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Volume 76 Issue 4 March 3 - March 16, 2021 @websterjournal websterjournal.com Commencement ceremony goes virtual, seniors left wondering why

By Jenna Jones comments were similar to Editor-in-Chief that of student Catherine Boren, a senior secondary Part of the reason Abby education social science Anderson chose to go to major. Webster four years ago was “I am very mad about the graduation ceremony at their decision. I get last year the Muny. was very different because So, when she opened we didn’t know much Facebook on Feb. 25, she about COVID,” Boren said. was disappointed to see “However, now I feel they’re Webster had posted an playing it too safe by saying announcement: there would no [in-person] graduation be no in-person ceremony at all. Especially since high at The Muny for the 2021 schools held graduations graduates. last year who had a bigger “It feels horrible to see the graduating class than we did.” news on Facebook first and Boren started a petition to see so many other larger citing these reasons and the schools having ceremonies fact that another tier for for their grads in safe ways,” vaccinations will open in Anderson said. mid-March. Her petition calls The university’s statement for Webster to re-evaluate cited the restriction of large its decision closer to May gatherings in St. Louis or for the commencement County as the reason for ceremony to be pushed off moving the ceremony online. until the summer after more Anderson commented vaccinations have happened. on the post, criticizing the “Us seniors have already university for posting the been through enough, having statement on Facebook to go our entire senior year instead of emailing graduates through this pandemic, don’t first. Anderson also pointed take our graduation from us out the university was as well,” Boren wrote in the holding in-person classes petition. CHARLOTTE RENNER / The Journal and The Muny will be putting on shows during their See Graduation This is what graduation will look like again this year at Webster University. The university decided that the commencement ceremony will be virtual this Page 2 year, similar to 2020's ceremony. In a statement, the university said it's working on "enhanced features" for this year's graduates. summer season. Anderson’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion conference has record-breaking year By Cas Waigand Other panels touched on issues Vincent Flewellen, chief di- Managing Editor which have found less discussion versity officer at Webster Univer- in the mainstream media, such as sity, said the conference received Webster hosted its sixth Annu- Maryam Laura Moazedi’s “The over 2,000 registrations. The al Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Urgent Need for a New Narrative event had 48 speakers. Accord- conference from Feb. 23 to Feb. on Ageing.” During the lecture, ing to Flewellen, 15 were students 25. The conference focused on Moazedi talked about how we see at Webster, which is the highest having constructive conversations age. number of student voices DEI has about diversity and inclusion. Students can see the full dis- had. Keynote speakers included cussion here. Flewellen said he was excited transgender activist Charlotte There were also panels and to see the conference grow and is Clymer and Black Lives Matter discussions with current Web- now looking to future events. co-founder Patrisse Cullors. ster students. On Feb. 24, a panel “We will be challenged to Panels and lectures touched titled, “Voices of Diversity: Global outdo ourselves, but I am look- on current topics such as Black Student Leaders” brought seven ing forward to partnering with Lives Matter. Cullors's panel was students from campuses across Chancellor Stroble and members titled “When they Call You a Ter- the globe together to discuss di- of the 2022 Diversity, Equity and rorist: A Black Lives Matter Dia- versity. On Feb. 25, Webster stu- Inclusion Planning Committee to logue with Patrisse Cullors.” Cul- dent Nae Lowery and her family. begin work on our seventh annual lors spoke on Wednesday, Feb. On YouTube, Webster present- conference,” Flewellen said in a 24. Clymer closed the first night ed the Champion for All Awards statement. of the conference on Feb. 23 talk- to Mayor Ella Jones, mayor of Fer- ing about being trans in a post- guson, Missouri, and Valerie E. See Page 3 for more DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION CONFERENCE / Screenshot Trump era. Patton. coverage on this Patrisse Cullors speaks to Webster students Grace Gilliam and CJ Berry on Feb. 24. Cullors led a panel titled conference "When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Dialogue with Patrisse Cullors." Student-athlete works to balance two sports as seasons overlap By Kelly Bowen on the Webster men’s basketball men’s soccer coach, Michael Siener said, “but he is probably get playing time in soccer games he was First Team All-State, and soccer team. Siener, saw him play and told in the minority of student because if someone plays well Conference Player of the Year, Staff Writer Due to COVID-19, the him he could play both sports at athletes that can pull it off and at practice and I’m not there, I Regional Offense Player of the Wake up, workout, shoot basketball season was pushed Webster. not be very overwhelmed.” really can’t show what I can do,” Year, among many other things. hoops, eat, shower, go to class, back and collided with the “[Moore] is extremely As of right now, Moore is Moore said. “It’s something I For basketball, he was a two- do homework, shoot hoops, soccer season, forcing some focused and organized. With his prioritizing basketball over just have to live with because of time All-District Nominee and soccer practice, basketball two-sport athletes at Webster background of playing multiple soccer. He is putting in a lot what I choose and something I First Team All-Conference his practice, eat again, ice muscles, to prioritize one sport over the sports in the past and juggling more work for basketball and knew would happen going into senior year. lights out and go to bed. other. work along with everything will miss the first two soccer it.” This is a regular day in the Moore always wanted to play he does, I knew it would be a games to play basketball. Moore was a versatile athlete See Overlap life of Mark Moore, a freshman basketball in college until the challenge to do both schedules,” “It might be difficult for me to in high school. For soccer, Page 4 From voice memos to EPs, student Keshon Duke has grown as an artist By Robby Floyd the middle school orchestra Learning piano was a Sports Editor before picking up drums later. transformative time for Duke. When he got to high school, Not only did he pick up a new In one of the band member’s Duke realized he wanted to instrument, but learning piano basement, next to the washing learn the piano. also made him better at other machine and cat litter, Keshon “I always wanted to add instruments. Duke met for the first time [piano] to my arsenal,” Duke “One of the maestros at my with three friends to jam said. “I started going to the church told me when you learn as a band. The group called practice rooms and basically organ and piano, it helps you themselves Hazel Avenue, started self teaching. I taught learn everything else,” Duke after the street that West Hall myself bass, drums and keys said. “I started to understand dormitory sits on. up until this semester.” every note. Like when I’m Duke was living there when Duke had never taken a playing bass, if I don’t know he met Grace Robertson and music lesson prior to this what the route note is, I just Ben Shafer. It was fellow audio semester. look at what the piano player production major Aden Biggs’ He would watch some is doing and I can find what basement where they all met YouTube videos to master note I’m supposed to be on.” to record as a band the first techniques or pick up small Robertson shares Duke’s time. details, but he mostly just love for music and agrees with Hazel Avenue was the listened to other music. the importance of piano. culmination of a lot of hard After listening to hundreds work for Duke, who had of hours of music, Duke got a JENNA JONES / The Journal taught himself how to play feel for each genre and what Visit our website for Musician Keshon Duke plays piano while vocalist Grace Robertson sings behind him. Duke and Robertson play in a instruments since sixth grade. elements he wanted to put in more. band together and also recorded a song together for Duke's new EP, "love letter." He learned to play bass in his music style. Page 2 News March 3 - March 16, 2021 No more days off: Will remote learning kill the snow day? Severe winter weather leaves students stranded at home Schools shift to alternative method By Kate McCracken Staff Writer of learning when snow hits This past week, St. Louis re- By Cas Waigand said he also sees the appeal of ceived a snowstorm the likes of Managing Editor snow days. He said snow days which many Webster students give children the opportunity Around the St. Louis area to get outside and play. have never seen. The National on Feb. 15, students woke to Weather Service issued a “Winter “I mean we were all under a blanket of snow covering snow, so it doesn’t have to Weather Advisory” on Monday, the ground. A list of school warning of dangerous road con- be, ‘let’s learn math.’ We’re closures scrolled across the distracted by what’s happening ditions and deadly temperatures, bottom of TV news stations. and recommending limiting outside. So go outside, enjoy This year, announcements outside and then come back outdoor exposure to less than 30 for remote learning made an minutes to avoid frostbite. in,” Rodney said, “after a cup appearance on the bottom of of hot chocolate or something, Frigid conditions of 5 degrees, the screen as well. paired with accumulations of and then we can talk about the School districts across subject matter and maybe how snow more than 2 inches, have the country have adapted to not happened in the St. Louis area this connects to the subject online learning in the face of m att e r.” since 1912, according to a tweet COVID-19. But with this year’s from the National Weather Ser- Gentemann said getting snowy weather, these districts extra personal time to relax vice. are faced with a question: will With Webster’s sixth week during snow days provided a remote learning put an end to mental health day for teachers starting among inclement weath- CAS WAIGAND / The Journal the traditional snow day? er not before seen in our lifetimes, and students alike. However, Webster Gorlok statue was surrounded by piles of snow on Feb. 18. Webster called off in-person classes on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16 Emily Gentemann is a she thought the benefits of the university chose to move due to the winter weather. graduate student at Webster classes online for Feb. 15 and Feb. keeping students engaged pus and go home over the week- age them to look over the material that optimal to sit for 8 to 10 University and a fourth- and finishing the school year 16. grade teacher at Dewey Does this virtually signal the end had similar issues. that we went over in class and ask hours on Zoom some days,” Sul- made losing a surprise off day Freshman Brady Stiff, who lives me if they have any questions, and livan said. International Studies – part acceptable. end of the “snow day?” With of the St. Louis Public School Zoom being a familiar platform in West Hall, was staying at his I will follow up with them in the Williams said her classes “As a teacher right now, we house the weekend the snow- next class.” were not affected. Since she is a district. She felt schools will are very tired and exhausted for off-campus learning, students shift to virtual days during no longer need to physically come storm hit and travel from home to Many students who had the Business Administration major, and drained, but we are here campus was impossible. option, or were required, to tune- most of her classes are either hy- inclement weather moving to do what’s best for kids,” to campus for class. Some instruc- forward. tors of in-person classes chose to “The snow came in on Sunday in via Zoom have become ac- brid or online. Gentemann said. “What is night … so I wasn’t on campus the customed to attending class in For students in majors with “I think once we started best for kids is to keep them cancel class altogether. virtual teaching and virtual Senior Nickol Wahby, a biol- entire week because I was snowed situations where meeting in the all-hybrid courses, it is not class engaged and keeping them in,” Stiff said. traditional, in-person setting is changes they are impacted by; it learning, we are stuck there,” learning. Virtually right now, ogy major, said while her lectures Gentemann said. “I think the moved to Zoom, her labs were Similarly, junior Alexis Wil- is work. While class attendance though, that is the biggest liams was at her home in Fenton was not a problem for Williams day of snow days is kind of hurdle that we are all working canceled. lost and in the past, especially “Since people couldn’t get over the weekend and was unable this week, she could not make it on .” to return to her dorm in East Hall to campus on Wednesday for her because students now have all For Gentemann, her in and you can’t really do [labs] It“ would take me over an that access to technology and virtually, they all got canceled. I on Monday. job as a building assistant. biggest challenge with remote “With the roads being icy and hour to get out of Fenton, “I haven’t been able to get to the resources are there. So learning is keeping students guess a lot of the practical part of why wouldn’t we utilize it?” my classes was canceled because then if it’s steady snowing, I can’t not even counting trying campus since I live 45 minutes engaged. She said students get anywhere,” Williams said. away, so the snow has really been Basiyr Rodney, an associate would be engaged when the labs are the only hands-on thing professor of educational we have now,” Wahby said. Since many roads were still to get to Webster. It’s just affecting my job,” Williams said. class worked through a lesson not cleared, some instructors of Campus buildings were technology at Webster, said together. However, she said As of Wednesday, Feb. 17, not worth risking... he also believes snow days Webster was back to normal op- on-campus classes gave students closed on Feb. 15 and 16, so difficulties arise when she the option of attending on Zoom. there were no building assistants are changing. He said the gives students time to work erations. However, not all roads Nickol Wahby pandemic helped school across St. Louis had safe driving Others held on-campus classes ” on campus. on assignments alone. Only with the opportunity to make Webster student Stiff, who also works as a districts realize students can about a third of the class gets conditions. learn outside of a school “It would take me over an hour up what was missed if a student building assistant, shared similar the work done before the could not attend due to weather. concerns with Williams. building. COVID-19 has group call resumes, according to get out of Fenton, not even shown students can learn and counting trying to get to Web- Julie Smith, an instructor in “I couldn’t get here. I couldn’t to Gentemann. the School of Communications, impossible (for example, during go to work,” Stiff said. “Wednes- complete work from home. “They’re distracted because ster on top of that. We have a lot Missouri requires students of hills, and they don’t get plowed teaches one on-campus class. lockdowns in March last year). day [Feb. 17], I couldn’t drive up when they unmute, you hear Smith said she heard from several Several majors are offering only and had to get someone to cov- receive at least 174 days of so much going on around a lot. A lot of the time, it’s com- education during the school munity members buying salt and students this week who could not hybrid classes. e r.” them,” Gentemann said. “The make it to class because of trans- Advertising and Marketing Weather forecasts by the Na- year. Gentemann and Rodney difference of being in school salting their own roads and help- agree turning snow days into ing people get up hills when they portation troubles and road con- Communications major Ben Sul- tional Weather Service predict and at home is just a drastic ditions. livan said his classes were not im- a warmer-than-average Spring virtual days will keep schools thing for them that they aren’t, get stuck,” Wahby said. “For me, from losing educational time. it’s just not worth risking getting “I typically do not do half- pacted by the weather, as they are season, with temperatures in they know that they have an Zoom, half in-person classes. I all hybrid. However, Sullivan ex- March skyrocketing after a chilly Gentemann said this remote assignment, but they don’t into a car accident.” option will keep schools from Commuter students are not either do 100% Zoom or 100% pressed the shortcomings of mov- start. complete it.” in-person,” Smith said. “Every- ing all classes to strictly Zoom. Contact the writer: needing to make up days later. the only ones affected by the icy Despite the flexibility roads; students who live on cam- thing is on Canvas, and I encour- “If anything, it was just not [email protected] Visit our website for remote days offer, Rodney more. 54% of schools did not have a pandemic plan before COVID-19 By Kelly Bowen An associate professor the possibility of a pandemic of schools had a procedure in said. to finish those plans over the Staff Writer of Educational Leadership as disruptive as that caused by response to the 2009 H1N1 Even with a plan in place, break,” chief communications Before the coronavirus and Policy at the University COVID-19 was just not salient.” flu outbreak. Since then, the WGSD still struggled at first. officer, Cathy Vespereny said. pandemic, the last time the U.S. of Florida, Chris Curran, Webster Groves School number has slowly decreased. In a short amount of time, they WGSD currently has the shut down schools across the explained why most schools District (WGSD) did have “The decrease in thehad to help give students access option of allowing students country was in 1918 when the did not have a procedure. a plan prior to the 2020 percentage of schools with a to computers who did not have to attend in-person classes or influenza pandemic hit. “Compared to other crisis pandemic. The original plan response plan since 2010 likely devices at home and ensure learn virtually, with 74% of While schools reported situations like natural disasters included information on how reflects a decreasing perception food services were available, students choosing to learn in- high percentages for a plan in or school shootings, we have to respond if a student or staff of the risk of a pandemic. To among other things. person. case of a natural disaster or to go much further back in member had symptoms, what some extent, the trend in the “While the district has dealt “Ultimately, it is about trying an active shooter, data shows history to find an example organizations they would work data may also reflect decreasing with infectious diseases before, to strike a balance that keeps that the majority of schools of a pandemic that caused with, and how they would awareness of existing plans. It this was different because our people safe but also minimizes were initially unprepared widespread disruption to determine if they should close may be that, in some cases, district and the others in the the harms to learning of for COVID-19. In the 2017- public schoolings in the U.S.,” schools. plans existed, but school county decided to shut down disrupted schooling,” Curran 2018 school year, only 46% of Curran said. “…more recent Between 2008 and 2010, administrators were less aware over spring break. We‘d started said. U.S. public schools reported outbreaks of infectious diseases the number of schools with a of them over time because making plans for how we’d Contact the writer: a written plan in case of a have tended to be more plan in response to a pandemic of decreased attention to offer virtual classes before the pandemic. contained. So, like most of us, almost doubled. In 2010, 69% pandemics as a threat,” Curran decision was made and had [email protected] Graduation from Page One Boren and Anderson both be holding virtual ceremonies. and public health restrictions December 2020 saw a high of suggested the university Saint Louis University and amid the pandemic, while also 1,004 cases, while February has consider breaking the Washington University have pursuing contingency plans to only seen a high of 301 new ceremony up by school and not announced their 2021 hold an online-only ceremony, cases reported. Legens said holding the event outdoors commencement plans yet. as