Bethune-Cookman University • Daytona Beach, Florida
September/October 2021
B-CU wants National Alumni Association to dissolve.
What's inside:
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Page 3 NEWS
Page 4 REVIEW
Page 5
FEATURES
Page 6 SPORTS
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September/October 2021
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 Amber Courtney Online Editor Mariah Brown Assistant Online Malik Grant Layout Editor Rene White Sports Writers Sidney P. Brown Julian Bacon Feature Writers Shay Myrthil Timothy Moss Alysia Briscoe Jasmeen Rivera Amber Courtney Photographers Harmony Bienemy Loron Robles Julian Bacon Social Media Harmony Bienemy Publication Director Dr. Salvador R. Victor Faculty Adviser Prof. Valerie Whitney PUBLICATION MEMBERSHIP The Voice of the Wildcats is a member of the Black College Communications Association (BCCA), College Media Advisors Association (CMA) and National Asscociation of Black Journalists (NABJ). ADVERTISER MEMBERSHIPP The Voice of the Wildcats subscribes to the 360 Youth Send Correspondence to: Editor The VOICE, Fine Arts Building Room 124 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Phone: (386) 481-2707 voiceofthewildcats@ gmail.com
OPINION
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Anger, disgust at treatment of Haitian refugees My Turn By Shay Myrthil
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s an American I am ashamed; as a Haitian I amoutraged by the events that took place at the U.S. border on Sept. 19 when border patrol agents tried to stop Haitian immigrants from entering the United States in Texas. Videos emerged showing the patrol on horses chasing the refugees, whipping them with the long rein from the horses and attempting to drag them by their clothing. I found it truly troubling and it begs the question: has anything really changed since slavery? Horrific images of the incident were soon shared, adding visuals to an unimaginable event, online and via other media. The images that were shown sent chills down my spine as I imagined how scared and confused the Haitians must have been. These immigrants were trying to escape a country that has recently been struck by a natural disaster to a country that prides themselves in welcoming immigrants. But, instead of being welcomed, they were harassed and sent running for their lives in a panic. There needs to be a change, and it starts with me. I am sickened by the acts against Haitians because humans should not be treated the way they were treated. All humans have basic rights. American or not, these rights were taken away from them on that day. We are in 2021 and people continue to treat minorities horribly. The prejudiced mindset has poisoned our country and allows some people to think that treating people unfairly is the new normal. But it shouldn’t be. This incident calls for change. I, myself, feel motivated to be the change that I want to see. We need to address the issues America has with Haiti. The 86 Haitians that were involved in the incident should have the chance at a better life. I am sad to say that Haitians, my people, are not welcomed here in America where many others have a chance at life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We need to work together to end racism and to unify as one body to help others in need. Being Haitian American gives me the opportunity to voice my opinion. As an American I can point
out the wrong as well as help find a solution. We, as a nation, need to do better, and that begins with us--the citizens-holding those accountable. As a Haitian, I can fight for my people. They have basic human rights that they are allowed to exercise. Not being an American citizen should not be a reason to be treated the way these immigrants were treated. This incident has reminded me that I can be the voice that starts the conversation.
Shay Myrthil is a Mass Communications student at Bethune-Cookman University
Some Fast facts about Haiti: Most of the Haitian population is made up of black Africans. However, many other ethnic groups have inhabited the land and continue to impact its growth. These ethnic groups include Poles, Jews, Italians, Arabs, Chinese, Indians, French, Spanish, and Germans. Most of these groups have intermarried with the blacks, leading to another group known as the mulattoes. Source: World Atlas Located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, Haiti occupies the western one-third of the island of Hispaniola. The Dominican Republic borders Haiti on the eastern side of the island. Haiti's closest neighbors include Jamaica to the west and Cuba to the northwest. Source: National Geographic Following the assassination of the Haitian president in July 1915, President Woodrow Wilson sent the U.S. Marines into Haiti to restore order and maintain political and economic stability in the Caribbean. This occupation continued until 1934. Source:
A Haitian lost in thought while looking out to sea. Photo/ Shay Myrthil
Office of the Historian, U.S. State Department
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
NEWS
September/October 2021
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B-CU Trustees Ask NAA to Step Aside T
