Commonwealth TimeS El
FEATURES
loss of freedoms
YENNI JIMENEZ ACOSTA
Contributing Writer
HECIEL NIEVES BONILLA
Assistant News Editor
Nelie Ceron-Cruz, a fourth-year business student at VCU, found out in May her father had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, through a phone call by her sister.
“That’s when she told me, she was like, ‘Oh, Dad got caught, like Dad got detained,’” Ceron-Cruz said. “I didn’t really start thinking about it until I started driving to work; ‘my dad, like my dad’s really gotten taken away from me.’”
Her father works in construction. An ICE raid on his workplace resulted in two vans’ worth of people detained, including him.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Continued on page 9
VCU Muevelo has been feeling the
rhythm since 2009
SAANVI VOOTLA
Contributing Writer
Dance, one of the most universal forms of expression, can transcend borders and unite people on a deeper, spiritual level.
Muevelo at VCU, a vibrant Hispanic and Latin American dance collective, has been bringing that power to the Richmond community by offering transformative performances, dynamic showcases and interactive workshops that invite everyone to experience Latin American heritage’s rhythm and culture for over 15 years.
Muevelo has been on the map since 2009, with the goal to teach Latin dances to not only the VCU student body, but the greater Richmond community.
Muevelo held its first workshop of the fall semester on Sept. 26, focusing on the Latin American dance style of salsa.
Individuals from all cultural backgrounds filled the studio, eager to be immersed in the art.
“Our goal, since 2009, is to better enrich the community regardless of race or ethnicity or anything like that,” Muevelo president Emerson Hernandez said. “I think it’s a great way to engage students and community members outside of VCU to join these workshops.”
Julien Buentello, the workshop coordinator, led his first event with an uplifting and welcoming attitude, allowing everyone to learn at their own pace and be fully immersed in Latin culture.
“I think the workshops are great for people who haven’t done it before and people who just want to start something new,” Buentello said.
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Why we’re publishing articles in Spanish now
THE COMMONWEALTH TIMES STAFF
The Commonwealth Times began publishing select news articles in Spanish in August — a change that was made to meet the needs of our audience at a time when the government won’t.
The CT’s first Spanish-language article covered an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, protest at city hall.
The event advocated for immigrants — many of whom are members of Richmond’s Spanish-speaking community. Our article was the only coverage written in the language they speak most comfortably.
Continued on page 11
Participants learn to salsa in pairs. Photos by Landon Walker.
A woman hangs a “papel picado,” or traditional Mexican banner at the VMFA’s Family Day sharing traditional Latin American art, music and dance on Sept. 13. Photograph by Sandra Sellars, © 2025 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
News Nocitias
Stories of the week
NATIONAL: President Donald Trump and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. claimed acetaminophen use during pregnancy is linked to autism at a press conference Monday, sparking immediate backlash from international health agencies.
INTERNATIONAL: France and Saudi Arabia arranged a United Nations summit Monday to support Palestinian statehood, other nations including Britain, Canada, Portugal have also shared statements of recognition, though not all have been formalized.
VCU ‘free speech ranking’ plummets following degree controversy
ALESSANDRA CACERES MENDOZA
Contributing Writer
A leading free speech advocacy organization gave VCU a “D-” in their 2026 college free speech rankings, a significant drop compared to previous years. The ranking comes after three students had their degrees withheld for breaking campus policies during protests against the genocide in Gaza.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, or FIRE, now ranks VCU as No. 79 out of 257 United States universities, 47 places lower than last year.
FIRE is a non-profit organization whose mission is to amplify and maintain constitutional rights across America, according to its website.
“Comfort expressing ideas,” “disruptive conduct,” “self-censorship,” “administrative support” and “political tolerance” are all categories VCU dropped in. However, the university did score points in “openness,” which measures how many controversial topics students feel they can openly discuss on campus.
FIRE attributed the drop to VCU withholding the degrees of several pro-Palestine student advocates last spring, including recent graduate Sereen Haddad, who said she was not surprised by the findings.
“If speaking up can cost you your degree, then students are being told that their education is conditional, and it’s only safe if they stay silent,” Haddad said.
Haddad’s degree was withheld after she broke a number of new rules VCU instated prior to the fall 2024 semester after Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares asked Virginia universities to do so.
The new rules put restrictions on chalking on certain surfaces and locations around campus, as well as the requirement that students be able to present their identification while wearing face masks.
The policy also banned protests on the James
Branch Cabell Library lawn, where Haddad and hundreds of other students protested the semester prior in 2024 — resulting in 13 arrests by police, the use of chemical irritants on students and numerous injuries. Another student was arrested at a gathering on the same lawn recognizing the one-year anniversary of that protest.
This includes the prohibition of chalking on certain surfaces and locations, requiring identification while wearing face masks, limiting poster size and the creation of a designated “freespeech zone” in Park Plaza, which Haddad said she found “absurd.”
“You quite literally cannot implement repressive policies, violently dismantle a student encampment, withhold three students [degrees] for a picnic and then be surprised that your free speech ranking went down,” Haddad said.
FIRE’s annual survey, introduced in 2020, serves as a tool for prospective and current students and faculty to determine their school’s standings in the promotion of free speech. The survey uses students, analysis of policy and controversy as cumulative factors in their rankings.
“The ranking isn’t just a number,” Haddad said. “I think it really does reflect, in general, what students have already been living through; a campus where free speech is most definitely under attack.”
Aside from the degree withholdings, student perception of the university seems to be the main driver of the score drop, according to the FIRE website.
Second-year cinematography student Angelina Medina said she sees the score decrease as especially negative in the current day and age and that it makes her feel “hopeless.”
Third-year gender, sexuality and women’s studies student Cole Holland said he does not think the VCU administration values student opinions and constitutional rights.
“I think they’re more focused on being able to
keep the university funded and running, making sure we can all get our education first, before our speech,” Holland said.
Timothy Zick, a William and Mary professor of government and citizenship, specializes in First Amendment research. VCU’s score is partly a result of students not having confidence in their school’s commitment to free speech outside of the classroom, which can lead to selfcensorship, Zick said.
“One bright spot as FIRE notes for VCU is that their written policies are generally supportive of freedom of expression on campus,” Zick said. “You can have written policies, though, that are not enforced in a way that is speech protective.”
The dismantling of DEI committees and policies in March as a result of Trump’s executive order to “restore merit-based opportunity” may also coincide with these policy changes.
Zick explained that in cases like threats to federal funding the university might feel obligated to perform policy changes and have a more “personal connection” to student activity and forms of expression.
FIRE recommended VCU could raise its score by adopting the “formalizations” of free speech in the Chicago Statement for Free Speech, which adheres to a campus’s commitment to free expression and robust dialogue, and Institutional Neutrality, stating that schools should not take stances on social or political issues..
Since the 19th century, universities have been diverse centers for the impactful spread of ideas. He believes in the importance of maintaining an academic environment where students can learn to use their voices and understand different perspectives, and what those things can accomplish, Zick said.
