October, 2017 lehmanmeridian.squarespace.com Bronx, New York KKK Attempts to Recruit Lehman Students
Anti-KKK Grafti. Photo courtesy of Flickr. [Page 3]
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On Sept. 29, the Meridian received a A mass email sent to all York students a national hate group, advocating for the letter from the Loyal White Knights of from Russell Platzek, Executive Director separation of the races.” It added that the letter the Ku Klux Klan. Addressed to the of Legal Services and Labor Relations “appears to have been carried out in a mass editor, the letter stated that the KKK at York College, stated that “multiple mailing format, not specifc to York College was under “extreme fre for being a hate ofces at York College, as well as other in any way.” Platzek did not respond to the group.” This characterization, it said, CUNY campuses, received a letter from Meridian’s requests for further comment. was untrue, adding “we only wish to keep the white race pure as God intended.” The letter went on to ask students to join in protesting a new novel, “The Slave Players,” by Megan Allen, which it described as “loud-mouth literature” written “just to agitate the college educated who always think they have a better answer.” According to Wilhelmina Mount, a representative of Allen’s publisher, Burning House Publishing, “The novel is a highly controversial one which slaps pretty hard at southern white supremacists. And they [the KKK] are also targeting others as well.” Mount told the Meridian, “Other media sources have also received the letter---but mostly in the South---and we have been receiving hate emails for several months now [from] about a hundred KKK fans who periodically send us lovely emails telling us that we are the haters, and not them.” Mount said, “They have labeled [Allen] as a traitor against ‘her own kind,’ and us as a publisher beyond redemption.” Other CUNY colleges also received letters. Anthony Medina, editor-in-chief of York College’s student newspaper, Pandora Box, informed The Meridian that York College was also targeted. Novel under attack by the KKK. Photo courtesy of Burning House Publishing. 4 News Other college newspapers around “It is an affront to novelist like Allen, she said, “would be the country were also targeted. C.S. the perfect person” for the KKK to Hagen reported in North Dakota’s the values of our target because they also blame women High Plains Reader on Oct. 11 that two diverse campus and for ending the era they idealize when college newspapers---Valley City State for what the city of white men “ruled the household.” In University’s Viking News and North their ideology, she said, “it’s basically Dakota State University’s the Spectrum--- New York stands women’s fault you can’t ‘genocide’ had received an identical letter from for.” people [of color]…These are the kinds the KKK “asking for help.” Valley City of narratives you fnd in people who are State University’s Viking News, and – Xiomara Vazquez, Lehman nostalgic for the Third Reich.” North Dakota State University’s the freshman Michael Sullivan, Director of Campus Spectrum were the newspapers targeted. these attacks are under investigation Life, reported that the case of the letter Jack Hastings, editor-in-chief of the sent to the Meridian was being handled Spectrum, told NPR, “First of, the by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez’s ofce, and that they are by Public Safety. Deputy Director of presence of a group such as the KKK Public Safety Gregory Nigri told the surprised me, but now they’re targeting aware of “this and similar letters that have been sent.” Meridian that, “the KKK letter was college campuses. Seeing this delivered shared with the Chief of CUNY Public to our ofce is upsetting to me.” One reason the KKK might have chosen Safety, William Barry, who reached out The letter was postmarked Florida, the to recruit via letters, Mount pointed out, to the university community to inquire state ranked by the Southern Poverty is “The KKK national member site, whether any other campuses received Law Center (partnered with Propublica) together with Stormfront, their national similar letters.” Two other CUNY as having the second largest number of media site, have both been crashed, campuses, he said, received similar hate groups in the U.S. While Florida leaving them without a channel of letters, and Public Safety believes that has 63 out of a total of 917 hate groups communication, so extremists have the letter is “benign.” taken to the mails.” operating in the U.S., New York has Medina observed, “I think it’s ultimately an estimated 47, putting it at No. 4. Professor Brian Levin, Director of disturbing that this group of people According to Propublica, “Groups like the Center for the Study of Hate and believe they have any right to express the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Extremism at California State University, their discriminatory methods through New York City Police Department report San Bernardino, told the Meridian any means.” a recent uptick in bias incidents and hate “The Loyal White Knights (LWK) has crimes. But with thousands of police been active for years in pamphleting to Xiomara Vazquez, a Lehman freshman departments failing to report alleged or get publicity, and is one of the largest who moved to New York from Puerto even confrmed hate crimes to the FBI, Klan groups in the nation...Among Rico three years ago said she felt we lack foundational information about the LWK’s ‘positions’ is [sic] stopping disturbed by the KKK’s self-promotion. many such crimes occur in any given immigration, Sharia law, and ‘white “Their existence is just proof that there year, where they might occur the most cultural genocide’.” He added, “Still, is much to work to be done in this and least, who the targets of such crimes the Klan network overall of which LWK country. With a president who condones tend to be, and how this has changed is a subset has only several thousand this behavior, we have seen that they over time.” members.” have been feeling more ‘free’ to come out in to the open. I feel it is an afront to In New York, other hate campaigns Lehman English professor Crystal Curry the values of our diverse campus and for have recently been carried out by mail. told the Meridian she believes that what the city of New York stands for.” According to an Oct. 4 article in the Donald Trump “laid the groundwork New York Daily News “Anonymous hate through his rhetoric for these kinds of A copy of the letter sent to the Meridian mail flled with slurs and emblazoned much more perverse things to like spill was not available for publication due with a swastika was mailed to nine out into the mainstream…and so a lot to the ongoing investigation by CUNY city businesses...in Brooklyn and of this recruitment started during his Public Safety, but an identical letter Manhattan, including three law frms, campaign.” Curry, who researches alt- to the one received can be viewed on an international fnancial frm, a jewelry right narratives, also emphasized the http://hpr1.com/index.php/feature/ store, a Starbucks, a kosher meat market, ideological connection between their news/college-newspapers-targeted-by- and a bakery.” The article added that racism and misogyny. A white female kkk/. News 5 Hurricanes Hit US as White House Keeps Pushing Climate Change Denial By Deirdre Fanzo
From left to right, Hurricanes Katia, Irma, and Jose. Photo courtesy of CHIPS Magazine.
