SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 NINERTIMES.COM READ MORE ONLINE Madison Dobrzenski [email protected] AT NINERTIMES.COM EDITORIAL BOARD Brandon Mitchell MANAGING EDITOR Jeffrey Kopp COMMUNITY EDITOR Emily Hickey COPY EDITOR Megan Bird NEWS EDITOR Sam Palian SPORTS EDITOR Noah Howell A&E EDITOR Olivia Lawless LIFESTYLE EDITOR Nikolai Mather OPINION EDITOR Pooja Pasupula PHOTO EDITOR María Solano VIDEO EDITOR Natasha Morehouse LAYOUT EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITORS Max Young, Kennedy Hehr, Elissa Miller, Elizabeth McGuire CONTRIBUTING STAFF Ashley Conde, Tyler Trudeau, Sam Mayer, Cooper Metts, Gracie Hood LAYOUT STAFF Sam Palian, Drew Fitzgerald, Reuben Sanchez, Olivia Lawless, Aarushi Katoch COVER DESIGN Natasha Morehouse LAYOUT EDITOR COVER PHOTO CREDIT VIDEO SPORTS Chris Crews NEWSROOM: Niner News Sept. 17 STUDENT UNION 047 • • Charlotte cruises past UMass 705.687.7150 defeat UMass 52-17 Follow us on Twitter @niner_times • ninertimes.com/staff 52-17 • 49ers set to take on • Student Voice: Freshmen Minutemen MEDIA MARKETING MARKETING CREATIVE • SlutWalk • Charlotte draws against West DIRECTOR DIRECTOR Virginia in ranked battle Caleb Adams James Bourke • [email protected] [email protected] MARKETING STAFF welcomes 11-year-old Towner Joe Calhoun, Paityn Kapesser, Abram Shaw, Kayla Christian Lewis, Remarks about Appalachian state game OPINION A&E • Laurel Hall: not all it’s cracked • ALBUM REVIEW: Lana Del Rey - up to be ‘Norman Fucking Rockwell’ LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE STUDENT UNION NINER TIMES • RADIO FREE CHARLOTTE SANSKRIT LITERARY-ARTS MAGAZINE MEDIA MARKETING • TECHNICAL

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE

NINER MEDIA ADVISER: WAYNE MAIKRANZ MARKETING ADVISER: KELLY MERGES

BUSINESS MANAGER: LAURIE CUDDY GRAPHICS & PRODUCTION: JOSHUA WOOD

OFFICE MANAGER: KELLY DUDDEN

2 SEPT. 17, 2019 NINERTIMES Associate Vice Chancellor accused of human rights violations during military service

Anonymous campus flyer accuses John Bogdan of human rights violations during his military service at Guantanamo Bay NEWS

