JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
Plans unveiled for student center at Meigs, Curtis site By Tyhid McDougle Correspondent University officials recently unveiled preliminary plans for a student life center that they want to build on campus. The center will be a four-story, 110,000-squarefoot building designed to house students and students activities now spread across campus. The building would be the new home for the student government association offices, student life offices, a student gym, an outdoor amphitheater, dining spaces, multiple outdoor lounges and multipurpose areas. The plan is to have a revamped quad area with a direct connection to the second level outdoor terrace for students to enjoy, according to officials. Plans also call for the center to be an energy-efficient, sustainably designed building that includes controlled natural light, rain gardens, a green roof/ terrace, light and motion sensors, low-volume plumbing and low-VOC materials.
Rendering of proposed center provided by Rhodes and Brito and Hunton Brady Architects.
Furthermore, there will be two levels of state-ofthe-art residence hall space with communal social hubs and study areas. The housing component will feature 220 to 250 beds, possibly more, officials said. The center will replace two dorms---Meigs and Curtis Halls-- which now occupy the site. Administrators presented a rendering and preview of the student life center in the chapel in
White Hall on Jan. 18. All students were invited to attend. During the town hall meeting, students were encouraged to give their input on the design of the new center. The university is partnering with architects Hunton Brady Architects and Rhodes+Brito Architects. The project won both companies a national design competition. continued on page 6
Competitors sought for upcoming Massy Awards By Voice Staff Students in the department of mass communications are working feverishly to pull off their own versions of the Oscars—the Massy Awards. The event, complete with the glitz and glamour associated with the Great Gatsby and the 1920s era, is set for 6:30 p.m. April 21 in the President’s Banquet Center in the Michael and Libby Johnson Center for Civic Engagement, organizers said in a press release. The goal is to recognize the best work among students in the department, as well as media produced by other students on campus and even area high schools. The Massy took place annually for almost a decade before it was put on hold a couple of years ago because of funding. Students in the department, which is housed in the Dr. LaDoris McCLaney School of Performing Arts and Communication, lobbied strongly for the events return this year.
OPINION SEE PAGE 2
NEWS SEE PAGE 3
Shaquasia Foster, chair of the event, spoke briefly to the Voice about the Massy Awards. Q. Tell us about the Massy. What makes it special? This is an opportunity for students to highlight the various talents that they have within mass communications, whether it is broadcast journalism, public relations, radio production or just being a creative writer. This is our Emmys, our Oscars. We are opening it up to every major here at the university as well as high school students. Q. Why high school students? We know that they are the generation of tomorrow and it has to be developed. And, if we as an institution can be able to invest time, willpower and creative juices, we can make a difference. Q. How did you come up with the Gatsby theme? The story line. I liked the mystery and the movie.
He has a lot of money where he throws extravagant parties and he has a love interest. Our love interest is mass comm…. Also, we are introducing to some and presenting to others the Massy Awards and the great Gatsby intertwines with that. Q. Mood on campus about the event? Students are beyond excited, as well as our department head, Dr. Wanjhoi. She is behind us in full force, as well as the department’s faculty and staff. They want this event to be successful and continue on with the tradition that was stopped in 2013. Q. What will winners get for their efforts? Winners will get trophies. Below is a list of entry categories for the upcoming Massy Awards. Public Relations Advertisement design of the year Press release of the year Media Kit of the year
continued on page 10
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SPORTS
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SEE PAGES 6, 8, 10 & 11
SEE PAGE 7
AD SEE PAGE 12
2 JAN/FEB 2017
OPINION
Donald Trump shows why he’s king of chaos
