November, 2017 lehmanmeridian.squarespace.com Bronx, New York President Cruz Starts Campus Renovation
Artist’s rendering of the proposed construction of new Nursing Building. [Page 3]
NEWS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LIFESTYLE Bronx Residents Disagree ‘Dark and Stormy Night’ Puts a Gothic Lehman Students Challenge Colorism on Amazon HQ Bid Twist on Contemporary Art in the Entertainment Industry [Page 4] [Page 6] [Page 10] 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West Student Life Building Room 108 Bronx, NY 10468
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When Lehman President José Luis Cruz cut the ribbon at the Lehman Performing Arts Center renovation last week, it marked the start of a host of capital improvements slated for 2018. Next year will see the campus bookstore moved to the old gym building to make way for a new 50,000 square foot building to house the nursing program. A 350-bed residence hall/ dorm and phase II of the Science Hall President José Luis Cruz speaks with students during lunch. Photo by Leonel Henriquez. will further change the campus skyline, at an estimated cost of $ 282.8 million and reconfigured to provide greater Cruz’ efforts so far. “I think it’s great dollars. wheelchair access. that the new president has been able Cruz laid out these plans to students at Senior, biology major, and SGA to raise so much money in such a short a lunch with the student government member Kimberly Pereyra was excited time that he’s been on the job,” he association (SGA) and the general about the announcement, telling the said. But Higgins added that rather student body in the Student Life Meridian, “I think it’s really great that than prioritizing new construction, “I Building on Oct. 25. At this event, they will fixing some of the auditoriums would really prefer to see more money the president also noted that Gillet that are run down like the one in Gillet.” going into repairs and renovation, Hall auditorium and the Lovinger particularly here in the theatre building, Theatre would be renovated, with the Chris Higgins, technical director for where there are so many leaky pipes in latter to have its seats re-upholstered Lehman Stages, is impressed with the basement.” New Yorkers Re-elect Mayor, Reject Constitutional Convention By Thomas Behnke
“I knew de Blasio was going to win, constitution. While Delgado saw it as school.” Delgado laughed. “We are a but I think the convention vote was a “a chance to change things” and voted very political family.” missed opportunity. Lehman freshman for it, her mother voted against. Jasmin Delgado said when asked about Most New Yorkers voted with the recent mayoral election results. The “My mom thinks that any changes Delgado’s mother on the constitutional vote on the Constitutional Convention, politicians would make would be better convention. The proposal, which known as Proposition 1 on the ballot, for them and worse for us,” Delgado appears on the ballot every 20 years, asked New Yorkers if they wanted said. “We went to vote together, [and] was rejected by a margin of 86 the opportunity to amend New York’s we fought up until we entered the percent to 16 percent, according to 4 News
New Yorkers voted to reject a proposal for a constitutional convention. Photo courtesy of Pixabay. the New York Times. The last time listed important issues that might be were against it, because they’re scared New Yorkers voted for a constitutional addressed, such as election reform, the the bosses could weaken the unions. convention was in 1938. According to environment, and court and criminal I guess it is complicated, but we can’t nyconstitution.org, delegates debated justice reform. change if we don’t try something. The issues such as social security, expanding system is broken.” the rapid transit system, and education. Delgado saw it as a way to protect However, the substantial showing The next time a convention proposal something closer to home--her own for de Blasio, who was re-elected by will be on the ballot is 2037. education. “You see the signs that nearly 40 points, shows that some New Trump’s education secretary doesn’t Yorkers still have faith in his abilities-- A yes vote would have resulted in a like public schools,” she said. “A or else less in all the other candidates. convention in which delegates could convention could have helped our Many Lehman students affirmed this voice concerns and propose changes focus on free public education even preference to the Meridian. “I like de to the state constitution. Any changes stronger.” Critics of the proposition Blasio,” Hector Mucheca, a sophomore, coming out of the convention would point to the special interests, and the said. “He has his own mind, I think. then need to be voted on by the public money they would pour into lobbying He doesn’t get pushed around, and we before being implemented. Nysaysyes. the delegates for changes. “My father need that with the way things are in the org, a website advocating a convention, is in the ironworker’s union. They rest of the country.” Bronx Residents Disagree on Amazon HQ Bid By Zoe Fanzo