On Oct. 23, Nicaragua announced it Maria have caused billions of dollars in “Brings all nations into a common would join the Paris Agreement, a global damage, and wreaked havoc on the lives cause to undertake ambitious eforts pact to combat climate change, leaving of residents in Texas, Florida, Puerto to combat climate change and adapt the U.S. and Syria as the lone holdouts Rico, and many nations in Central to its efects, with enhanced support to from the accord. The statement came fve America. Despite this devastation, assist developing countries to do so.” weeks after the Trump administration the Trump administration continues This collaboration amongst countries reafrmed it would withdraw the U.S. to vehemently deny the existence of was designed to lessen greenhouse gas from the Paris climate accord, a decision climate change, further isolating the U.S. emissions and seek clean power sources frst announced in June. Over this fve- from global eforts to address it. to prevent global temperatures from week period, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean increasing to dangerous levels. In April islands and much of the mainland U.S. According to the United Nations 2016, then-president Barack Obama were struck by a series of record-breaking Framework Convention on Climate signed this accord. However, in June storms. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Change, the Paris climate accord 2017, Trump declared his intention to 6 News rescind this decision on the grounds that “We need to take 97 percent of scientists today,” AlAjmi it “disadvantages the United States.” responsibility [for said. However, many analysts argue that one the planet] and think Indeed, the recent tight cluster of deadly underlying reason for his move was his hurricanes---Harvey, a Category 4 storm administration’s very public climate beyond our pocketbooks when it hit Texas on Aug. 25, and Irma, change denial, and the political leverage and our net worth.” between Category 3 and Category 4 this afords it with certain constituents. when it wreaked havoc in the Virgin Rabab AlAjmi, an environmental science Islands and Florida---is a “textbook case – Stefan Becker, Vice Provost for and political science double major Academic Programs for what you would expect under climate at Lehman, emphasized the political change scenarios,” Stefan Becker, vice and economic factors behind Trump’s though he sold them after his election, provost for academic programs at decision. “Countries run by capitalism... the investment refects his values. Lehman, told the Meridian. Harvey was have pretty much swept [climate change] According to the Washington Post, considered the strongest hurricane to under the rug,” she said. This is precisely “three politicians Trump has appointed hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane what Trump’s administration is doing. to relevant Cabinet positions have taken Wilma in 2005. Irma usurped this title in large campaign contributions from It is in the administration’s best interest soon afterward, followed by Hurricane the energy sector.” Policies supported to deny climate change, as they have a Maria, which caused great devastation by the climate agreement, as well as history of mutual gain with corporate in Puerto Rico and is regarded as the confrming the existence of climate energy giants. Indeed, prior to assuming strongest hurricane of 2017 thus far. change, would almost certainly limit his current role, Secretary of State Rex In light of the evidence, Becker called industry profts---the capital gains of the Tillerson was the CEO of ExxonMobil, Trump’s decision to withdraw from current administration. one of the largest multinational oil and gas the Paris accord “unbelievable” and corporations in the world. ExxonMobil, The administration’s denial of climate “reckless.” He added, “We need to take under Tillerson, “gave $1.8 million this change, however, fies in the face of responsibility [for the planet] and think election cycle.” Trump himself owned scientifc consensus. “Man-made climate beyond our pocketbooks and our net stocks in the Dakota Access Pipeline, and change is a concept that is accepted by worth.” Christopher Columbus Inspires Parades, Protests, and Vandalism By Thomas Behnke
Contemporary protests of Columbus celebrating someone who is evil.” When reported 35,000 people marched in the Day decry how Christopher Columbus asked about the holiday’s connection Manhattan parade while the Bronx oppressed the indigenous peoples of the to Italian heritage she said, “shouldn’t Times stated that nearly 100 groups Americas, as did the wave of Europeans it be a Spanish holiday, since he was participated in the Bronx Parade. that followed in his wake. Following commissioned by Spain?” During the Manhattan parade, a the recent demands for the removal of Ironically, the holiday, which began in small group of protesters gathered in statues of Confederate generals from 1869 in San Francisco and became a Columbus Circle to voice their objections public areas, many Americans, Bronxites federal holiday in 1937, was initially seen to the celebration. The Bronx Columbus included, say that Columbus should be as a way for oppressed and marginalized Day Parade was sparsely attended, counted among the symbols of hate and Catholics---especially Italians---to gain perhaps due in part to sporadic bouts of oppression. mainstream acceptance. Manhattan and rain. The Meridian attended it, and was “It’s a farce,” Bernadette Santiago, the Bronx both hold annual Columbus ofered the opportunity to sign a petition a junior at Lehman said. “We are Day parades. This year, CBS New York to keep the Columbus statues in the city, News 7 in response to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s “The good and the bad he was appointed viceroy and governor call for a review of symbols of hate in of history, both should of the Indies due to his belief that he New York. Bronx parade coordinator, had landed in India. Tony Signorile, as reported in the Bronx be studied and explored, Times, stated that due to the controversy but Columbus should While most Lehman students who surrounding the review, the mayor would stay in classrooms, not the Meridian spoke with do not view not be invited to this year’s parade. in monuments.” Columbus as a hero, neither did they There was also a noticeable increase in support the vandalism. English literature police activity compared to past parades. major Duane Edmonds said, “We should - English literature major Police dogs, numerous patrolmen and have a civil debate, peaceful; I don’t Duane Edmonds helicopters were a constant presence. agree with the defacings. The good and In addition to these protests, several was convinced he was on the continent the bad of history, both should be studied acts of vandalism involving statues of of Asia and had discovered a new route and explored, but Columbus should stay Columbus have recently occurred. In for the spice trade. After his frst voyage in classrooms, not in monuments.” Baltimore on Aug. 21, a statue believed to be the frst in America erected in honor of Columbus was vandalized. No arrests were made. A YouTube video shows the statue being struck with a sledgehammer and protestors holding signs reading “racism,” “tear it down,” and “the future is racial equality.”
