MTFEB. 10-17, 2019

MAYS MASSEY FRANKLIN WILSON THOMAS

MOREHOUSE PRESENTS THE PRESIDENCY (PAGE 2)

Campus the Black Ink How to own Your Candle in the dark Opinions Features Sports Battle of AUC NEWS Project Second Semester comes back to light WEEK OF COVER STORY FOUNDER’S EDITION 2 FEB 10, 2018 THE MAROON TIGER THE PRESIDENCY: STUDENTS REFLECT ON THOMAS’ FIRST YEAR BY ISAIAH JOHNSON, MANAGING EDITOR

his Founder’s Day, Morehouse College will inaugurate and junior Donavan Pinner believes that it shouldn’t matter to David A. Thomas as its 12th president of the school. people that he’s not. However, what makes this presidency special is that he “I’m glad that President Thomas is not a Morehouse grad- isT the first non-Morehouse graduate to be president in 52 years. uate” Pinner said. “He has a different perspective of the college The last president to do this was Benjamin E. Mays, who served than a graduate would have.” as president for 27 years (1940-1967). Since Mays’ presidency, the formally inaugurated presi- With a new president comes new ideas and policies that dents have all been Morehouse graduates. During their time are meant to not only improve the school itself, but student life they built and enhanced the school in their own way, giving on campus. With a new president also comes a various amount back to their beloved alma mater. However, there’s always room of opinions coming from both students for change and it seems as though More- and faculty members, but primarily from ‘I think he has our best house is open to it. the students. “I think he’s making the proper cal- So how do students feel about interests at heart. When culations and adjustments to his team president Thomas and what do they want you listen to him speak, and the college,” Pinner said. “As a whole to see changed to their soon to be alma ,he’s making the moves to increase our mater? For graduating senior Sterling he always reminds endowments and the money we need to Humphrey, he had this to share about students that this is for keep the college in operation.” president Thomas. Having a president who’s not an alum “I think that President Thomas is students because without of the school allows a different perspec- doing a great job,” Humphrey said. “He’s the students, there is no tive on how things should be handled definitely showing the students and fac- and how to improve the institution ove- ulty who underestimated him not being Morehouse, and I feel all. a Morehouse man that he is capable of like that’s something he Benjamin E. Mays, a graduate of operating in his position.” Bates College, accomplished many key Graduating from Yale University believes and that he pushes things during his time as president. He with a B.A. in Administrative Sciences, when he speaks to people.’ brought in new faculty members, a chap- President Thomas had a different under- ter for Phi Beta Kappa and maintained graduate experience than his current stu- ~ Sterling Humphrey enrollment levels during wartimes. dents that he now looks over. However, May’s accomplishments could till be to become one with the school and his seen today. But will Morehouse College students he did something that would make him an honorary have another Benjamin Mays with the soon to be inaugurated Morehouse man. president Thomas? “He asked if he could stay in a residential building during Graduating senior Terrance McQueen believes that NSO week and go through the experience with them” Hum- there’s a possibility Morehouse can. phrey said. “Although this was the first time freshmen seeing “We do know that one of Morehouse’s greatest presidents these events, it was his first time seeing it as well.” was Benjamin Elijah Mays and he was not a Morehouse man” Having the NSO experience is one of not the most essen- McQueen said. “It is possible that the spirit of Dr. Mays is re- tial part of students’ time at Morehouse, making their time here turning through President Thomas.” more memorable and shaping them into the leaders of tomor- With his first full year coming to a close, Morehouse has row. President Thomas going through NSO not only shows his welcomed President Thomas with open arms. While it’s un- care for the students,; it also shows his love and appreciation for known what the future may hold, the Morehouse community the event and the school. looks forward to seeing the positive changes he will make to the Since he had the NSO experience with his students, school as we commemorate 152 years of existence with a new whether or not he is a graduate of Morehouse shouldn’t matter, president and a new age. FOUNDER’S EDITION THE MAROON TIGER FEATURES 3 Candle in the Dark Gala Comes Back to Light BY AMIETEE FOUNDJING, STAFF WRITER