The Voice of the Wildcats is written, edited and published by members of the By Petra Merrick student body at Bethune- Editor Cookman University. The He has only been in office for a short Voice of the Wildcats is time and is already turning America published monthly dur- upside down. ing the fall and spring semesters. All opinions are “He,” of course, refers to Donald J. solely those of the author. Trump, who was sworn in as the 45th
Petra Merrick
Editor-in-Chief
Layout/Copy Editor Jaimee Cobb
Sports Writer
Dominique Williams Asia Howell
Staff Photographers Gino Cyrus Joshua Cox
Staff Writers
Augustinas Navickas Kalen Murphy Charla McCord
Dr. Elsie Wanjohi Publication Director Valerie Whitney Voice Adviser PUBLICATION MEMBERSHIP The Voice of the Wildcats is a member of the College Media Advisors Association (CMA) and National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). ADVERTISER MEMBERSHIP
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
president of the United States in January, thanks to the Electoral College, even though he lost the popular vote. Just days after being in office, Trump signed an executive order to ban Muslims from coming to America if they reside in one of seven countries -- Syria, Somalia, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Sudan. Attempts to enforce the order signed Jan. 28 caused chaos to spread like wildfire. On that same afternoon two men from Iraq were trying to enter the United State and were stopped because they were not U.S. citizens nor did they have proper paperwork or green cards. According to Trump’s executive order on immigration, the goal is to protect American people from terrorist attacks from foreign travelers or foreign “nationals” coming into the United States. They must be a U.S. citizen or have a green card/visa. * The executive order im-
mediately bought with it major protest nationwide and attention from the media. Protestors converged on major airports around the country including JFK Airport in New York, Orlando- International in Florida, LAX in California and SeattleTacoma airport in Washington State. It comes as no surprise that this man, who has been labeled as a “ bigot, sexist, ignorant” issued an executive order to limit people that are non-white from entering the United States. Little does he know he has failed to realize that Muslims do not only exist in those seven countries but they are also in India, Egypt, France, Morocco, China, Russia, Turkey, and many more nations. He also failed to realize that there is such a thing as domestic terrorism!
out of context. He said that it is not a “Muslim ban” but an “immigrant/ refugee ban,” Well, Trump most of America does not agree with you. Nor, it seems does, the legal system. Several federal Judges in Washington State issued holds on restraining people from entering the country if they were airborne or landed at an airport around the time the order was signed. Can we say Donald Trump is going down among the most hated presidents in U.S. history? I know he is on my list!
Trump is trying so hard to block people from foreign places entering this country when things have happened right inside the United States. Here in Florida, we need look no further that the tragic shooting at the Ft. Lauderdale airport shortly before Trump took office. The shooter in that “terrorist attack” was born and raised in the Unites States. The president is trying to cover his Donald Trump – Caricature by DonkeyHotey (2016) tracks by accusing the media of twisting Photo Attribution by PhotosForClass.com his words and taken his executive order
Wildcats attend 45th presidential inauguration By Cortez West Correspondent
Thirteen students from Bethune-Cookman University were among those who attended the inauguration of the nation’s 45th president, Donald J. Trump, on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. Attendees included a number of political science majors and students leaders including Jacari Harris, president of the student government association and AmberJazz Petrus, Miss Bethune-Cookman University. Besides the inauguration on that Friday, the B-CU students also visited the new National Museum of AfricanAmerican History and Culture on Saturday. The latter just happen to coincide with the Women’s March, which attracted an estimated 500,000 people to the city.
“We were right outside the museum and we witnessed it,” Petrus said, adding she got the impression that some of those in the crowds were people who regretted not going to the polls in November. “I feel like there were a lot of people out there who probably should have voted,’ “she said. While Trump was not necessarily her candidate, Petrus said she felt the trip overall was worthwhile. “I feel that this was a great experience and opportunity for students to be a part of history. This is a great learning experience for students.” Harris declined to comment on the trip.
