McLeod Magazine Fall 2022

The McLeod magazine is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Bethune-Cookman University. All opinions are solely those of the author.

Managing Editor/ Chief writer

Harmony Bienemy

Graphic Designer

Chloe Wilmore

Layout Editor

Chloe Wilmore

Models

Samantha Scott

Aniya Edwards

Feature Writers

Shaleese Nuckols

Jordan Cox-Alexander

Tyler Barron

Salvador Victor

Torree Mears

DeAngelo Gibbs

Kaitlyn Hale

Elfridge Arthur

Sports Photographer

Emmanuel Fields

Photographers

Samantha Scott

Emmanuel Fields

Shay Myrthil

Publication Director

Dr. Salvador R. Victor

Faculty Adviser

Prof. Valerie Whitney

PUBLICATION

MEMBERSHIP

McLeod Magazine

is looking for new members to join our staff each semester. For more information into joining this outstanding publication

Send Correspondence to:

Advisor of The McLeod, Fine Arts Building Room 319

640 Dr. Mary McLeod

Bethune Blvd.

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Phone: (386) 481-2707

Whitneyv@cookman. com

This has been a year of struggles, change and growth for our university.

From hurricane season to confusion about leadership, and to great changes like more student involvement on campus, we’ve been on a roller coaster that leaves everyone on campus left to be there and check on one another.

During this fall issue we wanted to not only reflect on how we’ve been affected by the changes and trials we faced this semester, but also on the bright side of all of this. Student involvement has skyrocketed from previous semesters, after the quiet semesters following the breakout of coronavirus. Our student leaders have been working hard to bring our student life back to life.

Despite all that went wrong, and failed, we still persevered through to enjoy the days we will never get back.

This issue will hopefully be a refresher for our students to be able to look back and see how far we have come.

I would like to send a special thank you to the team that we have who continues to get the work done. Last but not least, a thank you to Ms. Whitney, who pushes us to get it done even when we want to give up because that’s not a choice for us.

Harmony Bienemy Editor Fall

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” - Frederick Douglass

Contents

Fashion

Homecoming fashions look to the past, p.6

Wahl wants to know who’s got your back, p.8

Health/Lifestyle

Feeling stressed out? You are not alone, p.15

Hungry? Looking for a place to eat, p.14

Hurricane Ian forced me to become a commuter, p.20

Entertainment

Beyonce's new album is a game changer, p. 10

'Hardball' appeals to softies, p.12

Peele's ‘NOPE’ is clearly a yes, p.13

A Mass Comm Homecoming, p.18, 19

Feature

More to holidays than turkey and gifts, p.17

Seniors bid farewell, p. 9, 21

Wildcat Potpourri, p. 22

Wildcats keep marching to their own beat, p. 23

The Emma Bowen Foundation

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What we offer:

Belong to a lifelong community of EBF peers, alumni, professionals, and partners

In addition, you'll have access to:

A multi-year paid summer internship

On-the-job training from top professionals and industry executives

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The EBF Launch Career Activation Program and mentoring

The EBF Annual Summer Conference

Need-based academic scholarships

Sales, Public Relations, Marketing, Human Resources News Production Journalism Digital Media

Wildcat fans sporting various Greek letter paraphernalia let out a cheer during the Homecoming game.

B-CU Interim President Lawrence Drake, center, smiles for the camera along side with Miss B-CU Renee White and Mr. B-CU Tyler Kelly.

The Marching Wildcats are here to show up and show out during the homecoming game.

Photos by Emmanuel Fields

An unidentified student chowing down in the cafeteria.

Students stepping during lunch in the cafeteria.

Photo/Shaneisha Myrthil

Homecoming fashions look to the past

By Elfridge Arthur Fashion Writer

Homecoming week 2022 showcased many fashions of bygone days. It bought to mine the saying “everything old is new again.”

I was really surprised at how many pleated skirts I saw around campus and at the events. I guess they’re coming back in style, but I’m not mad at it.

Shades also were spotted as well. All different types of shades, chains, accessories and the like. Shades can completely change the look of the whole outfit. Not only can one match the shades with the outfit, but they can even become incognito. Shades can sometimes make you look so different that people might not recognize you. Sometimes shades can become your wardrobe staple, giving you a whole new personality and look.

The return of the sweater vests. It seemed to be everywhere. I would be a rich man now if I had a dollar for every time I saw a sweater vest. Paring that sweater vest with a skirt is a great look to put together.

