January/February 2022
Bethune-Cookman University • Daytona Beach, Florida
B-CU, Other HBCUS Targeted Terrorism hits home as bomb threat forces campus to lock down
See Lockdown on Page 3
What's inside:
Page 2 OPINION
Page 3 NEWS
Page 4 NEWS
Page 5
REVIEW
Page 6 SPORTS
Page 7
FEATURES
Page 8
FEATURES
Page 9
BLACK HISTORY
Page 10
FEATURES
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January/February 2022
OPINION
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Anti-mandate uproar makes no sense
The Voice of the Wildcats is written, edited and published By Deante Johnson by members of the student body at BethuneIt’s been nearly two years since the Cookman University. All first case of Covid-19 was diagnosed opinions are solely those in the United States. of the author. Editor Amber Courtney Online Editor Mariah Brown Assistant Online Malik Grant Layout Editor Julian Bacon Rene White Sports Writers Sidney P. Brown Julian Bacon Feature Writers Shay Myrthil Timothy Moss Amber Courtney Photographers Loron Robles Julian Bacon Social Media Harmony Bienemy Publication Director Dr. Salvador R. Victor Faculty Adviser Prof. Valerie Whitney PUBLICATION MEMBERSHIP The Voice of the Wildcats is a member of the Black College Communications Association (BCCA), College Media Advisors Association (CMA) and National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). ADVERTISER MEMBERSHIP The Voice of the Wildcats subscribes to the 360 Youth Send Correspondence to: Editor The VOICE, Fine Arts Building Room 319 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Phone: (386) 481-2707 voiceofthewildcats@ gmail.com
Small and drastic steps have been taken since then to slow down the spread of this deadly pandemic, including the federal employee vaccine mandate issued by President Joe Biden. Unfortunately, many people (who normally welcome vaccinations) have been skeptical about this mandate. Much of that is due to the politicized nature of the debate over Covid, wearing masks, and simply getting immunized. I believe that mandates have every right to be enforced in this type of environment. Regardless of whether one gets vaccinated, Covid-19 will be travelling. When businesses have an opportunity to reduce the spread because of concerns about employee safety, as well as the ability to stay in business, it should be a decision made without hesitation. But hey, I am just one students and to be fair, I decided to seek out the thoughts of other college students who work regarding the federal employee vaccine mandate. One that I met was student from
Stetson University, who (Name here) said she’s currently working at a retail store part-time. “I see why people are not a fan of any
mandate,” she said. “At the same time, being fully vaxxed, it’s not asking much to simply get vaccinated, let alone it makes others safer.” I was fascinated with her answer. I also spoke with my best friend, who is currently a sophomore here at B-CU. He is fully vaccinated and works in retail. His concern focused on states that have filed lawsuits against the mandate
and businesses that do not follow the mandate. As such, he noted, it has resulted in more dissatisfaction aimed at Biden from businesses and employees against the employee mandate. It is not a surprise that this mandate is wreaking havoc. Still, beside religion, I have a hard time understanding the reasons not to get vaccinated. For those still in the workplace it should be a no-brainer to consider taking the best safety precautions during these times, such as getting vaccinated. I am rooting for the mandate. But, I also know that it is a sensitive subject. This so far has, and will, make ending the mandate problematic.