8 fun facts about the inauguration that you may not know Compiled by Tyhid McDougle
The Voice of the Wildcats Where does the swearing-in take place? subscribes Starting with the administration of to the 360 Youth
Andrew Jackson, U.S. presidents were Send Correspondence to: sworn-in on the Capitol’s East Portico. But, in 1981 the location changed with Editor Ronald Reagan’s inauguration taking The VOICE, Fine Arts place on the west front of the U.S. Capitol Building Room 124 and it has been remained so to this day. 640 Dr. Mary McLeod The ceremony was held inside the Capitol Bethune Blvd. in 1909 and 1985 because of foul weather.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Phone: (386) 481-2703 How many people attended this year? Fax: (386) 481-2701 voiceofthewildcats@gmail. The National Park Service no longer provides official inauguration crowd escom
timates. Likewise, the mayor’s office and
other agencies have not released an official estimate, as they did two days after President Obama’s inauguration in 2009. However, The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) reported that 193,000 people boarded the Metro rail transit system on the morning of the event this year. At that rate, the number of attendees could have been between 300,000 to 500,000 respectively. Some media have reported the number in attendance at 250,000—a fact that Trump disputes. Cost to taxpayers? The price of Inauguration Day and the week leading up to it could be close to $200 million, based on the cost of past
inaugurations and estimates by officials that planned the events, according to the New York Times. The swearing-in cost about $1.5 million, which is paid for by Congress. Add to that money the government spends during that week plus private donors. Obama’s tab totaled $170 million in 2009. How many words in Trump’s speech? Trump’s speech was short. It lasted 16 minutes and contained 1,433 words. Jimmy Carter’s speech in 1977 had 1,229 words. Longest speech? William Henry Harrison holds the record for longest speech in 1841. The speech
continued on page 11
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Daytona Beach community observes MLK Day, F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival
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By Voice Staff This year’s celebration of the birth of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. kicked off with a community film festival at Bethune-Cookman University. Educator and filmmaker Booker T. Mattison showed three short films as part of the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival and Film Festival in the Performing Arts Center on Jan. 12. the initials F.R.E.S.H. are short for fiction, romance, erotica, spiritial and health. Mattison, who teaches film at Hampton University in Virginia, found a welcoming audience. “I greatly enjoyed the film festival. It actually exceeded my expectations of what I thought it would be,” student Alia Jackson said. “Since I aspire to create my own films one day I found the festival to be very inspirational and a teaching moment. The first film was my favorite one. I liked the suspense of the story and I thought there were some very well
Community leaders and area clergy walk arm in arm to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 16.
planned shots in the film, “ Jackson said.
Besides his books, Mattison told the audience that he also has written several books, including one titled “Snitch” that might be optioned into a film. Brenda Jackson, author of more than 200 romance novels, was another celebrity at this year’s event. Two days after the film festival the Black Clergy Alliance hosted it annual Martin Luther
King celebration in the PAC. Several area high school students received awards. Dr. Jamal Bryant, pastor of Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, Maryland was the guest speaker.
The clergy and members of the community teamed up with the local NAACP to stage a commemorative walk on Monday, Jan. 16, which is the federal holiday recognizing King’s birth. See more photos on page 5 photo by Gino Cyrus
Wildcats urged to get safe app By Deonajana Thomas Staff Writer College officials have stepped up efforts to improve campus safety this semester with the introduction of the Wildcat Safe App. Students were instructed during check-in and registration to download the app that features emergency contacts, safety tips, a personal safety tools, maps and more. Some students questioned why it they had to download the app just to check-in. The answer, according to Jason Glen, vice president for students affairs, was simple: “Safety first and always.” “We are continuously improving our processes to meet your needs in this robust era of change, innovation, and transformation,” Glenn said, adding he believes that safety is the first step along the way to implementing this vision. Less than two days into the new semester, the app sent out warning about shots being fired in the area Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and Walnut Street. Staff members interviewed said every student needs this app on their smartphone. To download it, students just follow these steps. •Go to your App Store or Google Play Store •Find your Search Button/Bar, Search for Wildcat SAFE •When the App comes up press “Get” for iPhone or “Install” for Android •Once the App has downloaded open it and select “OK” for Notifications Students can subscribe through email and text.
FEATURES
4 JAN/FEB 2017 ‘Hidden Figures’ is a film not to be missed
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Grammy Awards set for Feb. 12 Beyoncé, Chance the Rapper among nominees this year
By Dominique Williams Staff Writer The recording industry will celebrate its biggest night during the annual Grammy Awards ceremony broadcast on Feb. 12.
'Black Girl Magic' By Alexis Evans-Morris Correspondent
Who will take home a prize is anybody’s guess at this point given all the talent set to appear.
Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, the film “Hidden Figures” is one movie that everyone needs to see! The film, based on a true story, shines the spotlight on three black women that contributed to NASA’s space program-- Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson. The three, known as human computers, provided the mathematical data needed to help launch John Glenn into space.
That number has risen to almost $120 million in seven weeks in the United States alone as of Feb. 5. The budget for the movie was $25 million. This movie is nothing but "Black Girl Magic" from beginning to end. Seeing three black women dominate their roles, scenes and the box office proves to society that they were wrong once again about gender and race.
The film reveals their struggles of being a black woman working in a white industry. Regardless of the boundaries that were set, these three women thrived beyond the boundaries.
Go see it now in a theater near you!
“Hidden Figures” held the number one spot in the box office for two weeks after it was released. According to the Washington Post, “Hidden Figures” earned $23 million at the box office during its first week.
Rating:
This year marks the 59th annual ceremony for honoring achievements in the music industry, highlighting the excellence of the recording arts and supporting the music community. Winners will be awarded in 84 categories and viewers will get the chance to see some of the biggest names cross the stage. The field is led by singer Beyoncé with nine nominations, followed by other big names that are still at the top of their game--Drake, Rihanna and Kanye West--each with eight nominations. This year’s host will be James Corden, who takes over the from LL Cool J, who has hosted the last five years. Corden is the host of “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” Singers Adele and Beyoncé both will perform that night, as well as Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, Katy Perry, Lorde and Taylor Swift.
The ceremony also will feature a tribute to Prince, who died April 21, 2016. Chance The Rapper, who has gained commercial success this past year despite not releasing a mixtape since 2011, is up for Best New Artist and Best Rap Album. He also was nominated for his single “Problem” and his appearance on Kanye West’s “Ultralight Beam.” Other new artists nominated this year are Bryson Tiller, Shawn Mendes and Desiigner. Tiller was nominated for Best R&B Song “Exchange” while Desiigner’s “Panda” will compete in the Best Rap Performance. Drake is nominated for Best Rap Album for his 2016 Release “Views” which is in high-key competition with Chance The Rapper “Coloring Book” and Kanye West “The Life of Pablo.
Who will take home a prize is anybody’s guess at this point given all the talent set to appear
Wildcat Roar Q. What is your New Year’s Resolution? By Gino Cyrus
Khyrsten Bookart Freshman Mass Communications
Savion St. John Sophomore Theatre Performance
Erron Enoex Junior Theatre
Andrew Mack Senior Music
“To have a healthier diet. Also, to be able to create opportunity for myself at Cookman and get a car.”
“To grow to a higher level of maturity than last year.”
“I will start to focus more on my passion and spirituality. This year I want to become a better person overall.”
“To eat salad.”
FEATURES
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
JAN/FEB 2017
The F.R.E.S.H. Book/Film Festival: The annual event celebrated Jan. 12-14 brought together people who love
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books and those who love film. Guest artists included film maker and author Booker T. Mattison, as well as best selling authors Brenda Jackson and Harold Michael Harvey.
Booker T. Mattison speaks during a classroom presentation while in town for the F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival and Community Film Festival Jan. 12.
l to r: Filmmaker Booker T. Mattison, Dr. Elsie Wanjohi, professors Ray Caputo and Bruce Clark during Mattison's recent visit to campus.
Author, Harold Michael Harvey speaks with student Jordan Hall about his novel 'The Paper Puzzle.
Alexis Wiley and Demetria Davis listened intently as author Brenda Jackson talks about her books during authors meet and greet in the PAC.
photos by John Reeves
The VOICE takes pride in introducing ‘Dear Suga’ a new monthly column written by students for students and anyone else who needs some advice.
‘Patriots Day’ bombs at box office
Don’t rush into making a decision you’ll regret
By Charla McCord Feature Writer
Dear Suga,
Three years after the Boston Marathon bombing, a film about the event hit the big screen last December.
