Voice of the Wildcats April/May 2023 issue

Mary's Choice Awards hailed as a success

Staff Report

Graduating

senior Marvin

G. Isaac was the big winner at the first-ever Mary’s Choice Awards staged recently by students in the Department of Mass Communications in the Performing Arts Center.

Isaac, a digital production major, walked away with five awards including the Jack of All Trades. A native of Atlanta, he said he was surprised at the outcome of the voting. “I knew that several people were voting for me but didn't know that I would win five awards that night,” he said. “I am thankful and I think that this is one way to end my senior year.”

Other winners at the event on March 31 include Glenn Walker,

manager of the campus radio station, who received the inaugural lifetime Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award.

Meanwhile, the awards show was the brainchild of graduating senior Leviticus Glover.

“We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends ,” Glover said, quoting B-CU founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

See Mary's on page 2

Mary’s Choice Awards Winners:

The Isaac Williams

band member

Malik Darwich

The Rick Ross Hip

Hop

Marvin Isaac

Zora Neale

Ellena Lopez

Mary’s Social Influencer

Marvin Isaac

Superlative Staff Member

Ashley Thomas

The Mary’s Most Valuable Student

Payton Dinwiddle

Booker T. Washington

Akeemia Clements

The Mr./Ms. Put it on Jobari Yarbrough

Fresh on the Scene Award

Melody Boddie

Mary’s Most Valuable player

Damauri Little

Mary’s Outstanding Organization Award

Progressive Black Men Inc.

Who Runs the Yard Award

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Jack of All Trades Award

Marvin Isaac

The Spike Lee Visual Artist

Marvin Isaac

The John Reeves Photography

Marvin Isaac

Aaron Douglas Graphic Designer

Marvin Isaac

The Sevyn Streeter

Vocalist Award

Jacqueline Williams

Financial advisor will speak at spring commencement

Carla Harris, a senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley, will give the commencement address at the spring 2023 graduation set for May 13 in the Performing Arts Center. Harris was most recently a vice chairman responsible for increasing client connectivity and penetration to enhance revenue generation across the firm.

She was the founder and creator of the award winning, Multicultural Innovation Lab at Morgan Stanley, and the award-winning podcast, Access and Opportunity. She formerly headed the Emerging Manager Platform, the equity capital markets effort for the consumer and retail industries and was responsible for Equity Private Placements.

In her 30-plus years career, Harris has had extensive industry experiences in the technology, media, retail, telecommunications,

transportation, industrial, and healthcare sectors. In August 2013, she was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council. She also was named to Fortune Magazine’s list of “The 50 Most Powerful Black Executives in Corporate America,” Fortune’s Most Influential List, U. S. Bankers Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance (2009, 2010, 2011), Black Enterprise’s Top 75 Most Powerful Women in Business (2017), and “Top 75 African Americans on Wall Street,” and to Essence Magazine’s list of “The 50 Women Who are Shaping the World,” among others.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Carla received an MBA, Second Year Honors from Harvard Business School and an AB in economics from Harvard University, Magna Cum Laude.

Harris

Marvin Isaac, center, accepted an award.

Photo/Elijah Morris

April/May 2023

The Voice of the Wildcats is written, edited and published by members of the student body at BethuneCookman University. All opinions are solely those of the author.

Editor

Shay Myrthil

Assistant Editor

Tatieana RampersadSanders

Layout Editor Chloe Wilmore

Assistant Layout Editor Desirai' Carr

Sports Writers

Sidney Brown

Teray Bembery

Feature Writers

Shay Myrthil

Jasmine Hall

Timothy Moss

Photographers

Emmanuel Fields

Elijah Morris

Dylan Jatan

Jonia Stover

Online

Publication Director

Dr. Salvador R. Victor

Faculty Adviser

Prof. Valerie Whitney

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MARY'S CHOICE

Mary's, continued from page 2

Besides recognizing students for their past work, the evening also showcased the artistry of several

campus entertainers as well as organizations. The drumline section of the Marching Wildcats band opened up the evening, followed by several musical performances and even a peep show by members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Cutlines: top right, Jobari Yarbrough accepting his award; members of the Mary's Choice Awards dancers entertained the crowd during the show; singer Teddy Harris was among the pre-show entertainment; two members of Progressive Black Men; and Aniya Edwards was one of two hostesses for the event.