The night of the Greek step show a lot of the attendees were wearing varsity jackets. A number of celebrities including Drake and A$AP Rocky have been wearing them for years and now it seems that students are ready to reclaim look as well. And with varsity jackets you can really wear them with anything honestly. Pair that jacket with some cute cargo pants or some jeans and that’s it!

Homecoming, as always, is a display of different styles and outlooks on fashion. I can’t wait until next year to see who’s going to step out of the box and be a trailblazer.

Bethune-Cookman University junior Samantha Scott turned up the heat during Homecoming this year with a sky blue sweater dress, blue knee high boots and blue shades to match. Scott then took it up another notch with a baby pink sweater dress, white beret, and crossbody during a visit home to see family for Thanksgiving.

Photo By Emmanuel Fileds

Aniya Edwards, a B-CU Wildcat, sported both shades and a Varsity jacket at Homecoming.

Photo/Torree Mears

Wahl wants to know who’s got your back

Grooming leader offering home haircutters, friends a chance at winning $1,000

STERLING, Ill -- When cutting your own hair, tackling the back can be the toughest part. This is when you need a friend who's got your back. Whether it be in life, or home haircuts, men's grooming leader Wahl wants to know who's been with you through thick and thin. The Wahl 'College Cuts – Who's Got Your Back?' Contest is looking to award a $1,000 scholarship and a Wahl Clipper to both you and your friend.

"We designed this contest to celebrate the bonds that are often formed in college," said Steven Yde, division vice president for Wahl. "It's a unique environment where guys will often lean on their friends for support — be it protecting their blind side or cutting their hair. This is especially true in the quarterback and linemen relationship, so we're excited to partner with some college football players to help bring this story to life."

No one knows how to 'line it up' quite like football linemen, so Wahl has partnered with college quarterbacks DJ Uiagalelei, Sam Hartman and Kyle McCord. They, along with their linemen, will be taking to their Instagram channels to share how they have each other's backs on and off the field with the help of Wahl.

How the Contest Works

From now until December 16, 2022, participants over the age of 18 are encouraged to visit the contest entry page at https://bit.ly/whosgotyourbackwithwahl and nominate someone who has/had their back. Entries will require a short write up with a specific example of how the nominee has/had the entrant's back. Entries will be judged based on the entrant's ability to genuinely express their appreciation for the nominee. So, did your wingman introduce you to your significant other? Did your best friend give you the best advice? Wahl wants to know.

At the end of the entry period, two winners along with their two nominees, will each receive a Wahl Pro Series Clipper and a $1,000 general use prepaid card referred to as a "scholarship."

See Contest, page 20

Senior Farewell

SAB board visits South Florida

"I will be taking the position of Assistant Manager at my current job starting in January. I plan to take a semester off to enjoy being a college graduate, and then I will enroll into grad school in the Fall of 2023."

-Jayden Sorey

Photo Courtesy of Jayden Sorey

Members of the B-CU student advisory board arrive in Miami to watch the Wildcats take on the Miami Hurricanes.

Photo/Emmanuel Fields

Beyonce shows how she expands her genre in 'Renaissance'

By Kaitlyn Hale

The seventh studio album from Beyoncé is more than just a flawless dance record. It's also a voluminous ode to club music and its sweaty, liberating spirit.

Titled “Renaissance,” it is really about sexual energy, bodies swaying in the dark and beneath spotlights, and Black queer and trans women—some of our most vulnerable and politicized members. Physical activity had to be restricted during the epidemic isolation, thus the liberating and harmful dissociative consequences of being invisible emerged. A firm directive to be perceived without bias is at the heart of the hourlong album. Listening to it makes you feel as though your synapses are slowly coming back together.

Dance music must focus on the present moment since it is the only way to fully experience the transcendent act of letting loose on a dance floor. However, it also relies on the flexibility of sampling, elder respect and recreating classic sounds to create the new. Due to all the samples and numerous little donations from artists and friends, Renaissance currently has about 100,000 credits. This explains how PC Music owner A. G. Cook and Lady Gaga's go-to producer BloodPop collaborated on a low-key love song deconstructing techno ("All Up in My Mind") and how Skrillex ended up doing Afrobeats through a ketamine filter ("Energy") with Beyoncé's stuttering lyrics that are so minimal and onomatopoeic that they mostly serve as a melodic extension of the vibe.