by Megan Bird News Editor

An anonymous flyer has recently accused UNC Charlotte’s Somalia.” However, in December 2013, Director of Amnesty’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Safety and Security John Security with Human Rights Daphne Eviatar wrote in the Bogdan of overseeing multiple human rights violations Huffington Post that Bogdan disclosed during a military during his time as a commander at Guantanamo Bay, commission hearing that he ran detention operations in both Cuba. However, the retired Army Colonel has refuted these Iraq and Somalia. According to Eviatar, little is known about allegations, calling them “inaccurate” and “a distraction” from U.S. detention in Somalia. his duties at the University. The retired Army Colonel did serve as commander of The flyer states, “In Guantanamo Bay, John Bogdan the 95th Military Police Battalion in Baghdad from 2007 to tortured people – most of whom were cleared for release.” It 2009, where he ran a detention center with “healthy amounts accuses Bogdan of using religious humiliation as a strategy to of enemy prisoners of war,” as he told the Niner Times. He pacify detainees, allowing genital searches and commanding also partnered with Iraqi police officials across 50 police detention centers in Iraq and Somalia. It asks, “How could stations to develop their security forces. During his tour in Bogdan possibly be qualified to protect UNCC students, Iraq, Bogdan told the Stars and Stripes publication that faculty, and staff when all he knows how to do is brutalize his “‘concerned local citizens’ — armed civilian groups — have subordinates?” played a major part in helping to reduce violence.” This Bogdan told the Niner Times in an interview on Aug. 30 occurred during the surge when the U.S. sent additional that the flyer is “generally full of inaccuracies, largely other troops to Iraq and often cooperated with the local groups. people’s opinions,” and “a distraction from my primary focus, Photo courtesy of UNC Charlotte Bogdan told the Niner Times that he was assigned to his which is the safety and security of the University.” position at Guantanamo in 2012. Bogdan was appointed as associate vice chancellor for From 2012 to 2014, Bogdan served as the warden of the safety and security in late December and began his duties in his first civilian Joint Detention Group at Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. military prison in Cuba. job on Jan. 2. Inside UNC Charlotte wrote in an announcement of his hiring During his time there, he faced criticism from detainees’ attorneys for his that Bogdan is responsible for managing “the plans and programs that protect harsh rules, like imposing regulations on when attorneys could visit their lives and property, prevent accidents and incidents and preserve the learning clients. environment and business operations of the University. This includes police In February 2013, the Miami Herald reported that it was revealed during and public safety, environmental health and safety, emergency management, a Guantanamo war court trial that there was a hidden microphone inside of and risk management and insurance.” a smoke detector in Echo II, a room where high-profile detainees meet with Director of the Center for Holocaust, Genocide & Human Rights Studies Dr. their attorneys. Bogdan testified that he had no prior knowledge of the bugs John Cox told the Niner Times that he was “disturbed” to hear about Bogdan’s and that they had been installed long before his arrival. background. He said he reached out to Chief of Staff of the Chancellor’s In March 2013, the New York Times confirmed with the Defense Office Kim Bradley asking why UNC Charlotte felt it needed someone with Department that numerous detainees were participating in a hunger strike. experience such as Bogdan’s. Bradley responded to Cox, “Throughout his The detainees’ attorneys said the protest was a response to a search in military career, John demonstrated his leadership skills in safety readiness February in which guards allegedly took personal valuables and mishandled and response, skills applicable to his responsibilities on campus and that were the inmates’ Qurans. In a media briefing, Bogdan said that Quran searches instrumental in our response and ongoing recovery to April 30. We believe had been standard practice for a while. According to a study by UC Davis, he is committed to our mission and he is a valuable addition to our campus 106 of the 166 inmates participated in the hunger strike, 46 of whom were community.” subjected to force-feeding. Shaker Aamer, who was held without trial for 13 A senior who is active in the Amnesty International chapter at UNC years despite being cleared for release twice by the British government, said Charlotte told the Niner Times, “UNC Charlotte’s hiring of John Bogdan as that the authorities of the prison used techniques such as sharply decreasing associate vice chancellor for safety and security is troubling. His expertise is the temperature and introducing metal-tipped feeding tubes to ensure not suitable for an institution that strives to be inclusive to all races, gender consumption by inmates. and creeds.” When asked why he allowed these tactics, Bogdan told the Niner Times the The flyer, whose author remains anonymous, states that Bogdan ran focus was the “safe, humane treatment of the detainees” and the decision to detention centers in Iraq and Somalia. Bogdan replied that he ran “nothing in force-feed was a “medical protocol” that “wasn’t under his purview.” No