“An Amazon headquarters in the Bronx Bronx as the location of the company’s 20 minutes from Kennedy Airport… will drive out native Bronxites,” Bronx next headquarters. The Bronx is the only borough resident and Hunter College freshman attached to the mainland United Andrew Shkreli told the Meridian. In an open letter published on Oct. States, and we offer easy connections Shkreli opposes the call from Bronx 15, officials advocating for a Bronx to Westchester, Connecticut and New Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. headquarters boasted of the borough’s Jersey by car. In addition, we are in and several other elected officials for central location, noting, “We are six the midst of constructing a new Metro Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos to select the miles from LaGuardia Airport, [and] North commuter rail spur in the East News 5
An entrance at Amazon’s 185-acre Seattle headquarters. Photo courtesy of Flickr. Bronx.” The letter also documents the publicity to the borough,” said Lehman Some New Yorkers believe that, borough’s recent economic growth, sophomore Ngozi Fisher. regardless of economic consequence, citing $3.27 billion in total development Bronx resident Mary F. Smith, 63, who the city is not equipped for an Amazon in 2016. Diaz asserts that since 2009, grew up during the era of burning headquarters. Veronica Vanterpool, unemployment in the Bronx has been buildings and urban decay, praised the board member of the Metropolitan reduced by more than half, making potential headquarters. “I looked into Transit Authority, rejected the plea to it a prime location for corporate it, and I found that at Amazon, even make New York the home of the next investment. the entry-level jobs pay $12 an hour, headquarters in her recent Daily News Some Bronxites, though, dread the which is more than the minimum wage. opinion piece, “Mayor, get behind consequences of corporate influence, You can work your way up, and we progressive congestion pricing,” citing and fear that Diaz is accelerating don’t have those kinds of jobs here; Amazon’s preference for “proximity to gentrification in their communities. “I they’re full-time and they’re benefit major highways and arterial roads,” think the main issue is that Diaz cares jobs. I do think the Bronx economy is and “access to mass transits.” The city, more about people coming into the transforming, there are more and more according to Vanterpool, “has traffic- Bronx and improving the Bronx’s image positive things happening. If you look choked streets and an imploding transit rather than those who already reside back at pictures of the Bronx in the 70s, network--both of which will remain here,” Shkreli said. “There is a blatant it’s like war-torn Europe,” said Smith. that way until we make a long-overdue fix.” attempt to facilitate gentrification While Bronxites are divided about the because the main people who will placement of the headquarters, plans “It will definitely inject a lot of growth benefit from this are college-educated for its location remain undetermined. into the Bronx, but it will also bring a professionals, which the majority of the lot of traffic,” agreed Lehman graduate Bronx is not. Consequently, Diaz isn’t “If you look back student Jeldin Colberg. looking out for the Bronx now, as it is, Ultimately, as many cities attempt he is looking out for what it could be. at pictures of the to make a case for Amazon’s next An Amazon headquarters in the Bronx headquarters, it remains unclear as will drive out native Bronxites.” Bronx in the 70s, to whether or not the Bronx will be However, Diaz’ plea has some it’s like war-torn chosen by the corporate giant, or if the Bronxites celebrating urban renewal borough is even in the right condition and economic stimulation. “I think it Europe.” for such development. Regardless of would be a cool idea. It would bring the outcome, Ruben Diaz Jr. insists, more jobs to the Bronx, and also more - Bronx resident Mary F. Smith “Amazon belongs in New York.” 6 Arts & Entertainment ‘Dark and Stormy Night’ Puts a Gothic Twist on Contemporary Art By Deirdre Fanzo
From left to right, the portraits “Yoko Sato, 1968-1999;” “Tasia Brown 1982-2012;” and “James Otis Purdy, 1914-2009” by Heide Hatry. Photo by Deirdre Fanzo.