Let’s keep our campus clean By Shaneisha Myrthil
As students at the great BethuneCookman University, I think we should make it our duty to keep our campus clean. This is where we live for most of the year and who wants to leave in a trash filled environment. Not me. There has been a tremendous amount of littering around our campus. One reason for the problem may be the lack of trash cans that are available. Littering is a big problem on our campus, and nothing is being done to help solve it. By adding more trash cans, we will be able to see a greater difference in the appearance of our campus. The Walt Disney Co. conducted a study that showed that people will not hold on to trash for more than 30 feet. Therefore, Disney decided to place a trash can every 30 feet to decrease the amount of litter that builds up in its theme parks. This study reveals that people will not hold on to their trash for an extended amount of time. The more trash cans we have on campus are related to the decreased amount of litter we have. The quad is a common area that has about four to five trash cans but the courtyard for both Phases I and II do not have any trash cans. This
creates a problem for our environment as well as the appearance of our school. All common areas on campus should have trash cans located in places that are easily accessible to students. Places that have seating must have at least three trash cans in order to minimize littering. Another study, this one conducted by Dump and Run, Inc., found that on average, one college student produces about 640 pounds of waste each year. Imagine having to multiply that by thousands of students. Waste buildup on college campuses includes the large amounts of trash that students, faculty and staff leave behind. Many schools have begun taking initiative by starting up recycling programs as well as increasing the number of trash cans found on campus. Just by doing these small simple steps, we can improve the overall look of our campus, help the environment, and reduce our ecological footprint. Littering is a big problem because it affects our environment in a negative way. Littering also is linked to toxic emissions that create pollution that affects the air we breathe as well as humans. The main causes of litter are ignorance and laziness, very few
people understand or care about the impact litter has on our environment over time. Students walk from class to class, usually in a rush which makes navigating for a trash can inconvenient. On my daily routes from class to class, it is rare to find trash bins so that makes littering so prevalent on our campus. If we adopt the same logic and findings as Walt Disney and place more trash cans around our campus, we will start to see a decrease in the amount of litter. When our campus looks like it is not treated with love, it affects the attitude of the students, faculty, and staff which affects the learning environment. It is our job to create the learning environment that will help us all become successful and this begins with cleaning up our campus. Shaneisha Mrythil is a sophomore mass communications major who calls West Palm Beach home.
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
NEWS
January/February 2022
Locked down
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Continued from page 1
The Wendall P. Holmes Business building is one of the many building on campus that were closed due to the threat. photo Julian Bacon Soon media reports of the incident revealed that B-CU was not alone. Albany State University, Bowie State University, Delaware State University, Florida Memorial University and Southern University and A&M College all received bomb threats, according to social media and campus spokespeople. These bomb scares come less than a month after several other HBCUs received bomb threats on Jan. 5, including Howard University. At 9:08 a.m. the Department of Campus Safety sent out another email stating that the university would be closed for the day, and that emergency personnel would be evaluating the situation. By 11:39 a.m. B-CU Communications sent out an official response from the university: “Due to a threat made earlier this morning to Bethune-Cookman University, the campus has been placed under lockdown meaning no one may enter or leave the campus until the lockdown order has been lifted. "We want to let you know that our students are safe. Both the Volusia County Sheriffs Office and the Daytona [Beach] Police Department responded immediately and are on campus. We are unable to provide any details at this time so that law enforcement is able to complete their tasks without any distraction. Students are in compliance with the lockdown order and are staying in place as they should. "As soon as law enforcement lifts the lockdown order, we will notify you and will provide more information as it becomes available. For now, we ask for your patience so that this issue can be resolved quickly and safely.” That afternoon, at 1:57 p.m., campus officials sent out a final statement that the lockdown was lifted, and students could return to moving about campus. Classes remained
