Bethune-Cookman University • Daytona Beach, Florida
April/May 2022
Spring is here and with it comes Graduation Day. That’s right. Colleges across the country will be celebrating commencement in the coming weeks and Bethune-Cookman University is no different. Thanks to falling Covid-19 number, B-CU will convene a face-to-face spring graduation at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14 in the Performing Arts Center on campus. Doors open at 8:45 a.m. and tickets are required. As of April 13, 2022, the registrar’s office list of pending candidates had about 250 students that were on track to graduate provided they passed their classes this semester. The list can be found online. Graduation is never one day. There are several activities leading up to the big event. The annual consecration service is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 in the chapel in White Hall, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, in Centennial Gardens. Likewise, the school of Nursing will hold it pinning ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 12 at Powerhouse Ministry. See more, page 7
What's inside:
Page 2 OPINION
Page 3-6 NEWS
Page 7 GRAD
Page 8
SPORTS
Page 9 CAMPUS
Page 10 GRAD
Page 12 ADS
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April/May 2022 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. Online Editor Mariah Brown Assistant Online Malik Grant Layout Editor Rene White Julian Bacon Sports Writers Sidney P. Brown Julian Bacon Feature Writers Shay Myrthil Timothy Moss Thea Shaw
D’aja Lordeus
Amber Courtney Loron Robles Photographers Loron Robles Julian Bacon Emmanuel Fields 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 Asscociation 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
OPINION I say let’s make college free to attend
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
By Jaida Haynes Special to the Voice The average cost of college in the United States is $35,331 per student per year, including books, supplies and daily living expenses, according to a March 2022 post at Education Data.org. Considering that, it probably is no surprise that some people support the idea that college should be free to attend. I say it depends. I can give you a thousand reasons why college should be free but I could also give you reasons on why that will never happen. For starters, it should be free because it’s too expensive. Why are we paying to further our education after 12 years of free public school? That should be a valid reason right there. Perhaps the reason is that many jobs require employees to have a certain type of achievement, certification, or academic achievement and everyone operates on an equal footing. I do understand the system and what they’re trying to do. It’s something called “balance.” By putting these requirements in place,
we have developed different classes in society--the lower class, the middle class and the high class. But, there are more reasons to believe that college will never be free in this country. Let’s be serious about the intimidation and the tension in the room that will grow if everyone was on equal footing. Imagine for one second if everything was switched and there was only one class. I am not saying one person is better than the other. No, I simply want you to understand why college won’t be free. If that advantage was available to us then there would be a higher percentage in graduation rates and lower prison rates. But, that would not make bragging fun when you have to sit in the same room as your colleague that is in the same position as you but did not put in enough effort. On the other hand, having to pay thousands of dollars when you don’t know where it’s going to come from is stressful. Likewise, having to
worry about how mamma or daddy is going to pay the bill creates stress on students who should be focusing on school. That’s why college should be free. Technology is going to take over anyway so why not give that leverage to all of those doomed to lose jobs to computers.
The average cost of college in the United States is $35,331 per student per year, including books, supplies and daily living expenses, according to a March 2022 post at Education Data.org. Jaida Hayes is a sophomore mass communications/digital production major from Delray Beach.
'Queen and Slim' will keep viewers rivetted By Thea Shaw Voice Staff "Queen and Slim" is a drama action-packed film that was released in November 2019 by Universal Studios. The movie was directed by Melina Matsoukas. The screen play was written by Lena Waithe based on a story James Frey. The R-rated movie is two hours long but well worth it, in my opinion and that of 88 percent of Google users. It stars Daniel Kaluuya as Slim and Jodie TurnerSmith as Queen. The story begins when a police officer pulls Slim and Queen over for a minor traffic violation and their first date takes an unexpected turn. Slim then steals the officer's gun and shoots him in self-defense as the situation intensifies. Slim and Queen believe they have no choice but to flee and dodge the law now that they have been labeled cop murders by the media. The film, which had a budget of about $20
BET's best movie award, the Black Film Critics Circle Award for Best Original Screenplay, and the Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Films. Kaluuya, you may recall, was the star of Jordan Peele’s film “Get Out.” Born in London, he won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Fred Hampton in the film “Judas and the Black Messiah.” More recently, he was among the stars of the film “Black Panther.” Turner-Smith is a British actress and model, who was most recently seen in the film “Without Remorse.”