“Gothic sensibility sends shivers down Among these conventional Gothic The only installation that truly feels the spine,” reads the text at the entrance themes are a few surprising works of art. out of place is a three-dimensional to the latest exhibit at Lehman’s art A series of portraits in black and white by tower installed as the centerpiece in one gallery. “It is the essence of foreboding, Heide Hatry entitled “Yoko Sato, 1968- section of the gallery. It is pink and frilly, never going out of style, just as it unveils 1999,” “Tasia Brown 1982-2012,” and and while it could be interpreted as a the eternal moments of human dread.” “James Otis Purdy, 1914-2009” appears, Gothic commentary on the notion of The exhibit, “Dark and Stormy Night, on the surface, to be nothing more than a contemporary femininity, this reading is Gothic Influence in Contemporary few paintings of smiling people. Another difficult to determine and is one I am not Art,” opened on Oct. 28 and features 34 painting featured in the gallery, “Poe entirely confident about. artists who skillfully manage to capture Crossing the Concourse,” by Daniel the Gothic essence in contemporary Hauben, portrays an urban cityscape in bright and beautiful colors. Both of works of art. Overall, the most interesting thing about these installations require a careful eye to “Dark and Stormy Night” is the presence find the Gothic within them. According of many different interpretations of The show foregrounds several prominent to the label beside the portraits, the what contemporary Gothic looks like. Gothic themes. The idea of a dark and materials used to create them were the Several pieces depict Gothic themes stormy night is well represented in four human ashes of the very people being in highly contemporary mediums, photographs from a series entitled “I’m depicted. The urban cityscape reveals a like digital photography, while others Made of Rain” by Isabelle Menin. These scene outside Poe Park in the Bronx, and show contemporary scenes with the photos present an eerie, almost surreal, in the corner of the painting, a rendering addition of Gothic elements. This Gothic atmosphere. So do statues and of Edgar Allan Poe himself can be paintings of tall, ornate, angular towers seen crossing the street. The pieces are exhibit is stunning, absorbing, and in and cathedrals found throughout the incredibly macabre and suggest the some instances, morbid. I would highly exhibit, along with depictions of women notion of life--or perhaps still-life--after recommend viewing ‘Dark and Stormy shrouded in mystery. death. Night’ before it closes on Feb. 10, 2018. Arts & Entertainment 7 On Their Comeback Album, The Cool Kids Live up to Their Name By Jorel Lonesome Inglish. Their lyrics relinquish their most savvy wordplay and also reference “The Purple Tape” and Pokémon. Arguably one of the coolest tracks is “20/20 Vision,” which features great beat characteristics for Chuck’s production. According to Urban Dictionary “20/20” means “Completely seeing the truth of a situation.” Therefore, we may suggest that the theme of the track is about how The Cool Kids are also The Real Kids. When we delve into tracks such as “TV Dinner,” to name a few, it’s as if your head is inside a hornet’s nest, but with a rhythmic sound of a robotic alarm that blends perfectly with the dominant pounding of drums beating in an even pattern to entice you to bop your head. “Break Your Legs,” features drummer Travis Barker from blink-182. The song Sir Michael Rocks performing at Southbound Festival in 2011. Photo courtesy of is edgy compared to their smoother Wikimedia Commons. sounds. You can definitely compare it to When Antoine “Sir Michael Rocks” Kids serve their purpose once again. N.E.R.D.’s 2001 smash hit “Lap Dance,” which sets this particular track apart from Reed and Evan “Chuck Inglish” Ingersol Many of the tracks were produced the others. announced their duo was splitting up entirely by Sir Michael Rocks and shortly after releasing their hit album Chuck Inglish, with a plethora of drums, “On the Set,” produced by Chuck “When Fish Ride Bicycles” in July 2011, samples, disco tunes, synth, strings, horns, Inglish perfectly shows the dark and 90s it seemed as though we might never hear guitars, bass, and more synthetic sounds atmosphere beat that both Boldy James from them again. such as “Westside Connections,” “Get (Detroit native and Mass Appeal signee) Out the Bowl,” “Checkout,” “Gr8Full,” and Smoke DZA (Harlem underground But, The Cool Kids are back with their “Jean Jacket,” and “Too Smooth.” representative) are known for. Inglish’s new sophomore album, “Special Edition distinctive use of vocals and instruments The first track, “The Moonlanding,” Grand Master Deluxe.” Released in is inventively cognizant. The base is comes