Photos/Elijah Morris

Wildcat Nation prevails in competition

News in Briefs News in Brief News in Brief News in Brief News in Brief

B-CU/DSC Agreement:

Daytona State College and Bethune-Cookman University signed an agreement today providing admissions, transfer credit and scholarship support for DSC students pursuing an advanced degree in criminal justice at B-CU.

The agreement, which is effective immediately, provides support for Daytona State students who have earned an associate of arts degree or an associate of science degree in Criminal Justice who intend to transfer to Bethune-Cookman University to pursue a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. Daytona State students who have earned an Associate of Arts degree will be eligible to receive full credit for general education requirements at Bethune-Cookman and are eligible for up to 60 transferable credits in total.

Alumni Promoted:

Washington, D.C.--FBI Director Christopher Wray has named Alvin M. Winston Sr. as the special agent in charge of the Minneapolis Field Office. Winston most recently served as

the deputy assistant director in the International Operations Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Winston joined the FBI as a special agent in 2006 and was assigned to the Miami Field Office to investigate crimes against children, drug trafficking, and violent gangs.

Before joining the FBI, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps on the Fleet Anti-Terrorist Security Team. He also was a homicide detective with the City of Atlanta and the chief investigator at the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. He earned a bachelor’s in criminology from Saint Leo University and a master’s in criminal justice administration from Bethune-Cookman University.

Shooting update:

Two Bethune-Cookman University students wounded in a shooting in March are still recovering. The unidentified 21-year-old man and 26-year-old woman were shot shortly after 2 a.m. near Joe Harris Park, located at 315 Pearl St., which is close to the university.

Police have identified a suspect in the shooting. He is 31-year-old William Phillips and he

faces two counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon by a previously convicted felon according to published reports.

Graduation News:

Spring 2023 Commencement

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10 a.m.

The Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center (PAC) Bethune-Cookman University Campus

Doors will open to the public at 8:45 a.m.

The Service of Consecration

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn Chapel, White Hall Location for line-up: 5 p.m. Band Room

The Candlelight Wreath Laying Ceremony

Immediately following the Service of Consecration in the Centennial Gardens

Bethune-Cookman University alumni, faculty, staff, students and supporters helped propel the university to a fourth place finish in the Home Depot Retool Your School Competition. The college will receive a $60,000 grant for campus improvements.

Photo/ Home Depot

Return of the Wildcat Roar

--an unofficial snapshot of what is happening on campus and the world

Another school year will come to a close May 13 when the graduating class of 2023 walks across the stage. Most would agree that thanks to the continuing after effects of the pandemic brought on by COVID, and helped along by back-to-back

cat pride?

What is the first event you attended on campus this year?

The Welcome Back Bash. Thought it was cool and fun. No complaints. What was your favorite thing to attend this year? Homecoming. Had the time of my life at the concert. Its was fun to see everyone interacting on campus. What is an event that happened this year that filled you with Wild-

hurricanes, that this past school year has been a challenge. So, how did the Wildcats handle it? Staffer Noelle McDonald caught up with four students for their take on the year.

The protest. It was nice to see everyone come together as one. What's something you did this year that you are very proud of?

I stepped out of my comfort zone.

the year.

What is the first event you attended on campus this school year?

The water balloon fight. I participated in this event with the students on the quad.

What was your favorite thing to attend this year? Gospel explosion. I got to meet and

perform for Fred Hammond. What is an event that happened this year that filled you with Wildcat pride?

