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Brazile will speak to 2016 graduates Veteran Democratic Party political strategist Donna Brazile will be the keynote speaker at this year’s commencement. Brazile, wellknown for her passion to inspire young political influencers, will speak during the ceremony slated for 12 noon, Saturday, May 7 at the Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., in Daytona Beach.
Daytona Beach kicks off concert series By Charla McCord Feature Writer
Officials say her selection is part of an effort to expose students and the community to politics and the importance of voting via various events and initiatives. She
Sponsors for the event were Southern Stone Events Group, Pepsi and the city of Daytona Beach Cultural Services and Community Events Department. The first concert showcased singer Bartee as well as The Love Band. Plans call for concerts once a month between now and September. The May 7 event will feature jazz singer Linda Cole, as well as The Motowners Four Tops and Temptations Tribute Band Concert.
“Donna Brazile is a phenomenalwoman who is committed to the advancement and progression of our young people,” said college President Edison O. Jackson in a release. “As we continue on into this election year, it is fitting to have someone like Donna Brazile to speak to our graduates. We are confident that she will leave them continued on page 4
cultural services specialist for the city.
The city of Daytona Beach recently kicked off “Midtown Motown,” a new community concert series. About 400 people reportedly attended the inaugural event on April 16 in Cypress Park at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center at the corner of Nova Road and George Engram Boulevard. Organizers said the purpose of the event is to bring the Daytona Beach community together for a night of food, fun and good old-fashioned music. “We are trying to bring events to this side of the community. We usually have the concert series on beachside but we now want to attract a more diverse crowd,” said Vincent Terry, a
served as campaign manager for then Vice President Al Gore in the 2000 presidential election, making her the first AfricanAmerican woman to achieve such a position in national party politics.
Jacari Harris elected SGA president Runoff held for 2 class queens Wildcats went to the poll twice recently to fill students leadership post for the coming school year. Jacari W. Harris was elected president of the student government association for 2016-2017.
Harris
Waynesha Wright will serve as vice president for student government while Anetria Miller will serve as vice president for the student activities board. But it was the election for a couple of the members of the royal court that caused officials to stage a second balloting, which had the campus abuzz.
photos by Charla McCord
continued on page 3
OPINION
NEWS
FEATURES
GRADUATION
SPECIAL
SEE PAGE 2
SEE PAGE 4-5
SEE PAGE 6-7
SEE PAGE 8
SEE PAGE 9
SPORTS SEE PAGE 12
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OPINION
APRIL/MAY 2016
The Voice of the Wildcats is written, edited and published by members of the student body at BethuneCookman University. The Voice of the Wildcats is published monthly during the fall and spring semesters. All opinions are solely those of the author. Petra Merrick
Editor-in-Chief Jaimee Cobb Layout Editor Greg Lewis Copy Editor Felix Reyes Jr. Sports Editor Curtis Killings Photo Editor Christina Sloan Features Editor George Hudson Staff Photgrapher Staff Writers Andres Whipple Augustinas Navickas Kalen Murphy Charla McCord Correspondents Lenyjha Dodd Brenda Starr Dr. Elsie Wanjohi Publication Director Valerie Whitney Voice Adviser PUBLICATION MEMBERSHIP
Winner takes all right? Maybe. By Petra Merrick Editor
Voting last year was simple.
When it comes to elections, you would think voting comes easy, but it seems like B-CU had problems when it came time for voting for the royal court. This year’s Student Government Association elections did not go as smoothly as the previous year. The SGA took a different approach when it came to elections. There was a change of venue as well as a change of how students cast their votes. Voting took place in the Kottle Building where in years past voting always took place in the library.
This year students cast their votes electronically via Google. Right away there was concern about the security of the ballots. Rumors flew around campus that students were refreshing the page to vote as many times they wanted for their favorite candidate. For now that is all they are—rumors. This complication led to confusing results. Besides the winner being declared by one vote, the SGA constitution apparently states that if the candidate had 10 or less votes, it is a tie and there has to be a run-off election.
Voting in Kottle proved not to be a wise choice. There was a long line and only one way in and one way out. The process to vote was different this year than last year. During voting in 2015 students showed their ID cards and got into a line according to classification. An SGA staffer then checked off your name on a list and handed you a paper ballot for you to cast your vote. After voting students then put the paper ballots through a machine similar to the one used when you vote for president of the United States.
The Voice of the Wildcats subscribes to the 360 Youth Send Correspondence to: Editor The VOICE, Fine Arts Building Room 124 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Phone: (386) 481-2707 Fax: (386) 481-2701 voiceofthewildcats@gmail. com
The candidates running for the title of Miss Senior and Miss Sophomore were forced into a runoff. That created more confusion because now there were empty slots on the ballot for the following titles: Mr. Senior, Mr. Junior, Vice president (SGA and class), secretary (SGA and Class), and treasure (SGA and Class). The only declared winners were Mr. and Miss B-CU.
This was the worst SGA election. Election Day could have been more organized and thought out. I am really disappointed with SGA. We need more transparency and voter education would help. Let’s hope that they have it together next year and view this year’s elections as a learning lesson.