NINERTIMES.COM SEPT. 17, 2019 3 inmate’s weight had fallen below 100 pounds during the strike, a Navy who pointed out it was a form of religious humiliation for the predominantly officer in charge of prison camp health facilities told the Miami Herald under Muslim inmates. In a June 3 declaration, Bogdan justified the searches by the condition of anonymity. saying they would prevent additional suicides and cut off the alleged flow of But according to Bogdan’s declaration from a lawsuit challenging the “contraband” into and out of the cells. A lower court struck the policy down, legality of the force-feeding, he did advise on the decision to allow “compliant” calling it “religiously and culturally abhorrent” and claiming it was a tactic to detainees to sit in a reclining chair and “watch television or play video games prevent detainees from meeting with their lawyers during a hunger strike. while being enterally fed.” The strikers were strapped to a chair with their When asked about the genital searches, Bogdan told the Niner Times that feet shackled, reported VICE News. he “used the standard search procedures that are assigned in army policy and On Apr. 13, 2013, dozens of specially-trained U.S. soldiers raided the regulation and in the best practices with the Federal Bureau of prisons.” He facility’s communal compound and put 65 defiant detainees in single-cell said it’s a “regular army procedure” that he did not create. lockdown at the command of Bogdan, who monitored the event by video screen As the flyer alleges, 86 prisoners were cleared for release during Bogdan’s and radio. The guards fired rubber pellets and five detainees were injured. tenure at Gitmo. Bogdan says that release is “not a decision of innocence or Bogdan told reporters with the Huffington Post, “We hit the point where I guilt.” thought we were accepting too much risk, and I felt it was time to take action.” In the announcement of Bogdan’s hiring, Vice Chancellor for Business According to the Huffington Post, the night after the raid, a detainee Affairs Elizabeth Hardin said, “John has a track record of leadership attempted suicide by strangulation. Another detainee had attempted the same providing safety and security in installations and communities around the the night before. U.S. and the world. His dedication to service and his mission orientation fit Attorney David Remes wrote in the Guardian that “[Bogdan] appears to well in higher education.” view the hunger strike as an insurrection, not a protest, and is using every Following Bogdan’s controversial administration at Guantanamo, he trick in the book, however brutal and cruel, to put it down. Bogdan has served as Chief of Force Protection and Homeland Defense Division and later eliminated communal living, moving almost all detainees into isolation cells. as Chief of Policy for the U.S. Army. Associate vice chancellor is Bogdan’s His guards have confiscated family letters and pictures and legal materials, first civilian job. He said it was a “natural evolution” and a continuation of and even toothbrushes, toothpaste and towels. The guards prevent the men his background in “training and developing people.” He added that he chose from sleeping by keeping bright lights shining all night and removing the Charlotte specifically because he has family in the area. men’s eye-shades. My clients report to me that guards also deliberately make “My time in the military was about leading and developing young enough noise to keep the detainees awake all night and they are chilling the Americans,” said Bogdan, “and the large percentage of the folks I worked with detainees by keeping their cells freezing cold.” were roughly the same age group as students in college. I’ve been completely In May 2013, Al Jazeera reported that detainees were forced to submit to a in awe by the initiative and the determination of young Americans, and the “pat down” of their genitals and buttocks before leaving the camp for another opportunity to do more of that work and continue in that environment I saw facility. The tactic received heavy criticism from the detainees’ attorneys as a real blessing.”

4 SEPT. 17, 2019 NINERTIMES The day democracy died in North Carolina Ashley Conde criticizes the General Assembly’s recent budget vote by Ashley Conde Intern OPINION Lies and deceit: two words one could use to describe the political ambush conducted by North Carolina’s Republican lawmakers on a vote with a little over half of the House’s representatives in attendance. Early last Wednesday morning, North Carolina’s House of Representatives overrode Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of a budget bill in a controversial vote (55-9). According to the News & Observer, only nine Democratic leaders were on the floor of the General Assembly. The vote came as a surprise to Democratic leaders, the media and Gov. Cooper. Democratic lawmakers claim they were told by the GOP that no vote would be held during the early morning session, which explains why nearly 46 Democrats were absent during that session. However, even without 56 members of the House, Republican Representative Jason Saine continued his motion to reconsider the state’s budget. The few Democrats that were in attendance immediately objected to the motion. Democratic Representative Deb Butler protested from the floor legislature as they continued to hold Photo by Karen A. Blum the vote. In a video that went viral on Twitter that same day, Butler shouts, “This is a travesty of the permajority of both the state’s Senate and House of ocratic state leaders and the public’s confusion is process and you know it!” and “I will not yield!” As Representatives, which gave them carte blanche to enough to grant uncertainty. How can we trust our the video began to circulate online, the hashtag override each of Gov. Cooper’s vetoes. Upon losing elected officials when they spend nearly all sum- #wewillnotyield began trending. Democrats and this supermajority during the 2018 elections, Coo- mer arguing over the state budget, then possibly other supporters refused to tolerate the power grab per finally gained the power to veto without being concoct schemes in order to get what they want? made by N.C. Republicans that Wednesday morn- immediately overruled by Republicans. If our representatives are more concerned about ing. Reflecting on this total political chaos, we must getting what they want than the well-being of our The News & Observer reported that Gov. Cooper also take into account that a percentage of the state’s citizens, it’s time to boot them out of office. had vetoed the two-year budget bill earlier this elected Republicans shouldn’t even hold a seat Our great state’s budget plan sets North Caro- summer, due to its negligence of teacher pay, fail- in our state’s government. North Carolina’s state lina’s priorities in showing where N.C. decides to ure to expand federal healthcare, and its large tax court found the current district lines unconstitu- focus spending. Our state lawmakers should be cuts for corporations. It comes as no surprise that tional and undemocratic. The district lines had looking at solving the budget issues through nego- N.C. Republican leaders placed a vote to override been drawn by Thomas Hofeller, a GOP strategist, tiating, compromising and providing alternatives. the veto on every House calendar for this legisla- whose estranged daughter released his hard-drives Republicans forgot to consider North Carolinians tive session, looking for the opportunity to override after his passing in 2018. According to the New when they decided to have their cake and eat it too. Cooper. While the vote was placed on every day of Yorker, Hofeller’s hard drives proved that Hofeller Republicans took away democracy through gerry- the calendar during this session, this didn’t mean had drawn N.C. lines using prior election results. mandering and now with the unethical vote by an there would be a vote: it meant only that there This resulted in extreme partisan advantage in unwarranted majority. On a day known to bring could be a vote. those districts, and systematically prevented peo- the citizens of this country together regardless of Three hours after this ambush, Cooper held a ple of color from voting. party, we were shown that our state’s government press conference in which he called the vote “an as- As North Carolinians, we should be embarrassed can’t be trusted. As a constituent of North Car- sault to our democracy.” When Cooper won the elec- by N.C. Republican leaders making our state’s gov- olina, I am outraged and disappointed. And you tion for state Governor two years ago, it marked a ernment look like the punchline of a poorly written should be too. big victory for Democrats. For the first two years of SNL skit. Whether or not there was a secret plan Cooper’s gubernatorial seat, Republicans held a su- to deceive Democrats, the distress from our Dem-

