RECORDRECORDON THE ON THE

IN THIS ISSUE:

ENOUGH: MEET THE YOUTH REVOLUTION p. 22

LOUISVILLE KIDS OF PRISONERS FIND HOPE p. 6

THINKING INTERSECTIONALLY p. 14

HOW HEROIN TRAPPED THE GIRL NEXT DOOR p. 10

LOCAL VICTIMS FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING p. 34 STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ALICE DETERS

COPY EDITOR AUDREY CHAMPELLI

VISUAL DIRECTOR GET READY ELLA MAYS

MANAGING EDITOR TO TAKE SYLVIA GOODMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR FROM THE EDITOR NYAH MATTISON FLIGHT. DEAR READERS, ASSIGNMENT EDITORS ZAKEYA BAKER, OLIVIA BROTZGE, January shook us up. Quintin (your local TARC bus driver), and LUCY CALDERON, MATTIE TOWNSON We try to report on new topics here at some moving details about how Antonio, a LEAD WRITERS On The Record — what you need to know, child of incarcerated parents, is getting the CAMERON DANIEL, WESLEY what other sources aren’t making as acces- tools he needs to choose “sentence struc- LYNCH, KARAC MEDLEY, MELISSA SCIANIMANICO sible or applicable to Louisville youth. But tures over a sentencing.” by February, we decided that we couldn’t let This issue is the product of four months WRITERS school shootings, human trafficking, or her- time in the newsroom. Days of video edit- EUAN DUNN, YSA LEON, EVAN SHOWALTER, ALI SHACKELFORD, oin abuse ever be old news. Current events ing translated into the minutes you see on CORA KIRBY, JEDIAH HOLMAN, were making that easy enough: while Evan our website. Hours of interviews. Hundreds MADDIE CURRIE, ELLA TREINEN, Schedule your campus visit to learn more about joining and Cora were writing a story about the of discarded designs. The staff list you SKY CARROLL the Cardinal Family. uofl .me/campus-hs-visit shooting in Marshall County, another hap- see is a group of people that have worked MULTIMEDIA pened in Parkland, Florida, then another in nearly every day together over the past nine NOAH KECKLER Palmdale, California. Sky updated her story months and includes seven seniors, the final DESIGNERS after finding that the government had seized class of On the Record’s founding members. JESS MAYS, PATRICK HARPER, Backpage, a hub for online sex trafficking, on Three years ago, we seniors were fresh- LAUREN HUNTER, EVELYN WALFORD, April 6. And on Valentine’s Day, we met Keri. men applying to a staff that didn’t exist yet. MIA BREITENSTEIN Read on for a breath of fresh air. These We didn’t know how people our age would AD TEAM are the the problems you are tired of hearing respond to this publication, we didn’t know MAYA MALAWI & MAGGIE STINNETT about. Let these stories leave you more than what we were going to tell you, we didn’t even SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER just awake. Let them leave you reinvigor- have a name. We sat in front of a dry erase JEDIAH HOLMAN ated, not ready to brush aside the next news board and drafted a mission. All we knew is update. We caravanned to Washington, D.C. that we wanted to write for you, expressly ADVISER LIZ PALMER to make sure that we weren’t bringing you a you: the youth of Louisville, Kentucky. detached reader experience. Consider your- The next 45 pages are true stories. Read self in the moment. them knowing that they are all still happen- ON THE RECORD is a magazine by and for the youth of Louisville. In 2015, this Don’t be intimidated. We’ve also included ing all around you, beyond the confines of publication transitioned from the Crimson our thoughts on fanny packs, a profile of this magazine. Record, a tabloid-size school newspaper for duPont Manual High School, to a city- wide magazine that focuses on in-depth STAY SUNNY, storytelling and distributes throughout Louisville schools and businesses. Our ALICE mission is to produce quality local journalism for a Louisville audience from the important THE EDITORIAL BOARD but often overlooked youth perspective. All pages are written, edited, photographed, and designed by students. Advertising pays for our printing and production, so please contact our ad team if you would like to advertise or subscribe: [email protected]

VISIT US ONLINE: ontherecordmag.com

SEND US MAIL: ON THE RECORD, Journalism & Communication magnet, duPont Manual High NYAH SYLVIA AUDREY ELLA School, 120 W. Lee St., Louisville, KY 40208

2 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 LetterSpring/Summer from the editor 2018 ON THE RECORD 3 SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Work part-time. CONTENTS To All My Friends Who We the Minors Go to school. 6 Break the Cycle 30 When it comes to our * Y-Now helps local kids of bodies, parental guidance ! prisoners break free of the may not be necessary. Graduate DEBT-FREE prison cycle. *must meet program guidelines 10 Keeping Keri 34 Not for Sale Through the eyes of an addict, Louisville’s sex trafficking see why taking the edge off is a industry meets its biggest double-edged sword. threat – its victims.

14 The Crossroads 39 River Town Sound Intersectional thinking helps us Explore the history of understand that identity is not one Louisville’s country music size fits all. scene.

18 Behind the Wheel 42 Art vs. Artist Open the bus doors to see When an artist falls from the story behind a local TARC grace, should their art go driver. down with them?

Save the Girl, Not the Date 44 Food for Thought 20 Kentucky law now saves These local restaurants provide children from walking down dine-in quality food for a drive- the aisle. through price.

22 Shout Heard ‘Round the World 46 Back in the Groove We have thoughts and prayers. Now Today’s youth flaunt pieces youth across the nation say we need from their parents’ high action. school wardrobes.

UPS is an equal opportunity employer – race/color/religion/sex/national origin/veteran/disability/sexual orientation/gender identity ©2018 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, the UPS brandmark and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

4 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 5 PICTURE PERFECT Antonio Williamson, an 11-year-old sixth grader at Meyzeek Middle, has an adult mentor in the Y-NOW program. “He is definitely someone who takes a big role ... through Y-Now helps children of prisoners create a future outside schoolwork, sports activities, and choices throughout life,” Antonio said. Photo by Ysa Leon of the justice system. words by YSA LEON & ELLA TREINEN » design by EVELYN WALFORD

leven-year-old of incarceration by pairing kids with weekend of training in order to learn Antonio Williamson a mentor who refuses to give up on positive youth development skills felt someone place a them. Mentors are required to talk and ways of communicating with hand on his shoulder. on the phone and meet with the the middle school-aged group. They ETheE blindfold over his eyes blocked child at least once a week, whether him from any sneak peeks, but the mentee wants to or not. Even on March 19, 2017, he didn’t need if the mentee slams the door in the “They go from feeling like his sight to sense the anticipation mentor’s face, the mentor must keep ‘I’m probably on my way to around him. going to the door every week until prison, or being homeless, or Antonio turned to find the the 10-month program ends. It is friends wh source of the touch, but the strong crucial that mentors put forth the worse,’ to ‘I can make some- y o hand whisked him back into place. effort to put kids on a positive path. thing of my life.’” m His mentor-to-be then gently patted Prison Policy Initiative, a non- his arm, a sign of remorse. profit organization that exposes the -Matt Reed, Executive Director of Y-NOW to all “I got a lady!” he exclaimed. “broader harm of mass criminaliza- The hand’s owner, Eddie Coy, tion,” reports that 716 people for are provided resources such as gas laughed at this conclusion. Coy then every 100,000 are incarcerated in cards, but they are limited in the guided Antonio, who followed with- the United States, five times higher amount they can spend on the kids. out hesitation, over to the Country than most countries around the It isn’t about having sympathy for the Lake campfire. They were joined by world. The U.S. Bureau of Justice unfavorable situations these kids are James Hunt, the Y-NOW Director, Statistics data for 2015 revealed dealing with, it’s about building rela- who explained the seriousness of that Kentucky has the 11th highest tionships and accomplishing goals. cycle the ongoing commitment that lay incarceration rate, sitting at 498 Sometimes those relationships ahead. He directed the mentees to people in prison for every 100,000. present challenges. David Brennan remove their blindfolds, and Antonio These aren’t just statistics; these has been working as a mentor with was the first to do so. A smile took are people with families, some with the Y-NOW Children of Prisoners the over his face—a smile that would be young children like Antonio. Program for four years, but when he the engraved in Coy’s memory from that Kids ages 11-14 enter the was assigned to his mentee, Jordan, it day on. program with a common factor: a wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Jordan “I had a feeling that this guy parent in jail. As of 2017, 91 percent is a sixth grader who walks with an was going to change my life,” of Y-NOW alumni have stayed out of extra hop in his step and wears his Antonio said. the criminal justice system. lips pursed in a wide, closed-mouth The Y-NOW Children of Prison- “They are driven by goals and smirk. He’s quick to interrupt con- ers Program set their course for dreams and aspirations instead of versation by bellowing “NO” and use the next ten months. They would being caught up in the fact that profanity in nearly every sentence spend time together developing a their mom or dad is in prison,” said that he speaks. When he found out bond that would have the potential Reed. “Everybody in one way or Brennan was his mentor, he was to leave them forever changed. This another has said they are going to overwhelmed with indignation. man could prove to be the role mod- follow in those footsteps. So, they Remembering him talk about his el that Antonio needed to be able to go from feeling like ‘I’m prob- love for Chinese food, Brennan told choose the basketball court over a ably on my way to prison, or being Jordan that he would take him out to courtroom and sentence structures homeless, or worse,’ to ‘I can make eat. As an additional perk, he would over a sentencing. something of my life.’” allow Jordan to cuss him out. Caught According to Matt Reed, execu- The mentors come into this off-guard that he could use profan- tive director at YMCA Safe Place program from a wide variety of ity without consequences, Jordan Services of Louisville, kids like backgrounds, many of them having let out a faint snicker and agreed to Antonio with imprisoned parents are full-time jobs and families of their let Brennan take him on the atypical seven times more likely to become own. They vary in terms of gender, outing. After an hour of conversa- imprisoned themselves. The Y-NOW race, socioeconomic status, and tion, Brennan stopped talking and program strives to break the cycle origin, and must participate in a full looked Jordan in the eye.

