“FOR THE CHILDREN,” student organizations Mission Kindness and The Bottomless Toy Chest teamed up to provide gifts for hospitalized children. The idea sparked after picking up a business card from their collaborations at a student org fair, Savannah Broaden, president of Mission Kindness at OU said.
PHOTO BY LILIANA VALENZA
Evelyn Apahidean Photographer
Claire Sanderlin Photographer
Liliana Valenza Photographer
Matthew Vigelius Photographer
O’Hara Diamond Graphic Designer
Anna Friedrich Graphic Designer
Ava Guest Graphic Designer
Dylan Hecker Graphic Designer
CORRECTIONS
EDITORIAL BOARD
Adrian Jimenez Morales Editor-in-Chief ajimenezmorales@oakland.edu
Don Ritenburgh Business Adviser ritenbur@oakland.edu
248.370.2533
CORNER: The Oakland Post corrects all known errors of fact. If you know of an error, please email editor@oaklandpostonline.com.
Wrapping up joy: The Mission Kindness wrap party
ALEXA DUDEK Campus Reporter
On Thursday, Feb. 19, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., Oakland University’s Mission Kindness hosted a wrap party in partnership with The Bottomless Toy Chest in Gold Room A of The Oakland Center. At this event, students worked together to wrap toys to donate to hospitalized children.
As the event kicked off, students were provided with cellophane, ribbon and stickers to wrap gifts. A variety of toys suitable for all ages were displayed on tables for students to package. Light refreshments were also available as students wrapped gifts throughout the event.
Savannah Broaden, president of Mission Kindness at OU, admires the community service that The Bottomless Toy Chest provides.
“I went to a fair on campus one year, grabbed their business card and found what they do for young children and young adults very aspirational,” Broaden said.
After finding the organization’s business card, Broaden discussed a potential partnership with Bottomless Toy Chest alongside the Mission Kindness team.
“We all loved the idea of the organization and proceeded to work together on this amazing event,” Broaden said.
Mission Kindness partnered with The Bottomless Toy Chest to bring joy to hospitalized children.
“This impacts the children a lot, while going
through this tough period in their lives we try to bring them joy,” Broaden said.
Oakland University students chose to attend this event due to admiration for the community service initiative of Mission Kindness at OU.
Freshman exercise science major Sadie McCutcheon fosters a love of community service by attending these volunteering events.
“Even if you are having a hard day, you can do something nice for people that are struggling more,” McCutcheon said.
Students also enjoyed the event because of the
strong sense of community it fostered.
Chloe Coutelle, a junior majoring in social work, enjoys that these events provide a sense of community while promoting community service.
“This event inspires a sense of caring for others in our community and taking advantage of opportunities to help others,” Coutelle said.
Lilian Balogh, a freshman majoring in studio art, enjoys community service events and appreciates that volunteers donate their time to this cause.
“I’m happy that there are people out there that are willing to donate to children in need and give them joy in their life during such a hard time,” Balogh said.
Balogh appreciates that members of the community take time to volunteer and help those in need, especially during uncertain times for many.
Through these events, Oakland University’s Mission Kindness hopes to raise greater awareness for The Bottomless Toy Chest.
“The Bottomless Toy Chest was created and is meant to build a support system and to give the children frequent happiness that will encourage them to fight back,” Broaden said.
The Mission Kindness x Bottomless Toy Chest wrap party encouraged a love for community service as students wrapped gifts. In addition to wrapping presents, students also gained valuable lessons from the experience.
“Even if you are having a hard day, you can always do something nice for people that are struggling more,” McCutcheon said.
BSO hosts first coffee break for graduate students
ERIN BANES
Campus Reporter
At 10 a.m. on Feb. 18, the Biology/Biomedical Student Organization hosted its first Coffee Break, offering biology and biomedical graduate students an informal opportunity to connect outside of labs and coursework.
The event took place during a busy point in the semester, when many students are balancing experiments, classes and exams.
Students filtered in throughout the morning, some stopping briefly to grab coffee and snacks to go, while others remained longer to talk with peers.
According to Shawn Nimmala, a secondyear Ph.D. student in the biology department and president of the Biology Graduate Student Organization, the idea for the coffee break came from conversations with fellow graduate students who were interested in trying something new.
“Everybody is always running around trying to get things done,” Nimmala said. “We thought people could use a break to catch up.”
The event was intentionally unstructured, allowing students to stop in as their schedules allowed.
Nimmala said the informal format was meant to help newer students connect with more established members of the department.
“It’s pretty informal,” Nimmala said. “We have new students who joined the department this year, so it’s a chance for them to meet older students.”
Throughout the coffee break, students moved
between small conversations, greeting peers they recognized and briefly checking in before returning to lab work. Even attendees who stayed only a short time took the opportunity to speak with at least one other person.
Cole, a Ph.D. student in biological and biomedical science, said the event made it easier to connect with peers he does not always see during the workday.
“My lab is right across the hall, and I don’t leave my lab very often,” Cole said. “I saw some students I recognized and came over.”
Cole added that informal gatherings, such as coffee breaks, provide a chance to stay connected with colleagues beyond academic responsibilities.
“It’s nice to catch up with your peers,” he said. “I like asking people how their research is going and checking in every once in a while.”
Niels Tekal, a final-year Ph.D. student in biology and biomedical sciences, said events like the coffee break help bring students together despite busy schedules.
“We’re all busy with lab work,” Tekal said. “Having a set time to meet helps people build connections.”
For Brooke Stacek, a biology major, the coffee break offered space for conversations unrelated to research.
“A lot of graduate students are so busy with research that we don’t really have a place to just hang out and talk about things that aren’t research,” Stacek said. “This is a good way to connect with other peers.”
Stacek also noted that increased outreach could help make similar events more accessible to students who may not hear about them.
“A lot of people don’t see flyers or hear about
events like this,” she said. “They don’t always have time to come.”
Nimmala said the coffee break was the first event of its kind hosted by the organization, though previous leadership organized dinners and game nights. He said feedback from students often focuses on improving communication and connection within the department.
PHOTO BY LILIANA VALENZA
Phi Alpha Theta hosts Professor Hastings for book talk
MARYAM SOMO & ADDISON KOCH
On Wednesday, Feb. 19, students gathered at noon in Varner Hall, Room 432, as Phi Alpha Theta hosted Professor Derek Hastings for a preview of his forthcoming book on Ernst Röhm, one of the most controversial figures of early Nazi Germany.
