The Commonwealth Times; August 22, 2018

Best small, non-daily — 2017 Virginia Press Association @theCT

VOL. 60, NO. 1

THE INDEPENDENT PRESS OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

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AUGUST 22, 2018

Confederate monument supporters gathered near the Jefferson Davis statue Sunday. Photo by Erin Edgerton

RAISING RED FLAGS

Confederate monument supporters re-emerge after commission recommends removal of Jefferson Davis statue

V

CU students were among those present Sunday on Monument Avenue to denounce a pro-Confederate rally in protest of a city commission’s recommendation to remove the Jefferson Davis statue.

Story on page 4

NEWS Monroe Park 3

SPORTS RamNation Summer 6

SPECTRUM Buffalo Exchange 9

OPINIONS Discontent Society 11

2 The Commonwealth Times

New GRC opens, allowing some freshmen to experience the suite life ALMAZ BELAYNEH Contributing Writer

freshmen, upperclassmen and graduate students.

Reuben Rodriguez, AssoVCU finished its newest ciate Vice Provost and Dean addition to residential housing of Student Affairs, said the over the summer: the updated comprehensive project was Gladding Residence Center. the result of a private-public The first set of freshman respartnership between VCU idents — about a third of the and American Campus Comtotal 1,518-student capacity munities, the “nation’s largest — moved into the double tradeveloper, owner and manager ditional and semi-suite room of high-quality student housstyle dormitory commonly ing apartment communities,” known as GRC on Aug. 12. according to its website.

The early move-in came as a Rodriguez said VCU tried perk for those participating in to envision “what the students VCU’s week-long summer promight want” in anticipation grams such as Ram Camp, the of the year 2018 when GRC’s Honors College Freshman Replanning first began. search Institute and the Louis “My favorite part of the Stokes Alliances for Minority GRC is definitely the little lobParticipation STEM camp. bies on each floor (that) every“At first glance, I saw that one hangs on,” said undecided everything was brand new,” The first group of GRC residents was welcomed Aug. 12 for summer programs. Photo by Jon Mirador freshman Tianna Vannarath. said freshman Ester Pinkson, a “Everyone is just really friendly.” biology major. “I was just so excited to have ter was first approved by the VCU Board to live on the Monroe Park Campus.

GRC’s amenities go well beyond the a new mattress, a new shower, a new every- of Visitors in early 2016 as a $96 million Trade-offs came in the form of Glad- living spaces. The first floor contains VCU thing — it’s just really refreshing.” project, according to university public affairs. ding Residence Center phase three revert- Residential Life and Housing offices, a The hall includes amenities like study The new residence hall replaced the ing back to freshman-only housing. West housing leadership center — open to sturooms, community kitchens, a gaming cen- Gladding Residence Center phase one and Grace South, Ackell, Cary and Belvidere dents involved in the RLH community ter, an indoor gym and gender inclusive two buildings and is located at the inter- and Grace and Broad residences reverted for relaxation and study purposes — and communal bathrooms with European-style section of Main and Laurel streets. Accord- back to only housing upperclassmen — a “building support space,” where students partitions and locking shower doors. ing to university public affairs, the 360,000 with the exception of freshmen entering can go when they are in need of emotional Standing 12 stories tall with four “neigh- square foot dorm increased capacity by Living-Learning Communities — and or academic support, encouragement or just borhoods” for student engagement, the cen- about 600 beds, allowing more freshmen Cabaniss Hall now houses a mixture of someone to talk to.

On Saturday, parents and students lined up with suitcases and makeshift carts outside the doors of the five freshman residence halls — Johnson, Rhoads, Brandt, the Honors College, and Gladding Residence Center — prior to beginning the unpacking awaiting them beyond the elevator line.

Reuban Rodriguez — the associate vice provost and dean of student affairs who wandered the streets monitoring the day’s progress — said nearly 85 percent of the largest freshman class VCU has ever brought in arrived to the Monroe Park campus Saturday. About 4,600 students strong, this number broke last fall’s record of more than 4,200 students, according to university public affairs.

The new GRC, combined with the anticipated opening of Monroe Park, is “really going to change the dynamic of the freshman experience,” Rodriguez said, due to the more fluid, centralized locations of freshman dorms between Franklin and Main streets.

Freshman Marie Bonenfant — who plans on concentrating in illustration after finishing the VCUarts art foundation program — traveled from Hampton, New Hampshire, and said it was “more exciting to see so many people.”

Bonenfant said she looks forward to VCU’s larger social communities like

Rhoads Hall, in addition to participating in smaller communities like the Honors College, where class enrollment is more exclusive.

Senior Eboni Felton, a second-year Residential Assistant and psychology major, said she was excited to help at her second move-in as an R.A. “It’s a bittersweet moment because it reminds me of my freshman year,” Felton said. “I like to see the excitement on the parents’ faces knowing their kids are embarking on a new journey.”

Last year, Felton worked at West Grace South residence hall, so she said she definitely felt the difference this year with the larger wave of students in front of Brandt and Rhoads residence halls.

Viveca Cathell — an undeclared freshman waiting in line outside Brandt and Rhoads halls with her dad Rob Cathell — said she was “excited for city life,” but anxious to meet her roommate, who was randomly assigned to her from the housing application process.

In the thick of the congestion on “the patio” — Brandt and Rhoads halls’ entryway that students frequent on sunny days — Rob Cathell was experiencing his first taste of moving a child into a college dorm.

After being told this was the largest freshman move in VCU has ever seen, Rob Cathell said “for not knowing what to expect, it’s going pretty well,” before hurrying off as the next person in line for the elevator.

Illus trat ion by Juli a Gillb

NIA TARIQ News Editor

ert

Monroe Park campus welcomes its largest freshman class ever, again

Updated residence hall guest policy allows visits without signing in ZACH JOACHIM Executive Editor Gone are the days of the dreaded, rigorous walks down to the entrance of your residence hall to sign in a guest.

Well, sort of. VCU’s new guest policy allows any tennent of a VCU residence hall to enter another hall as a guest during the period in which the host is checked in to their own housing assignment. Simply swipe your ID, and the guest visit is logged.

Any guest who does not live in a VCU on-campus apartment or individual room is still required to present identification and be signed in by their host at the entrance. However, the uni-

versity has established means to expedite the process. Hosts may provide some of their guest’s information to Residential Life and Housing in advance by creating a “Visitor Registration” in StarRez, the “world leader in providing student housing software,” according to its website.

Reuban Rodriguez, VCU Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, said the decision to update the guest policy “really speaks well to our students and the security we have in the residence halls.”

To get ahead of the process, sign in to StarRez and select the “Visitors” tab at the top of the screen. “Register a New Visitor” and provide as much information as possible. This registration, though making sign-in at informations desk more efficient, does not nullify the process itself.

Residents are permitted no more than three guests at any given time, and must have their roommate(s)’ consent to host.

Guests may be hosted for no more than three consecutive nights and no more than six nights total in any given 30-day period.