NINERTIMES.COM SEPT. 17, 2019 5 A&E IT’S A FINE LIFE FOR “OLIVER!”

Lionel Bart’s exuberant retelling of the Charles Dickens tale lights up the Charlotte stage

by Tyler Trudeau Staff Writer The tales of renowned author and social critic Charles Dickens have seen hunger and lack of sleep, they sprang to life immediately as the stage lights their fair share of adaptations of stage and screen in the past, none perhaps brightened. And as its opening scene lit up the stage, among the crowd of as widely successful as “Oliver Twist.” With the original London production dirtied faces of young boys eagerly awaiting their daily gruel to consume, based on the 1839 Dickens story spawning numerous retellings, including there was Oliver (Atticus Ware). With the orphans’ desirous tune of dreaming the Academy Award-winning 1968 film, the musical adaptation has stood the of a richer menu among their crumbs and scraps filling the dark theater, a test of time as not only a critique on the hypocrisies of child labor but also scrawny, black-haired boy darted unnoticed between the mass of actors. It was as an exhilarating and impassioned portrait of the London underbelly. Along only when his trembling yet unambiguous request for more than he was given with it comes a motley cast of blood-thirsty villains, gold-hearted criminals on his plate that young Oliver, and young actor Atticus Ware, emerged. and undaunted matrons. As Theatre Charlotte opened its 92nd season with While Ware did not get much time to shine on-stage, scampering past vile “Oliver!” this month, the wise-cracking and emotional narrative of young caretakers like Johnny Hohenstein’s Mr. Bumble and viperous crooks like Oliver Twist rose from seedy London streets and dazzling Broadway seats to William Kirkwood’s Bill Sykes, he was astounding whenever he held the the Queen City. spotlight. After Oliver is cast out into the London streets, his simple request Before seeing the tale of “Oliver Twist” unfold into a sweeping yet grounded for more food tarnishing the cruel existence he lived within the workhouse, musical on the Charlotte stage, I had only a slight familiarity with the classic he beckons to the outside world as to where love can be found. As the boy Dickens novel. Often described as an unromantic portrayal of sordid criminals eventually stumbles into the care of criminals and thieves, led by the fanciful and their unsavory acts, as well as a peek behind the curtain of how young Artful Dodger (Bailey Wray) and his often-perturbed mentor Fagin (Geof orphans in London made their way in the world, the story already held so Knight), Oliver’s naivety to the vast underworld of London is emboldened by many fascinating layers of drama and seething social commentary. While the Ware’s innocent demeanor. While songs like “Where is Love?” and “Who Will seminal novel by Dickens–only his second novel in what would become an Buy?” at first ring out through the actor’s voice with a contemplative unease, unprecedented literary career across Victorian England–might have included Ware filled the character with a unique sense of wonder that molded his within its story and characters far more than the eventual musical adaptation nervousness into a vitalized ounce of courage by the musical’s end. Once he would, the retelling by Lionel Bart served its own purpose: to shine a light on joined in song with Wray’s Artful Dodger (“Consider Yourself”), Ware scattered the realities and cruelties of impoverished London and the colorful company of across the stage not in fear but with a renewed sense of belonging. heroes and rogues just trying to figure out their place in the world. The introduction to the motley crew of child crooks and thieves that follow With its story simplified and many of the novel’s negative connotations the former criminal of Knight’s Fagin paved the way to a satisfying conclusion stripped away, ‘Oliver!’ made for yet another delightful experience at Theatre to the first act. As Ware’s Oliver garnered more courage to dabble in the game Charlotte. With a vibrant cast — the majority consisting of talented, youthful of thievery and deception, other characters populated the stage to sprinkle actors–filling every corner of its sprawling set of stone stairways and wooden even more drama into the classic tale. While the production molded the thief doors, the production ignited with an enthusiastic liveliness. The animated Fagin into far more of a comic character than his villainous counterpart in spirit of the show was primarily found in the ensemble of orphans who opened Dickens’ novel, the antagonist role was filled effectively by the elderly crook’s the night. While their bodies appeared feeble and their faces solemn with blood-thirsty comrade Bill Sykes. Each seeking their riches using their own