in hot with a gust of intensity. This September 2017, the 16-track LP features layered on top of the smooth sounding really sets the stage for the production artists such as Jeremih, Syd, Smoke DZA vocals that follow and will make you feel style of the album--energetic beats, as well as collaborations with artists such as cool. They create unforgettable funky futuristic synths, and layered horns. The as Drake, Maroon 5, Lil Wayne and bass lines and 808 hits that fall in the line track features actor/comedian Hannibal Travis Barker. The album does a great job of new- and old-school Hip Hop. at sounding both modern and nostalgic. Buress, as he begins with a Black Sabbath It’s like a classic Cool Kids album but tribute. “The Moonlanding” shifts into Overall, with its creative production, with noticeable artistic progression. In a banger that includes a dynamic horn this album lives up to the anticipatory rap music today, it’s increasingly difficult sample applied by Sir Michael Rocks’ hype of the duo’s cult fans, and will be to make an album that sticks for an slick fashion talk in the hook that is regarded as a good reference point for extended period of time, but The Cool produced by tag team partner Chuck future experimental MCs. 8 Arts & Entertainment Return of ‘Stranger Things’ Lives Up to the Hype By Zoe Fanzo
Logo of the Netflix series “Stranger Things.” Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
Last summer’s finale of the hit Netflix 1980s genre films. After its first season episode “Chapter Seven: The Lost show “Stranger Things” left audiences premiered in the summer of 2016, the Sister.” The season allows for further with many unanswered questions. Where show quickly developed a cult following. character development and exploration, did Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Creators Matt and Ross Duffer, known and skillfully groups characters into the Demogorgon go after their final as the Duffer Brothers, drew inspiration unlikely pairings. The emotional climax confrontation? What happened to Will from Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, of the season finally arrives with the long- Byers (Noah Schnapp) after his return and 1980s pop culture; their first season awaited reunion of Eleven and Mike from the Upside Down? Would the simple premiered to critical acclaim. Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard). town of Hawkins ever be the same? In the behind-the-scenes special, “Beyond New characters also join the award- In the sequel, “Stranger Things 2,” Stranger Things,” the Duffer Brothers winning cast, including Billy Hargrove released in its entirety on Oct. 27, these describe the challenge of continuing the (Dacre Montgomery), a sociopathic questions are answered, but greater story. “It was kind of freaky figuring out, human antagonist, and Bob Newby conflicts arise. A new supernatural villain, how do we make this story continue on in (Sean Astin), a love interest for Joyce the Mind Flayer, is introduced, and his a way that it doesn’t feel forced? And we Byers (Winona Ryder). New addition presence tortures Will. The portal to the want to make sure that it can sustain at Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink), also known Upside Down, opened by Eleven in the least a few more years,” said Ross. Matt as Madmax, introduces conflict when she first season, has grown immeasurably. echoed this adding, “In season one, you beats Dustin’s high-score on an arcade Eleven must struggle to come to terms have the dramatic tension of Will being game. Tensions deepen when Max finds with the implications of her upbringing gone which ties it all together, so we lost her way into a love triangle between and decide how she wants to use her that, but at the same time we had all these friends Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and abilities. characters that we actually knew a lot Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin). better now.” Ultimately, the return of “Stranger Though the Duffer Brothers plan to end Things” satisfied fans who yearned for The strength of this season ultimately the show after four or five seasons, fans more of its captivating science fiction, lies in the character growth, particularly can rest easy knowing that this trek into synthesized soundtrack, and homage to Eleven’s coming-of-age story in standout the Upside Down was not the last. Arts & Entertainment 9 Lehman Students Are Spellbound by Magic: The Gathering By Juan Vasquez
Players use 60-card decks filled with monsters, spells, and lands that aid the player and hinder their opponent. While there are more ways to win-- reducing an opponent’s deck to zero cards, using cards that create certain win conditions when activated, etc.-- this is the most common win condition.