“My name is Kay. I am a student at Bethune-Cookman University. I saw your page on Twitter and decided maybe you could help me with this one problem. I am kind of stuck in a situation. I have been messing with these two guys whose names I won’t disclose. But I like them both and at first it was just harmless hanging with them. Then guy one kissed me a couple days ago and guy number two told me he liked me. They are both great and nice guys but I don’t wanna keep messing with the both of them and they have feelings for me. What do I do?” Dear Kay, I, first want to say thanks for taking the time to write to Dear Suga. A lot of people won’t share their personal business with people they don’t know. Next my first piece of advice would be to come clean to the both of them. Let them know how you feel.
You don’t want to hurt nobody in the process. But, if it boils down to deciding then go with the guy that told you up front he has feelings for you. Also, think about who and what makes you happy. Can you see yourself with either of these guys? Who treats you right? It’s a lot to think about. Don’t rush into making a decision that you won’t be happy with in the end. Got a problem you need help with solving. Contact Dear Suga at DearSuga.Bcu@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter! @Bcu_DearSuga
“Patriot Day,” directed by Peter Burg, looked at the aftermath of the event that took place April 15, 2013 during the marathon which attracts thousand of runners each year. The thriller/drama featured Mark Wahlberg as police sgt. Tommy Saunders, Kevin Bacon as FBI Special Agent Richard DesLauriers and John Goodman as police commissioner Ed Davis. The movie focused on the city’s leaders gathering with survivors from the attack as well as its first responders who arrived at the scene. Two explosives went off near the finish line, killing three people and injuring at least 284 people. Authorities identified two Chechem-American brothers-Dzhokhar and Tamerian Tsarnaev as the suspects. Tamerian Tsarnaev was killed during a manhunt. His brother was captured and now is in prison. Produced at a cost of $45 million, the 2 hours and 13 minutes film
failed to find its audience. The box office amounted to $5.2 million.
Three years after the Boston Marathon bombing, a film about the event hit the big screen last December. Rating:
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Student Center continued from page 1
“The timetable for the building is still evolving,” said Graham Gilchrist, vice president of capital assets for BethuneCookman University. A project of this size can take up to three years to compete, according to Gilchrist. He said university officials are looking at fall 2018 or the spring semester of 2019 to have the project done. Everything is still in the early stages of planning, he said during a recent interview. Once the plans are complete, the next step is the design and then production of construction documents. From there, he said, it is all up to the general contractor. “The goal is to create a safe space that all students can have access to, any time Rendering of proposed center provided by Rhodes and Brito and Hunton Brady Architects. of day, that meets the needs of the students,” Gilchrist said. the project. Gilchrist assured students that an increase in tuition The proposed budget for construction, he said, is is not on the agenda. He said financing for the Jeffrey Nobles, a junior majoring in around $24 million for the building but the number building will come from outside sources. He did not accounting, questioned how an outdoor amphican change. have more details. theater will affect the Performing Arts Center. “We already have the PAC. We don’t necessarily need Drawings still have to be created in order to another theater on campus,” Nobles said. know how much the center will truly cost, he said, “The goal is to create a safe adding it’s too early to have any definitive pricing, as Other students that attended the chapel meeting the final plans have yet to be completed. space that all students can have expressed excitement at the prospect of a Chick-FilA on campus as well as other fast food restaurants to access to, any time of day, that With the addition of the center, students will be provide variety. able to enjoy themselves without having to leave meets the needs of the students,” campus. It also gives a college life experience that At the same time, some wondered if the new Gilchrist said. other students have on other campuses, he said. building means that tuition is going up to cover the construction cost. Students appeared to have mixed feeling about
SPORTS
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Moore Gymnasium reopened for Wildcat basketball By Augustinas Navickas Staff Writer
Moore Gymnasium is once again open for Wildcat basketball teams after being offlimits for several months. Officials closed the facility last semester after a water pipe under the floor burst during the summer, rendering the space unusable. In the interim both the ‘Cats and Lady Wildcats were forced to play home games at Daytona State College or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Even though the team dropped the Jan. 21 home opener to the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, officials were happy to be back in front of the home fans. “It was definitely good to be back,” Blair-Lewis told BCUAthletics.com.