The event invited attendees to explore not only Röhm’s life but also the research process behind writing history, as Phi Alpha Theta organized the talk to give students insight into archival research and how long-term scholarly projects develop from concept to publication.
Hastings structured his talk around key stages of Röhm’s life, tracing his development from childhood to his rise and eventual fall within the Nazi movement.
Hastings, a historian of modern Europe, focuses on the social and cultural history of Germany in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
He is the author of “Catholicism and the Roots of Nazism” and “Nationalism in Modern Europe,” and is currently completing his third book, a project more than a decade in the making.
“This is stuff I’ve had to slog through for years and years and years,” Hastings said. “Being able to talk about it a little bit kind of ends the insularity.”
A paradoxical figure
Hastings described Röhm as a deeply paradoxical figure, both a perpetrator and a victim.
As head of the SA, the Nazi Party’s paramilitary wing, Röhm played a crucial role in helping Adolf Hitler consolidate power in 1933. Under Röhm’s leadership, SA membership grew dramatically, expanding from roughly 60,000 members in 1930 to hundreds of thousands by 1933.
Yet Röhm was also the most prominent victim of the 1934 purge known as the Night of the Long Knives. Executed on Hitler’s orders, Röhm was vilified as a “moral cancer,” with Nazi leaders using his sexuality as part of the justification for his killing.
“He’s clearly a perpetrator,” Hastings explained. “He helped drive forward the Nazi rise to power. But he’s also a victim in the sense that he was the most important and highest-profile early victim of Nazi violence.”
Part of what makes Röhm so compelling, Hastings argued, is that he was a gay man operating at the highest levels of an aggressively homophobic regime. His sexuality was an open secret by the early 1930s and later became central to the regime’s public narrative after his death.
The challenge of research
Much of the historical focus on Röhm has centered on his execution rather than his life. To date, only one full-length scholarly biography exists: “Ernst Röhm: Hitler’s SA Chief of Staff” by historian Eleanor Hancock.
After the purge, the Nazis destroyed nearly all of Röhm’s private papers and correspondence, eliminating the centralized archive historians typically rely on and making the research process significantly more challenging.
“None of that exists in the case of Röhm,” Hastings said. “I’ve had to come at it obliquely at every level and do a massive search through different archival sources and different types of sources to try to illuminate Röhm’s life.”
Instead of relying on a single collection, Hastings reconstructed Röhm’s life through scattered materials: military records, school registers, church documents, parliamentary records and surviving family correspondence.
One major breakthrough came through contact with Röhm’s nephew, the son of Röhm’s brother, who serves as the sole custodian of the remaining family materials. Now 94, he lives with his wife in a villa outside Munich, where he preserves the only surviving collection of family documents related to Röhm.
“I found that, lo and behold, there are hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of letters that the authorities missed,” Hastings said. “That’s been a nice new sort of thing in fleshing out aspects of Röhm’s life that haven’t been known.”
Longing to belong
Born in Munich in 1887, Röhm grew up in a deeply religious Protestant family in predominantly Catholic Bavaria, a minority status that contributed to an early sense of marginality.
Research in Munich church archives revealed that Röhm’s father and uncle played leading roles in founding their Protestant congregation, evidence of an intensely religious upbringing that had been largely overlooked in previous scholarship.
Röhm’s adolescence unfolded between two contrasting worlds: the bohemian counterculture of Munich’s Schwabing district, known for cabarets and experimentation, and the rigid discipline of the nearby military barracks. That tension, Hastings suggested, shaped Röhm’s identity.
Kameradschaft and the military ideal Röhm entered the Bavarian army as a young man and later fought in World War I, where he was severely wounded.
Hastings emphasized that the war years were formative.
Röhm became devoted to the ideal of Kameradschaft, an intense form of comradeship and male bonding that he would later translate into political organization.
“This experience in the war is extremely important for him,” Hastings said. “He takes this idea of male
bonding or togetherness and uses it as a kind of organizing principle politically.”
After World War I, Röhm joined the Nazi Party in 1919, then still called the German Workers’ Party, becoming one of its earliest members. He served as a key recruiter within military circles and helped legitimize Hitler among army officers.
Hastings also examined Röhm’s years of transformation following the failed Beer Hall Putsch of 1923.
During his time in prison and later while serving briefly in parliament, Röhm reflected on his identity and experienced Berlin’s vibrant gay nightlife.
In a 1928 memoir, “Geschichte eines Hochverräters” (History of a Traitor), Röhm presented a carefully curated account of his life, devoting only two pages to his childhood, a selective narrative Hastings argues obscured as much as it revealed.
Continuing discoveries
The book, currently under consideration with Oxford University Press, remains unfinished in part because new discoveries continue to surface.
“Every time I go back to Germany, I find materials I hadn’t known existed before,” Hastings said. “That’s why I’ve waited to finalize the contract; there’s always more to uncover.”
For members of Phi Alpha Theta, the event offered a rare look behind the scenes of historical scholarship. Hastings’ decade-long project demonstrated both the painstaking nature of archival research and the complexity of reconstructing a life deliberately erased from the record.
By piecing together fragments, Hastings is working to present a fuller portrait of a figure long defined primarily by his violent end.
PHOTO BY CLAIRE SANDERLIN
Skincare routine varies across OU campus
JENNIFER THOMASMA Campus Reporter
Across Oakland University’s campus, skincare looks different for every student. Some rely on multi-step routines with specific products, while others stick to simple habits or skip routines altogether. For many students, skincare functions as a form of self-care shaped by stress, schedules and campus life.
Savannah Villerot, a freshman majoring in criminal justice, said maintaining a skincare routine helps create consistency during busy days. Her go-to product is a Goodlight cleanser, a Korean skincare brand discovered at Ulta Beauty.
“It’s amazing. I love it,” Villerot said.
Villerot said her routine happens twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. While consistency is a goal, student life can interfere.
“Sometimes you’re going to forget, and that’s fine. As long as you try to keep it on a good schedule, I think you’ll be good,” Villerot said.
For Jae Young, a fourth-year communications major, skincare became a priority more recently. Young said she began paying closer attention to her skin over the past two semesters, especially during Michigan winters.
“One thing I could not go without is my Neutrogena moisturizer with SPF, especially in the winter because I have really bad seasonal allergies and my skin gets super irritated.”