6 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 7 “So, are you really gonna cuss “Yup,” she replied without encourages each other to accom- me out?” Brennan asked. hesitation. plish those goals. “No, man, I’m not gonna cuss David realized a compromise Cam’Ron Ayer was a kid that you out,” Jordan said. with Brooklyn was out of reach, so Reed said was “particularly special.” Three weeks later, Brennan and they transitioned into the last activ- Ayer came to the program because Jordan sat down in a classroom at ity of the night: “All My Friends.” his grandmother used to run the Safe Place Services for their first In this game, one person stands kitchen at Safe Place Services, group meeting. Brittany Bryant, in the middle of the circle and says, and he was in dire need of some the Y-NOW case manager, pulled a “To all my friends...” followed by a attention. His father is still serv- big white curtain across the room, characteristic that isn’t physical or ing time in prison for shooting at a dividing the mentees and mentors obvious. If it applies to a person, police officer. When the 10-month into two groups. On one side of they have to get up and move to a program began, Ayer was angry. He the curtain, some pairs planned new chair. got in constant fights at school and their Christmas party while the One of the mentors started in often faced suspension for skipping other group discussed their first the middle of the circle. class entirely. Before his father community service project. “To all my friends who have got- went to prison, Ayer had a good The kids’ hands shot up at the ten in trouble at school,” he said. relationship with his dad. They did mention of community service. The All 15 kids got up and moved. everything together. program offered them the options “Every day,” Jordan mumbled “So, we’re talking about a kid of volunteering at the Kentucky Hu- with a sigh. who could either be dead, homeless, DANCE BREAK Antonio Williamson mane Society, a nursing home, or a The mentors moved rather or incarcerated by now or certainly (11, Meyzeek Middle School) laughs as he dances to “Stir Fry” by the musical homeless shelter. It was time to vote. slowly, letting their mentees beat on his way to that. It’s giving me group Migos with his Y-NOW mentor, One vote for the Humane Society, them to chairs and dramatically chills to talk about it,” Reed said, Eddie Coy. The two share goofy per- sonalities and are often together. two for a homeless shelter, and five hanging their heads when they with a quiver in his voice. Photo by Ysa Leon for a nursing home. were left standing in the center Ayer’s goal was to become an Brooklyn, an 11-year-old mentee, without a seat. The next mentor artist. As a freshman in high school, figures, but these mentors cannot be Y-NOW has made major strides The subject of their conversa- ponytail sprouting from the top began to speak. he was given a section in a senior the child’s mother or father, as much in decreasing the likelihood that kids tion was eavesdropping around the of her head and still in her school “To all my friends who have a art show. Not only was his artwork as they may be tempted to step into with incarcerated parents will go to corner, equally anxious about what uniform far past the end of the family member they don’t speak to,” featured, but he won best portfolio that role. prison, but it is not stopping here. was to come. Coy turned his head school day, let out an exasperated she said. and best overall piece in the entire “When you hear about all the Reed says, as challenging as it may to see him listening in, and their sigh. She was one of the two that Only two kids remained seated. show, beating out four talented sen- things that they’ve gone through, sound, his goal is to break the cycle eyes locked. Antonio shook his voted for the homeless shelter and Games like these are examples ior artists and eight others. This was you just want to wrap your arms of incarceration in Louisville. head in disapproval, and Coy made was not happy with the results. of the many opportunities that the the same kid who rarely showed up around them, take them home, and The time had come for the his decision. After attempting to suppress her kids in the Y-NOW program have to school just three years prior. raise them and make everything go end of the program, and Coy and “I love him,” Coy said. “That’s frustration, Brooklyn realized she to open up about their past or the In a Facebook post announc- away,” Reed said. “But it’s not about Antonio were pondering what their kind of the bottom line.” needed to speak up. things going on at home. Although ing his achievements, Ayer said, “I rescuing them, it’s about helping future together would look like. For The future of Coy’s and Antonio’s “So homeless people don’t every kid’s situation is very differ- believe in my gift and plan on con- them save themselves.” some mentees, the mentor would relationship is out of view. They deserve to be loved?” she shouted, ent, they have all been stripped of tinuing my work for the rest of my It may be the girl who rarely be a facilitator for positive change, don’t know what’s next, just that cocking her head back and forth. a parent they can regularly access. life. Today, I truly understand what speaks at the lunch table or the but they may lose touch over the there’s a future that they want to A mentor placed a hand on her These aren’t conversations that kids happiness feels like.” boy who sits across the room in years. But Coy and Antonio are spend together. shoulder, but Brooklyn kept her eyes are sharing at the lunch table. Many Ayer is currently attending algebra class, or maybe it’s his different. Their trust from the start Although Coy can’t erase An- fixed on the discussion leader, Bren- feel ashamed or even guilty, as if in Western Kentucky University on best friend, but kids are dealing made it clear that they were meant tonio’s past, he can give him what nan, insistent on getting her way. some way it’s their fault. Y-NOW a full art scholarship. The Y-NOW with the effects of incarceration to be in each other’s life for longer he needs to reach a brighter future He asked Brooklyn why she was so gives them a safe place to talk or to program provided Ayer with the everywhere. While the program than the program required. Coy was than that of his parents — brighter passionate about helping the home- listen with others without the fear tools and confidence to achieve his has doubled in size over the last 18 passionate about stopping the cycle than statistics would have oth- less. She explained that she wanted of being judged or reprimanded, be- goals and make something of his months and given many children a of incarceration in Louisville and felt ers believe. The Y-NOW program to spend time with the homeless cause similar thoughts are cascading life, but the choice to be success- sense of belonging, Reed is always compelled to maintain his exclusive addresses the reality of these because they didn’t have everything through the minds of every kid. ful was one that he had to make on looking to improve. Finding kids to mentorship with his mentee. situations; it aims to lead kids, like that she had. She didn’t stop for a A safe place to talk is only one of his own. join the Y-NOW program is not the Tonda Jackson, Antonio’s grand- Antonio, away from that cycle. second to think about the fact that the offerings of the Y-NOW pro- Many of the mentors strug- issue. The problem lies in recruit- mother, questioned Coy about his After the program ends and they she didn’t have something that many gram — another is goal-setting. At gle with watching their mentees ing mentors who are willing to put plans following the program gradu- call the last name at graduation, kids her age depend on: access to their first meeting, the mentor and endure such difficult situations. The in hours of their time and make ation. She was concerned that the some mentors may move on to help both of her parents. mentee are both required to set two mentors are not allowed to tell the promises that they’ll keep. And first piece of stability Antonio had other kids through the program, but “Do you have any friends or family challenging goals for themselves. kids where they live or take them even then, Reed can’t help but ask had in a long time would be ripped Coy says he knows where he belongs that are homeless?” David asked her. Throughout the 10 months, the pair home. They act as mother and father himself, “Are we doing enough?” right from him. — and it’s right next to Antonio. «

8 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 9 THE CROSSROADS “Intersectionality” is a relatively new term people are using to discuss centuries-old oppression.

words by JEDIAH HOLMAN & ZAKEYA BAKER » design by LAUREN HUNTER

housands of people filled the steps “We are a movement that pur- a secretary. But the women’s jobs women a bad hand. Not only were crimination, until recently we have “a tendency for people of a particu- outside of the Muhammad Ali sues liberty, justice, and the pursuit were for whites only. Emma De- they facing discrimination because only deal with them separately. Of- lar religion, race, social background, TCenter waiting to hear the words of of happiness for all. We have com- Graffenreid, the plaintiff, and several of their gender, but these women ten times, however, these issues go etc., to form exclusive political Louisville’s community activists at plex inequalities, and I say to you, other black women sued the motor also had centuries of racism on hand-in-hand. As poet, civil rights alliances.” The idea that identity the 2018 Women’s March on Jan. 21. and to all of us, welcome.” company for discrimination against their backs. Until recently, people and social rights activist Audre politics is exclusionary and divisive As the activists spoke, the murmurs race and gender. The court eventu- perhaps haven’t thought extensively Lorde put it, “There is no such thing gives it a negative connotation, but of the crowd faded to silence. The THE ORIGIN OF ally threw out the case, because the about the concept behind inter- as a single-issue struggle, because the alternative is delegitimizing the only things the audience heard were INTERSECTIONALITY motor company had evidence that sectionality: that discrimination we do not live single-issue lives.” importance of identity and regard- the echo of the microphone and the Intersectionality describes those they hired both women and black can affect people from different ing the American public as a more message of unity. people who are standing at a men. The company failed to take directions. Consequently, the idea SO WHY IS INTERSECTIONALITY “I’m proud to stand in front of crossroads, at an “intersection” of responsibility for leaving out those of intersectionality for a long time IMPORTANT? you as an intersectional feminist, marginalized or oppressed identi- people right in the middle: black didn’t have a name and was difficult Intersectionality is based on the idea a clear woman of color, an Afro- ties. Not only does intersectionality women. The courts ruled that com- to validate. people can identify with “overlap- When there’s no name for a problem, you Carribean, a refugee, and a woman help individuals define themselves, bining race and gender claims was “When there’s no name for a ping oppression,” so it’s a personal can’t see a problem. When you can’t see a who found her roots in Appalachia,” but it also gives exploited groups the not permissible. As a black woman problem, you can’t see a problem. thing. It’s important, because it problem, you can’t solve it. Marta Miranda-Straub, former chance to support one another. herself, Crenshaw connected with When you can’t see a problem, you helps people understand their own - Kimberlé Crenshaw president of the Center for Women Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, DeGraffenreid’s struggle and real- can’t solve it,” Crenshaw said. backgrounds and the backgrounds and Families, said to the crowd a Harvard Law graduate and civil ized that she needed to take action. The bottom line is that when a of those around them. Intersection- members whom she described as rights activist, coined the term in Thus, the term “intersectionality” problem has a name, people can more ality is not picking one struggle over homogenous group of individuals. It her brothers and sisters. “We stand her 1989 essay “Demarginalizing was born. easily identify it as something that the other. It’s not saying one voice might be easy to label the “intersec- in the ground of our history. And the Intersection of Race and Sex: According to a TED Talk Cren- needs to be fixed. For years, intersec- is louder than the other. And it’s not tionality” movement negatively, be- our history is one of immigration, A Black Feminist Critique of Anti- shaw gave in 2016, she began to use tional people didn’t have a buzzword allowing the world to tell you that cause it is, in a way, identity politics and genocide, and slavery, and a discrimination Doctrine, Feminist the term intersectionality “to deal to describe their daily struggles. The you have to choose who you must on steroids. Intersectionality allows thirst for freedom for all.” Theory and Antiracist Politics.” She with the fact that many of our social trans community is similarly familiar be. Intersectionality is being both people to more completely define As she spoke, one hand gripped wrote the essay after hearing about justice problems, like racism and with being titleless. Four decades ago, black and LGBTQ, or both Jewish themselves. But keep in mind that the microphone as the other pointed several employment-discrimination sexism, are often overlapping, creat- identifying with a different gender and a woman. It is white men who intersectionality also encourages high into the sky. Miranda-Straub’s lawsuits, specifically one against ing multiple levels of social injustice.” was foreign to many people. But since face marginalization from practic- marginalized groups to interact with emotionally-charged words grabbed General Motors. Crenshaw originally used the the late 20th century, the community ing a minority religion and being one another in trying to understand everyone’s attention. She delivered Applying for a job at General term exclusively for black women has achieved recognition and, as a mentally disabled. the unique perspectives of each of her take on intersectionality to the Motors in 1976 meant applying for a and the struggles they face with result, gained more support. You may have heard the term their members. Intersectionality also crowd; now it was their turn to learn job suitable for men on the factory inclusion, recognition, and support. Even though we talk about issues “identity politics” in the news re- provides everyone with a more exact the term and use it to make change. floor or a job suitable for women as She noted that society dealt black like racism, homophobia, and dis- cently. It’s a phrase used to refer to way of understanding the commu-

14 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 15 nity around them. For the first time, that’s through religion, whether A couple months after being we all have the language necessary that’s through ethnic origin.” officially established, the board held to support the distinct needs of However, women have a rough their own “Intersectionality Night” distinct people. history when it comes to backing on Dec. 8. The event showcased the But what if you don’t consider one another. Historically, women of many cultures of duPont Manual’s yourself intersectional? color have supported white feminist student population through a What if their problems aren’t the movements without recieving the variety of cultural presentations, same as your problems? same support back when fighting for food, and games. The night set the Instead of waiting until oppres- racial justice. If there had been a joint tone for the board’s future, includ- sion affects you, it’s important to keep effort between these groups for the ing their goal of achieving solidar- in mind now that oppression almost past 100 years, we might be in a very ity with everyone who is involved. certainly affects some of the people different place today in terms of gen- The board had their second event you care about: your family members, der equality and women’s rights. At in the form of a seminar on April a time when the amount of hate, the 22 which included several present- singling out of specific groups, and ers from both Fairdale High School the division among the people has and Shawnee High School Magnet There is no such thing as a single- become so prominent, we as a nation Career Academy discussing the way issue struggle because we do not are in need of unity. their struggles intertwine. live single-issue lives. “We’re coming together,” said INTERSECTIONALITY’S REACH Sarah Korssa, BSU’s secretary of - Audre Lorde Today, some students have taken public relations. “Everyone doesn’t initiative by creating intersectional- have to be at the opposite ends of a ity clubs and hosting intersectional- crossroad and standing by them- your friends, your classmates. ity events. At duPont Manual High selves when we have crossroads for “I’m an Indian Christian, then I’m School, the students created an a reason … we’re all connected.” gay, then we’re all from Kentucky. intersectionality board made up of Intersectionality, although com- It’s a lot of different layers you have representatives from Girl Up, the plex, is a new start for those looking to go through,” said Abey Philip, Black Student Union (BSU), Refugee to define themselves, a modern an 18-year-old senior at duPont and Immigrant Support Initiative attempt at a solution for century- Manual High School. (RISI), Gay Straight Transgender old issues. What it does give us is a Philip is more than his ethnic- Alliance (GSTA), and more. They frame of reference. ity, more than his sexual orientation, realized the important role a board “You tell me intersectionality more than his religion. He’s also more could serve supporting marginalized is not the lay of the land. It is who than the sum of those separate iden- groups in the political climate of the we are. We are black. We are able. tities. When we think of people in the 2016 presidential election. We are temporarily able. We’re old. LGBTQ community, we might picture “In some way, it’s kind of im- We’re white. We’re trans. We’re a multicultural group. Yet, along with portant that Trump was elected queer. We’re many, many, many knowing that people may be a part and that we are facing all of these things,” Miranda said. “None of us of multiple marginalized groups, it issues, because it brings these is- is one thing. All of us belong in is important to understand that the sues to light. It gives us a reason to many places. And we need to stand “intersection” of identities creates a assemble and try to make change in with all that we are and all that completely unique perspective. Even our community,” said Netra Rastogi, represent us.” more, those intersections are cause president of RISI. Her last words at the Louisville for unity between oppressed peoples. Rastogi stated that each board Women’s March drawled out into “It’s like when we make those member had previously worked a scream: Venn diagrams in class and there’s within the confines of their club, “Thank you for reviving the that middle section,” Philip said. but with the creation of the board spirit of a 64-year-old woman “Those intersections of our identity they’ve been able to tackle those is- who’s been in the trenches for the can bring people together, whether sues together. last 44 years.” «