took place for the 101st there are too many unknowns with attendees wearing masks. A representative for Commencement in May 2020.” at this point in the pandemic. This is similar to the Webster directed The Journal However, senior Samuel “We have no idea how approach Mizzou will be to the statement the university Wobbe said he does not the future of the pandemic taking. Its 2020 graduates made when asked about the understand why the ceremony will play out,” Legens said. will kick off festivities the last decision-making process and could not be outdoors. “Will the vaccines work? weekend of April, hosting the suggestions the students had “By May, lots of people Will enough people have the first ceremony. The following brought up. will have had the vaccine and vaccine by then? Will there be a two weekends will be dedicated Webster junior William they usually have it at the second strain? Unfortunately, to the 2021 graduates. Legens agrees with the Muny if I’m not mistaken. pandemics don’t last for a Missouri State University university’s decision to move Masks on, seats between couple of months like some will follow a similar procedure, the graduation online. families, departments split up people wishfully think but can according to its website. It will “I think it is the safe and outside? Feels doable,” last a couple [of] years.” be hosting two ceremonies, decision. It saves, most Wobbe said. “It just seems Finney, however, argues staggering graduate importantly, people from risk strange at this point not to do that the unknowns are exactly ceremonies at different times of getting sick, but also it saves it, considering all we know why Webster should not have and days. Attendees will be Webster from liability,” Legens and the way that COVID is announced the move to a required to wear masks. said. trending. I’m kind of sad that virtual setting yet. Northwest Missouri Kaleigh Finney graduated I won’t be getting a traditional “I want the school to State University offered its in December but was planning graduation or photos while understand how we feel as graduates three options: to attend commencement in most of my friends from other students,” Finney said. “We’ve participate in one of two May. She agreed with Boren schools will. Especially when it worked ourselves to the bone. ceremonies held on May 7 and and Anderson, saying the seems solvable.” Most of us [are] working 8 with a cap of 175 graduates university has different options In a press statement, St. multiple jobs just to afford and two guests per graduate; to work out graduation and Louis County said it wants Webster and now, months in participate in a ceremony feels like the university didn’t tp vaccinate roughly 10,000 advance, they’re deciding to held in the fall of 2021; or, not look into it enough. people a week if given enough cancel the one thing we deserve participate in graduation and The statement bydoses. This would put the to have to celebrate, even have the university mail their the university said the county at roughly 100,000 though the current situation graduation items such as their administration has been doses by the day of the could change at any moment.” diploma and regalia. monitoring the situation in commencement ceremony. The University of Missouri anticipation for the virtual Boren argues Missouri Contact the writer: - St. Louis (UMSL) and ceremony and “[has] been cases have seen a decline, as [email protected] Graphic by Kenzie Akins Maryville University will also monitoring local conditions well as St. Louis County cases. March 3 - March 16, 2021 News Page 3 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference goes ‘beyond conversation’ Multiple panels promote productive conversations, ranging in topics throughout conference

By Kate McCracken having productive conversations about difficult subjects was the Staff Writer focal point. Panels ranged from This week, Webster hosted the discussions on disability, race, sixth annual Diversity, Equity and sexuality and gender identity and Inclusion (DEI) Conference. The exemplified how those who have conference that was first held in struggled overcame adversity. 2016, around the topic “Critical Freshman Nae Lowery and her Conversations” was moved to a family hosted a discussion panel webinar platform this year. centered around her journey as a The 2021 conference features transgender woman of color. presentations centered around “Not everyone listening to this year’s topic, “Beyond Conver- my story is African American or sation: Driving our Future.” trans, but I want them to be able The welcome message from to pick apart something that they the university on the conference’s can relate to. We are all facing website states, “Breaking down some sort of hardship in life, and barriers to success and creating a I want [my panel] to resonate with more liberated and inclusive en- other people.” Lowery said. vironment has never been more Having faced discrimination, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION CONFERENCE / Screenshot important than it is at this very bullying, and ostracization be- Student Government Association President Sarah Hill and Vice President Jessica Battle discuss how they advocate for those underrepresented in moment.” cause of her identity, Lowery spent leaderhip. Sarah Hill, President of Student much of her youth hurdling over In kindergarten, when Lowery it might be five years from now, der man. In this, he realized his plete his Executive Master’s De- Government Association, hosted a challenges. was asked by the teacher to draw a but when it’s there, it’s so worth it.” role as a communicator who has gree in Organizational Psychology panel alongside Jessica Battle, vice “It’s just like going to the gro- self-portrait, she drew a girl with Lowery said. minority identities, but also so- & Change Leadership. president of SGA, about advocat- cery store. When my parents go, hoop earrings and a ponytail. At Experiences, stories, and per- cially dominant identities. Having recently started work- ing for those underrepresented they’re going to the grocery store. the time, Lowery presented mas- spectives such as Lowery’s show- “Learning and developing in ing with educational organiza- in leadership. The panel aimed to When I go, it’s more so, ‘is my safe- culine. After the teacher saw the case the types of conversations intercultural communication re- tions, Stowers sought to make an address how people in positions of ty in danger’?” picture, there was a subsequent and topics Webster strives to nor- quires a lot of self-reflection and impact on students attending his power can support and be an ally For transgender women of col- meeting with Lowery’s parents. malize. vulnerability,” Stowers said. “I’m panel. to others. or, the rate of violence perpetrated “I just remember in my head Starting off the conference was hoping that if I can show my pro- “I’m hoping [students] can “This is important because DEI against them is considered by ad- being like, ‘what is the big deal Kai Stowers and his presentation, cess and things that I’ve struggled walk away with new tools to use to involves every single one of us – it vocates, such as the Human Rights about this? This is me, this picture “Mindfulness and Intercultural with, that will help other people continue to develop, because we cannot be the responsibility of one Campaign, to be at “crisis level.” is me’,” Lowery said during her Communication: Showing Up in understand that this might be all have things to learn,” Stowers sole person,” Hill said, “We hope According to the FBI’s 2019 Uni- panel. “I think I was drawing who Mind, Body and Heart.” Stowers’ hard, not because you can’t do it said. “Many of us have fear when it that everyone from students to form Crime Report, hate crimes I was on the inside, rather than on panel set the stage for the rest of but because it’s challenging.” comes to navigating conversations working professionals will benefit against transgender people rose the outside.” the conference; he discussed strat- Stowers has worked as a chem- across differences. By normalizing from our workshop, because … by 20% from 2018, going from 189 For Lowery, she said her ex- egies on how to have healthy com- ist for companies such as Fortune it and giving us some tools on how each of us, regardless of position victims in 2018 to 227 a year later. periences as a Black, transgender munication with people of diverse 500 and Genetech, and eventually to support ourselves, it can help us or privilege, can make the spaces Not only did Lowery worry for woman in the city of St. Louis backgrounds. progressed to coaching mindful- be more effective.” we are already in welcoming to her safety, but institutions thought made her stronger. Stowers approached his per- ness in organizations. He obtained all.” to serve as protectors and support- “Never lose hope. One day, it spective in his panel from his a certification in Integral Coach- Contact the writer: ers mistreated her as well. For the sixth DEI Conference, gets better. It might be tomorrow, background as a white, transgen- ing in 2015 and went on to com- [email protected] First panel focuses on mindfulness Black Lives Matter co-founder speaks at Webster