“All of that is only possible if students have some sort of foundational First Amendment rights,” Zick said.
Illustration by Zoë Luis
Board of Visitors approves another salary increase for Rao
BRYER HAYWOOD
Contributing Writer
VCU’s Board of Visitors unanimously approved a 9% salary increase for President Michael Rao at a meeting on Sept. 12, bringing his total base pay to $895,618 and his deferred compensation to $345,647 — an increase of $75,000.
Board of Visitors rector Ellen Fitzsimmons said Rao has led the university with “vision, impact and integrity,” and cited Rao exceeding expectations across his annual goals as reason for the decision.
Rao has held his office since 2009, making him the longest-serving university president in Virginia.
Rao ranks No. 40 in his compensation nationally and No. 5 in the state of Virginia, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.
The ratio of Rao’s pay to the average VCU professor’s salary is listed as 6:1. The salary increase comes as many departments are either being cut, consolidated or restructured following multiple years of tight budgets and financial troubles.
In March, the board voted to combine
the departments of craft and material studies, painting and printmaking with sculpture into one department in the School of the Arts. They also voted to merge the department of theatre with the department of dance and choreography.
In May, the Board of Visitors voted to increase tuition by 2.5% for in-state students, and increase resident mandatory student fees by $200 for the 2025-2026 academic year. An in-state student enrolled in 15 credits will now pay $17,240 in tuition and fees — out-ofstate students pay upwards of $40,000.
VCU spokesperson Brian McNeill provided some of the key points discussed in the board meeting on Sept. 12 regarding Rao’s salary increase.
Previously, the board set Rao’s compensation within a target range between the No. 50 and No. 75 percentiles of a peer group of 18 universities determined by the board. To set Rao’s salary, the board compared his compensation to those of the presidents in the group. The salary increase positions Rao at the top of the peer group.
The board said the new contract is a “commitment to Dr. Rao for the future and a statement of confidence in his leadership.”
John Kneebone, a former VCU history professor, said former President Eugene P. Trani not only physically expanded the campus, but oversaw the addition of several new programs of study.
Kneebone believes Rao expanded upon Trani’s mission for VCU. He also said many universities have raised tuition over the years to recoup financial losses.
Rao stepped down as president of VCU Health, and later chair of the board of directors in 2023 following the failure of the Clay Street Project and calls for his resignation from Gov. Glenn Youngkin, according to a previous report by the Commonwealth Times.
The project aimed to convert Richmond’s old Public Safety Building into MCV office space, but could not be completed within the set budget. VCU paid over $79 million to the city of Richmond to exit the deal.
Some students think Rao’s raise is unnecessary, or that the money could be allocated differently.
Second-year psychology and health services student Kyla Callaham said she thought it was strange Rao got a pay raise when other departments could have used the money.
Candace Collins, second-year mass communications student said “I think it’s too much of a coincidence that Michael Rao’s salary increased at the same time the tuition increased.”
“I think that the money that went to [Rao’s] pay raise should have gone back to the school,” said Jasmine Hayes, a fourth-year kinesiology student. “Like, I think that Ram Pantry could have used that money. Also, printing should be free.”
Virginia food vendors and consumers adjust to styrofoam ban
into effect in 2021. It was originally proposed by Del. Betsy Carr, D-Richmond.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin attempted in March to delay the ban until 2028 for vendors with 20 or more locations, and 2030 for others through his biennium budget proposal, though he was unsuccessful.
Styrofoam is difficult to recycle, causing the material to build up in landfills and natural environments, according to RVAgreen — Richmond’s climate action and resilience planning initiative.
The buildup of styrofoam eventually breaks down into microplastics and contaminates soil and waterways. Tara Worden, RVAgreen’s sustainability manager, stated Richmond supports the ban.
Restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Cookout have switched to paper and plastic products to meet the ban’s requirements.
think they are more stackable and hold heat better. We found some advantages for just pennies more. The cups, there seem to be less affordable options.”
The Virginia DEQ noted food vendors can apply for a one-year exemption to the ban if they demonstrate it would cause “undue economic hardship.”
First-year English student Colin Close said the law is a good step for Virginia toward helping the environment.
“I’m kinda glad with the paper, especially with the boxes, especially with the dorms, it’s really nice to microwave stuff,” Close said.
Forensic science graduate student Jonathan Moline disagreed, as he found coffee in Styrofoam cups to be better.
Environmental policy and planning associate professor emeritus Avrum Shriar said though biodegradable alternatives may cost more, it is worth it to protect the environment.
Staff Writer
The Virginia General Assembly’s ban on food vendors’ use of expanded polystyrene, a plastic foam material known by its brand name “Styrofoam,” went into effect in July.
The ban has two phases: food vendors with 20 or more locations had to stop using Styrofoam by July 1, 2025, while vendors with fewer locations have until July 2, 2026, according to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Former Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam signed the law
MOLLY MANNING
News Editor
Progress on VCU’s incoming Athletic Village is being stalled as the university has yet to reach a deal to sell Sports Backers Stadium to the city. The scope for the project was reduced accordingly.
The 42-acre compound — which will provide new facilities for soccer, tennis and other sports teams — will be located in the Diamond District. Construction started in November 2024 and it was originally planned to finish in 2026, ahead of the spring 2026 season, though VCU officials have not confirmed if they will still meet that deadline.
The Board of Visitors presented revised project plans for the first construction phase at a meeting on Sept. 11. Chief financial officer Meredith Weiss said the project’s scope would be adjusted due to elevated construction costs.
In the revised plan, the outdoor track facility will seat 1,000 spectators, about 500 less than originally planned, and the total area covered by the stadium will be decreased by about 6,000 square feet.
The stadium has served as a practice and game hub for VCU and Virginia Union
A vendor must pay $50 for every day they are in violation, according to the bill. The money collected from the violations will be deposited into the Litter Control and Recycling Fund, a portion of which will be used to fund public awareness campaigns discouraging the use of plastic foam.
Curbside Cafe co-owner Jeff Sullivan said the ban is challenging as restaurant supply distribution centers have few options for businesses.
“So it’s like, if you know the law is changing, what are we going to have to work with?” Sullivan said.
Sullivan said it has been easy to find eco-friendly alternatives for boxes, but not so much for cups.
“For to-go boxes, we like them better,” Sullivan said. “I
University teams since 1999.
Sports Backers will provide VCU with the $25 million and land space needed to continue construction of Athletic Village off of Hermitage Road, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
“The board initially approved in December 2024 the project plans, since then we’ve had escalating costs, I don’t think that’s a surprise to anyone,” Weiss said.
VCU’s Athletic Village is one piece of larger redevelopment plans for Richmond’s Diamond District. The area’s namesake stadium recently closed to make way for CarMax Park, the new home for the Richmond Flying Squirrels minor league baseball team. The stadium will be complemented by new housing, a hotel, a park and commercial space.