Young said keeping a routine that is simple makes
it easier to maintain. Her morning routine includes toner and moisturizer, while nighttime care focuses on acne control and reducing irritation.
“I try to keep it as simple as possible so it’s easy to maintain,” Young said. “Two to three steps, that’s it.”
Stress from campus life has noticeably affected her skin, particularly during midterms and finals. Young said late nights of studying often disrupt her routine and make it harder to restart healthy habits.
“The more stressed I am, the more I break out,” Young said. “Once the ball is rolling, I can usually maintain it, but getting back into it is hard.”
Not all students rely on product-based routines. Sadie Heman, a third-year environmental science major, said her skincare habits are simple but nonnegotiable.
“I can feel it when my face needs to be clean,” Heman said.
Heman said soap and water are essential and that washing her face every night remains a priority regardless of schedule demands. Reusable cotton cloths are used, and the routine stays the same even on busy days.
“Just wash your face every day. It takes 10 seconds, just do it,” Heman said.
For Autumn Franz, a first-year education major, skincare is also minimal. When asked which product mattered most, Franz pointed to a basic necessity.
“Water,” Franz said.
Franz said rinsing her face daily is typical, with occasional moisturizer when skin feels dry. Past experimentation with products led to the conclusion that lifestyle habits play a larger role in skin health.
“I think I’ve realized it’s just my lifestyle,” Franz said. “Diet and stress really affect my skin.”
College life encouraged experimentation when breakouts appeared, but Franz said managing stress and eating healthier would likely have the greatest impact. Patience and observation were offered as advice for students starting skincare routines.
“Try a lot of different things and keep track of what each thing does for you,” Franz said. “You’ve got to figure out what works.”
Although routines vary, students across campus described skincare as more than appearance-focused.
Whether through detailed regimens or simple habits, many said caring for skin helps provide stability amid the demands of college life.
Hamlin Hall hosts Black History Month celebration
MICHAEL GORDON Campus Reporter
Hamlin Hall hosted a Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m., attracting a mix of freshmen and upperclassmen eager to participate in the evening’s festivities.
The event took place on the main floor of the residence hall, in the lounge area, which allowed a steady flow of residents and guests to stop by, socialize and enjoy the celebration.
Students gathered to connect with one another while enjoying music, food, games and vibrant stroll performances, creating an atmosphere of community and shared culture.
Several Divine Nine organizations participated in the event, performing energetic strolls that energized the crowd and showcased cultural traditions. These performances not only entertained attendees but also highlighted the pride, creativity and history behind historically Black Greek-letter organizations.
Food and refreshments were provided, including pizza, juices, soda and shaved ice drinks, keeping students fueled as they mingled and participated in activities.
The event also featured themed goodie bags containing snacks, bracelets and pencils, providing attendees with keepsakes to remember the celebration. Additionally, students were invited to sign a new Black Lives Matter poster, which now proudly hangs above the front desk at Hamlin Hall, symbolizing solidarity and community engagement within the
residence hall.
Paige Burns, a resident assistant in Hamlin Hall, explained that the event was created in response to student feedback.
“In previous years, residents would come up to me and ask why we didn’t have a program for Black students,” Burns said. “Last year, I made it my goal to make sure this program runs successfully.”
Now in her third year as an RA in Hamlin, Burns noted that this year’s celebration benefited from increased resources and strong engagement from residents, making it a more inclusive and memorable experience.
Senior Justice Jones highlighted the significance of seeing freshmen participate in the celebration.
“When I was a freshman, we didn’t have this event going on,” Jones said. “Now that it’s the second year in a row, I think it’s really important to show everyone on campus that Black history is very important.”
Her perspective reflects the growing impact of programs like this in fostering awareness, cultural pride and education within the campus community.
Resident assistants Kate, a junior, and Caden, a sophomore, emphasized the importance of hosting cultural events in freshman residence halls, where many students are still forming their first impressions of campus life.
“It’s really important that everybody on campus feels involved, especially in a freshman dorm setting,” Kate said.
Caden added that events like this create opportunities for students to learn from one another and celebrate different cultures together.
“Being able to hear other people’s stories and see them celebrate, and to celebrate them myself, it’s a really nice opportunity to learn and grow,” he said.
Overall, Hamlin Hall’s Black History Month Celebration not only provided entertainment and refreshments but also created a meaningful space for community, cultural expression and learning.
From stroll performances to interactive activities and opportunities for reflection, the event highlighted the importance of recognizing Black history and culture on campus, leaving a lasting impression on students of all years.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
PHOTO COURTESY OF FREEPIK
OU Roundnet spikes Lansing, sets sights ahead
CAEL TANNER
Features Editor
“I’m ecstatic, dude. It’s going to be so fun to play another Michigan-based roundnet team. Lance has been able to grow the Oakland club too — it makes me so happy,” Michigan State University Roundnet Club’s Nathan Warner said, grinning, “OU’s going down, though. No chance.”
Naturally, plenty of amicable trash talk prefaced what Oakland University’s Roundnet Club had branded the “OU vs. MSU Showdown” — a rivalry-laced scrimmage at the IM West facility on Michigan State University’s campus Friday, Feb. 20. The scrap was equal parts competition and celebration of an innovative pastime steadfastly strengthening its reputation as a bona fide collegiate sport.
For Oakland’s own, the trip to Lansing represented far more than an early-weekend matchup. The scrimmage served as an inaugural milestone amidst the club’s current season of unprecedented expansion.
“At this point, we are the largest that we’ve ever been,” club treasurer and de facto leader Lance Markowitz said. “We have 14 people right now that are scheduled to go to compete in sectionals… it is a giant team, and we’re super excited.”
Markowitz, who worked with MSU to coordinate the scrimmage, has helped shepherd the club from a small pickup circle into its current burgeoning roster. Attendance at indoor sessions initially surged after an early-semester schedule adjustment to later evening hours. On a recent Monday, 24 students crowded the Recreation Center nets to join in.
“We’ve been super, super happy with the growth of the club,” Markowitz said. “Between changing up the timeslot, promoting the heck out of the OU vs. MSU Showdown, working towards getting official OU jerseys and shorts… it was very exciting to see these things have such an impact.”
The jerseys, planned to arrive shortly, received both sponsored and administrative support. Markowitz said they symbolize the greater arc of a team firmly on the upswing.