“For our veterans it was good to be able to come in here [Moore Gymnasium] Head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis and the Lady and get back to the level of Wildcats posted a solid first part of the season, comfort” where they perform Brandon Tabb transferred from the College of Central Florida to B-CU to play Wildcat basketball. recording 9 wins in 18 games and ranking second in best, the coach said. ing,” coach Gravelle Craig told BCUAthletics.com. the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference or MEAC play “We have to make plays to win games in conferwith a 5-1 record. Led by 6-foot-4 inch senior Kailyn Williams, ence.” who is averaging 10.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks, the Lady Wildcats are The one bright light from the men’s camp has looking forward to a winning been newcomer Brandon Tabb, who currently averseason and capping it off by ages 19.8 points per game. The 6-foot-5-inch shootwinning the MEAC tournaing guard from Hampton, Virginia, transferred ment in March Madness. to B-CU as a junior from the College of Central Florida in Ocala. Meanwhile the men’s basketball team has been faring Meanwhile, the men’s basketball team has 12 as well. Haunted by all time games left to improve their record before entering low free throw percentage of the playoffs, while the Lady Wildcats have to win 10 62, the ‘Cats are now 4-15 for more games in order to stay undefeated in MEAC. the season, including 1-5 in MEAC play. Both teams, meanwhile, are set to compete in “We have to close games. We MEAC playoffs March 6 in Norfolk, Virginia. lost three or four close games this year because of not closSenior Kailyn Williams shoots a jump shot against Stetson University.
AFC tops NFC during debut of Pro Bowl’s new home in Orlando Move could mean $millions for Central Florida By Dominique Williams Sports Writer The AFC beat the NFC, 20-13, during the Pro Bowl in front of a sold out crowd of 60,834 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Jan. 29. Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander intercepted a tipped pass and forced a lateral to Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib, who sprinted toward the end zone. Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins hustled to strip Talib of the ball and the game came down to one possession with one minute and 20 seconds left. The NFC was unable to recover the fumble, ending its chances of a comeback. The game in Orlando was the first following the signing of a multi-year deal game to play in a destination other than Honolulu, Hawaii. The game was played at the Rebranded Citrus Bowl Stadium, which is now called “Camping World Stadium” and will serve as the new home of the league’s all-star game for the next three seasons. Moving the game to Central Florida is a big win for the area. Pro Bowl games are known to attract more than 50,000 attendees and generating over
$25.3 million in visitor spending for the host city. These events typically consist of multi-day events that include youth sports camps, activities and more involving NFL players and the NFL Organization. Hawaii, Houston and Sydney, Australia were among the other cities competing to host the event. The league, meanwhile, made some changes to the game, including moving the date to a week before the Super Bowl, instead of coming the week after that event. In addition, the game is back to being the traditional NFCAFC conference matchup, unlike the last three games were three Pro Bowl teams were selected via draft by celebrity coaches/former NFL athletes. The conference battle, meanwhile, appeared to create more a competitive rivalry game. In recent years, a lack of effort and the competitiveness have been the biggest takeaways from the Pro Bowl. But this year’s game had a lot of riveting moments, from the early minutes of kickoff to the interception return by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, is what the Pro Bowl is all about. Another tradition is the selection of the fans favorite players on each
photo courtesy of CampingWorldStadium.com
team to entertain their fans. Players who were among the most favorable from fans were Odell Beckham Jr. (NY Giants), Antonio Brown (Steelers), Von Miller (Broncos), Mike Evans (Buccaneers), Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott (Cowboys), just a few to name who played in Sunday’s night game. In other football news, the Atlanta Falcons were defeated by the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 51 on
Sunday, Feb. 5. Both teams were the NFL’s most dangerous teams for the same reason: the best quarterback in his respective conference leads each team, and each QB oversees their conference’s best-schemed offense. Will this be Tom Brady’s last super bowl? He add another championship to his record.