Statues were defaced in three separate incidents in the New York City area. On Aug. 29, at Columbus Park in Yonkers, a bust was thrown to the ground and destroyed. No arrests have been made. On Sept. 12, a statue of Columbus in Central Park had its hands painted red, and its base was spray painted with the words “hate will not be tolerated.” The perpetrator is still at large. On Sept. 25, a homeless man was caught painting the hand of the Columbus iron portrait in Columbus Circle, with pink nail polish. Daniel Kimery, 38, was arrested at the scene. He allegedly told police the nail polish represented “the blood on the Italian explorer’s hands.”
When it comes to the past, however, much misinformation about Columbus discovering America is still taught in elementary schools. Children learn “in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue,” and about the Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria. In truth, though he made four voyages to the Americas, Columbus never actually landed on the mainland. Throughout most of these voyages, he The Columbus Monument in Columbus Circle, New York. Photo courtesy of Daderot. 8 Arts & Entertainment The New ‘IT’ Will Give You Goosebumps By Shaiann Frazier If you want to be scared and laugh at the same time, the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s 1986 bestselling novel, “IT” is the movie for you. Director Andres Muschietti does an excellent job of exposing the individuality of each character in depth, while adding an element of comedy which was missing in the 1990 version, a two-part TV miniseries directed by Tommy Lee Wallace. Muschietti updates and internalizes King’s story of several Maine teenagers who unite against two attacks---relentless bullying and terrorism from an ancient shapeshifting creature which they call IT. IT mainly manifests as Pennywise Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise in Andres Muschietti’s “IT.” Photo courtesy of Vimeo. the Dancing Clown (Bill Skarsgård), up to scare the audience, each character and the more difcult it becomes to and preys on and murders children afected by IT has to endure their own gauge Pennywise’s next move, especially using supernatural powers that feed of struggles in their personal life while in the sewer scene when IT appears to the fears of its victims. What makes the attempting to not become another victim all seven teenagers at the same time. creature so terrifying is that it can only of the terrifying clown. Likewise, rather than emphasizing the be seen by children and goes undetected Muschietti also focuses heavily on relationship between brothers, Billy by adults. IT also appears every 27 the bond that brothers, Billy (Jaeden and Georgie, Wallace focuses heavily years, otherwise hiding in the local sewer Lieberher) and Georgie Denbrough on how Pennywise afects Billy’s mental system of fctional Derry, Maine. (Jackson Robert Scott), share. From the state along with the other characters. opening scene, it is evident how much This build-up of anticipation makes With a $35 million budget, almost triple Pennywise appear more unpredictable that of the miniseries, Muscheietti’s Georgie means to Billy, especially when Billy creates a boat for Georgie to sail compared to the 2017 adaptation where version focuses less on brute horror and one can expect the appearance of IT, more on the individuality and struggles in the pouring rain, and calls it “SS Georgie.” The moment after they hug although Pennywise doesn’t show up of each character. The use of drama until 30 minutes into the flm. For fans balances out the brutality of the movie, before Georgie goes out to play will have your heart pounding. of the original, just having to wait for the which helps the audience empathize awful Pennywise can be a deal-breaker. with each character. Take Beverly But in terms of pure terror, Wallace’s Marsh (Sophia Lillis), for example, who flm does a better job with the awful However, if you can overlook some minor struggles with an abusive father and Pennywise, who appears within the frst plot changes and Pennywise jumping out school rumors about her. Her friend ten minutes, by intensifying each scene at you from the screen, the latest, “IT” Eddie Kaspbrak (Jack Dylan Grazer), where IT appears. For those who have will have you laughing while gripping another victim of IT’s attacks, sufers seen the frst adaptation, it is safe to your seat tightly in anticipation. For that from mysophobia and an overbearing say that the more Pennywise appears, darker and more subtle suspense, this mother. Even though the movie is set the more scared the audience becomes, flm is worth every minute. Arts & Entertainment 9 New ‘American Horror Story’ Season Spins 2016 Elections as the Real Horror Show By Eileen Sepulveda
Although its sixth season turned out “AHS” fans will appreciate the writer’s X-Men’s Quicksilver---humping his TV to be a major fop, the seventh season careful approach. John Landgraf, the screen and whispering, “The revolution of “American Horror Story,” entitled chief executive of FX told John Koblin has begun.” Along with his sister Winter “Cult,” has so far proven to be one of the New York Times via phone (Billie Lourd) and their brother Dr. Rudy of the best seasons ever. Created and interview, “It’s a horror piece, so it’s a Vincent Anderson (Cheyenne Jackson), produced by Ryan Murphy and writer genre piece, but it’s trying somehow the three begin recruiting several Brad Falchuk, the psychological, gory to locate and diagnose the essential members of the community into their dramatic thriller, which premiered craziness of the times in which we live.” strange and dangerous cult. By the end Sept. 5, revolves around the 2016 of episode 1, Kai’s evil cult has formed. U.S. Presidential Election. The show Chaotic and terrifying, the frst episode, Masked as hideous clowns, the cult begins stands out for tackling issues that are “Election Night,” draws the viewer to terrorize the town, going on violent detrimental to many U.S. citizens, such right in. It opens with the exhilarated killing sprees. Allyson Mayfair Richards as discrimination against Mexican soon to be cult leader, Kai Anderson (Sarah Paulson) is also