Merrick
My final farewell to the Voice By Felix Reyes, Jr. Sports Editor
a minimal mistake, but this is when I learned to be journalist. When I first started writing for the Voice of the Wildcats, Chasity Briggman was sports editor.
The Voice of the Wildcats is a member of the College Never in a Media Advisors Associamillion years tion (CMA) and National Reyes would I have Association of Black Jour- thought I would take her spot after she nalists (NABJ). graduated. ADVERTISER MEMBERSHIP
VOICE
I started doing short stories for the Associated Press on the recap of the Bethune-Cookman University football games. One of my first “real” stories was on the volleyball team after they had played Florida Gulf Coast University. I thought I had written an amazing story on how they were poised to bounce back after that loss and try to win MEAC title. Not soon after I emailed the story, I got an email from Valerie Whitney (academic adviser of Voice of the Wildcats) telling me to “go get a comment from the coach and a player.” Looking back now, it seemed like
It is our job to go out and talk to people to get the story. We can’t just assume how people feel about what’s going on in their lives. It is our job to tell the story and the most important thing about a story are the characters.
Goodbye 2016 Graduates! The Voice bids farewell to two more staffers slated to graduate this school year.
Since that time in 2014, I’ve learned so much and have grown immensely as a journalist. It was not always easy, but it was definitely worth it. “Short term struggle, long term gains” are words I live by. I took pride when I was announced as the new sports editor, a position that Chasity recommended me for. It showed that my hard work was being noticed and I have continued to work harder. (Along the way, Felix picked up a writing award at the annual Southern Regional Press Institute in Savannah, Georgia.) I’d like to thank the current staff at the Voice of the Wildcats, those that came before me for making this possible, and the future staff of the newspaper. As I go out into the world to depart and serve, I will never forget my experiences here at the great BethuneCookman University. Thank you. I am forever grateful.
Christina Sloan Feature Editor
Shiquaa Fowler Voice contributor and UniverCity Magazine Editor
NEWS
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New mandate requires sophomores to live on campus Official say policy change should help enhance learning experience
Staff Report All sophomore students will be required to live on campus beginning this fall. The move is a change in policy that heretofore only applied to freshmen. It is the latest attempt to enhance the living and learning experiences on campus, while providing a safety net, according to the administration. President Edison O. Jackson made the announcement in a letter sent to students dated April 13. The letter, excerpted below, also reveals that officials are still trying A student checks out the mural in the new Thomas and Joyce Hanks Mooreto rid one dorm of “moisture” head Residential Life Center. issues. “You are aware that during the peer pressure; they must develop an understanding spring semester, we moved all off campus residenof time management, and at times, they can find tial students into our newly constructed housing themselves in a state of confusion and mild depresfacilities,” Jackson wrote. “In addition, due to sion due to the complexities of being away from moisture from living adjacent to the beach, the home and finding their identities. everyday wear and tear, and the neglected maintenance over the years, students in LLC were tem“Sophomores, even with a year of experience porarily relocated into the new facilities to give us under their belts, can easily lose focus as they find ample time to perform much needed upgrades in themselves feeling the anxieties and pressures of those facilities. making and maintaining life-long friends, selfdiscovery, ongoing adjustment to campus life, and “As educators, we appreciate and concede that avoiding the trap and overwhelming reality of freshman and sophomore years of college life are a simply being a college student. crucial time for our students. To become successful college students, first-time freshman are chal“To enhance this transition into university life, lenged with a myriad of responsibilities: they face
B-CU is now requiring all freshmen and sophomore students to reside on campus. This requirement is intentionally designed to help freshmen students navigate the “freshman bubble” and assist sophomores in avoiding the “sophomore slump.” National studies have proven that students who reside on campus out-perform students who live off campus,” he said. Mold forced the closure of Meigs Hall two years ago and the relocation of 700 students. Glenn When asked about the problems in LLC, the vice president of student affairs said, “They are evaluating the cause of the mold.” Jason Glenn, who joined the administration as vice president of student affairs in February, also said that Meigs will be knocked down. There has been some talk that the site could become a student center. Meanwhile, officials recently celebrated the official opening of the Thomas and Joyce Hanks Moorehead Residential Life Center. The dorm at 303 McLeod St. is phase one of a $72 million housing project initiated by Jackson. Phase two is expected to be ready this fall and combined the new dorms will add 1,200 beds to campus housing stock, bringing the total close to 3,000. The student population this school year was about 4,000, according to officials. photo by George Hudson
SGA
continued from page 1 The Voice editorial board reached out by email to campus administrators for an answer. Clyde Wilson, assistant vice president for student life, sent the following response printed here, with minor edits.
As a result, a special election (run-off) between the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes during the general election for that office is to be conducted.” Q. Why did SGA use Google this year as opposed to a paper ballot or voting machine?