million and took in $47.9 million at the box office, was reportedly inspired by several real headlines, including the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Meanwhile, Queen and Slim quickly become a symbol of anguish, dread, grief, and pain for people
throughout the country as a video of the episode goes viral. This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite films. It was quite enjoyable. I was constantly on the edge of my seat in the theater. The movie captured several awards including
Thea Shaw is a mass communications major from Washington D.C.
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
NEWS
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April/May 2022
Hughley, Ross headline male empowerment summit Comedian D.L. Hughley and Rapper Rick Ross converse during the barber shop themed round table discussion.
By Loron Robles Entertainers D.L. Hughley and Rick Ross were the special guest at the 7th Annual Male Empowerment Summit last month. The two headlined a session on day two titled called “Shop Talk. Who’s Next" in the
Head football coach Terry Sims getting a haircut during presentation
Performing Arts Center, where the stage was configured to look like the inside of a barbershop. In fact, barbers were on stage cutting hair during the hourlong program, which kicked off with a five -minute introduction by Derrick Henry Jr., son of Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry. Comedy legend Hughley moderated the March 31 panel. The entire conversation between them was incredible and it was full of vital information about motivation, being driven, and making history as men. “It’s time not only time to make money, let’s make history,” said rap music icon and entrepreneur Ross, owner of the numerous Wing Stop restuarants. “Two-hundred years from now let’s have some statues out front and have our names in the history books. How are we going to do that? We
have to be great and separate ourselves from the mediocre.” Networking, entrepreneurship and building a brand amongst like-minded people were re-occurring themes during the presentation. Another panelist said, “failure means you are learning something that will help you in the next go around.” Jermaine McKinney, senior director of Student Development and Civic Engagement, said that “the event as a whole was great because it gave our young men here on campus an outlet for other males to come and pour into them.” “The Who’s Next panel was filled with rich dialogue. It was one that we tried to create an environment that normal Black males would be in the barbershop,” McKinney said. “So, we created that environment for a reason because when we go into the barbershop as black males we tend to just open up and just talk have real conversations as it relates to anything in life or what males may face such as challenges, highlights or whatever it is we want to talk about its like our safe haven. "So, when creating that environment, it was intentional so that guys can hear the rich dialogue from men who are trail blazers and successful themselves within their industry. So, I thought it was befitting to come in and pour into some of the young men on campus and the community as well.” McKinney said he received a lot of great feedback from those who attended and even the participants in the panel discussion they were super excited about what took place and excited for what will take place for next year’s event.
Meanwhile, the first day of the threeday event featured a keynote address from Mayor Henry and a presentation by B-CU alum, Deric Feacher, city manager for Daytona Beach. Derrick Miles, founder and chief executive officer of CourMed, was slated to be the keynote speaker for the closing day. The Texas-based firm provides end-to-end concierge delivery of healthcare products and services.
Rapper/Entreprenuer Rick Ross talks during presentation. photos by Julian Bacon
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April/May 2022
NEWS
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Meet Wilbert Stubbs, Student Government President-Elect By Loron Robles
Wilbert Stubbs gives a speech during campaign week while running for student government association president. Photo by Julian Bacon Wilbert A. Stubbs Jr. is a junior mass communications major who calls the Bahamas home. Stubbs is one of many international students that travel to the United States to pursue a college education. He says he decided to enroll in Bethune-Cookman University in 2019 after talking with family and friends who attended the school and spoke highly of it. When coming to America for college as an international student, he said he did experience a culture shock, but he has adjusted quickly to it. Currently, he serves as the vice president for Student Government Association (SGA) for the 2021-2022 academic school year and starting this fall, he will begin his term as SGA president after winning the spring election. According to Wilbert, this is something that he has wanted to do ever since his freshman year here at B-CU. Stubbs said he decided to join the SGA because he saw it as a continuation of his leadership activities. He was blessed to be a part of leadership team in high school and coming into college he wanted to continue that, he said, because it was something that God placed on his heart to do and that was to lead people and he didn’t want to lose that drive for leadership. When the opportunity was presented to him to run for the Mr. Freshman position, he says, it opened his eyes to the chances to do something in SGA.