Wed. August 22, 2018 3

Headshot of Wendi Winters courtesy of Capital Gazette

Remembering VCU alumna among slain Capital Gazette journalists ANYA SCERZENIE Contributing Writer An architect’s rendering of the renovated Monroe Park, opening Aug. 29. Illustration by Muir Stewart; courtesy of 3north

Monroe Park to open this month after nearly two-year renovation LOGAN REARDON Contributing Writer

“I hope the park is worth the year-long wait we went through,” said Boyce. “I hope that not only does it provide a viaMonroe Park, which has been closed for ble shortcut, but a place to hang out from 21 months due to renovations, will have time to time.” the fences on its perimeter taken down as Many improvements to the park dealt a soft-reopening on Aug. 29, prior to an with outdated electrical and sewage upofficial ribbon-cutting at the end of Sep- grades as well as improved irrigation systember, the City of Richmond announced tems to help curb street flooding. this month.

On top of those renovations, the city has Plans for the renovations started back in planted 133 new trees in addition to more 2006, with the $7 million project beginning than 3,000 new plants with the hopes of upon the park’s closure in November 2016. keeping pests out of the park.

Updated features include a new plaza with Many Richmonders protested the tables and chairs, repaved walkways, bike park’s closure due to the potential disshare stations, and water bottle and dog placement of a portion of the city’s homebowl refill stations. less population who depended on the Current VCU first and second-year green space between Belvidere and Laurel students have yet to utilize Monroe Park streets for shelter. for its walkways to class and leisure space.

On December 6, 2015, two years before VCU Sophomore Tyrone Boyce is excited renovations began, a massive protest led by to finally be able to visit the park.

A Society Without A Name was held in

Monroe Park. ASWAN, a homeless-led advocacy group working on issues that affect all homeless Richmonders, feared the closing of Monroe Park would severely limit the number of services provided locally for homeless individuals.

While the services provided from Monroe Park ceased once it began renovations, many local churches and organizations in Richmond stepped up and increased their support in the surrounding areas to help provide accommodation to those affected by the park’s closure.

VCU students have also played a part in helping out the local homeless population.

In the past, groups like the Muslim Student Organization have taken care of the homeless in Richmond by providing food and other services.

When the park reopens, it will have designated times and places for groups to provide these services to the homeless.

Wendi Winters, a Capital Gazette news reporter and VCU alumna, was among those killed in the Capital Gazette newsroom shooting in Annapolis, Maryland. June 28.

Winters was a 65-year-old mother of 4.

Her daughter Winters Geimer described her as “a wonderful woman and a fantastic reporter” to the Baltimore Sun. After graduating from VCU’s School of the Arts in 1975, Winters went on to run a fashion boutique for seven years before changing her career to journalism. She became a freelance reporter, finally joining the staff of the Capital Gazette in 2013 with an extensive portfolio.

“She really loved storytelling, she loved working with people,” said Kathryn Flynn, a Capital Gazette editor according to a Baltimore Sun article published the day after the shooting.

The Robertson School of Media and Culture at VCU issued a statement condemning the attack and extending condolences to the families of the victims.

“Journalists speak truth to power, they shine a light on information the public needs to know,” said Associate Professor Peyton Rowe. “At the Robertson School, we are appalled by today’s climate of hostility towards journalists."

GRTC partnership brings free rides to university students and employees LOGAN REARDON Contributing Writer VCU and the Greater Richmond Transit System have partnered to allow rides on most bus routes in Richmond at no cost for both MCV and Monroe Park students and employees.

The agreement allows for unlimited rides on the GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit and regular fixed-route local and express bus services. This announcement also came with the news that the Campus Connector bus line will be transitioned into an express service between the campuses starting in the spring 2019 semester.

“This partnership with GRTC provides the entire VCU community with greater access and alternative means to explore and connect to more areas of Richmond,” said VCU President Michael Rao. The current agreement will last until July 31, 2019. The first year of this partnership will act as a pilot to a potentially longer agreement, with VCU paying $1.2 million into the program for this year alone.

Gary Armstrong, a member of the GRTC Board of Directors, says this new

agreement could allow for the transit company to explore and fix problems with their local services.

“We recognize how important it is to collaborate with riders and the city on improvements to the new network while remaining budget-conscious,” Armstrong said.

“This kind of partnership allows GRTC to evaluate service enhancements that were not possible without VCU’s investment.”

The Pulse line — which travels along Broad and Main Streets between Rocketts Landing and Willow Lawn — and Route 5, which runs along Cary and Main Streets, could be particularly useful for VCU students and employees due to their proximity to both campuses.

While some praise this new decision, others like sophomore Jesscina Tower fear that VCU will later decide to alter the Campus Connector route.

“I don’t like it,” Tower said. “I’m going to be living in Cary and Belvidere, and taking away that stop [next to Snead Hall] could really mess up my commute to class.”

Reuban Rodriguez, VCU Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, assured that the plan with GRTC will not

VCU students, faculty and staff will be able to enjoy free rides this school year, courtesy of the university’s partnership with GRTC. Photo by Jon Mirador alter existing bus routes, but enrich them by providing multiple options.

“The university will assess whether or not the students are utilizing the Pulse and assess how that can affect Campus Connector stops [in the future],” Rodriguez said.

In its latest update, the VCU Mobile app added a “GRTC” button to its home menu, which directs the user to download the GRTC mobile app, where they can view routes, arrival times and alerts about stop closures or delays.

4 The Commonwealth Times

Pro-Confederate protestors outnumbered yet again at Monument Avenue rally GEORGIA GEEN Managing Editor A small Confederate group held a rally Sunday across from the Jefferson Davis statue on Monument Avenue in protest of a city commission’s recommendation to remove the tribute that many consider a symbol of white supremacy.

The Monument Avenue Commission suggested the removal of the statue in July due to the fact that Davis was not from Richmond or Virginia, making the memorial “the most unabashedly Lost Cause in its design and sentiment.” Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney established the commission last year.

This rally, held by the Virginia Task Force III% - Dixie Defenders, was the latest in a series of pro-Confederate demonstrations that began last summer. During last year’s Charlottesville march, 32-year-old Heather Heyer was killed when a protester drove his car into a crowd of counter-protesters. A left-wing march on Aug. 12 in Charlottesville sought to honor the anniversary of Heyer’s death.

Seema Sked, a counter-protester at Sunday’s event, said she has already attended a series of demonstrations responding to the presence of Confederate groups on Monument Avenue. She said she thinks she has attended every rally since September 2017, when more than 100 demonstrators overshadowed the pro-Confederate presence.

Sunday’s counter-protesters — who arrived early to take control of the area surrounding the monument — outnumbered the pro-Confederate group, which took the space on a grassy median across from the statue, about 3 to 1.

“I’m going to stand up to racism and bigotry for as long as I live because it’s just not

right,” Sked said. “I know monuments coming down and symbols coming down do not fix the problem, but they are a step in the right direction.”

Several Confederate demonstrators were armed, with firearms hanging across their backs and rounds of ammunition stored in vest pockets.