Q. Why did students have to vote twice? That seems strange to us. Wilson
A. A “Run-Off” was required between the top two Miss Sophomore candidates and the top two Miss Senior candidates. According to the SGA Electoral Commission Constitution, A “Run-Off” is necessary in the event that the difference between the top candidates is 10 votes or less. As a result, a special election (run-off) between the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes during the general election for that office is to be conducted. All students did not have to vote twice, the only second vote was due to these required run-offs (the Freshman class voted for the Miss Sophomore candidates and the Junior class voted for the Miss Senior candidates). Q. What does the constitution say about elections and how many votes you need to win? A.The SGA Electoral Commission Constitution states “Election to student government office requires a popular vote cast for any elected office. The candidate with the most votes at the end of the general election will be declared as the winner.” It further states, “A “Run-Off” is necessary in the event that the difference between the top candidates are 10 votes or less.
A. As a result of the United States of America presidential preference primary elections on March 15, the Volusia County Board of Elections’ voting machines were not available to facilitate the Bethune-Cookman University Student Government Association Election on March 18. A Google ballot was used as a result to tally the election vote. The Electoral Commission did not considered using a paper ballot. The Electoral Commission has determined in the future to base Election Day on when the Volusia County Board of Elections’ voting machines are available. Wilson also said that a total of 978 students or about 25 percent of the student body voted in the elections in March. The student government had operating budget of $290,036.90 for the 2015-2016 academic year. The student activities board’s budget was $271,506.70 for the same period.
SGA Executive Director of Public Relations: Gino Cyrus SGA Executive Spokesperson: Aminata Seye SGA Executive Chaplain: Kenneth Woulard SGA Executive Parliamentarian: Akimio Walker 2016 Class Board Officers Senior Class President: Alome Wheeler Junior Class President: Parris Hendrix Sophomore Class President: Derenzo Thomas
2016 Royal Court Miss Bethune-Cookman University: Amber Jazz I. Petrus Mr. Bethune-Cookman University: Marc Whittaker-Bennett Miss Senior: Raenell Dorsey Mr. Senior: Cortez West Miss Junior: Jasmine Tucker Mr. Junior: Doyle Scott Miss Sophomore: Brittany Kwarteng Mr. Sophomore: Martin Jones Miss Freshman: Elected in Fall 2016 Mr. Freshman: Elected in Fall 2016
B-CU’s 2016 SGA Executive Officers SGA President: Jacari W. Harris Vice President of SGA: Waynesha Wright Vice President of SAB: Anetria Miller SGA Executive Chief of Staff: Casey J. Sands SGA Executive Secretary: Shontericka Hall SGA Executive Treasurer: Kya Robinson Mr. and Miss Bethune-Cookman University
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COMMUNITY
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April is time for us to appreciate nature By Gino Cyrus Staff Writer Did you know that April was Earth Month? First established 42 years ago to acknowledge the significance of the planet we reside on, this celebration continues by way of your contributions. Earth Day, specifically on April 22, has a historical background of causing people around the globe to get involved. The observation, in fact, is credited with leading to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In Canada, too, the Earth Walk in Victoria, cause the day to eventually transitioned into Earth Month. Though April may be set aside as the month of concern for the planet Earth, we surely shouldn’t limit our concern for our home planet simply during this one period. Earth Day, or Earth Month, is not the only occasion we should be reflecting on how to protect our planet. Instead to benefit all mankind, we should always be seeking what is best for planet Earth.
The question is how did you celebrate Earth Day? Did you choose to be involved this Earth Month? Are you going to make every year of your life an Earth Year?
Did You Know?
1. Earth Day was founded by Sen. Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970. 2. Twenty million people participated in the first Earth Day.
“Feeding the Earth” was the theme for the campus Earth Day celebration on April 22. The vendor, above, displayed various natural soaps. Below, another participant sets up an educational display. The event was sponsored by the College of Science, Engineering and Math.
3. More than 100 billion pieces of junk mail are delivered in the United States each year. 4. The United States buried or burned more than 166 million tons of resources – paper, plastic, metals, glass and organic materials – in landfills and incinerators last year.
photos courtesy of Brenda Starr
Brazile
continued from page 1
inspired and empowered as they prepare for their next steps.” Brazile, 56, has lectured at more than 150 colleges and universities across the country. She is currently an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, a syndicated newspaper columnist for Universal Uclick, a columnist for “Ms. Magazine” and “O, The Oprah Magazine,’ as well as an on-air contributor to CNN and ABC, where she regularly appears on the Sunday morning show “This Week.”
nian” magazine and the Top 50 Women in America by “Essence” magazine. She also received the Congressional Black Caucus
Foundation’s highest award for political achievement. The Louisiana native currently sits on seven boards including the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, the National Democratic Institute, the Professional Diversity Network, the National Institute for Civil Discourse, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, as well as the BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund, Inc. A graduate of Louisiana State University, she has six honorary doctorate degrees and is the author of the best-selling memoir “Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics.”