After that, he began running for multiple positions every school year up until the conclusion of his junior year. Even though he lost every time, he says, it shows persistence and shows the school that he is a genuine leader at heart and once selected in the position he won’t let the school down. Besides his involvement in the student body positions, he also is very involved on campus and took part in the various campus organizations such as Brother 2 Brother, Caribbean Students Association, the National Council of Negro Women Inc., and the Wildcat Worship Team. He says being a part of those organizations showcases that he is deeply invested in this University. He also is a part of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He says he has always wanted to join a fraternity for many reasons. First, he is the only boy in his immediate family. Becoming a part of a brotherhood, he says, means having the access to reach out to as many brothers from different walks of life and all over the world. When he was formally introduced to the fraternity, he says there was no second guessing when it came down to making the decision of what organization he wanted to represent for the rest of his life. What also made him join is recognizing the different types of attributes that Alphas have on this campus one of those high qualities is leadership something he feels he already possess.
Following graduation, Stubbs says he plans on using his position as student body president to start networking and getting opportunities for internships. He also plans to build a brand that could eventually lead to a career in acting and film, whether that’s in Florida or Georgia where he would like to be based in. Loron Robles is a senior Mass Communications major haiing from the United States St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Jones will fill VP slot Janiya Jones, a rising junior from Jacksonville, was elected vice president of the Student Government Association for the coming school year. Like Stubbs, Jones was involved in Student Government in high school, and she said she feels a need to serve. She most recently served as president of the sophomore class. Jones teamed up with Imani Oliver to run for SGA leadership this year. Oliver, however, lost in her race to Stubbs.
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
NEWS
April/May 2022
Members of the 2022-23 ROYAL COURT
Voters have spoken and the winners are starting from the bottom, left to right, Miss B-CU: Rene White, Mr. B-CU: Tyler Kelly Miss Senior: Samantha Saint-Pierre, Mr. Senior: Henry Roberts Miss Junior: Don’Neshia McFadden, Mr. Junior: Zuri Mcclary Miss Sophomore: Tatianna Buchanan, Mr. Sophomore: Dalyn Sims they will be crowned this fall. photo proved by Jayden Sorey
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April/May 2022
GRADUATION
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY 2022 SPRING COMMENCEMENT CALENDAR WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022 7:00 P.M The Service of Consecration* Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn Chapel, White Hall Location for line-up: 5pm Band Room The Candlelight Wreath Laying Ceremony Immediately following the Service of Consecration in the Centennial Gardens THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022 6:00 P.M. Nurse Pinning Ceremony* Powerhouse Ministry 359 Jefferson Street Daytona Beach, FL 32114 SATURDAY, May 14, 2022 10:00 A.M. The Commencement Ceremony* The Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center (PAC) Bethune-Cookman University Campus Doors will open to the general public at 8:45 A.M. *Faculty and graduates are required to wear academic regalia at these events.
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GRADUATION
April/May 2022
Graduation Day Is Here: What's Next For many people graduation day is the end of their academic career and it is off to the world of work—either as an employee or an entrepreneur. So, what can they expect? Depends on your interest and your major in college. WalletHub, a personal finance website, reports that employers planning to hire over 26 percent more graduates from the Class of 2022 than they did from the Class of 2021.