cancelled and the campus remained closed for business. OFFICIAL WORD During a news conference Monday, Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young reportedly said a neo-Nazi organization, Atomwaffen, was suspected of being involved. Young also said threats made against B-CU on Monday morning included specifics, such as C-4 explosive devices having been left in bags around the campus north and east perimeters, and a gunman planning an attack, according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal. Meanwhile, Judge Belvin Perry, chairman of the university’s board of trustees, called the bomb threat as an act of “terrorism.” Also, the FBI has launched a hate crime and violent extremism investigation following a series of bomb threats made this week against more than a dozen Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation, according to USA Today. STUDENTS REACT Students contacted by the VOICE had mixed reactions. Thea Shaw, a senior, said she was in her apartment on Monday when she got the email about campus not being safe. “At first I was very concerned. I have several teammates and friends who stay on campus. I was in fear for their lives,” Shaw said. “I didn't understand why they didn't evacuate campus. Later on throughout the day I was on Twitter and people were saying several other HBCUs also were receiving bomb threats. After that I started to believe someone decided to wake up and make bomb threats at every HBCUs. I started to believe it was a prank. Someone had
to be bored.” Jayden Sorey, a junior, said she first learned about the threat from her father who called to check on her. “On Mondays I don’t have class until later on the day, I was asleep when all of the emails were coming through,” Sorey said. “Personally, I wasn’t too worried, because I live off campus. But I did fear for my friends and different professors who were on campus at the time.” Kaitlyn Hale, another junior, said she was very surprised but not surprised at the same time. “I woke up at 7 a.m. and saw messages on my phone about the bomb threat and how everyone was confused and concerned,” Hale said. “It was very interesting to me that several HBCUs have had a bomb threat in the beginning of Black History Month. But I feel that it is just one person just sending an email to several HBCUs to scare them.” Khalif Hollis, another senior, shrugged off the threat, too. “The threat wasn’t something new to me. I’ve been in numerous threats while attending high school before I came to college,” Hollis said. He noted there have been many articles about race in the media in the post Trump administration. “HBCUs are the new epicenter for black excellence, and it’s funny that a bomb threat was made at those schools because of the mass coverage that they have been getting,” he said, suggesting some folks were upset when the No. 1 football recruit chose to sign with Jackson State University instead of Florida State University.
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January/February 2022
NEWS
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Dryer fire forces students out of dorms By Justin LaGon Special to the VOICE Dozens of Bethune-Cookman University coeds are still waking up in new rooms on campus after a fire last month in the residence halls forced them out of Thompson and Moore halls. Schools officials relocate about 135 female students after an electric dryer caught fire on the third floor of the residential halls in the campus LLC complex on January 14. The sprinkler system was activated, flooding all three floors. “I think that there should be more signage in our dorms on how to do your laundry and clean out the dryers, because not everyone that comes to campus know how to do their laundry,” B-CU senior Tyra Robinson said. No injuries were reported and everyone evacuated safely but the building suffered extensive internal water damage. Students took the incident to social media, reporting that the buildings and ceiling collapsed, but the postings of more serious damage were incorrect. B-CU spokeswoman Sara Brady said the building remains intact and suffered primarily water damage to several locations. “Uninformed social media postings of more serious damage were incorrect; the building nor its ceiling collapsed,” Brady said in a statement. Restoration of the building began early the next morning. Numerous student organizations, athletes, parents, alumni and students volunteered to assist in relocating students to other residence halls on campus. Thompson and Moore Halls were inspected by First Choice Services (FCS), a restoration services provider, Facilities Management, and Campus Safety before students were allowed to reenter. FCS began to remove water and ceiling tiles that were damaged from the fire sprinkler sytem, as well as working to restore power and to back pump the elevator shafts. According to the U.S. Fire Administra-
Firefighters responded to the dryer by evacuating students from the building. Photo by Justin LaGon
tion,2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated five deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property damage. The leading cause of clothes dryer fires or 34 percent is failure to clean out the dryer vent. More clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months, peaking in January. Currently, dehumidifiers and air scrubbers are being used to dry the building. All students were relocated to different residence halls and received bed linen, towels, and toiletries to help with their personal needs. There are no current details on how long students will be relocated, or if it will be for the remainder of the Spring semester.
DID YOU KNOW? ■ An estimated 2,900 clothes dryer fires in residential buildings are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. ■ Clothes dryer fire incidence in residential buildings was higher in the fall and winter months, peaking in January at 11 percent. ■ Failure to clean (34 percent) was the leading factor contributing to the ignition of clothes dryer fires in residential buildings. ■ Dust, fiber, and lint (28 percent) and clothing not on a person (27 percent) were, by far, the leading items first ignited in clothes dryer fires in residential buildings. ■ Fifty-four percent of clothes dryer fires in residential buildings were confined to the object of origin.