“I’m all about love and acceptance and I don’t like when people show up to town or are in town and come try to intimidate Above: The pro-Confederate group Dixie Defenders were among those in support of the folks,” Sked said. monuments remaining on the historic avenue. Below: Students and counter-protesters were present in support of removing the monuments. Photos by Erin Edgerton fenders, said she and other group members are “far from being racist.” When asked how she thinks a Black person might feel walking I’m going to stand by the Jefferson Davis monument, she reup to racism and sponded that she has Black family members. bigotry for as long For Pilis and many other protesters, who refer to the Civil War as the “War of as I live because it’s Northern Aggression,” the Confederate just not right. I know monuments represent southern heritage. monuments coming They are not alone in their mentality; a 2015 McClatchy-Marist Poll found that 41 perdown and symbols cent of Americans disagree that slavery was coming down do not fix the primary cause of the Civil War. This is the problem, but they despite the fact that — according to most of the southern states’ secession documents are a step in the right — slavery was the primary motivation for direction.” separation from the Union.

Pilis said she plans to attend the Sept. 15 Seema Sked, Counter-Protester rally on Monument Avenue to be hosted by Though Monument Avenue remained the CSA II: The New Confederate States of open to traffic, police — including the America from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The group Richmond Mounted Unit — were present wrote on its Facebook page that the rally in the area surrounding the monument and will honor the one-year anniversary of last nearby sidewalks. No arrests were made, nor September’s event. were any protesters injured.

“We’re not going to go away and not goJanet Pilis, a member of the Dixie De- ing to give up,” Pilis said.

City council votes student’s human rights task force to become a commission NIA TARIQ News Editor City Council voted unanimously to adopt a Human Rights Commission for the City of Richmond earlier this summer following a series of efforts by VCU stu-dent Riqia Taylor.

Taylor, a senior studying AfricanAmeri-can studies, chaired the task force dedicated to establishing the commission.

A Human Relations Commission ex-isted for more than 30 years before dis-solving in 2006. The new Human Rights Commission — which was approved on June 11 and will become active later this fall — marks the rebirth of a push for hu-man rights consideration in cases involving discrimination.

The process began when Taylor met Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen Robertson two years ago. With the help of Robertson and fellow council member Parker Agelasto, the task force was created to push the passing of a full-blown commission.

Josie Mace, a task force member and policy associate for New Virginia Majority, said she handled much of the research.

“It was a role that meant reeling in some of the abstract ideas of other members and turning them into something that could be real and effective,” Mace said. “What we hope is that Richmonders, including college students, will be able to get justice when

there is discrimination in housing, business, transportation — anything.”

According to the Virginia Human Rights Act, the protected classes — populations of people who cannot be lawfully discriminated against — are based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status or disability.

With the establishment of the commission — according to the ordinance passed by city council — a safeguard will be placed upon “all individuals within the City from unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, transgender status, or gender identity, in places of public accommodation.”

The commission will be comprised of 11 adults — five of whom Mayor Levar Stoney appointed and six of whom were appointed by the city council — and two non-voting youth members broadly representative of the Richmond community.

Each adult can serve one three-year term and each youth can serve one term spanning roughly a school year.

Part of the commission’s efforts, Taylor hopes, will be to reach out to local organizations to establish partnerships for targeted causes, which will change based on the community’s demands.

The commission’s duties will be to inves-

tigate and advise the city council and the mayor on acts of discrimination, provide assistance to community members who believe their human rights were violated by referring them to proper agencies who can be of greater help, provide public forums for the discussion of human rights issues and conduct studies regarding human relations in the city, among others.

Members of the Task Force on the Establishment of a Taylor emphasized the Human Rights Commission (from left to right): Rodney commission will be help- Lofton, Riqia Taylor, Josie Mace and Giles Harnsberger. ful to VCU students and Photo by Riqia Taylor Richmonders in general because it will serve as a resource broker member and vice president and deputy for protecting their rights if they feel they director of Diversity Richmond, said the have been violated. initial efforts would have been difficult “Why it should matter to them is that without Taylor. this is now an entity that you can go to and “What a truly dynamic and charismatexpress your concerns,” she said. “If you feel ic young lady,” he said. “Focused and task VCU isn’t doing the job and you’re not from oriented, Riqia (Taylor) kept the group on Richmond, then it is another resource.” task to complete this most important work.

Taylor said she would love to be ap- She is indeed a force to be reckoned with.” pointed as a member to the commission, Those interested in applying for comas her set on the task force was not a per- mission membership can submit an applimanent one. cation on the Richmond Office of the City “I cannot speak to what the commission Clerk website. The commission will become will do moving forward because that is sole- active in October once all members have ly up to the members they appoint,” she said. been appointed.

Rodney Lofton, another task force

Wed. August 22, 2018 5

Stat of the week Under first year head coach Stacey Bean, Field Hockey finished 2017 with its highest win total since 1992.

Rising sophomore forward Sean Mobley shot 38 percent from beyond the arc last year. Photo by Erin Edgerton

Rhoades, Rams ready to rebound JESSICA WETZLER AND ZACH JOACHIM CT Sports Editor and Executive Editor VCU Men’s Basketball made it to the NCAA Tournament every season since 2010 until last year, when the Rams failed to advance past the A-10 Quarterfinals. But with a clean slate on the horizon, the Black and Gold will look to settle in to a new coaching staff, as Mike Rhoades begins his second season at the helm on Broad Street.

VCU has experienced a whirlwind of momentum swings, coaching turnover and unprecedented expectations since the legendary Final Four run of 2011. The Shaka Smart and Will Wade eras have come and gone in that time, leaving the VCU community in desperate search of stability.

Despite last season’s tournament letdown, RamNation hopes Rhoades is the man to lead the Black and Gold back to the promised land and stay for the long haul.

Three freshmen — guards PJ Byrd and KeShawn Curry as well as highly touted forward Vincent Williams — will join a team facing significant turnover from last year following the departures of senior starting point guard Johnny Williams and senior forward, leading scorer and FirstTeam All-A-10 selection Justin Tillman.

Despite losing Williams, Tillman and fellow senior forward Khris Lane, RamNation has one big reason to expect a bounceback 2018-19 campaign — Marcus Evans.

The 6-foot-2-inch rising junior point guard sat out last season due to transfer regulations after he followed Rhoades from Rice

University. A Chesapeake, Virginia native, Evans averaged 19.0 points per game and shot 42 percent from the field as a sophomore competing in Conference USA. A George Bush High School graduate out of Richmond, Texas, Byrd committed to VCU back in September on Twitter and could begin the season as Evans’ backup. Curry, a Fork Union Military Academy graduate, committed to VCU last October. The 6-foot-4-inch combo guard adds versatility to Rhoades’ backcourt behind Evans, junior guard and sharpshooter Malik Crowfield, junior guard Mike’l Simms and Byrd. Last but not least, Wil-

(I picked VCU) because of the winning culture and the basketball culture and the community is definitely something special.”