tormented by immigrants and the LGBT community, played by Evan Peters---an “AHS” fan the cult. Triggered by Trump’s victory, and the resurgence of white nationalism. favorite who is also known for his role as Allyson and her family deal with her many phobias, including coulrophobia. Her wife Ivy (Alison Pill) goes on her own psychological rollercoaster. It takes a toll on the couple’s relationship and inficts traumatic stresses on their son, 10-year- old Oz---short for Ozymandias (Cooper Dodson), who we learn secretly loves to read “Twisty: The Clown Chronicles.” As some viewers might know, Twisty the Clown (John Carroll Lynch) also makes his appearance on “AHS Season 4: Freak Show.” As the plot unfolds many of the characters’ identities are revealed and the truths uncovered through many twists and turns will leave viewers dumbfounded right up till the season fnale, “Great Again,” scheduled to air on Nov. 14. Beside the constant neck slicing and clown faces, the show brings Promotional image for “Cult,” the latest installment of FX’s anthology, “American Horror Story.” to life the nightmare that’s become a Photo courtesy of Wikicommons. reality in the U.S. 10 Arts & Entertainment ‘Twin Peaks:’ Still a Damn Fine Cup of Joe---and Hot By Deirdre Fanzo
“I’ll see you again in 25 years,” said Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) to Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) in a bizarre dream shared between the two characters. The ominous phrase kept fans of “Twin Peaks,” David Lynch and Mark Frost’s cult television series, hoping she was right. Now Palmer’s words have proven true. The show returned in May of 2017, airing Sunday nights on Showtime at 9 p.m. Directed in its entirety by David Lynch, “The Return” has a far darker vibe than the original run. As computer science major Carlos Perez put it, “it’s a completely diferent show Title card from “Twin Peaks: The Return.” Photo courtesy of Wikipedia. with a completely diferent tone.” killer. Ratings plummeted after the are moments where his presence is When “Twin Peaks” originally ran on big reveal and the show was cancelled, excruciating. Cooper was the heart of ABC on Thursday nights in 1990-91, it leaving angry viewers with a clifhanger “Twin Peaks” when it originally ran, was a quirky combination of paranormal that seemed as though it would never be and in “The Return,” the audience sits detective mystery and soap opera. The resolved. through roughly 15 hours of the clueless plot followed Special Agent Dale Cooper Then, in 2014, Lynch and Frost were Jones before the true Cooper returns. on his investigation into the murder of picked up by Showtime and given When he does return, though, it is local sweetheart Laura Palmer. There a platform to bring back their cult incredibly satisfying. This plot evolution were funny scenes, touching moments, sensation in the form of “Twin Peaks: makes it clear that the title “The Return” bizarre happenings, and an abundance The Return.” Running “The Return” has two meanings---the return of the of donuts, black cofee, and cherry pie. on Showtime allowed Lynch and Frost show itself and the return of Special But as Agent Cooper uncovered Palmer’s to bring in darker and scarier elements Agent Dale Cooper. dark secrets, the darker side of the town this time around. MacLachlan returns True to the style of David Lynch, was revealed as well. to the series as the show’s forerunner, more questions are asked before the With the inclusion of alternate this time taking on two diferent roles--- season comes to a close. “Part 17” can dimensions, malevolent spirits, and the separate sides of Cooper. The show be considered the true ending of the doppelgangers, the show presented to follows both Cooper’s horrifying and evil season, while “Part 18” feels more like its audience something entirely new that doppelganger, known as Mr. C, and the an epilogue, which ends on another paved the way for future programs like good, but infantile, Dougie Jones, who, confounding clifhanger. Since a fourth “The X-Files,” “Fringe,” and “Stranger unbeknownst to him, is actually the season has not yet been confrmed, Things.” But in 1991, network producers benevolent Dale Cooper. audiences can only hope that the show ordered Lynch and Frost to do what they There are moments where the show doesn’t end for good on yet another had never intended---to reveal Palmer’s meanders. While Jones is funny, there suspenseful shocker. Arts & Entertainment 11 ‘When January Feels Like Summer’ Debuts at Lehman By Leonel Henriquez
From Oct. 18-21, Lehman’s Studio Theatre showcased “When January Feels Like Summer” by award winning playwright Cori Thomas from Marymount Manhattan college. The play follows fve characters as they evolve from the redundancy of their lives in Harlem, New York. The warm, funky January weather is a precursor to the changing elements of the characters as they externalize their turmoil and desires. Susan Watson-Turner brilliantly directed and masterfully staged the production. The moment the lights go up the witty rapid-fre banter between two fast food workers is as electric as the third rail. The two Burger King employees, Devaun (Mark Robinson) and Jeron (Jahdiel Rodriguez), seek a greater purpose to their fast food lives. They set out on a Devaun (Mark Robinson) and Indira (Erica Peña) discuss dating. Photo by Leonel Henriquez. crusade to rid the neighborhood of a major and senior Shawn Lackerson sexual predator and prevent him from “People can plays the newscaster. “homosexing” little kids. only truly fnd Playwright Cori Thomas wrote the play Joe (Eloy Rosario) is an awkward, themselves in 2007 after overhearing a conversation reserved, and sincere sanitation worker when they are between two young men on the train. who fnds value in what others consider themselves.” The language of the characters, how garbage. Joe has a crush on Nirmala, the they speak and represent themselves, is sister of Ishan/Indira and the wife of – playwright Cori Thomas at the heart of the play, she said. “People an abusive bodega owner. Sara Rosado can only truly fnd themselves when they gives a phenomenal performance as they realize their mutual yearning for are themselves,” she told the Lehman Nirmala, who deals with a comatose companionship. audience. husband. The somber hospital scenes Meanwhile center stage, shrouded in are gut-wrenching as she addresses the darkness, Ishan (Erica Peña) transforms “I thought it was great. I loved it,” said monosyllabic response of a life support to Indira. Peña’s performance is dynamic senior and environmental science major machine. At one point it feels like the in the dual role. “I just want to look on Jefrey Townsend. This play is a must-see audience wants to pull the plug to free the outside how I feel on the inside,” that will both have the audience laughing her from her marital prison. Finally, says Ishan of his desire to transition to a and have them leave wanting just a little Joe and Nirmala come together as woman. Rounding out the cast, theatre more of this fantastic production. 