By Jordyn Grimes By Jenna Jones Staff Writer Editor-in-Chief K a i Over two thousand people Stowers was the first speaker at registered for the Diversity, Equi- the three-day conference. Kai ty and Inclusion conference this Stowers went to work in his hu- year. Associate dean of students man resources (HR) job one day, Colette Cummings reported this knowing his next move would at the opening of “When They cause friction and tension. That Call You a Terrorist: A Black was the day Stowers came out to Lives Matter Dialogue with Pa- his work as a transgender man. trisse Cullors.” As the hour-long “My place of work prided it- segment went by, the number of self on being friendly and warm DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION CONFERENCE / Screenshot Kai Stowers is a trans man. He shared his journey and tips on mindful- attendees rose from 75 to 140 in and welcoming, but it wasn’t the ness on the first day of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion conference. a matter of minutes. kind of place that encouraged DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION CONFERENCE / Screenshot was after he began identifying as be difficult, so he hired a con- The segment featured Cullors, Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement answers employees to rock the boat,” a co-founder of the Black Lives Stowers said at Webster’s sixth transgender. sultant to help him with the questions from the crowd. Stowers came out to chosen process. Matter (BLM) movement, and annual Diversity, Equity and In- the day, however. “Voices of Di- relatives, friends and the wom- Zakiya Mabery, a diversity, two moderators: students Grace your loved ones about BLM. clusion (DEI) conference. versity: Global Student Leaders” en’s hockey league he played in. equity and inclusion strategist, Gilliam and CJ Berry. Cullors also advised the audi- He shared his experience hosted Yatina Katunga, an SGA He hadn’t come out to his work- also spoke at the event. She The two moderators inter- ence earlier in the session about about coming out as transgender graduate senator, along with oth- place yet. discussed disabilities and how viewed Cullors about her work, how they can impact change. with Webster students on Feb. er student leaders from Webster’s “It was very clear, to me at practices, language, attitudes beginning with her book “When “We can’t just be good people,” 23. He spoke at Webster Uni- international campuses. least, that asking an organization and stereotypes have an impact They Call You A Terrorist.” Cullors advised. “We need to versity’s DEI conference during Alex Tha Great, a spoken that hasn’t yet started its DEI on individuals with disabilities. Cullors created a young adult’s change the institutions.” a segment called, “Mindfulness word artist, preceded Cullors by journey to use male pronouns to Jackie Glenn, founder and CEO version of the book and when Assistant professor of music and and Intercultural Communica- performing multiple poems then refer to someone who is still pre- of Glenn Diversity, Inclusion asked about the decision by Gil- director of music education Stuart tion: Showing Up in Mind, Body taking questions from the audi- senting as female is considered as and HR Solutions, hosted a lec- liam, Cullors explained she felt it Chapman-Hill led a discussion in and Heart.” ence. Then, at 7 p.m., it was time rocking the boat,” Stowers said. ture on the power of allyship. was necessary to provide a sepa- an earlier session on changing The DEI conference was or- for Cullors to speak with Webster. Stowers decided it would be A panel discussion on “sec- rate book for the age group. the institution in “Leading and ganized by Vincent Flewellen, Gilliam, the moderator for best if he didn’t come out to his ond chance” employment, “Young people are often told Doing: Anti-racist Curriculum Webster’s chief diversity officer. the discussion with Cullors, was organization, but by not coming referring to those who were they have no agency to change Review and Redesign.” The ses- “We go into these fields because grateful for the opportunity to out, Stowers did face challenges. jailed and the disproportionate things,” Cullors said at the con- sion hosted Chapman-Hill, fellow we want to fix or correct the moderate the discussion with “I had to tolerate the sandpa- amount of minorities affected ference. “So my work can tell music education professors and experiences we had that didn’t fit Culllors. per-like grating that comes every by incarceration, was also fea- them they do have the power.” students. right or feel right, and to ensure “[Cullors] is so influential to time somebody used the wrong tured. Cullors fielded questions from Another panel was “My others also don’t have to experi- so many communities,” Gilliam pronouns,” Stowers said. Rounding out the day was the audience, as well. The ques- Space is Your Space” led by Stu- ence that,” Flewellen said at the said. “I am so glad we got to have Eventually, Stowers’ legal one of the keynote speakers, tions for Cullors ranged in topics dent Government Association conference. her here at the Webster University name and gender marker change Charlotte Clymer. Clymer, a such as: how to be a better white (SGA) President Sarah Hill and Stowers now works full-time Diversity, Equity and Inclusion had come in, and he knew it military veteran and LGBTQ+ ally, what Cullors would say to Vice President Jessica Battle. The in organization development and conference as I believe she em- would be visible to his cowork- activist, discussed being trans accusations of BLM being Marx- two women discussed the recent diversity, equity and inclusion in ist or antifa, what her favorite Youth in Leadership conference bodies all of these things.” the San Francisco Bay area. ers. He decided it was time to in a post-Trump era. come out to his organization. Contact the writer: thing is about being Black and hosted. Hill and Battle were not Contact the writer: Before he began his work how to have a conversation with the only two SGA panelists of in DEI, he worked in HR. This Stowers knew coming out would [email protected] [email protected] GameStop stocks see instability as Redditors challenge hedge funds The change in consumer short seller, is contractually investment success translated the bet against GameStop made GameStop’s addition of Chewy By Caleb Sprous tastes can be attributed to a obligated to buy back the to his newfound firm, which its equity the most shorted in co-founder Ryan Cohen to Staff Writer variety of factors ranging from stocks by an expiration date. had returns over 40% in both history. its board as an indication the As we enter the second convenience to the expansion As with all investments, its first year and in 2017. company’s financials would stage of GameStop’s Wall Street of high-speed internet. there is risk and reward. With Last year, Plotkin’s firm David Meets Goliath turn around with the company. drama, we may forget the Regardless, this posed a severe the practice of short selling, landed on the Polish Short Sale In the first month of 2021, However, some Reddit truly ridiculous ride that led risk to GameStop’s business the reward is in the value of the Registry because of a short Plotkin’s Melvin Capital users and other retail investors us here. The GameStop short model. stock decreasing rather than position in the Polish game began suffering extreme began taking notice of the squeeze is a story with multiple Goliath and his Gamble increasing. developer CD Projekt. and debilitating losses. By short bets against GameStop. characters: a hedge fund CEO, In 2020, GameStop’s In simple terms, the short The investment paid off the end of January, Melvin This is not some form of an investor app, a corporation problems were exacerbated seller hopes to borrow and sell after the game developer Capital was down 53%. The insider trading or heavily kept potentially on its deathbed and by the COVID-19 pandemic. a stock now then buy it back botched the launch of its cause of the firm’s quick and secret: information on shorted retail investors. According to an unaudited cheaper later. highly anticipated game prominent downfall stemmed shares is publicly available balance sheet created by However, the risk can be Cyberpunk 2077. Plotkin and from numerous short bets that on outlets such as Yahoo The Deathbed Corporation GameStop in May 2020, extremely high. Certified Melvin Capital’s success paid soured; the most prominent bet Finance. Reddit users realized The story begins with GameStop’s total assets Financial Planner Jay Peters, lucratively, earning him $300 was short selling GameStop. the GameStop short was so the corporation GameStop. decreased by nearly 33% from a strategy and allocation million in compensation in But how could Plotkin’s bet extreme that they could force GameStop is an American the previous year while their specialist with the St. 2017 according to Forbes. against GameStop fail? How a short squeeze. chain of brick-and-mortar total liabilities grew. Hedge Louis based MSMF Wealth In December 2020, Plotkin could a firm like GameStop, A short squeeze is when the video game stores. For years, fund managers began to bet management, explained the spent $44 million on two with a possibly outdated price of a stock starts to spike, GameStop allowed gamers to against the company. risk. adjacent, beachfront homes in business model, rise in value causing short-sellers to quickly trade-in games they no longer One of those hedge funds “If the stock price goes from Florida. so quickly? In every regard, it buy-back the stock before the played for small amounts was Melvin Capital, founded $5 to $10,” Peters stated, “[the Melvin Capital was not alone seemed to be more foolish to contractually obligated date in of cash or in-store credit. in 2014 by Gabriel Plotkin. short seller] just doubled the in their bet against GameStop: bet on GameStop than against an effort to cut their losses. However, GameStop faced During an interview with money he lost.” a report by Investopedia stated it. A short squeeze can be struggles in recent years due to Bloomberg, Plotkin stated the Peters stated the potential the short position adopted A subreddit known as r/ instigated when increased consumers’ increased taste for firm had an “intense focus” on losses short sellers could incur by Melvin Capital and other wallstreetbets, an online demand for a stock causes its digital distribution. short selling. are unlimited. investors accounted for a community on Reddit share values to rise. According to Statista, Short selling is the practice Before starting Melvin staggering 139% of existing dedicated to retail investor physical game sales accounted of an investor borrowing Capital, Plotkin worked GameStop shares, meaning discussions, had on-and- for 80% of total tales in 2009. shares of stock from a company for SAC Capital where he some already shorted shares off conversations about Visit our website for In 2018, digital game sales and immediately selling them. managed a portfolio valued had been re-lent and shorted GameStop’s stock over previous more. increased to 83% of total sales. This investor, known as the around $1.3 billion. Plotkin’s again. The doubling down on years. Some users had taken Page 4 Sports March 3 - March 16, 2021 Track athlete wins first in SLIAC Indoor Track Championships