he board of trustees at Bethune-Cookman University has asked the National Alumni Association to go away so the BOT can create a new organization that officials say will be more efficient and user friendly. During a 90-minute webinar on Sept. 23, BOT Chairman Belvin Perry and others laid out their rational for requesting that the NAA move to dissolve while the board creates a "direct support organization" that would be more efficient and encourage growth, as well as provide alumni with more support and access to the university. Perry also noted that the memorandum of understanding signed in 2006 between the university and the association expired in
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he National Alumni Association of Bethune-Cookman University staged a town hall for its membership at the same day and time as the Bethune-Cookman University board of trustees was making its public case for creation of its own alumni organization. Organizers say it was planned at least a week before the BOT meeting was announced. Johnny McCrary Jr., president of the NAA, dismissed a request by the trustees calling for the NAA to dissolve and let its membership become part of a “direct services organization” the college is planning to implement. The South Florida lawyer also disclosed that the NAA is looking to change its name. “For nearly 90 years, the alumni of Bethune-Cookman University have faithfully supported our alma mater,” McCrary said. “We serve in faith, we serve with hope and we serve with love,”
2007, and hence, was not legally binding. The DSO would streamline the donation process, according to trustee David Brewer. "Major donors look to see if alumni support their university," said Brewer, who sat on the subcommit- Perry tee that came back with the recommendation to move toward the DSO system. He said officials looked at what other schools were doing and found that this model was preferred by many schools including
Claflin University, which leads all HBCUs when it comes to alumni engagement and financial support with 37 percent. Claflin is located in South Carolina and has an enrollment of about 2,000 students. It's current president, Dwaum Warmack, previously served as director of student services at B-CU from 2013 to 2014, before leaving to take the presidency as Harris-Stowe University. "We must have the courage to change and honor our dear founder," interim university President Hiram Powell said. The DSO would be managed by an executive director. Powell said he already has a candidate lined up
he said during his presentation that Mary McLeod Bethune National was streamed live on Alumni AssociaSept. 23 on YouTube. tion. Officials will He has be communicating declined request for with the comments from the presidents of its 25 Voice staff. During chapters about the his presentation he next steps in the acknowledged that the process. B-CU has announced A former member plans to start its of the BOT, McMcCrary own direct service Crary said by mainorganization. But, he said, the taining its independence university has no legal right to from the ask the current school, the alumni association is in association to dissolve—as it did a better position to challenge quesrecently—or to communicate ditionable practices such asa dorm rectly is NAA chapters about deal that until recently threatened becoming part of the DSO. At the B-CU’s financial stability. He cited same time, any alum that would Morris BrownCollege in Atlanta— like to join the DSO can do which lost its accreditation in 2002 so. because of fiscal management and “We are independent of the univer- debt—as an example of what could sity and have the right to continue happen when alumni don’t speak without B-CU’s out and ask the tough blessing,” he said, adding the assoquestions. The Atlanta-based ciation has already filed the paper- college was grant accreditation in work for a new name—The earlier this year. It enrolled 42
for the job. The invitation for the webinar said it was open to all stakeholders-students, staff, faculty, community members and alumni. More than 400 people reportedly registered. The NAA, however, was hosting it own meeting at the same time. The Voice has reached out to alumni spokesman. Read their comments in the next dispatch. _________________________
Below is NAA response to the Board of Trustees request students in 2020. He also said the association’s purpose will continue to be raising money for student scholarships. Davina Jones, a B-CU alum and administrator at a college in Pasco County, was one of several other speakers that night. Jones said what is happening at B-CU is not unique. “B-CU Is not alone. Many HBCUs are facing this,” she said, in part, because their boards of trustees are selfgoverning and answer to no one— unlike state institutions.She also cited a recent article penned by Charles Nelms, a former HBCU president, that appears in the journal titled “Diverse Issues in Higher Education.” In the document Nelms, among other things, encourages alumni speak up about things happening at their alma mater. “He encourages us to operate with best practices,” Jones said. _________________________
Breaking the Ice
Members of the campus chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity showered themselves with buckets of ice to introduce themselves to new and returning students.
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September/October 2021
REVIEW
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Goldlink’s production on ‘HARAM’ stands out Album Review
By Timothy Moss Music Critic
The “Crew” artist Goldlink released his fourth studio album this sum-
mer. Goldlink has dropped a lot of dance inspired music on his previous projects and this one was not that far off of his typical formula but what did stand out about this project was the production type.