12 Spotlight Faith Directs Her Way onto Lehman Stage By Leonel Henriquez
Macaulay Honors College junior, Faith show, I knew that theatre was what I what they’re supposed to,” she said with D’Erasmo, is wasting no time growing wanted to do,” she said. “I actually gave a grin. into her craft, and pushing its boundaries up sports because theatre caused me to while she’s at it. The 20-year-old theatre lose interest in those other things.” While she has her heart set on directing, major made her directorial debut July Though D’Erasmo has performed in D’Erasmo has also had success as a 21-23 at Lehman’s Studio Theatre with eight shows, six of which she directed playwright. This past winter her play a production of the musical “Spring herself, she does not consider herself a “Across the Yard” was directed by Awakening” by Steven Sater, and said natural performer. “I would love to [be Stephanie Stowe at Lehman’s Studio the opportunity came in the nick of time. a performer] but I know I’m not cut out Thearer for the Student’s Playwright “My friends and I really wanted to for it. I typically struggle with anxiety,” Festival. Recently, she fnished co- perform our favorite show, ‘Spring she said. She prefers the comfort zone authoring her frst musical with her Awakening,’ which is quite risqué,” she of the organized chaos backstage, and boyfriend. D’Erasmo said she is very explained. So, D’Erasmo was thrilled the director’s chair. “I’m usually busy happy with her recent achievements. “I at the opportunity to direct a show running around trying to make sure got a wonderful opportunity of putting at Lehman. “Since last year I began things are in place and everyone is doing on our dream at Lehman,” she said. searching for a new venue to perform our summer show. We had been performing at a Catholic grammar school for years and the choice and content of our shows was very much hindered by the kids, priests, and other community members attending. We really wanted to perform more intense theatre. Last summer, we did not fnd a venue and had to do a diferent show.” The search for a new venue brought her to Henry Ovalles, assistant director of Lehman Stages. “She told me she wanted to move on to a bigger location with the freedom of content, one of the things we want to do at Lehman Stages is foster creativity and new work, as long as there is no nudity.” Ovalles also said he was very impressed by how organized D’Erasmo and her staf were. “Usually people her age are still fnding their way. I fnd her very mature…she and her staf had their stuf together, they had experience.” D’Erasmo’s passion for theatre began in 2013, with her frst performance, in an ensemble of “Legally Blonde,” when she was just 15. “Right after I did my frst Faith D’Erasmo, currently directing her 16th show. Photo courtesy of Faith D’Erasmo. Spotlight 13 Day and Night Runner: Lehman Alum Hustles for Acting Career By Jean Carlos Soto
Lehman alumnus Angel Dillemuth ’06 epidemic of the 1980s, where he could started doing shows in the summer, then may not share the fate of the many gun- walk from his Rosedale Avenue residence later started doing shows in between toting “thug” characters he plays, but the and fnd a nearby park strewn with crack the four shows.” They outdid their Bronx native has pursued acting with the vials and smokers. At home, he and his predecessors by doing “seven or eight spirit of a hustler. fve siblings were raised by his aunt and shows” on a yearly basis and would take “It really is a grind,” he says, sporting a uncle in lieu of his absent parents, who turns acting and directing one another. black graphic T-shirt that reads “Night were addicts at the time. To avoid this “We were strong,” Dillemuth says. He Runners” above an image of a claw. He harsh reality, he acted in the religious- began doing one-act shows and one- has a tattoo on his right forearm---the and Disney-themed productions of the act competitions, primarily using the comedy and tragedy masks, a known C.A.C. Christian Theatrical Program at Manhattan Repertory Theatre, a “great theater symbol he got during his MFA the Blessed Sacrament Church. One of space for beginning playwrights and at the Actor’s Studio Drama school. his earliest roles was as a dog in “The people that just want to put up their Apparently, a gang in upstate Connecticut Little Mermaid.” work.” has also adopted the symbol. The “misguided clown,” as he says, Even though his focus now is on flm The working actor sacrifces fnancial was always getting into trouble until his and television, he fnds theater training stability to attend auditions and meet with senior year at Cardinal Spellman High more benefcial to an actor than flm a trusted acting coach throughout his busy School. While auditioning for the school’s training. “With theater training,” he week. Instead of full or part-time work, production of the musical “Grease,” he says, “you’re training your whole body. he juggles a number of per diem jobs---he realized that acting was what he had to With flm training, you’re just learning to works at a catering company, a hospitality do; he resolved to pull himself together play angles, but you’re still not learning company, as a substitute teacher, and puts and work harder. how to be yourself, how to react, how to up Christmas decorations throughout “He was the most listen appropriately, how