VCU officials declined multiple requests for comment — but they referred to a previous statement by athletics director Ed McLaughlin.
The ongoing negotiations have slowed down, but not stopped, the work on phase one of development, according to McLaughlin.
“While I cannot comment on the nature of those negotiations, I expect those negotiations to conclude soon,” McLaughlin stated. “At that point, we will accelerate our work and finish in a timely manner.”
“It’s a lousy on many fronts; we should have gotten rid of it [styrofoam] a long time ago,” Shriar said. “In Virginia, we are not so quick to act on some of these things, compared to other states or countries.”
Photo courtesy of Kai Hendry. Graphic by Milena Paul.
Photo by Kieran Stevens.
Sports Deportes
Stat of the week
VCU
Men’s soccer starts conference play with scoreless stalemate against Dayton
DREW THOMPSON Sports Editor
BEN MARTINDALE Contributing Writer
VCU men’s soccer tied 0-0 in its Atlantic 10 conference opener against the University of Dayton on Sept. 21 at Sports Backers Stadium.
The game came off the back of a big week for the Rams, who emerged unscathed from their two-game road trip. VCU took down previously undefeated No. 2 Clemson 2-1 before beating the University of Pennsylvania 1-0.
VCU kicked-off, however Dayton quickly began to control possession, stringing together passes on VCU’s half.
The Rams’ offense appeared lost for the opening minutes as they rarely found themselves in possession for very long.
VCU quickly switched gears and built a rapid counter-attack that resulted in a threatening cross and a shot on goal from second-year forward Deniss Hayes, but Dayton fourth-year goalkeeper Gavin Krenecki would snuff it out.
The Rams went on another blistering counter. D. Hayes got in a shot after a pass from second-year midfielder Mohammed Ibrahim. His twin brother second-year defender Nikita Hayes also got in a shot — but Krenecki saved both.
Dayton continued to maintain a majority of possession as VCU found most of its success on counters.
Dayton’s first real chance came from a shot outside the box, but VCU third-year goalkeeper Trevor Maloney made an acrobatic save to keep it leveled.
VCU and Dayton traded unsuccessful attacks 25 minutes in as neither team could find its footing.
Dayton slowly started to build momentum, once again holding the ball on VCU’s half, creating multiple dangerous opportunities in the process.
The Flyers continued their push with less than 15 minutes remaining in the first half as they kept the Rams on their heels.
VCU began to hit its stride again on the back of quick counter-attacks with less than 10 minutes to play in the first half. The Rams attacked multiple times, but to no avail.
VCU continued its push, resulting in an opening goal from redshirt third-year Lucas White with less than two minutes to play in the first half, however a video review saw the goal get called back.
“It’s frustrating because, you know, we scored and it was incorrectly called back for off-sides, but that’s the view that the officials have because all they have is the ESPN view,” VCU coach Dave Giffard said. “[The referee] has been doing this for a long, long time at a good level, and he could only go by what he saw.”
The Rams went into halftime with nearly all the momentum. Not much could separate the teams on the scoreboard, however, as both had two shots on goal. The Flyers played a more physical half, committing six fouls and receiving two yellow cards.
Dayton started the second half immediately on the attack.
Neither team gained an edge in the opening ten minutes, with Dayton passively possessing the ball for most of it.
VCU’s Maloney built off his previous two games that saw him win A-10 defensive player of the week. He continued to be a wall in the net, claiming crosses and commanding the defense.
“They definitely love to attack,” Maloney said. “They came down on our wings a lot, and they put the pressure on us.”
The opening 20 minutes of the second half remained largely uneventful. Neither team gained a reasonable advantage or built momentum.
VCU’s second half attacks primarily funneled through Ibrahim and third-year midfielder Andrey Salmeron. The duo played an important role in much of the Rams’ build-up play.
Tensions flared up with less than 10 minutes to play, as VCU first-year forward Hakim Musabbah received a red card after striking an opponent on the head.
VCU carried on despite its missing man. A shot by N. Hayes barely went over the bar with less than five minutes left to play.
Dayton went on the attack and launched a shot from outside the box, but Maloney remained strong and made an incredible save to tip the shot over the bar with less than two minutes in the game.
Maloney’s save would end the game, leaving VCU winless at home. Maloney still shined in the tie, as he matched his career high in saves with four.
VCU men’s soccer will wrap up its challenging
third-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz made four saves in the 0-2 loss to the University of Miami Florida, bringing her season total to 45.
VCU graduate student forward Camilo Comi. Photos by Tyler Tate.
VCU second-year midfielder Mohammed Ibrahim dribbling past two Dayton defenders.
PRESS BOX
You can’t replicate Coach Prime
KYLER GILLIAM Staff Writer
Former Philadelphia Eagles teammates
Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson were hired to coach at historically Black colleges and universities for the 2025 college football season.
The move to hire Vick and Jackson is reminiscent of Jackson State University hiring NFL Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders as its head coach in 2020.
But we haven’t seen anyone like Sanders in college football, and we likely never will again.
Vick is the new head coach of the Norfolk State University Spartans, and Jackson is the coach for the Delaware State University Hornets. Both had minimal coaching experience beforehand.
Jackson was the offensive coordinator at Woodrow Wilson High School in California in 2024. Vick was the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Legends, a professional team in the Alliance of American Football League in 2017. He also coached as an intern for the Kansas City Chiefs, helping with the development of former NFL MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Sanders also had minimal experience before getting the JSU job — only having coached high school football. However his influence far outweighed his experience.
Sanders — or “Coach Prime” — dominated on the field and brought many eyes to HBCU football. Before his departure to the University of Colorado in 2022, watchful eyes were always on the city of Jackson, Mississippi.
While Vick and Jackson have gained interest for NSU and DSU, their personalities cannot galvanize a movement like Sanders — and it is unfair to expect them to.
We’ve seen other universities try to replicate “Prime Time.” Eddie George at Tennessee State University and Ed Reed at Bethune-Cookman University both fell short of capturing the general public like Sanders did.
Vick and Jackson are in a tough position to recapture the energy that Sanders brought to HBCU football. Sanders at JSU was a one-of-one.
The Spartans are having an unimpressive season. A 1-3 record with quarterback uncertainty has dragged the energy Vick produced for his team in the offseason.
Vick has the name recognition to come close to Sanders, especially with his connection to the Tidewater area and Virginia as a whole.
He needs to turn around this NSU program quickly before his high favor runs out. If he doesn’t get the train back on the tracks, HBCUs will remain on the back burner of college football.
Jackson’s tenure at DSU has started off better. At 3-1, the Hornets are averaging the most yards per game in the MidEastern Atlantic Conference.
DSU has dominated in Jackson’s debut season, mustering hope that he will be the one to bring attention back to HBCU football. Sadly, Jackson does not have the needed name power.