6 SEPT. 17, 2019 NINERTIMES IT’S A FINE LIFE FOR “OLIVER!”

Lionel Bart’s exuberant retelling of the Charles Dickens tale lights up the Charlotte stage

Photo by Chris Timmons

methods, Fagin harboring the jewels and treasures his boys steal in secret while Sykes bargains mostly through unfettered violence, they both quickly see the true value of a young thief in Oliver. Along with Sykes came his unflinching matron Nancy (Kristin Sakamoto), whose effortless vocals played to both the humorous and joyful side of the story (“It’s a Fine Life”), as well as its more somber moments (“As Long as He Needs Me”). The abusive relationship between Sykes and Nancy only fueled the fiendish portrayal of the scoundrel by Kirkwood. Perhaps even more captivating, however, was Sakamoto crooning on the wicked fate she sees for herself on the horizon. The second act emerged with the powerhouse melody “Oom-Pah-Pah,” the exuberant Nancy swaying across barstools as gin and beer is shared by the ensemble. Fairly quickly, the elation and promise of the first act dwindled as the situation became increasingly complicated for Oliver and company. As the story steadily escalated to its culmination, the scenes of drama and music began to blend together insistently and rather suddenly. While stand- out tracks like “My Name” and “Reviewing the Situation” showcased the divided morale of Sykes and Fagin, and Sakamoto’s emotional send-off as Nancy held the awe of the audience for a brief moment, the tale steamrolled into its ending with no sign of slowing down. As revelations concerning Oliver’s upbringing came to light, the musical offered only a few minutes to this before sprawling into another sing-and-dance number. Ultimately, while it tied up many narrative ends by its finale, the closing of the second and final act of the production left me wanting a bit more from its trimmed-down adaptation. “Oliver!” will play at the Eloise MacDonald Playhouse at Theatre Charlotte until Sunday, Sept. 22. The Theatre Charlotte production is directed by Ron Law, with help from music director Ryan Deal, choreographer Lisa Blanton, Photo by Chris Timmons and scenic designer Josh Webb. The book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart are adapted from the classic Charles Dickens novel.