The first chunk of tracks from “Extra Clip” to “White Walls” gave off a heavy trap feeling with his vocals being distorted and under the radar compared to the production. The content was surface level, and he wasn’t really saying anything that would be deemed to standout. His flow and the way he rhymed over those joints was smooth and coagulated. I can say the same for a lot of tracks on this project especially when the production style flipped and moved all over the place. We started to receive some R&B influenced basslines overtime on tracks like “Spit on it,” which was a lot softer compared to the more aggressive first couple tracks. The only track that gave me a more reminiscent feeling of previous Goldlink work was “Evian” featuring PinkPantheress, Rizloski & Rax, simply because it was that dubstep dancing production that Goldlink has rhymed over in the past, so it made sense. At this point of project, I didn’t know what direction we were going in with this album vocally wise because that distorted effect Goldlink had on voice started to get overbearing, but it went away on the track “Raindrops” featuring Flo Milli, which was a beautiful track. Goldlink’s lyrics still weren’t anything mind blowing, and it came off a little disappointing, but I personally don’t think that was a prime focus of this album. I think
Goldlink wanted a chance to showcase that he is versatile over different sounds and that he is fluid in accompanying other types of new artist and some people that you usually don’t see other artist collaborate with. My favorite track was probably the last song “Cindy’s Daughter” featuring Bibi Bourelly. I loved the mood and the feeling of this track with the Slow Soulful instrumental and the chorus giving off a “I don’t care I’m relaxing” type of feel, it just made for a good closure to a pretty “out-the-box” type of album. This album was only 36 minutes long, but it was so unorthodox and it all over the place that it made the length feel expanded, and that’s not a bad thing at all because I really like this project. This just may be my favorite Goldlink album. Also, the features added a lot of color and imaginative creativity to these songs. I didn’t expect Rich the Kid to provide any good quality vocals, but he surprised me and actually made me enjoy the track “Twin” more. This was a good Summer project made for the mood of being out having fun and enjoying yourself. Everybody should definitely check this album out and get into discussion about what you thought of this album.
Tim Moss is a Mass Communications major and member of the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats Marching Band
HOMECOMING TUG OF WAR
B-CU 2021 Homecoming court candidates show what they are made up of during a field day with their campaign teams in the week leading up to the election. Some activities were potato sack races, foot races, and tug of war. Photo/Mariah Brown
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
FEATURES
September/October 2021
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Rosie’s Italian Bakery and Deli is A Taste of Italy in Florida By Alysia Briscoe
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fter almost six years of operating in a storefront downtown on North Beach Street, the owners of Rosie’s Italian Bakery and Deli made the move this summer around the corner and it appears to have paid off. Frank and Rosemarie “Rosie” Mirino say they experienced a boom in business opening their new and much bigger location in June on Bay street. Rosie’s is a breakfast-and-lunch place that serves authentic Italian goodies. You can dine in, curbside pickup or delivery. They are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and take call-in orders until 3:30 p.m. They also cater. I am extremely picky about my sandwiches/hoagies and the quality that Rosie’s dishes out are unmatched. It’s like a taste of New York in Florida. They bake their bread fresh in house. Not only that, they have a fully stocked bakery of a wide
variety of Italian baked goods and cannoli’s that they fill fresh to order. They also carry a wide variety of Italian pantry staples, and they have an olive bar that is too tempting to pass up! They have 11 different sandwiches both hot and cold. Fair warning this place is not somewhere to go for a small sandwich. Portion sizes are as they call it “ ginormous” and I agree. Getting a half of their sandwiches is a full meal for even the hungriest appetites. My personal favorite (and one for the vegetarian crowd) is their impeccable Tuscany sandwich, which is grilled zucchini, eggplant, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella cheese and basil pesto
on a ciabatta roll! But if vegetables aren’t your thing, you have 10 other options to choose from. Prices range from $9.95 to $19.95. I highly recommend their meatball hoagie. The sandwich is huge and they also make the meatballs fresh in house. Not a fan of sandwiches? Then you are in luck. They also offer salads too! I have yet to make it there for breakfast, but I have heard nothing but good things about their breakfast sandwiches! So, whether you want to get coffee, a baked good or one of their amazing sandwiches, Rosie’s might just be the place for you. _____________________ Alysia Briscoe is a Bethune-Cookman University mass communications major and a food blogger. ----------------------------------IF YOU GO: Who: Rosie’s Italian Bakery and Deli Where: 232 Bay St., Daytona Beach Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday Call: (386) 236-8995
NEW LAYOUT EDITORS NEEDED Apply your "Wildcat Pride" in the news that reaches the student body at B-CU email: voiceofthewildcats@gmail.com
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September/October 2021
OPINION