Sean Mobley, Forward liams — a four-star forward from St. John’s’ Jesuit in Toledo, Ohio — committed last October. Williams has drawn rave reviews for his athleticism and competitiveness, as the versatile wing has already earned the label of a classic VCU talent. Williams projects the highest ceiling of the freshman trio.

Last season, the freshman class pro-

duced immediately and became fan favorites, leaving VCU supporters full of hope for the future and, particularly, the next two years. Forwards Sean Mobley and Marcus Santos-Silva burst onto the scene last year and could assume starting roles as sophomores. Rising junior wings De’Riante Jenkins and Issac Vann join Evans, Simms and Crowfield to round out a stacked class of 2019-2020.

PROJECTED 2018-19 VCU STARTING FIVE: Evans, Crowfield, Jenkins, Mobley, Santos-Silva.

Sixth-man: Vann’s dynamic scoring presence is best utilized in this capacity, though he could foreseeably compete with Jenkins or Mobley for a starting gig.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTORS: Simms came on strong down the stretch last year and should garner major minutes off the bench. Williams should also push for playing time, as his elite athleticism could ease the learning curb to the collegiate level. Rhoades likes to rotate 8-10 men in order to play at a frenetic pace and out-grit the competition, so senior wing Xavier Jackson and Byrd could also see minutes. Senior transfer Michael Gilmore, now in his second stint on Broad Street, could be an X-factor and add much needed depth to the Rams’ frontcourt.

STRENGTHS: Evans is undoubtedly the fulcrum of this squad. The lefty guard has some James Harden to his game, with an array of savvy moves at his disposal. Look for as many as 20 points per game from the Cape Henry graduate.

Depth and versatility on the wings will stand out as the defining characteristic of this group. Jenkins, Vann, Mobley, Williams and Jackson can all guard 2-4 effectively and get to the cup consistently. Mobley, Jenkins and Vann also bring range from beyond the arc to the table.

WEAKNESSES: Front court depth is the glaring shortcoming of this edition of HAVOC. Much will be asked of Santos-Silva, as he is the only true bruiser on the roster. This is somewhat by design, as VCU traditionally recruits shorter, athletic centers who can run the floor and keep up with the high tempo (think Mo-Alie Cox, now a tight end for the Indianapolis Colts).

As always, the Black and Gold will have to pack the paint against any big man pushing 7 feet, work to run him off the floor and lure him into foul trouble. At 6 feet and 10 inches, 210 pounds, Gilmore, a 4-5 hybrid with three-point range, could see the playing time necessary for a breakout season after disappointing years at the University of Miami and Florida Gulf Coast University following his transfer from VCU after his freshman season.

6 The Commonwealth Times

RamNation Summer Hot Stove

BY ZACH JOACHIM Executive Editor

Aris Leeuwarden. The Richmond native averaged 9.8 points per game last season, and his 182 assists ranks ninth in single-season There’s always something cookin’ in the school history. Williams will be the third world of RamNation. Coach Mike Rhoad- VCU alum to suit up for Aris Leeuwarden, es and his 2018-19 Rams will gear up for following in the footsteps of Darius Theus the new campaign amid a whirlwind of and Brandon Rozzell. sky-high expectations this fall — here’s what you missed in the offseason.

SHOCKING DEVELOPMENT: Dec. 22 — mark your calendars, RamNation. VCU has agreed to a home-andhome series with perennial Final Four conJunior guard Marcus Evans suffered his tender Wichita State University, beginning second achilles injury back in June. Evans this season at the Siegel Center. The return had recently completed full recovery from a game against the Shockers at Koch Arena torn achilles, which occurred in June 2017. in Wichita, Kan. is set for Dec. 21, 2019.

The full severity of the injury is still unclear, The Rams’ full non-conference schedule as VCU Basketball appears to be playing will be released shortly, but established this one close to the chest. highlights will include away games at the “Out the hospital & nothing but good University of Virginia and University of news ! God is good,” Evans tweeted June 5. Texas at Austin.

Evans, who averaged 20 points per game in two seasons under Rhoades at RAMNATION TBT: Rice University and made First-Team All-Conference USA both years, sat out VCU’s alumni basketball team — Ramlast season due to transfer regulations. If Nation — made it all the to the quarterfihealthy, Evans is poised to take over the nals of The Basketball Tournament, a yearly, starting point guard role vacated by John- $2 million winner-take-all, 72-team brackny Williams. et full of international talent.

“We fell in love with the concept a couple years ago before we were in,” said THE FLYING DUTCHMAN: RamNation GM Mat Shelton-Eide on Acrobatic VCU graduate and last sea- the TBT website. “We’ve done it the past son’s starting point guard Johnny Williams few years and it’s so fun. Our players and will begin his professional career in Hol- their families love it … Obviously we lost land. Williams signed with Dutch club to Overseas Elite the past couple years, but STAR GUARD EVANS ON THE MEND:

we want to continue tinue to progress and win the whole thing.””

The squad, including cluding former VCU stars Briante Weber, Darius Theus, Brandon Rozell and Eric Maynor, aynor, fell to three-time defending champion n Overseas Elite 72 - 60 -— the third consecutive utive year RamNation has been thwarted byy the eventual champions.

TILLMAN’S N’S NBA FUTURE HEAT-ING AT-ING UP: Former VCU U star forward Justin Tillman agreed to a Summer League contract with the Miami Heat in the offseason. Tillman averaged 6.55 points and .5 rebounds per game in twoo contests. The 2017-18 First Team All-Atlantic l-Atlantic 10 selection worked out for a number of teams over the summer, including ng the Spurs, Celtics, Nuggets, Thunder, Pistons istons and Lakers.

Photograph by Erin Edgerton

Wed. August 22, 2018 7

Men’s Soccer is projected to finish second in this year’s A-10 Preseason Poll. Photo by Erin Edgerton

Men’s Soccer Eyes Season Opener ADAM CHEEK Staff Writer

the University of Hartford, the team is warmed up and ready to open its 2018 season. Although the scrimmage with the Terrapins was closed to the public, the Rams took part in two more games, adding one home and one away in preparation for the regular season.

and Amorosino each tallying at least 50 shots apiece.

Although these key players are gone, VCU Men’s Soccer will start its other prominent individuals — includ2018 season Friday in a match against ing junior midfielder Fortia Munts, juGeorgia Southern University, which nior forward Siad Haji and junior definished the 2017 season with a 9-8-1 fenseman Ryo Shimazaki — are slated record, while VCU looks to improve on to return for the 2018 season. Combinlast year’s 12-7 performance. ing for 62 shots, 26 points and 6 goals The Rams maintained winning relast year, this trio looks to expand upon cords both at home and on the road its prowess as the new schedule begins. last season, averaging more than two Junior forward Siad Haji Goalkeeper Mario Sequeira also regoals per game and scoring 41 over the turns for his second year in front of the was named to the U.S. course of the season. net, making 53 saves last season while Finishing second to the University U-20 National Soccer allowing 17 goals. His .757 save perof Massachusetts at Amherst in the centage, as well as a 12-4 record while team.