NINERTIMES.COM SEPT. 17, 2019 7 MOVIE REVIEW: ‘THE GOLDFINCH’ A film taking flight by Sam Mayer Intern

When you’re the youngest person in a theater, it’s safe to say that you are mentally around 80 years old. This was the situation I was in on Sept. 13, when I went to see “The Goldfinch” on its opening day. What a time to be around older humans who have been on this planet longer than I have who don’t know how to be polite and silence their phones before the film begins. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name, written by Donna Tartt, follows the life of Theodore “Theo” Decker after his mother was killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Although the adaption 70 Bldg. with a pool was not perfect it was still an intense and emotional drama that is definitely 71 “I Am of Ireland” poet worth the recommendation. DOWN While this film was beautiful to watch, the story felt rather weak and 1 Lat. and Est., once disjointed. This 2 and a half-hour long movie took a different approach 2 Grimace 3 Em, to Dorothy to convey a very condensed version of the book. Instead of taking a 4 Nine-digit ID straightforward and linear approach to the story, the film developed a 5 Alpine heroine nonlinear chronology showing the viewpoints of young Theo (Oakes Fegley) 6 Astros Hall of Famer Craig __ and adult Theo (Ansel Elgort) at various points throughout the. 7 Cardio readout Due to this back-and-forth kind of format, it felt like a lot of the 8 Blacken foundation was not developed. It was difficult to believe certain aspects of 9 Schedule opening 10 Human/canine shape-shift- the film usually in regard to character development and writing. The film ers flipped between “Show not tell” and the reverse through various scenes 11 Screen symbol to click on which made the story sometimes difficult to follow in order to “help” further 12 Open-__ shoes 15 Tidied, as a room the plot. A lot of the film is based on visual subtext, so paying attention is 18 Require imperative and intentionally thought-provoking. If you missed something at 23 Cabernet color the beginning of the film, you’re basically screwed for the rest of it. One last 24 Summer in Lyon 25 Western bad guys little issue concerning the cast, just because you have a great one does not 27 Cut drastically, as prices always mean you get great acting. ACROSS 37 Author Tolstoy 28 Prefix for “sun” 1 Really big hit 38 European peak Contrary to the previous statement, the highlight of the film was watching 29 Elite group 6 Numero uno, with “the” 39 “Gosh, look at the time” 31 Fancy neckwear young Theo Decker and his best friend Boris (Finn Wolfhard) interact. These 10 One always ready with 42 Sundial seven 32 Mull over two actors were amazing to watch since they had the chance to show off a quick comebacks 43 You, to Goethe 33 Bam, bang or boom 13 W.C. Fields persona 44 “Peter Pan” dog range of emotions that none of the other actors in the film as a whole (except 35 Sommelier’s menu 14 Strand during a sleet 45 Sediment 40 Complex woven textile perhaps a little bit from Elgort and Nicole Kidman) got to portray. It was a storm, say 47 Car engine measure 41 __-Caps: candy riveting and beautiful performance by both Fegley and Wolfhard. 16 Green prefix 51 Arthur of tennis 46 Backstabber 17 Football non-passing 52 “Unforgettable” singer This is a kind of film where explaining it doesn’t do it justice. This a 48 Fenway team, familiarly offense 53 Peter, Paul or Mary 49 SoCal Latinx neighborhood complex story dealing with grief, loss, love, betrayal and etc. A lot of the 19 Fish eggs 55 Philosophy school with no 50 Puerto __ story must be pieced together from your own analysis of visuals and its 20 __ the table: arrange sil- classes? 54 Really cool verware and such 58 Biol. or geol. underlying subtext, this may sound complicated but it’s the kind of film you 55 Big butte 21 MBA or MFA: Abbr. 59 “Bingo!” 56 Love, in Lima need to see to understand. Despite this film opening Sept. 13, the opening 22 Behind, or hit from behind 62 Australian bird 57 Hat-tipper’s word of reviews have not been particularly favorable. It’s not the best film of the 24 Farm song refrain 63 Opening kickoff, say, and address 26 Hasenpfeffer, e.g. what both parts of 17-, 30- year but it is certainly not the worst. On a ten-point scale, it’s definitely 59 Opposite of baja 27 Open-and-__ case and 47-Across can be 60 “Stop right there!” around a seven out of 10. Even with its faults, “The Goldfinch” is definitely 30 Get one more card for 66 Sailor’s “Help!” 61 Shipboard yeses one to recommend for its complex, emotional storytelling about dealing with twice the bet, in blackjack 67 Woodsy path 64 Rocker Ocasek 34 36-Across skunk Pepé 68 Deed 65 Dessert pastry love and loss. 36 Warner Bros. creation 69 Gallery hangings Rating: 7/10

8 SEPT. 17, 2019 NINERTIMES Home is where the heart is 49ers’ senior corner Nafees Lyon wants to help bring a bowl by Cooper Metts Intern game to his hometown SPORTS