Jackson was a good receiver when he played in the NFL. Though his speed was game-breaking, he wasn’t game-changing like Vick or Sanders.
If Jackson can bring the energy he had on the field when he was catching bombs to the sidelines and the press room, then DSU will be a keystone to bringing the attention back to HBCU football.
Vick and Jackson will play against each other in Philadelphia on Oct. 30, the city where they were once teammates. This game will be nationally televised and will be the chance for both programs to put HBCU football back on the map.
Illustration by Ashley Davis.
Graphics by Marty Alexeenko.
Spectrum Cultura
Continued from front page
Buentello learned how to dance at a young age from his father, who is a dance teacher. He enjoys dancing with his family at get-togethers and reunions.
“We have that close relationship at social gatherings, and I know people want to get into that because it’s very easy to socialize and build that close relationship,” Buentello said.
Valentina Smith, Muevelo’s secretary, has found a wonderful, welcoming community in Muevelo that keeps her coming back, she said.
Muevelo also hosts social events or gatherings for group members to create long-lasting friendships and feel connected to each other, according to Smith.
One event is “Spooky Salsa,” where people can dress up in costumes and dance through the night.
Muevelo vice president Tanvir Rukunuzzaman said the recent workshop went “really well” and had a good turnout. He is proud of Julien for leading a workshop for the first time so successfully.
“I’m happy to see all the new faces, and I’m glad that we were able to promote
our culture through dancing while also having fun,” Rukunuzzaman said.
The workshop helped achieve Muevelo’s goal, as many participants left feeling moved and united through dance.
“My friend sent me the Instagram flyer, and I’m super happy that I came,” participant David Badohoun said. “I was able to learn the dance culture, dancing with people from different cultural backgrounds and I had a good time being involved.”
From novice dancers trying to
On This Day
On this day, Sept. 24, 1952, Colonel Sanders opened the first Kentucky Fried Chicken in Salt Lake City, Utah.
learn something new, such as bachata or salsa, to experienced dancers who want to showcase their skills on the performance team, there is a place for everyone in Muevelo.
Students can immerse themselves in the culturally enriching dance collective — or audition for their performance team next semester — by visiting their Instagram @vcumuevelo.
VCU Muevelo ha estado sintiendo el ritmo desde 2009
SAANVI VOOTLA
Escritora contribuyente
El baile, una de las formas más universales de expresión, puede trascender fronteras y unir a la gente en un nivel más profundo y espiritual.
Muevelo de VCU, un colectivo hispano y latinoamerico de baile vibrante, ha estado llevando ese poder a la comunidad de Richmond al ofrecer rendimientos transformativos, vitrinas dinámicas y talleres interactivos que invitan a todos a sentir el ritmo y cultura de la herencia latinoamericana por más de 15 años.
Muevelo ha estado en el mapa desde el 2009, con la meta de enseñar bailes latinos no solo a los estudiantes de VCU, sino a la área de Richmond en general.
Muevelo llevó a cabo su primer taller del semestre de otoño el 26 de septiembre, enfocándose en el estilo de baile latinoamerico de salsa.
Individuos de todos fondos culturales llenan el estudio, emocionados para sumergirse en el arte de salsa.
“Nuestra meta, desde 2009, es enriquecer la comunidad sin importar raza o etnicidad o algo así,” dijo el Presidente de Muevelo Emerson Hernandez. “Creo que es una manera de captar estudiantes y miembros de la comunidad fuera de VCU a unirse en estos talleres”.
Julien Buentello, coordinador del taller, dirigió su primer evento en una actitud inspiradora y de bienvenida, permitiendo
a todos a aprender a su propio paso y estar totalmente inmersos en la cultura latina.
“Creo que los talleres son buenos para personas que no lo han hecho antes y gente que solo quiere empezar algo nuevo,” dijo Buentello.
Buentello aprendió a bailar de niño de su padre, quien es un maestro de baile. El disfruta bailar con su familia en fiestas y reuniones.
“Tenemos esa relación íntima en reuniones sociales, y yo sé que la gente quiere tomar parte de eso porque es muy fácil charlar y construir esa relación íntima”, Buentello dijo.
Valentina Smith, secretaria de Muevelo, ha descubierto una comunidad acogedora y maravillosa con el programa que la mantiene regresando, dijo ella.
Muevelo también lleva a cabo eventos sociales o fiestas para miembros del grupo para hacer amistades duraderas y estar conectados entre ellos, según Smith.
Un evento de estos es “Spooky Salsa”, en cual la gente puede vestir en sus disfraces y bailar toda la noche.
El Vicepresidente de Muevelo Tanvir Rukunuzzaman dijo que el taller reciente resultó “muy bien” y fue de alta participación. Está orgulloso de Julien ya que era su primera vez enseñando un taller.
“Estoy feliz al ver todas las caras nuevas, y estoy contento que pudimos promover nuestra cultura bailando y también divirtiéndonos”.
El taller ayudó a lograr la meta de Muevelo, ya que muchos participantes salieron sintiéndose conmovidos y unidos a través del baile.
“Mi amigo me mandó el volante de Instagram, y estoy muy feliz que yo fui”, dijo participe David Badohoun. “Yo pude aprender la cultura del baile, bailando con personas de diferentes fondos culturales y la pase bien siendo involucrado”.
De bailarines novicios intentado aprender algo nuevo, como bachata o
salsa, a bailarines expertos que quieren exhibir sus habilidades en el equipo de presentaciones, hay un lugar para todo en Muevelo.
Los estudiantes pueden sumergirse en este colectivo de baile enriquecedor o hacer una audición para su equipo de rendimiento el próximo semestre visitando su Instagram @vcumuevelo.
Contributing Writer
“Anyfolk,” a free folk music showcase highlighting local musicians and artists, had its second September installment last week at the historic Hofheimer Building.
The show is completely silent other than when the musicians play, allowing audience members to embrace the emotions of acoustic folk music as they sing stories of love, belonging and inclusivity.
Richmond could benefit from shows like this due to their community-building nature and atmosphere.
“The [2024] election happened, and I started feeling pretty useless as a musician just in the sense of, like, ‘what power do I have here?’” Meacham said. “So the idea for Anyfolk kind of came back. I could bring people together, create some good vibes and maybe be a safe space for people to just show up.”
The term “Anyfolk” came to be through Meacham’s desire to highlight folk music’s original purpose — a way for everyone to share a part of themselves, regardless of who they are.
her first gig since moving to Richmond.
“I was looking for fun little opportunities, and saw ‘Anyfolk’ on Instagram and thought this is the coolest thing ever,” Reese said.
A.J. Kohlhepp, a VCU alum, started creating music later in life, pivoting from teaching English to songwriting. He cited “Anyfolk” as a great place to perform and gain experience. Kohlhepp later became friends and coworkers with Meacham.
“We love what Tyler has done here,” Kohlhepp said. “She has put together something special and we couldn’t be more proud.”