f all the “can’t miss” events that Plaza at a cost of $75 per person. opportunity for the college to showcase take place during Morehouse “In the early years, the event broke its history and plans for the future.” College’s annual Founder’s Day even and raised nominal dollars for schol- As executive chair, much of the OWeek, the one event that seems to steal arships,” Goodgame said. responsibility in making sure everything the spotlight every year is the Candle in Finally, in 1996, the event was runs well falls on him. When asked if the the Dark Gala. Now, 30 years since its in- moved to the Hyatt Regency Hotel and job ever gets stressful, Goodgame said, ception in 1989, current Gala executive remains there to this day. “Yes, every year, but our students deserve chair Henry Goodgame promises “an- The Gala’s focus is still to raise our very best effort every year.” For him, other wonderful Gala experience” with scholarship dollars, however, with a twist what makes it all worth it is “the people, appearances from Steve Pamon, who is in the form of a student showcase where history, and culture of a place I love dear- currently the COO of Parkwood Enter- students can display their talents in front ly.” tainment (Beyonce’s company), and two- of a generous audience. If you plan on at- In the past, the Gala raked in a $5 time NBA All-Star and former Los An- tending the Gala you can expect to see million gift from Oprah Winfrey and a geles Lakers standout Norm Nixon, who alumni, friends and corporate friends of $1 million gift from Ray Charles. Last will be accompanied by his longtime wife the college and masterful performances year, the Gala raised over $3 million, with and famous actress, Debbie Allen. by student presenters, student musicians, $1.5 million coming from Robert Smith. The Candle in the Dark Gala first and student hosts. “The success of the Gala each year started in 1989 under Morehouse Col- With an event as grand as it sounds, means that hundreds of students seeking lege’s eighth president, Dr. Leroy Keith Jr., a lot of time and effort has to be put forth to have a first-rate education at the na- in an attempt to raise much-needed dol- to pull it off. tion’s premier college for men can depend lars for student scholarships. The Found- “It takes about six to seven months on our alumni, friends and corporate sup- er’s Day Banquet was formerly held on of planning and detailed work for the en- porters once again,” Goodgame said. “The the campus in the college’s cafeteria and tire Founder’s Week experience,” Good- Gala, in its 31st year, is a testament to cost $10 per person. Two years later, the game said. “When you add an inaugu- what can happen when you plan well and event was moved to the Westin Peachtree ration, that becomes an extra special dream big.”

ounder’s Week is known many prominent figures - one The symposium is meant BAKARI across campus for being being CNN political analyst to discuss preparing students a time to celebrate the and Morehouse alum Bakari for a 21st century global econ- birth of Morehouse College, Sellers ‘05. omy and to talk about what COMES Fbut even amid the celebration, “For me it’s always a that looks like now and will in there is still some conversation pleasure to come back to the the future. For those that want to be had. campus,” Sellers said. “It’s an to know how to be a part of On February 15, there honor to be wanted [and] to that, Sellers had a few words BACK will be a presidential sympo- participate. to say. sium on “The Morehouse Idea: “Morehouse has meant “You gotta come see,” BY JAIR HILBURN, Opportunities, Complexities, so much to me and is such an Sellers said. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF and Challenges for the Glob- integral part of my life that just President Thomas will al Black Community in the being back on campus I look be interviewed by Dr. Henry 21st Century” that will include forward to a great weekend.” Louis Gates Jr. the same day. WEEK OF FOUNDER’S EDITION 4 FEB 10, 2018 NEWS THE MAROON TIGER The Black Ink PRoject BY TORRENCE BANKS, CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR

ach college seeking re-accreditation from the South- Hollingsworth said that three faculty members attended a con- ern Association of Colleges and Schools has to create a ference in Austin, Texas, about how to become better teachers. Quality Enhancement Plan. Morehouse College’s QEP “One of the things we heard was that the best way to Eis called The Black Ink Project and its goal is to increase the teach your generation was to get them emotionally involved in writing proficiency of all students, regardless of their major. the topic,” he said. The accreditation process verifies that an institution has a Morehouse College faculty began working on the project viable mission and the resources needed to make it succeed and in January 2016. Surveys were given to students, alumni and improve. The QEP allows the college to experiment in an area faculty about their attitudes toward writing at the college. that it hopes to improve over the next five years. Writing was CTEMS Professor Avery Williams suggested a naming con- chosen at Morehouse because it is a skill used in every aspect test, then he came up with the name and the advisory commit- of college and professional life, and it is in high demand from tee accepted it. employers and graduate schools. The symbol for the project is a Sankofa bird, an African “Long term, the word that means there idea is to have all stu- is “wisdom in learning dents writing at a pro- from the past which ficiency level that will ensures a strong fu- allow them to have ture,” according to the success in college and Carter G. Woodson in their long-term ca- Center website. SGA reers,” English Profes- President Quintin Pas- sor and the Director of chall and SGA Vice The Black Ink Project President and Sen- Dr. Nathaniel Norment ate President Wendell said. “The idea is to de- Shelby-Wallace were velop students’ writing both involved in pick- skills each year. ing the symbol. “We are going to “Writing at its assess their writing abil- heart is reflective,” ities at the end of each Hollingsworth said. academic year.” “You see something, Students will be Dr. Nathaniel Norment stands before the logo for The Black Ink Project he read something, and submerged in the writ- created to improve Morehouse students’ writing.//Photo by Torrence Banks then you write about ing process at all stages it. We saw that as fit- of their educational ex- ting into the Sankofa perience, from General Education and First-Year Experience theme.” courses to senior-level writing assignments. Norment said, “It represents reaching back to bring forth learn- As part of the project, faculty from various departments ing and knowledge.” will be trained to learn the best strategies and practices to teach Morehouse College enrolls about 2,000 students and is writing skills. Faculty will learn how to best help students im- working to increase that number to 2,600 students. President prove their writing by using topics related to Black Life, Histo- Dr. David A. Thomas’ goal for the class of 2022 is to have at ry, and Culture (BLHAC). least 70 percent graduate within six years. The Black Ink Project “That involves faculty workshops,” Norment said. “It in- has the ability to help the college meet goals of amplified re- volves working with various departments on creating writing cruitment, admissions and graduation rates. assignments and making use of culturally relevant materials and “I think it will be a national model for other writing proj- content.” ects,” Norment said. “Not just for HBCUs, but also for PWIs Business Administration Professor and SACS Coordinator Dr. across the country.” FOUNDER’S EDITION THE MAROON TIGER NEWS 5 WHAT DOES FOUNDER’S DAY MEAN TO STUDENTS? BY DEANDRE WASHINGTON STAFF WRITER