Players find the game helps them get away from the rigors of college life and regain a sense of calm. Fornier notes that playing is “extremely stress reducing…a lot of laughter comes out of the games, and…all the laughter means dopamine, which is kinda like a runner’s high without the exercise.”
Many players credit the Magic: The Gathering community as being a safe and supportive community. Andrew Negron, an avid Magic player and Lehman student says, “I enjoy the community...how players help each other get better by assisting new players with getting cards and learning new skills, which makes the game even more enjoyable.” Negron adds “It is very fun so I believe it’s a very relaxing game that helps you make new friends and strengthen bonds with current friends A game of Magic: The Gathering. Photo by Juan Vasquez that also play.”
“I didn’t know what Magic was, I only end of it I wanted to enter the Magic Yet to most Magic players, the real ever heard about it in passing,” said community and have my own deck.” enjoyment is going to victory with a Kat Anne Fornier, a novice player deck that they put hours of research, and Lehman student. “Then one day Created in 1994 by Richard Garfield, development, and construction into. I watched a chaos match, which was Ph.D., Magic: The Gathering is a Frederick Kemeh, a Lehman Student really confusing and I wasn’t feeling pastime that has drawn many Lehman and longtime Magic player, said, “It’s it.” Though she felt intimidated at first, students into a world of dueling always rewarding, making a successful after other players guided her, she said, wizards attempting to do each other deck and winning with said deck, but it “it was actually really fun...I don’t even in. The rules are simple--reduce your takes time of planning and preparation. remember if I won or lost but by the opponent’s life total from 20 to 0. That, however, is fun for its own right.” 10 Lifestyle Lehman Students Challenge Colorism in the Entertainment Industry By Deirra Francis
Rutina Wesley speaking at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con International. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Colorism limits opportunities for Dr. Mark Christian, chair of Africana their careers in the entertainment women of color in film and TV, and studies and cultural theorist, agreed. industry feel frustrated. Denied the Lehman students won’t stand for it. “There is a double standard within opportunity to show their talent on “Roles for younger women of lighter the entertainment industry. Black men the basis of their skin color, many now skin tone typecast [them] as this sex are sex symbols while black women of aspire to change these double standards. symbol,” Lehman student, filmmaker darker skin tone aren’t.” On the other and actress Valerie Baptist told the hand, he added, “Black women of Christian noted that colorism is nothing Meridian, while darker-skinned lighter skin tone are portrayed as the new. “The prejudices people have women, are “strategically” sidelined as top of the pyramid hierarchy of the attached to skin tones stem from the “the handy-dandy sidekick, a darker- group--high-class, sexy and smart.” deep-rooted racism in our history. On toned woman dumbed down in her top of the after-effects of slavery, we beauty by the makeup artist in order In the face of this discrimination, have been bombarded with images on not to outshine.” Lehman students who aspire to make television and film of this stereotype.” Lifestyle 11
These racist portrayals date back to the widespread demands for a change Africa and the African Diaspora” that beginning of mass advertising--and they from viewers and actors alike. Many took place on Nov. 9 in the Lovinger haven’t changed much. In the 1920s, Lehman students told the Meridian Theatre inspired many in the audience an ad for the N.K. Fairbank Company they see a shift in social values taking to demand change. featured a white child asking a black place. “I definitely think people are Lehman student Erachie Brown child, “why doesn’t your mamma wash talking about it more,” said Lehman pointed out that access to social media you with Fairy soap?” Almost a hundred alumna Nadia Floyd ’17. “I do think can also help anti-racist messages reach years later, a Dove ad released Oct. 9, progress is being made, not only in the millions of people, so the tools now exist 2017 showed a black woman removing entertainment industry. On television to debunk the negative connotations her brown shirt to reveal a white we’re seeing the emergence of dark- assigned to darker-skinned African- woman underneath in a lighter shirt. skinned black girls. This discourse American women. “The knowledge Likewise, SheaMoisture commercials is occurring in classrooms even more, we’ve gained in production helps us supposedly celebrate diversity but not only amongst black students but to create our own platform of film manage to exclude representation of Latino (non-gender specific) students and series that we are interested in a big part of their darker-skinned base have spoken up about it as well.” Floyd, watching,” Brown explained. “Our clientele who have “kinky” hair texture, position is to cast the Taraji P. Hensons, featuring mainly women with straight Tiffany Hadishes, Nicole Beharies, and or fine hair. “The only Rutina Wesleys of the world.”