For Charlotte native Nafees Lyon, growing up a games during the 2016 season. standout high school athlete and playing with Everything appeared to be going as planned as his hometown on the popular Lyon’s play indicated he was on the fast-track to football video game Madden NFL, Charlotte was a earning a starting or significantly increased role natural choice to continue his football and academ- in the upcoming 2017 season. However, Lyon’s ic career. Now, he wants to lead his team to their progression up the 49er depth chart was suddenly first bowl game appearance. derailed during the 2016-2017 offseason when he Lyon channeled his love for Madden, the Panthers suffered a significant injury. The injury sidelined and football into a successful high school athletic Lyon for the entirety of the 2017 season. career at Mallard Creek High School. During his Through lots of hard work and recovery, Lyon was career at Mallard Creek, Lyon helped guide the cleared to return to the field in the 2018 season. Mavericks to consecutive 4AA State Championship He credits his family, coaches and teammates for victories and was named Top Defensive Back at encouraging him and providing support during his Charlotte’s TVO Top 100 in 2014. recovery efforts. When he wasn’t playing football, Lyon ran track “I have a lot of people to thank, starting with my for the Mavericks’ 4AA State Champion 4×2 relay family,” said Lyon. “And then I got my friends, my team. He also found success in the classroom, mak- coaches, my trainers and my teammates all in ing the A/B Honor in both 2013 and 2014. my corner with me while I was on my comeback; Lyon’s athleticism and achievements on and off just being there for me, helping me and giving me the field did not go unnoticed by whatever I need to get back on the field.” recruits. Lyon garnered 15 Division 1 college foot- Lyon saw a significant increase in playing time ball offers coming out of high school, giving him a during the 2018 season, after recovering from his myriad of options. However, Lyon decided to stay injury. In 11 games, Lyon tallied seven starts, made close to home when he chose Charlotte over other 42 tackles, intercepted five passes, led the team colleges. Lyon cites being close to family and home with five passes broken up, and forced one fumble. as well as a sense of pride in his hometown as de- After a successful 2018 campaign and solid offsea- ciding factors that helped him choose Charlotte. son, Lyon earned one of two starting cornerback “Charlotte’s home, so I felt comfortable here. And spots this season. As a senior, earning a starting my parents are big supporter[s] of me, so being position means a great deal to Lyon and reminds here allowed them to attend most of my games,” him of all his hard work down the long road to said Lyon. “It was very humbling and exciting [to recovery. get an offer from Charlotte]. Getting an offer from “Starting my senior year means a lot because the home team and being part of the foundation before I wasn’t playing a lot, and then I had to Photo by Chris Crews [meant a lot].” miss the [2017] season. It was like I had to start all work out, I’d just look to be able to find a good-pay- In the fall of 2015, Lyon packed his belongings and over,” said Lyon. “It’s basically showing me that all ing job [to] get my life started and get ready for the made the short drive to Charlotte’s campus for his my hard work paid off and now I’m looking forward future.” redshirt season. During that season, Lyon trained to having a successful season to end my [college] Lyon models his game after New England Patriots with the team and laid the foundation for many football career.” two-time Pro-Bowl selection and one-time All-Pro important, cherished relationships throughout his Lyon plans on pursuing a career in either the NFL selection, cornerback Stephon Gilmore. time at Charlotte. or the CFL. However, if his professional football “My favorite [NFL] corner is Stephon Gilmore,” Lyon began to see playing time in 2016 following career plans do not pan out, Lyon intends to pursue said Lyon. “He is a great playmaker and a smart his redshirt season. When given the opportunity, a job with his major in Africana Studies and minor corner. That’s why I watch him [and] pick up things Lyon flashed the big-time playmaking potential in Public Health. from him to try and make myself better.” he exhibited in high school that caught the eye of “After graduation, I most definitely am trying to Lyon’s professional football aspirations will have many college scouts. In the 49ers’ 2016 home-open- get an opportunity to get to play in the league, if to wait until the end of the 49ers’ season because er versus Elon, he forced a fumble. Additionally, not in the NFL, then the CFL. That is [my] number Lyon has big plans and goals set for his team. Lyon recorded two-plus tackles in five straight one goal,” said Lyon. “But if that happens not to “[As a team], most definitely [I want] to go to a

