in the second quarter, VCU struck again, with first-year Julia Spohr scoring unassisted to take a 2-1 lead into the half. VCU kept the pressure up into the second half, attempting multiple shots on goal. Lock Haven responded with a penalty corner, but VCU secured the ball,

streak to three games. With three regularseason matches remaining, the Rams will look to carry Saturday’s momentum into the final stretch as they pursue a strong position in the A-10 standings. VCU will travel to face Saint Louis University on Saturday, Oct. 17, before taking on Duquesne on Saturday, Oct. 24. The Rams will return to the Athletic Village on Saturday, Oct. 31, to close out the regular season against George Mason University.

DREW CLEMENTS Contributing Writer and Spohr found the back of the net for her second goal of the game a few minutes later. The Rams stayed on the attack throughout the third quarter, with Zimmerman narrowly missing shots to the right of the goal and later off of the left post. Lock Haven opened the scoring in the fourth quarter off of a penalty corner, coming within a goal of tying the game back up. VCU failed to convert a penalty corner of their own when Lock Haven blocked a shot by Donati. The Rams quickly answered though, and thirdyear Ashley Doyle scored to increase the VCU lead to 4-2. Later in the fourth, Zimmerman found the net as well off a pass from fourth-year Mackenzie White, and VCU held on to secure the 5-2 victory. VCU head coac h Stace y Bea n highlighted her team’s offensive accuracy, but believes there is still work to be done. “We were able to convert because we got 15 out of 16 shots on target… that’s by far the highest percentage we’ve had in my time here,” said Bean. “We’ve still got some work to do on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in our defensive third, our defensive fifty, we gotta be more disciplined.”

VCU men’s soccer ties 1-1 against George Washington, injuries continue CHASE BERMAN, Contributing Writer The VCU men’s soccer team tied 1-1 against The George Washington University on Wednesday. The Rams are now 1-7-3 for the regular season. The energy was high throughout the game. The Rams led possession throughout most of the first half, but a series of bad turnovers led to the Revolutionaries fighting back. However, neither team was able to score in the first half. The second half saw more action and physicality. Fourth-year midfielder Andrey

Salmeron scored his first goal of the season less than five minutes into the second half, but the Revolutionaries quickly tied the game with a goal from first-year forward Tommaso Lami. O vera l l, t he R a ms outshot t he Revolutionaries 15 to 11. These shots on goal have been a major focus of VCU head coach Dave Gifford. “It’s a game of percentages and odds, right,” Giffard said. “You have seven or eight chances that could have been goals and you get one. If that number is 25 or 30 chances…you probably get three or four and you’re really comfortable.”

VCU men’s soccer prepares to take the field vs GWU. Photo by Ashley Davis.

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Third-year midf ielder Mohammed Ibrahim, who contributed an assist, and Salmeron both stressed the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. “We always have to keep that mentality high, you know, whether we lose or win. We just have to keep going,” Ibrahim said. Salmeron had an optimistic outlook after the match. “After the Dayton game, we were really hyped for, like a new chapter in our season because we were losing almost every game,” Salmeron said. Fourth-year midfielder Lucas White left the match with an undisclosed injury. According to Gifford, injuries have plagued the team all year – an issue that led to all three staff playing during the pre-season. These injuries resulted in many team members having to play more minutes or step into new roles. “As you trim the margins, as everything gets smaller, there’s less people, less quality, ready people and you’re running them harder and harder and you see the fatigue set in,” Gifford said. “Got a lot of guys who have a great mentality…we just keep going.” Third-year midfielder Mohammed Ibrahim dribbles the ball vs GWU. Photo by Ashley Davis.

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Spectrum

On This Day

On Oct. 14, 1926, author A.A. Milne had his first ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ book published.

One of Shelf Life Books’ two store cats rests in the window of the small bookshop in Carytown. Photos by Chiara Wells.

Cats on the clock!

The many cats of Richmonds’ businesses SANIYAH PULLEN Contributing writer If you have spent the day shopping in Richmond, you have likely encountered a business with a friendly feline roaming the store. From Lowes’s on Broad St. to the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, cats have become familiar faces at establishments across the city. While there is no documented historical reason why Richmond businesses employ cats, felines have served a practical purpose in the workplace. For centuries, cats have worked as mousers, largely in distillers, to help prevent mice from invading their establishments. Today, cats have since found their way into local establishments, becoming beloved familiars in their communities.

Toby, who lived in the house neighboring Garnett’s and hung around the storefront. Toby passed away in August. Photos courtesy of John Murden.