Christian pointed out that within way to Other Lehman students noted that the entertainment industry, this some directors are already making discrimination has privileged women represent waves in the entertainment industry who look “ethnically ambiguous-- with their positive representations of people with an off-white skin tone who black women, citing Ava Duvernay, appear to be of mixed race. The more people of Shonda Rhimes, and Issa Raye as we tune into our favorite shows and examples. Duvernay is the first Black movies,” he said, “the more variety color is to woman both to win the Best Director of black women we see. However, the Prize at the 2012 Sundance for her ugly face of colorism continues to have more featured film “Middle of Nowhere” resurface.” and to be nominated for an Academy directors Award for the documentary “13th.” This shows up in the way that many She was also nominated for the Golden productions cast ethnically ambiguous Globe Award for best Director for the women in the role of black women, of color.” movie “Selma” in 2014. Rhimes is perpetuating a stereotype. Notoriously, best known as the creator, head writer, in 2012, Zoe Saldana was casted as executive producer for shows like Nina Simone in the movie “Nina.” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice,” A prosthetic nose and dark makeup - Octavia Maybabk, “Scandal,” and “How to Get Away with were applied to Saldana, but the Murder.” Raye follows in their footsteps Latina actress still failed to resemble Lehman sociology as a director, writer, and actress creating the appearance of the legend. This major the webseries “Awkward Black Girl’ distortion shows how black women are which later turned into the hit HBO excluded even from playing themselves. who wrote her English honors thesis show “Insecure.” on colorism and patriarchy, said, “It’s In mid-July, the star of the hit TV Octavia Maybabk, an African show “Everybody Hates Chris,” Iman refreshing to see this! We still have a way to go, of course, but yeah, there sociology student at Lehman said Hakim, tweeted “so I’m not even change is needed and a new generation being considered to audition for a role has been a growing cultural awareness towards colorism.” of directors is key. “The only way to because I am ‘too dark.’” represent people of color is to have This chronic discrimination has drawn A Lehman panel on “Colorism in more directors of color,” she said. 12 Lifestyle Lehman Students Hack Their Way Toward Success By Zayna Palmer
“We want to hire CUNY grads and has the opportunity to exercise through it, every student can get the undergrads to become full-time their skills with teammates so they opportunity to be mentored and to interns or employees in the near could fully integrate themselves into network in the industry as well as future,” said Buzzfeed Tech Recruiter building product software, hardware, get internships and full-time jobs in Nicolette Nelson, 29. Buzzfeed is just and mobile programs.” fields they enjoy. Rafael wants every one of the prospective employers student to have fun and test their that came to Lehman’s fourth The Hackathon helps disadvantaged skills because the Hackathon is also annual Hackathon on the lookout students as well as those with very competitive. “It is a great way to for diverse interns among future disabilities to find the right path ask questions and find out what jobs CUNY grads. Nelson explained towards their careers by providing you are looking for” he said. This that Buzzfeed, which participated them with professional advice, year, NSBE and SHPE were able to in the Hackathon as both mentor assistance and employment increase diversity to bring in more and judge, has a mission to offer opportunities in the tech industry. sponsors for the Hackathon. opportunities to more diverse people The event, co-sponsored by the and get more women working in top National Society of Black Engineers Rodney Perez, a full-time technology management positions. The goal for (NSBE) and the Society of Hispanic analyst for JPMorgan Chase, “The this Hackathon, she added, is “to Professional Engineers (SHPE) is challenge is about bringing students find out what students need from open to CUNY and SUNY students. in, [to] increase the capabilities and employers and what employers need Its focus is to highlight, support capacity to invent new ideas for the from students. We’re here to find and encourage talent from all company.” Perez added that the out how the market is changing for backgrounds and to help strengthen company, which participated in the students of diversity.” the community. Encarnacion states Hackathon, believes in giving back to that it also aims to “Bring students the community. The Lehman Hackathon, which to an environment where they was held November 10-11, exists connect with the sponsors, teams Students agreed that the Hackathon to foster just such opportunities. and fellow students with similar and/ is a good opportunity to