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Hispanic Heritage Month offers educational opportunity for all By Jasmeen Rivera Contributing Writer Being Hispanic is a benefit--not a setback, said Victor, who is a native of the Dominican Republic. “Something that I tell all of my students is that being bilingual is an asset,” he said. “You have more opportunities to find a job if you are bilingual or trilingual.” He also challenged Hispanics to help educate other American about their culture and heritage. - - -- -- - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - Jasmeen Rivera is a native of Costa Rica and a member of the B-CU softball team. “I chose B-CU because I felt it had everything I was looking for in a school I wanted to play for,” she says. FAST FACTS ABOUT HISPANICS IN THE SUNSHINE STATE:
If it seems that you are being inundated with media messages about Hispanics--you are. National Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off Sept. 15 and will run through Oct. 15. The event is meant to honor the accomplishments and achievements of the Hispanic-American community. While most celebrations would begin at the start of the month, Sept. 15 is a significant day in history because it is a nod to the independence gained by Latin American countries including Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Hispanics or Latinos comprise 18.5 percent of the U.S. population, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish and/or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations, while Latino refers to people who are from or descended from people from Latin America, according to the Hispanic Network magazine. Not surprisingly, the monthlong celebration incorporates various aspects of Hispanic culture including people, food, history, art, music, and so much more. These events range across the globe in numerous
countries, each one different and specifically suited to their region. During this time, notable figures are recognized including Frida Kahlo (Mexican), Roberto Clemente (Puerto Rican), Sonia Sotomayor (Puerto Rican) and Gloria Estefan (Cuban). Additionally, Hispanic Heritage Month allows the military to honor the Hispanic veterans who have served their country. At Bethune-Cookman University, there are a number of students, faculty and staff that are of Hispanic heritage. Still, with a student population that is only 4.27 percent of Hispanic, it is easy to feel out of touch with one’s native culture. Coming from a household surrounded by Hispanic culture to constant dorms and classrooms where you are suddenly in the minority can create a sense of disconnection. To wit, B-CU was home to a Hispanic club for several years called “HOLA,” but it was dismantled when the leader left the school. So, this time of the year comforts those far from home with familiarity and community. “Being Mexican and being so far from home, I definitely do feel disconnected and detached from my Hispanic heritage,” said Isabella
Sandoval, who lives in Azusa, California. “At home, I am constantly surrounded by Mexican-Americans and I also live in a city that is predominately Hispanic,” Sandoval said. “However, it is also nice to see how the Hispanic culture is here during this time of the month and it is very eye opening.” Sandoval said at home her family marks Hispanic Heritage Month with home cooked meals, music and family gatherings. Meanwhile, Dr. Salvador R. Victor, chairman of the department of mass communications department, said he is weary of the fact that Hispanics are too often viewed as a monolith or single group. “One size does not fit all,” said Victor, who also is program director for DOMC’s public relations and advertising students. Every country and Hispanic person is unique, he said. For example, he noted, one stereotype among Americans is that all Hispanics eat tacos. Nothing could be further from the truth. Victor said “profiling and stereotyping” makes Americans seem narrowminded to believe that one size fits all. It’s such a narrow way of thinking.”
*Florida has the third largest population of Hispanics in the nation, with more than 4 million residing in the state. Twenty-three percent of Florida’s population is Hispanic. *At least 60% of Hispanics reside in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. *The majority of Florida’s Hispanics trace their heritage to Cuba, Puerto Rico, or Mexico. In addition, the percentage of individuals from Colombia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Dominican Republic is growing. *U.S Hispanic Chamber of Commerce estimates more than 266,000 Hispanic businesses operating in Florida, ranking the Sunshine State third behind California and Texas. *Goods produced in Florida account for 23% of all U.S. exports to Latin American and the Caribbean – higher than any other state. Source: Florida Department of Education
Isabell Sandoval
September/October 2021
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
B-CU mental health resources upgraded; studies show increased risk of suicides among black youth
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By Amber B. Courtney Voice Editor
Two unidentified students show off their yellow ribbons in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month. Photo by Amber Courtney
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uicide, once thought of as just an illness largely affecting the white population,” is on the rise in among African Americans and especially black youth. A study published in September, which just happens to be national Suicide Awareness Month, showed a 4.9 percent increase in the number of suicides among blacks in the 15-17-year-old group and a 6.6 percent increase among black girls. The authors of the study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that more than 1,800 Black children died by suicide between 2003 and 2017. Meanwhile, another study published earlier this year found that the suicide rate of Black males ages 15 to 24 years old rose by 47 percent between 2013 and 2019 — and by 59 percent for Black females of the same age — but it decreased in white youth, according to a recent New York Times article. Likewise, black college students have also shown to be at an elevated risk for suicide. To that end, officials here on campus are making an all-out effort to inform students of the resources here to help them. B-CU has sent out emails containing Public Service Announcements reminding students of the counseling services available on campus and have even begun implementing Student Wellness Days where all classes are cancelled. George Ramsey, a licensed mental health counselor, said mental health issues in the Black communityhave been on the rise within the last few years. “You can see that we are on the brink of a mental breakdown as a nation,” Ramsey said. “Never