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Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 17 SMILE AND WAVE Quintin Webster, TARC bus driv- er, waves at entering passengers got on the Transit Authority of “Well, yes, riders are rude on the Quintin was on his way to the school I on May 11. He’s been a bus driver River City (TARC) bus at the cor- bus all the time,” he said. “So, what do I have called my own for four years now for six years and says he loves what he does day after day. ner of White Blossom Boulevard do? I just smile.” — duPont Manual High School. Photo by Mia Breitenstein and Springhurst with only $1.75 and As we walked around what used to Webster’s son was known at Manual nowhere to go. You can’t walk down be the city’s railroad hub, now TARC for his enthusiasm and well-rounded a street in Louisville without seeing a headquarters, I found that not only is a personality, which I could clearly see he TARC pass by; nevertheless, this was friendly grin a big part of who Webster got from his dad. Hammond’s murder my first time experiencing our city’s is, but it is also one of his responsibili- not only shook the school community, public bus system. I paid my fare, noted ties as a public service worker. but it left a mark on Webster that lies the student discount I could get next For the past six years, Webster has hidden behind his charisma. time, and shuffled to an open seat in been a coach driver for TARC. Web- “Of course that was the worst day the middle of the vehicle. ster picks up routes throughout the of my life,” Webster said, “but I am The drive was unremarkable. Pas- city, meeting people from “all walks of still here and I am still standing. It is sengers came and went, all lost in the life. From the good, the bad, and even only by God’s grace and mercy that I’m sound of their headphones and the the ugly,” he said with a wink, leading still going.” green blur of trees as the bus passed us out of the historic building and them by. The cycle continued as, once towards the parked buses. again, the bus pulled to a stop. Webster’s face lit up as he dis- “Every driver’s got a story. You’re This time the clatter of a plastic cussed his work, often interrupting just hearing mine, but other bottle interrupted the routine. stories with a bubbly “I love drivin’ riders don’t know.” - Quintin Webster “Damnit!” said a woman, an over- the bus.” flowing bag of manilla folders slipping However, as much as he enjoys out of her arms. his job now, getting himself to where he We headed towards the back park- She considered her options, looking is today was anything but easy. ing lot as I allowed silence to fall over between the drink on the floor and the “I’ve worked a lot of jobs to keep us for the first time in the interview. I open bus doors. food on the table,” Webster said. “I was was reflecting, and I think he was too. “Ma’am,” the driver said. She ap- a driver for TARC 22 years ago but got Hammonds death has impacted not peared to be in her 40’s and had a laid off after two years and put into an only his father but also the teachers I sweet country twang. “You dropped unemployment program that helped see everyday — even his football coach, your pop ova’ here,” she said, pointing me get a degree. Then I worked for IBM who I now call Principal Mayes. I was to the lime green bottle sloshing at — but again got laid off.” shocked by the connection to my own her feet. A lot has changed since Webster community and startled by the realiza- “My God,” the woman huffed as drove for TARC two decades ago. tion of every time that I — and many she left the bottle behind and took Although TARC offers great opportu- of you — had overlooked the person a conscious step towards the exit. nities to transport teens from work behind the job. “Can’t you see my hands are clearly to school and everything in between, “Every driver’s got a story. You’re full?” she said. “You can pick it up.” its accessibility is now in jeopardy. In just hearing mine, but other riders The bus driver remained com- May, the Courier Journal discussed don’t know. Some of them treat us like posed, retrieved the bottle, and con- how driver shortages have caused we have no story, even though I always tinued to drive. considerable delays in the Louisville try to be kind and professional,” Her professionalism and poise bus system, resulting in both frus- Webster said. BEHINDBEHINDTHE hinted to me that this was not the trated riders and drivers. The nearly He walked us back towards Union first time she had been left to clean 40 driver vacancies have left riders Station as the interview drew to a up a rider’s mess. This made me waiting hours for buses, causing them close. I shook his hand, thanking the wonder; who is this person when she to be late for work, appointments, and college graduate, the father, the driver, leaves the bus? Who is this person other obligations. This city depends the man behind the thankless job. He greets youWHEEL with a smile, but do you know his name? on its drivers. As a bus rider, a student, and a when she is not picking up a woman’s garbage, or begging riders to pay As we continued to walk the Louisville teen, it is crucial to treat their fare, or doing a thankless job perimeter of the parking lot, Webster those who provide us with a service with a smile on her face? revealed that his struggles with unem- as people. Every driver, every person, Later, I was reminded of ployment were the least of his worries. has a story and now I’ve heard Web- words by MELISSA SCIANIMANICO » design by LAUREN HUNTER this incident when I sat down to Twenty-one years ago, Webster lost ster’s. I still don’t know that woman talk with TARC bus driver Quintin his 15-year-old son, Quintin Hammond, who drove me last week, but I don’t Webster at Louisville’s historic when two men attempting to rob need to hear her story to know that Union Station. Quintin of his shoes shot him instead. she has one. «

18 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 19 MARITAL MISERY onna Pollard’s love story at Survivor’s Corner, an organization of child marriage, with 73 child At age 16, Donna Pollard smiles on her age 14 didn’t involve hold- that is solely dedicated to giving a weddings out of every 10,000 wedding day. Now 34 and divorced, she feels no other girl should have to go ing hands or meeting in the voice to survivors of sexual assault, weddings. The other two states through what she did, so she founded school hallway to say a few exploitation, and abuse while also are Idaho and West Virginia, and the Survivor’s Corner. This is the only photo she has from her wedding day. words before class. Her love story giving them the resources they both have large rural and poor Photo illustration by Mia Breitenstein Dbegan in a behavioral help facil- need to heal gave her the platform communities. Residents in these ity. Instead of being the 16-year-old she needed to speak out against the areas might not have had access to crush with dreamy eyes, he was her practice that had traumatized and comprehensive sex education that 29-year-old mental health technician. demeaned her. focuses on safe and protected sex, “He would do things like position At the beginning of summer depending on their school district’s himself really close to me when I was 2017, Pollard teamed up with Sen. guidelines on sex education. This in line getting lunch, or he would Julie Raque Adams to write Senate lack of education can lead to make sure he was always there when Bill 48, proposing to change the legal unexpected pregnancies, which in I went to the gym,” Pollard said in an marriage age. Previous legislation turn, may push a girl to marry and On the Record interview. had allowed those 16 or 17 to marry start a family before she’s ready. The romance developed with a parent’s permission and when the man began to slip love individuals under 16 to marry with a letters under her door. Loving the judge’s approval if one of the parties “He would build me up and attention, Pollard fell for the older were pregnant. In Senate Bill 48, man hard, commending herself for Pollard and Adams set the legal age make me feel like I was too being mature enough to flirt with a for marriage at 18 with a judge’s mature for the high school I man 15 years older than her. approval for marriage if one party is After she left the facility, her 17. The bill also requires a 17-year old was going to.” mother approved of the relationship, applying for marriage to have a GED, Donna Pollard being fully aware of the age evidence of having a job for at least difference. The two would go on three months, and at most a four dates on the weekends and he would year age difference with the person However, early pregnancy is stay overnight at her house from they’re marrying. not the only reason child marriages time to time. But the relationship “We really tightened the are common in rural and poor became more intense and her love exceptions up,” Pollard said, communities. Many of these areas life began to pull her away from her “Because if we’re going to have have roots in various religious high school education. exceptions, we need to make them practices that see child marriage “He would build me up and as protective as possible.” as an ongoing tradition and an make me feel like I was too mature On March 29, Governor Matt acceptable custom. But in Pollard’s for the high school I was going to,” Bevin signed off on Senate Bill case, it was her ex-husband’s Pollard said. 48. The new law has absolutely manipulation that led her to believe Pollard’s mother agreed to the no tolerance for the marriage of child marriage was normal. marriage with one catch — she had individuals under 17. Pollard, Sen. Julie Raque Adams, to finish her sophomore year of Prior to that time, child marriage and other senators supporting the high school. She was also supposed had long been practiced somewhat bill were elated and relieved to hear to stay with her mother until the under the radar. According to a that it had been passed. Governor end of the year, but events took an 2017 study by PBS, between the Bevin’s quick signing of the bill unexpected turn. What was once years 2000 and 2015 at least 207,459 encouraged Pollard to keep fighting love letters and phone calls turned individuals under the age of 18 were for the marriage age to eventually into him throwing her stuff out of legally married in the United States. have no exceptions under 18 in her mother’s house, confirming his To put it in perspective, if someone Kentucky and other states in the controlling nature. He then coerced had a dollar for every child who United States. her into disobeying her mother’s one married as a minor, they could buy a “No matter what you have been save the girl rule and they moved to Indiana. three bedroom, two bathroom house through, it is absolutely possible save the girl in the suburbs. And the marriage was all to rise above it and reframe the perfectly legal. While child marriage in experience into something that not the date Donna Pollard, now 34 and Kentucky was not a hot topic until is protective for other people,” divorced, helped put an end to recently, we were one of the top Pollard said. Kentucky makes strides to keep kids off the altar. that practice. She founded the three states for the highest rates And rise she did. « words by WESLEY LYNCH » design by MIA BREITENSTEIN

20 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 21 Students take charge in the worldwide shout for gun reform in the United States.

words by EVAN SHOWALTER & CORA KIRBY » design by JESS MAYS

e was sitting in his office when he got the phone call. “We’ve got one down,” she HHsaid. “Maybe more.” Trent Lovett, the superintendent of Marshall County schools, hung up the phone and ran to his car. Marshall County High School’s new principal, Patricia Greer, hadn’t given him any specifics over the phone, but his mind went immediately to his freshman daughter who was inside the school. He rushed down about a quarter mile of backroads to get to the school. When he arrived, students were swarming out of the doors. But it wasn’t loud. It was eerily silent. Survivors of the shooting recall that they were too focused on getting out of the cha- otic building alive to scream. Lovett entered the building through the gym. He was met SHOUT with a living nightmare. heard 'round the It was carnage. Some students were lying on the floor completely still; others were moving. People were trying to help those on the floor that were still alive. After seeing that the injured students were being cared for, Lovett immediately asked where the shooter was. In the middle of all the mayhem and disorder, Lovett found a bat poking out of a baseball player’s discarded backpack; he grabbed it and edged down the long, narrow hallway with nothing else to protect himself from flying lead. All he cared about was pro- tecting the students. “When you’ve been in education for a long time, they’re your own kids. That’s why we try to take care of them best we can,” Lovett said. That sense of responsibility was what mo- WORLD tivated him to walk for what seemed like an eternity down the vacant halls. Fortunately, he never saw the shooter, who had killed two students and injured a dozen more.