By Iland Shurn model for me ever since my first Contributing Writer day of practice. His humility and driven attitude inspires me The year of 2020 was to go beyond my limits,” Baker unexpected, to say the least, especially for then-junior, Jacob said. “Jake is one of the most Ridenhour. hardworking people I know and He had just qualified for works endlessly every day to nationals in the 200m for perfect his craft.” indoor track before the season The St. Louis Intercollegiate was brought to an end due “ We’re really Athletic Conference (SLIAC) to COVID-19. In that same Indoor Track Championships qualifying meet, he had taken excited to come was held on Feb. 27at Principia No. 11 for the 100m race. Going back, and we College. Ridenhour took first in to nationals was not a new thing the 60m dash running a 6.81, for Ridenhour –his sophomore just started breaking the school record year, he qualified for nationals in practice the making him the number two the 60m. runner in the NCAA Division- “I remember running and not other day. ” III this season. being able to see my time after Matt Staker Ridenhour also finished first the race. The only thing I saw in the 200m dash, running a was my 6-foot-10-inch coach 22.35, and second in the 4x400 jumping up and down. That’s Senior shortstop meter relay, running a 3:31.19. when I knew I had a good time,” The team finished second Ridenhour said. overall for the second consecutive Ridenhour grew up in the year, and Ridenhour was named small town of Jerseyville, Illinois the SLIAC Indoor Track Athlete with two older siblings. of the Year. Baseball was his sport at the The date for the next indoor time, but now he would much LARRY RADLOFF / Contributed Photo Webster athlete Jacob Ridenhour runs past opponents at a track meet. meet has not been decided, rather watch the game in person but due to his times in the 60 “It’s much more fun that way,” 200m, 4x4, and the open 400m Having people such as The nation. graduates. In his spare time, his and 200m dashes this season, Ridenhour said. for indoor and 100m, 200m, 4x1, Rock in his ear right before a Ridenhour’s goals for this year favorite hobby is playing golf. Ridenhour is anticipated to The baseball-player-turned- 4x4. race prepares him for his meets. are to be Webster’s first national This past summer he played over earn an invitation to compete track-athlete didn’t even start “Track is the hardest sport I’ve That is exactly who he listened champion, qualify for three 20 times. at the Division III Elite Indoor running track until his senior played, but I love competing and to going into the latest meet at events to win the team trophy Ridenhour also loves country Championships on March 12 year in high school. Even going racing people,” Ridenour said. Principia College. and qualify for the 2021 Olympic music, playing volleyball and through13. into Webster, he was going to When getting ready for a Ridenhour ran 6.88 in the Trials in Tokyo, Japan. bowling in his free time. play soccer. He eventually gave meet, some might listen to hype 60m which is just under his Ridenhour, an accounting Teammate Sam Baker said up that sport his sophomore year music or sad music. Ridenhour, personal best, and a 22.32 in the and finance major, now works Ridenhour is the ideal teammate. Contact the writer: to focus on track. Ridenhour, however, prefers to listen to 200m, which despite not being an internship at Ultra Electric. “Jake has been a role [email protected] now a senior, runs the 60m, motivational videos on YouTube. his best, still ranks sixth in the He plans to work here after he Ali Spohr earns a triple-double, one of only two in DIII this year By Robby Floyd game outside of setting,” Spohr ing attention to the blocking “We’re always just focused Sports Editor said. “That’s where I played schemes,” Spohr said. “I’m on that next point,” Spohr my first match as an attacker comparing the strengths of my said. “I’m more happy about On Feb. 24, Webster Uni- and learned how to switch my attackers to the weaknesses in the team win [than the triple- versity volleyball junior Ali mindset based on what role my their defense. When I attack, double].” Spohr came just one kill away team needed me to play.” I’m focused on my blocker. I The team currently sits from a triple-double. She had want to know their tenden- third in the St. Louis Intercol- double digit digs and assists, cies and which way they like to legiate Athletic Conference but just nine kills. A tenth m ov e .” (SLIAC) standings. Spohr is kill would have made Spohr “ I’ll do what- Spohr uses the tendencies the only member of the SLIAC the third volleyball player in ever I can to of her opponents to find weak- with a triple-double on the Webster history to record a ness. season. She is only one of two triple-double. The last Web- throw “I’ll do whatever I can to players in all of Division III ster triple-double was in 2005, throw them off,” Spohr said. Volleyball with a triple-double by Webster Athletics hall-of- [opponents] “Like if a blocker overshoots this year. famer Melanie Klingelhoefer. ” my right shoulder, I know In her next game, Spohr Spohr was one kill away from off. the line defender can’t see my again achieved a double-dou- making Webster history. hand, so I’ll have the right over ble, this time finishing four In her next game, just two that outside blocker.” kills shy of the triple-double. days later, she did it. Ali Spohr Coach Merry Graf knew be- But Webster got the win, and Sixteen assists. Fifteen kills. fore the season that Spohr was to Spohr, that’s what’s most im- Eleven digs. headed in the right direction. portant. A year ago, Spohr did not “[Spohr] has kept herself in “I did have a moment after Webster volleyball player play enough varsity to even great shape and looks to find the [triple-double] talking to think about a triple-double. her way onto the court this my parents where I realized In her sophomore season, year,” Graf said prior to the how far I had come from the Spohr played in just 21 of the start of the season. “She is a little girl who was scared of the team’s 106 sets, playing mostly Spohr is the starting setter very hard worker, and I antici- ball,” Spohr said. “But other junior-varsity (JV). This year, for varsity this year, but when pate all her efforts will help her than that, I try not to think Spohr has played every set. another setter comes onto the on the court this season.” about it too much. We have a Those JV sets did help Spohr court, Spohr doesn’t come off. Spohr was not thinking lot of work to do to achieve our improve her game, however. She becomes an attacker, com- about the triple-double at all team goals and finish at the top Entering college, Spohr was pletely switching her mindset during the game. Webster was of the conference.” CHRISTINE TANNOUS / The Journal exclusively a setter. and changing her responsibili- playing Spalding, a team that Ali Spohr sets the ball during a volleyball game at the Grant Gymnasium on Saturday, Feb. 27. Webster won 3 - 0. “Playing JV really allowed ties. is just behind Webster in the Contact the writer: me to work on all aspects of my “When I’m setting, I’m pay- standings. [email protected] Overlap from Page One He also broke a school without burning him out, so record for 73 goals and 39 to speak,” Bunch said. “Mark assists in his soccer career at is one of the more dedicated Hillsboro High School. and focused players that we Both Siener and Men’s have ever had in our program, basketball coach Chris Bunch especially as a freshman.” understand Moore’s situation Moore played four sports in high school, so he is used to having to time manage between sports and school. Mark is one He said this year has been “ easier with COVID-19 since of the more there are not a lot of social events and he can get enough dedicated sleep. “If I do not get at least nine hours of sleep, I really feel it and focused the next day,” Moore said. Moore has only one class players we per day and said it was easier to have online classes because have ever he has more free time to do his schoolwork. had in our Whenever Moore feels worn out from the day, he program. thinks about the fact that ” seasons will not interfere with Chris Bunch one another again. He also thinks of his dad. “When my dad was 18 and Men’s basketball coach in the army in Panama, he was dealing with way worse stuff than I am at 18. I’m just and communicate with him playing sports, so it cannot be weekly to try to monitor his that bad,” Moore said. workload. “We understand that Mark will be an important part Contact the writer: of both of our programs, so we work together to ensure [email protected] that he can play both sports Graphics by CAS WAIGAND March 3 - March 16, 2021 Lifestyle Page 5 Webster students create clothing to connect with others By Cas Waigand their feelings. He said seeing cycling clothes came from her Managing Editor people also express their feelings desire to avoid “fast fashion.” Mi- and thoughts on social media chael Brady is a philosophy pro- Webster student Taylor Zarr inspired him to put designs on fessor who teaches environmen- began thrifting and upcycling black backgrounds, as he was tal ethics at Webster University. clothes out of her love for sustain- trying to reflect the look of social He said clothing relating tasks ability. She said her main moti- media posts. Overall, Peppers like production and transport vation, even when sharing her said he wanted to create a per- contribute to about 10% of global creations, is not about making sonal brand. carbon emissions. That percent is money. Gabriel Peppers, another “Think about any movie mirrored in a 2018 press release Webster student who started the animation, cartoon or hit songs. from the United Nations Eco- clothing brand “Dayzed,” felt the Those are the best when they tar- nomic Commission for Europe, same way. get and when you can relate to which also estimated the fashion For both students, creating them,” Peppers said. “Anything industry is responsible for 20% of and designing clothing is a way to has to be relatable in order for it wastewater. connect with and inspire others. to be very good and true. And it’s “There’s just a whole lot of Driving motivation all naturally going to be good be- messed up things with the fast Zarr is a philosophy major cause that audience can relate to fashion industry,” Zarr said. “So with an emphasis in arts and cre- it .” to remove myself from that as ativity. In one of her courses, Zarr Webster student Austin Da- much as I can, and then also sup- said the class discussed the idea vis has been a model for some of port the other side of it and use of whether art can have a practi- Peppers’ designs. Davis is an ani- the clothes that are already here cal use. She thought it could and mation major and has not been on this Earth to create less waste she used clothing