The fashion show at the beginning of the year made me feel the most pride.

What's something you did this year that you are very proud of?

Becoming a member of Sigma Alpha Iota women's music fraternity.

What is the first event you attended on campus this year?

The org fair, where I got to see all the new faces interested in joining the organizations we have on campus.

What was your favorite thing to attend this year?

All the basketball games from

What is an event that happened this year that filled you with Wildcat pride?

The Wildcat pride at the basketball games

What's something you did this year that you are very proud of?

I was consist with my attendance.

What is the first event you attended on campus this year? The Welcome Back Bash. I think it was nice.

What was your favorite thing to attend this year?

Mary’s choice award. It was exciting to participate in the activities in the lobby.

What is an event that happened this year that filled you with Wildcat pride?

SAI vision board party. Feel SAI is the heart and

soul of the music Greek Wildcat pride.

What's something you did this year that you are very proud of?

Participating in the SAI new member probate as the president of Theta Xi for Spring 23.

Aariyana Jones: Freshman

Aariyana Jones

Taylor Graham Sophomore

Taylor Graham

Michah Butler Junior

Michah Butler

Jamilah El-Amin Senior

Jamilah El-Amin

Photos/Noelle McDonald

Lack of sports diversity hampers recruitment at small colleges

By Henson White Columnist

Sports are an integral component of a majority of colleges. In fact, most every school has some sort of sports program.

However, only the bigger state schools will have “all” of the big sports, especially after the onset of Title IX, which was a measure to give better equality to women’s athletics.

Many schools cut their “worse” sports. This also affected HBCUs as many, including Bethune-Cookman, cut out some of their smaller sport offering.

A good example of the lack of sports diversity in HBCU schools is the lack of collegiate/folk style wrestling programs.

In folk style wrestling one wrestler tries to physically control the opponent against their will without injuring them. The goal is to get behind the opponent's back and arms, force them down to the mat, turn them over onto their back, and pin them. This style is known as the more traditional style of wrestling in the United States and is similar to freestyle wrestling, according to Sportslingo.com.

I wrestled all my years in high school and thoroughly enjoyed it. And when I went to look for schools that had any sort of wrestling programs and was sad to see that there are barely any south of the Appalachia mountains, espe-

cially when you are looking for HBCUs with any form of program.

Currently, the only school with a Division I wrestling program is Morgan State University in Baltimore. Every other school with any form of a program only has a club, including Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. Due to classification reasons, FAMU wrestling doesn't provide athletic scholarships, but that hasn't stopped prospective athletes from pursuing their passion for the sport, according to the FAMUAN newspaper. The team boasts an impressive combined 13 NCWA All Americans both male and female along with one national

champion, the newspaper said.

Meanwhile, the lack of specific sports means there is a gap in what certain schools can offer students for scholarships. This causes students who wish to go to an HBCU but want to go on a scholarship unable to go.

Besides Title IX, lack of funds is another reason why some school administrators s find that they are unable to offer team sports. Costs to start and maintain teams can be tremendous. So, until certain schools can secure funding, we will unlikely see a boon in smaller sports being offered at smaller schools.

Sports writer Henson White is a senior mass communications major.

Photo/wikicommons

B-CU marks 100 years of football in 2023

By Teray Bembery

The upcoming football season this fall will mark 100 years of football here at Bethune-Cookman University. The university has come a long way from starting the football program in 1923, and there have been both high and lows. Here are couple things that need to be said as the school year ends.

OUR OWN FIELD: Perhaps it is fitting that the 100th anniversary is the same year that football comes to campus. Athletic director Reggie Theus announced that the school is building a football practice field on campus. The new practice field will be behind the Athletic Training Center. It will be named the "John Bryan Practice Field” and should be completed in August 2023. The field is named after John Bryan and his wife, who have been major contributors to the B-CU football program for years.

Interim President Lawrence Drake said, “I couldn't be more pleased to be a part of what I know is just the beginning of what our athletic department is going to produce in the future."