Kohlhepp has been to several “Anyfolk” shows as a viewer, and recently joined the team as a volunteer.
Meacham came up with the idea for Anyfolk a year before the first show took place, after she played at a similar event in Asheville, North Carolina. She believed
“The idea behind it is that people think of folk music as just a genre of music,” event founder Tyler Meacham said. “Any songwriter, whether they’re a pop, country or R&B artist, anyone can come in and play their song acoustically, and the story is still able to be communicated.”
Although the event emphasizes acoustic performances in traditional folk style, it allows for different types of music to be played, highlighting artists like indie singer Hailey Reese.
“I haven’t seen anybody do this where it’s a traditional folk setting,” Reese said. “I saw the one mic, no amplification and knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
Reese recently transferred from a local college in Nashville to VCU. “Anyfolk” was
“Anyfolk” has hosted 17 successful shows, occurring bimonthly, since its inception on Dec. 11, 2024.
With its growing audience and inclusive mission, “Anyfolk” continues to carve out a space for connection and creativity in Richmond’s music scene, giving every voice — no matter the genre — a stage to tell their story.
El maestro del taller toca música para los participantes. Foto por Landon Walker.
SALSA WORKSHOP
RACHEL NICHOLAS
Virginian singer and songwriter, Matthew Mozingo, serenading the crowd at ‘Anyfolk’.
Photo by Catt Brito.
Third Iron Blossom Festival shines light on local artists
CORA PERKINS Assistant Spectrum Editor
The Iron Blossom Music festival has been an annual kaleidoscope of energy that brings flower crowned, flowey skirted and cowboy booted fans to Richmond.
The festival returned to the river city last weekend for its third year in a row. With a lineup full of folk and indie-rock musicians, the festival describes itself as “a boutique music festival, offering a sonic delight for every listener.”
This year’s lineup overflowed with local musicians, with at least two artists from the Richmond area performing each day.
One of these artists is Catie Lausten, a singer-songwriter who graduated from VCU. Lausten said performing at the event did not feel real at first.
“I think it felt a little bit like it was hard for me to conceptualize it was actually happening until like this week,” Lausten said.
The festival is a great opportunity for local artists and fans because they have a bigger music festival to attend right in the city, Lausten said.
“I think it’s great that we in Richmond finally have a bigger music festival for people to go to,” Lausten said. “I could think of so many Richmond bands who would be an amazing addition to next year or years down the line.”
A handful of Lausten’s friends and family were able to see her perform at the festival.
“It feels like a big accomplishment for me, for them to be there and witness and also express to me a lot how proud they are of me,” Lausten said. “My mom and dad are coming, a lot of my college friends are coming tomorrow and so yeah, it feels full circle.”
Shaylee Farmer and Rachel Green, friends from college who attended Iron Blossom together, were most excited to see local band Palmyra.
Iron Blossom promotes local artists, which allows people who have never heard of certain bands or musicians to listen and give them a chance, Green said.
“You know, a lot of people come to
see the big name bands that everybody knows, and so it’s really cool to get a chance to get more outreach for the local bands,” Green said.
You know, a lot of people come to see the big name bands that everybody knows, and so it’s really cool to get a chance to get more outreach for the local bands.”
Rachel Green, an attendee of Iron Blossom
The festival is a major thing for Richmond, according to local musician Jack Stepanian.
“Such an amazing experience to be a part of that festival,” Stepanian said. “It’s also such a great thing being from Richmond, you know, in front of a hometown crowd. It was really cool being able to be a part of that with so many local acts that I really look up to.”
The organizers behind Iron Blossom are aware of Richmond’s strong music community, which allows them to incorporate local acts into the festival well, Stepanian said. He believes the festival will only benefit the city’s music scene, as it brings true music fans to town.
“It’s just a great way for the scene to grow in an already strong music town, but we’ll just continue to do it too,” Stepanian said.
Iron Blossom has become an event to look forward to in Richmond’s musical calendar with its emphasis on homegrown musicians and the city’s culture. Fans and musicians alike hope for its return next year.
Richmond Public Library Travels back to the Renaissance era
DAIJAH HINMON Staff Writer
People of all ages came together to celebrate artistic expression present throughout the Renaissance era. A variety of vendors shared their handmade crafts, from flower crowns to jewelry and potion making. Visitors came in their best attire, wearing elaborate dresses and suits of armor — even some dragons were spotted.
The Westover Hills Public Library hosted a wholesome Renaissance Faire and Market on Sept. 20. The event held activities for everyone, with Virago Alley providing historical displays of crafts, tools and weapon demonstrations.
Westover Hills’ mission is to create accessible libraries that allow people to feel like they are a part of the community, according to Danielle Tarullo, the Westover Hills Library community services manager. The event combined the Renaissance era with aspects of the library, like checking out fantasy and history books or “How to Train Your Dragon” movies.
“Richmond is a city that enjoys a festival and an activity,” Tarullo said. “Before the
pandemic, this branch used to have regular fall festivals. So this was our initial way of bringing that tradition back.”
The library was able to get donations from local businesses like BBGB Books in Carytown who provided book bundles and gift cards, Tarullo said. Stella’s Market, Clothes Rack and Blanchard’s Coffee also donated gift cards to the library.
“There is a very strong community here, the businesses that are near us all really care about supporting the library and see the library’s value in the community,” Tarullo said.
Attendee Jenny Sparks just moved to the area a few months ago. She said she enjoyed visiting
local artists and the Ren Faire’s sword demonstrations.
“I want to say that as somebody who is in a gay relationship and is non-binary myself,” visitor Ermine Lewis said. “I’m actually really encouraged by seeing a lot of LGBTQ representation here.”
If the library were to hold a similar event, Lewis said they would definitely attend.
“I’m also really encouraged by the fact that the library is hosting this,” Lewis said.
“I think that this is actually a really great move to get kids interested in history and in culture.”
The event successfully celebrated the Renaissance era, vendor Olivia Stone said.
The Ren Faire brought the community
together and celebrated the library itself, which she hopes will encourage more people to get library cards.
Virago Alley is a non-profit organization that serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, skill development, and community building, according to their website. They held youth combat demonstration at the Ren Faire. Bizhan Khodabandeh, vice president and Ashley Moore, treasurer are both VCU alumni.
Virago Alley will be holding an official Richmond Ren Faire in spring of 2026. Rooted in community, the Faire brings together local performers, merchants, artists, and cultural organizations, adding a modern twist that reflects the city’s vibrant creative spirit.
Amanda Robinson, founder of Virago Alley and Gallery 5 thought it was really exciting to be a part of the Renaissance Faire and Market event since the phenomenon of Ren Faires has grown exponentially over the last couple of years. Especially postpandemic, people are returning to working with their hands and spending time in nature.
“You know, Ren Fair is not just for history nerds,” Robinson said. “It’s for fantasy nerds and folks that just need a community and a place to be weird.”
Kate Bollinger performing on the first day of Iron Blossom. Photo by Bilan Osman.