REVIEW
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
January/February 2022
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Sci-fi fans will enjoy ‘Dune Part One’ By Jordan Cox-Alexander Special to the VOICE
“Dune Part One” is an epic science fiction movie that is based on the novel written by Frank Herbert in 1965. Released in 2021, it was hands down one of the best movies of the year! It was 156 minutes long, which is quite lengthy but because of the pure entertainment aspect of it, the time could easily go unnoticed. Warner Bros. Picture chose to released it in 2D, 3D, and IMAX theaters, while it was also streaming on HBO Max. It is rated PG-13 for strong language as well as some violent content. The stellar cast included some fan favorites such as lead actor Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Zendaya and Jason Momoa (“Aquaman”). The film was expected to be released in December 2020, but was delayed until October 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The movie is about a fictional character Paul Atreides (played by Chalamet), who becomes heir to the House of Atreides at a young age. He is forced to travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. He is thrust into war for the planet Arrakis and for the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence. He must learn that only those who can conquer their own fear will survive. The cinematography, acting, and storytelling were awe inspiring with its $165 million budget. The costumes were impactful and appropriate to the characters that wore them. For example, the close-up shot of the Imperial Court allows the audience to appreciate the ensemble of their white helmets and the domes covering their faces. There were more than 2,000 visual effect shots created for the film, including massive snowstorms, desert backgrounds,
people riding giant worms, and underwater movement of whales. This film was a second adaption of
comparable to his other successful feature films including “Blade” and “Arrival.“ Likewise, he reportedly felt the book was “too complex” to put in a single film.
“Dune” from David Lynch’s 1984 film. The 1984 version was a commercial failure. Some said it was impossible to do the book justice but this latest version proved otherwise. Director Denis Villeneuve outdid himself. In my opinion, it was
Hence, this movie depicts only half of the novel. Due to the film’s success, Warner Bros says Dune Part Two will be released exclusively in theaters in October 2023. “Dune Part One” is a must-see movie!
And the Oscar goes to... Dune has been nominated for Oscars in the following catagories among others. Winners will be anounced March 27. Best Picture Belfast CODA Don’t Look Up Drive My Car Dune King Richard Licorice Pizza Nightmare Alley The Power of the Dog West Side Story
Best Adapted Screenplay CODA (Sian Heder) Drive My Car (Ryusuke Hamaguchi & Takamasa Oe) Dune (Eric Roth, Jon Spaihts & Denis Villeneuve) The Lost Daughter (Maggie Gyllenhaal) The Power of the Dog (Jane Campion)
Best Production Design Dune (Zsuzsanna Sipos & Patrice Vermette) Nightmare Alley (Tamara Deverell & Shane Vieau) The Power of the Dog (Grant Major & Amber Richards) The Tragedy of Macbeth (Stefan Dechant & Nancy Haigh) West Side Story (Rena DeAngelo & Adam Stockhausen)
Best Cinematography Dune (Greig Fraser) Nightmare Alley (Dan Lausten) The Power of the Dog (Ari Wegner) The Tragedy of Macbeth (Bruno Delbonnel) West Side Story (Janusz Kaminski)
Best Costume Design Cruella Cyrano Dune Nightmare Alley West Side Story
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January/February 2022
SPORTS
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
B-CU hoops teams struggling midseason By Julian Bacon Sports Editor Bethune-Cookman women’s basketball continues to struggle this season despite starting with a 70-58 win at home against Edward Waters University last November 10. Leading scorers for the Lady Wildcats were Taylor Williams and Morgan Beacham both scoring 17, followed by Tania White who finished with 10 points. Imani Reed recorded a team-high of 10 rebounds. The Lady Wildcats would not secure another victory until Dec. 6, 2021, 73-56, over Warner University. Senior Tania White led all B-CU scorers with 14 points and 6 rebounds. The next victory for the Lady Wildcats would be a conference win against Mississippi Valley State University, 78-74, on January 15 of this year. Taylor Williams finished with a double-double, 15 points, and 13 rebounds. Morgan Beacham and Tania White finished the game with 14 points each. Alcorn State forfeited a contest against the Lady Wildcats on January 24. This would sit them 2-5 in SWAC play, and 3-13 overall. Meanwhile, B-CU men’s basketball season hasn’t shown much to boast about either. The Wildcats started their season with a 3-game losing streak before getting their first victory over Bryant University, 81-75, on November 20 during the 2021 Sunshine Slam at the Ocean Center. Dylan Robertson led Wildcats scorers with 21 and Joe French scored 20 points. The Wildcats would get their next victory against the Johnson University, Marcus Garrett led B-CU in scoring with 13 points and Joe French followed with 12 in a 41-81 route over