“It definitely is helping us feel like we’re a part of something… like it’s a competitive sport, as opposed to a casual, ‘We go and play when we want to,’ thing,” Markowitz said. “We’re now representing our school and I think that’s very exciting for all of us.”
Roundnet — also known by the brand name Spikeball — is played two-on-two around a small, trampoline-like net, off of which players must set and spike a small ball in volleys to score points on the opposing duo. The ease of portability has become an essential aspect of the sport’s recognizable charm in certain circles across campus.
OU’s Michael Zysnarski and his teammates have helped stage brief, spontaneous “spiking in obscure locations” moments around campus, from South Foundation Hall to the eighth floor of the Math and Science Center.
“If it’s open and it’s got a floor, a roundnet is going on the floor,” Michael Zysnarski said. “We want to put our name out there, through social media, spiking in obscure locations and just having fun with it. Anytime, anywhere.”
The unfettered spontaneity has fueled recruitment. So has word of mouth.
“There has been a culture shift in the club, like, ‘Hey, competing is fun,’” Markowitz said. “People that were on different sports teams started bringing out their friends. If people want to be on the team, they’re on the team.”
With 15 Oakland players making the trip to Lansing, the team split into custom Division I and Division II squads of eight and seven, respectively. OU Roundnet also plans to compete in Division 2 at the March 28 Spring Sectionals at Ohio State University, hoping to test their mettle and blaze a trail toward Nationals qualification.
“For our first year, we are definitely more so just taking each match as it comes,” Markowitz said. “We really need game experience against better players to get better.”
Though the team as a whole had yet to face off against another team in a formal scrimmage, OU Roundnet Club Vice President Jeremy Matzinger expressed particular interest in trouncing the experienced Spartans.
“I can’t wait to get some wins here and show MSU how much better we’ve gotten,” Jeremy Matzinger, the club’s vice president, said. “I was looking at the footage from the last time I played against them, and I’ve gotten like 10 times better.”
Inside IM West, numerous matches unfolded simultaneously across the astroturf. Each net saw roughly eight 15-minute games. The pace was brisk; if final tallies were taken, they would have told only a small part of the story.
“MSU is like the top of the nation for spikeball,” OU’s Ben Drummelsmith said. “They’re just on another level… but we uplift each other.”
In one match — lacking a 16th teammate to even out the player count — MSU’s Yanaq Quispe filled in to pair up with OU’s Gaurav Mahlawat. Unfamiliarity with each others’ playing styles proved no impediment, and the duo delivered a decisive win. The cross-team pairing symbolized a key strength of the budding collegiate roundnet community: the evident camaraderie between rival teams.
“It was definitely a huge change, because we were taught a different way to play than they were at Oakland,”
Quispe said. “But we had a lot of the bases covered.”
“We were dominating them from the beginning of the game,” Mahlawat said. “My setting was good, and my partner was converting them into points. It was my best match — it was not close.”
By night’s end, exertion and fatigue culminated in a resounding optimism.
“We’re not letting it get to our heads,” OU’s Zayaan Ansari said. “We’re having fun and we’re learning from it. It’s not just like, ‘We have to win.’ It’s a learning experience.”
OU’s Nick Zysnarski affirmed that the team’s recent development bodes well for performance at future competitions.
“The community of our club has grown exponentially since the fall,” he said. “We used to have fewer than 10 members come to practice, and now we have a full four nets going every single practice… I’ve seen improvement from everyone. This is huge going into sectionals.”
Spikeball nets will return to the Recreation Center floor Monday and Thursday nights from 8 to 10 p.m., open to anyone willing to step in. Some will come for casual pickups. Others will chase sharper defensive positioning or a cleaner ‘butter set.’
For a club that once struggled to fill a single Division II roster, this latest incarnation’s recent excursion heralded a tight-knit, self-built team whose devotion to the unique sport might be its greatest competitive advantage.
“We’re that underdog coming into the tournament,” Nick Zysnarski said. “They see us as little Oakland University… But we’re the real deal. I just can’t wait to prove ourselves at Ohio State.”
PHOTO BY CAEL TANNER
Humanity First at OU student volunteers turn service into global impact
ALEXA DUDEK Campus Reporter
Oakland University cultivates a spirit of generosity and service among its students, with organizations such as Humanity First at OU leading initiatives that foster the passion and turn that their commitment into action.
As an international charity organization, Humanity First USA is dedicated to community service, working globally to provide aid to communities in need. The organization operates in dozens of countries, focusing on disaster relief, health care access and sustainable development projects.
Rushda Bukhari, president of the Oakland University chapter of Humanity First, appreciates the community service initiatives that the nonprofit prioritizes. The student organization’s primary mission is to advocate for humanity through disaster relief efforts in collaboration with Humanity First USA, encouraging students to participate in service work.
“Humanity First has initiatives they focus on when conducting volunteer work, one of which is the Global Health program,” Bukhari said.
Through the Global Health program, student volunteers work to bridge gaps in accessible and affordable healthcare. Late last year, Humanity First at OU mobilized in Mexico, providing free healthcare and medication to communities that have limited financial resources. Students on this trip held a medical camp in two communities, spending two days in each area.
On the Gift of Health mission to Mexico, students held a medical camp across four clinic days in Uman and Yobain from Dec. 18 to Dec. 21. In collaboration with students from other universities, the organization served 235 patients.
“We began each day with a long drive, from Merida to Uman for the first two days and from Merida to Yobain for the third and fourth days,” Bukhari said.
Once the team arrived at the camp, labs and tables were set up. The medical clinic began seeing patients around 9:30 am.
“We held four stations: taking vitals, expressing symptoms, shadowing in the clinic with doctors and working in the pharmacy,” Bukhari said.
At these stations, students were assisted by translators, benefitting patients and volunteers alike.
“By the end of the trip, however, many of us noticed significant improvement in our Spanish communication skills,” Bukhari said.
After lunch, students rotated stations and served patients, providing free healthcare and medication until 4 p.m. At night, students held a team debrief, reflecting on achievements of the day and identifying improvements for the next day.
Bukhari said that while she attended this trip initially to uphold with Humanity First’s eponymous core humanitarian goal, experiencing the mission in Mexico transformed her perspective on the social and developmental benefits of international charity work and even provided an opportunity for self-discovery.
“This trip only lasted a week, but it felt like a lifetime of meaningful experiences, from bonding with the rest of the team, forming connections with patients, gaining valuable insight into medicine and to learning more about myself,” Bukhari said.