The Poe Museum

H a n n a h R uby, m a rk et i n g a nd development coordinator at The Poe Museum, said the groundskeeper found three kittens named Edgar, Pluto and Catalina in November 2012. “Catalina was adopted by a staff member, and Edgar and Pluto were kept at the museum and taken care of by the staff,” Ruby said. Edgar remains at the museum, and after Pluto’s passing, the museum decided to adopt a kitten, named Tib, to keep Edgar company, according to Ruby. “Edgar and Tib definitely make the museum more exciting and more fun, it’s always a treat when people come to visit and they don’t know we have cats and they get really excited,” Ruby said. “It definitely brightens people’s day.” While the Poe Museum is meant to educate on the life and work of Edgar Allen Poe, Ruby said the staff hopes the museum inspires creativity in visitors. “It’s really about getting people to lean into more of a creative spirit, encouraging people to write their own poetry and short stories and things like that,” Ruby said. “The garden and the cats being there, it feels like a very inviting space to hone in on your own creative, and do what Poe was doing himself.”

Garnett’s Cafe

John Murden, manager at Garnett’s Cafe, said their neighbor’s cat, Toby, “adopted” their sandwich shop on his own. He said the shop’s scents, customers and atmosphere kept Toby hanging around the shop. “Everyone was happy to see him, he was always funny,” Murden said. “He would sit around and sleep in the sun, and during Covid he always tried to sneak into the cafe.” Murden said Toby’s presence helped draw people to Ga rnet t ’s, and he appreciates the role other local cats play in Richmond businesses. Although Toby died in August at age 21, he remained a source of happiness for Ga rnet t ’s customers for many years, Murden said. “He wouldn’t prance right up to you,” Murden said. “He would come over near you and see if you would pet him. He loved being picked up and he was aloof in his old man ways.”

Lowe’s on Broad

One of the most popular Richmond cats is Francine, who resides at the Lowe’s at 1640 W. Broad St.. In 2024, Lowe’s named Francine as a “local legend” on its website. In September of 2025, Francine went missing, and local residents dedicated their time to finding her, according to a previous report by the CT. Thousands of Richmond residents volunteered to search for her, and many used social media to bring the search to national attention, according to the CT. Francine’s disappearance was reported

on by The Associated Press and The Washington Post. An event called “Francine Fest” was hosted the following October after Francine was found, according to the CT. One of the leaders for the search and event for Francine, Elise Gilmore, stated that Francine’s search and rescue mission would not have happened outside of Richmond. “I think Richmond is an anomaly,” Gilmore stated. “In New York, it wouldn’t have happened there. It wouldn’t have happened in Miami.”

Business Cats RVA

Business Cats RVA is a project looking to bring awareness to the cats residing at Richmond businesses. Angie Michelson, project manager for Business Cats RVA, said cats bring businesses and their communities together in a unique way. She said that when Francine went missing, she felt like the entire city was concerned for her safety and was looking for her. “A lot of these businesses have rescued these cats, so it humanizes businesses in a way,” Michelson said. “The staff are always super excited to talk about these cats which creates a closer relationship with customers.” More whereabouts on cats in businesses can be found at Business Cats RVA Instagram @business.cats.rva.

Francine rests on a pile of Christmas tree boxes at the Lowe’s on Broad Street. Photo by Chiara Wells.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

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Ghosts of Richmond: Fact, folklore or something more? AALIYAH SHARROCK Contributing writer With Halloween approaching, ghost stories and tales of haunted places are finding their way back in town. From historic locations surrounded by local legends to paranormal investigators searching for answers, the city’s fascination with the unexplained continues to spark curiosity among residents and visitors alike. In Richmond, some take their interest in the paranormal further by exploring the history of reportedly haunted locations and unexplained activity. Tr a n s c e n d P a r a n o r m a l i s a paranormal investigation team based in Richmond. Formed in 2010, they help individuals navigate and understand paranormal activity. The team conducts investigations at alleged haunted locations. During these events, team members organize participants into smaller groups and lead them through investigations. Many participants are experienced paranormal investigators who bring their own equipment. T he g roup a l so conduc t s f re e investigations for people seeking help with reported paranormal activity in their homes or surroundings. During these investigations, Transcend Paranormal uses equipment such as K2 meters, maglites and electromagnetic field readers to help examine paranormal activity. Shenia Wong, Transcend Paranormal investigator and owner of Dunnlora Inn, joined the team about three years ago after previously working with another paranormal investigation team. Wong said the team’s supportive atmosphere, curated by Steve Dills, director of Transcend