Graduate guard Jakolby Long looks to move the ball arpund during an early season contest against Air Force. Photo by Julian Bacon the Florida Suns. The Men’s team opened SWAC play on January 3 of this year against arch-rival Florida A&M in a packed Moore Gymnasium. A 26 point, 13 rebounds, double-double by Kevin Davis led the Wildcats to a 59-66 victory over the Rattlers for their first-ever basketball SWAC victory. The team also came out of Itta Bena with a win over Mississippi Valley State. Kevin Davis led B-CU scoring 19 points along with 9
rebounds, Joe French recorded 18 points in the 62-60 win. On January 21, Jackson State came to visit but left with a loss. Kevin Davis led scorers with 18 points on 7-16 shooting, Marcus Garrett scored 14 points and 7 assists as the Wildcats topped the Tigers 50-55. The Men’s Wildcat basketball team currently has a record of 5-14, 3-4 in SWAC play.
FEATURES
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
January/February 2022
7
Daytona Beach celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. holiday By Amber B. Courtney
Several hundred people braved the cold to take part in the city’s annual celebration marking the 36th Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, honoring the slain civil rights leader. Citizens from all over Daytona Beach gathered at the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church at 9:30 a.m. for prayer January 17 before the start of the march at 10, which traveled through several blocks in the midtown area before returning back to the church at 580 George Engram Blvd. King, who was born on Jan. 15, 1929, was gunned down in Memphis on April 4, 1968. He was 39. His birthday became a federal holiday in 1983. The observation here was among many head nationwide, even as King’s own son, Martin Luther King III, released a statement asking for Americans to refrain from celebrating the holiday until legislation guaranteeing voting rights becomes law. His request seems to have fallen on deaf ears with many Black Americans disregarding his request and taking to the streets to celebrate anyway.
Marchers led by the Rev. Nathan Mugala (second from left) head down George Engram Boulevard on January 17. Photos by Amber Courtney
Among the estimated 300 people in the march was the Rev. Nathan Mugala. “I was impressed with the great turnout considering the weather was cold and that we are still dealing with the COVID pandemic,” said Mugala, who is the pastor of Allen Chapel and the president of the MLK Celebration Committee for the state of Florida. ”It was great to see all of the people who came out to be a part of the celebration,” he said. Derrick Henry, the mayor of Daytona Beach, also was in attendance. According to Henry, students from all over the city came out to participate in the event, ranging from college students to young kids from middle and elementary schools. Both men agreed about the importance of Marchers with signs along Dr. Mary McLeod the day. Bethune Boulevard during the Dr. Martin Lu“MLK Day is a day of service, we should ther King Jr. observance on January 17.
use this as opportunity to service others and make our community a better place,” Henry said. “In addition to that, it’s also a day of reflection. We should reflect on how far we’ve come and where we want to see our community go.” Mugala said the holiday should definitely be a day full of celebration. “We should celebrate this day knowing all that Martin Luther King Jr. stood for and all that he was able to do for the world. I believe that is something that everybody in every community should be able to be a part of.” Meanwhile, after the march residents were invited to take part in a festival at nearby Daisy Stocking Park. The event, featuring food trucks, music and several vendors, marked the return of a festival component for the holiday in more than 20 years.