For students who are interested in volunteering abroad, Bukhari encourages taking the leap. She acknowledged that some students overthink the decision, but said the experience offers significant benefits to both volunteers and the communities they serve.
“The worst that can happen is that you make an impact on the world by helping someone and changing their life for the better,” Bukhari said.
Shedding moonlight on Lunar New Year: A freshman’s perspective far from home
MICHAEL GORDON Campus Reporter
At Oakland University, February typically means midterms and brutal winter weather.
But for freshman Hung Tieu, who goes by Brian, February marks the beginning of something just as meaningful: Lunar New Year.
While the holiday may appear more quietly in America, seen in red lanterns strung up, themed video game outfits or subtle decorations, it does not always sit at the center of the cultural consciousness.
On Feb. 17, 2026, the Lunar New Year began, ushering in a time of reflection and family gatherings for millions across Asia and the global diaspora.
For Brian Tieu, who is half Chinese and half Vietnamese and grew up in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the holiday has always held special significance.
“To my family, it’s like three or four weeks of celebrating,” Brian said. “The week leading up to it, we clean the house, decorate, prepare meals and bond with each other.”
As a child, he did not always appreciate those preparations.
“When I was younger, I hated cleaning the house,” he said. “My mom would tell me to come down and do all the chores. But now as an adult, I really miss those times.”
Traditionally, the holiday begins just before midnight, as families clean their homes in the days leading up to the New Year to sweep away bad luck while avoiding cleaning on the day itself
so they don’t “wash away” incoming fortune. Some also believe that certain colors and words should be avoided, that nothing should be torn or broken, and that even small actions, like arguing or using negative language, can set the tone for the year ahead.
At exactly midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve, Brian said his family would gather to exchange blessings and wishes for the year ahead.
“At 12 a.m., we sit together and wish each other blessings or desires for the next year,” he said.
The celebration continues the following day with visits to relatives’ homes, where family members exchange greetings and good fortune.
One of Brian’s favorite traditions is the giving of red envelopes, small red packets filled with money meant to bring luck and ward off misfortune.
“People believe giving money on the first day of the new year can cancel out bad luck,” he said. “Mostly the kids get them.”
When asked whether the tradition ends at a certain age, Brian smiled and said, “I think you can receive red envelopes until you settle down.”
Although the traditions remain meaningful, Brian’s celebrations have changed somewhat since moving to the United States.
He has been in the U.S. for three years, spending his first two in Iowa before coming to Oakland University.
During those earlier years, he said, he celebrated quietly, often alone in his dormitory. This year, his family gathered in California while he remained on campus for school.
“Unfortunately, I have school, and I don’t have a
break during Lunar New Year week,” he said. “My family went back to California to celebrate.”
“Before I came to the U.S., I would help my mom with cleaning, help my dad with decorating, just hang out and have fun with my family,” Brian said.
Despite the distance, Lunar New Year remains deeply personal for him. Beyond decorations or red envelopes, the holiday represents renewal.
“Lunar New Year to me is like a new start,” he said. “You put everything from the past away and try to thrive in the next year. Try not to have regrets and appreciate the time with your family and your loved ones.”
While Lunar New Year may not be as visible on Oakland’s campus as other holidays, Brian believes its message extends beyond cultural boundaries.
“Since it’s Lunar New Year, I want to wish everybody a Happy New Year,” he said. “I hope you achieve everything you want in life. Even if you don’t like something now, you’ll find a reason to like it eventually. Find peace in the things you love.”
For Brian, the new year may have started far from home, but its meaning traveled with him.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
From group chat to student org: The BRATz at OU
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Editor-in-Chief
What started as a Snapchat group chat in 2024 has now turned into an inclusive community and established student organization committed to making big and bold events for students to meet each other. With numbers rising at the 400 mark, The BRATz at Oakland University hosted one of the first events of the semester centered around Valentines, showing how immersive and intentional student organizations can be.
On Feb. 20, Lake Huron room on the basement of the Oakland Center resembled more of a dollhouse or Pinterest picnic mood board as BRATz took over the space to make bracelets, share new music and welcome students into an immersive experience.
“The whole point of Bratz at Oakland University is to make people feel warm, welcome and feel like they’re included,” BRATz Vice President, Kammryn Humphrey, said. “So having the Valentine’s Day event, whether people had a Valentine or didn’t, whether they had someone to spend it with, family, friends or just alone, we wanted people to come in and feel seen, heard, cared for and loved.”
The pink table cloths and flower-adorned cutlery accompanied the relaxing playlist that immersed attendees in an atmosphere unlike others on campus. More than an aesthetic experience, Humphrey explained, the goal is to draw students in and give them a moment to sit down, decompress and be aware of their surroundings in a safe space.
“I go to a lot of SPB events and SPB events do have
you immersed in it, but I feel like there’s so much happening you really don’t get time to sit and feel it, like casino night from medieval times, that was a really good one,” Humphrey said. “There are some groups that do it, but I feel like some people get left out. This is when we’re not leaving anyone out.”
As an ever evolving group, the BRATz gradually grew into an initiative for everyone after some members expressed interest in making campus more inclusive and well connected.
“We originally, actually started on Snapchat and it basically started out of a need for people who commute to make friends on campus,” BRATz President, Bambi Johnson said. “Originally it started off as just like girls, but we actually expanded to include everyone. And we were very, very big on gender inclusivity, including trans people as well. So that’s a big part of who we are, is being accepting to people of all genders, all races.”
Bridging the gap between commuter and resident students, incoming freshmen and graduating seniors or just people on different sides of the internet, Johnson emphasized the need for social events that focus specifically on meeting new people.
“People are excited about these types of events because there’s not a lot of clubs that prioritize connection making specifically,” Johnson said. “This is a club where you can come into the room and expect to meet new people and expect to speak and talk to new people, whereas, other events, which are still valid, are more centered on a specific topic.”
With ice breakers, group activities, giveaways and song requests, the BRATz eboard mixes and mingles with attendees, practicing what they preach. With an
exciting and growing membership, the group also sought to expand their reach with collaborations that reinforce their mission — celebrating inclusivity.
“We are in talks with SAGE to potentially collaborate on, on the drag show,” Johnson said. “We’re very excited about that, because we’re very, very big on LGBTQ inclusion. That’s a huge part of our club. So this is our first shot at actually doing something specifically LGBTQ related.”