t’s that time of year again, where current students of its importance. to attend Morehouse. Founder’s Day is the celebration returns - as do Students express that Founder’s a holiday for us.” those who once walked these same Day is nothing more than just another Gates concluded with a sen- Icampus grounds asking for directions day of the week. Other students shared timent that every man that attends to Nabritt-Mapp-Mcbay or Merrill caring sentiments about the day; even Morehouse comes to share once they Hall. Morehouse College prepares to going as far as expressing what they felt learn about the prominent figures that celebrate another Founder’s Day. This the disconnect is between the student walked brown street before them. “It year culminates 152 years of develop- body and their lack of engagement with gives me chills everyday to walk the ing men with disciplined minds to lead the events. same streets and sit in the same chairs lives of leadership and service. “I don’t know what events we as Maynard Jackson, MLK, and many Students have come here with have,” sophomore Micah Guthrie said. more.” the goal to do something different with “I believe the events are the concert and Students opinions on the rele- their lives. And in four years, those gala, but you have to pay for the gala. vance of Founder’s Day poses a ques- same students learn to carve their own I’m not sensing much school spirit with tion for the campus: how can we make lanes in order to be proud of something the events, that may be lacking. the engagement better as the attention when it’s time to move on from More- “I would say that the events, es- comes more from alumni than current house. But do they value celebrating pecially the gala, are for alum,” he con- day students? the day Morehouse was founded? tinued. “The gala doesn’t have the same That inquiry has yet to be given “Founder’s Day is cool,” senior energy to be seen as a school wide event an answer as it’s hard to encourage en- Theodore Cruz said. “It brings us closer similar to football or basketball games - gagement and continue the same tradi- together as students that go to the col- those are school spirit events.” tions that worked for so many years. lege, and creates a sense of communi- Attempts have been made to “I do feel that Founder’s Day ty and understanding that none of this communicate change. Through con- is more catered to the alumni of the happened overnight.” stantly exemplifying pride for the school,” junior Alani Scott said. “While That sense of community is the school, acknowledgement of the broth- the traditions of Morehouse are good, foundation that Morehouse has been er-sister relationships, and keeping tra- a lot of them do not fit the classes of built upon for 152 years. But the with ditions such as being pillars for Wel- today. I feel that in order to get the stu- the daily struggles of a student, some come to the House, freshman dorm dents more involved in Founder’s Day, can’t find the time to care. In speaking stroll-offs, and even the humorous fear ask the students what they would be in- with some of the students, they asked of having to move into Mays Hall over terested in doing for Founder’s Day.” more questions than they gave answers. the Otis Moss suites. Students shouldn’t see the value Founder’s Day at Morehouse “Founder’s Day for me is a day in Morehouse once their journey reach- College is the reminder to celebrate the of reflection of all the Morehouse men es graduation. And that’s the disconnect work that’s been done out of wanting to who paved the way for me to be here between current Men of Morehouse see brighter days for black men in the today,” junior Jakarie Gates said. “The and alumni. But until tradition meets world. However, the idea that contin- traditions and foundation Morehouse current student’s standards, Founder’s ued for 152 years now needs to remind was built on was my reason for wanting Day is just another day to go to class. WEEK OF FOUNDER’S EDITION 6 FEB 10, 2018 THE MAROON TIGER FOUNDER’S EDITION THE MAROON TIGER SPORTS 7 WEEK OF FOUNDER’S EDITION 8 FEB 10, 2018 SPORTS THE MAROON TIGER MT SUPER BOWL WEEK staff MADE ME FEEL LIKE A