Paranormal and historian of The Ghost Finders, sparked her interest in joining. “When doing investigations, sometimes we’ll learn things that we didn’t even know,” Wong said. “Then sometimes you go back and find out that was the name they mentioned on the spirit box or ‘Wow, that really did happen.’” Haunts of R ichmond, a walk ing ghost tour and paranormal histor y company founded in 2004, focuses on historical storytelling, folklore and the unexplained. After founders Scott and Sandi Bergman retired in 2016, long-term employees Chris and Beth Houlihan took over the business, according to Haunts of Richmond’s website. Chris Houlihan, vice president of Haunts of Richmond, spent many years reading ghost stories and visiting haunted locations, eventually leading him to start as a greeter for the haunt in 2009. Houlihan said there is not a universally accepte d a ns wer on wh at ma k e s something haunted. “Generally speaking, a location develops a reputation for being haunted when people report unexplained experiences,” Houlihan said. “These might include unusual sounds, apparitions or unexplained movements.” Shantel Mitchell, Newport News resident visiting Richmond, said she believes in paranormal activity because energy is everlasting. She said she believes that depending on religion or beliefs, energy can determine how deep folklore can go involving demons, urban legends, creatures or just plain spirits. “ We a r e e n e r g y b e i n g s a n d ever ything has frequency,” Mitchell said. “Because of those reasons, I do believe in the paranormal.”

A Haunts of Richmond ghost tour at the Egyptian Building on the MCV campus. Photo Courtesy of Haunts of Richmond. Beliefs ref lect how people interpret une x pla ined e x per iences a nd f uel their curiosity about the supernatural, according to Mitchell. Karma Chenault, a first-year medical laboratory science student, said hearing stor ie s about ot her s’ e x p er ience s contributed to her belief in ghosts, despite not experiencing paranormal activity herself. “I think I would definitely participate in an investigation,” Chenault said. “It would

A Haunts of Richmond ghost tour at Bellevue Elementary School. Photo Courtesy of Haunts of Richmond.

probably be pretty interesting and it could either further my belief or debunk it.” Whether through personal beliefs, paranormal investigations or stories rooted in Richmond’s history, interest in the unexplained takes different forms across the city. For believers and skeptics alike, reported hauntings offer a reason to revisit the people, places and events behind the stories.

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The Commonwealth Times

Spectrum

Bad Move Night Club is so bad that it’s good SADIE PORTER Contributing Writer There is not a theater experience quite like Bad Movie Night Club. Viewers are free to react however they like without judgement from the other members. Hosting a screening every Wednesday at 8 p.m., Bad Movie Night shows some truly terrible, high camp movies.

Gabriel Kelso, a fourth-year graphic design student and the club’s founder and president, had the idea to create Bad Movie Night on a whim when he spoke to a friend about his love for bad movies. Little did Kelso know that so many people share his niche interest and were waiting for a club like this. What constitutes a bad movie? There is a difference between a f ilm being

Bad Movie Night Club founder and president Gabriel Kelso set up a spontaneous playlist of the ‘vine boom’ sound e!ect on YouTube. The playlist was synced over a screening of ‘The Bye Bye Man,’ randomly going o! at random intervals of the movie. Photo by Burke Loftus.

Bad Movie Night Club founder and president Gabriel Kelso at a screening of ‘The Bye Bye Man’ on Oct. 7. Photo by Burke Loftus.

unwatchable versus a film that had good intentions and a substantial budget but failed to meet expectations. Bad Movie Night Club encourages v ie w e r s to s e t a s id e t r a d it ion a l theater etiquet te and embrace the absurdity of the films. “If something particularly ridiculous happens, we’ ll probably shout it out and then we talk about it afterwards,” Kelso said. Beckett Dews, a second-year English student and the club’s treasurer and social media manager, joined Kelso after he reached out in need of extra officers. As a longtime film enthusiast, Dews was happy to get involved. “It is also just very uniting to be in a room with other people and just laughing at how bad something is,” Dews said. Dews grew up on physical media in a household that valued the arts, making him able to appreciate the good films, the bad ones and everything in-between. Bad Movie Night Club offers students a free alternative to traditional movie theaters, where ticket prices can make screenings less accessible. Its interactive format a l lows v iewers to react to films alongside other students. “The number one thing is that it’s free,” Dews said. “I think so many people are being priced out of community — there’s not really any third spaces.”