Also playing with the idea of a Nerf gun fight event, the group wanted to overcome the perception that they are only for girls. Themed events where attendees are encouraged to dress up, bring friends and socialize at a laid back atmosphere have been the strategy of choice for the group.
“We try to really speak to the community of people who are actually interested because the people are the main reason why we’re doing this. We want to do what people want to see,” Johnson said.
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
The “study playlist” effect
MADI TURNER
Features Reporter
In Kresge Library during midterms week, silence is rarely absolute. The quiet tapping of keyboards mixes with playlists streaming through headphones. Students cluster at long wooden tables, coffee cups within reach, screens glowing late into the evening as exams approach. For many Oakland University students, studying begins not with silence, but with decisively curated music.
But whether music sharpens concentration or merely divides attention depends on how the brain processes these selected sounds.
Neuroscientists have found that music activates multiple areas of the brain, including regions involved in memory, emotion and attention. Functional brain imaging shows that rhythm and melody can stimulate overlapping neural circuits, making music a uniquely immersive stimulus.
According to Yale Scientific, music engages neural networks tied to cognitive processing, meaning it can either support or compete with mental tasks depending on context.
The competition for attention becomes especially significant during midterms. With mounting exam schedules, often within days of one another, students may look for strategies that promise even marginal gains in focus or retention, such as a reliable favorite artist.
Research from Stanford University suggests heavy multitaskers perform worse on tasks requiring sustained attention and filtering irrelevant information. If students are studying while streaming music, texting and checking notifications, cognitive overload becomes a real possibility. In an academic environment saturated with constant connectivity, uninterrupted concentration is increasingly rare.
For some students, music is a clear distraction.
Ansley Kopp, an Oakland University senior majoring in public relations, said studying with music has rarely worked in her favor.
“Yes, I have tried it,” Kopp said. “I pick up on everything, whether I want to or not. I lack the ability to filter it. Before I was diagnosed with ADHD, I used to use Mario Kart music to try and focus. Obviously, this didn’t really work the way it was intended.”
“It ended up being more distracting than anything,” Kopp said.
Kopp, who is also a musician, said her brain gravitates toward musical patterns.
“Because I am a musician, I tend to focus on musical patterns,” Kopp said. “It is never something I have been able to ‘tune out’ or relegate to the background the way I know others are able to.”
Lyrics can quickly intensify the problem.
“[Lyrical music] trashes it,” Kopp said. “Hearing ords automatically makes my ears perk up. I can’t focus on anything else. It’s a complete sensory overload.”
As language-heavy tasks rely on verbal processing systems in the brain, when lyrics activate those same systems, attention splits in a form of resource competition: two tasks drawing from the same mental system at once.
But not every student experiences music as interference. Mia Spann, an OU freshman majoring in media and broadcasting, said she uses music primarily for emotional regulation.
“I use music more for stress relief,” Spann said. “It helps me relax when something bad happens.”
For Spann, listening to the work of familiar artists creates a sense of calm before exams. Her playlist choices shift depending on her headspace, but she said background music consistently improves her emotional state during long study periods.
“Music is a huge part of my study routine,” Spann said. “Listening to music I already know helps me relax a lot before exam. It has helped me improve my mood during a heavy academic week.”
For students like Spann, the benefit of studying music lies in the atmosphere it provides. A familiar song can steady breathing, soften anxious thoughts and feel conducive to making the pressure of exams feel more manageable. The material on the page does not change, but the emotional climate around it does.
For other students, music serves a different purpose: sharpening focus.
Tori Henry, an OU senior and communications major, said music helps her “lock in” during study sessions.
“Listening to music helps me get in the zone and keeps me focused on what I am working on,” Henry said. “I love to listen to instrumental covers. They don’t make me want to burst out in song like singing with lyrics does, but it still gives me a beat to listen for.”
Henry explained that a background soundtrack also helps to ease pre-exam nerves.
“Music helps me have a peace of mind going into an exam,” Henry said. “Instead of worrying about all the content, I am focused on a song and it calms me down, or keeps me awake sometimes.”
She believes music can even support memory.
“When I can tie a fact or something into a song, it does help me remember,” Henry said.
Neuroscientific research supports the connection between music and memory. Studies suggest that rhythm and repetition can enhance recall by engaging brain regions associated with pattern recognition and emotional processing,
according to Yale Scientific. Teachers have long used mnemonic songs and rhythmic repetition to reinforce foundational concepts in language and science courses.
Henry said her playlists change based on energy rather than subject difficulty.
“If I’m doing a project that I’m struggling with I might turn on more rap or loud music to get me pumped,” Henry said. “If I’m just doing a reflection I’ll turn on something more pop.”
There is something intuitive about pairing focus on information intake with rhythm. A steady beat can make repetition feel less tedious, and a melody can give raw information and facts a structure to cling to. Long before college lecture halls, children memorized the alphabet and multiplication tables through song.
The divide between Kopp, Spann and Henry highlights what psychologists consistently find: Music is neither inherently helpful nor harmful. Its impact depends on task type, personality, cognitive sensitivity and intention.
Individual differences in attention control and sensory processing often determine whether background sound feels motivating or overwhelming. Instrumental music may support repetitive tasks. Lyrics may interfere with language-heavy work. Familiar songs may calm anxiety. For students sensitive to sensory input, silence may be essential. This silence can undoubtedly feel unnatural to some. But, as attention is finite, the brain processes sound input whether students intend it to or not. What may constitute one student’s productivity tool could, for another student, pose a significant barrier to focus.
As exams continue across campus, the decision between silence and background music for students who may find themselves cramming remains rooted in an understanding of how their brains are truly listening.
Fighting social media’s effect on self-perception
MADDIE SHORT Features Reporter
A report from digital strategy consultancy DataReportal suggests that 5.66 billion social media users — nearly 94% of the world’s internet users — are active on social media each month. This immense reach is reshaping not only how we connect with each other, but also how we see ourselves.
With a majority of the world consistently engaging with social media, users are often presented with a false sense of reality. Many individuals tend to share the fun or memorable positive moments of their lives while disregarding documentation of embarrassing, painful or otherwise negative moments.
There is a reason for this: Who would want to share upsetting and vulnerable experiences when they can post about exciting ones instead? As we scroll for hours, we are constantly presented with carefully edited photos, videos and captions. It becomes easy to get lost in the idea that everything we see is genuine and authentic.