7. Operations Research Analyst 8. Hardware Engineer 9. Web Applications Developer 10. Env., Health, and Safety Engineer
Best Entry-Level Jobs
Perhaps, you are considering graduate school. Well, be sure to think it through. It's true that, on average, individuals with a graduate degree earn more than those with only a bachelor's degree, according to an article in U.S. News and World Reports.
1. Software Engineer 2. Electronics Engineer 3. Engineer 4. Systems Engineer 5. Industrial Engineer 6. Electrical Engineer
The median weekly earnings for fulltime, year-round workers holding bachelor's degrees was $1,305 in 2020, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a master's degree, median weekly earnings for full-time employees jumped to $1,545. With
Dressing The Part Graduation is all about pomp and circumstance. Students are required to wear regalia. Ditto for faculty. The rules suggest that student wear dark clothing under their gowns and traditionally they do. This includes nice, formal dress clothing such as button-down shirts and ties for men and
comfortable yet classy dresses and heels for women. While that trend isn’t stopping anytime soon, A survey by the VOICE found rumblings that plenty of students will be wearing party attire and club-like outfits in efforts to be more comfortable. It leaves us to wonder, is there a big postceremony party being kept under wraps here? Reporting by Caleb Sutherland
a doctoral degree, median weekly earnings were $1,885, according to the March 29, 2022 issue of the magazine. But the wide variety in cost and debt by graduate program complicates attempts to determine an advanced degree's worth, experts say. "Even in cases where graduate school is a requirement for a particular career, it may not provide you with the financial return on investment you hope, " Kendra Millay, academic advising team leader and law school admissions counselor at Ivy Wise, an education consulting company, wrote in an email noted in the article.
Top 5 Grad Gifts • • • • •
Car Trip Jewelry Paid off loans Money
Reporting by Deante Johnson
Tips on decorating a graduation cap so you will stand out in the crowd By D’aja Lordeus
Graduation is one of the most exciting times of your life. You’re finally done with classes and ready to move on to the next chapter! But why not do it fashionably? There is a trend to decorate one cap for graduation so here are some tips to get you started. 1.To decorate your cap, you should think about what theme you’re going for. It could be a singer, a show, or even a movie. You also could make it about your school and its colors to get you started. You could also add inspirational quotes or some funny memes.
2. Outline the design and have your supplies ready. 3.To make your cap pop, you can add some flowers, bows, and some pictures to bring more life to it. Including your dream career and your major is also an interesting way to decorate your cap.
express yourself through your graduation cap and there is no limit to what you can do. For more information, look for ideas online at such sites as Pinterest and Amazon.
4.Consider using pre-made toppers with adhesive so you don’t ruin the cap. You can find dozens online. 5. Use removable adhesive trips. Remember, there are a lot of different ways to
Photos from Pinterest.com
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SPORTS
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Kaepernick still wants a shot at the NFL By Sidney Brown
Colin Kaepernick runs away from defenders in a 2015 matchup with the Chargers. Courtesy @kaepernick7/instagram
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick made a statement against police brutality back in 2016 when he began taking a knee while the national anthem was being played before football games. Now, in 2022, Kaepernick just hopes to secure a backup quarterback job – at the very least. However, it has been and will continue to be a tough road for him to potentially get back into the league that he once starred in, almost winning a Super Bowl championship back in 2013 with the 49ers. He last played for them in during the 2017 season and opted out of the contract at the end of the year, but no other team signed him afterwards. For the last five years, no team has given Kaepernick, 34, a workout or any signs of true interest in bringing him in – not even as a backup quarterback. However, he continues to train knowing that he is fighting an uphill battle. Despite that, he is determined to hopefully return to being one of NFLs starting 32 quarterbacks like he once was. “I know I have to find my way back in,” Kaepernick said, during an interview on the “I am an Athlete” podcast. “Yeah, if I have to come in as a backup, that’s fine. But that’s not where I’m staying. And when I prove that I’m a starter, I want to be able to step on the field as such.” Even though his chances of returning to the NFL appear to be slim to none, Kaepernick still is very active outside of football. He is now the author of a children’s book named “I Color Myself Different,” has a Netflix series called “Colin in Black and White” based on his high school days, and has launched an initiative through his Know Your Rights Camp that plans to offer free autopsies to family members of people who allegedly suffered “police-related” deaths.