CAMPUS VOICE OF THE WILDCATS 8 JAN/FEB 2017 College staffer responds to questions Mass Comm student awarded 2016-2017 Rhythm Nation/Janet Jackson Scholarship about recruiting practices at HBCUs B-CU Office of Communications By Deonajana Thomas Staff Writer
IN HER WORDS
It seems that my debut column in the last November/December issue of the VOICE that looked at admissions and acceptance rates at Bethune-Cookman University and other historical black colleges and universities struck a nerve in some corners. The column took its theme from a statement by Florida A&M University student Delena Green, who posted the following on social media: “B-CU accepts everyone. They need students. They don’t feel too special. Bottom Feeders get accepted. That was my first and easy acceptance. Aim higher. Keep going.” Ronnie Mack, a student success coach and freshman seminar instructor here at B-CU, read my column and reached out to me with some clarity. “It’s not that we accept anybody. We stick to the mission statement of educating the minorities,” Mack said. “We give out opportunities, where others don’t see the investment.” He also said that HBCUs, in general, give chances to students to excel and chances to be excellent. I also wondered in my column whether HBCUs target high schools with large black populations for recruitment trips. Mack seemed to indicate that money is the determining factor. “When we (that means ambassadors from different schools) have more financial stability, we can promote and advertise to the students outside of the normal crowd we attend to attract,” he said. “We adhere to that diamond in the rough student. Yeah, you may come from the southside of Jacksonville, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to be an excellent leader. Find what you are passionate about, not what makes you the most money and don’t go financially broke while doing it.”
Visit The Voice of the Wildcats online www.voiceofthewildcats.com
Brooke Dann said she was shocked when she received the news that she was selected for the 201617 Rhythm Nation/Janet Jackson Scholarship. A junior mass communications major, Dann will receive a scholarship in the amount of $1, 235.00. Dann received the news from Dr. Elsie Wanjohi, department chairwoman for mass communications. “I knew that Brooke was a great fit for the scholarship and deserved to be recognized with the financial award to further her academic success,” Wanjohi said. Students applying for the award had to meet the minimum requirement of a 2.5 GPA, attend a United Negro College Fund (UNCF) affiliated college or university, provide a 1000-word essay, and major in the areas of communications, education, English, fine arts, journalism, mass media arts, music, photography/ video, TV production, or visual arts. Dann, who currently holds a 3.5 GPA, has served as Freshman of the Year in mass communications. She also is a member of Sigma Alpha Pi, National Society for Leadership and Success.
Dann for B-CU’s campus radio station, WRWS LPFM 99.1. Her future plans are to become “the biggest universal voiceover to depart from B-CU,” she said. Dann plans to some day become an announcer for the Grammy’s and BET award shows. She aspires to motivate those that don’t believe strong enough in their craft and encourages others to go after their dreams.
“I knew that Brooke was a great fit for the scholarship and deserved to be recognized with the financial award to further her academic success,” Wanjohi said.
“I am thankful Dr. Wanjohi encouraged me to apply for the scholarship, especially since I try to take out as little loans as possible,” Dann said. “I was initially nervous to apply; there are over 100 students in my major,” she said in an interview. Dann is the student manager, morning show host and voiceover
Wanjohi
Bethune-Cookman University named a 2017 military friendly school B-CU Office of Communications For the second consecutive year, Bethune-Cookman University was selected as a Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds, and publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse. The Military Friendly® Schools designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students. Military Friendly Schools dedicate resources to ensure students’ success both in the classroom and after graduation. The methodology used for making the Military Friendly® Schools list has changed the student veteran landscape to one much more transparent, and has played a significant role over the past seven years in capturing and advancing best practices to support military students across the country.
B-CU is very excited to welcome more military students into the Wildcat family. Since 2015, military enrollment has increased with the pledge to provide active duty military personnel with discounted tuition rates. “All of our Military Friendly® award recipients set the standard for excellence,” said Daniel Nichols, Chief Product Officer of Victory Media and head of Military Friendly® development. “ They offer exceptional examples of what it means not just to build a program that meets federal requirements, but one that serves the military and veteran community from classrooms to careers.” For more information about B-CU’s commitment to attracting and supporting military students, visit http://www.cookman.edu/academics/OnlineCollege. Bethune-Cookman University will be showcased along with other 2017 Military Friendly® Schools in the annual Guide to Military Friendly® Schools, special education issues of G.I. Jobs® and Military Spouse Magazine, and on MilitaryFriendly. com.