The lyrics in other songs, like the middle of the house single "Break My Soul," where she raps, "You said you outside but you ain't that outside," are startling enough to ruin the mood. This approach may be preferable in some instances. She does, however, generally follow the grotesque requirements of dance music, singing and rapping to the carnal id. She puts more emotion into looking good and dancing good on this album than on previous ones. (However, she still has a penchant for sexually explicit lyrics ala

"Drunk in Love"; call me if you can get beyond "Motorboat, darling, spin around" on "Virgo's Groove.

Beyoncé's attention to dance music extends to the samples, where she uses their artwork to communicate her intentions. The "Ha" from Masters at Work's seminal "The Ha Dance," from 1991, which has long been a voguing staple but was originally intended for b-boys in Latin clubs, is reworked in the production of "Feels Like," building on the work of Vjuan Allure, who passed away in 2021 and pioneered the sound of contemporary vogue fem club legends' names some respect. ballroom. It is just one song, and one magnifying-glass example of how Beyoncé uses Renaissance to give these club legends' names some respect.

Kaitlyn Hale is a junior mass communications major from Birmingham, Alabama.

5 Things to do in Daytona Beach, Florida

By DeAngelo Gibbs

There is a lot more to Daytona Beach than well… just its beach. You just have to know where to look. For those seeking new adventures, here is a sneak peek at five things worth checking out.

• Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona: Here is your chance to explore the waters off the coast of Daytona Beach in this guided exploration. As you paddle around on your standup board, don’t be surprised if you look down and see manatees and dolphins alongside. The address to this fun adventure is 212 S Beach Street, Suite 100 Daytona Beach, FL 32114. The cost of this event is $32.50$65. For more information call (386)310-4927.

• Small-Group Sailing: This activity provides catamaran services for the public and also has private sailing and sightseeing adventures off the coast of Daytona beach. The address to this adventure is 721 Ballough Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA. The coat of this event is $69.00. For more information call (386)6314004.

• Paddle Pub: This activity allows you to paddle your way on a one-of- a kind cruise. The Paddle Pub is a 20-passenger boat that is automatically operated by an electronical paddle machine. The dress to this adventure is 450 Basin Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. The cost of this event ranges from $35.00$525.00. For more information call (386)4789207.

• Segway Beach Ride: This is less of a tour and more of an opportunity to enjoy a Segway and get out and coast while enjoying the beach’s greatest accommodations. This also is a great way to also move around venue to venue without having to walk. The address to this event is 620 Main St Daytona Beach 32118. The cost of this event is $50 dollars per person. For more information, call (386)8715999.

• Zipline Adventure: Housed in the city’s Tuscawilla Park, the zipline lets you take fun to the highest level possible, by climbing, swing-

ing, and zip and zag from tree to tree right in the center of Daytona Beach. The address to this event is 1000 Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, Florida 32114. This adventure ranges in price from $33.80-$49.76. For more information call (386)882- Photos By Jayden Sorey

‘Hardball’ tugs at heartstrings

By Torree Mears

“Hardball,” released Sept. 14, 2001, is definitely not the typical sports movie and certainly not one that attracted a lot of moviegoers.

The production was budgeted at $32 million. The movie, based on the book “Hardball: a Season in the Project,” made only $44.1 million at the box office.

Still, the sports/drama might be worth a look see for those that like to root for underdogs.

In the film, actor Keanu Reeves plays Conor O’Neill, a ticket scalper, gambler and a little league baseball coach.

Perhaps, not surprisingly, Conor is in deep debt and needs to repay a lot of people. He asked his friend Jimmy Fleming (actor Mike McGlone) for some money so he can pay off his debt.

But, Jimmy won’t help him pay off his debt. Instead he offers him a job as a little league coach. In return, Conor will get paid $500 every Monday. This, however, was not a regular little league team like those found in the suburbs. Instead, this team is comprised of kids that played and lived in the toughest part of Chicago. Even though this wasn’t Conor’s dream job, he gets attached to those kids and is drawn into their tough and sometimes tragic lives.

I like this movie because it has a good story line. If a movie is dealing with sports, I automatically like it because I love sports. To me you can’t really go wrong with sports movies. The characters in this movie were good, each person played their role well. I would rate this movie 8.5, only because I did not enjoy the ending of it.

By Salvador Victor

“NOPE” is the latest film released by famous director Jordan Peele. The movie was released to the public July 22 of this year, exactly a year after it was announced. The cast is composed by common collaborators with Peele, like Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer and others, like Michael Wincott and Steven Yeun. It had a budget of $68 million and it generated around $171.2 million at the box office.