as an example. involved in modeling before. and new items is the whole part “Everyone’s wearing some sort However, he said he wanted to be of it.” of piece of clothing,” Zarr said. involved because he felt Peppers Along with sustainability, Zarr “We use it as a form of expres- created a brand people could re- said she also wants to share her CAS WAIGAND / The Journal sion, whether it’s plain monotone late to. creations with others and inspire Webster student Taylor Zarr displays a pair of pants she made from a blanket. Zarr upcycles and thrifts out of clothing or something crazy and “He has one that talks about them. her love for sustainability. extravagant.” how the days have been since Brady said in order to over- current system can have even erful.” clothing. Peppers’ clothing brand, COVID Zoom, repeat, eat be- come the negative environmen- more of an impact. Getting Started Her cousin, who also helped along with his graphic novel cause everyone’s been doing that,” tal impacts of “fast fashion” it is “If you and I can get a bunch Zarr said she has upcycled her get a sewing machine to work called “Topia Ending Days,” are Davis said. “It’s something that I important for people to educate of people to not do that,” Brady and created clothing for others as with, encouraged her to pursue expressions of the subconscious can relate to - everyone can relate themselves, learn and make indi- said, “to think about the habit or gifts, and said she considered ex- her idea. mind. He also focuses on peoples’ to - and everyone is able to just vidual decisions to change their learn about the habits through panding and making clothes for thoughts and feelings. probably connect better because habits. Changing habits and be- an article or a class, or just talk- even more people. For the clothing brand, Pep- we all have been through the haviors, however, can take time. ing to your friends or whatever, it Initially, however, Zarr said Visit our website pers said he was particularly same experiences.” Brady said coming together can start to create like groups of she was unsure of whether any- for more. struck by seeing posts on social For Zarr, thrifting and up- in groups to stand up against the people and then groups are pow- one would be interested in her media where people expressed Program hopes to help young Counseling center wants to adults stay sober through art start COVID-19 support group By Jewell Wood By Alexandria Darmody resource. Junior Halani Harber time in the spring of 2018. I Contributing Writer has been consistently using the used it for a few counseling On Feb. 27, Hope Creates Staff Writer counseling center since last fall. appointments but didn’t feel hosted a virtual gala called “Having to social distance right at the time,” Harber said. “Extraordinary Stories of Creative The Webster Counseling and Life Development staff has and stay home has taken its “There are several different Young Artists in Recovery.” The toll,” Harber said. “This was counselors at Webster. If you event’s goal was to help inspire noticed the toll the pandemic young addicts to stay sober and has taken on students’ mental an outlet that let me express try one and it doesn’t feel right, provide information for families health. my frustration and handle the try another. They all want to looking for ways to help loved “COVID-19 is certainly a ongoing pandemic.” support you and you should ones. shared experience contributing Along with being able to feel safe opening up.” The gala included videos to increased isolation, air concerns and stresses due to Despite the benefits and highlighting individual stories and decreased social activity, the pandemic—and its effects the sessions being posted on a silent auction featuring pieces higher elevations of anxiety on the already stressful school Webster’s website, not many from program participants. Jeffery and depression, loss of energy, and work—the virtual sessions students have expressed Small, TV personality and actor, termination of employment interest. Because of this, the emceed the gala. and life challenges of biblical counseling center isn’t yet able HOPE CREATES / Contributed Photo Kathie Thomas, founder proportions,” said Patrick Stack, [Counseling] to provide the virtual sessions. of Hope Creates, described the Lexy Algiere helps paint a tree for a project at the Hope Creates event. the director of Counseling and “has changed my They need more people to sign vision of the gala as, “a society that for an environmental consulting Pottery is Algiere’s favorite up to effectively provide the understands addiction, recovery firm. She said Hope Creates and Life Development at Webster. form of art to create. When In order to combat this, the life dramatically by sessions. and supports healthy, constructive Thomas played a major role in she learned to create pottery at “We have had one student lives for our recovering addicts.” counseling center decided to giving me the tools where she is at today. Columbia College, she was taught express interest participating in In 2017, Thomas founded “From a societal view, people create a virtual support group in a traditional way. However, since to navigate my life. the support group,” Stack said. Hope Creates after her daughter’s who are addicted are weak- graduating, she gets to be creative for students to meet with each own struggle with addiction. minded, they don’t know how and use glazes and textures. other and licensed counselors. “Therefore, the group has not This program was created to to say no or control their life. Hope Creates has a piece Students will be able to share yet developed.” empower young adults who That’s not it, it’s an anomaly. I Algiere created when she was on tribulations they have faced Halani Harber ” For anyone interested but were in recovery for addiction had a substance put in my body, an assistantship in New Castle, during the pandemic. The goal Webster student not sure, Harber gave advice. through expressive art and the and something changed,” Algiere Maine. of the group setting is to help “Just give it a try, you will development of entrepreneurial said. “They say in recovery that Both Thomas and Algiere students feel a connection they feel better just being able to business skills. Hope Creates also this disease either ends with described addiction as a very may have lacked during a time talk with someone who cares provides support for the family of institutions, death or you get sober. isolating disease. Now, during the where traditional mental health are meant to help attendees no matter how small,” Harber those struggling with addiction. And I got the chance to get sober.” time of COVID-19, when people grow. said. “It has changed my life “Addiction is preventable if services might not be available. Algiere works to help other are forced into isolation, addiction “Research informs us “Participants will have dramatically by giving me tools you can work a program and have people who are sober because is more deadly. that group therapy can be an an opportunity to share their to navigate my life.” the support you need to do what she got the chance herself. She Hope Creates has had to experiences, both positive and The group, if developed, is you need to do. Just like a diabetic efficacious method of support commends Hope Creates as an change its routine meetings negative,” Stack said. “Healthy scheduled to meet Tuesdays at 6 needs to do what they need to do avenue to be able to reach other because of COVID-19, but because of a shared experience,” to save their lives, which is what people who are in recovery. Stack said. coping skills will be introduced p.m. on the HIPAA- compliant Thomas still tries to bring people as effective ways of conquering program Zoom. To express every human being needs to do “When I got to Hope Creates, together. And the virtual format every day,” Thomas said. there was this whole other energy “Being together as human won’t necessarily take the COVID Blues.” interest in the virtual support Lexy Algiere — a ceramicist, about everybody who was there. beings is critical in the sobriety of away from the benefits and Therapy, especially ingroup and get the program participant in the program and a It was loving, accepting and people,” Thomas said. connection provided by a group setting, may seem started, email Stack your name part of Hope Creates leadership everyone was so excited to see For more information about therapy. The counselingoverwhelming, but the benefits and email. team — has been sober now you. At the same time there was Hope Creates visit https://www. center has had online singular are worth it. Harber exemplifies for about five-and-a-half years. a lightness about everything. hopecreates.org/about. sessions since the beginning how hard the process can be Since being in recovery, she has With the people there, we could of the pandemic, and students sometimes. Contact the writer: graduated college and entered Contact the writer: laugh, we could joke and not be so have taken advantage of the “I started using the [email protected] into the workforce as an employee serious and heavy,” Algiere said. [email protected] counseling center for the first For one graphic designer, love of music and art mixes together By Charlotte Renner “I like how Michael is so inclu- project as the text art for his Hal- Photo Editor sive. He does it so naturally,” Yuasa loween song release “The Torture said. “A lot of students, especially Never Stops.” Zappa thanked Senior graphic design major in art, can be introverts. But Mi- Doherty in a blog post on his Michael Doherty’s life changed chael reaches out to people, and website, also wishing him a “be- forever when he first experienced that person feels comfortable talk- lated happy birthday.” live music. It was Ozzfest 2007, ing to him.” “It’s really cool to think that in a metal music festival put on by Doherty’s own work revolves some small way, Dweezil Zappa Ozzy Osbourne. He remembers it around combining his two pas- knows me a tiny bit,” Doherty as the hottest day of the year. sions: art and music. The art he said. “I think it’s really great to At 12 years old, Doherty saw creates has a unique, trippy quality be recognized for my work by mosh pits, got a whiff of marijuana to it. someone that I recognize for their and watched one of the bands set “I’m trying to break apart pat- w or k .” fire to a Bible. In the end, Doherty terns,” Doherty said. “That’s some- Being recognized for his work didn’t