Atlantic 10 conference last season, the on the field, secured the goalie a spot Rams aim to improve on a 6-2 in-confor the 2018 season. ference record this year. After falling Incoming freshmen make up a sigto UMass in the A-10 championship Star midfielder Rafael Andrade nificant portion of the roster. These final, VCU will attempt to avenge that Santos — who racked up 12 goals and players hail from all over the globe, loss on Wednesday, Oct. 3 when they 29 points in 18 of the team’s 19 games from local Richmonders like midfielder welcome the Minutemen to Sports last season —graduated last semester, Simon Fitch, to Lisbon, Portugal-born Backers Stadium. as did fellow midfielders Francesco Nuno Sualehe, also a midfielder for After three scrimmages against Amorosino and Luc Fatton. These the Rams.

VCU opens its schedule with four the University of Maryland, College three standouts all scored at least 19 home games, while the first away Park, the University of Virginia and goals last year, with Andrade Santos

Ram Fact

Hardy’s OT strike gives Women’s Soccer first victory NILE MCNAIR Contributing Writer

opener, VCU looked to redeem themselves in another home game, this time versus the Charlotte 49ers on Aug. 19.

Defense was dominant for both teams.

After an 11-6-3 2017 campaign, VCU Senior keeper Audrey Sanderson and Women’s Soccer returns this fall trying to Abby Stapleton, her opposite number duplicate their success. The 2017 Black for Charlotte, had three saves apiece on and Gold made it all the way to the A-10 the day.

Conference Championship game before Both sides turned in double digit shot falling short to La Salle University, 1-0. attempts, but each defense held strong The Rams split their first two matches of through the full 90 minutes.

2018, falling to the University of North VCU and Charlotte combined for a toCarolina Wilmington 3-1 before downing tal of twenty fouls in what proved a physthe University of North Carolina Char- ical contest. VCU finally broke free and lotte 1-0 in dramatic fashion. scored on a free kick in the 94th minute.

Junior midfield Rachel Hardy provided the goal for VCU off an impressive free UNC CHARLOTTE kick from 22-yards out just three minutes Following their loss in the season’s home and change into overtime.

match pits the Rams against the Hoosiers of the University of Indiana. Only six regular-season matches are duplicated from last season, as VCU tries to extend win streaks over St. Louis University and George Mason University. The Rams will attempt to top St. Bonaventure University and rebound against Old Dominion University, UMass and George Washington University — all of which downed VCU in close matches last year.

VCU closes its 2018 regular season with eight straight in-conference matchups, with Duquesne University, the University of Dayton and La Salle University all posing new challenges for the Rams.

The Black and Gold’s opener against Georgia Southern will kick off at 5 p.m.

Friday at Sports Backers Stadium, and they will host the Radford University Highlanders on Sunday, Aug. 26, with a 5 p.m. start time.

Illustration by Kim Peters

Hardy’s wonder strike ended the game Bootes scored to double the advantage. and gave VCU a 1-0 victory over the 49ers.

VCU finally made it on the board just two minutes later with a goal from freshman forward Idelys Vazquez, cutting the UNC WILMINGTON deficit in half. The strike was Vazquez’s VCU opened up the first game of the first goal in a Rams uniform. season at home against UNC Wilmington The Seahawks put the Rams comeback with a 3-1 loss despite outshooting the chances to rest with a goal just thirty secSeahawks 12-10. onds later. Wilmington’s third and final After nearly twenty minutes of score- goal came from Morgan Nanni, giving less play, Wilmington made the first strike, the Seahawks a commanding 3-1 lead and getting on the scoreboard via a tap in by eventually the victory.

Ashley Johnson on a deflected corner kick, assisted by Tara Pak. Women’s soccer will only have one game The remainder of the first half was next week, returning home to compete scoreless and VCU went into the break against High Point University on Aug. 24 at down 1-0.

7:30 p.m.

The Seahawks added to their lead in the 67th minute. Wilmington’s Kirsten

8 The Commonwealth Times

Field Hockey seniors take up leadership mantle

Reigning A-10 Champions trounce Tribe in exhibition RODNEY ROBINSON Contributing Writer

VCU also looks to build upon its 2017 NCAA Tournament appearance. The Rams lost a tough match against the University VCU’s reigning A-10 Women’s Volley- of Pittsburgh in the opening round, three ball Champions cruised to a straight-set sets to one. Behind leadership from the upvictory on their Aug. 14 season opening perclassmen, the Rams will hope to make a scrimmage against the College of William deeper run in the 2018 tournament. & Mary, defeating the Tribe 27-25 in the first set and 25-13 in the second.

VCU opens the season Friday, Aug. 24, The first set proved a nail biter, but se- against North Carolina State University in nior middle-blocker Tori Baldwin clinched the NC State Invitational and will close out it with a smashing hit. the invitational against Washington State Upon finishing her junior year, Baldwin University on Saturday, Aug. 25. was named to the First Team All-Atlantic 10 Conference and A-10 All Tournament teams. She was also selected for the AVCA All-East Region team. Baldwin also set a program record for hitting percentage in a season at 0.360. She ranked fifth nationally in blocks per set at 1.56 and moved into second place in VCU’s record book for career blocks at 396.

The Black and Gold will rely on veteran leadership this season from Baldwin and fellow senior, opposite hitter Julia Adler, as they return with seven juniors and two sophomores, and add four freshmen.

During the second set of the W&M match, the Rams dominated, sealing the set with a smash from sophomore outside hitter Kaila Robinson.

All eyes will be on the Rams this upcoming season, after racking up 30 victories and claiming the A-10 title in 2017.

Last season, the team began the year with a 3-2 record, but left their early losses in Junior Gina Tuzzolo leaps in the air to hit a the rear view mirror, going on to win 27 set from fellow junior Dajah Ard. Photo by matches in a row, the NCAA’s longest Elizabeth Humphreys streak last season.

Ill us tr at io n

by M ai -P hu

on g B ui

JESSICA WETZLER Sports Editor Ending last season with an overall record of 14-6, 6-2 in A-10 play, VCU Field Hockey has undergone significant turnover, with seven incoming freshman looking to four seniors for leadership in 2018.

First-year head coach Stacey Bean was a booming success, leading the program to its highest win total since 1992.

Twin sisters — Svea Sturm and Maite Sturm — scored a combined 27 points last year. The sophomore midfielders from Waltrop, Germany, made for a dynamic duo.

Maite Sturm was named to the All-Atlantic 10 Rookie Team, the NFHCA All-South Region Second Team, and All-Atlantic 10 Championship Team.

She ranked fourth on the team in scoring with six goals and one assist. Svea Sturm was also named to the All-Atlantic 10 Rookie Team along with her sister, as well as the All-Atlantic 10 Second Team.

Svea scored two game-winning goals and tied for the team lead in shots on goal percentage at .714.