A shout out also goes to NBA legend Charles Barkley, whose $1 million donation to the university last year reportedly jump started conversations about the field. The synthetic turf field will cost almost $800,000, Drake told the Daytona Beach News-Journal. After goal posts, fencing and other necessities, the practice field will total between $2.5 million and $3 million, the newspaper said. Heretofore, the team practiced at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium, which also is where they played home games.

BACK ON TRACK: B-CU football is back on track with the selection of Raymond Woodie Jr. as new football coach. Woodie took the reins of the program in the aftermath of the Ed Reed drama, which we will not revisit here.

The Wildcats held their annual spring game, which is really just a scrimmage between the offense and the defense. The final score was 52-51 in favor of the offense. “I really thought that they came out and executed, and there wasn’t a lot of pointing fingers,” Woodie said. “It was basically all about we, we, we and not me, me, me.”

Woodie, an alumnus of B-CU, feels that him being back at B-CU is special. “B-CU helped shape my character,” Woodie said. “It feels unbelievable to be back here. You pour all your efforts — not that I didn’t pour all my efforts at other places — but this is special. This is home.”

NO GUARANTEES: Woodie also made it clear that there is no clear starters for the fall season and there one has to battle for their spots on the team. “Everything is up for grabs,” Woodie said. “I mean everything. We tell them every day we’re going to recruit guys to come in and take your jobs. That’s the real world. I tell them about me and say there are guys out there that are trying to take my job, so I have to step my game up. Those guys like that. I told them, ‘Hey, we’re not trying to run you out of here. But in order to get better, competition makes you better.”

The Wildcats, then led by former head coach Terry Sim, finished the 2022 season with a record of 2-9. Hopefully Woodie can turn around the program and turn B-CU football into a powerhouse in the SWAC Conference.

Information from B-CU Athletics was used in this story.

Sports writer Teray Bembery is a sophomore from Orlando, Florida.

Above, two members of the U.S. military doing a folk style wrestling match.

Rene White opens up about her year serving as Miss Bethune-Cookman University

By Shay Myrthll Editor

In spring 2022, Maryland resident Rene White was elected Miss Bethune-Cookman University. The primary duty of said titleholder is to be an ambassador for B-CU. White approached her role with zeal but shortly after class started in the fall, things took a turn. She and several other members of the “Royal Court” found themselves at odds with their new advisers. The reasons still are unclear.

There was no coronation, which is traditionally held in the fall, for White and other members of the court including Tyler Kelly, who had been elected Mr. B-CU. According to White, several members of the court, were stripped of their titles. She said that she retained an attorney at one point, to represent her.

The VOICE reached out to several administrators close to the situation during the school year for answers. We finally received a “No Comment at this time” response this spring.

Members of the Mary McLeod Bethune National Alumni Association staged a coronation for White and Kelly this spring. The group is not affiliated with the university and the event took place off campus.

As she prepared to graduate in May 2023, White sat down with VOICE Editor Shay Mrythil for a Q&A to talk about the year that almost was.

Why did you want to become Miss B-CU?

“Honestly, I like to say that it happened by accident. I’m a student reporter here on campus and I was interviewing Mr. B-CU, Tyler Kelly and the current SGA President, Wilbert Stubbs. And, they suggested that I run for the role based off how I carry myself. I decided to run for the underrepresented. I did it for the students who are just like me, those who feel like just because they‘re not in a leadership role their story doesn’t mean anything. You don’t have to be Greek or somebody important on campus to run for these roles and to see the change happening in the community.”

What was your favorite part about being Miss B-CU?

“My favorite part about being Miss B-CU would definitely be campaign week because not only was it stressful, but I really got to see my friends and family coming to support me. Not to say that they didn’t support me before, but it was great to see, like wow! All these people believe in my vision and where I want to take B-CU’s community. They were willing to pour into me. I had some highs and some lows of campaign week,

but I enjoyed every little bit of it.”