In August 2009, Brazile was selected by “O, The Oprah Magazine” as one of its 20 “remarkable visionaries” for the magazine’s first-ever O Power List. In addition, Brazile was named among the 100 Most Powerful Women by “Washingto-
Brazile
photo courtesy of CNN
Limited number of tickets are available for 2016 commencement The Spring Commencement Ceremony is a ticketed event. The ceremony will take place in the The Ocean Center, 101 N Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, Florida. Candidates for graduation will receive complimentary tickets for their guests. Tickets will be distributed at the Mary McLeod Bethune-Cookman Performing Arts Center during the week prior to the Commencement ceremony. Candidates for graduation must present Bethune-Cookman University ID or other photo identification to pick
up tickets, name cards, and honor cords. The schedule for distribution will be published by the Office of the Registrar at a later time. Candidates for graduation who will be returning to town for the occasion or who are not able to come to campus on the designated day(s) should contact the PAC Box Office at (386) 481-2465 or the Office of the Registrar at (386) 481-2525. A limited number of tickets will be available to the general public at the PAC Box Office. The dates will be announced at a later time.
Due to the limited space available, BethuneCookman University will provide live video streaming of the commencement ceremony on its website. By viewing the live video stream, family and friends of the graduates, and the general public from all around the globe will be able to share in this memorable occasion. Live streaming will begin a few minutes before the ceremony starts. The link is not active when the ceremony is not in progress.
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International students make B-CU their new home By Augustinas Navickas Staff Writer BethuneCookman University prides itself on, among other things, being a historically black institution of higher learning that attracts students from all over the United States. But why stop here? Even though it’s barely noticeable now, every semester B – CU’s student body is becoming more diverse. This year the university welcomed
students from across the globe including the Bahamas and Latin America and reaching as far as Europe and Asia. And while non-U.S. students continue to be a minority on campus, their voices are being heard. One recent example was international student involvement in the World Day Of Prayer event on March 4 in Heyn Memorial Chapel. Female students that just happened to be Cuban coordinated it. During the presentation participants discussed discrimination against women and ideas on finding the right tools to fight against
it. They also talked about workplace violence against women, children and issues facing elderly people. The role of education in eradicating many of the problems was a key concern. This was only one of many events that international and most definitely non international students were welcome to participate in and be a part of. Even though B–CU currently lacks scholarship opportunities for international students, there is hope. Meanwhile, as an international student, I applaud the great job being done by Iris Johnson-Quinn,
coordinator for international studies.
“Even though it’s barely noticeable now, every semester B-CU’s student body is becoming more diverse” Augustinas Navickas is a native of Lithuania.
Melting Pot: Cuban native recalls fond memories of his homeland melt·ing pot: a place where different peoples, styles, theories, etc., are mixed together. By Kendall Hunter Correspondent
Perez
President Barack Obama made history this year when he became the first sitting U.S. president in nearly 90 years to visit Cuba. The island nation, located 90 miles from Key West, is the homeland to many people including current B-CU Wildcat Dario Perez.
Perez, a mass communications major, recently sat down to talk about life in Cuba and his take on the United States. Q. Can you say you’ve adapted to the United States over the past years you’ve been here? A. Yes, I have. It took a while. Q. What makes your country so unique in the way you will always miss being there? A. I would say transportation. It is more easy to buy a car here than in my country. Q. What can you say is really the big difference from being over there and here? A. The people. People care for each other in different way. It does not mean that we don’t have people doing the wrong thing. But generally speaking people are very familiar with each other. Q. If you can go back in time, would you have stayed in your country? A. I love my country so much that I will always be proud of where I came from. But I would not stay in my country if I can go back in the time.
President Barack Obama waves to people as he enters a restaurant in Havana, Cuba, Sunday, March 20, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
time. Most of the people eat it even twice in the same day if the can to. The taste is different. We got a lot organic food and I think that make everything different.
reason that I came.
Q. Does your country have electronic transportation?
A. Yes, absolutely. People need to be accepted equally. Maybe they came from another culture, or they speak another language, but at the end of the day, we all are human beings.
A. No, we don’t have electronic transportation.
Q. How is the food different from the United States food?
Q. What was your reason for coming to United States and was this the best move of your life?
A. Well we like to eat rice and beans all the
A. I have family here and that was one of the
Q. Do you feel everyone should be accepted equally, regardless of where they came from?
6 APRIL/MAY 2016 FEATURES Review: ‘Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice’ fails to deliver By Andres Whipple Staff Writer “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” is a movie that raises pretty interesting points while presenting beautiful cinematography. And while it starts really strong and greatly presents the motives of the characters, the movie fails to deliver at the end. Let’s start with the cast. Ben Affleck as Batman was amazing. A lot of people doubted him, but Afleck shined in this movie, as well as did Jeremy Irons as Alfred. They had good chemistry and Alfred helped us understand why this Batman is not the Batman we are used to seeing. Gal Gadot was great as Wonder Woman but Henry Cavill and Amy Adams (Superman and Lois Lane) were kind of boring and plain. Jesse Eisenberg played villain Lex Luthor. From the moment people heard of his casting, critics expressed doubts about his ability to represent one of the best archenemies of Superman’s story. Eisenberg played Luthor as a young, hyperactive millennial who cannot keep his mouth shut and he becomes annoying after a while. He also raises an important philosophical question about Superman being a God, but unfortunately nothing in the movie answers it.