Editor-in-Chief Jair Hilburn STRANGER IN MY HOMETOWN Managing Editor Isaiah Johnson BY GERALD PERRY STAFF WRITER Business Manager Zuri Cheathem uper Bowl LIII is over, and while it restaurants seemed a bit higher. wasn’t the most exciting Super Bowl When I got a chance to interview Creative Director of recent years, the scene around the some of the Rams and Patriots players, Kierra Richardson Scity definitely made up for that. The entire they told me how much they were en- city was a madhouse all week from con- joying Atlanta. That makes sense as it al- News Editor certs to block parties – and that was all be- most took a seven-figure salary to be able Torrence Banks fore game day. Atlanta really tried to make to enjoy anything during the week before it a party for everyone, but if you are from the Super Bowl. I do not consider myself Sports Editor here you might have felt like a tourist in broke by any means, but after that week I Tucker Toole your own city. am much, much closer to it. Being an Atlanta native, I already There was no escaping the craziness. Associate Sports understand that there is a certain type of My out-of-town friends were counting Editor dysfunction to the city that makes it so on me to suggest places they should go at Roderick Diamond special. For example, natives are aware that night and I didn’t know what to tell them II the traffic can come to a standstill for -ab because every decent nightclub had more solutely no reason at all. We also under- than a $100 cover charge, and close to the Opinions Editor stand that if you are going out to eat on same amount to park. Sections at the Gold Tatiana Rafael Peachtree you better have at least an extra Room, a popular Atlanta night club, were $20 bill for parking. said to cost upwards of $15,000, and on Arts & Whenever I venture outside of At- game day, some lots on Northside Drive Entertainment lanta, I typically like to go places where I were charging $250 to park. Editor know someone who is familiar with the I am usually a strong advocate for Brycen Saunders area. That’s mainly so I don’t get taken bringing big events to Atlanta. I have advantage like so many travelers I’ve seen wanted the Super Bowl here since before Associate Arts & in my city. The locals are the best, they al- we got a new stadium, and I was hoping ready know where to go so you don’t have that the NBA All-Star Game would ar- Entertainment to break the bank just because you don’t rive soon. However, after going through Editor know any better. this experience, I don’t think it will be hard Aaron Johnson This past week, however, none of for me to patiently wait for Atlanta to play that local knowledge mattered. I was in host again. Distribution awe of how the city I felt I knew so well Manager was transformed into a tourist trap. Gas Nick Vaughn prices went up, the parking prices soared, the extra traffic made it great for the Uber and Lyft drivers, even some menu prices at FOUNDER’S EDITION THE MAROON TIGER OPINIONS 9 HOW TO OWN YOUR MT SECOND SEMESTER staff BY SYDNEY GOGGANS Staff Writers STAFF WRITER Aimetee Fuondjing Ayana Marie Davenport ecovering from a five-week Winter potential resources that you need. As hard as Corbin Chube break is a hard battle for a lot of stu- it can get, remember that you are paying too dents. Whether that means adjusting much money to not go to class. DeAndre Washington Rto missing the warm comfort of home or 5. Create relationships with your profes- Deion Williams mourning the end of living freely knowing sors. Professors are an excellent tool and re- Fredric Wood there are no classes the next day, it is not an source to provide you the help that you need. Gerald Perry easy task to recuperate from. You can create this relationship by showing Jalen Lovemore It’s only the beginning of February, them respect and going to their office hours but classes will only start to get more hectic to discuss the course material. Jalen Robinson from here. Here is a list of tips and tricks in 6. Find study groups. Interacting with other Jarrett Cook order to continue maintaining good grades students can help you gain new knowledge, Jonathan Simmons and motivation for your second semester. develop new study tips as well as allow for Josh Duffy-Cooper 1. Set goals. Setting goals helps us to stay support and teamwork. Learning and study- Joshua Burrell focused and motivated. Whether that means ing with other people can help you grasp striving to maintain all A’s or even simply concepts better and pursue better grades in Kaleb Martin have the goal to do better than you did last the class. Kennedy London semester, then it is more likely that you will 7. Study. It is not enough to just go to class. Noah McMillan have a great semester for yourself if you plan Find time outside of class to go out on your Parker Owens these out ahead of time. own and study. Studying by yourself or hav- Shakim Muhafiz 2. There is always a finish line. Don’t forget ing a study group (like discussed above) will Stacey Carver, Jr. that the semester will eventually end. You better prepare you for class. Try to find dif- still have your summer to be free from class- ferent techniques and study concepts that fit Sydney Goggans es and course load. It is imperative that you the way you learn best. do not give up in the middle of the semester 8. Invest in a planner. Planners allow for due to laziness and remember there will be organization. Writing assignments and due Photographers an end. Stay on top of your grind. dates in a planner will help you keep track AJ Mathews 3. Work smarter, not harder. As college stu- of your coursework, so you do not have to Cassidy Meyers dents, it is easy for us to get overwhelmed. worry about missing something important. Jared Bethea Unfortunately, excessively multitasking leads 9. Be on the lookout for extra credit. Even Marcus Hughes to less productivity. When we work smart- if you do not need extra credit, you should Micah Guthrie er by focusing on something one at a time never give up on those opportunities. Mak- or relieving our stress levels as we work, it is ing your grade better is always the better op- guaranteed that we can get a lot done more tion. When you see those opportunities, take Business Team efficiently. them. Do not walk away from them. Courtney Williams 4. Go to class, no excuses. It’s very tempting 10. Keep a positive mindset. As corny as it Rashad Townsend to stay in bed and catch up on some sleep. sounds, positivity is key. Keep yourself in a However, continuing to come up with an ex- healthy space mentally as well as physically. Paul Lockett cuse not to go to class can become a habit. Positivity will help you succeed through the Class provides you with the knowledge and semester. WEEK OF FOUNDER’S EDITION 10 FEB 10, 2018 THE MAROON TIGER Hear More From the Voice of Student Expression