A witch, a knight and a fairy go on a quest through the Westover Hill Renaissance Faire & Market.
Photo by Naveen Griscom.
S T U D E N T S T A F F S P O T L I G H T
A S I L H E G G I E
Job Position: Resident Assistant Year: Senior Major: Biomedical Engineering
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f o r a s p o t l i g h t b y h e r p e e r s f o r b e i n g t h e f i r s t t o
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t h e i r e x p e r i e n c e a t V C U . T h i s y e a r , w h i l e s e r v i n g a s
a n R A i n B r a n d t H a l l , A s i l m e n t o r e d a n e w R A b y
s u p p o r t i n g t h e m t h r o u g h v a r i o u s r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s
i n c l u d i n g a s s i s t i n g w i t h w r i t i n g f o r m s , s e n d i n g m a s s
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e x u d e s p a t i e n c e a n d k i n d n e s s , e v e n i n c h a l l e n g i n g
s i t u a t i o n s , a n d i s a v a l u e d m e m b e r o f t h e V C U
R e s i d e n t i a l L i f e a n d H o u s i n g t e a m .
SEPT. 2025
Features Enfoque Especial
Happy (belated) autumnal equinox!
Go grab a classic pumpkin spice latte or other yummy seasonal beverage from Rostov’s on Main Street between Vine and Lombardy Streets.
Hispanic heritage celebrations underway as ICE crackdown continues
Continued from front page
While Ceron-Cruz’s father was moved between detention centers out-of-state, her family juggled keeping their construction business afloat while moving through detention and immigration processes.
Only her family’s lawyer showed respect throughout the legal battle, CeronCruz said. Everyone else met them with an unfriendly attitude — which she attributed to racial profiling. Anytime she or her sister name-dropped her father over phone calls with immigration offices they were treated like they were “stupid” — like they did not understand.
“Just because my dad’s Hispanic, you’re just gonna treat me like that?” CeronCruz said. “Matter of fact, just because you know that I’m Mexican, you’re gonna automatically assume that I don’t understand when I’m the one who called you, when I’m the one who’s asking you about information?”
Ceron-Cruz’s father is one of thousands of Virginians who have suffered from a surge in immigration-related detentions and arrests in streets, public areas, workplaces and even homes under President Donald Trump’s second term.
As the third week of September signified the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month — which includes the independence days of seven Latin-American countries — some Hispanic Richmonders are forgoing this year’s celebrations out of fear as others bemoan a loss of freedoms.
On Sept. 8, a week before the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Supreme Court greenlit ICE agents in Los Angeles
to racially profile people and identify immigrants to stop and detain based on “whether Spanish is being spoken, whether English is being spoken with an accent and employment location,” according to NPR.
Many localities around the country decided to cancel events in light of ICE arrests and racial profiling. Some Hispanic Heritage Month events in Richmond have continued, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ Family Day on Sept. 13 and the Richmond Kickers’ Hispanic Heritage Night on Sept. 20 — as well as upcoming events at VCU and other Richmond schools.
Juan Urrea and his wife Claudia, originally from Colombia, started their business My Empanada eight years ago in farmers markets around Richmond. Their vending cart is often set up between the T. Edward Temple Building and the Student Commons. They now own a storefront in the West End that serves as the business’s main location.
They aimed to bring traditional South American street food to Virginia, Urrea said. They wanted to cater to Richmond locals generally rather than the Hispanic community specifically.
Hispanic Heritage Month has changed in the past few years, Urrea said. Much of the Hispanic community is afraid and staying at home because they do not know if it is safe to leave.
My Empanada’s new focus is to just keep the business running.
Urrea tries to help less fortunate members of the community by watching out for them and keeping them motivated. Next month, My Empanada will be at Richmond’s Folk Festival, which he said is an equal-
opportunity event and a “relief” to be a part of.
“A lot of events at this time [in] the past years are not happening now, people stopped celebrating because there is no reason to celebrate,” Urrea said. “I don’t see that Hispanic Heritage Month is on the agenda for the country at this time.”
Fourth-year exercise science student
Sharon Zeballos is the co-culture chair of VCU’s Latine Student Association. The club has many events planned in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month — but at the same
time, they have been working to educate students on a more difficult matter: their rights in the face of ICE actions.
“I think that LSA overall did a really good job with trying to get our members to be educated on the topic, and especially with the red cards as well, making sure that everyone is aware that things are happening,” Zeballos said, referring to business card-sized legal rights reminders they have distributed with the help of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
Continued on next page
A woman hangs a “papel picado,” or traditional Mexican banner at the VMFA’s Family Day sharing traditional Latin American art, music and dance on Sept. 13.
Photograph by Sandra Sellars, © 2025 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Features Enfoque Especial
VCU history professor and Migration Studies Lab co-director Daniel Morales said current deportation and arrest actions reflect a break from historical precedent.
“Brown hands move this economy. Brown hands feed this country, brown hands have woven the tapestry of what the United States is and we can’t lose sight of that. But ultimately we will be loud, we will be positive and we will lead with love and empathy.”
Carlos “El Gallo” Ordaz-Nunez, owner of TBT El Gallo
“Trump often talks about Eisenhower, and he talks about Ronald Reagan,” Morales said. “You have just the punitive aspect of it, of rounding people up, of sending people across the border, of mass deportations, without increasing any legal means for people to come here. In fact, they went to the opposite, as they want to lower legal migration as well.”
The Trump administration has worked toward this by denying refugees and people holding various kinds of visas, according to Morales.
“The U.S., for the first time in its history, will probably experience a drop in the number of people who live in the country, and that’s because of massive enforcement and then the drying up of legal migration into the country,” Morales said.
On Sept. 17, a solicitation was posted on the federal government’s website for contracting and procurement that indicated ICE is urgently seeking office space in Richmond, among other cities, according to NPR.
Carlos “El Gallo” Ordaz-Nunez, owner of local Mexican street food restaurant TBT El Gallo, said he sees the effects of the federal immigration purge regularly at his restaurant in the form of fear from his Hispanic staff.
Ordaz-Nunez compared the looming presence of ICE to the Chupacabra or “goatsucker,” a folkloric monster of Puerto Rican origin known for draining the blood of livestock, waiting under beds or around street corners, made real.
The self-policing that results from ICE’s actions prevents people from representing their cultures openly, according to OrdazNunez. He said his parents came to the U.S. so he could be whoever he wanted, which he considers “the most beautiful thing” about this country.
“I can love who I want, I can chase dreams recklessly here, I can pursue liberties here that other countries don’t have,” Ordaz-Nunez said. “And then to be told by the leadership of this country that, ‘no you can’t be yourself anymore, no you can’t express yourself this way, no you can’t chase these dreams that we told you you could,’ it seems extremely antiAmerican, extremely against the ideals of what this f****** country was based on.”