22 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 23 This incident at Marshall involved in the Never Again move- In the replies on teenage gun- students around the country took as understanding. According to the point of view and then, about two County High School sounds like a ment were surprised by how quickly reform activists’ social media ac- things into their own hands. Courier Journal, over 100 students minutes into her speech: silence. “Fight for scene from a horror movie, but it the movement gained popularity. counts, adults have called students The teenagers in Parkland walked out and took a detention. She stopped talking and stared your lives is neither fiction nor a rare event. “One minute I was crying about crisis actors or claimed that they're inspired a rise in youth protests All these actions strengthened the into the crowd. We felt awkward, before it’s We are growing up in an era when my friend in the hospital and the too young to know what they’re talk- against gun violence, and it didn’t cause, but the biggest symbol of unsure of what to do as we stared mass shootings are normal. Seeing next minute ‘Never Again’ was this ing about, but that hasn’t stopped take long for students across the unity occurred March 24. into González’s piercing eyes on someone an alert pop up on our phones of big thing,” Rain Valladares, a 17-year- students from talking. country to start planning protests of The Parkland students used their the jumbotron. else’s job.” yet another mass shooting is be- old Parkland student and yearbook These student voices are what their own. Teenagers in Washington following to promote the March for The only noise was the sound of coming normal. photographer, said in a Skype inter- brought attention to “red flag” laws. DC, for example, held a ‘lie-in’ out- Our Lives in Washington D.C. on ambulances, nature, and helicopters Emma González We go to school expecting to view with On the Record on March 7. Many states have already passed side of the White House on Presi- March 24 to demand gun reform. far away; the only breaks in the hush learn and expecting to be safe. We And that’s an understatement. laws that allow judges to take guns dents’ Day in order to advocate for Anywhere from 200,000 to 800,000 were various marchers’ short-lived show up every day, go through our At 1.6 million followers, Emma from people whom they deem stricter gun control. The Women’s people were estimated to have at- attempts to start chants. daily routines, move from class to González, one of the Never Again dangerous. Not even a month had March also organized a nationwide tended. chants of "Vote them out", Finally, she spoke. class, and plan on walking out the movement’s leaders, now has more passed since the MSD shooting be- school walkout on March 14 to show "No more", and "Never Again" spo- “Since the time I came out here, "We’ve got doors when the bell rings. Now we than twice as many followers as the fore Florida legislators passed a bill unity and solidarity with the Park- radically burst out in the crowd and it has been six minutes and 20 sec- one down," imagine that one day that routine is National Rifle Association (NRA). that outlawed bump stocks, raised land students. The walkout attracted followed like a wave until they either onds,” she said, and a wave of reali- the principal interrupted by the sounds of gun- But with a larger following comes the legal age to own a gun to 21, and participants all over the country, and died out or grew louder. zation washed over the crowd. “The shots echoing through the halls. a greater pool of critics. And no one added a three day waiting period for JCPS was no exception. The streets around the march shooter has ceased shooting and will at Marshall There have been 20 school knows this better than victims of most gun purchases. Outside Fern Creek High School, were a sea of people and signs. soon abandon his rifle, blend in with County High shootings in 2018 according to school shootings themselves. But it’s not just representatives students huddled together. The The participants were unified, with the crowd as they escape, and walk School said. CNN’s data compilation, which cov- That is part of the reason why who are feeling the pressure from movement hit close to home as virtually no NRA or pro-gun signs free for an hour before arrest.” "Maybe ered kindergarten through college- we as On the Record reporters made students’ international audience. students remembered a shooting in sight. Six minutes and 20 seconds level shootings in which at least one the journey to Washington D.C. for Large corporations like Walmart, that occured at the school in 2014 The march officially started at doesn’t sound like a long time, but more." person other than the shooter was the March for Our Lives. We were Dicks Sporting Goods, and L.L. Bean when one student shot and injured noon — despite the rallying starting González had shown the crowd just shot. The data set includes domestic there as students and as journal- — to name a few — have raised the another. At duPont Manual, about four hours beforehand — and fea- how painfully long it could last. She and gang violence and accidental ists, not just to cover the march, but minimum gun-purchase age to 21 in 1,000 students had administra- tured speeches from MSD survivors left us with a haunting call to ac- firearm shots. also to honor the victims of Marshall their stores. tion support as they walked out and performances by Miley Cyrus, tion: “Fight for your lives before it’s The Marshall County High School County and MSD. Corporations, states, and schools and stood in absolute silence for Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and someone else’s job.” shooting happened in our own state It was two days before we headed are making changes, but there hasn’t 18 minutes — a minute for each of other powerful public figures. The crowd went wild. The — closer to home than most — but to the march that Mollie Davis, an been much word from our president. the Parkland shooting victims and Then, at around 2:00 p.m., the journalists in us wanted to remain we weren’t even out of the drafting 18-year-old senior at Great Mills In the days following the one more for the students killed at final speaker took to the stage. quiet and observe unbiased, but stage of this story before an even High School in Great Mills, Maryland, Marjory Stoneman Douglas shoot- Marshall County. At North Oldham González described the Park- the student in all of us burst out as deadlier event occurred. experienced a school shooting. Great ing, President Donald Trump sent High School, administration wasn’t land shooting from the students’ we cheered with them. A unique On February 14, a former student Mills is only an hour away from D.C. prayers and condolences to the killed 17 people and injured over a We found Davis after she began live survivors and the victims’ families dozen more at Marjory Stoneman tweeting updates once a student in tweets. He took a more explicit Douglas High School (MSD) in Park- opened fire at the beginning of the stance later in the month, tweet- land, Florida. school day on March 20. The night ing about arming teachers and his The suspect in the Parkland we arrived in D.C., we made a point plans to urge congress to ban bump shooting used an AR-15 rifle, a of visiting her. It was just moments stocks. Since those tweets, how- weapon that’s no stranger to mass before we met Davis that national ever, Trump has been largely silent shootings. According to Time news media declared the victim to be in the gun control debate. Magazine, six of the 10 deadliest brain dead. To compound it all, we Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin’s mass shootings in the past decade found out that duPont Manual, our response after the Marshall County were committed with an AR-15-style own school, was under threat of a shooting was similar in that he of- rifle. The students in Parkland have shooting for the next day. fered his thoughts and prayers right taken to social media to ignite the “There was one person who said away and then talked about arming conversation about AR-15s and other that they doubted I was real because adults in schools in an interview on factors of the gun-control debate I have good grammar and I was able WKDZ radio a month later. in what they’ve dubbed the “Never to type complete sentences dur- This seems to be a trend after Again” movement. ing a school shooting,” Davis said. mass shootings. Politicians offer Social media has also been a “There are some people who just condolences, then they speak loose- CRISIS TWEETER Mollie Davis (18) EARLIER THAT DAY Rain Valladares (17) took source of overwhelming support aren’t letting students handle their ly on policy reform, then, eventually, faced backlash after she live-tweeted updtaes dur- Valentines' Day photos for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High ing the shooting at Great Mills High School. "There School's yearbook, Aerie, the morning of the shooting. "We were for these students and their recent grief before they jump straight into they stop talking about the issue. are always going to be terrible people on Twitter, like, 'Should we cover Valentines' Day?' and I said that I wanted gun-reform efforts. Many students attacking us.” Without action from the president, but it gets news out quick and it's also such a huge to because I don't want people to just think about this day as the platform," Davis said. Photo by Noah Keckler tragedy it was," Valladares said. Photo by Noah Keckler

24 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 25 chant arose in the crowd. “Vote Even our school, duPont Manual Lovett said that many people her in,” they chanted. It was clear: High School, is working to make think that more kinds of security in the crowd loved González. She was the environment safer as a result of schools will prevent school shoot- giving voice to us – the students, all the rise in shootings. Students must ings, but he disagrees. He thinks across the nation. wear IDs at all times and always that if a person really wants to "We got metal But, still, there is probably no carry a pass when in the halls during shoot up a school, they will find a solution that is guaranteed to both class. The Alert, Lockdown, Inform, way around the metal detectors and detectors fix the problem and please everyone. Counter, Evacuate (ALICE) drill has other barriers. words by SYLVIA GOODMAN » design by JESS MAYS and started Should we focus on protection dur- also been implemented in schools Unlike Parkland, the Marshall that as soon ing an armed threat or preventing throughout JCPS to encourage stu- County shooting had no warnings. t was March, 24, Washington, School students in Parkland, Florida Maya Angelou said, “We rise.” We as they came the attack before it happens? dents disarm a shooter and evacuate According to Lovett, the shooter DC. I stood in solidarity with and with the Marshall County High must not and will not allow naysay- Schools across the nation rather than hide in place and wait showed no signs or symptoms IIhundreds of thousands of other School students in Benton, Ken- ers to beat us down with flawed in. Anything are testing different solutions, for the “all clear.” socially or behaviorally of being a teenagers and adults. We marched tucky — less than a three hour drive accusations and hurtful words. we can do as because hiding in the corner and Students aren’t the only stake- potential school shooter. No com- for what we believed and for what from Louisville. Our school district To students: As Mark Twain administrators turning off the lights simply does holders though. In February, the plaints or worries. The shooting we deserved. We marched to defend understood something that many wisely said, “Never argue with stu- to make our not work. Nine out of every 10 Kentucky senate proposed a bill that happened out of nowhere. the lives of our classmates and the others did not: students are not to pid people. They will drag you down public schools now have shooting would allow schools to arm some The horrifying truth is that it students feel lives of children across our country be underestimated. and beat you with experience.” drills, according to the National trained staff members. The idea of could happen to any school. We who could not speak for themselves, History is on our side too. When you see a tweet that calls safe." Center for Educational Statistics. arming teachers has been circulating always think it will never happen weighed down by crippling poverty “Children,” as we are often called, us “empty-headed kids” or calls Trent Lovett Beyond that, school districts are in school districts all over the country, to us. and oppressive circumstances. have been the driving force behind our crusade an excuse to get out Superintendent of coming up with their own ideas but there’s one group of people who “We were always like, ‘Why are Marshall County schools High school students have many of the most important social of school, I ask that you not prove for preventing guns from entering are particularly opposed: teachers. we upping drills? Who cares? This reinvigorated the fight for common movements over the past century— them right by sinking to their level. school buildings at all. In Park- According to a Gallup poll from is Parkland. We’re a safe place.’ sense gun reform. both in this country and around Instead, let our actions speak for land, for example, students now March 5 through March 12, 73% of but it is serious,” Valladares said. As I sit here now, I still believe we the world. themselves. Prove them wrong by have to wear clear backpacks. And, teachers are against being armed. “They always say it could be you, can change the world. The Birmingham Children’s voting corrupt politicians out of of- in Marshall County, the school If teachers have guns, some it could happen to you, but it can And yet there are still oppres- Crusade of 1963 inspired peaceful fice. Prove them wrong by marching implemented metal detectors and believe that the chances of a school and I hate the fact that I had to go sors. When I write oppressors, I do protests throughout the Civil Rights peacefully as students have for gen- backpack checks. shooting will decrease, but the idea through that to realize it.” not mean opponents to gun reform Movement. The end of the war and erations. Draw back and look at the “Anything we can do as admin- also raises a lot of questions: Where We are writing this paragraph or politicians who refuse to take publication of the Pentagon Papers long term. I’m confident that his- istrators to make our students feel would teachers keep their guns? How on May 11 and, this morning, at a stance; I mean the people who has more than justified student tory will forget the petty remarks of safe, that’s what we want to do,” would schools pay for them? What 7 a.m., there was another school deny students’ right to hold these action against the Vietnam War. insignificant cynics and will record Lovett said. training would teachers receive? All shooting at Highland High School protests, these walkouts, these ral- Abroad, student groups sparked the our actions in their place. JCPS responded by sending mul- these questions aside, there’s no reli- in Palmdale, California. The earlier lies. I mean the people who would Tiananmen Square protest in China. To adults: Many of you are tiple letters home describing security able evidence to suggest that any of CNN statistic is no longer accu- suppress my speech and the speech The Velvet Revolution, consisting already supportive of the students measures. Teachers and staff also the potential methods of protection rate. There have no longer been of students like me. primarily of student demonstrations, in this country. As I looked around had discussions about safety con- ­— be it armed teachers, metal detec- 20 school shootings in 2018. There These oppressors, such as the led to the dissolution of one-party during the March for our Lives, I cerns with students in order to allow tors, new legislation, better mental have been 21. Now, the question administration at Greenbrier High communist rule in Czechoslova- was astonished by the turnout of students to talk about their feelings health resources, etc. — would actu- is how do we stop it? How do we in Arkansas who punished protest- kia. Student protests on American older generations. However, many surrounding the recent tragedies. ally prevent tragedy. make sure it never happens again? « ing students with either corporal campuses contributed significantly of you have remained silent while punishment or suspension, call our to the divestment of South African the person next to you belittles our attempts to be politically active apartheid, or government-enforced campaign and the students in it. and stand up for what we be- racial segregation. Maybe it’s your spouse who nods his In Kentucky, when police confiscate crimi- A large portion of the gun control debate sur- lieve “cutting class” or, even more Clearly students have made an or her head in agreement with the USED nals’ guns, the law dictates that they must THE rounds whether civilians should have access to egregiously, a “social event.” Such impact, and we are determined commentator on the screen. Maybe sell them back to the public at auction. automatic and semi-automatic rifles like the WEAPONS RIGHT TO statements are poorly informed once more to be on the right side it’s your child’s teacher who openly Police do this to pay for equipment, like AR-15, a model that is commonly used in school FOR SALE BEAR ARs about both the origin and attitude of history. As much as commenta- discouraged students from partici- armor, for officers. In some states the police shootings. AR-15s are appealing to shooters of this student movement. tors may depict students as igno- pating in the nationwide walkout departments can choose whether to sell or because they have a high accuracy, with a firing In Jefferson County Public rant, ill-informed, or naive, we have on March 14. Now is your chance to destroy confiscated firearms. In Kentucky, rate of about 600 per minute, and versatile at- Schools, my own district, students proven that we are aware of the stand up for students everywhere. multiple legislators have tried to pass bills tachments are available. were allowed to safely participate world around us and capable of tak- You may not agree with every- that put an end to the auctions. The current AR-15 owners can customize the gun with in the same walkouts for which ing action when others may not be. thing the #NeverAgain movement is law is controversial, because even though different barrels, clips, and stocks. Bump stocks other students were suspended or Governments and people in power calling for, but I expect every person the auctions keep these weapons in the sys- have become particularly controversial, because even paddled. Our district chose to often do not profit from student in this country to fight for everyone tem, some police departments rely on the fitting a bump stock to a semi-automatic weapon respect our desire to stand with the movements, as is the case with the else’s freedom of speech, even if the money from the sales. will allow the gun to fire as an automatic weapon. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High #NeverAgain movement. But, like speaker is a child. •