Four seniors will take on key leadership roles this season — Emily McNamara, Lauren Kaup, Jessica Mays, and Hannah Fox. Forward Emily McNamara racked up 51 points to set the school’s single-season record, including 21 goals, also a school

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record. McNamara was named A-10 Player of the Week three times during last season and started all 20 games for VCU. Forward Lauren Kaup appeared in all 20 games as well, earning 14 starts and scoring eight goals for The Black and Gold. Kaup scored the game-winning goal against the Longwood University Lancers in October and ended her junior year scoring three goals and adding two assists.

Midfielder Jessica Mays appeared in 16 games last season, recording four shots with three shots on goal and scoring in a win against Davidson College.

Defender Hannah Fox started all 20 games and helped the Rams earn six shutouts during the 2017 season.

The 2018 freshman class comes from all over the world with players hailing from Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands.

Freshman Christina Zydzik and Sasha Elliott will take on goalkeeping duties after former goalkeepers Chessa Kownurko and Suzie Pileckas graduated.

Field hockey opens play Friday against Hofstra University, and the first home game is Sept. 2 against American University at 1:00 p.m. followed by an away game Sept. 9 against the College of William & Mary.

Wed. August 22, 2018 9

On this day

Two paintings by Edvard Munch, “The Scream” and “Madonna,” were stolen at gunpoint from the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway in 2004.

VCU grad brings Cultural Crawl home GEORGIA GEEN Managing Editor Despite Richmond being one of the smallest cities in the lineup, attendance at last year’s Cultural Crawl — a people-of-color-centered bar crawl — rivaled that of other destinations like New York and Los Angeles.

Adanna Mbugo — a VCU graduate who founded the crawl — expects a similar crowd of about 500 or 600 people at this year’s event, to be held in Carytown on Aug. 25. Participants will receive a map of destinations, including Burger Bach, Garden Grove Brewing and Urban Winery, Greek on Cary, The Broken Tulip and Weezies Kitchen. Each destination will offer drink specials $5 and under, and food specials $10 and under.

At its root, Mbugo says, the crawl is designed to support local artists. The map given to participants will denote Carytown’s murals, and a portion of ticket sales will go to The CC Collective, the crawl’s organization dedicated to creating cultural change through art.

“I know a lot of the times — especially being an artist of color — it’s hard to get support, even if it’s from another artist,” Mbugo said.

The Cultural Crawl isn’t White-dominated like some other art events in Richmond, Mbugo says. While they don’t turn anyone away, they don’t hide the fact that the event is geared toward people of color.

Mbugo advises planners of similar events

Cultural Crawl organizers encourage participants to wear traditional clothing if they wish. Photo courtesy of Adanna Mbugo not to be afraid to “speak up or speak out about what it is that you’re trying to do.”

“We wanted to create something, being of color, that enticed people to get up and try some new things, see some new art,” Mbugo said. “Stuff that we walk past every day and just don’t notice.”

After founding the Cultural Crawl with two friends, Mbugo selected Richmond as one of the destinations, given her knowledge of the area.

“I remembered Richmond has a lot of

nice dive bars or small little local bars and restaurants that people don’t know about,” Mbugo said. “And I also remembered a lot of the time there being a dire need to find something to do.”

Mbugo said those who manage to attend all of the crawl’s destinations are usually organized, crossing each bar or restaurant off on a list and documenting the experience on social media. But almost everyone makes an effort to reach every stop before the event ends at 10 p.m.

The crawl is self-guided, meaning participants have the freedom of choosing their destinations without a set schedule.

“We like people to take their time and go where they want to go,” Mbugo said.

“We don’t want to make someone do or try something that they wouldn’t want to.”

Cultural Crawl check-in is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Burger Bach at 3426 W. Cary St. The event spans from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Early bird tickets are $15. The event is open to ages 21 and up.

VA’s first Buffalo Exchange is coming to Carytown ANDREW RINGLE Contributing Writer Another competitor will enter the Richmond thrift scene when Buffalo Exchange opens its new location in Carytown Sept. 1.

The southwestern-style thrift store was started in Tucson, Arizona by Kerstin and Spencer Block in 1974. Since then, it has grown to 50 stores in 21 states. Its new opening at 3140-B W. Cary St. will be the first Buffalo Exchange in Virginia, with the next-closest location in D.C.

With Carytown’s historic charm, proximity to VCU and focus on unique local businesses, we knew it would be a great fit.”

Rebecca Block, Buffalo Exchange Vice President “We’ve wanted to move into Richmond for a while now, so when we found this location, we jumped at the opportunity,” said Buffalo Exchange Vice President Rebecca Block. “With Carytown’s historic charm, proximity to VCU and focus on unique local businesses, we knew it would be a great fit.”

The store will be open seven days a week,

recycling used clothing and accessories to refresh a constantly changing, thrifty and vintage wardrobe.

With a valid government-issued ID, patrons 18 and older can bring in their unwanted clothing at any time without an appointment. Buffalo Exchange promises 30 percent of their sales price in cash or 50 percent in store credit.

Additionally, the family-owned business will give back to the Richmond community with a charity program called Tokens for Bags. Instead of a plastic bag at the register, Buffalo Exchange hands out charity tokens which can be donated to local nonprofits.

At its Carytown location, these nonprofits include Richmond SPCA, Equality Virginia and Keep Virginia Beautiful.

Since Tokens for Bags began in 1994, the company has raised more than $774,000 for nonprofits and prevented 15.4 million plastic bags from entering the environment.

Even for the clothes they cannot buy, Buffalo Exchange offers another way to recycle them back into the community.

“As a convenience to our customers, anything we’re not able to buy can be donated to a local charity that picks up the donations weekly,” said Buffalo Exchange Marketing Associate Emma Robinson.

Every winter, Buffalo Exchange will also accept animal furs in their Coats for Cubs program. The business will send real fur items to Virginia wildlife rehabilitation centers to be repurposed into bedding for injured or orphaned cubs.

Buffalo Exchange was the first buy-sell-trade store for clothes and accessories.

Photo by Elizabeth Humphreys Helping the community is not a new idea for the thrift scene in Richmond. Rumors, another thrift store near the VCU Monroe Park campus, has similar programs to give back to the community. For example, every month the shop gives part of their proceeds to local nonprofits through their Shop for a Reason program.

“We’re obviously excited about another buy-sell-trade store opening up because not only does it provide more affordable options for our customers, it also is one more store fighting the good fight in helping us keep

fast fashion out of landfills,” said Rumors store manager Shelby Guest.

VCU sophomore Madie Maier is an avid thrifter. She’s excited for the new thrift store to open in Carytown because it will expand her selection of places to shop.

When it comes to thrifting, a new outfit is not the only thing Maier looks for.

“I’ve gotten shoes, things for art projects, furniture and apartment decor. It just depends on what I need when I go,” said Maier.

To find out more about the new addition to Carytown, visit www.buffaloexchange.com.

10 The Commonwealth Times

Top 10 Movies of 2018 (So Far) SAM GOODRICH Staff Writer

4. SORRY TO BOTHER YOU First time director Boots Riley explodes onto the scene with this creative, hilarious, unpredictable, gloriously message-heavy fable. A surreal satire about the financial struggles of the poor in this country, “Sorry To Bother You” is joyously outrageous, able to criticise everything from Silicon Valley CEOs to the lack of unionization in the workforce. The film does it all with a wink and a smirk, using comedy and a unique vision that will not soon be forgotten. To spoil the secrets hidden within this inspiring and important work of modern art is truly a crime that I will not commit. Just know that Riley’s film is not perfect, but is unlike anything you have seen, or ever will.