“I don’t think anybody loves America the way that an immigrant does,” Ordaz-Nunez said. “That it takes a special kind of love and affection to leave everything you know, to sacrifice everything you come from, your culture, your customs, your food your family to go somewhere for an opportunity for a dream and it’s a specific sort of crazy, a specific sort of optimism and hope and this country was founded on that, it was founded on people leaving to come create something better and beautiful and pure.”
The Latino community will be able to overcome all of this through positivity, empathy and love, Ordaz-Nunez said, noting his community’s daily contributions to the country through their culture, work and art.
“Brown hands move this economy,” Ordaz-Nunez said.
“Brown hands feed this country, brown hands have woven the tapestry of what the United States is and we can’t lose sight of that. But ultimately we will be loud, we will be positive and we will lead with love and empathy.”
NewsEditorMollyManningcontributedto this article.
Ordaz-Nunez cited the quote on the Statue of Liberty as one of his favorites: “give me your tired, give me your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
Performers at the VMFA’s Family Day sharing traditional Latin American art, music and dance on Sept. 13.
Photograph by Sandra Sellars, © 2025 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Quote of the week “Cease, cows, life is short.”
— Gabriel Garcia Marquez, “One Hundred Years of Solitude”
Why Opinions Opiniones
Continued from front page
Over 18,000 Richmonders speak Spanish at home. With our coverage, we sought to meet the language needs of our audience as understanding each other continues to prove most vital. It came in the context of deep stressors hitting the city — including ICE raids and threats to public services.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has limited the accessibility of government information through the elimination of the White House Spanish-language webpage and the government’s Spanish social media pages.
As access to knowledge is restricted to particular groups for political reasons, it is more pertinent than ever for news publications to do what they can to provide coverage.
The gap in access to local information for large swaths of Virginia is undeniable,
we’re publishing articles in Spanish now KNOW
and any step The CT can take to close that gap constitutes a step towards our mission to serve the Richmond and VCU communities. We want our audience to connect to our coverage, and if they cannot because of a language barrier, then we are doing something wrong.
As much as technology has advanced the process of translation, the art of meeting an audience where they are through language remains a largely handmade endeavor. As such, our ability to do so depends on the work of passionate and competent students hoping to practice in and contribute to language access.
Spanish and English are far from being the only languages spoken among VCU students and Richmonders — but the large number of Spanish speakers
allows us assurance that we are reaching as many people as we can within our capacity. The news media can and should respond to the continuously changing linguistic landscape.
Moving forward, The CT will strive to publish at least one article a week in both English and Spanish, with a continued focus on stories of importance to Spanishspeaking Richmonders. We will take any opportunity to make our coverage accessible to those who need it.
Editor’s Note: Staff editorials by The Commonwealth Times are written and edited by all members of staff. The content of editorials is voted on by staff members and must be unanimously agreed-upon ahead of publication.
If you are not a U.S. citizen and are stopped or questioned by police or ICE, you should:
• Remain silent and calm.
• Say “no” when asked to search. Never show false documents. Never lie about being a U.S. citizen.
You DO NOT have to answer questions about: Your immigration status. Where you were born.
• How you entered the country.
IF YOU ARE ARRESTED
Remain calm.
• Remain silent.
• Do not discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer. Do not sign anything you do not understand.
• Say you need an interpreter.
MORE STATE & LOCAL INFORMATION
American Civil Liberties Union VA: Comprehensive Virginia legal rights info
• Legal Aid Justice Center: Rapid Response Toolkit, legal services
Virginia Poverty Law Center, Sacred Heart Center, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, ReEstablish Richmond, Richmond IRC, RPS Immigrant Resource Hub: local resources
NEWS IN SPANISH
Illustration by Lauryn Baynes.
CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS LEGALES
Si no es ciudadano de EE. UU. y es detenido o interrogado por la policía o el ICE, debe: Guardar silencio y mantener la calma. Decir "no" si se le solicita una inspección.
• No mostrar nunca documentos falsos. No mentir nunca sobre ser ciudadano
Estadounidense.
NO tiene que responder preguntas sobre:
Su situación migratoria.
Dónde nació.
Cómo entró en el país.
SI ES ARRESTADO
Mantenga la calma. Guarde silencio.
• No hable de su situación migratoria con nadie que no sea su abogado. No firme nada que no entienda. Diga que necesita un intérprete.
MAS INFORMACIÓN ESTATAL, LOCAL
American Civil Liberties Union VA: información comprehensiva de derechos legales en Virginia Legal Aid Justice Center: herramientas de respuesta rápida, servicios legales Virginia Poverty Law Center, Sacred Heart Center, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, ReEstablish Richmond, Richmond IRC, RPS Immigrant Resource Hub: recursos locales
Porque ahora publicamos artículos
en español
EL PERSONAL DEL COMMONWEALTH TIMES
El Commonwealth Times empezó a publicar noticias selectas en español desde agosto — un cambio que se hizo para satisfacer las necesidades de nuestra audiencia en un momento en cual el gobierno no lo hará.
Nuestro primer artículo en español cubrió una manifestación contra la agencia de control de inmigración y aduanas (ICE en inglés) en el ayuntamiento en agosto.
En el evento abogaron por los inmigrantes — muchos de los cuales son miembros de la comunidad hispanohablante de Richmond. Nuestro artículo fue la única cobertura en los medios en el idioma con cual más cómodo se sienten.
Más de 18,000 residentes de Richmond hablan español en casa. Con nuestra cobertura, buscamos satisfacer las necesidades lingüísticas de nuestra audiencia ya que comprendernos mutuamente continúa siendo de suma importancia. Se produjo en el contexto de factores estresantes profundos que llegaban a la ciudad — entre ellos las medidas severas de parte de ICE y las amenazas a los servicios públicos.
Mientras tanto, el gobierno de Trump ha puesto límites en la accesibilidad de información gubernamental a través de la eliminación de la página web en español para la Casa Blanca y las páginas de redes sociales gubernamentales en español.
Mientras el acceso al conocimiento se restringe a ciertos grupos por razones políticas, es más apropiado que nunca que los periódicos hagan lo que puedan para proveer su cobertura.
La diferencia en cuanto al acceso a información local para franjas amplias de Virginia no se puede negar, y cualquier paso que pueda tomar el CT para achicar esa brecha es paso que nos acerca a nuestra misión de servir a las comunidades de Richmond y de VCU. Queremos que nuestra audiencia pueda relacionarse con nuestra cobertura, y si no pueden debido a una barrera lingüística, entonces hacemos algo mal.
Por mucho que la tecnología haya avanzado el proceso de la traducción, el arte de encontrar la audiencia donde estén a través de un lenguaje sigue siendo un empeño hecho a mano. Por lo tanto,
nuestra habilidad de hacer eso depende de la labor de estudiantes apasionados y capaces que quieran participar y contribuir al acceso lingüístico.