Diona Jenkins, a second-year criminal justice student and the club’s vice president, said Bad Movie Night Club brings many different niches together. “Bad Movie Club is the heart of a lot of things here at VCU,” Jenkins said. “We bring in such a different and diverse group of people.” The club attracts not only people interested in film, but also people who love art, graphic design, TV and any kind of artistic expression, according to Jenkins. Jenkins sees the electric energy that Bad Movie Night Club brings out of people. “It’s rare that I see people being so outgoing and social around campus because I think everybody’s a little bit to themselves,” Jenkins said. Bad Movie Night Club gained traction at the fall SOVO fair, bringing in more viewers at subsequent meetings. The largest audience so far was around 300 guests during a collaboration with the Yaoi Yuri Club to screen “Nyan-Neko Sugar Girls.” For the month of October, the club is showing only horror and Halloween themed films, such as “Scary Movie 4,” “Jason X” and “Hood of The Living Dead.” Bad Movie Night Club holds weekly meetings each Thursday at 8 p.m. in the MCALC building, room 1107. More information can be found at their Instagram @badmovienightatvcu.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

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Wisdom on wheels: Mobile bookstores bring readers together SADIE PORTER Contributing Writer Mobile bookstores, such as The Book Nook and Paperback Parlor, make regular appearances at local destinations around Richmond, offering readers the opportunity to stumble across their new favorite book. Katie Pullman, owner of The Book Nook, set up her latest pop-up store at The Poe Museum, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m on Oct. 10. The event was a charity raffle, where a portion of the proceeds went to the museum itself. The Book Nook is a converted trailer that carries a wide variety of novels, including some that have been banned and challenged. “I believe that knowledge is power,” Pullman said. “People should have access to whatever resources and books that they want, especially since surrounding counties, like Hanover, are banning these kinds of books. It’s important that people are able to have access to them somewhere else.” Sophia and Harper, 13-year-old twin sisters, said the event was an opportunity for them to explore. “Sometimes I don’t always find what I’m looking for, but when I come across something like this it gives me a chance to discover new books, or even my new favorite book,” Sophia said. Nearby, Danielle Tawney set up Paperback Parlor, her mobile bookstore, at Conex RVA from 2-7 p.m. Tawney, a VCU alumna, travels across Central Virginia in her customized 1996 Honda Acty. Tawney came up with the idea for Paperback Parlor because her hometown, New Kent, did not have its own bookstore.

What began as a tent-and-table setup evolved into a mobile bookstore by April. “When I lived in Richmond, I had access to independent bookstores to go to whenever I wanted,” Tawney said. “But in New Kent, there were no bookstores in the county, and I didn’t feel like going all the way to Williamsburg, so I thought, ‘What if I brought the bookstore to people?’” Tawney said she believes that reading does not have to be a solitary activity, and that it should be a shared experience. “That’s what’s beautiful about it,” Tawney said. “When you read, you’re able to talk to somebody else about it and connect with them on a deeper level and foster a relationship through that.” Readers can find upcoming pop-up locations and events at paperbackparlor. com and booknookrva.com, or their Instagrams @paperbackparlorbooks and @booknookrva.

The Book Nook’s store owners and mobile book store trailer at The Poe Museum on Oct. 10. Photo by Landon G Walker.

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The Commonwealth Times

Features

RVA Spotlight

Feeling brave? Join the St. John’s Church Foundation on their Graveyard Tour, happening every Sunday from Oct. 17 to Oct. 31 at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $12 on their website.

Phil Wilayto, co-founder of the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice, & Equality, speaks to attendants of the 24th Annual Gabriel Gathering. Photo by William Spencer.

Richmonders honor history of Gabriel’s Rebellion at 24th annual gathering SANIYAH PULLEN Contributing Writer ELLIE WALTMAN Managing Editor The Virginia Defenders hosted its 24th annual Gabriel Gathering on Oct. 10 to educate and honor the history of Gabriel’s Rebellion, which occurred 226 years ago. The event took place on Oct. 10, the day that Gabriel was executed, and was used to discuss how Gabriel’s story and the lessons learned from it could be used in current justice issues today. The event featured speakers from the Virginia Defenders and unionized workers from United Food & Commercial Workers Local 40 0, A PW U Local Retirees Chapter, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Workers United and the Political Coalition and Policy Committee. Gabriel, historically known as Gabriel Prosser after being given the last name of his enslaver, Thomas Prosser, was born

into slavery in 1776. At 23 years old, he began to plan a rebellion with over 2000 enslaved people to forcibly take the Capitol and the Virginia State Armory to bargain for the release of Governor James Monroe in exchange for freeing Virginia’s enslaved population, according to the Library of Virginia. On August 30, 1800, the planned rebellion took a sudden turn when a severe storm forced Gabriel to delay the event. Some enslaved people who were afraid of being caught reported the plan to their enslavers, forcing Gabriel and the others to &ee and leading to his trial and execution on Oct. 10, 1880. The VA Defenders have hosted Gabriel’s Gathering for 24 consecutive years. The original event took place to provide information about Gabriel and bring attention to the Shockoe Bottom African burial ground. The second year, they unveiled the burial ground’s state historic marker. Ana Edwards, editorial board member