26 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 27 OPINION movements started in a white com- you’re a person of color, continue intersectional revolution. I and the munity. That was what we saw, and for fighting and utilize this momentum millions of students around this THIS IS WHAT a while, it made us feel hopeless. On to shine the light where it should’ve nation will be the generation that March 24, the MSD students restored always been. ends gun violence, racism, sexism, that hope, but it isn’t enough. We have We can end gun violence. It homophobia, poverty, and all the to continue uplifting the voices that won’t be tomorrow. It won’t be the other societal ills that plague us as LOOKS LIKE have been silenced. next day. However, change will a nation. If you’re white, check your privi- come. As David Hogg said, “This is We are #MSDStrong and per- lege and realize why your pain gets the beginning of a revolution.” This haps for the first time, we’re all DEMOCRACYThis gun reform movement is inclusive of communities the media more media attention than ours. If will be an interdisciplinary and standing together. « often forgets, but we still have a long way to go. words by guest contributer QUINTEZ BROWN » design by JESS MAYS

n March 24, I traveled with and me while we were on the road the day of the march. I was so elat- 18 student journalists from at 1:42 p.m. The nerves were real ed. I wanted to cry. At that moment, duPont Manual’s Journalism and the pressure was on me. As a I finally felt included in the move- OOand Communication magnet to be young black boy from West End ment. However, this is bigger than with hundreds of thousands of fel- Louisville, I felt the responsibility me. The opportunity was a big step low youth in our nation’s capital to to show the world that despite the for black voices all over America. say “No more!” depressing conditions we live in, we We have always been involved in Our trip began early Thursday are still fighting, and we still have this movement, and this march has morning in our school’s parking lot, hope. I felt the responsibility to let planted that fact into the minds and way before students began arriving the world know that I am fighting souls of millions of Americans. It's for class. In icy temperatures — ears for Dequante Hobbs Jr., a seven- reminded everyone that black lives freezing, bodies shaking — we met year-old whose life was tragically matter and our voices do too. local news stations who wanted cut short in May by a stray bul- Including black voices and rec- to interview us and see us off on let while he was eating cake at his ognizing black activism is far from our four-day trip to change our kitchen cable. I am fighting for an attack on the courageous, strong country. One national news crew, Savannah Walker, a University of students of Parkland. In fact, the Louisville student who was shot at a Parkland students have been com- MSNBC, came along with us in our DON'T SHOOT Teenage volunteers hand out minivans as we caravanned from concert in March when she pushed mitted to reminding America that protest signs to people walking toward the Capitol Build- ing on the morning of March 24, the March for Our Lives Louisville to D.C. her friends out of the line of fire. they are privileged and promising to in Washington, D.C. Photo by Robbie Spencer Coming from a lower socio- I am fighting for Jordan Edwards, raise other voices in this movement. economic background, being on a 15-year-old boy who was riding David Hogg, one of the most vocal national TV was an ultimate goal for home from a party in the passenger survivors, openly stated, “If this hap- me, a goal only attainable by star seat of a car when a police officer pened in a place of a lower socio- athletes. This mentality comes from shot him in the back of the head economic status or a place where a long history of the media over- with an AR-15. I am fighting for the — like a black community, no matter looking black voices. all the African American children how well those people spoke, I don't But on March 22, I changed the who, in America, have the highest think the media would cover it the narrative. I didn’t get media attention firearm mortality rate. I am 10 times same and I think it is important that for shooting a ball well or running more likely to be a victim of gun we point that out as Americans." very fast. I looked into that MSNBC homicide than a white child. This is why I love those students camera and spoke out for what I be- We all have the responsibil- and this movement. This movement lieved in. I refused to be silent on the ity to let America know that gun will be an intersectional movement. issues that impact the lives of mil- violence has been a problem for There exists an urgency of lions of Americans. I refused to fight decades, and those who are most intersectionality and inclusion. battles by myself. I joined a group of likely to be victims have been con- Imagine fighting for your life to end passionate, active journalists, and I stantly overlooked. gun violence just to be criminalized, Nyah and I handled that respon- demonized, and overlooked and then went to D.C. to march for my life. AND, WE'RE LIVE Joy Reid interviews Quin- EN ROUTE An MSNBC crew caravanned to MSNBC did a live shot interview sibility so well that MSNBC invited seeing America give empathy, sup- tez Brown (18) and Nyah Mattison (17) for MSNBC during Washington, D.C. with a group of duPont Manual High the March for Our Lives to discuss gun reform efforts in School students. They stopped at lunch to do a live with fellow senior Nyah Mattison us to an interview with Joy Reid on port, and donations to very similar underpriveleged communities. Photo by Liz Palmer interview with Quintez Brown (18). Photo by Liz Palmer

28 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 29 WE THE MINORS Lucy Kissel shows off her tattoo of flowers with and her nephews’ names. he watched the big hand tick minute by minute until the little hand Photo by Mia Breitenstein finally moved one notch to the right. It was time. She felt hesitant but SSready. She felt scared but brave. Would it hurt? Would it be worth it? Would her mother see her differently? What if it didn’t work?

Her eyes immediately darted In 2005, Kentucky law was off the clock and onto a woman My IUD amended to allow minors 16 and who was calling her name from Jones, now 17, was 16 when she older the right to be examined, the far side of the office. She got her intrauterine device (IUD), diagnosed, and treated for issues went in, took off her pants and — such as sexually-transmitted Adolescents want a form of long-term birth control. underwear, and laid down on the She spent months researching diseases, alcohol and drug abuse or their place at the bed with her legs hanging off, various forms of birth control and addiction, contraception, childbirth, spread apart. Cold, metal stirrups visiting her gynecologist to talk and pregnancy — without parental grownups’ table, but held up her feet. about what was right for her. Her consent or notification. seats are reserved Bella Jones, whose identity we mother, however, did not join the The catch is that the resulting are protecting with a pseudonym, conversation until after Jones had cost from any of the above until the age of 18. tried to focus on what the doctor already made the appointment. operations, unless vital to their was saying, but the thick clamps Jones’ mother told On the health, would fall solely on the words by OLIVIA BROTZGE in her vagina were distracting. Record that she was “sad that she minor. Legally, Jones could have & ALI SHACKLEFORD » She relaxed, not because her was losing her virginity but proud gone through her IUD process doctor told her to, but because she alone, but she wouldn’t have had design by EVELYN WALFORD & that she was thinking smart and thought it might help the pain. her family’s support to cover OLIVIA BROTZGE trying to protect herself from a “People are typically future pregnancy.” the expenses.. uncomfortable in the position you’re In any case, Jones was Luckily for Jones, her mother in, so we’ll go fast. Alright?” determined to get her IUD. eventually approved of her decision. I trust my doctor. “I value them letting me and Though she has come to terms with “Now, you might experience being supportive of it. If they her daughter’s choice, Jones’ mother some cramping and random weren’t, then I’m 16, and I can go get is not completely sold on the idea of bleeding, but if it persists then it myself,” Jones said. other minors having control over all please…” Bodily integrity is the idea that medical situations. I really wish I could put my pants each and every individual should be “You’re not developed mentally back on. able to determine what happens to or prepared to make those choices “It won’t start working for the their own body and how. This idea at a young age. Hint: why you have next week or two, so if you’re going is present to some degree in many parents,” her mother said. to have sex, make sure to…” of our legal rights. We see it in laws Jones’ mother isn’t the only I have a high pain tolerance, but that make sure that adults are a one who believes this, and the Lindsay said she passed out. What if part of the conversation at their idea that minors do not have the I pass out? doctor appointments, that adults maturity to make difficult, long- “Ok. It’s going to hurt kind of like consent before they go into surgery, term decisions is not without merit. a really bad period cramp so just...” and that adults can pierce and ink Brain development isn’t always I’ve never had a bad period their skin. However, as far as state finished by the age of 18. In fact, cramp. and federal laws are concerned, research by the Massachusetts “Relax.” absolute bodily integrity starts Institute of Technology’s Young Just relax. at age 18. This makes it possible Adult Development Project indicates “1… 2… 3… ” for adults to override children’s that the brain can take as long as Finally. intentions for their own bodies. 25 years to reach full maturity. This

30 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 31 is the same reason why 18-year- because it was a memorial piece and nym, was nine years old, In the beginning, according to “By the time kids are 15 or 16, advantage of law on her side. Lucy, olds are not allowed to rent a car the design was something she laid down in the middle of Thomas, she went to appointments they know the difference between however, still had to ask permission without a surcharge or they liked: not too big, not too oncoming traffic. with her mom, who claimed that her right and wrong, and they’re able from her parents to get her tattoo. drink alcohol. But it can also create gaudy, just flowers. Until she was 14, she had treatment was a success, even to make those kind of choices for And Thomas, despite the backing of the misconception that it takes 25 Lucy’s mother accompanied trusted her mother’s explanation if Thomas felt the medicines were themselves,” Lucy said. Kentucky law, continues to struggle years for every person to develop her to the tattoo parlor, signed the that it was just in her head and not working. Thomas recalls that Research done by Debbie to get proper treatment. Though maturity and self-restraint. consent form, and sat in the room she could get over everything if several times it took two to three Schachter, a Professor in the laws now allow for more bodily This isn’t entirely true. throughout the process. These she stopped being so sad. Now, months to switch medications Psychiatry Department and integrity, their current state still In a 2016 article for the medical measures of parental consent Thomas knows that she has because of her mother’s claims that Bioethics Centre at the University favors adults. journal “Asian Bioethics Review,” exist to curb minors’ perceived attention deficit/hyperactivity she was getting better. of Toronto, seems to back Lucy’s The future of legislation, Rebecca Babcock, a psychlogy irresponsible tendencies and to disorder (ADHD), general anxiety At 14, Thomas spent a lot of opinion. Schachter hosted a though, is up to you. professor at Stonehill College, found make up for their lack of brain disorder, social anxiety, obsessive time trying to convince her mother behavioral study where researchers Because that changes in the brain occur at development — brain development compulsive personality disorder to let her talk with a therapist told minors (ages 12-16) and parents minors are Changes in the brain occur different rates for different people. In that adults already have. (OCPD), and clinical depression. about how she was feeling. Even about an ADHD treatment so they not eligible to other words, there is no blanket age What if Lucy had made a “At first, I accepted the answer today, five months from 18, getting could decide on their own whether vote, we can’t at different rates for of maturity that applies to everyone. snap decision to get the tattoo of ‘you’re imagining it’ because she’s treatment for her mental health is or not the child would take it. The change or different people. In other after seeing a drawing of it on my mom, you know?” Thomas said. hard. Although Kentucky law states study found that children did just support current words, there is no blanket My Ink Instagram? What if she had But until she discovered that what physicians may provide outpatient as well as their parents when tested policy by giving regretted it soon after? she was feeling not only had a name mental health counseling to children for understanding. So the question representatives age of maturity that applies Lucy Kissel dreamed of getting But just as age doesn’t prevent but a neurological explanation, she 16 or older without the consent remains: If teenagers are just as our ballots. a tattoo of two red flowers to children from making good felt hopeless. of a parent or guardian, Thomas’ capable of comprehending medical However, we can to everyone. memorialize her nephews that had decisions, it doesn’t necessarily “I knew the extent of how much current psychiatrist refuses to see information as their parents, then take political recently passed away, but there was exempt adults from make I was hurting but no one was letting any patient under 18 without one why are they not allowed to make action in other something stopping her. Lucy was irresponsible ones, either. After all, me do anything about it,” she said. present. The requirement of parental decisions for their own bodies? ways, such as campaigning for 17 — a year away from being able to teenagers aren’t the only ones who Thomas feels as though her involvement in these situations representatives or putting pressure get tattoos without the consent of a get questionable tattoos. mother is ashamed of all of her raises the problem of parents who My Voice on elected officials through phone parent. When she asked her parents, mental issues and sees them are not present in their children’s calls and emails. These actions have they were hesitant to let her get the My Meds as a self-reflection or an evaluation lives and who may not have their The cases of Bella Jones, Lucy Kis- the potential to allow every child to ink and waited a month to give her of her parenting. She believes best interests in mind, situations that sel, and Sarah Thomas only em- help make responsible choices for their final decision. They agreed When Sarah Thomas, whose identity her mom is in denial of having could potentially bar a child from phasize the ambiguity of adoles- their future. No matter our age, we to let Lucy get the tattoo, but only we are protecting with a pseudo- a “sad daughter.” receiving the help they need. cent autonomy laws. Bella had the still have the right to speak. « RATED The older you get, the more rights you have! Happy birthday! 16 14 Drive 17 Enlist in army 21 Consent Donate blood R Work to sex R Drink alcohol