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African-American history is full of hidden figures
Compiled by Petra Merrick Voice Editor February is African-American History Month, formerly known as Black History Week. Below are some people that you may not have read about, including some more “hidden figures.” June Bacon-Bercey Bercey is a pioneer in the field of meteorology. She was the first black woman to earn a degree in science during the 1950s. She is internationally recognized for her expertise in aviation and weather. She also, was the first black woman to win the American Meteorological Society’s “seal of approval” for her television performance.
Lawless, was a dermatologist who treated patients in south side Chicago, a self-made businessman and a philanthropist. His study of many skin diseases made him an international figure.
continued from page 1 Spokesperson of the year Online/Print Journalism Female story of the year Male story of the year Best Layout Editor Photographer of the year TV/ Broadcast Journalism Anchor of the year News package of the year On camera talent of the year Off camera talent of the year (director, producer, creative director ) Voiceover of the year Script of the year Radio Air-check of the year DJ of the year Script of the year
Cook was an African-American composer who created a series of successful Broadway plays and compositions in the late 19th century. Cook and Paul Laurence Dunbar created the first all-black play to open at a Broadway house in 1898. Ann Lowe Lowe is the first widely known African American fashion designer. She is mostly known for being the designer of Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress in 1953. Matthew Henson
Dr. Theodore Lawless
Massy
Will Marion Cook
Henson is the first African-American explorer. Henson and Robert Edwin Peary were two of the first men to reach the North Pole. Source: Black America Web.com
Commercial of the year General Submission (Mass Communications Students Only) Best Group Collaboration of The Year Mr. Mass Communications Ms. Mass Communications
Radio Public Relations Online/Print Journalism TV/ Broadcast Journalism Best College Application Essay
Applying for Mr. and Ms. Mass Communications In order to apply for Mr. and Ms. Mass Communications titles, students must submit a letter sharing what is their experience representing the Mass Communications department thus far, and why they deserve this title. They also must submit a copy of their resume and what they feel is an example of their best work in their chosen field.
To apply students must submit their copies (articles, ad designs, videos, air checks, etc.) to domc@cookman.edu, and note which category they are applying for. To be eligible for an award, students must submit their copies before 5 p.m. March 9. For more information call 386-481-2706.
High school students Categories
The same copy cannot be submitted more than once.
Foster Each student may submit no more than three different copies per category.
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Fun Facts
continued from page 2 was 8,460 words long. Harrison died a month later. Has it ever been cancelled? The swearing-in ceremony has never been cancelled. The parade for Ronald Reagan’s second term was pulled because of bad weather. He moved the public display indoors. Is it always on the same day? Inauguration Day has been on Jan. 20 since 1937. It followed the ratification of the Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution. From 1793 until 1933, it was held on March 4, the day federal government began operations under the U.S. Constitution in 1789. In 1957,
1985, and 2013, the day landed on a Sunday and was moved to Monday. What was the first one like? On April 30, 1789, George Washington’s swearing-in ceremony was performed on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street, and a large crowd cheered after he took the oath of office. The president then went indoors to read Congress his inaugural address. The speech was the shortest in history as it was only 130 words. The evening celebration was opened and closed by 13 skyrockets and 13 cannons.
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Conference celebrates Zora Neale Hurston's work By Ashlyn L. Denson Correspondent The 3rd annual Zora Neale Hurston Writers Conference offered attendees a variety of activities in celebration of the life and times of the Eatonville, Florida resident perhaps best know for her novel titled “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” The two-day event on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 was sponsored by the college of liberal arts. Activities took place in the PAC. Guest presenters included Dr. Daniel Omotosho Black, professor of Africana Women’s Studies at Clark-Atlanta University and Dr. Honoree Jeffers, an award-wining poet who now teaches at the University of Oklahoma. They joined B-CU faculty and others in celebrating Hurston, who many have called a “phenomenal woman” and “cultural genius” for her work that outlined the historical foundation of the state of Florida. Hurston also worked as a professor at B-CU in the
Hurston 1930s. She lived on a boat at the time. Besides celebrating Hurston’s writing, this year’s event featured a myriad of performances involving students, a Kindling reception, as well as workshops that attracted both faculty and students.
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