to break down the city. He even serves as a senior house serious of the serious.” a scene. Because you can do a horrible manager for Lehman’s Lovinger Theatre. job or you can do a brilliant job and the Although challenging, he refers to it as editing can make you look great or it can “playing Tetris.” - Dante Albertie, director of make you look horrible, [and] sometimes Lehman Stages “A lot of people think this is an overnight it’s not completely in your hands.” success kind of thing,” he says, “and it’s “As far as the craft of it,” says Ovalles, not. Even for the people who end up After graduating, he threw himself who agrees, “I think any actor will tell you doing really well, there’s a lot of work you into auditioning, with no training, no that it’s easier to make the transition from put into it. A lot of time.” guidance, and no luck. theater actor to flm and screen actor, as The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) “I think just being from the Bronx for me opposed to the other way around.” lists 22 flms and television series featuring has just taught me a lot about survival Early on, Dillemuth stood out to the Dillemuth since 2007, including NBC’s and perseverance,” he says. director of Lehman Stages, Dante “The Blacklist,” and the independent In the fall of 2002, he enrolled at Lehman Albertie, who had taught and directed flm “Dope Fiend.” In the spring of 2017, as a theatre major and found a small the actor at Lehman for years. “He was he completed his latest project, “Night crew as devoted as he was, including the the most serious of the serious,” Albertie Runners,” a sort horror flm recently current assistant director of Lehman says. Dillemuth, Albertie added, is “a raw shown at the Nightmares Film Festival Stages, Henry Ovalles ’06. nerve, and his journey is to get through on Oct. 22 and nominated for best short life not feeling everything.” “The four big productions that the theatre thriller. program would put on every year were “He’s an intense person,” Ovalles says. Dillemuth grew up in the Soundview not enough for us,” Ovalles says. “So, “We would be doing shows and if there section of the Bronx during the crack we created a student repertory company, was stuf going on in his personal life, 14 Spotlight he wouldn’t let it afect his performance. phoned Ovalles, who had just bought a Things I Don’t Say at Work He was always gonna show up on time house with his wife. Although reluctant and bring his A-game, but he would be at frst, Ovalles fnally agreed to support By Mariah Dwyer backstage punching walls in the hallway him. or by the bathrooms and the dressing “He’s a go-getter,” says Ovalles, rooms, and then he would come out to shrugging. “He’s gonna fgure out a way No, sir rehearsal with, you know, his knuckles to get what he needs to get done, done. I don’t care if the deal ends at 5 p.m. all beat up.” As a senior house manager, Even if it means my wife being upset at the actor can also be hard on his ushers, me for a couple of months because I gave And it’s 4:45 p.m. “but if you know how to do your job, the house away.” then he starts to respect you,” says Aleigi No, madam Dume, an ofce manager for Lehman Dillemuth wrapped up “Night Runners” I’m not going to repeat the ofer within fve weeks, but went over budget Stages who has worked as an usher with For the ffth time Dillemuth for years. and had little money left. Still wanting to push the flm forward, he launched You don’t get it so go away Dume sees him as a good leader. “He a Kickstarter project on July 9 to fund No, sir knows how to teach an usher to eventually marketing and submit to flm festivals become a house manager,” she says. throughout the country, including its This is not an attitude “I didn’t have that much support growing frst---the Nightmares Film Festival in The music is loud up,” says Dillemuth, so “if I can motivate Columbus, Ohio. As of Aug. 8, backers And I know you can’t hear me and help people out now, sometimes had pledged about $2,000 more than his that’s the diference.” initial goal. No, madam Self-motivation fueled Dillemuth’s latest Including his role in “Night Runners,” I don’t like working here venture, his short flm, “Night Runners.” Dillemuth has played many “thug” I know you see me dancing It was his frst fnished project, which he roles over the years, as a drug runner wrote, produced, and co-directed. In the in the season three premiere of “The But that’s the only way I can keep myself flm, two thieves, Louie (Dillemuth) and Blacklist,” and as a gangbanger in both awake Julio (Quincy Chad), botch a robbery and “Dope Fiend” and a season 4 episode of No, madam escape to a suburban house where they “Person of Interest.” He believes he is We don’t take coupons on food are haunted by the eponymous Night often typecast for “thug” roles because he Go to McDonald’s Runner (Morgane Ben-Ami), a vengeful, is ethnically ambiguous with a somewhat hooded woman from ancient times. It deep raspy voice; he actually does not They will make food your way serves as a prologue to a feature-length mind as long as they do not fall into a No, sir flm still unwritten. certain stereotype, the loud, “Oh, I’m a I will not not charge you for coat check After writing it, Dillemuth held onto thug!” type, as he puts it. Sorry the script for a year before sending it He says doing “Night Runners” was an to a producer-friend who told him it opportunity to combine his acting with I need to make money too would cost more than he was willing to his love of horror movies, and portray a No, madam spend. Dillemuth decided to invest his “thug” character with a backstory. “If I will not accommodate own money, confdent he could do it for it’s very much a tough character who has cheaper, and did all the legwork to put the depth and there’s some sort of emotional You and your party of 25 flm on camera within fve weeks. involvement,” he says, “that’s something I Go have a damn cookout “I felt I needed to just do something,” can get into very easily. That’s something No, sir he says. Before he began flming, he had where I can mix my experiences with been searching for a house to use. He what’s written on the page.” I don’t care if you’re mad Go ahead take to the blogs Anyone can take to the blogs No, madam I will walk away from here Go in the back and talk to my coworkers