NINERTIMES.COM SEPT. 17, 2019 9 bowl game, which hasn’t been done in program history,” said Lyon. “And [I want] to win a conference champion- 15 Marquavis Gibbs ship.” Position: Defensive Back The 49ers currently sit four games away from bowl eligibility with a 2-1 record on the season. Additionally, the 49ers are Hometown: West Palm Beach, Fl. currently in a two-way tie for first place in the Conference USA East division. The road to accomplishing the goals Favorite place to eat in Charlotte: Cuzzo’s Cuisine Lyon has set for the 49ers is sure to be riddled with adversity with matchups Fun facts: Loves to bass fish against the No. 1 Clemson Tigers and last year’s Conference USA runner-up, Photo courtesy of Charlotte 49ers Middle Tennessee State. Athletics But for the boy who grew up playing Madden as Carolina Panthers players he idolized and the man who overcame Marquavis likes to spend his free time watching movies and playing video games a gruesome, devastating injury in his sophomore season, adversity is nothing new. Behind Lyon’s leadership, resilience and “The best part about being a Charlotte 49er is deeply-rooted love for his hometown, the 49ers look to battle through adversity and make program history by bringing a probably the brotherhood. All the guys on the winning season and bowl game appear- ance to Charlotte. team, we can come together and talk about “I’m looking forward to having a winning season and making a bowl game,” said anything.” Lyon.

10 SEPT. 17, 2019 NINERTIMES GOOD READS FOR A BOSS WOMAN Being female in your 20s and owning it by Gracie Hood LIFESTYLE Intern

There is nothing more powerful than a woman who goes after what childhood. Packing up and moving to New York City is where her adult she wants. It’s the 21st century, and there is no time like the present to career begins. During her different fashion-based jobs, she learns strive for all your goals and aspirations. However, as college students, we about being overworked (even at the top of the chain), relationships, sometimes may not be exactly sure which road to take. As a nonreader and how to use her voice for what she wants in the working world. myself, I have made it a point to change that by doing some reading over Elaine challenged fashion media and left her mark on Teen Vogue, the past few months tailored specifically to women, and I must say that but her story doesn’t stop there. She takes you through her life and these reads have been inspiring and reassuring as I begin my twenties. the lessons she has learned throughout her teens and twenties. These books and the stories within them provide young readers with guidance on being female in the world. They teach us to learn BECOMING BY MICHELLE OBAMA about ourselves, to roll with the problems in our lives, and to realize that only you have the power to make those big choices in your life. “Becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain As a Boss Ass Woman, never be afraid to go after what you want. aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a mean of evolving, a way Can that be scary? Yeah. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Right now, we are to reach continuously toward a better self.” – Michelle Obama experiencing life in a whole new perspective. Our twenties are for us, and our time is now. We are the future. We are Boss Ass Women. Her autobiography depicts what it means to grow up as a minority on the South Side of Chicago. Throughout her writing, she discusses what it was like to be motivated to better herself and how growing up shaped the person she has become. Most importantly, as she shares her journey and growth, you realize that we figure out life along the way. I won’t spoil too much of the book, but it follows this former First Lady as she goes to college and then Harvard Law School, only to realize a few years into practice that she is ready for a change from being a lawyer. Following practicing law, she does community outreach and holds a few different jobs throughout the years leading up to her husband’s presidency. She does an excellent job explaining life in the White House and her life afterward. This story allows you to understand that life does not need to be figured out on graduation day, that we all dance to the beat of the drum differently, and that we are all on our own path to greatness.

MORE THAN ENOUGH: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) BY ELAINE WELTEROTH

“There were times I was underestimated a lot. It gave me a unique benefit. The expectations were so low I could blow their head off.” – Elaine Welteroth

As the youngest Editor-in-Chief and second black women to hold that position at Condé Nast, Eliane writes her first book illustrating breaking barriers and coming to the realization that we are, as the title states, More Than Enough. This is definitely a book worth reading for any and everyone in the midst of making big life choices. Born in Northern California to a black mom and white dad, she has always had a biracial identity which she has shown the world. After graduating a semester early from California State University in Sacramento with a bachelors in Mass Communications, she realized the fashion world was still a heavy interest for her ever since her Photo by Christina Morillo via Pexels.com

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