• What was your least favorite part about being Miss B-CU?

“I think my least favorite part about being Miss B-CU would have been working with the new administration. In the beginning we were working with Mr. O’Neil. He took us to the conference in New Orleans and it was amazing. That’s when I got my first tastes of what it’s like to really be a queen. I was representing the school without really representing the school. I enjoyed myself but when we came back to school and made the switch in leadership, things went downhill, and it was a lot of stress. I didn’t come into this role thinking it was going to be easy, but I just felt like it was too much going on.”

• If you could go back and give yourself some advice on how you could do better, what would you tell yourself?

“I would tell myself to not to take everything so seriously, I was so serious about my job at the time. And, I was so serious about making a change on campus and having my voice and the voice of the students be heard that I got in my own way.

I didn’t really enjoy the process. I wish I would have enjoyed every little moment that I had-- good or bad.”

• What are the duties of a queen?

“As queen I would go and represent the university when it came down to events and programming. We also did recruitment. I went to a lot of recruiting events. When the semester started back up, I was able to go to Miami and recruit students, introducing them to B-CU’s culture. I was also tasked with picking out the dresses and the concepts for the court. That was in my contract. I was authorized to pick out concepts, picked what the girls would look like. I also put on events to get students involved, different things that would shift the nature of the community. I was an ambassador for the university.”

• What are some things you didn’t agree with that came with the crown?

“Some things that I would say I didn’t necessarily agree with when it came to the crown would be the expectation that people have of you. They forget that you’re an individual, they forget that you’re human---

See White on page 9

White

White

continued from page 8

Being in a certain role, yes you are held to a higher standard. But people forget that there’s a person behind the crown. Even though you represent the school, you do have individual qualities that make you, you. That’s the reason why people vote for you--your individual qualities and what you can bring to the campus. I didn’t agree how people wanted you to act a certain way. A lot of the older folks had a problem with that. They want you to act prim and proper every day. That shouldn’t be the case. We are selling a false dream if you have someone trying to be something that they’re not. That defeats the purpose of being an ambassador for the university.”

• Did you enjoy being Miss B-CU? “I did. It’s an experience that I think that every woman should experience. It taught me so much. It taught me that not everybody is your friend or in your corner. But it also taught me to hold my own ground. It taught me how to remain confident within myself, even when people around me weren’t confident in me. It forced me to realize that the way people see you isn’t really who you are as a person. I say thank you to the role. It really helped me with my profession-

alism. I learned how to walk and move professionally. I’m just sad that I didn’t really get the chance to go into the role and do the things that I set out to do.”

• Would you go through the process again?

“Honestly, yes and no. Because yes, I had good parts, I learned a lot and I networked with a lot of different people. Even though I’m not in the role, I’m still in the role. Wherever I go people are always watching me. The connections that I made with other queens like Miss Howard University and Miss FAMU were beneficial. I would say no because I don’t feel like the school supported me and my message and it bothered them that I wasn’t the typical queen. A lot of people expect to be Greek or to change because of the crown, but I was just myself. They tried to push this narrative like you’re supposed to fit inside this box. Your supposed to walk with your grace, but it’s hard when you have an administration that is pushing you to be something that you’re not, it defeats the purpose. The queen is supposed to be the image for the young women on campus, but how are you supposed to be the image if they can’t relate to you?”

• What advice do you have for anyone that might seek the role in the future?

“Don’t let the role make you. You make

the role because it’s hard for you to separate yourself from how other people want you to be or act. Don’t let the title shake you or stop you from being humble. I hope that the next Miss B-CU keeps the students at the forefront of her vision. It can be hard to separate what you want to do for the student’s vs. all the things you have to live up to. At the end of the day, you’re in the role so people can not only experience your impact but feel it as well”.

• Did you accomplish any of your goals while wearing the crown?