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Man of the Year Application is Active NOW • • • • Head to @themaroontiger to apply FOUNDER’S EDITION THE MAROON TIGER SPORTS 11 BATTLE OF AUC: MOREHOUSE DEFEATS CLARK ATLANTA, WINS SIAC EAST BY KALEB MARTIN STAFF WRITER

here was a royal rumble between the On a more positive note, Morehouse Morehouse Maroon Tigers and the dominated the paint. As many as 17 bas- Clark Atlanta Panthers in Forbes kets were scored in the paint in a variety of ArenaT Saturday night, especially within the ways, including two monster dunks late in last five minutes of the game. This game was the game that came from Morehouse guards Part II to the first electrifying game that took Robert Andrews and Chibueze Ebinum. The place on Jan. 26 on Clark’s campus. latter finished with 15 points on 55 percent Unlike last time, Morehouse was able shooting from the field and he also made the to survive with a 70-67 victory that secured last two free throws that sealed the victory for its second consecutive SIAC Eastern Divi- Morehouse with only six seconds left to play. sion title. The Tigers had the lead for most “It was a pretty big moment, but at the of the game and played some very impressive end of the day we work on these (free throws) defense, holding the Panthers’ shooting to so I was very confident with every shot I took,” 29 percent for the game. Morehouse’s largest Ebinum said about handling the pressure. “At Morehouse College and Clark lead was 13 points. the end of the day, I’m always playing my role Atlanta University basket- Morehouse’s defense was a definite and when we all play our roles, we are a better ball teams Played against focal point in the game. Morehouse (18-3, team.” each other on FEbruary 9 at 12-3 SIAC) came away with eight steals and Once again, Morehouse forward Omar almost half the team recorded at least one Alston was the team’s leading rebounder and Forbes Arenas. // blocked shot. The Maroon Tigers also record- scorer. He finished with 19 points, 17 re- Photos by Zek harris ed fewer turnovers than Clark. bounds, two blocks and a steal. Alston was Unfortunately, Morehouse’s free throw scoring in the paint at will and got plenty of percentages took a dip since the last time they foul calls while doing so. played. The last time Morehouse went against “We came with a lot of energy,” Alston Clark, the Tigers shot 73 percent from the said. “We could’ve played better, of course, free-throw line, but this time they only shot with less turnovers and could’ve made more 52 percent by making 16 of 31 attempts. free throws. We played good overall and we “We have to learn how to finish games got the W.” by passing the final exam, and that’s rebound- This game was a satisfying watch with ing the basketball and making free throws,” lots of energy coming from the crowd. Fans Morehouse head coach Grady Brewer said. were unable to turn away because right after “We’re last in the conference in doing that so one team scored a bucket, the ball was back that’s not going to get us very far in tourna- in play and going into the net of the other ment play. We’ve been having trouble with it goal. It was a hard-fought battle between all year long, but we’re trying to fix it some- both teams, but the Maroon Tigers reigned way somehow.” supreme. WEEK OF ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FOUNDER’S EDITION 12 FEB 10, 2018 THE MAROON TIGER CLOSING CURTAINS Founders of Arts In the AUC Speak on the Growth of the Organization As They Prepare to Leave It Behind