B-CU Trustees sue alumni association
Staff Report The university’s board of trustees has taken their feud with the former national alumni association step farther by suing the group for alleged trademark infringement. Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) is demanding the group, now known as the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune National Alumni Association, stop using the university’s name, logos and trademark, according to published reports. The suit, first reported in the Daytona Beach News-Journal, alleges the group has “infringed on those trademarks” and “falsely represents that it is associated with the university.” Johnny McCray Jr., president of the association, could not be reached for comment. McCray, who is named in the lawsuit, was quoted in the news story as
calling the suit “unnecessary and unfortunate.” He also reportedly said the association has voted to carry on its efforts to raise money for B-CU students. The college announced in September that it was severing ties with the 90-year-old National Alumni Association (NAA) and looking to form its own direct support organization, similar to other colleges. During a 90-minute webinar on Sept. 23, Belvin Perry, chairman of the board of trustees, along with other members, laid out their rational for requesting that the NAA move to dissolve while the board creates a direct support organization" that would be more efficient and encourage growth, as well as provide alumni with more support and access to the university. Perry also noted that the
memorandum of understanding signed in 2006 between the university and the association expired in 2007, and hence, was not legally binding. In related news, B-CU Interim President Hiram Powell announced this week that he has hire Kimberly L. Woodard an executive director for the newly established office of alumni affairs and development. “Woodard will provide leadership and direction that will ensures increased resources and opportunities for both alumni participation, University engagement with alumni and fundraising,” Powell said in a written statement, He also noted that Woodward is a 25 years alumni affairs and development veteran.
Belvin Perry
Johnny McCray Jr.
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January/February 2022
FEATURES
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Tacos aren't just for Tuesdays By Mariah Brown
If you don’t want to wait for Tuesday to eat some tacos and save some money, then you are in luck because there are a number of eateries here in Daytona Beach that can fill the bill any day of the week. Whether you’re a taco lover, want to surprise your taco-loving significant other, or want to go out with your taco-loving friends, the Halifax area does not fall short of restaurants that set the ambiance for your perfect Taco Tuesday adventures.
TIA CORI’S TACOS 214 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach
Dahlia Mexican Kitchen 1808 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach
Every taco lover has to start somewhere, and that place for me was Tia Cori’s Tacos, located on Beach St. across from News-Journal Center. Tia Cori’s is the only taqueria in Daytona and serves authentic Mexican food such as tacos, tamales, churros, street corn and more. They even serve Birria Tacos that are currently a customer favorite! The prices are inexpensive, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays you can get their hard-shell tacos for $1.50 each and soft-shell tacos for $2 a piece.
Dahlia’s has been around in the Daytona One plaza for three years. Located across from the Daytona International Speedway, this Mexican kitchen offers $2 tacos every Tuesday, which keeps the restaurant packed.
Cantina Louie Mexican Street Food 2200 International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach Cantina Louie, one of Daytona’s newest spots for Mexican food, is a popular place to be every Tuesday. They offer a happy hour between the hours of 2 and 5 p.m. with margaritas for $3.99, and tacos are served all day for $2.99. You can sit back and enjoy their quick service, upbeat music, and free chips and salsa.
El Tequila’s 1784 S. Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona El Tequila’s is another popular Mexican restaurant. Located in South Daytona, it serves homemade tamales, margaritas, tacos and other Mexican classics in a vibrant cantina. Drop by on Tuesdays and you can get two tacos for $3. These are just some of the most popular Taco Tuesday restaurants, cantinas, and taqueria in the local Daytona Beach area!