Get birth control Vote Skydive Sext Get a pregnancy test Tattoo Marriage Gamble Buy emergency contraception Abortion Buy a gun Lottery 0 Tested for STIs Sue Piercings Legally an adult Buy condoms 18 Drop out of school Buy nicotine products

32 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 33 not for

SALELouisville’s sex trafficking industry meets its biggest threat — its victims.

words by MATTIE TOWNSON & SKY CARROLL design by SKY CARROLL & MIA BREITENSTEIN

e were waiting “That’s the hope house. That’s Renfro recounts how she was gradu- where I need to be.” ally groomed into forced prostitu- on a porch in The man immediately grabbed tion as a girl, starting at age nine. southern Lou- her hand and ushered her away. Her first pimp gave her the name After this all unfolded, Angela Kristy Love, hence the name of her isville to interview some- W Renfro, the Executive Director of organization. She was sex trafficked one for this story when it the Kristy Love Foundation, ensured from Ohio to Georgia until age 29; that we — including the women from she was forced to have sex with actually unfolded before the van — were inside the house multiple men per day and kept in our eyes. before saying, “That man out there, chains at night. that was a pimp.” “One of my prayers was that if I On the sidewalk nearby, a man And she should know — she’s ever got out of that lifestyle, I would that appeared to be in his thirties been through it all before. Angela provide a safe place where girls shouted at a woman walking next to Renfro is a survivor of sex traffick- could come and live with me,” him. With eyes on the ground, she ing, not a victim. She makes the Renfro said. asked him to lower his voice. As if on difference clear to the women she In 2011, she did. The Kristy Love cue, a van pulled up and half a dozen harbors : “Once you walk through Foundation is a house in Louisville women spilled out, hauling grocer- my door, you are no longer a victim. that provides a safe home for traf- ies to the back of their house — the You are a survivor.” ficked women. It provides the girls Kristy Love House. At a young age, Renfro was sexu- with food, medical treatment, and — OUT OF STOCK Angela Renfro, founder of the Kristy The woman raised her head to ally assaulted and raped numerous most needed — emotional support. Love Foundation, uses her experiences admire the women walking into the times by family members and people Human trafficking is the exploi- to empower other survivors of sex trafficking. back door of the house. in her home state of Ohio. Now 49, tation of a person through force, Photo by Mia Breitenstein

34 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 35 fraud or coercion. It’s modern day In the past decade, there has fall of Louisville sex trafficking on the guy to me and then straight to Her pimp forced her to sell In 2017, Jeff Sessions introduced slavery, and can take the form of sex been a monumental shift from Backpage during different parts of my pimp, which is exactly what he drugs and sex all over the city, but a law to the United States that as- trafficking, forced labor, and people being sold off the streets to the year. The class found that at the wanted,” Eaton told us. mostly in hotels in the East End. She serts that people who are convicted domestic servitude. the online market. Technology has time of big events in the city, like the A common tactic among pimps is recalled one situation in which she of condoning or supporting sex traf- According to the National Hu- made it extremely easy and quick for Derby, the rate of trafficking and the to force the trafficked women to use wasn’t comfortable with a buyer’s ficking by purchasing or supervising man Trafficking Hotline, in 2017 just about anyone to buy sex from a number of women on the drugs, which can lead to addiction request, so she refused. Following must be added to the sex offender there were 8,524 cases of human trafficked person. site went up. that makes it harder for the women her “disobedience,” she faced the list. Step by step, people are trying trafficking reported in the United Backpage and Craigslist, web- Hayden and her students found to escape. This makes the victims consequence of a beating to change the ways that people look States. Of those people, about sites that are traditionally used to that the highest number of ads were feel trapped or stuck with the pimp, from her pimp. at victims of human trafficking. 7,000 were female, about 1,100 were buy and sell goods online, began to put onto the website in February at because if they tried to run away, “You do what the customers ask male, and 80 were gender minori- sell something much more serious. the end of college basketball season. they wouldn’t have access to the you to do and that’s the end of that,” ties. Approximately 5,300 victims Craigslist officially suspended its At that time, there was an average of drugs that satisfy their addictions. Eaton said. were adults and almost 3,000 were “adult services” page in 2010, caus- 50 ads per day. Eaton’s pimp supplied her drugs In 2013, Kentucky law changed “You do what the customers minors. These numbers are the only ing much of the industry to shift to When more people come into while she was working for him. This to provide safe harbor to victims of ask you to do and that’s the available demographics. Backpage. After facing several law- town, there is bound to be a higher kept her close to him and made it human trafficking who have com- Trafficking is not a niche prob- suits from victims trafficked through crime rate. But what Hayden and harder for her to escape. She said mitted crimes while being trafficked. end of that.” lem; perpetrators and victims are Backpage, the website refused to many other researchers found is that if she had not been been caught It does not hold victims criminally -Jessie Eaton, sex trafficking survivor found among all demographics. change any of their rules and regula- that, more specifically, when more by the police, she may not have got- liable crimes they were forced to Being young, we had convinced our- tions surrounding their so-called people of power come into town, the ten out. If she would’ve tried to get commit, including stealing, illegal selves that human trafficking only “dating” tab, which was a cover for sex trafficking rate goes up. out, her escape wouldn’t have been drug abuse and others. The Human Despite the changes in legis- happens in poverty-stricken areas. sex trafficking. On Backpage, women According to Renfro, the rate without a fight. Trafficking Victims Rights Act was lation, many victims of sex traf- We never expected it to take place were pictured next to pimps’ phone of sex trafficking also gradually “I probably would’ve got locked the first step to decriminalizing the ficking are still legally treated as in Louisville, let alone two miles numbers, often nude or wearing increases during the winter months, in somewhere or beat up. I’m not victims of human trafficking and prostitutes. Eaton’s pimp repeat- from our houses. Hotels are major very little clothing. After clicking the due to homelessness combined really sure. He always carried a gun,” seeks to punish those purchasing edly sold her to men, and her body hot spots for sex trafficking. Accord- link to the “dating” tab, you would with harsh weather. Going into the Eaton said. the sex or labor. became an object. When police ing to Jessie Eaton, a sex trafficking have been alerted with a disclaimer sex trade can help pay for rent and arrested her at a Days Inn on Hurs- survivor, hotels along Hurstbourne explaining that the page would food on the table. Other women are tbourne Parkway, she faced similar Parkway are the center of the sex contain adult content and that if you tricked into the industry, unaware of charges as her perpetrator, and trafficking industry in Louisville. saw any evidence of human traffick- the nightmare that awaits them. was sent immediately to jail after ing, you could report it. We often don’t stop to consider the trauma she faced while being After relentless backlash and that women who are trafficked are trafficked. She was charged for “Once you wak through my protests from the public, the only normal people with hopes, desires, heroin trafficking, marijuana traf- change Backpage implemented was flaws, and ambitions. They gener- ficking, and prostitution. Her pimp door, you are no longer a the addition of “moderators.” The ally cannot control their situations was charged for drug trafficking moderators review the sex ads for and are tricked or forced into the and promoting prostitution. victim. You are a survivor.” possible signs of sex trafficking, like industry, perhaps by being offered a These charges ignored the new -Angela Renfro, Executive Director of explicit photos of minors or any job that would provide a place to live Kentucky law that states that victims Kristy Love Foundation specified “red flag” words. These and food to eat. of trafficking should not be charged moderators viewed hundreds Eaton, a 22-year-old survivor, for the crimes they commit while of ads daily. grew up around Outer Loop and went they are under the influence of their It’s a common misconception that On April 6, however, the Federal to Moore High School. When she was pimp. For example, if a victim is told human trafficking only takes place in Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal 18, she started using drugs, specifical- by their pimp to go steal condoms, developing countries or big cities like Inspection Service, and the Internal ly heroin. She met a drug dealer who she can’t be charged for theft be- Los Angeles and New York. However, Revenue Service Criminal Investiga- was 35 years old, and they became cause she was not in control The National Human Trafficking Hot- tion Division seized Backpage and romantically involved. She didn’t know of the situation. line found that in 2017 there were 33 shut it down. Now, all that appears of his past in trafficking and coercive “We have to arrest and charge cases of human trafficking reported when you type Backpage into your nature. She recalled how he began the people who are buying and pay- in Kentucky. Nineteen of those cases browser is a seizure notice from the by forcing her to go out to dinner ing for the sex and not criminalize were sex trafficking. These were U.S. Department of Justice. with random men, which at first did the girls,” Dr. Hayden said, arguing only the cases that law enforcement Dr. Theresa Hayden, a criminal not bother her. Then, forced dinner that when the demand for sex traf- could address. Several advocates and justice professor at the University turned to forced sex. ficking decreases, so will the supply. researchers expect that many human of Louisville, recently introduced a “He would post my informa- Nationwide, people are begin- trafficking cases in Kentucky, and class that focuses on sex and labor tion on Backpage. They’d contact ning to shift the way they think Louisville specifically, go unreported trafficking. With students, she us and that’s how we’d get busi- about survivors of sex trafficking, and unresolved. conducted research on the rise and ness. All the money would go from seeing them no longer as the insti- Artwork by Sam Adams

36 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 37 gators, but as the survivors. This previous feelings of discomfort of entire house, showing us all the is the first step, and together, we was gone. We were welcomed with rooms lined with bulletin boards can bring freedom to those hidden many gracious hellos and intro- covered in photos and art that the in the slavery that is human traf- ductions, along with the smell of girls helped make. The Kristy Love ficking. Places like the Kristy Love fresh fried chicken being prepared Foundation is the only home for House are taking initiative in this in the kitchen. We could see how specifically sex trafficking survivors fight against trafficking. supportive the environment of the in Louisville. We need more homes, Part of that work involves house was for the survivors. laws, and people to stand up for making the transition easy and We sat down in the front room this overwhelming issue. This is the comfortable. Indeed, after we at a small table to listen to Renfro’s beginning, and our generation will entered the Kristy Love House, our story. After that, she gave us a tour bring the end. «

traffic

BackpageSTOPSTOP seizure brings us a step closer to ending sex trafficking. words by SKY CARROLL

ccording to the Washing- facilitating sex trafficking after almost contact prostitutes on other websites ton Post and CNN, Back- two long, hard-fought years in court. and trying to persuade them to bring The FBI stopped all operations of the their business to Backpage. Finally, page is one of the largest website on April 6. the investigation found that Backpage AAplatforms for sex trafficking in In early April, Carl Ferrer, the would delete references to children in the world. Or should I say was. chief executive of Backpage, pleaded sex ads but still allow the ads to stay. A few weeks ago, I was refining guilty in the federal courts of Texas To some sex workers, the seizure some ideas about Backpage within our and California and the state court of could be incredibly frustrating. For human trafficking story. I typed back- Arizona to charges of money launder- years, Backpage has allowed them to page.com into my browser to make ing and conspiracy to facilitate prosti- safely screen clients and attract busi- sure I had all the descriptions right. tution. Ferrer then also agreed to tes- ness, and now that it’s been shut down, To my surprise, the normal homepage tify against Michael Lacey and James they feel they can’t safely work in the that had states and cities listed as red Larkin, the men who co-founded only profession they’ve ever known. links was gone. In its place was a white Backpage with him. They were already But to other sex workers — the box with a red border. At the top read, in jail for facilitating prostitution at the ones who didn’t choose the profession, “Backpage.com and affiliated websites time he pleaded guilty. don’t profit from it, and are unsure have been seized.” In 2016, a Senate subcommit- of how to escape it — the seizure is I did a quick Google search: tee launched an investigation into a glimmer of hope. Backpage was a Backpage seizure. The first thing Backpage’s role in sex trafficking, forum where the demand for sex traf- that came up was an article from the specifically of children, in Sacramento, ficking could communicate with the Washington Post. I ran over to my California. A year later, The Wash- supply, and its collapse could mark writing partner, Mattie, and told her ington Post found that Backpage was the first step in the collapse of the news. Backpage was found guilty of using a contractor in the Philippines to the industry. «