in my lifetime have I seen the need for mental health treatment so prepensely.” Black students at predominantly white institutions shoulder an even tougher burden— living in a society where they worry about being marginalized, according to one study published by researchers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. “We have documented alarming occurrences of anxiety, stress, depression and thoughts of suicide,” said Ebony McGee, Vanderbilt’s assistant professor of diversity and urban development and co-author of the paper. “Weathering the cumulative effects of living in a society characterized by white dominance and privilege produces a kind of physical and mental wearand-tear that contributes to a host of psychological and physical ailments.” According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, not only are (non-white) people in America less likely to have access to mental health services, but when they do receive care, it is often lower quality than the care their white peers receive.” As such, mental health resources at HBCUs are even more critical in helping provide students with the quality of care that they need and are less likely to get from other sources.One of the major steps undertaken by B-CU to address students’ mental health was to implement Student Wellness Days. Senior Vice-President and Provost William Berry proposed the idea for the campus. “Mindful that our students, faculty and staff needed some down time to pause, rest, renew and reinvigorate themselves, we decided to provide long weekend mini-breaks,” Berry said, adding that concept is not new. In fact, he said, B-CU was inspired by other universities who
created the concept. The idea behind Wellness Day is that all classes are cancelled, and no assignments are given out in an attempt to inspire relaxation within the students and staff. “Wellness Days are about all of us doing exactly whatever we choose or do not choose to do -- so long as it's relaxing, refreshing, and renewing,” he said. “We should use Wellness Days to renew and recharge, and not rundown ourselves.” Ramsey, meanwhile, said while officials have done a lot to aid in supporting the campus Counseling Center, there is still room for improvement. “One thing that they have really improved on is making sure that we have a fully-staffed counseling center,” he said. “There is always a professional here or on call. However, we would greatly benefit from having a budget. The counselors are being paid a salary, but we don’t have any money to do things like awareness campaigns, bringing other mental health professionals, and going to conferences to learn the latest research on college students. We don’t have the funds to do any of that, but many other universities do. We’re not there yet, but our students deserve it.” see Mental Health page 8 ---------------------------------------For more information visit B-CU’s website here to learn more about the counseling center and get the contact information of the counselors. You can also text 741741 to speak with a Crisis Center via text or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. If the situation is an emergency, please call 911.
September/October 2021 Mental Health
continued from page 7 Briana Winston, president of the B-CU chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma Sorority, said she saw a flier and discussed the idea among her members and they decided they would take it up as a service project. “We thought it would be a good idea to show support,” Winston said, adding she did further research on the issue. “Yellow is such a radiant color that promotes happiness and optimism,” she said, noting the yellow ribbon is a symbol for mental health awareness. The chapter also plans to host a panel discussion on the topic that will hopefully help students find ways to get through any problems. Several members said they had lost someone close to them to suicide. The goal is to let their family and friends know that they have someone to talk to when they are down and depressed. “I don’t think just sitting in an office talking to someone can actually
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS help or support some who is having mental health problems, Winston said. Instead, she suggested the university lookat opening a place where students can go and blow off steam like a smash center.
DOMC Mass Communications Department of
The Department of Mass Communications Professional Seminar Series Fall 2021
PRESENTS
One on One with BRUCE DUNN Founder of Dunn Enterprises of Central Florida
The members of Gamma Sigma Sigma Sorority on campus recognize Suicide Prevention Month in September by passing out yellow ribbons. Chapter President Briana Winston (right) and Erykah Crenshaw, show off their ribbons. Photo by Amber Courtney
EMMY Awards Winner
Formerly with BET and ESPN Friday, October 22, 2021 11:15 am Room 112, Music Building
B-CU Helps Feed Community
Cans of soup set waiting for distribution during the recent community mobile food distribution here on campus. The monthly event represents a partnership between Bethune-Cookman University and the Mind of Christ Ministries. Photos/Loron Robles
Volunteers sign up to help with a food giveaway held on campus at the Center for Civic Engagement. Photos/Loron Robles
Vounteers load food into the back of a car during the recent community mobile food distribution here on campus. Photos/Loron Robles