network and “We understand that the proximity or different skills to build projects get projects completed, along with between job locations and where using hardware. The Hackathon is having a team to provide mutual students live can be quite difficult, so for Blacks and Hispanics, but anyone growth, learn technical skills, and we implement these events for local who is a student or graduate from build community between employers students to attend and network with CUNY schools is invited.” and students. Daniel Encarnacion sponsors and mentor that can hire a Lehman sophomore studying students for jobs and internships,” Rafael Gonzalez, 21, a Lehman computer science and Hackathon said Rosemarie Encarnacion, a mathematics Professor and a treasurer said that it is a great Lehman junior. She is also a help participant in this year’s Hackathon, chance “to have everyone demo their desk analyst and Civic Technology said his mission is to “train and projects to sponsors that could offer Fellow at Lehman. The National expose students to the industry of employment in the tech industry and Society of Black Engineers primary computer science and engineering promote a program that speaks on mission, she added, is to “make sure for minority groups for many of our diversity and reach out to those who that every student in the community Lehman graduates.” He believes that are disadvantaged.” Lifestyle 13
Lehman students attend annual Hackathon event. Photos courtesy of Miguel Rodriguez. 14 Lifestyle A New Conversation about an Old Problem: Lehman Students Push Back Against Sexual Harassment
By Shaiann Frazier
Counseling Center said, “Girls come to the Counseling Center far more often than you think whether it be harassment in their neighborhood or in the Lehman neighborhood.”
“Catcalling,” defined as whistling, shouting, or otherwise sexualizing a woman passing by, is evidently common in New York. “10 Hours of Walking in NYC as a Woman,” a 2014 short documentary directed by Rob Bliss and created by anti- harassment organization Hollaback!, shows a montage of ten hours of footage of Shoshana Roberts silently walking the streets alone while being harassed. The video was viewed over 40 million times.
Hollaback!, the company that distributed Lehman students took a public part in this conversation on Oct. 19, when post-it notes were the video, also conducted a study in displayed on a board outside the Lehman bookstore along with the message “Keep Moving Forward.” Photo by Shaiann Frazier. which they found that over 84 percent of women will experience some form of “Catcalling makes you question your Sponsored by the Counseling Center, the street harassment before the age of 17. worth,” said Kuiana Prince, 23, a senior “Go Purple” event was inspired by the This harassment does not only occur on and multimedia performing arts major. recent Twitter #metoo. Originally created the streets but also happens on public Catcallers, she said, should “Try a different in 2007 by Tarana Burke, founder of youth transportation. According to a 2016 approach in going about it instead of going organization Just Be Inc., the campaign report released by the Wall Street Journal, after a lady or guy like some kind of pet.” was revived this October by actress Alyssa sexual offenses on New York City subways Milano, for victims of sexual assault and had gone up 50 percent compared to the Prince’s experience of harassment is all harassment. The Lehman event aimed to previous year. too common, as a groundswell in media bring supportive attention to victims of and social attention to the topic has domestic violence, sexual assault and street Lehman students who spoke to the proven. Lehman students took a public harassment. Members of the Counseling Meridian said they’ve changed their part in this conversation on Oct. 19, when Center created the board titled “Messages behavior in an effort to avoid catcalling. pink, purple, and blue post-it notes were of Hope” where any Lehman student Leda Obergh, 19, a sophomore and film displayed on a white board outside the could write a personal note to someone major said, “I don’t want to dress up as Lehman bookstore along with the message, who had been a victim of violence in I want to because I may appear sexually “Keep Moving Forward.” Dozens of which they a received a note in return. attractive to men but that’s not my Lehman students wrote and posted notes intention.” She added, “I usually wear my expressing their thoughts about being Keeauna Jacobs, 22, a senior and headphones, so I don’t have to listen to victims of violence and sexual harassment. student engagement coordinator at the what men say to me on the street.” Lifestyle 15