even get to see Ozzy - he got thing I’ve been recognizing -build- is very important to Doherty. a bad sunburn and had to leave ing patterns, recognizing them If a customer is disrespectful early. and then swirling them around.” of Doherty’s creations, he will not “It was pretty crazy stuff to see Most of his work is dedicated to work with them. Doherty relates when you’re 12 years old,” Doherty the musicians he loves, like Dead one example where a customer he said. “My music taste started really & Company, King Crimson and considered rude offered him $100 intense like that. It still has a degree local St. Louis bands. This brings to use his design for a shirt, and he of intensity.” him closer to his dream of being a turned him down. This experience stirred some- graphic artist for a record label. “You don’t want to put your thing in him. He’s attended 250 The peak of Doherty’s art ca- design on an asshole’s t-shirt,” concerts in the last 13 years. reer so far was when Dweezil Zap- Doherty said. “Or if you do, at Doherty now creates art inspired CHARLOTTE RENNER/ The Journal pa, his favorite guitarist, reached what price?” by and made for the musicians he Graphic design major Michael Doherty makes a print in the printmaking studio at Webster University. out to Doherty personally to make In a way, Doherty was destined loves so much. and money to music and art. because I’ve lived my life with the dio to work freely on projects and text art for him. to be a graphic designer for re- “It’s so amazing to watch a show When he’s not making art, he’s artists and the people that matter get help and critiques. Doherty en- “That was a complete shock cording artists. He recently found unfold and not know where the “consuming a ton of music with most to me.” joys hearing about his peer’s work to me. I was up until like 2 in the an assignment dating all the way band’s gonna take it, but knowing [his] cats.” He jokes that he’s finally Doherty now spends a lot of his and helping them improve it. morning so psyched,” Doherty back to kindergarten that affirms it’s going to be incredible,” Doherty gotten better about saving money time at the Visual Art Studios at His advisor, Noriko Yuasa, put said. “Then the reality hit me, like this. said. “It’s suspending all of your now that COVID-19 has put a halt Webster — he takes classes, works him in charge of leading this af- ‘Oh I really have to do this.’” “It’s a line I wrote,” Doherty expectations, allowing a band and to live music. on printmaking projects, fulfills ter seeing how he interacted with Doherty said he neglected all of said. “‘I like art and moozic.’” the crowd to be one and just going “It’s priceless,” Doherty said. his work study and even hosts an students at a group critique last his classes that weekend and only Contact the writer: for the ride.” “I wouldn’t [do it any other way] open studio hour on Fridays. spring. focused on Zappa’s project. [email protected] Doherty devotes a lot of time Students come to the open stu- Zappa used Doherty’s finished March 3 - March 16, 2021 Opinions Page 6 It’s past time to abolish prisons: Take a look at the CJC protests Letters were known by staff to have COVID-19. & The fact that the capacity was at 60 before COVID-19 shows these facilities are Commentaries not adjusting their normal policies to fit virus precautions, thus putting people in a position where they can literally die The Journal welcomes letters to the editor and because of officials’ incompetence. guest commentaries. Letters to the editor must Well, why hasn’t anything started be fewer than 450 words. Guest commentaries must be between 450 and 750 words, and guest happening until now? Well, letter writing writers must have their photograph taken to campaigns and peaceful protests were run with their commentaries. The Journal will ignored largely by state officials. Some edit all submitted pieces for grammar, style and state officials don’t even care enough clarity. If there are any substantial revisions, By Kieron Kessler the writer will be notified and allowed to edit to be aware of what’s happening in St. his or her own writing. Opinions Editor Louis jails, so to me, it is no surprise that peaceful action was ignored and unheard. This is why we must support people The City Justice Center of St. Louis facing incarceration because with (CJC) made headlines with a major incarceration, your right to freedom of protest early February. Photos flooded the speech is seen as removable. Everyone Submit all letters to the editor and internet of protestors in front of broken guest commentaries to involved in the CJC protests engaged in windows waving for help. The images peaceful protests twice before they broke [email protected] by 2 p.m. on were of the third protest that has happened Monday. windows to gain attention from the at the CJC since December. People being outside. held by the CJC were protesting for their Jimmie Edwards, St. Louis Public LOGAN NGUYEN / The Journal rights to adequate living conditions and Safety head, felt the need to call the The windows at the prison in downtown St. Louis after inmates broke them and set fire to the build- COVID-19 protections. protest “violent” and “destructive” in ing in protest. The This protest caught the city by surprise press conferences that weekend, while because the first two protests were statement made by the people protesting being violated. not taking any ounce of accountability for points out the fallacy in the statement. The prison is made for profit, allowing Publications suppressed by the media. As a prison being in a position where he could have abolitionist, my heart breaks hearing The key word here is “confirmed.” They money incentives to be the goal rather Board done so much more to prevent this third say this because they were not adequately than rehabilitation. Rights can be violated the human rights abuses that have been protest from occuring. taking place inside the prison and this testing people up until the protests made inside the prison without a blink of an The Publications Board acts as the publisher If Edwards focused more on the headlines. eye. of The Journal, a designated public forum for protest just proves to me further that the needs of the people inside the CJC than students, faculty, staff and administrators at prison system does not work. Arguments made against the protests Now, those at the CJC are being Webster University. The Board, co-chaired by his personal image, then maybe those by city officials included that the CJC transferred to the Workhouse, another Larry Baden and Linda Woolf, meets every The protest took place on the weekend incarcerated would not have to take over of Feb 7. People in the CJC took over the is not overcrowded by state guidelines. facility known for not treating the academic month. The meetings are open to an entire floor just to be heard. This is just The argument was made to negate the the public. Please bring us your comments and top floor at 3 a.m. and the protest lasted incarcerated folks inside with human concerns. The Journal will post information on one problem with prisons. They are tied to arguments of overcrowding pits the dignity. seven hours. One hundred and seventeen wealthy people or people in high positions the time and place of the meeting when a room people being held inside the CJC took protesters described in their statement of People have used this protest as a is available. who do not have an ounce of respect for needs. While the jail itself was 101 below reasoning to advocate to keep the part in this protest. anyone on the inside. This leads to human In the first protest, which was peaceful, capacity, the facility was still holding Workhouse, rather than evaluating the rights abuses and people making money 759 people. This number was decided way St. Louis handles justice as a whole. they were hosed down and tear gassed. off the prison industrial complex. This followed a removal of personal items pre-COVID-19 and there have been no The fact that we have two facilities, and The living conditions and lack of adjustments to the capacity numbers both are known for the same problem, because of the tear gas, or so officials say. policies to deal with COVID-19 were They had personal documents taken away since the virus got to the United States. leads me to believe that just reforming Our Vision two of the main reasons why incarcerated According to St. Louis Public Radio, them will not be enough. We need prison from them, including birth certificates people of CJC protested. To consistently provide the Webster University and documents regarding their cases. people have used the protest to certify abolition and a focus on rehabilitation. and Webster Groves communities with the Since COVID-19 began to spread, the need for a second facility and better Inmates are cold and hungry. They most current and contextual information using Keep in mind, a majority of the people people inside the prison were not allowed inside the CJC are awaiting trial. That COVID-19 measures, but I think they are need proper care, proper COVID-19 both print and multimedia, while serving as a to see their families and meal nutritional missing the point. precautions, recreation and visitation learning platform for our staff and a forum for means a lot of the people inside the CJC value went down, more so than it already our readers. have not been proven guilty and taking Yes, COVID-19 protections need to be rights. Inmates feel as though they are was. They have been denied recreation, as a thing in the status quo, but the overall being left to die. Incarceration comes Produced by The Journal away those documents makes it more well as adequate medical attention. difficult to work on their cases. Some need for a prison in the first place needs to with the assumption that they are mainly Editorial Board and Business The statement released by those be evaluated. BIPOC because mass incarceration office, Summer 2014 people have been in the CJC for five years involved in the protest alleged that people The fact that the first two protests were targets those communities. Ignoring the while waiting for a trial. were forced to mingle with those who As punishment for the first protest, the so easily ignored leads me to wonder how needs of inmates can, and has, led to visibly had the virus. I say visibly because many prison protests are shielded from us deadly outsomes. people involved were put in “the hole,” COVID-19 tests at the CJC had not been otherwise known as solitary confinement, by the media. The prison is set up to ignore occurring until the weekend of the protest. and forget about anyone held inside. It for expressing their right to freedom of The St. Louis Department of Public Contact the writer: speech. On New Year’s Eve, their pod should not be this hard for incarcerated Safety said there were not any confirmed folks to communicate that their rights are [email protected] THE JOURNAL was filled with 51 people and 24 of them cases until that weekend. However, a