VOICE
Even though the title of the movie is “Batman vs. Superman,” it might as well be called “Batman: Dawn of Justice.” Batman is far more interesting than Superman and, as far as motives for wanting to fight, Batman has a real reason. He is older and has been Batman for several years now. It has worn him down to the point that he is obsessed with protection and control on a psychotic level. And yes, he kills people in this movie, which I think represents this new psychotic Batman really well. Superman fights just because he is forced to. It would have been amazing to give him a real reason to do so. Talking about the fight, if you have seen the trailers of the movie and thought that it looked incredible, you’ll be disappointed. Most of the shots were edited from the fight they have with Doomsday and made to look as if they were fighting each other with all their might. It does not happen like that. It is still cool and visually appealing, but not as good as they hyped it to be. Speaking of Doomsday, I wonder why he is even in the movie? It would have been a great movie with only Superman and Batman.
Besides that, if you have read the Warner Bros. comics, you’ll see Doomsday does not look like it is supposed to which, for some reason, bothered a lot of fans. This movie has some of the best cinematic moments I’ve seen and is beautifully shot. But, at the same time it is poorly edited, as if Zack Snyder had a perfect movie that was cut and cramped by the studio’s restrictions. In conclusion, “Batman vs. Superman” is a good movie, not amazing, just good. It has great concepts and cinematic beauty, but has no tension, a lot of wasted potential and seems like just a setup for many more movies. However, if you consider yourself a fan, you’ll enjoy it. But don’t expect too much and go watch it with an open mind. Rating:
Engineering leads the way among best entry level jobs Staff Report The top five best entry-level jobs for 2016 college graduates all have one thing in common - all are in the engineering field, according to a new survey. WalletHub, a personal-finance website, released its report titled “2016 Best and Worse entry-Level Jobs,” just in time for the start of the commencement season at college and universities across the nation. A spokeswoman said the firm’s analysts compared 109 different types of entry-level positions based on 11 key metrics. “Our data set ranges from “median starting salary” to “projected job growth by 2024” to “median tenure with employer,” said Diana Popa, communications manager, last week. Best Entry-Level Jobs
Worst Entry-Level Jobs
1. Engineer I
100. Drilling Engineer I
2. Systems Engineer I
101. Machinist I
3. Safety Representative I
102. Emergency Dispatcher
4. Web Applications Developer I
103. Automotive Mechanic I
5. Env., Health, and Safety Engineer I 104. Tool and Die Maker I 6. Electrical Engineer I
105. Carpenter I
7. Safety Technician I
106. Boilermaker I
8. Software Engineer I
107. Plumber I
9. Training Specialist I
108. Floor Assembler I
10. Architect I
109. Welder I
Other highlights of the survey include: • Tax attorneys have the highest median starting salary, $92,148, which is six times higher than that of a teaching assistant (college), the job with the lowest, $15,792. • Employee relations specialists have the highest income growth potential, 6.1, which is three times higher than that of a bank teller, the job with the lowest, 1.81. • Drilling engineers have the highest median annual salary, $129,990, which is five times higher than that of a bank teller, the job with the lowest, $26,410. • Benefits administrators have the highest median tenure with their employers, 6.9 years, which is two times higher than that of an industrial designer, interior designer, public relation specialist, technical writer and web writer, the jobs with the lowest, 3.4 years. • Certified occupational-therapy assistants have the highest projected job growth by 2024: 42.7 percent. • Although web application developers, web designers, software engineers, operations research analysts and programmers are all among the 10 best entry-level jobs, computer operators have the grimmest job outlook, with 19 percent of jobs in the field projected to be cut by 2024. “Graduation season is a time of big dreams and immense pressure for soon-to-be job seekers across the nation,” said John Kieran, senior writer and editor at Evolution Finance. “But finding employment is no small task in the face of sparse opportunities, considering that nearly 17 percent of the U.S. population between the ages of 16 and 29 are without work and more than a quarter of Millennials live with their parents,” Kiernan said in an article posted at WalletHub.