Ni el español ni el inglés son los únicos idiomas que usan estudiantes de VCU y residentes de Richmond — pero la gran cantidad de hispanohablantes nos asegura de que contactaremos a tantas personas como podamos dentro de nuestra capacidad. Los medios de comunicación pueden y deben responder a un panorama lingüístico en constante cambio.
De ahora en adelante, el CT se esforzará para publicar por lo menos un artículo a la semana en inglés y español, con un enfoque continuo en noticias importantes para residentes hispanohablantes de Richmond. Tomaremos cualquier oportunidad para hacer que nuestra cobertura sea accesible a los que la necesitan.
Social media is a tool for change, not just for ‘slacktivism’
URJITA MAINALI
Contributing
Writer
It is rare for major headlines from my family’s country of origin, Nepal, to make it into Western news outlets. The last time I recall people from outside Nepal discussing the country was in 2015, during the deadly earthquakes that shook the nation. So when headlines broke this month that 19 demonstrators were killed in anti-corruption protests, I immediately went looking for answers.
My family members told me about the corruption in the Nepali government. When we discussed how citizens dismantled the unjust system and elected a new prime minister through a radically transparent platform (Discord), I was struck by how each of my family members said the same thing: “I hope that Nepal moves in the right direction now.”
Continued on next page
I feel bad for how cynical I’ve become. I am so used to expecting elders to be resistant to youth movements — especially those taking more radical forms. Perhaps it was because they grew up witnessing the decades of unrest following the Nepalese Civil War, so they were cognizant, understanding and supportive of the protesters’ demands.
In the aftermath, I saw TikTok videos where protestors mourned not only the lives lost, but the destruction to the country they love. They were optimistic that the fight for their future would move in the right direction. I saw videos of locals returning to the streets not just to celebrate atop them, but to help clean them.
Watching through my phone a hemisphere away, I feel that same hope for
all the young people risking their careers, relationships and lives to create change right here in the United States. For better or worse, the age of social media has created a multifaceted, pervasive tool for finding and creating advocacy spaces, particularly among younger activist groups. Before social media, people were subject to the censorship of the systems they were fighting against and were limited to their local audience. Now they can reach hundreds of thousands of people in minutes. While censorship is still occurring online, overall it has expanded not only what we can share but who gets to see it.
During the protests in Nepal, TikTok user @WeHateTheCold inadvertently became an amateur journalist by
documenting the protests. Palestinian journalists are also utilizing TikTok and Instagram to document the genocide in Gaza. Activists across the world are using platforms to amplify marginalized voices and inform their followers about the reality of world events and social issues.
Despite this, many young people are criticized for using social media in their activism.
I’ve shared this sentiment myself — “slacktivism,” a term that refers to interacting with social justice content online without committing to actual change, is a very real issue. There is nothing inherently wrong with sharing and liking advocacy posts. Still, a problem arises when an individual uses these actions solely to satisfy their
moral compass and does not pursue any direct action.
For Generation Z especially, social media and the internet are more than just online platforms — they are an extension of our real lives. It seems obvious that it would be a vital part of our fight to see genuine social change in our lifetimes. That change is impossible to achieve, though, unless we develop ways to translate reposts and likes into tangible political action.
This is easier said than done, but the protests in Nepal demonstrate that it is not only possible, but potentially world-changing.
You can’t save the world by scrolling, but doing so might just show you how you can.
Today, it is my community at risk. Tomorrow, it could be yours.
MONICA VERA
Contributing Writer
One of the most charming aspects of the United States of America is the immense diversity. There is a unique culture behind every individual and family, and the U.S. is a place where those cultures get the opportunity to connect.
Our country was founded on a notion of giving people the chance to find better opportunities, so why are we throwing that aim away now?
Growing up, I was taught that the most essential principles of the U.S. Constitution were the amendments that guarantee our freedom, liberty and individuality. However, it appears the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies are moving the U.S. farther and farther away from those principles. It is heartbreaking to realize Hispanic families like mine are being treated like we are unwanted in the country we call home.
This reality hit even harder when the Supreme Court decided to lift restrictions on immigration enforcement’s practices in
June, combatting a ruling made in a lawsuit filed after three men were unreasonably arrested near a Pasadena bus stop.
According to the lawsuit, The arrests were targeted — the men complied with officers and confirmed their citizenship but were profiled as immigrants and detained regardless. U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong ruled in favor of the men in July, determining that stops and searches in Southern California could no longer be based on race or language and required reasonable suspicion.
Despite this, Trump’s administration filed an emergency request that put a hold on the ruling and allowed the case to go to the Supreme Court. In early September, the initial decisions were overruled with little explanation. Federal officers were once again allowed to racially profile in Southern California, and the ruling makes it easier for other states to follow suit.
Communities like mine know all too well what these practices look like: discrimination disguised as law enforcement.
I have always been proud to say my immigrant parents built a stable life for me and my siblings by sacrificing much of themselves during their journey. I have never hesitated to celebrate my cultural traditions or raise my voice when needed. But with this Supreme Court decision, my confidence has begun to waver. Expressing my cultural identity feels less like a celebration and more like a risk.
The ruling, combined with the Trump administration’s ever-increasing federal pressure to deliver on deportation quotas, has shot fear through every immigrant community in America, but especially my own Hispanic community. Detention means silence, no communication with your loved ones and even uncertainty of your survival. Many are dragged through the unknown and forced to abandon everything they have ever built — families are torn apart, uncertain if they will ever reunite.
If the Supreme Court can ignore the freedoms of thousands, what will stop it from ignoring yours?
Though ICE is allegedly targeting
immigrants with criminal records, everyday people are being caught in the crossfire. The Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee every individual protection against unreasonable searches and the right to equal protection under the law. Today, anyone walking the streets of Los Angeles risks unreasonable detention for nothing more than their skin color or the language they are speaking on the phone.
The U.S. has always been a cultural melting pot. This country was founded on the hopes of achieving big dreams, and was pioneered by those seeking a better future. This freedom means little if it can be stripped away at any moment, and that is the reality we are currently living in.
I still want to keep believing in my country’s promise, but this alone will not protect me. The change we need can only occur if people stay informed. History has shown that when one group is met with injustice, it doesn’t just stop there. Today, it is my community at risk — tomorrow it could be yours.
Comics Cómics
By Niranjana Rathinam
By Katy Steinmetz & Rich Katz
Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle Puzzles
YOU HEAR ME NOW?
By Katy Steinmetz & Rich Katz
Edited by Patti Varol
Los Angeles Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle
Edited by Patti Varol
Edited by Patti Varol
By The Mepham Group
Fonts used:
This issue features typefaces from Hispanic type designers at Latinotype and Huerta Tipográfica — both type foundries are based in Latin America. “Mixta” is designed by Rodrigo Fuenzalida and “Latino Gothic Variable” is designed by Alfonso Garcia at Latinotype. “Cambo” is designed by Carolina Giovagnoli and Andrés Torresi at Huerta Tipográfica.