38 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 DOWN BY THE RIVER Louisville-born artist and record store owner Brett Eugene Ralph sits holding Part three of our series his hand-me-down guitar by the Ohio River. Photo by Evelyn Walford exploring Louisville’s music culture takes you behind of the curtain of the city’s country music scene. words by EVAN SHOWALTER & EUAN DUNN » design by EVELYN WALFORD

t was just another Saturday in Georgetown, Indiana. Middle-aged men and I women filed into a run- downI Pizza King, ready to eat and listen to the night’s entertainment. Miles Bickers, a 16-year-old Atherton High School sophomore, sat with his guitar case propped between his legs for the slow 45 minute drive from Fern Creek over the Lincoln Bridge into Indiana. He was eager to arrive at the small gig to begin his first real performance. The first of many, he hoped. Louisville’s country music scene is very important to Bickers. “I don’t think if I grew up any- where else that there would be such a strong country music influence,” Bickers said. RIVER When most people think of RIVER country music, their minds go straight to Nashville, but as a teenager just starting out, Bickers follows a long line of country and country-inspired musical talent in TOWNTOWN Louisville, along with Freakwater,

SOUNDSOUNDPART 3 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 39 Bonnie “Prince” Billy, New Grass twist to traditional country styles. “I’m broke down from football YOUNG COUNTRY Revival, and My Morning Jacket, to Freakwater and New Grass and stage diving and all that,” Ralph Miles Bickers, a 16-year- old Atherton High School name a few. Among these famed Revival hone in on country music’s said. “Country music seems like a sophomore who enjoys musicians and groups, we hear eve- foundation. Much like the way in genre where you can age gracefully playing country, rock and rything from the classic bluegrass which Louisville departs from its and tell stories.” blues, practices guitar riffs banjo strums to the modernized and traditional Southern roots, Freak- As a child, Ralph would save up in his home on Nov. 26. Sometimes Bickers marks soulful sound of alt-country. water’s lyrics represent a progres- his allowance to buy records. He his progress through videos On the more traditional side sive new country with a newfound spent the majority of his free time uploads to his Instagram, of country, Johnny Berry is one sense of morality. New Grass Revival, in his room, listening to LPs, letting @jamminvideos7. Photo of Louisville’s most which was active from 1971 to 1989, the music take over his thoughts. He courtesy Miles Bickers prominent art- fits the description of Kentucky mu- dreamed of becoming the next Elton ists. Most people sic almost to a tee, with the addition John, his hero. “I’m broke down know him as the of a techno sound. They’re almost Ralph began to influence Louis- from football and man who started like an Appalachian campfire taken ville’s music culture in his teen years, stage diving and all “Johnny Berry and to the big stage. writing aggressive lyrics as a vocal- the Outliers” in 2002, This nod to a more traditional ist for punk bands Malignant Growth that,” Ralph said. the collaboration of country music style is also present and Fading Out. He followed the “Country music multiple talents into in the folk sound of Will Oldham, influence of his peers and listened to seems like a genre a unique but clas- who performs as Bonnie “Prince” punk rock. As he matured, his music Irish, Scottish and African Ameri- popularity. This twosome laid the Back at the pizza parlor, sweat sic country honky- Billy. Oldham embodies the tradi- taste evolved with him and he finally where you can age can jazz music and is mostly played foundation, but the next big boom slid down Bicker’s face to the floor as tonk sound. He has tional independent musician, be- found his love for country music. gracefully and tell with banjos, harmonicas, and string of country music influence wouldn’t he stepped to the beat of the music. been playing music lieving in music as an art form, not a While switching to country later guitars – the Kentucky way. occur for another 50 years. His fingers ached as he strummed his stories.” from a very young career. Oldham had a shot at life in in life is a common trend, young “Kentucky invented bluegrass Sean Garrison was another play- wooden guitar. The room was dark, age, influenced by the spotlight too when Johnny Cash country artists are a less common and post rock,” Ralph said. “There er from the punk scene in the ‘90s but not too dark that he couldn’t his mother and the covered his song “I See a Dark- sight in Louisville. Bickers is the ex- are probably other genres that we who also felt at home with country. see the crowd of people swaying in church hymns of his ness” and he dipped his toe into the ception. Bickers feels he carries the created that nobody caught on to.” Growing up, music helped distract unison. He had grabbed their atten- childhood. For him, music was as movie industry. But he realized he weight of representing all youth to Ralph owns a record store in Garrison from getting into trouble tion with his resounding voice as it natural and necessary as waking finds comfort in being a musician, local country music audiences, be- Louisville called Surface Noise. with his wild side. Without music, he echoed throughout the Pizza King. up in the morning. After years of not a businessman. cause breaking into the city’s scene There he observes the other side says, he would be dead or in jail. His nerves vanished when he realized sharpening his talents, Berry won Some of the most notable as a teenager just isn’t that common. of the music industry, connecting “Music was the best alternative the audience seemed to enjoy his the 1999 Society for the Preserva- developments to country music in “With the music I perform, I at- the people of Louisville with music to crime,” Garrison said. sound. The honky tonk style Bick- tion of Bluegrass Music of America Louisville arrived during the ‘90s, tract older folks because I play older from all genres. Inside his store When Garrison was younger, ers performed was exactly what the entertainer of the year award for his when Louisville’s music scene began music,” Bickers said. there are hundreds of records he heard country-rock crossovers crowd came to hear. As his last song bluegrass music. to transition from solely rock ‘n’ roll Older audiences also enjoy representing new and old artists. often on the radio. What really of the evening began to slow to an As far as Louisville’s country mu- into something more. The punk rock another type of music whose history Some — such as Lester McFarland inspired him was the solo demos of end, the crowd followed the beat. sic goes, Berry’s a pretty big name, genre was booming, of course, but can be remembered in centuries, and Robert Gardiner — go all the Hank Williams Sr., which consisted Finally, the strumming of the guitar but Louisville’s other well-known country was close behind. Many art- not decades, and it claims a special way back to the foundation of mostly of storytelling and personal became a few string plucks, and then acts take a departure from tradition- ists started off playing intense punk place in Ralph’s heart. From rolling country music. experiences. The music was unlike silence as Bickers finished his first al honky tonk sound. Freakwater and rock and gradually shifted into the hills to rickety porches, bluegrass McFarland and Gardner met anything he had ever heard and performance. The crowd applauded. New Grass Revival, for example, are softer, more laid-back country. Brett is a mainstay of Kentucky culture. at the Kentucky School for The struck a special note with Gar- Whistles pierced through the humid Louisville groups that bring a new Ralph is one of those artists. It was derived from Appalachian, Blind in 1915. After they were dis- rison. Because of his love for both room to show true appreciation for covered as a duo by a Brunswick country and punk rock, Garrison Bickers talent. He was met with nods talent scout in late 1926, they set began to play alt-country, a loosely and toothy grins, which only further out to have their music played on defined subgenre of country with convinced Bickers that he had done the radio stations in big cities. In integration from other genres such a solid job. 1931, the duo joined the record as pop and alternative rock. Gar- His first performance was a label Conqueror. After producing rison went on to perform solo and success, but possibly not his biggest multiple hit songs, their recording with a band, often writing gritty, victory. Balancing a social life, school, career ended in 1941 when Sears, sad songs like “The Tempest,” band, and performing is a continuous Conqueror’s distributor, shut them which evoke Johnny Cash’s darker accomplishment. He says it can get down. Because the genre was not lyrics, referencing death and re- difficult: not just being in a band and widely known, their music was per- venge. The song speaks of decades in school, but being a country music ceived as different, and it became of life experiences that have only performer. It’s all worth it to Bickers, “Kentucky Chrome Revue” by “Wolf of the Cosmos” by Bonnie “Scheherazade” by Freakwater “Friday Night in America” by New very influential to country music just begun for young country musi- who’s just happy to contribute to the Brett Eugene Ralph (2010) “Prince” Billy (2017) (2016) Grass Revival (1989) duos, resulting in their widespread cians like Bickers. city’s intricate music scene. •

40 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 41 OPINION THE “original” creation of an author is ing misogynistic assumptions may yourself from the things that you still a new iteration building on still be present. Much of media is love, but it may be advantageous those that have come before it. meant to be escapism, a method to abstain from them temporar- Of course, it is impossible to of living out our desires and ily. If a significant chunk of people remove the author entirely from impulses through others in order were to do so, then at the very least their work, and initially many art- to achieve some emotional fulfill- this would provide a message that v. ists might take this as an insult to ment, but as members of an active a creator’s actions will not just be art their craft and sacrifice. If you have audience we cannot forget the ignored. Critics may respond that, ever published any creative work, world that we all inhabit. There are even if you could amass a noticeable then you know the sort of person huge gulfs between the treatment number of people to boycott a prod- the audience might read out of it is and assumptions our society has uct, you have no control over how a quite different from the person you towards white, upper-class men studio will respond to this. This is a ARTIST and your friends know. In truth, and women, people of color, LGBT+ valid concern, and simply skipping Can we still like the art if we don’t like the artist? the reader has just as much to do people, and the underclass. with the themes and tones they When we read, watch, or listen words by KARAC MEDLEY » design by LAUREN HUNTER read into a work as any author. The to something created by someone If we expect such readings for artist may contest or confirm any who is part of a minority group, it is those lacking in power, then we s any architect or construction of Louis C.K., especially his modern- vice to forget their faults and biases. number of reader assumptions, quite likely that we will factor that should expect the same for those Aworker will tell you, it is the founda- ist, semi-autobiographical series In the mid-twentieth century, but reader projection can never be status into the interpretation of the tion of a building that grounds it, “Louie,” but I find that hard to say many thinkers and artists raised 100 percent in line with the artist’s work. This isn’t necessarily a bad possessing an excess. whether it be a suburban two-story, now with the revelation of his al- similar questions about the work original intent. thing. For example, as someone who “ an amphitheater, or a skyscraper. leged misconduct. of an author. A school of French But does all of this mean that we is part of the LGBT+ community, I over a film for a few months will not Once you knock out the base, no Do I still find many of his jokes film criticism at the time wanted should ignore the creators of media will often include queer characters make systematic change in the in- matter how tall and insurmount- humorous? Does his show still reso- to reject the studio system that and simply try to access it on its and themes in my work. However, if dustry. The best thing you can do is able the building seems, it will come nate emotionationally with me? Yes controlled most production, thus own merits? No, for just as no one we expect such readings for those encourage victims of sexual abuse to crumbling down. and yes. Were his actions repre- focusing on individual directors may exist without context, no work lacking in power, then we should be open about their experiences and When the numerous accusations hensible? Inarguably. I doubt I will and their consistent motifs instead. can be evaluated in a vacuum. At one expect the same for those possess- advocate alongside them when they of sexual harassment started com- be able to return to any of his past While the original pretense behind point in time, D. W. Griffith’s film ing an excess. Therefore, preparing stand up to a goliath like Hollywood. ing out against Harvey Weinstein, work within the near future, and if it had the best of intentions, this Birth of a Nation was lauded by U.S. ourselves might not remove the While allegations continue certainly a cornerstone of modern he has any new projects I don’t think sort of analysis ultimately seemed President Woodrow Wilson as a cul- sting when someone we respect has to arise against artists, what we Hollywood, it wasn’t long before I could bring myself to watch them to be fetishizing the aspects of only tural touchstone and masterpiece of been exposed, but at the very least it all have to remember first and many others fell in his wake. Sexual at all. There is no denying, then, that one member of the production cinema. Today, we understand that will lessen the impact. foremost is that a person’s sexual aggression is pervasive in showbiz, learning this sort of information staff on any film. The post-struc- Birth of a Nation was a work of racist It can be a long and difficult agency is much more important and hopefully many more culprits about an artist reflexively casts a turalist theorist Roland Barthes propaganda pushing white suprem- process to come to terms when than a man’s career or our own will be revealed. However, for all of shadow onto all of their work. mocked this thought with his essay acy, dehumanizing people of color, someone commits a crime, even enjoyment of something. Attacking us standing in the rubble, there is a This is, of course, no new phe- “La Mort de l’auteur”— “Death of and valorizing the Ku Klux Klan. It is more so when society at large can- victims because you feel that their question of whether or not, as well nomenon. As time passes and artists the Author” in English. simply a fact of life that the powerful not seem to do so. Too often, cases speaking out will become a “witch pass on, we tend to interpret their The basic concept of “Death structures present in our society will of sexual assault are either im- hunt” does more harm than good, creations through new perspectives. of the Author” is that no work, always find their way into art and properly prosecuted or not pros- and ultimately just disenfranchises As time passes and an artist is One of the most influential figures in whether literature, painting, archi- culture, even if we cannot pinpoint ecuted at all. An issue thus arises: these people to an even greater long gone, we tend to interpret the genre of horror and speculative tecture, or film really has a singular them immediately. what do we do when predators are degree. We owe it to ourselves and their creations through new fiction is H. P. Lovecraft, a man of creator. In the case of architecture One of the artists accused of still working, when they still have the world to be active readers with perspectives. rampant racism, misogyny, antisem- and film, it is required for it to be sexual harassment is the Indian- their creative output and major regards to all media, and to be even itism, and general bigotry; however, a collaborative project, and while American comedian Aziz Ansari, source of income? It’s one thing more skeptical when those with the widespread effects of his style one person may be the orches- who has himself talked in the past to discuss how we consume media power choose to address those “ as how, we can still enjoy the nu- of prose cannot be ignored. The trator, everyone will ultimately about consent and respecting once the creators have long ceased lacking in it. Anything that we can merous pieces of art that have been filmmaker Roman Polanski, known contribute some of their craft and female sexuality. A persona he production, and it’s another thing do to try and change the system touched by these sexual predators. for his mistreatment of female cast ideas. No one is an island, and eve- has consistently used in various when they’re still at large. Sadly, is worthwhile, and how we read I imagine that most people are members and women overall, has ryone is influenced by all the ex- pieces of media is a timid, but these issues tend to not work culture does change that culture. fans of at least a few things that made remarkable films like Rose- periences they have had and media likeable, dork that puts on a front themselves out, so it becomes an Much like many other structures in many of these artists have worked mary’s Baby and Chinatown that they have consumed, whether that of machismo and womanizing in ethical dilemma for any fan. this world, the Hollywood system is on, whether they be respected ac- people still laud as classics to this be consciously or unconsciously. order to make up for his low self- Now, there are many fair cri- corrupt and biased towards a very tors like Kevin Spacey of “House of day. It would be a disservice to their In this way, every work truly has esteem. With the allegations now tiques of conspicuous consumption, specific sort of people, and we can Cards,” or beloved comedians like respective art forms to deny their a potentially infinite number of coming out against Ansari, there but it might be useful in this case. now see the many consequences of Louis C.K. I myself was a huge fan legacy, but it would also be a disser- creators, and even the so-called is some question of what underly- There is no need to forever remove simply ignoring that. «