“I wasn’t given the chance to implement a lot of my initiatives. I did organize an event where I introduced appreciation for different religions. There are students here who aren’t necessarily a part of the Christian faith. During the hurricane season, students were able to post quotes from their specific Bible. Students were quoting the Torah and the Quran for example, and I thought that was so beautiful because that’s a piece of B-CU that we don’t see. One of my biggest things was to push inclusivity, if I was given the chance, the culture at B-CU would have shifted.”

ing pages. It contains some of the biggest stories we published this school year. The full papers can be found at www.issuu. com.

We hope you enjoy this look back. Also, check us out during the school year at www.issuu.com. Besides, the VOICE, you also can find copies of McLeod Magazine, our sister publication that we published in the fall and the spring.

Special Section Ahead!!!!!

The 2022-2023 School Year in Review

Didn’t get a chance to read the Voice of the Wildcats this year? You’re in luck. Enjoy the special section in the follow-

Hail, Hail Wildcats!

Photo of Rene White courtesy of Rene White

2023

Spring spells probate season at B-CU

Once spring arrives on campus, probate shows featuring members of various organizations can not be far behind.

The number of performances, this year has been skimpy. One reason is that many organizations, especially the Divine 9, have not been active on campus. So far, the campus has been treated to performances by only two groups—the ladies of Gamma Sigma Sigma Sorority and the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity--in the Performing Arts Center (PAC). A third group Sigma Alpha Iota women's music fraternity held a private show in the Larry Handsfield Music Building.

Bethune-Cookman University • Daytona Beach, Florida

March

Left, new members of the campus chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity following their reveal during a probate show in the PAC last Friday, March 24.

Below, the newly made members of Sigma Alpha Iota women's music fraternity peek out during their presentation on Saturday, March 25 in the music building.

New members of Gamma Sigma Sigma, left, waiting to be unmasked at the probate show on Friday night in the PAC

Photos/Desirai' Carr

Photo/ Noah McDonald

Natural hair empowering, black women say

By Sanaa’ Towers

Black hair has been uniquely significant throughout history and has symbolized survival, resistance, and celebration. Unfortunately, hair has been used as a source of oppression but, as a community African Americans have risen up and survived the test of times. In 2023, natural Black hair is empowering, and society’s perceptions of Black hair still influences how Black people are treated today. In honor of Women’s History Month, VOICE staff Sanaa Towers caught up with several students who take pride in embracing their natural hair and they also shared some great tips on hair care as well.

Janaya Williams: “As a Black woman embracing my natural hair has made me more confident. I can truly embrace who I am through the art of my hair and see the growth and progress of it. I’ve always loved wearing it out even before I loc’d it. Some hair advice I would give people with locs and natural hair in general is to just let your hair be. Your hair grows the most when you leave it alone. Oiling and keeping your hair moisturized is key. You will truly find more confidence when you embrace the natural state of your hair.”

Ah’Laya Birch: “How I feel as a Black woman embracing my hair especially during these times? I feel very great about it because at first it was pretty rough, and I was very self-conscious. There has always been a stigma about us having short and ‘unpretty hair.’ I feel positive now about my hair because it’s like me loving myself. Some tips I have would be take a breather! Have patience. Secondly, moisture, especially when it comes to detangling. Try to learn new styles that cater to natural hair. It’s not going to be easy but you will love it in the long run.”

Crown Act aims to eliminate the stigma attached to natural Black hair

The Florida Legislature is expected once again to take up the Crown Act before it ends the current session at the end of May 5.

CROWN is an acronym for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. The bill failed for the third time during the 2022 session, according to published reports. Research Studies reveal that racial discrimination based on hairstyles can start as early as 5 years old. The CROWN Act was created in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition, in partnership with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California, to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in the workplace and public schools.

While progress has been made, race-based hair discrimination remains a systemic problem in the workplace – from hiring practices to daily workplace interactions – disproportionately professional advancement impacting Black women’s employment opportunities

A 2023 workplace study commissioned by DOVE and LinkedIn found that:

• Black women’s hair is 2.5x more likely to be perceived as unprofessional.