The movie takes place in a horse farm outside of Los Angeles. Daniel Kayuula’s character (Haywood Jr.) takes on the role of his father of training horses to then sell to Hollywood productions. This movie is cinematically beautiful as the director of photography is arguably the best in the game.

Hoyte Van Hoytema does a lot with the dull scenery of a deserted farm. He plays around with the colors and captures some beautiful landscapes, creating a beautiful setting out of a somewhat boring place. This movie is clearly science fiction, as the characters are fighting off an immense outer space monster that attempts to steal the horses in the farm and other people that visit the farm. The monster/alien hides in the clouds and blends in with them until someone looks at it, then it attacks.

What makes the film so remarkable is how well written it is, with different events all relating to each other leading to the finale, where Haywood and his sister defeat this creature. The acting by Kaluuya is impeccable, and will most likely receive many award nominations.

This film broke a lot of barriers and it’s the first film by Peele where he steps off his typical style of comedic horror with a political message behind it. He steps into a bigger realm and creates a world bigger than he ever has. I believe that this is one of the best films to release in recent years and although it doesn’t top other films by him, it sits very well in his catalog as his riskiest and largest scale film. This film proves Peele’s versatility and how far he could stretch such a simple concept.

‘NOPE’ is clearly a yes when is concerns this film

screenshot

Hungry? Need a place to eat? Short on money? Never fear. There is a place for you.

By Shaleese Nukols

If you're on a budget and need a quick meal that will fill you up and keep you satisfied for a long period of time, Bethune Grill is the place to go for fried chicken, fish, and the like.

The prices range from as little as $7 to $50 depending on what you get but for a simple eight piece wing and fries it should be about $9.50.

Address: 731 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Hours of operation: Sun-Thurs 11a.m.- 9p.m./Fri-Sat 11a.m. 10p.m.

If you're looking for a place that has more variety regarding food, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen is where you want to go.

It does cost a little extra money but you get to sit down in a restaurant and have an experience and have more options as for what you want to eat. The prices range anywhere from $15 to $60 depending on what you get. The average meal for one person would be about $20.

Address: 1770 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Hours of operation: Sun-Thurs 11a.m.-10p.m./ FriSat 11a.m.-11p.m.

Finally, if you're wanting to spend a pretty penny on food and experience then you might consider the Crab Knight Daytona Beach. It is good quality seafood and I will guarantee that you will have a full stomach at the end of your meal. The prices range from

$40 to $110 or however much you decide to eat. The average meal would cost about $45.

Because it is a seafood restaurant they mainly serve fish, crab, mussels, etc. but they also have chicken and other things as well.

Address: 2563 N. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Hours of operation: Sun-Thurs 1p.m.-11p.m./ Fri-Sat 1p.m-12a.m.

Bethune Grill, right, is a campus and community favorite eatery known for its chicken wings

Photo/V.W.Lowery

Photo/Courdeja Clark

Shaleese Nukols is a Mass Communications major at Bethune-Cookman University.

Ad Council Announces $65 Million Multi-Year Mental Health Initiative

About half-49 percent-- of Americans ages 16 to 65 say they have a mental health condition, and of those who report a condition, only about 48 percent say they're getting help or treatment, according to the results of a new study conducted from May to June 2022 that was released recently by the Ad Council.

Additionally, 43 percent do not feel comfortable talking to people close to them about their emotions and how they are feeling. To address the mental health crisis throughout the U.S. and encourage people to take steps to support their mental health,

the Ad Council announced plans for a wide-reaching and comprehensive communications effort. With a founding gift of $15 million from Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), the national Mental Health Initiative has set a goal of $65 million over the next seven years.

This new efforts comes on the heels of the nonprofit's groundbreaking national COVID-19 Vaccine Education campaign, which reached more than 75 percent of those eligible to be vaccinated.

Due to cascading challenges over the last few years in the United State,

many populations are now experiencing mental health struggles:

• Four in 10 adults reported anxiety and/or depression symptoms in 2021, a fourfold increase from 2019, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Black adults (48%) and Hispanic adults (46%) were more likely than White adults (41%) to report such symptoms.

• Youth and young adults across the country are experiencing increasing mental health challenges.

According to a 2021 study, 37.1% of U.S. high school students reported poor mental health during the COVID-19

pandemic, with 19.9% considering and 9% attempting suicide in the preceding year. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). • The rate of LGBTQ+ teens who experience depressive symptoms is believed to be six times higher than heterosexual teens. (Mental Health America). Source: Ad Council

Student leaders say faith, family help with challenges

The ways I’ve been able to overcome the many challenges this fall semester has given me is by making sure that I understood that God has not put here or in any position to be a failure but to make a positive impact on those around me. Some practices I would use to soothe my nerve is listening to gospel music and or just getting that reassurance that my parents are proud of me.