BY JAIR HILBURN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & ISAIAH JOHNSON, MANAGING EDITOR

he Atlanta University Center respect for each individual because I “If it goes wrong, it goes wrong, (AUC) is known for being a saw like their strengths and also their and if something stops it then you central spot for intellectual weaknesses that I never knew they find another way around it.” BlackT folk from all over the world to had,” Sanon said. That philosophy has led them pursue a degree and leave world lead- Since they aren’t all alike, there to go on to pull off their third talent ers and social changers. Behind the was something that they could take show. While the show is used as a plat- books, there are talents that are often away from one another to be better fit form to showcase the different talents left under the radar, but there is an or- to fulfill their roles. in the AUC, it also gives a platform ganization that’s working to change “I think for me, it was more of to those who have never performed in that narrative. a learning experience being in a space front of an audience before which can In the midst of their sophomore where these different people have garner new reactions but provide bet- year, Bryce Lampkin, Ashley Townsel, experiences outside the Arts In The ter results. Jordyn Walston, Jaelan Sanon, Mark AUC space and bringing them [into “At the last show, one of the girls Anthony Davis, Evelyn Angarica, that] space,” Townsel said. “I think had a panic attack, and I think we saw Leron Julian, and Jadè Henderickson being amongst diverse people with that this was these people’s first time decided to create a platform that will diverse talents and techniques and ex- ever performing, going out and mak- shine a light on the talent that is in pertise kind of helped me grow into a ing a name for themselves,” Walston the AUC. This lead to the creation of leader.” said. “It’s a little scary to think about the organization Arts In The AUC. By this time they’ve gathered because everyone that’s coming they Initially, there would be multi- enough knowledge to know who is come with their own fears and antic- ple forms of art - music, photography, best suited to do specific tasks which ipations for it, and we have our own spoken word, etc. - posted on their came in handy for them putting to- about whether or not enough are go- website until they decided to host a gether their last show. While they ing to come or if it’s going to come talent show for all members of the hope it won’t be the last, they know together in time. In it if you just think AUC to partake in. the road won’t be easy because for it about how everyone really is a person, “I think I always heard of there be entering the third year their “mind and then when you reach into that being a talent show in the AC, but is blown” because unlike other orga- level it’s crazy what you can make, if then I tried to figure out why it didn’t nizations on campus they aren’t reg- you just take a break and take time to continue,” Townsel said. istered. Through it all, they’ve learned learn that person.” While all of them weren’t that “improvising is key.” From being an idea to gain trac- friends, they knew of each other, but “You can never stick to one tion for the website to being on their as time went on that dynamic would idea,” Lampkin said. “For me, I like third annual show, the talent show change. thinking on my feet. I don’t really like grew into a show that everyone in the “For me, I felt like a newfound planning things out. AUC was going to show up for. FOUNDER’S EDITION THE MAROON TIGER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 13

THE FINALE: ARTS IN THE AUC TALENT SHOW

PHOTO STORY BY MICAH GUTHRIE FOUNDER’S EDITION WEEK OF ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 14 FEB 10, 2018 THE MAROON TIGER MICHELLE OBAMA’S PORTRAIT PAINTER CHATS WITH SPELMAN MUSEUM DIRECTOR