The News Source Pokemon’s virtual Post Malone concert leaves fans wanting more for Webster University anywhere. Those with noise sensitivities, By Sean Mullins This made for a low-energy contrast with mello’s ingame Fortnite concert on Feb. MCMAs Best in State 2018 including neurodivergent people like my- Webmaster Pokemon in the background, many of 2, 2019 - a 10 minute show that attracted Pacemaker Finalist self, can safely attend without experienc- whom were stationary or barely moving. 10.7 million players - game developers ing sensory overload. Even those without Animation benefits from suspension and artists alike have collaborated to hold Jenna Jones Editor-in-Chief disabilities benefit from virtual concerts Cas Waigand Managing Editor Post Malone’s Pokemon Day virtual of disbelief, as audiences can accept com- concerts in online multiplayer lobbies. concert, like many virtual concerts be- by avoiding exorbitant prices for tickets plicated musical choreography that can’t Minecraft has held live concerts since fore, wasn’t as exciting as it could’ve been. and travel, which otherwise exclude fans be done in stage performances. This prin- 2016, and even featured a COVID-19 re- Abby Frye News Editor That doesn’t mean virtual concerts can’t who can’t afford it. ciple is why musicals are so well suited to lief concert by Anamaguchi and Ameri- Gavin Griffiths-Hill Lifestyle Editor be great, but rather that creators aren’t These benefits make attendance acces- animation, and it could’ve been used to can Football in 2020. Robby Floyd Sports Editor utilizing their unique attributes. sible to more audiences, but the format make a stunning and memorable show. While Pokemon games have online Kieron Kessler Opinions Editor Pokemon began its 25th anniver- isn’t always enjoyable. For people who at- However, this is where virtual concerts multiplayer components, they don’t have sary with a week of events, including an- tend Zoom calls daily for work meetings, tend to fail; they copy the limitations of lobbies even close in scale to Fortnite or online classes and keeping in touch with Charlotte Renner Photo Editor nouncements of the highly anticipated physical venues out of tradition, leaving Minecraft. Kenzie Akins Graphics Editor Sinnoh remakes, “Pokemon Brilliant friends, another video call can feel drain- audiences with a lesser experience. The latest entries, “Pokemon Sword Sean Mullins Webmaster Diamond and Shining Pearl,” and a new ing. After three songs performed over 12 and Shield,” can barely fit thirty Trainers action-RPG, “Pokemon Legends: Ar- Livestream performances aren’t much minutes, the concert concluded and left into Galar’s Wild Area without lagging, Advisers ceus.” The anniversary includes an album better, as there’s functionally no differ- fans wondering why there wasn’t more. glitching or accidentally making some- Trish Muyco-Tobin Newspaper Adviser releasing in autumn titled “P25 Music,” ence from watching recordings or music Even with the marketing campaign and one walk on air. However, there is a less featuring 14 songs by 11 artists from videos. Post Malone’s virtual concert falls livestream, it felt more like a music video, resource-intensive option that, at the cost Staff Universal Music Group (UMG). Open- under the latter category and exemplifies or perhaps the opening act to a concert of a larger simultaneous audience, gives Kayla Piedimonte Student Media Manager ing festivities concluded on Feb. 27, the many of its weakest aspects. for the entire “P25 Music” album. a more personal, interactive experience franchise’s birthday, with an animated The performance itself was fine, ani- Why not showcase all the artists, or unique to Pokemon. Staff Writers concert livestream starring Post Malone. mated with lush background environ- have a longer concert with music from What I’m saying is that I want to chal- Alexandria Darmody Although virtual concerts aren’t a new ments in place of an audience. From an the games’ composers, similar to the lenge Post Malone to a Pokemon battle. Kelly Bowen underwater school of Lanturn to a biolu- Caleb Sprous concept, the pandemic has made them “Pokemon Symphonic Evolutions” tour? In “Pokemon Black 2 and White 2,” Kate McCracken more common. Musicians are turning to minescent forest filled with Torterra and Between the rudimentary choreog- downloadable events allowed players to Jordyn Grimes livestreams and video calls for the time Shiinotic, the backgrounds complement- raphy and disappointing runtime, Post challenge real competitors from the 2012 being. ed a solid performance by Post Malone. Malone’s concert certainly wasn’t me- Pokemon World Championships as boss While fans eagerly await the day they That said, it was comically bizarre diocre, but it showed many flaws that ap- battles. Trainers faced off against the likes Contributing Writers can hear these performances in person, hearing him perform “Circles,” with lyr- pear when virtual concerts try to recreate of Masters Division champion Ray Rizzo Jewell Wood ics “you thought that it was special, but it Iland Sherun some audiences find advantages in vir- physical concerts online. and runner-up Wolfe Glick, complete tual concerts that physical events can’t was just the sex though” as Lugia casually However, that doesn’t mean virtual with the teams they used that year. Why provide. flew overhead. concerts can’t stand out, it just means not do something similar, but featuring For example, the lack of a physical Despite the performance and visu- they need to take advantage of the online artists collaborating with P25 Music, venue makes them more accessible. On- als, the concert didn’t take advantage of setting and make something new. Trans- complete with their collaboration tracks Photography animation. Mimicking a traditional con- Christine Tannous line environments allow artists to accom- lating physical concerts only makes audi- as battle music? Logan Nguyen modate disabled fans who can’t attend cert, Post Malone’s choreography was ences miss the advantages of that setting, physical events. Not every venue is physi- grounded and simple, limited to walking particularly the interactive environment. Visit our website for cally accessible, but virtual concerts can around a circular platform that moved to No medium does interactivity better more. Website provide a welcome environment from different environments like a travelling than games, a setting in which virtual www.websterjournal.com stage from “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.” concerts are thriving. Following Marsh- Facebook Facebook.com/websterjournal Biden bombs Syria: Imperialism breeds American ignorance Twitter North Korea. Essentially, they endorse @WebsterJournal the mass slaughter of millions upon millions of innocent people. Whenever we turn on the news, we find new justifications for our own atrocities: human rights abuses, au- thoritarian leaders, lack of democracy, etc. 8300 Big Bend Boulevard This means largely nothing. The U.S. Svedrup 250 did not support a coup of democrati- St. Louis, Missouri 63119 cally elected socialist Salvador Allende By Caleb Sprous because they love democracy. The U.S. www.websterjournal.com Staff Writer did not support his tyrannical and brutal replacement, Captain General Augusto Pinochet, because we despise The Journal is the official student publication of Nearly 100 years since his death, authoritarian rulers. Webster University. Unsigned editorials reflect The U.S. justifies its actions by the opinion of the newspaper, not necessarily Vladimir Lenin’s theories of imperial- that of the university or the Publications Board. ism still hold weight. President Biden claiming to combat terrorism. If you The opinions expressed by columnists and continues to bomb Syria, following in question this, you are anti-American or contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the footsteps of both former presidents do not support the troops’ sacrifices. It those of The Journal. All text, photos, graphics is important to recall that over 90% of and other content are copyrighted by The Donald Trump and Barack Obama. Journal and may not be reproduced without Lenin, simply put, asserted richer, casualties associated with Obama-era permission. Any photograph that has been capitalist nations would scour the drone strikes were civilians. substantially altered or staged for use as a graphic world looking for resources to devour. Perhaps, to our victims, we are the will be labeled as a photo illustration. The terrorists? Journal reserves the right to reject advertising, Syria asserts the U.S. is stealing its oil. It Graphic courtesy of PIXABAY stories, columns or letters to the editor that it claims Trump admitted to doing so. Instead of any moral belief system, lives and dies and for what resources. deems graphic, obscene or that discriminate Imperialist wars have the worst ef- the U.S. interests are both hegemonic Lenin is still right and will remain so. do better than imperialism. We can on the basis of race, culture, gender or sexual fects on humanity. We in the U.S. have and capitalist. We are the wealthiest nation in his- live up to the moral code we claim to orientation. Single copies of The Journal are Those interests typically involve free; for additional copies, contact the business become too accustomed to war and tory. Perhaps, instead of using those live by. office, located in the Sverdrup building, room death. This leads to regular people power, enforcing subservience and tools to control other nations, instead 247, on the Webster Groves campus. wishing death upon their fellow man. most importantly: markets. of using our resources to enrich very A MotherJones report found one-third The American people deserve much few with great human cost to the many, Contact the writer: of Americans would support nuking more than to let our 1% dictate who we could take care of our own? We can [email protected]