Paul Rucker, owner of the Rucker Gallery and creator of the Rewind Resurrection exhibit, allowed the Virginia Defenders to relocate the 24th Gabriel’s Gathering to his gallery after weather threatened to delay the event. Photo by William Spencer.

of the VA Defenders newspaper and an assistant professor in the Department of African American Studies at VCU, feels that a l l R ichmond residents should be aware of the history of the town they live in. “Our particular U.S. history is one in which race has been an intrinsic part of it from the beginning, and yet we are not educated on that,” Edwards said. “We are raised in it, but we are not explicitly taught that race and racism are a part of our society.” “They will begin to know that there’s a reason this happens every year, and it will take its place in annual events that mark the significance of Richmond’s history,” Edwards said. Edwards said that the gathering being held every year will make it a part of annual events that mark the significance of Richmond’s history. Phil Wilay to, editor of the VA Defenders newspaper, said the event honors

the enslaved people who risked their lives or lost them. “It’s an example of not just Gabriel, but the hundreds of people a part of this conspiracy that were willing to lose their lives, and at least 25 people lost their lives for the participation, so it’s an ongoing tremendous inspiration,” Wilayto said. In 2023, VCU launched an initiative to investigate and reconcile the university’s historic ties to slavery, known as Project Gabriel, according to VCU News. Stephanie Rizzi, the Director of VCU Project Gabriel, said Gabriel ’s name was chosen for the program because it represented his fight for his freedom and the freedom of others. “Through our work, we want to communicate that the sacrifices of our ancestors are worth remembering,” Rizzi said.

The 24th Annual Gabriel Gathering was hosted in Paul Rucker’s gallery, which currently displays the Rewind Resurrection exhibit. Rucker intermixes contemporary and historical iconography to highlight current injustices in America and the interconnected nature of oppression. Photo by William Spencer.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Ana Edwards, co-founder of the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice, & Equality, speaks to attendants of the 24th Annual Gabriel Gathering. Photo by William Spencer.

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Brother Alkebu-lan tells attendants about the importance of Gabriel’s Rebellion and slave revolts. Photo by William Spencer.

Attendees learned about Gabriel’s Rebellion, a planned slave rebellion meant to liberate slaves across Virginia and capture the Governor’s Mansion in Richmond. Photo by William Spencer.

Handouts available at Gabriel’s Gathering. Photo by William Spencer.

Joseph Rodgers, member of the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice, & Equality, speaks to attendants of the 24th Annual Gabriel Gathering. Photo by William Spencer.

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The Commonwealth Times

Quote of the week

Opinions

"I live life to the fullest. I always try. I have a very finite amount of time." — RJ Mitte

Your tattoos do not make you less feminine KYLIE GRUNSFELD Opinions & Humor Editor Women online are taking to their phones in droves to announce that they regret their tattoos, warning others against getting any. This is happening as the beauty industry is actively pushing “natural” and “classic” femininity, which prioritizes clear skin, natural-looking makeup and dissolving fillers. As tattoos become more mainstream and the percentage of those getting tattooed increases, so does the percentage of people going through tattoo removal treatments. However, I do not think it is a matter of chance that tattoo removal is most common among Millennials and Gen Z, according to Removery. Women are also more likely than men to go through removal procedures, according to New York Cosmetic, Skin & Laser Surgery Center. Tattoos throughout U.S. history have correlated with rebellion, counterculture and toughness. It is fair to say that these associations are far more linked with masculinity than femininity. Sailors and military servicemen were the first and largest group of individuals to get inked when tattooing was brought to the U.S., according to PBS. Years later, whether consciously or subconsciously, we still associate tattoos with these kinds of professions. Tattoos on men are manly. Tattoos on women are trashy, dirty and unladylike. Ironically, we have seen a boom in tattoo sales in the last 20 years, specifically among women. 27% of men have tattoos compared to 38% of women, according to Pew Research Center. It is evident that the perception of tattoos being strictly masculine has changed in the past few

Illustration by CW Johnston.

decades. Many female celebrities lauded for being beautiful, such as Angelina Jolie and Megan Fox, are tattooed. So, why are so many people’s views on their own tattoos starting to change? Why now? In an age when women are told to embrace their “divine feminine” and more traditional feminine roles, this trend does not strike me as merely coincidental. My tattoos are a ref lection of me. I have a tarot card, ladybugs and a few nonsentimental designs that I chose because despite their “meaninglessness,” they still speak to me. When I walk around, people can get a glimpse of my personality before I even open my mouth to talk. This is one of my favorite things about being tattooed: it is a method of self-expression that simultaneously speaks to who I was, who I

am and who I want to be. I do not feel like being inked up and down my arms makes me too masculine, but that is the trouble with these kinds of beauty trends — they have the ability to make you question something about yourself you never thought about before. I understand growing out of specific designs, but getting tattoos removed because they make you feel less feminine is where the problem lies. Why is this idea of “natural” femininity suddenly so coveted? Of course, it goes hand-in-hand with our society’s obsession with policing women’s bodies. This is nothing new. When women are more frequently taking back up traditional roles, they also become interested in championing a traditional kind of beauty. When this idea spreads widely enough, the beauty industry does not even have to deliver

Can ‘swirling’ be pro-Black?