That perception can lead users to compare themselves and their lives with others, wondering why their world does not look the same. Some may begin to think they need to change who they are to match a narrative someone else presents online.
A 2025 article by scholars Nor Fariza Mohd Nor, Nayab Iqbal and Azianura Hani Shaari, published by the National Library of Medicine, indicates the prominence of this worrying trend.
“Excessive social media use has become a growing concern due to its potential to affect self-perception, particularly through lowered self-esteem and a heightened fear of negative evaluation,” the authors said.
Instead of using personal social media accounts for their original purpose, many people hesitate to post because of the pressure to appear as though their lives are perfectly put together, with no visible problems. When they do post, they may find themselves waiting for likes and comments, seeking validation they may not consciously realize they want.
There are ways to decrease the likelihood of
believing — and comparing ourselves to — the false narratives we see online:
Be mindful of who you follow. There is a difference between looking up to someone and dwelling on the fact that your life does not look like theirs. Having role models and people you strive to resemble is acceptable to a certain extent, as long as it does not leave you in a constant state of comparison.
Turn off like counts or comments. Many social media platforms offer features that allow users to disable like counts and comments on their posts. Doing so can help reduce the urge to compare engagement numbers or focus on opinions that may not be constructive.
Limit your time on social media. Too much time spent on any activity can have negative effects, and social media is no exception. Setting time limits on your phone can help ensure you use platforms for a designated amount of time each day.
Post what you want to post. At the end of the day, it is your account. No one should dictate how you represent your life. Whether you want to share videos from a recent vacation or a photo with friends, do not let fear of judgment determine what you choose to post.
By recognizing that much of what we see online is carefully curated to appear perfect, we can begin to move away from harmful comparison and worries about being judged for content that is not flawless.
A cleaner space, a calmer mind: The benefits of decluttering
MADDIE SHORT
Features Reporter
By keeping a clean and organized environment — whether it is your home, office or vehicle — you allow yourself to hold power over your anxiety and the stressors of the day or week ahead. In an era defined by constant notifications, packed schedules and digital overload, physical surroundings often become the one factor we can directly control.
As clothes on the bed or papers on the desk pile up, we have all found ourselves stuck in the cycle of simply resolving to “take care of it later.” Accumulating these burdens is simple. The mess is not only present in our minds but in our environment as well. What begins as a single neglected item can quickly snowball into a source of daily tension.
Mental Health America, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental well-being, emphasizes the psychological benefits of cleanliness.
“Keeping your living space clean is shown to promote calmness and a sense of control over your day-to-day life,” the organization said in an online resource.
This does not mean that every minute detail of your environment needs to be in immaculate condition, but rather that simply going about your day and picking up after yourself will benefit your health in the long run.
Leaving your surroundings unkempt can easily begin to dictate the state of your mind. As your thoughts seem to be all over the place, settings such as your room or other aspects of your environment serve as a reflection of that.
Nuvance Health, a nonprofit health system serving communities in the Northeast, explains the cognitive effects of clutter.
“A disorganized environment and a cluttered mind can overwhelm your brain, impair your focus, increase anxiety and stress, disturb your sleep and even dampen your mood and memory,” Nuvance Health said.
The organization further describes the mental strain caused by overstimulation.
“Your brain’s processing centers become overwhelmed by all the incoming signals,” Nuvance Health said.
It is hard to focus on just one thing at a time when you are looking in a certain direction and are presented with multiple objects you may have forgotten about. The brain begins showing signs of strain.
“It’s overworked by the disorganization,” Nuvance Health said. “This constant sensory overload can increase mental fatigue.”
You may think nearby clutter is not affecting you, but it is. Even minor visual distractions compete for your attention and subtly drain cognitive energy throughout the day.
“Your brain’s attention system must constantly decide what to tune out and what to concentrate on, and the more clutter in the visual field or in your mind, the harder that job becomes,” Nuvance Health said.
This is why cleaning your space as your day goes on is significant. Although it may be difficult and times get busy, consider the situation from a different perspective: Would you rather occasionally take an entire day to clean your space, or simply do so in short, frequent increments?
By continuously putting small tasks off to the side and engaging in constant procrastination, you will eventually recognize the disorganization and mess that appears. Instead, choose to keep your space clean as often as you can.
We are human. We work and attend school. But when our productivity, mental clarity, and even our physical health stand to benefit, we are never too busy to keep our environment clean and organized.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
DearMallory
Should you stay or should you go?
MALLORY WALIGORA
Content Editor
Q: I cheated on my partner a while ago, and they know about it. We are still together, but things are not going well. What do I do? – Anonymous Oakland University Student
Dear anonymous student, you’ve gotten yourself in quite a pickle.
As advice columnists, we are always taught not to judge people for their past actions. So instead of scolding you for cheating, we are going to focus on what comes next. The cheating has already happened, and in all honesty, there is nothing you can do about it. Now, the question is what you will do with the aftermath.
Relationships are a deeply personal thing. They are built on trust, shared routines, long-term commitments, petty arguments about where to eat for dinner, inside jokes and everything in between. Honestly, relationships are confusing and overwhelming enough to begin with. When something like this is thrown into the mix, it adds an entirely new dimension.
I know people who have broken up after infidelity. On the other hand, I also know people who have worked through it and stayed together. Both outcomes are something that happens in the real world. Rebuilding relationships after cheating is a slow process that requires effort from both parties – it’s not just a quick apology.
As advice columnists, we are also taught to put ourselves in the shoes of the other person in the situation. So, let us do that for a moment. How do you think your partner feels? They probably feel hurt, embarrassed and insecure. Even though they decided to stay with you, there is some underlying emotional impact that doesn’t just disappear.
My words of wisdom for you: Sit down with your partner and have a serious conversation. Do it at a time when neither of you is hungry, sleepy or overwhelmed. Put your phones away and silence all distractions.
I think it would be a good idea to have an honest, intimate conversation about how your relationship is
going and what you both should be doing to meet each other’s needs.
Ask the hard questions. Why aren’t things going well right now? What can you do moving forward to feel secure in the relationship?
You should probably ask the most important question of it all: Do you both genuinely and honestly want to stay in this relationship
Sometimes the best decision is to rebuild the relationship. There might be some good stuff there to keep. Work together to see how you can improve. Rebuilding looks like patience, consistency and acts of service.