-SGA President Wilbert Stubbs

I feel as though i overcame all the challenges of this semester with faith and the support of my friends and family. Constantly reiterating that that all things are possible with God at the center sincerely kept me on the straight a narrow path of success. I would be doing my sisters, mom, auntie and brother a disservice if i failed to mention how their support and encouragement also aided in keeping me centered mentally.

-SAB President Dikayla Mercer

Feeling stressed out? You are not alone.

More to holidays than turkey and gifts

By Jordan Cox-Alexander

This is the season when most of us focus on the things we are thankful for.

Like so many others, I am thankful for my family, friends, my safety and my health. I don’t want to sound trite because these are people and things that we should be thankful for! We should never take them granted.

However, after much reflection during this season of thankfulness, I am most thankful for Hopes, Dreams, and Opportunities. You have to know my struggles to understand why I am so grateful for the opportunities that were given to me.

This is something that I used to be embarrassed about, but as I have gotten older, I realize that my story may help someone else. Perhaps someone who may be feeling hopeless and discouraged.

I have been an ESE student all throughout my academic career. I use to feel like I had no future. I couldn’t even pass standardized tests! All these tests did for me was stress me out and made me feel resentful toward school.

I had people in my corner who cared more about me than I did myself. These people saw my potential and refused to give up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself. Without my support system, I wouldn’t be a junior at Bethune-Cookman University today!

Even upon getting here in my freshman year, I made a total mess of it. As a result of my failing grades, I lost my financial aid.

Once again, there were people in place who recognized my potential. They understood my hopes and dreams and therefore, I was given opportunities to correct the mess I had made. This opportunity led me to take charge of my future.

Don’t forget to appreciate what you have

'However, after much reflection during this season of thankfulness, I am most thankful for Hopes, Dreams, and Opportunities.'

Wildcat alumni and current students gather during a homecimng panel sponsored by the department of mass communications in the CCE on Friday, November 4, 2022.

Shekila Ferguson, third from left, shares a point during the panel discussion at the program on Friday November 4, 2022.

An unidentified guest at the program sharing her views. B-CU mass comm major Joseph Myrick was among the students filming the event. Photos/V.W.Lowery

Hurricane Ian forced me to become a commuter

By Henson White

When my alarm bell clock rings to start my school day, it likely rings earlier than most B-CU students. I have to be up and out to get to campus on time because I travel 18 plus miles from my home to attend class.

I am what school officials call a “commuter,” a student who, essentially, does not live on campus and instead travels to school from somewhere else.

At one point I did live on campus here at Bethune-Cookman University, but due to Hurricane Ian, I was displaced from my original room. Thus, I moved back home for the time being while everything gets fixed.

Being a commuter generally comes with challenges. Overall it is an interesting aspect of my personal college experience. And I can only imagine how it feels for someone who lives farther or simply does not have personal transport.

Also, it makes planning to do things harder. For example, if there is an event on the quad at 7 p.m. and I wish to attend that would make me get home at 10 p.m. And even if the event ends at 8 or 9 p.m., I still have to make the trek back home. It also makes me feel more tired as I have to wake up earlier to make it to class on time.

Though, like anything, there are perks. Being in your own personal space again feels nice and the comforts of home always help. As well as being able to sleep in my own bed and cook for myself.

According to Higher Issues in Education, commuters comprise about 86 percent of college students. I don’t know what the number if for B-CU but I know that I am not alone.

Generally speaking students commute for several reason. Cost is one. In a 2021 report, The College Board found that room and board at four-year schools averages $11,720 per year at public universities and $13,319 at private schools. That can amount to $46,880 and $53,240, respectively, over four years.

Another reason that so many people choose to

commute is that they are working and the demands of the job make it hard to live in a dorm. Others do it because of familiar obligations.

For anyone considering becoming a commuter, you should know that there are pros and cons. Beside the saving money, you also have fewer distractions, as well as more privacy and space. One the other hand, there is the increase in transportation, difficulties with scheduling and fewer social opportunities.

If you think the commuter life s for you, here are three tips: Find out if your school has a commuter center, get involved in extracurricular activities and stick around after class.

Henson White is a rising junior at Bethune-Cookman University.

According to Higher Issues in Education, commuters comprise about 86 percent of college students.