42 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 43 BUTCHERTOWN TOP ROUND

words by SKY CARROLL & ELLA TREINEN » design by PATRICK HARPER

op Round Roast Beef, with its sandwich, the Horse and Hole beef smothered in their signature bright orange roof, made us feel sandwich, “dirty” fries, and cheese Wizz sauce proved true to the Top Twelcome as soon as we pulled off fries. Then, we filled our brightly- Round motto. TOPPING OVERLOAD of Shelbyville Road. With a drive- patterned cups with fountain drinks The Horse and Hole sandwich A single slice of pizza topped through that wraps around the back and took our seats at the back of the consisted of roast beef, horseradish with fresh tomatoes, green and a fairly large parking lot, we restaurant next to an older woman cream, and provolone cheese, all on peppers, mushrooms, black hall thought Top Round would be like and her son. a sesame seed bun (we decided to olives and pepperoni. Photo illustration by Noah Keckler any other fast food restaurant. But After about ten minutes our hold the mushrooms). The tender as we pulled open the door, our pre- server brought us our food, set it roast beef with the horseradish words by CORA KIRBY » design by MIA BREITENSTEIN conceived notion was immediately down on our table, and proceeded sauce made for a flavorful proven false. to kindly apologize for the wait. combination. Both of the sandwiches Inside, Top Round reminded us The aroma of mouthwatering, put a new spin on the classic roast alking up to Butchertown Pizza us to the menus and told us to order I couldn’t wait to dig into my of Pop’s Diner from the hit TV show, melted cheese and fresh roast beef beef sandwich that left us wanting Hall at 3 p.m. on a Wednesday at the counter whenever we were personal “build your own” spin on “Riverdale,” with its hanging lights, traveled through the tinfoil of our to come back again. Wafternoon, I had high expectations. ready. As a group of three, we were a meat-lover’s pizza with sausage, petite exterior, and warm color sandwiches. Hungry and hopeful When we thought our stomachs Butchertown Pizza has a reputation a little unsure of whether or not we bacon, and pineapple. scheme. The only thing that seemed that Top Round would live up to the couldn’t hold anymore, our server for being a laid-back hangout with should all order individual pizzas or The pizza was steaming hot and to be missing were booths we could rave reviews we had heard, it was asked what we’d like for dessert. As reasonably-priced and delicious one big pizza to share. We decided made exactly to fit my order. I felt slide right into. On a Friday night time to dig in. we reached for our wallets, he told food. I couldn’t wait not only to dive to each get the lunch combo deal my stomach growl from just looking around 6:30 p.m., we were surprised We immediately reached for us that they were on the house, due into some fresh, hot pizza, but also which included one slice of pizza, at my platter. I couldn’t wait to take by how few people were there. Like the “dirty” fries ($4.49), gravy- to the ten minute wait for our food. to have a fun time with friends. two garlic knots, and a fountain my first bite. I picked up my slice of your typical Arby’s or Burger King, drizzled curly fries with Top The other group at our table — a I opened the door and drink. This was by far the best deal pizza covered in all of my favorite you place your order at a walk-up Round’s signature “round sauce” and self-proclaimed roast beef fanatic instantly smelled the scent of on the menu at only $6.99. ingredients. The chef was not shy at counter. The food, however, is all provolone cheese. It ended up being and her son — were also treated to freshly-baked pizzas. My eyes were The background music all with the toppings – almost too freshly prepared in the restaurant’s our favorite dish. The combination free custard and sandwiches. drawn to the various arcade games was not too loud, allowing easy much for the crust underneath – as kitchen, their motto being “chef- of the sweet sauce and the savory With outstanding service, that lined the game room. The game conversation while we waited for meats and pineapple spilled onto my driven fast food.” fries dusted with salt was a hardy affordable prices, and an room at Butchertown Pizza Hall our food. Fewer than five minutes plate (but I didn’t mind). The menu offers a wide variety beginning to our meal. atmosphere that radiates positivity, is part of what gives the venue its after we ordered, the server The combination of the of food options, including roast beef The cheese fries ($3.49) were a Top Round is the perfect spot to unique, playful atmosphere that brought us our trays. When I buttery garlic knots and the fresh sandwiches, ice cream and custard, simpler version of the “dirty” fries, stop by with a craving for classic people of all ages come to enjoy. ordered, I was concerned that my pizza was just what I needed. All of and fries. They also offer vegetarian lacking a few decadent toppings. roast beef. The friendly servers and We were one of only two one slice wouldn’t be enough. But my expectations were definitely met options like grilled cheese and The beef and cheese sandwich customers made for a memorable tables of customers dining in on to my delight, a single slice was — even exceeded. the veggie “CALI.” After scanning ($7.49) was more than enough to and delightful experience, putting that afternoon. The room was full of equal to a quarter of a regular, Butchertown Pizza Hall is a the menu for a couple of minutes, satisfy one person, especially with Top Round at the top of our list for available seating and lots of space shareable pizza.The garlic knots great option if you are looking to we ordered the beef and cheese a side of fries. The freshly cut roast fresh fast food. « for the busier hours of the day. The sitting beside my pizza were no grab a quick, cheap bite with server behind the counter directed joke either. some friends. «

Fri & Sat 11AM–12AM 1301 Story Ave, (502) 384-8528 Fri & Sat 11AM–10PM 4214 Shelbyville Rd. (502) 749-3700 Sun-Mon 11AM–10PM Louisville, KY 40206 butchertownpizzahall.com $ $$$$ Sun-Thurs 11AM–9PM Louisville, KY 40207 eattopround.com $ $$$$

44 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 45 FANNY PACK The fanny pack dates all the way back to 15th century France as an easy way to carry your belongings, but in the 1980s, Americans jumped on this trend and made BACK IN THE it their own by adding color and patterns to the piece. But after a while, the fanny pack became a cliche — a kitschy tourist item on par with binoculars, visors, and knee-length shorts — and it disappeared. But now it has made a comeback with huge brands like Louis Vuit- ton and Gucci, giving this accessory a new sleek look. A traveler’s bag turned into a thousand-dollar fashion accessory. The look has also become an essential acces- sory for the music festival and beach scene as seen all GRwords by MADDIEO CURRIE » Odesign by PATRICKV HARPER E over Instagram during Forecastle and spring break.

Today’s youth flaunt pieces from their parents’ model: Celine Malawi high school wardrobes. photo by Lauren Hunter WINDBREAKER The windbreaker started gaining popularity in the late ne of my favorite pastimes is watching self-proclaimed “beauty and lifestyle ‘70s, and by the ‘80s, it was a men’s fashion staple. The gurus” ramble about the latest trends. In my most recent “What’s Hot Now” casual look let men add a bit of color and patterns to search, I’ve noticed an increasing amount of videos, blog posts, and Instagram their outfits, and then women jumped on board. This Oprofiles that highlight the looks of the past. Whether we want to admit it or not, push for unisex clothing rose in the ‘70s and ‘80s — a videos like “High school ‘70s Inspired Outfits of the Week” or ‘‘80s Lookbook” are model:‘80s Lucas Alldaffer reflection of women increasing their presence in the photo by Mia Breitenstein workforce. Now the windbreaker is back. Brands like a direct homage to our parents’ high school closets. Nike, Adidas, and Champion give us modern versions of the classic style, but some teens still prefer shopping vintage and sporting original patterns and colors. DENIM SKIRT MOM JEANS

As you have probably seen just about everywhere, Mom jeans were an essential look in the ‘80s model: Tara Vu photo by Lauren Hunter the denim skirt is the “it” item right now. Today and ‘90s but began disappearing from stores you can buy these skirts off the racks of major during the aforementioned infamous low-rise retailers but in the ‘70s, the denim skirt was a way jean era of the 2000s. The term “mom-jeans” to recycle old jeans into long patchwork skirts. As was originally used as a derogatory term to time went on, the denim skirt hem became shorter make fun of their baggy, “un-feminine” cut. and inserted itself into mainstream fashion. Now Suddenly the mom jean look was reinvented to meet the modern look of today’s fashion. The the denim skirt has reinvented itself: you can get model: Nina Valdez a denim skirt in about any color decorated with high waistlines meet the desire for a small-waist, photo by Mia Breitenstein zippers, buttons, rips, or fringe, however you want long-leg look, while the baggy legs offer an to fit your style. alternative to mainstream skinny jeans.

BELL SLEEVES VELVET The ‘60s brought us loose-fitting clothing, and in Crushed velvet was the trendy fabric of the the ‘70s the looks got even looser. The ‘70s was a ‘90s — a stylish, luxurious option for dresses time of youth rebellion: the people protested just and skirts. Now you see the fabric showcased about everything from wars to drug legalization. in just about every item of clothing, whether The loose fit of clothing started out as a rebellion it’s underwear, shorts, or scrunchies. Brands against the clothing culture at the time, which was like Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 have even button up shirts and long dresses, and worked its started making crop tops in velvet, allowing the way to high fashion. This movement of counter cul- once exclusively cold-weather material to ture made bell sleeves one of the decade’s biggest branch out into spring and summer fashion. model: Kat Currie trends, which moved fashion away from the typical From GAP to Gucci, velvet has taken the fashion photo by Mia Breitenstein ‘70s tight tops and loose bottoms of earlier fashion. world by storm.

Spring/Summer 2018 ‘90s 46 ON THE RECORD Spring/Summer 2018 ON THE RECORD 47