Actor Angel Dillemuth working the control panel at the Lovinger Theater. Photo by Jean Carlos Soto. About getting drunk because of you Lifestyle 15 Starfinder: An Updated Pathfinder for the Stars By Juan Vasquez
Published on Aug. 17, Starfnder is These include ace pilot, bounty hunter, this is their frst attempt at role playing. the latest, long-awaited role-playing icon, mercenary, outlaw, priest, scholar, In terms of presentation, however, game from Paizo Publishing. It mixes spacefarer, and xenoseeker, and are the art is much better than the iconic pulp-style fantasy and derring-do sci-f. supposed to add several customizable masterpiece of the Pathfnder core rules Think “Star Wars” with more fantasy features to characters without being cover art. With no disrespect to Wayne infuences. Perhaps the game’s greatest overwhelming to the player. Besides Reynolds (artist of the Pathfnder core strength---and some will argue, its detailing a ton of gear that players can rulebook), the art presented in Starfnder greatest weakness---is its similarities to purchase, steal, etc., the book also covers is sleek and modern. Given that the Pathfnder. Despite a few minor changes, rules for vehicle and space combat, book’s artwork is full-color and presented if you know the rules for Pathfnder, then which is a welcome addition. throughout the book, Starfnder gets you will have a much easier time learning However, its similarity to Pathfnder’s high marks for its production value. Starfnder. This makes the game not rules leads to one of the game’s biggest only an enjoyable read, but an absolute problems. Much like Pathfnder, Overall, I am in love with Starfnder and blast to play. Starfnder is very crunch heavy; I look forward to running a few games. On the plus side, the game’s simple mathematics and quick calculations play Sure, it is a bit on the “Mathfnder” side, premise makes it very engaging. Much a hefty role in the game’s mechanics. For and some of the subtle rule changes may like Pathfnder, the core rules are divided seasoned grognards, this brings very little leave you scratching your head. Despite into two parts, the player’s guide and concern, but for the uninitiated, this can these details, the game is a welcome the game master’s guide. This is great easily be a baptism by fre, especially if addition to any gamer’s library. because you do not need three core books for players, game masters, and monsters as with Dungeons and Dragons. Players create spacefaring adventurers and romp around in a science fantasy setting akin to Spelljammer and Dragonstar. Character creation is also very similar to Pathfnder’s; each character has a race and a class. There are there are six races in total, whose unique variety presents an amazing homage to the works that inspired the game. The character classes themselves are designed to be gaming staples and ft well within the setting--- the envoy, mechanic, mystic, operative, solarian (a Jedi-style character), soldier, and technomancer. In addition to these classes are character themes, which seem to have some similarities to characters’ backgrounds in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. Explore the galaxy with Starfnder. Photo courtesy of Pixabay. 16 Lifestyle Lehman Students Favor Costumes That Go Against Predicted Trends By Leah Liceaga
Comic book superheroes and villians remain popular Halloween costumes. Photo courtesy of Flickr.
This Halloween, some Lehman students Halloweens is Batman, this year he Dwyer also wants a scarily powerful have diferent---and grimmer---costumes plans to dress as a Catrin, a male costume. “I’m either going to be in mind than those trending nationally version of the traditional Catrina, Poison Ivy or the Red Queen this Biology major Francisco Aquino a figure associated with Día de los year,” said Dwyer, who plans to attend Ramirez, for instance, said that Muertos. Oktoberfest this year and go trick- while his favorite costume from past Senior, and English major Mariah or-treating. In the past, Dwyer has Lifestyle 17 dressed as a witch, a police officer, and “There’s such a to go as yet. “I’ve done the Queen of a teacher. Hearts, and I’ve done vampires,” she These choices diverge from mainstream variety today, of said. “The rest is just hair color change tastes, which can be on the lighter costumes, that you and make-up.” side. “Princesses and superheroes are always popular,” said Wayne Baker, can be anything you Baker praised the versatility and owner of Frank Bee Costume Center want to be.” diversity of today’s costumes, adding and Frankie’s Carnival Time, located that he likes all costumes, including – Wayne Baker, owner of Frank on 3435 E. Tremont Ave. Baker added scary ones. “I like Jason, I like Bee Costume Center and that movies create particular interests Michael Myers, I like Chuckie. I was Frankie’s Carnival Time in costumes. “Captain America, Iron a big fan of Freddy Krueger at one Man. ‘Game of Thrones’...surprisingly English major, plans to take it easier time. There’s such a variety today, of a lot of people want to be IT [the this year and just use face paint, costumes, that you can be anything clown]. It’s a mix of what’s new in the though she hasn’t decided on what you want to be.” movies and what’s classic.” Baker also noted that sexy costumes have become popular in the last decade; listing the sexy cop, sexy nurse, and sexy Batgirl. Jasmine Monserret, an employee at the Party City on White Plains Road, concurred. “Adults costumes, for females it would be something sexy, short skirt, and something to show off their body,” Monserret said. “For males, it would be Michael Myers, Jason, or Freddy Krueger.” Quartz magazine also predicted that the clown, Pennywise, from “IT,” Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” and the kid protagonists from “Stranger Things” would be the most popular costumes for Halloween this year. Also on its list were characters from “Game of Thrones” like Jon Snow or Daenerys Targaryen, “Wonder Woman,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” whose live-action films both came out this year. Yet Lehman students are leaning towards more sinister looks. Stefanie Nolli Gaspar, another Lehman student, with a double major in Latin American and Caribbean studies, and anthropology, said this year she plans to try something new, and dress as a dark angel. Her favorite costume ever, she added, is that of a schoolgirl since she’d never worn a uniform before then. Traditional Catrina costumes, associated with Día de los Muertos. Photo courtesy of Pixabay. Michelle Santillan, a senior and 18 Lifestyle Most Lehman Students Back #TakeaKnee, but Some Call Disrespect By Jorel Lonesome