In a matter of only seven months, 2018 has seen the release of some incredibly unique, bold, entertaining and thought-provoking films. Many films have stayed in my mind throughout the year, and every week there’s been at least one interesting thing happening in the medium. Because of this, I want to start this new semester off by listing some of my favorites from the year so far.

10. BLACKkKLANSMAN The true story of a Black man infiltrating the KKK is hilarious and exciting, but director Spike Lee uses this as a platform to explore issues of race and bigotry while fighting these problems from inside the system. Parallelling the struggles of Black people in the ‘70s to those in the modern era reveals Lee’s intention. Luckily, the story is interesting, the actors impeccable and the filmmaking stylish without being overbearing. It’s easy to embrace Lee’s messaging, especially when it’s this well thought-out and entertaining.

3. ANNIHILATION Dealing with abstract ideas about our place in the universe, unimaginable cosmic horror and how our personal baggage and emotions play into our daily lives, “Annihilation” was the sci-fi/horror/thriller I never knew I wanted. With a reserved but excellent performance from Natalie Portman, gorgeous cinematography with bizarre yet colorful special effects and grisly horror, “Annihilation” is a nightmarish journey that has stuck with me throughout the year, and I can’t see it leaving my mind anytime soon.

9. LEAVE NO TRACE Debra Granik’s quiet examination of the effects of trauma on a family and the tension between artificial and true understanding is as beautiful as it is emotional.

The film is held together by two fantastic lead performances from Ben Foster as a veteran suffering from PTSD and newcomer Thomasin McKenzie as his sheltered daughter. Their bond feels real and both of them express it with just their look and tone of voice. It’s a slow-moving film concerned with empathy rather than narrative or answers, making it all the more satisfying the more you think about its themes.

2. HEREDITARY With a focus on the trickling effects of family trauma and how one can feel trapped by their pasts or their own delusions, “Hereditary” stands as a horrifying and emotionally draining experience. With a slow burn that becomes an uncontrollable wildfire, the film’s strengths lie in the Illustration by Mai-Phuong Bui award-worthy performance from Toni Collette, director Ari Aster’s masterful control scenes and inventive cinematography and of the camera and a general sense of disfilmmaking. Fallout has raised the bar for ac- tressing confusion followed by unimagtion films, daring anyone — including future inable dread. entries — to be equally insane and artistic.

acter study. On the surface, it would seem like a standard revenge film, where Joaquin 8. BLINDSPOTTING Phoenix’s character is tasked with finding This film takes a personal approach to the a kidnapped girl. But what makes this film issue of race in the United States, combining so incredible is Phoenix’s performance and the expression of rap with striking visuals Ramsay’s filmmaking. Viewers can interpret 5. FIRST REFORMED and well-defined characters. While hilari- little from the sparse dialogue, but Ramsay’s ous — and even aimless in the beginning abstract and gorgeous imagery tell us everyDirected and written by Paul Schrader — the conflicts that have been subtly boiling thing we need to know. We just have to be — most well known for writing the script begin to burst, and the film’s hard-hitting, willing to put the pieces together. to Taxi Driver — this film is a similarly unflinching messages become clear. The film dark and disturbing look at a man’s descent spotlights the inherent biases and duality of into despair. Ethan Hawke gives the per6. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FALLOUT racial profiling. By the end, the filmmakers’ formance of his career as a troubled priest meticulous construction reveals itself as the After four years of nearly perfecting who becomes obsessed with martyrdom themes become even clearer. the Mission Impossible franchise, director and saving the planet. The film is just as Christopher McQuarrie has made a mas- cold as its upstate New York setting, full terpiece of the action blockbuster genre with of quiet moments and tense reflection, as it 7. YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE the sixth entry. This is a fast-paced, intel- explores how someone can accept the radLynne Ramsay’s stylish revenge thriller ligently crafted film that makes up for its ical, and how terrifyingly rational that turn is also a hauntingly vague and abstract char- illogical plot with uniquely intense action to insanity can seem.

1. UPGRADE Few films have floored me in the way “Upgrade” has. As an entertaining action movie, “Upgrade” bursts with kinetic and precise camera movements and choreography. These action scenes play into the overall narrative and themes, exploring the rise of technology, the loss of human empathy to machine automation and the overall dangers of technology taking over.

The action scenes, cinematography and the dialogue reflect this. Everything in the film is crafted to serve this hypothetical horror narrative, and all without losing the fun of grindhouse flicks.

Shop under the stars with Studio Two Three KATIE BASHISTA Spectrum Editor Studio Two Three, a Richmond-based We haven’t heard of nonprofit art studio, will hold a nighttime anyone doing a night — so as to avoid the hot weather — flea market this Saturday featuring more than market so that was the 30 vendors. main draw of trying to “We thought people would want to do something different.” stroll around in the evening,” said Hillary Zell, assistant director of Studio Two Hillary Zell, Assistant Director Three. “And we haven’t heard of anyone of Studio Two Three doing a night market so that was the main draw of trying to do something different.” its space to take classes, work on their art Studio Two Three allows artists to use or hold events. The studio moved from

their Main Street location into a much larger space in Scott’s Addition in 2015.

A Late Summer Night’s Flea is the fourth flea-market-type event the studio has held. It gives artists the opportunity to showcase and sell their work while also generating revenue for the nonprofit studio.

Artists applied to be featured in the event and the studio’s staff chose them on somewhat a rotating basis. Preference was given to those who have not participated in their flea market events before.

“A lot of people participate and a lot of people apply so we want to try to give everyone a chance to get in,” Zell said.

At their previous markets, the studio offered some type of portrait service for participants using their darkroom. This year, in addition to browsing the products of artists and vendors, attendees can get cyanotype portraits taken of their pets by Richmond cyanotype printer James Cogar. Cyanotype is a 150-year-old printing process that creates a cyan-blue image.

“They’re really beautiful and it’s fun to have people bring their pets,” Zell said.

The event will be held at 3300 W. Clay St. from 6 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 25.

Wed. August 22, 2018 11

Quote of the week

“The tone of U.S. society has created an overwhelming sense of discontent because it has resulted in the mentality that we can always be doing more.”

— caitlin barbieri

CAITLIN BARBIERI Opinions Editor

Discontent Society

I

t is hard to reflect on North American society without being exposed to another way of life. Even when comparing North American society to that of a developing world’s, it can be surprising to see how one life style may be better or worse than the other.

In July I traveled to the beautiful country of Belize with a group of VCU students to host a summer camp for the Belizean youth. In my own ignorance I had anticipated meeting a town of sad and impoverished people — I was greeted with exactly the opposite.

The individuals I met in Belize were the happiest people I had interacted with all summer, and while they didn’t have the busy fast paced lives that we have in America, they were content.