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‘The People vs. O.J. Simpson’ was a real eye opener for the uninformed By Jaimee Cobb Layout Editor On June 12, 1994, which happens to be four month before I was born, Orenthal James Simpson’s wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman were murdered. Cobb
Orenthal James Simpson, for the uninformed, is the legal name for football great O.J. Simpson aka “The Juice.” Nicole Simpson and Goldman were found stabbed to death in the front of her Los Angeles condo. The Los Angeles Police Department did not waste any time to contact O.J. Simpson to inform him of the death of his wife and her friend. The former football player was out of town at the time. He rushed back to his home and was quickly named a suspect. This case was named the “Trial of the Century.” O.J. Simpson stood trial—twice--for the murders. He was acquitted in criminal court and found liable in civil court. He was ordered to pay Ronald Goldman’s family $33 million. Simpson is currently serving time on an unrelated charge. The murders and the first trial were served
up to the public recently in a television miniseries titled “The People vs. O.J. Simpson.” All this time, I had no idea what went on with O.J. until I watched the show. I knew nothing of the famous slow-speed chase in the white Bronco, his trying on the gloves that police say the killer wore and also him pleading “100 percent not guilty” in court. You just don’t here people talk about it—at least not in my circle of family and friends. Watching the show opened my eyes to see how the system operated or not in a trial involving a former black NFL star and police officer Mark Furman, who was accused of being a racist and planting evidence in Nicole Simpson’s home. The show was a real attentiongetter and it made me want to keep watching. It made me feel as if I was in the actual courtroom. It was quite entertaining yet it shed some light on the corruption of the police department. Likewise, when O.J. Simpson’s lead attorney Robert Shapiro called upon attorney Johnny Cochran, who is black, for help, I knew that this case would turn into an issue of race. Meanwhile, there were a lot of facts that were left out of the television show and/or the trial. A tell-all book, for example, written by one of Nicole Simpson’s friends says the victim had a drug problem and that Ron Goldman was her drug dealer. Here is my theory of the case: O.J. Simpson
loved his wife very much and that he wanted her to stop using drug but she would not and he became overwhelmed and loss of self-control ended with the death of the two. I am not saying that having a reason to kill someone is ok but under the circumstances, what would you have done? The one thing that shocked me the most – based on what I saw on television--is that Robert Kardashian, one of O.J. Simpson’s long-time friends, had his own doubts about the case but he still stuck by his side until he was acquitted.
Controversy surrounds the release of Windows 10 BEFORE YOU BUY By Andres Whipple Staff Writer The release of Windows 10 and XBone has been surrounded by controversy. People are angry and paranoid about the safety of their information because of changes in the privacy policy and service agreement. Inside these policies and agreements, there are major concerns that most of us didn’t bother to read when accepting terms and conditions. Microsoft took on their own hand the power to collect what you do, say or make while using windows 10. One of the issues is Cortana, a “personal assistant” Microsoft provides with this software. Cortana has to collect data to provide its service. It analyzes speech data, your name and nickname, your calendar events, the names of people in your appointment book and information about your contacts. Besides that, Microsoft assigns you an advertising ID so that the company can gather your information and use it to choose which ads are better for you while web-browsing or using applications. They also steal your bandwidth, using your computer as a peer-to-peer node to help distribute Windows 10 updates. This will slow down your internet and may even cost you
additional money if your connection is metered. However, the biggest issue is Microsoft’s policy on disclosing or sharing your personal information. We already had this problem with Facebook while Apple users have been suffering from this for years. “We will access, disclose and preserve personal data, including your content (such as the content of your emails, other private communications or files in private folders), when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary to protect our customers or enforce the terms governing the use of the services.” But, not all is lost. You have options to stop Windows from “spying” on you. These options, however, are mostly hidden or are difficult to reach. Microsoft made sure of that. Here are some way to fix a few of these issues in a quick and simple manner. General Privacy Settings: Head to Privacy >
General, most of these should be turned Off and they are self-explanatory. Location Settings: Head to Settings > Privacy Location and look for the apps at the bottom. Cortana: Bring up the Start menu and start typing. Click on the notebook icon in the left sidebar and choose Settings. From there, you can turn off Cortana. After that go to Settings > Privacy > Speech, Inking, & Typing, find a feature called “Getting to know you” and just click “Stop getting to know me”. These are some of the solutions, provided by various articles that you can find online. Thanks also to Whitson Gordon, David Auerbach, Conner Forrest and Mic Wright for their assistance..
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Graduation is a time for giving and students know what they want to receive
GRADUATION
By Rodrica Spell Correspondent Everyone likes to get gifts and graduation is one of those times when folks count on it. Some gifts, however, are prized more than others. Below is a list, based on a random survey of B-CU students, of some of the best and worse gifts for college graduation. So pay attention, mom and dad, your grad is watching. Best and worst graduation gifts Ranking 1- worst, 10- best 10- Car 9- Money 8- Getting your own apartment 7- New phone or electronics 6- Gift card for $100 to Walmart or someplace you love to go 5- Fake Jordan’s 4- Gift card to Best Buy for $10 3- Fake lottery ticket 2- Piggy Bank 1- Getting nothing at all !