Illustration by Carra Wynn.

the message itself — women will start selfpolicing online. It is a shame that what is considered feminine in 2026 is also quiet. No heavy makeup, no immodest clothes, no “chasing what is not meant for you,” and no body modifications, even if it makes you feel more like yourself. You will never convince me that being tattooed, pierced or dyed makes me look bad in a dress. You will never convince me that I should spend thousands of dollars on tattoo removals to look like more of a woman. In 10 years, the opposite will be true — the pendulum swings back and forth with such ferocity it is impossible to know when you will be on the “right” side of the beauty standard. Beauty trends will come and go, but my tattoos are forever. MARITZA BAPTISTE Staff Writer I did not know about motivational speaker Dr. Umar Johnson until a couple of years ago when he made plans to do a talk on campus. I briefly researched him, and for a while, “Black queens forever, snowbunnies never” became a staple of my vocabulary. While Dr. Umar was fairly new to me, his rhetoric and talking points were ingrained in my upbringing. I am used to references to pop culture figures going over my mother’s head, but she met my mention of Dr. Umar with “Oh yes, I love what he has to say.” The deeper I delved into Dr. Umar and his talking points, the more perturbed I became by his stances on Black women and queer people. He preaches that Black men must uplift Black women by choosing us as romantic partners and having Black children. While I cannot condone Dr. Umar’s homophobic or patriarchal rhetoric, he does spark conversations around pro-Blackness being in opposition to interracial dating. Recently, Ziwe, a satirical talk show host, released an interview with Black and lesbian comedian Wanda Sykes. Throughout the interview, Ziwe uses

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Sykes’ white wife and children as a springboard for questions about race, wealth and inheritance. She points out the whiteness of Sykes’ family several times and the fact that all of her wealth and success — success that she built for herself in opposition to white supremacy — will go to her white family. At one point, Ziwe even questioned if Sykes’ children owe her reparations. Ziwe ex posed an uncomfor table contradiction. Black families have historically been denied the opportunity to accumulate and pass down wealth as white people have. Sykes has found success in spite of the systems of oppression actively working against her, so allowing

her children to benefit from her labor in addition to their whiteness may feel disheartening to the Black community. Sykes’ children may very well deserve everything that she is willing to give them, but that does not make the picture less troubling. Interracia l relationships a re not inherent betrayals, but they do bring forth a feeling of rejection for the Black community. We do not feel chosen by our own people in a society where we are constantly fed our lack of desirability amongst whiteness. Sykes has no responsibility to justify her family or to prove her commitment to the Black community simply because

she married a white woman. Dr. Umar would not claim Sykes even if she had a Black partner, because to him, the only sin greater than laying down with an “AngloSaxon” is being queer. If pro-Black ness can only come in one form, are we not just policing and excluding ourselves? Are we not politicizing love and setting standards that are framed by white supremacy instead of just allowing ourselves to exist? That does not mean we should not uplift each other more in the Black community. We should encourage Black love and center each other. We should devalue Eurocentric beauty standards and dismantle white supremacy. But can that

15

be done while having a white partner? To that I say: It depends. It depends on if we can understand proBlackness as a commitment to liberation without constantly framing ourselves with white supremacy in mind. I want to see more Black love. I want to see us choosing and investing in one another. However, as a “swirler” myself, I would like to think that having a white partner does not erase my own commitments to Black liberation. I want to believe that we can stand on picket lines alongside our white partners instead of hiding them away. My visions for progress within the Black community include swirlers and non-swirlers alike. They do not include Dr. Umar.