Members of the Washington Redskins kneel during national anthem before football game. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
On Sept. 1, 2016, San Francisco 49ers support for the protests as part of a Other Lehman students and staf quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused necessary conversation about racism in concurred. “The protest now has to stand for the national anthem before America. nothing to do with Colin. This derived a preseason game against the San Diego from the police brutality against people Chargers, instead choosing to kneel. “We need a larger voice,” said Samantha of color,” said Christopher Milton, Following this, NFL protests gradually Anglero, 26, theatre major at Lehman. director of pathways to student STEM began to spread among diferent football She added, “It’s centered around success at Lehman. teams and other leagues such as the people of color tired of oppression. It’s NBA and MLB, and starting a national a safe way of protesting where athletes “Racial injustice, most defnitely,” controversy. Most Lehman students and are doing the right thing when America agreed David Williams, 27, a junior and staf who spoke to the Meridian voiced fails to do something about its faws.” recreational therapy student at Lehman. Lifestyle 19
Kevin Rivera, a graphic designer “As a navy vet, I fought for doesn’t agree with the mainstream, and part time computer graphics and their rights to protest against we’re shunned upon for it.” imaging major at Lehman, views it as racial discrimination and our Anglero agreed. “I think pro athletes a shift in historical perspective, “For frustrations of inequality in should represent their rights for the one, it’s [about] inequality,” he said. the U.S.” U.S. constitution to express themselves “The pledge was written and took place when they feel they need to,” she said. during a time when it doesn’t apply to “It’s not dishonorable at all to kneel or us now, especially people of color. More - Kevin O’Carrol, U.S. Navy veteran raise your fst when the national anthem people are starting to see it as a serious plays, if you feel your country does not issue. It went from pro athletes to people the anthem is appropriate.” seem to treat you equally for the color kneeling at work or at school. That is of your skin.” why it’s a mass attack by the whole NFL However, U.S. Navy veteran Kevin league.” O’Carrol from Queens, New York “This is their right to peaceful protest,” disagreed and felt it’s okay for people Rivera said. “I think there’s a form of Indeed, since the protests took of, the to express their freedom of speech. “As injustice that should be voiced. Colin NFL is now considered the least popular a navy vet, I fought for their rights to Kaepernick has been protesting for a sports league in America. According to protest against racial discrimination while and he’s not on a team now. The a zerohedge.com article dated Oct. 8, and our frustrations of inequality in the NFL says they’ll support the players, but from the end of August to the end of U.S.,” he said. “America isn’t perfect they still aren’t having him play in the September, the NFL’s popularity ratings like any other country. It needs to be games. That just shows us how much dropped from 57 to 44 percent, and it critiqued. There’s more things besides they care about colored people.” has the highest unfavorable rating---40 racism that is dividing us, but these are For Mouro Sow, 26, entrepreneur and percent---of any big sport, according to one of those that has lasted for so long the Winston Group survey. The same Lehman graduate said, “The protests and doesn’t seem to die out anytime are necessary and is a conversation research found that the attitude of those soon.” fans went from 73 percent favorable and that needs to be discussed.” Yes, he 19 percent unfavorable to 42 percent Milton echoed O’Carroll’s stance. “No said, players are protesting “due to favorable and 47 percent unfavorable, man or woman has to stand for the racial divide. But it’s not to disrespect a remarkably sudden turn against the fag if they don’t want to, because it’s a America and the soldiers that have sport. free country. I think it’s a travesty. The fought for this country. I think you’re First Amendment allows us to express even more patriotic by standing up for But while the majority shifted to freedom of speech here in America, injustice and police brutality no matter disapproval, some feel that outright but when people of color do it, and it what your skin color or background is.” protest is going too far. In particular, a number of army veterans feel disrespected by recent protests. “I understand that players like Colin Kaepernick is standing up for racial injustice and violence against blacks by the police. I get that, but this is the American fag. They need to understand, you’re disrespecting those that served in the armed forces,” said Jerry Giles, 60-year-old Vietnam War veteran. He added, “We’ve put our lives on the line to protect this country and kneeling sort of feels like a slap in the face.” “You have young men and young women dying overseas for America,” said Annette Wyss, 21, a marine The Oakland Raiders take a knee. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. recruiter. “I don’t think kneeling during
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH 3:30-5:45 PM
CARMAN HALL ROOM B-36
JOIN THE LGBTQ+ ALLIANCE FOR DINNER AND A MOVIE. WE WILL BE SCREENING THE 1999 FILM “BUT I’M A CHEERLEADER,” STARRING NATASHA LYONNE AND RUPAUL CHARLES. PIZZA WILL BE SERVED. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!