Senior Farewell

"Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve”

Greeting my name is Carlesia Doleman, a graduating senior hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. The ride has been nothing easy but if given the opportunity, I would definitely do it again.

After college I plan on going back to Atlanta to work with the “Atlanta Falcons” as a social media manager. After by six-month contract ends, I plan on moving to Houston, Texas to work with Spotify as a "Creators Communication Lead."

Xoxo,

CONTEST---

Continued from page 9

Celebrating its 103rd anniversary, Wahl continues to help men look and feel their best with innovative products manufactured to define and elevate the men's grooming category. The company set the standard with the first-ever practical electric hair clipper in 1919, and later strengthened its leadership with the world's first battery-powered facial hair trimmer.

Wahl crosses its centennial milestone by introducing a complete line of personal care products including a beard oil, shampoo, and body wash.

It's this continued commitment to excellence that has solidified Wahl's place as the world's go-to brand for men's grooming solutions.

For more information, visit WahlUSA.com.

SOURCE: Wahl Grooming

The Black I-Carly signing out--

-Carlesia Doleman

Photo Courtesy of Carlesia Doleman

Potpourri: a mixture of things you need to know or perhaps you do Wildcat Potpourri

Sayit ain’t so……

Bethune-Cookman's University’s football

2022 season ended with a 41-20 setback to Florida A&M in the Florida Blue Florida Classic before a Camping World Stadium crowd of 55,257 and a national ESPN audience. The Rattlers (9-2 overall, 7-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) capitalized on two Wildcat (2-9, 2-6) first quarter turnovers to take a 13-0 lead. The Wildcats closed to 27-20 with 14 minutes to play, but Florida

A&M faked a punt to keep a drive alive.

End of the road…..

Three weeks after concluding another losing season,

B-CU Head football Coach

Terry Sims is looking for a new job. B-CU Athletic Director Reggie Theus announced that the school and sims had parted ways. Sims was named MEAC coach of the year in 2015 and had an overall record of 38-39 while at the helm, but was ultimately dismissed after going 4-18 in his last two seasons in 2021 and 2022 after B-CU’s transition from the Mideastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in July 2021.

Gen Z voted, yall…….

Members of Gen Z came out in numbers during the midterm election and helped Democrat Maxwell Frost win in Florida's 10th Congressional District, according to a race call by the Associated Press. His election makes him the first member of Generation Z elected to serve in the U.S. Congress

Nationwide, a strong showing by members of Gen Z is credited for stopping the expected “red Wave” by Republicans. Reports show the 27 percent of young people voted—the second highest

number in three decades.

Have you seen her?…..

And yet another tribute to our founder can be seen in Daytona Beach. A bronze of the statute of Mary McLeod Bethune that stands in National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C., now can be found downtown on Beach Street. Stop by and snap a picture.

Three cheers to you…

B-CU placed three players on the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) All Conference team, the league announced recently. They are Kemari Averett, Omari Hill-Robinson, and Darnell Deas.

B-CU Wildcats resting on the sidelines during the game.

Photo/ Samantha Scott

Wildcat cheerleaders are ready for foul weather. Photo/Emmanuel Fields

Wildcats keep marching to their own beat

By Tyler Barron

little rain couldn’t stop Wildcats from showing up for the Homecoming parade this year.

Alumni, family and friends gathered from all over the country to enjoy the annual event that travels down Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard until it reaches Green Street and turns right and another right heading back to campus. There was excitement from all the food and T-shirt vendors to the candy apple ladies.

Although the parade started late, once you felt the thump of the Marching Wildcats coming down the Avenue, it was great. The Wildcats weren't the only ones making some noise. Some of the local school bands -- Campbell Middle, Mainland High and Atlantic High--also participated in this year's event.

Likewise, there were a couple familiar faces that livened up the crowd this year including the “Boss” himself Rick Ross, former Gov. Charlie Crist, politician Danny Fuqua, as well as Mr. and Miss Junior Zuri Mcclary and Don'Neisha McFadden.

"The Platinum Super Stars left no crumbs. They ate up the parade and gave it their all," said

Daneen Brown, a Bethune-Cookman College alumni.

Youngsters, meanwhile, loved running out into the street and grabbing all the candy they could.

Area resident Gina Fountain served as one of the judges this year. "I've been in Daytona for 20 years," Fountain said. "I enjoyed seeing a lot of community and the enthusiasm of the younger generation."

Photo By Henson White

Zuri Mcclary, Mr. Junior and Don'Neisha McFadden, Miss Junior spoke to a spectator during a pause in the parade.