Pre-medicine students need to read more poetry LILY HOLMES Contributing Writer The pre-medical pathway is regarded as one of the most stressful academic pathways, requiring vast clinical and nonclinical volunteer experience, rigorous prerequisite classes and strong GPA and MCAT scores, all while hundreds of fellow students compete for the same prize. The pre-medicine track is also primarily known for its heavy focus on STEM courses, especially biology and chemistry subjects, that often take hours of studying outside the lecture hall to master. Most pre-med st udent s c hoos e to major in biological sciences, prehea lthca re or pre-med pathways covering most of the prerequisite coursework and prov iding sp ec ia l i z ed , prepa r ator y coursework, according to the American Medical Association. While these are indeed very efficient

pathways, the value of a humanities major or minor cannot be overlooked. There is no preference for major or minor in medical school applications, meaning students should choose whatever track in which they are most interested and can reliably produce strong performance. No track has been definitively identified as the “most successful,” as the term can be defined in many di%erent ways, and each major carries its own benefits and risks. One’s major of choice is often flexible and will not fully limit what a student can study. Many colleges require or encourage students to take elective courses outside of their major. This provides students the opportunity to explore their interests and talents or simply take more relaxing, lighthearted classes among heavy-hitting STEM coursework. For pre-med students, this o%ers a unique opportunit y to gain a perspective of medicine and healthcare outside of lab coats and biology f lashcards: a perspective from poetry and literature.

Illustration by Sophie Dellinger.

An obvious reason for valuing literature classes as a pre-med student is the opportunity to gain empathy for patients through reading their raw, emotional perspectives in novels or poetry. Exposing medical and pre-med students to the arts and humanities — what they often view as the antithesis of science — helps ground their science knowledge in a place of humanity. Much of health humanities literature is written from the perspective of patients, describing emotional or difficult aspects of their patienthood that pre-med students may otherwise only view through a clinical lens. However, the focus on these classes as a method of producing professional empathy is often muddled and the value of literature expands past this singular function. A strong basis in the humanities produces creativity, adaptability and ingenuity, as well as empathy and emotional articulation, according to Harvard University. The often-overlooked connection between medicine and poetry we see today has existed since ancient Greece, with the god Apollo presiding over both healing and poetr y as subsets of his overall domain: light, as the antidote to violence and falsehood. Many historical physicians, such as William Carlos Williams, were famous poets, choosing to become writers concurrently with, before or after becoming doctors. In modern times, many medica l journals devote space to poetry as a way of sharing their unique experiences as healers and highlight singular, powerful

moments that cannot be described in pure medical terminology. Staying close to poetry and literature throughout undergraduate education and into medical school may serve as an antidote to the loss of humanity many on the medical track fear. It can also be a constant reminder of the simultaneous universality and uniqueness of formative experiences throughout the pathway. Nea rly a l l a iming to become physicians will go through challenging experiences such as dissecting cadavers, running codes and going days without enough sleep or food while lecturing patients on the importance of adequate sleep and food. However, everyone will feel these experiences di%erently. No two would write the exact same poem about the same experience. Of course, many students may argue that filling elective time with reading or writingheavy coursework may slow them down. Some may also argue that spending time in an area of study where there are no right answers and thus no easy way of studying, in contrast to STEM-based courses filled with formulae and question banks, will only hurt their science GPA without providing any real benefit. However, in medicine, there are many situations where there are no right or wrong answers. Literature classes can help students learn to cope with these moments by teaching them to become comfortable with uncertainty in a field where, underneath cold data and images, lay raw emotions and constant change.

You can’t expect a village without being a villager MOLLY CHRISTIANSON Staff Writer A little while ago, I saw a TikTok that really stood out to me. It was a random picture with a yellow font that said, “What y’all are calling princess treatment is something I’d do for one of my friends on a Tuesday.” It made me realize how often we romanticize things that should just be normal parts of friendship. When did checking in on someone, showing up for them or simply being there become something reserved for romantic relationships? Why are significant others expected to provide your emotional support? Everyone says “it takes a village,” but it seems like people want the benefits of having a village without wanting to actually be a villager. Growing up, my parents used a di%erent metaphor: do not put all of your eggs in one basket. They were telling me to build a support system of di%erent people in my life to lean on when I need them.

You cannot expect to have people who will show up for you if you are never willing to show up for them. Being part of a village means understanding that sometimes you are the person who needs help, and sometimes you are the person who has to give it. This is where I think the conversation around boundaries gets complicated. Boundaries are good. You should not tolerate disrespect, manipulation or relationships that genuinely harm you. However, being inconvenienced is not the same thing as being harmed. Sometimes being a good friend means going out of your way or putting in a little extra e%ort when you can. Bringing your friend food, checking in on them, showing up to something i mp or t a nt , l i s t e n i n g to t he m or celebrating their accomplishments are not necessarily extravagant gestures: They are community behaviors. A friendship where you are constantly afraid that expressing a need will make the other person leave is not necessarily

Illustration by Jaz Chalmers.