B-CU softball coming on strong during post-season By Julian Bacon
Shortstop Kayla Traylor makes a routine play for an out during FAMU series. Photos by Julian Bacon
Left: Pitcher Hannah Ortega celebrates a strike out during FAMU contest.
Right: Haley Parks slides in safe on 2nd base during the FAMU series.
The Wildcats Softball team has picked up some traction late in the season. They started April hot with a 2-1 series win over rival Florida A&M. A series in which earned pitcher Hannah Ortega SWAC pitcher of the week honors. They took a tough 1-2 loss to Stetson University in Deland following the FAMU series. A trip to Alabama A&M warranted some brooms as they swept the Bulldogs 3-0 in Huntsville. The last of the three games being a 12-2. The blowout was aided by 16 total hits while holding AAMU to 6 hits. After returning from Alabama the Wildcats hosted Florida Atlantic in a double header that was split 1-1 with the Owls taking game 1, 0-5. And B-CU taking game 2, 2-1. A visit from the Delta Devils of Mississppi Valley State was another series worthy of brooms as the Wildcats swept the Delta Devils, 3-0 outscoring them 8-2 in the whole series. With the conference tournament coming in May the Wildcats have proven themselves as a team to watch for the 2022 SWAC title.
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CAMPUS LIFE
April/May 2022
Spring 2022 Neophyte Presentations
New members of Omega Psi Phi fraternity Inc. march onto stage to start their probate show on March 5, 2022, in the BethuneCookman Performing Arts Center. Photo courtesy Eugene Robinson III
New Omega member Justin LaGon poses during his call out. Photo courtesy by Eugene Robinson III
The new Kappa Alpha Psi members line up prior to their performance. Photo courtesy Emmanuel Fields
Only two Greek organizations introduced lines this spring. The Mighty Omicron Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. revealed the spring 2022 line, called the House of 22. This is Omicron Epsilons first line since 2017. The line consisted of 22 new members that joined on March 5, 2022. The Gamma Theta Chaper of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. also intiated new members this spring. The line consisted of 22 new members and the name of the line is 22 Kaliber. They were intiated on March 19, 2022.
Newest members celebrate their final brother being introdced at their probate presentation on March 19, 2022 in the PAC. Photo courtesy Emmanuel Fields
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April/May 2022
FEATURE
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
B-CU goes behind the scenes at Full Sail University
Mass communication students gather to listen to host at Full Sail.
A group of B-CU Wildcats, led by prof. Akeemia Clements and accompanied by prof. Ray Caputo, enjoyed a Behind the Scenes tour of the production facilities at Full Sail University in Winter Park. The group of mass communications students got up close and personal with the staff at the fully functional studio during the four-hour tour on Sunday, April 10. Founded in 1979, the private for-profit university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are designed for the world of entertainment, media, arts and technology. Clements and Glenn Walker, manager of the campus radio station, both received graduate degrees from Full Sail. The college draws students from all 50 states and 87 countries.
B-CU student Loron Robles, left, listens as an unidentified Full Sail staffer explains some of the intricacies of production. Photos by Akeemia Clements
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
FAREWELL
April/May 2022
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The VOICE of the Wildcats congratulates all of the class of 2022 and sends best wishes to mass communication graduates especially our staff members Julian Bacon, Mariah Brown, Loron Robles and Amber Courtney.
Julian Bacon Mass Communication, Multimedia Journalism Albany, Georgia "Never backwards, Always forward"
Amber Courtney Mass-Communications, Multimedia Journalism Tampa, Florida “If your heart is broken, use the pieces.”
Camryn Noel Franklin Mass Communication: Broadcast Production Kansas City, Moissouri "The woman I was yesterday, introduced me to the woman I am today, which makes me excited for the woman I’ll become tomorrow”
April/May 2022
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