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2016 Spring Commencement Calendar
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 2 p.m. The School of Nursing Pinning Convocation Location: Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn, Chapel, White Hall 7 p.m. The Service of Consecration Location: Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn, Chapel, White Hall The Candlelight Wreath Laying Ceremony (Immediately following the Service of Consecration) THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 4 p.m. The President’s Reception in Honor of Graduates Location: Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 11 a.m. Rehearsal for the Commencement Ceremony Location: The Ocean Center Daytona Beach 101 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2016 12 NOON The Commencement Ceremony Location: The Ocean Center Daytona Beach 101 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL
Personalize your graduation cap with a little creativity By Yamil Turner Correspondent The traditional cap and gowns wore during graduation do not always look very traditional nowadays. Students, in some cases, have taken to using the top of their caps to send one final message out to the world. In fact, seeing all of the ideas that people come up with can be one of the most entertaining sights during commencement. Pearls, diamonds, crowns and tiaras are just some of the decorations you may come across on a graduate at graduation. Because cap and gowns are the essential items for graduation you don’t want to destroy or alter them and take away their intrinsic value. In some cases less is more and some schools actually preach that to their graduates. Thankfully there are many short cuts to creating a personalized graduation cap that won’t impact the quality of the design. If anything, these timesaving techniques will also help improve the look of your custom cap, according to personalcreations.com. One idea the website suggest to make a cap with extra wow that doesn’t take a lot of time is to break out the glitter. Trace a design with fabric glue, then sprinkle it liberally with glitter. Repeat with additional colors until the entire hat sparkles, it says. Another option it suggest is to use rhinestone glued to the cap for a quick and easy
background. Want to put a message on your cap or your initials? Then pre cut letters are the way to go. “You’ll save time and won’t have to worry about perfect handwriting. Letters are available in many different materials: fabric patches, foam, felt, glitter paper, wood and cardboard. If you have access to a personal cutting machine, you can even make your own letters from any font on your computer,” the website states. While some schools allow students to place a brooch or corsage on a graduation gown, there are others including Arkansas Tech University where students are forbidden from adding any accessories other than an honor cord.
It’s important to remember that your cap and gown is not just a representation of you, but of the school you attend, as well as all of the departments and organizations at the school. Next, when it comes to cords and stoles remember to make sure the graduation committee has approved all you wear and that you are wearing just those you actually earned. Some students, meanwhile, have taken to getting professional stoles created. These can be purchased at campus bookstores and other businesses that specialize in decorative items. Photo and information from personalcreations.com
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Students in Communication Ethics were invited to “personalize” the words to the poem “First they Came” penned by the Rev. Martin Niemöller, a prominent Protestant pastor, who spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps. Dr. Claudette McFadden, who teaches the course, shared the poems with the VOICE. McFadden said the impetus for the assignment was developing sensitivity to other people because that will affect how you communicate with them. “I was moved to the point of tears initially,” she said, adding the first poem that arrived on her desk spoke of Trayvon Martin. The student declined to share it with the media. The VOICE, meanwhile, is proud to share the following poems as a reminder that creativity is all around us and that oppression knows no bounds.
By Rachel Coleman First he came for my life and I didn’t speak out because I didn’t think it was worth living.
By Anthony McGrew First They Came First they came for us through MySpace, and I did not speak out.
Then he came for my future and I didn’t speak out because I didn’t know that I had one.
Then they came for us through Facebook and I did not speak out.
Then he came with my past and I didn’t speak out because the weight of it was too heavy.
Then they came for us through Twitter, and Instagram and still I said nothing.
Then he threw everything at me but it was too late because I was in the shadow of the Almighty.
Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me.
You see by this time I knew that Jesus had already saved me and that He would never leave me and He’d already defeated the enemy and even though I now use my Sword of the Spirit I know that God reigns in victory.
Moral: Sometimes social media target us on certain dates with unimportant distractions, to keep our minds off of what’s really going on in the world around us. Social media has the power to distract us from everyday life and make us forget about historic dates.
****************************** By Joel Sampson First They Came First they came for our sight and I did not speak out because I was not blind. Then they came for our hearing, and I did not speak out because I was not deaf. Then they came for our minds, and did not speak out because I was not thoughtless. And then they came for me- and there was no one left to be independent with me.
By Briana Holloman First they came for our riches and I did not speak out, because I was told to leave it in the past. Then they came for our image and I did not speak out, because I started to believe the stereotypes. Then they came for our knowledge and I did not speak out, because I thought the history books told it all Then they came for our lives and I did not speak out, because the media had told the world that we didn’t matter Then they came for me, but the media told the world I was just a typical angry black woman.