Throughout my trip that sense of contentment was the most foreign to me. Their lives were simple — some worked as tour guides and only have work 4 months of out of the year and some made a living off of selling baked goods to supermarkets. I met college graduates who felt no pressure to be working and I met store owners who were completely content with the success of their business. That is not to say the Belizean people don’t work hard — they do, they just have a different lifestyle that rejects the stresses and anxieties that come with the fast paced North American way of life.

The tone of U.S. society has created an overwhelming sense of discontent because it has resulted in the mentality that we can always be doing more. Whether it

be going to work, going out with friends or going to the gym, we are always doing something. According to Dr. Stephanie Brown, a psychologist and the author of “Speed: Facing Our Addiction to Fast and Faster — and Overcoming Our Fear of Slowing Down,” this fast paced lifestyle has a detrimental effect on mental health and leads to a discontent society.

day is packed with as many activities as possible. But what we don’t make time for is ourselves. We believe that the key to being successful is staying busy, and while that often does result in financial success, it does not always result in happiness.

“In a vicious circle, the exhausting fast pace of life promotes overstimulation and overscheduling, which become chronic stressors that lead to behavioral, mood and attention disorders,” Dr. Brown wrote.

According to Dr. Brown, the constant stress caused by our fast paced society has contributed to an increase in anxiety disorders and depression. We work so hard to better ourselves and make progress that we are actually hurting ourselves. What we don’t realize is by slowing down and taking time for ourselves we would actually amplify our progress. Taking time to be alone, relax and detach from the stress of everyday life can help lead to a greater feeling of contentment and fulfillment.

Since returning from Belize I have made a conscious effort to practice mindfulness and make time for myself to be alone. Some days that means literally schedulIllustration by Mckenzie Bunting ing “me time,” but it has significantly improved my day-to-day “Over-scheduling and double-booking life. Now as I begin to prepare to juggle have been signs of progress and belong- a 17 credit semester, two jobs and the reing for two decades. You juggle 10 plates sponsibility of club president, it is more imwhile you brag about your 90-hour week portant than ever I continue to make time and pop your Ambien to get to sleep,” said for myself. There is no reason to feel bad Dr. Brown in a New York Post article she about sleeping in late or watching an extra wrote about faster living. episode on Netflix. Those little moments Our lives are cluttered with responsi- to yourself greatly impact our overall hapbilities and plans and making sure every piness, and that is what’s most important.

Veganism is not for everyone, Karen ARIANNA COGHILL Contributing Writer

ratio n by Ste c k Vo n

Also, let’s not dance around the arena of price. While beans and rice are cheap, one cannot eat beans and rice for every snack and meal. And while, according to PETA, non-meats like rice and tofu tend to be cheaper than meat, vegan specialty meals, like veggie burgers tend to be more expensive than their meaty counterparts.

That is if you can even find these vegan options at all. While mainstream supermarkets like Target and Walmart are making an active effort to include vegan options, most corner stores don’t carry veggie burgers, not to mention fresh fruits and veggies.

According to a 2007 ABCnews article, fruits and vegetables tend to be more expensive than processed foods because they lack government subsidies since produce cannot be made on an assembly line. That’s pretty messed up. No one should miss out on eating healthy foods because they can’t afford it.

The fact that produce and vegan options are inaccessible to low-income neighborhoods is a much more pressing issue and fixing it would have more lasting results in the long run than dragging non-vegans on Twitter.

Illus t

One might make the big change to veganism for several reasons. It’s a potentially healthier, vitamin-rich alternative to the omnivorous diet. Some people have very little choice and must become vegan due to an intolerance or allergy. For others, the removal of meat and dairy can also have wonderful effects on their skin.

But it’s rarely ever the case that someone became a vegan because some pretentious d*ckhead on Twitter told them to.

Now don’t get me wrong, this is certainly not an “all vegans suck” scenario. The vast majority of vegans I know are delightful people. This isn’t even a “veganism itself sucks” situation. This is a request by me, a fed-up person, asking for certain people to rethink their “persuasion tactics.”

It’s become a trend for those who are … passionate … about veganism to immediately cast shame and judgement on those who aren’t vegan in an effort to change their minds. From backhanded tweets to

YouTubers like Sorsha who compare the mistreatment of animals to sexual assault, there’s plenty of people who view their veganism as a social mandate instead of a lifestyle choice.

Let’s get one thing straight: being vegan is a privilege. A privilege in the regard that not everyone has the time, access to resources or financial means of supporting that lifestyle. And before you all come in with the ol’ “rice and beans are only 99 cents” argument, let’s really sit down and unpack it.

While beans and rice are relatively easy to make, not everyone has the time to make them. Single parents with time-intensive jobs may find themselves in a rut when it comes to vegan recipes that are quick, easy and filling. So while beans and rice tend to be non-perishable, the produce typically paired with it, like cucumbers and eggplants, are quick to spoil and a waste of money if not used within the week they are bought.

This isn’t an ideal situation for those who are too busy to cook every night or prepare meals ahead of time.

It’s time to redirect this conversation. Instead of focusing on shaming people for not being able to squeeze veganism into their hectic lives, ask the question as to why veganism is so hard to adopt in the first place and what societal changes can fix this reality.

12 The Commonwealth Times THE CT STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR Zach Joachim joachimz@commonwealthtimes.org MANAGING EDITOR Georgia Geen geengr@commonwealthtimes.org NEWS EDITOR Nia Tariq tariqny@vcu.edu SPORTS EDITOR Jessica Wetzler wetzlerjg@mymail.vcu.edu

Summer Break by Summer McClure

SPECTRUM EDITOR Katie Bashista bashistakp@commonwealthtimes.org OPINIONS EDITOR Caitlin Barbieri barbiericm@mymail.vcu.edu COPY EDITOR Saffeya Ahmed ahmedss2@vcu.edu MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Erin Edgerton edgertonee@commonwealthtimes.org ILLUSTRATIONS EDITOR Steck Von steckvon@gmail.com SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR Fadel Allassan allassanfg@commonwealthtimes.org STAFF WRITERS Adam Cheek, Sports cheekan@mymail.vcu.edu Sam Goodrich, Spectrum goodrichs@commonwealthtimes.org

Summer by Mckenzie Bunting

STAFF COLUMNISTS Shaun Jackson, Opinions jacksonsk@commonwealthtimes.org

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ABOUT THE CT The Commonwealth Times is the award-winning independent student newspaper at VCU, since 1969. The CT staff maintains all editorial and operations discretion. There is absolutely no prior review by the public, university or VCU Student Media Center administration or staff. The Executive Editor writes and manages the Operations Budget.

The CT’s Operations Budget is a reflection of independent advertising revenue accumulated throughout the previous academic year(s).

Operations expenses include salaries, phone and internet, postage, professional memberships, award submissions and banquets, FOIA requests, programming costs and travel. Each spring, the CT staff elects the next year’s Executive and Managing Editors, who then hire the remaining staff.

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I Miss... by Steck Von