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
BLACK HISTORY
January/February 2022
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Jacob Lawrence: One of the best 20th century artists By Loron Robles Jacob Lawrence was an African American painter and is regarded as one of the most essential artists of the 20th century. He is widely renowned for his modernist depictions of everyday life and epic narratives of African American history and historical figures. Jacob's work documented all of the most important events and people during that time such, as Toussaint L'Ouverture, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, life in Harlem, and the civil rights movement of the 1960s. He was one of the first African American artists to gain broad recognition within the segregated art world of the 1940s. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1917, Lawrence and his family moved to Harlem, New York in 1930 where he came in contact with the greatest artistic and intellectual minds of his generation. During that time, the Harlem Renaissance was still a focal point of African American culture and this
inspired Lawrence to create the most powerful and concise style that expressed all of the vibrancy and pathos of the neighborhood and its occupants. It wasn’t until 1941 that Lawrence became nationally known figure when his painting “The Migration Series” was featured at New York’s Downtown Gallery. This made Lawrence the first African American artist to be represented by a downtown “mainstream” gallery. During the same month Fortune magazine published a lengthy article about Lawrence, and illustrated twenty-six of the series’ sixty panels. In 1943 the Downtown Gallery exhibited Lawrence’s Harlem series, which was lauded by some critics as being even more successful than the Migration panels. By the late 1940s he became the most celebrated African American painter in the country.
Lawerence: DC Moore Gallery
Eartha Kitt: The Most Exciting Woman In The World By Amber Courtney
Described as “The Most Exciting Woman in The World” by director Orson Welles, Eartha Kitt was an actress, singer and performer in the United States and Europe alike. Born Eartha Mae Keith on Jan. 17, 1927, Kitt’s life played out as a true “Rags to Riches” story. She was born to a poor Black mother and an unknown white father in South Carolina. She relocated to New York as a child to live with an aunt after being abandoned by her mother. While growing up in Harlem, eventually she earned a spot on the “Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe” at the age of 16. While in this group, she traveled the world, including all over Europe. It was in Paris that Kitt, while singing in nightclubs, received the title of being “The Most Exciting Woman in The World.” She was a household name throughout her career as an actress and singer. Her
most well-known ventures being “Catwoman” in the “Batman” television and by singing the flirtatious Christmas carol “Santa Baby.” Her career lasted from the 1950s all the way until 2007 when she starred in Disney’s animated movie “The Emperor’s New Groove; and “The Emperor’s New School” TV series throughout the 2000s. Kitt was not only known for her performances, but also for her outspoken opinions. In 1968 at a White House luncheon she made tabloid headlines when she loudly told first lady Bird Johnson that she was sending children to be murdered when drafting for the Vietnam War. According to Kitt, this had a major impact on her career, causing her to be Blackballed throughout Hollywood. This led to her continuing her career in other countries for years afterward. Continued on page 10 Eartha Kitt Picture courtesy of Library of Congress
Alice Walker: Renaissance Woman
By Shaneisha Myrthil
Alice Walker is a well-known African American writer, poet, essayist, and activist. Walker was the eighth child born to a family of sharecroppers in Eatonton, a small town in Georgia. She began writing at an early age after accidentally becoming blind in her right eye after one of her brothers fired a BB gun. The family lacked the means to get her proper medical care in a timely manner. Her mother gave her a typewriter in substitute of doing chores. She instantly fell in love with writing and has never put the pen down ever since. In 1983 she won the Pulitzer Prize for her fiction writing becoming the
first African American woman to do so. This achievement helped inspire many other Black writers. Her award-winning book titled “The Color Purple” became one of her most well-known books where she talks about the importance of leaving your mark on the world. Her work highlights issues such as human rights, feminism, racism, sexism, love, and violence in society. Walker uses her platform to encourage as well as spread awareness about important topics. Her work has made a significant impact on many African Americans, especially women. She is the mother of one daughter from her marriage in 1967 to Melvyn Roseman Leventhal, a