• Approximately 2/3 of Black women (66%) change their hair for a job interview. Among them, 41% changed their hair from curly to straight.

• Black women are 54% more likely (or over 1.5x more likely) to feel like they have to wear their hair straight to a job interview to be successful.

• Black women with coily/textured hair are 2x as likely to experience microaggressions in the workplace than Black women with

straighter hair.

• Over 20% of Black women 25-34 have been sent home from work because of their hair.

• Nearly half (44%) of Black women under age 34 feel pressured to have a headshot with straight hair.

• 25% of Black women believe they have been denied a job interview because of their hair, which is even higher for women under 34 (1/3).

Ah'Laya Birch Jamaya Williams

Photos/Jonia Stover

February

B-CU alum named football coach

By Teray Bembery

Bethune-Cookman University officials are hoping the second time is the charm in selecting a new head football coach.

Raymond Woodie, a Wildcat alum and former player, was named to the job Feb. 6. He is the second person named in connection with the job since Terry Sims left in November 2023 after seven seasons and a 38-39 record.

“A new era at Bethune-Cookman University begins today,” said interim President Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II, in a prepared statement. “Word of our pending new leadership has been hard to contain, so we are thrilled to officially welcome Coach Woodie.---

See Woodie, page 14

Bethune-Cookman University • Daytona Beach, Florida

2023

B-CU Athletic Director Reggie Theus, left, welcome Raymond Woodie Jr. as the new head coach while interim President Lawrence M. Drake II looks on. Photo/B-CU Athletics

B-CU students demonstrate for better conditions

Wildcats, feeling frustrated and ignored by the administration, took their concerns public on Jan. 23 with a demonstration. Students gathered at White Hall before marching across campus, down Lincoln Street and turned at International Speedway Boulevard. There they gathered at the statue of founder Mary

Read what B-CU students have to say about the demonstration at issuu..com

McLeod Bethune in the courtyard next to the Performing Arts Center.

Photo/Emmanuel Fields

Wildcats gather outside of White Hall on Jan. 23, 2023

Photo/Dylan Jatan

WOODIE

Continued from page 1

Raymond back home to Bethune-Cookman University. Throughout our search process, we stressed the need for a leader who understands our university’s history, traditions, and values, in addition to possessing firm athletic leadership prowess. Coach Woodie embodies each of these qualities.”

Athletic Director Reggie Theus also expressed confidence in the new coach.

"We are elated to have Raymond Woodie, Jr. return to Bethune-Cookman University to lead our storied football program,” Theus said. “We felt confident in his experience, his leadership, and his ability to embrace the spirit of our founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in this 100th year of B-CU football. We are locked in the vision for providing a championship culture through his detailed plan for recruiting academically talented student athletes, along with a sustained desire to provide a high-level experience."

Coach Ed Reed?

In late December, Bethune-Cookman University announced that “an agreement in principle” had been reached to hire NFL Hall of Famer Ed Reed as the new head coach. The announcement received a thumbs up from students and alumni, who have been disappointed in the last couple of years since the team jumped to the SWAC. In 2021 and 2022, the team had a record of 2-9.

Question: What are your thoughts about the protest and what changes do you want to see here at Bethune-Cookman University?

Louis Dandridge

“I feel like this was a good start, a good tip of the iceberg. With Ed Reed, that just like sparked the movement of us being heard. Like I said we’ve been speaking out for months, semesters, and years almost; and it’s not just our generation, it’s generations before us. I just feel like if we continue to be consistent with it, and we continue they’ll eventually get tired of us and will eventually hear. Something has to happen. Something has to change. If we were able to have a town hall meeting, we would want to invite the board of trustees or with administration or with the people who are accountable for the dorms, the café, the quad, and maintenance. We should have one good meeting. I feel

A few weeks after the Reed announcement, the former pro decided to go on Instagram Live and tell people that things were not what he expected to be when he arrived at the school and things were not right on campus. He went on to bash the school about how his office wasn’t clean when he got to Bethune, and how he and the team had to pick up trash.