Shanel Spence, 22, a senior and biology had increased from 16.1 percent to 17.8 and sociology major agreed. “I have major, also actively avoids men on the percent. Although the findings could not experienced it and it’s really annoying,” street. “One thing that I do for sure is that conclude why the number of reports had she said. “Guys don’t have the authority I cross the street when I see a group of increased in men, a possible contributing to make a girl feel [bad] like that when guys or I walk in the opposite direction.” factor was that more men began to come they’re just walking down the street trying forward and speak out. Numerous studies to get home.” Leticia Hernandez, 24, a junior and have shown that men don’t report incidents recreational major also took a similar of sexual harassment due to shame and Michael Buckley, associate professor of stance. “Usually I start walking faster just embarrassment. the philosophy department at Lehman, so they don’t get close to me,” she said. advocated for more training for all “Or sometimes I give them a look to back Gregory Reyes, 18, a Lehman student Lehman students. “I am glad to know that away.” who works at the front desk in the APEX Lehman requires some of its students to said, “When a guy gets catcalled people take workshops or online courses [about Women are not the only victims of just look at him like it’s a joke and it’s not sexual harassment],” he said, “but I think harassment, a 2012 study released by the as derogatory as when it happens to a the policy should be extended to every U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity woman.” student and given several times throughout Commission found that the percentage of their time at Lehman like it is for faculty males who experienced sexual harassment Lian Kizner, 19, a junior, dance and staff.” Having Her Cake and Eating It Too: A Black Entrepreneur’s Path to Success By Zayna Palmer
“My grandma used to always bake, she a CEO for my own company.” With would make cakes and create different a B.A. in social work, McGriff has a kinds of designs. I thought this was passion to help others, to work with fabulous and it inspired me to bake people and satisfy their needs. as well,” recalls 35-year-old Luquana McGriff, now CEO of her own She was encouraged to start her company, A Cake Baked in Brooklyn. business through the positive feedback Inspired by her grandmother, McGriff from her family. “I love baking and I founded the business in Jan. 2016, in began to make cupcakes for family Brooklyn, where she was born and events,” she explains. “My family raised. said that I could turn my baking into a business. I started to go to business It is a now a well-known boutique- classes and tried to learn what will be and dessert-catering company that the next step of selling my products.” creates the most original and delicious desserts for any event. McGriff, who Now amazed to have her own store, has no formal culinary training, has McGriff knew that one day this would been baking since she was a child and happen. “I always wanted to be likewise taught herself new techniques successful,” she says. McGriff used that would help to make her company many strategies to build her brand, from successful. She says, “I always wanted hiring help to seeking a competitive to be an entrepreneur and I had the position. “In my store, red velvet is a drive for it. I didn’t know what business top seller and I didn’t know what would Luquana McGriff. Photo courtesy of A Cake I wanted to start at first, but I knew I go best with red velvet. I tried to find Baked in Brooklyn. wanted to work for myself and become my niche in this competitive market. 16 Lifestyle I found out more about my products Her advice to other budding through my customers. I promoted my “You have to entrepreneurs is to actively seek business on social media and on my knowledge. “Research what business website. I received a ton of feedback want it more that you want to get into and find from my clients and customers.” She a mentor or volunteer in that field. is still branding herself and working to than anything Get someone to teach you the way gain many more customers. before you spend money on something Her mission is to make original desserts, else. When you that you don’t want to do. Go after “something that you can’t get anywhere your dreams and your passions and else,” and she adds items and flavors get knocked everything will fall into place,” she says. into her baking that she hopes would For her the top three skills needed to be make her customers happy, declaring, down, you have a successful entrepreneur are the drive “You are your biggest critic. I always to work hard, a clear goal, and doing strive to have the best products and to get back up.” something new every day. “You have to make people happy when they taste my want it more than anything else. When desserts. I knew in order to do better, I you get knocked down, you have to get have to be better. I refine my craft and back up. Have the passion to never give - Luquana McGriff, CEO of up and no one will have your vision, find different things to do that would A Cake Baked in Brooklyn make my business grow.” only you will.”
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