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ENTERTAINMENT
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‘Hardcore Henry’ could be a game changer By Vance Wallace Correspondent If you love first-person video shooter games like the Call of Duty series or the Halo series then you will love the film “‘Hardcore Henry.” This is a first-person action film directed and written by IIya Naishuller, who is making his directing debut with this film. The protagonist Henry was resurrected from near death with no memory, but he must re-discover his identity while saving his wife from a warlord with intentions to bio-engineer soldiers. This movie really puts you in the driver’s seat. You are put right into the view of Henry at the very beginning of the movie. This movie takes a whole new spin on the movie watching experience and takes an innovative way of filmmaking. It seems, as of late and as an outsider perspective, that Hollywood isn’t coming up with anything new and original and has gone into a vortex of dull and unoriginal ideas. Naishuller’s ‘Hardcore Henry’ provides a much needed shot of innovation adrenaline in Hollywood. The performances throughout this movie were good but there was one performance that stood above the rest. Sharlto Copley, who plays Jimmy, does an amazing job with this portrayal. The one problem with this movie is that since it is first-person movie, there are sometimes where it could be very jarring to the eye. That aside, this is truly the most original
thing I have seen in a very long time. This technique of film making—to my knowledge-- has only been used on YouTube with channels like Ampisound so seeing something like this on the big screen is something extremely refreshing. There isn’t a dull moment in the movie. It is just action packed to the max and since you are pretty much the main character in this movie, it makes it very heart racing when some of the action is coming right at you. My prediction is that this will not be the last time we see this technique on the big screen and that Naishuller will be a big name in Hollywood for action movies. So, if you are looking for a movie to see, and you’re being turned away from other movies that are getting demolished in the box office week by week, check out “Hardcore Henry.” STX Entertainment
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Lynn Thompson inducted into MEAC Hall of Fame “I never thought in terms of what I do would be Hall of Fame level.” SPORTS PLAYBOOK
By Felix Reyes Jr. Sports Editor Bethune-Cookman University’s Reyes own Lynn W. Thompson was inducted recently into the 2016 MEAC Hall of Fame. Thompson serves as B-CU’s vice president for intercollegiate athletics. The MEAC Hall of Fame highlights former student-athletes, coaches, university and conference administrators as well as special contributors, who have enriched the legacy of the conference since its inception in 1970. A 13-person committee made up of administrators and representatives from member institutions selected the inductees. “It’s humbling that your peers, the people you work for and with, would think enough of your body
of work, that it would be amongst the very best through the test of time,’’ Thompson said about the induction which took place March 10 in Norfolk, Virginia. Thompson was one of five people honored. The other honories were Joe Taylor and LaShondra Dixon-Gordon of Hampton University, Bobby Moore of South Carolina State, and David Oliver of Howard University. Dennis E. Thomas, MEAC commissioner, said, “The honorees have made significant contributions to their communities, institutions and this conference.” Thompson said he was humbled by the honor. “I never thought in terms of what I do would be Hall of Fame level. I was too busy working. I didn’t see it that way,” he said in an interview. When Thompson took over as athletic director, B-CU was the smallest school in the MEAC or Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, and it had the smallest budget for
athletics. However, Thompson says it had the greatest drive. “We kept plugging away,’’ Thompson said, adding that a core group coaches and staff members that has been with him for 18-20 years has been key to the program’s success. “For me, now I have to look back at all the people who had a hand in this. You don’t do this by yourself. All the people who put in the work also deserve to be celebrated,’’ he said. During his tenure, Thompson has directed the Wildcats to a total of 64 championships, beginning with 44 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference crowns, including a dynasty of 12 baseball championships in the past 15 years; a run of five consecutive softball titles from 2000-2004 – as well as three consecutive titles from 2010-12. B-CU football has won a total of six MEAC titles, including at least a share of the last three consecutive from 2012-14.
Lynn Thompson, vice president for intercollegiate athletics at BethuneCookman University.
Additionally, the Wildcats won the school’s first-ever national HBCU championship in 2010. The inaugural Hall of Fame class was inducted on May 29, 1981, during a 10-year anniversary banquet in Greensboro, North Carolina. Since its establishment, the MEAC Hall of Fame has enshrined 133 people, including the class of 2016.
Former B-CU Wildcat Rashean Mathis retires from Jacksonville Jaguars By Felix Reyes Jr Sports Editor Former Bethune-Cookman All-American and Jaguars Pro Bowl cornerback Rashean Mathis officially retired April 13, at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Mathis, 35, is a Jacksonville native. He attended Englewood High School, where he was a second-team All-State selection before enrolling at Bethune-Cookman University. At Bethune-Cookman, Mathis was a three-time Division I-AA All-American and totaled 31 interceptions in four years while playing cornerback and free safety. Mathis was selected by Jacksonville in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft in the 39th round. His selection is the third-highest by any player from Bethune-Cookman. Mathis is the only player the Jaguars have drafted from Bethune-Cookman in club history, but Ryan Davis currently represents Bethune-Cookman on the Jaguar roster after signing as a free agent in 2011. Going to the NFL is a lot of college players’ dreams, but going to a small school makes that road all the more difficult. “I know it’s tough. I know it was tough. I’m humbled to be able to do it but I know I played a major part in it, meaning the drive. It takes a certain drive,” Mathis said. Mathis spent the next 10 seasons with the Jaguars, anchoring the team’s secondary. A 16-game starter as a rookie, he began his career by starting the first six games at free safety
before moving to cornerback for the remaining 10 games of his inaugural season. His 30 career interceptions, three career interceptions returned for a touchdown, 512 career interception return yards and 35 total career takeaways (30 interceptions, five fumble recoveries) are all franchise records.
Photo and information in this article was provided by B-CU Athletics.
Mathis had a career a lot of players would dream of and he was able to leave the game on his own terms and in good health. He is very appreciative of his humble beginnings here in Daytona Beach at Bethune-Cookman University. Without Bethune-Cookman, I wouldn’t be here today,” Mathis said. Injuries reportedly marred the end of his stint with Jacksonville Jags-- the city in which he was born. Wrote off by most as a down-
ward-trending player on the wrong side of 30, Mathis signed with the Lions in 2013 and had three very productive seasons in Detroit, according to Kevin Patra, writing for Around the NFL. A concussion ended the corner’s season after just seven games in 2015. Mathis has become an avid golfer and is ready to focus on becoming an elite player in another sport “I always said, we all say it, to leave the game and not let the game leave me,” Mathis said in a article on jacksonville.com