Jewish civil rights lawyer. They divorced in 1976. Walker’s work focuses on black culture and offers insightful knowledge about the struggles of being an African American. She has inspired and continues to inspire young African Americans every day. Walker, now 78, continues to write in her California home, still an inspiration to many. "Writing is not different from life—you want variety, you want refreshment, and you want balance," she says Walker: photograph by Everett / Alamy
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January/February 2022
FEATURES
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Gunna’s ‘DS4EVER’ album is filled with catchy tunes By Timothy Moss
Gunna’s third studio album “DS4EVER,” released January 7, was highly anticipated in the mainstream rap community and is adored by Gunna’s contemporaries. This was my first time listening to a full-length Gunna project, and based on everything that I heard from this artist, I had relatively low expectations for the quality of this album. In my humble opinion, Gunna, who was born Sergio Kitchens, is only good for background music at events where there are a lot of activities occurring. But, after listening to the album, I was shocked at the amount of jams that I got from this. It exceeded my expectations as far as good, catchy songs go. It started with “Private Island,” which I thought was a good opener to this type of rap. Very melodic with airy, atmospheric production. “Pushin P” featuring Young Thug was cool with the catchy lines but overall it was lackluster. Next, “Poochie Gown” had stereotypical aggressive, hard 808, trap production with erotic lyrics that made for a decent track that I did bop my head to, but wasn’t anything special. “Mop” with another Young Thug guest appearance was better than the other collaboration. I felt more enthusiasm with this song than the other, which made for a more hype
track with a good beat and really catchy hook. “P power” was just another track in my opinion that sampled a mafia type loop which made it stand out on the production side, but overall the content was useless. Drake added nothing to this song in terms
Album cover by Daniel Arsham of flow, lyrics or content. Just blah. “How you did that” featuring Kodak Black was actually my favorite track simply because of the catchy hook from both Gunna and Kodak Black. It made for a really fun track that I had on repeat.
Eartha Kitt Continued from Page 9 Besides her iconic characters, seductive voice and strong personality, Kitt also was known for her dedication to her work. She continued working up to her death. Even in her elderly age, she still did cabarets, music, and voice acting. Kitt passed away at the age of 81 on Dec. 25, 2008 from colon cancer. Her only child, daughter KittShapiro, maintains her legacy. Shapiro has written a book titled “Eartha & Kitt: A Daughter's Love Story in Black and White,” which tells the story of Kitt and Shapiro’s relationship as Shapiro was growing up. All in all, Eartha Kitt is the definition of a Black icon. She will be remembered as legendary, not only for being America’s very first “Hot Girl” way before Megan Thee Stallion, but also for being an undeniably talented performer and outstanding celebrity personality.
Kodak Black for once wasn’t terrible. I loved the flow that used over the guitar sampled beat on “Alotta Cake,” and once again the hook was really catchy. “Livin Wild” was very uninteresting and utilized that classic sample poorly. I realized that Gunna over medium paced production is not interesting at all, sounds like everybody else out here. Meanwhile, “You & Me,” featuring Chloe from Chloe x Halle, was really interesting . The first time I heard the track and the sample I had high expectations about how they was going to pull that off and it failed. But, after listening to it repeatedly, that track really grew on me. Chloe was definitely the highlight of that song with her gorgeous vocals on the second half. Besides “idk that b****” the rest of these songs were extremely lackluster. There was more wrongs than right, from the Chris Brown & Yung Bleu, to the original and remix of “Too easy,” It was just a whole bunch of filler tracks in my opinion. Overall, this album would have been pretty good if it was an EP made of the first half of songs because the productions, hooks, and flows was really entertaining on the first half…but that’s just me. Check it out on all streaming platforms and I hope you enjoy it.