College administrators took a second look at Reed and decided not to follow through with the offer. Reed did offer an apology but the damage was done. Reed said that he was disappointed in their decision and he also said that he did not want to leave the university.

The story made national news and Drake went on the Roland Martin show and said “it was his decision” to not go through with hiring Reed as head coach because “his behavior was unac-

Wildcat Roar

ceptable.”

Who is Raymond Woodie?

Woodie, a four-year letter winner as a linebacker and 1996 graduate of Bethune-Cookman College, takes the helm of Wildcats Football following an impressive career as an assistant coach at numerous Power 5 schools including Florida Atlantic University (2020-22), Florida State University (2018-19), the University of Oregon (2017) and the University of South Florida (2013-16).

He has been recognized as one of the premier recruiters in college football, serving as an assistant under Head Coach Willie Taggart across multiple coaching stops. He has recruited seven players that were eventually selected in the NFL Draft.

In his time as a student-athlete at Bethune-Cookman, Woodie was a two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) First Team Defense selection, as well as a two-time Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) All-America selection. He was also the first Bethune-Cookman student-athlete to be named a GTE Academic All-American and have $25,000 donated to the University in his name.

Information from B-CU Communications was used in this story.

Photo courtesy of Sidney Brown

like we never really had a meeting with them. We need to continue to be consistent with it because we will eventually be heard.”

for a change. We’ve been dealing with this since my freshman year and I’m now a junior about to be a senior and it’s still going on. My main concern is the health of the students. That is something that B-CU prioritizes in its motto, so the fact that it’s being said but not shown is a little frustrating because people are getting sick. It's not just we’re dealing with the mold, people are being hospitalized because of the mold, people are having health issues, and some are leading to chronic issues. I just want B-CU to prioritize the health of the students and their well-being. Not only is this trying our physical health, but it’s trying our mental health as well. Having to go into a hot room after a long day of classes is frustrating. Having to bathe in cold water is frustrating. I just want people to look at the students and think of our well-being as a whole.”

“I think what’s going on campus is very unfortunate, I think that it’s time

Dandridge McFadden

Don’Neisha McFadden (Miss Junior)

Reed, left, with B-CU's sports writer Sidney Brown.

2022-- A Homecoming to remember

Homecoming.

That time-honored traditional where folks come back to relive their college days. Homecoming at B-CU—before COVID--- was always jumping.

In 2021, homecoming was practically subpar. This year, however, the bands, parades and the people returned in droves.

So, how was it?

VOICE staffers surveyed a panel of students and here are their opinions of this year’s events, starting with the parade.

Parade, See page 16

Bethune-Cookman University • Daytona Beach, Florida

Parade:

Low point: It started late and was poorly organized.

High point: Good bands.

Pep rally: Low point: Again, folks were late showing up to perform three hours late.

High point: Performers were good.

Game:

Low point: We lost in the fourth quarter, 37-22

High point: Halftime show

Goombay: Low point: Rain

High point: Ball Greezy

Tailgate: Low point: None

High points: YES.

Comedy show: Low point: Low attendance due to cost. Students are poor.

High point: All funny.

Gospel Explosion: Low point: Poor attendance

High point: Fred Hammond. Need we say more.

Step show: Low point: Only 3 organizations

High point: Performance by Glorilla, the rapper from Memphis.

Battle of the Flags:

Low point: Cost of food.

High point: Food. Entertainment.

Young Nudy showcased how they do it in Atlanta.

Glorilla hyping the crowd at the Greek Show.

Trina brought the 305 to Bethune-Cookman University.

Nardo Wick wowed the audience.

B-CU Marching Wildcats leading homecoming the parade.