protected by “boundaries” — it may simply lack vulnerability. Recently, my friend and I went to see a spin-o% of “Romeo and Juliet” that one of our friends was acting in. When he saw us after the show, he was so deeply appreciative of our attendance and support. He kept thanking us for showing up. Something so simple to us meant so much to him. That is what friendship should be about. It should not be, “I don’t go to plays, so I’m not going to support you.” The friend I went with had never seen a play

before and had little interest in Shakespeare, yet she went to support him anyway. She was willing to go out of her way for someone she cared about, and that is friendship. You should not demand community while refusing every responsibility that comes with being part of one. This is not to say you need to burn yourself out filling everyone else’s cup; you are allowed to have limits. However, you need to be willing to be inconvenienced to help someone you love. You cannot demand a village if you are not willing to be a villager yourself.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Puzzles Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle RECIPE FOR DISASTER

RECIPE FOR DISASTER

Lo s A n g e l e s Ti me s Sunda y C ro s s w o rd P u z z l e

By Danny Ebbighausen

ACROSS 60 Work quickly 63 Nourished 3 Really get to 1 Glances in a pool 62 Shade 64 Piece of coal 4 Norwegian banking hall 63 Italian automaker 66 Mount a’ala’s hub 7 Longtime Miami 6 Give brea island 5 National repair Heat star, familiarly 66 One-sided columns 69 Edited Some unofficial chain that began by Patti Varol By desktop Danny Ebbighausen 12 Some 67 Jargon sequels, informally as a muffler shop clutter 68 Like premium 72 19-Across flavor 6 Govt.-issued ID 63 Nourished ACROSS 3 Really 60 Work quickly 18 Sprouts up gasoline 74 Paramount channel ere’s the get ... to 1 Glances Piece coal Norwegian 62 Shade 19 Italian sausage in a pool 70 Contest between 77 Dug64a little tooofdeep A’ a 4 ilson’s org. banking hall 66 Mount a’ala’s 9 Chemical hub 63 Italian automaker seasoning Giants and Titans, 79 Dinner guest who 7 Longtime Miami 5 National brea 20 Cure-all e.g.6 Give refusesisland to use substances withrepair Heat 69 Some unofficial that began71 Take 66toOne-sided columns 21 Arrive à la star, familiarly chopsticks the and similar chain structures 12 Some desktop sequels, as a muffler shop cleaners Cinderella? 67 Jargon probably on’t informally 10 FDR part clutter 72 up? 19-Across flavor11 90° bend 6 Govt.-issued ID 72 Pulitzer 23 Saturated with Prize, for 68 Like premium show 18 Sprouts Paramount channel 24 Focus of an up ... one gasoline 82 Half74a zygote 12 Furry feetere’s the 19 Italian sausage 77 program Dug a little too deep outdoor museum in in the between A’ a ilson’s org.73 Number 83 Short 70 Contest 13 “SNL” alum seasoning 79 instrument? Dinner guest who Gasteyer Las Vegas NATO alphabet 9 Chemical 86 Wind Giants and Titans, 20 Cure-all 25 People of the Sioux 87 “That could refuses to use 14 Servicesubstances work provider? with74 Stand-up e.g.performer Nation 21 Arrive à la for me”chopsticks and 15 Navigate similar structures75 Stabilizing by sound 71 Takepiece to the 26 Lb. andCinderella? oz. 76 Largestcleaners of the Inner 88 Quote probably from Homeron’t 16 Bridle 10 strap FDR part 27 Muscle property with Hebrides oir’s counterpart 23 Saturated show up? 17 Levelheaded 11 90° bend 72 Pulitzer Prize, for 28 Moody genre of an 78 Challenged in roulette 24 Focus 82 Half a zygote 19 Boating hazard 12 Furry feet one 30 Studio outdoor sign 80 Rotten to the core board museum90 in Bring 83 on Short program 20 Membership 13 “SNL” alum 73 Number in the 32 InternetLas pioneer 81 World Cup org. 91 Political position for content Vegas 86 Wind instrument? platform Gasteyer NATO alphabet acquired by the 84 Taro74dish 93 Mini-mart on could the work creators 25 People of the Sioux 87 “That 14 Service provider? 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2 3Group 4 Level By The1Mepham

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Edited by Patti Varol

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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

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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 sudoku.org.uk

9/30/26

Los Angeles Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle

Level

Sudoku DIFFICULTY LEVEL

by Patti Varol RECIPE FOR DISASTER byEdited DANNY EBBIGHAUSEN

Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle

© 2026to The Mepham Group. Solution Monday’s puzzleDistributed by10/13/26 Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies Contact AdvertiseSMC@VCU.edu on how to solve Sudoku, visit Sponsored by

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sudoku.org.uk © 2026 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

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B:10.25" T:10"

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S:9.5"

T:16"

S:15.5"