BY AUTUMN HARRIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

my Sherald doesn’t remember find some images that were extricated thing was constructed for me.” much from her early childhood, from the dominant historical narrative of Her signature grayscale style but during her conversation at the black history,” Sherald said. evolved while she was creating “Hang- HighA Museum of Art with Dr. Andrea In 2008, she visited the Whitney man,” her 2007 painting on which Black Barnwell-Brownlee, she easily recalled Bo Museum exhibition, “Kara Walker: My people’s skin is painted gray. Bartlett’s 1986 painting, “Object Perfor- Complement, My Enemy, My Oppressor, “I painted gray first and then did mance,” as her first introduction to Amer- My Love,” that depicted in dark tones the the brown washes, and stopped in the ican Realism. As a sixth-grader, it also raw horrors of slavery in the antebellum middle,” she said. As she reworked the doubled as her first time seeing a painting South. She left the museum attempting painting, “I went all the way with the gray of a black person. to reimagine the black image. and it just looked really great so I stuck “I didn’t know that a white man “In processing what I had seen, I with it.” had painted it and I didn’t know that it realized that there was a space or a con- In 2011, Sherald spent a year in was a self portrait of himself as a black versation that, at the time, wasn’t being Norway studying under Odd Nerdrum, a man,” Sherald said Wednesday evening. had — a different portrayal of blackness.” figurative painter. Nerdrum helped estab- “All I knew was that it was someone who She checked out the film “Big Fish” lish Sherald’s foundation as a painter. looked like me, and it was a place I’d never while trying to figure out what she calls “Since I was premed, I changed my been before and, in that moment, I knew her “art DNA” — what she was going to major late,” Sherald said. “So, I really nev- I wanted to be an artist, I knew I wanted paint. er got to have those classes that everybody to paint people, and I knew that I wanted “It was a light-bulb moment,” she else had. I consider myself self-taught but to make big paintings. It just struck me.” said. The movie echoes tones of magical in watching how he painted and how he In 2018, Sherald was thrust into the realism as it’s about the strained relation- interacted with students, I began to un- spotlight as former First Lady Michelle ship between a father and his son, who derstand what I was doing and everything Obama’s portrait painter. The painting just can’t believe his dad’s seemingly un- became easier.” now lives in the National Portrait Gallery conventional stories. But it turns out the Things went unscripted when in Washington, D.C., where 2-year-old stories were true. Sherald had a heart transplant in 2012. Parker Curry famously stood in awe of Sherald was inspired by the narra- Despite being an avid runner and without Michelle Obama’s official portrait. tive of the movie “and I recognized that experiencing symptoms, she had been di- Sherald’s most recent works hang there were limitations in the way that I agnosed with heart failure. in the Spelman College Museum of Fine got to know myself as a black person be- “You can’t plan for your body to be- Art, from now until May 18th, in her cause of the (negative) narrative that stays tray you,” Sherald said. “It’s really beauti- self-titled exhibition “Amy Sherald.” with us.” ful ’cause now I have a second family. Sherald received her Master’s of So began her quest to find her au- “You learn so much being at the Fine Arts in 2004 at the Maryland Insti- thentic self, before others’ expectations brink of death that if you’re not living tute College of Art. She spent some time dictated how she interacted with the fearlessly, you start.” at home after graduating and visited the world. While much of Sherald’s life has Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida. “Everything became about fanta- veered off course unexpectedly, she con- “I came back to Baltimore and, sy,” Sherald said. “I realized that so much tinues to live her dream of reimagining through that experience, decided that I of my identity had been formed through black people in a style that has never been would do some research and see if I could self-repression or assimilation. Every- seen before. FOUNDER’S EDITION THE MAROON TIGER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 15 7 UNDER-APPRECIATED RAP PROJECTS OF 2018 BY KENNEDY LONDON STAFF WRITER

round the end of every year, we as appreciators of music like to com- pile our favorite albums that came out.A However, in the mainstream we tend to see the same few albums being circulated like they are the holy grail. On one hand, “Ta13oo” by some of the albums do deserve the recogni- “Care For Me” by Saba tion, and on the other hand we understand the universal co-signing albums get by pop- ular entities. In 2018, albums like Invasion of Pri- vacy, Daytona, Victory Lap, Astroworld, Beerbongs & Bentleys, Everything is Love, and Scorpion were the ones that were shuf- fled around in conversation from big pub- lications to casual circles. Now, there are plenty of artists and music missing from these discussions that not only deserve the recognition, but are often purposefully left out because they might not fit a certain ca- “” by Curren$y, Freddie sual quota. The following seven albums are “No News is Good News” by Gibbs & albums I feel deserve as much credit and just as much shine as the big industry darlings.

“Supreme Blientele” by “Tana Talk 3” by “Pieces of a Man” by Mick Jenkins MT