It’s not going to be easy nor glamorous, but if you both honestly believe that the foundation of your relationship is something worth salvaging, you both have to work at it and do the uncomfortable things.
But sometimes, the healthiest choice is to let go. It’s not because either of you is a bad person or didn’t put enough effort in. It might be because you both grew out of your relationship and no longer fit together.
Walking away from a relationship isn’t always a sign of weakness – most of the time, it’s a sign of strength and maturity. Staying together simply for comfort will not fix anything.
So, anonymous student, I wish you the best of luck. Whatever you end up doing, I hope you find clarity, confidence in your decision and a little peace of mind along the way.
Need Advice?
Email mallorywaligora@oakland.edu with the subject line “Dear Mallory” or direct message @theoaklandpost on Instagram.
GRAPHIC BY AUGUST WICKER
Opinion: EYES WIDE SHUT in the Epstein era
It is rather challenging to call “Eyes Wide Shut” an incredible film in a traditional sense.
When viewed from the conventional lens of “a person trying to have a fun night and watch a film,” it is probably not the film for you.
It also lacks the gritty grounded realism of a painful masterpiece in something like “Requiem for a Dream;” the only good film Jared Leto ever starred in.
At least, that is what viewers at the time of release might have thought. Upon release, the film was met with considerable dislike by critics and audiences. Pretentious, long, and wholly unbelievable, the film stars Tom Cruise (Bill Harford) and Nicole Kidman (Alice Harford) a couple who transgress into a dark underworld hidden in the palatial walls of the elite.
The plot is the perfect vehicle for Kubrick’s message. Evil does not operate by volcano lairs and alleyways — it hides in the folds of fat formed in the belly of the aristocracy.
It tries as hard as it can to appear typical.
Cruise and Kidman bring convincing performances — with touches of the explosive neuroticism of director Stanley Kubrick — demonstrating themselves in strange body language and mannerisms neither actor displays at any other point in either of their very broad careers.
The lighting is also significant. The film uses Kubrick’s trademark dreamlike dissociative lighting mixed in with haunting holiday motifs in a manner that even justifies calling “Eyes Wide Shut” one’s favorite Christmas movie.
The film elicits the feeling of Christmas decorations up on Valentine’s Day — the parts of a dream that let you know it is incorrect.
In the decades since its release, “Eyes Wide Shut,” much like its director, has never strayed too far from mainstream dialogue despite its quite carnal source material. It has been the subject of conspiracy theories, most of the cast involved have never shut up about their work on it, and it ties neatly into a rather pretentious, “grand Kubrick mythos,” that has ascended to a cult status among genuine artists, pseudo-intellectuals, tin foil hat wearers, New-Agers and enjoyers of marijuana alike.
The 2020s have been an interesting decade for the film’s legacy, however.
One of the many things said of Kubrick’s swan song is a classic joke: that the film is a documentary.
Various mysterious and sometimes genuinely dark groups and organizations have been accused of being the inspiration for the mysterious 1990s New York human trafficking sex cult for the very rich depicted in the film.
At one time, people said it was The Church of Scientology.
At others, it was said to be the Illuminati.
In particularly crazy years, people even pointed the finger at a pizza parlor basement in Washington, D.C.
2026 was the year Kubrick provided receipts from beyond the grave. In the form of a mysterious perverted billionaire living primarily in 1990s New York who hangs out with the elite, named Jeff — oops —
Victor Ziegler (Sydney Pollack).
In the film, Ziegler is a wealthy socialite with dark hobbies hidden behind luxurious parties. His parties seem to attract models, sex workers, the rich and powerful, with a little room left over for the especially ambitious and naïve.
He seems to be above working a job; he has reached the level of wealth and power in which a person can do very little while pretending to do a lot.
Even a successful doctor like Bill Harford is placed in a completely subservient position by Ziegler. None of the doctor’s accomplishments is truly relevant to Ziegler. Harford’s swanky downtown New York condo looks about as big as Tom Cruise does when compared to Ziegler’s property.
The venue used for the masked group’s meetings is a former Rothschild mansion. The Rothschilds, a very real European banking dynasty, hosted a massive and bizarre masked party for elites in the mansion shortly before selling it. Odd.
Descendants of the family also held a long-standing relationship with a disgraced financier who has never been spotted giving exceptional financial advice. No one is exactly sure how Jeffrey Epstein made his money.
Fiction and reality share dreamlike parallels.
He and the aforementioned fictional pervert also share incredibly rare body language quirks.
The raising of eyebrows as a statement of dramatic effect is basic body language. The kind of thing someone will tell you their first year studying to be a detective to make themselves feel self-certain. Elementary.
It is quite unusual, however, for a person to raise their eyebrows before a statement. This gesticulation is a learned performative behavior. The speaker is suggesting that the statement is important because they want the listener to understand its importance.
Not because they themselves feel it.
Ziegler and Epstein share this very rare quirk, physical similarities, location and predilection for women much younger than themselves.
“Eyes Wide Shut” is an adaptation of “Traumnovelle,” a 20th-century Austrian novel with a very similar plot. A wife psychosexually beats her husband down with fears of her lurid fantasies, which sends him embarking on a lust-fueled odyssey, constantly walking in lockstep with death. The only major differences between the film and book are setting — 1990s NYC vs turn of the century Vienna — and the presence of Ziegler’s character.
While a strong antagonist certainly helps drive a movie along, almost all of Kubrick’s career consists of adapting rather dicey and atypical books to film — many without traditional antagonists, adapted without traditional antagonists.
This makes Ziegler’s presence in the film a particularly interesting thing to ponder — Kubrick was deliberate to the point that his actors and actresses were known to lose hair. Why make this choice?
Why did Kubrick die weeks before the film’s wide release? Was it because he was a smoker who existed in a state of constant perfectionistic stress? A tired 70-year-old man just looking to get into heaven’s hookah lounge?
Alternatively, do dark forces within society hide behind elegant masquerade masks, laced in gold, velvet and satin, wearing the robes of kings, holding hearts of wickedness, blanketed behind a thin veneer of wealth, gold and glamour?
Critics at the time lambasted “Eyes Wide Shut” for being a sensual movie free of any sensuality. This is by design.
Recent reviews by the United Nations suggest that the Epstein human trafficking operation met the threshold to be considered crimes against humanity. In treating people like breeding cattle, there is no glamour and sensuality.
From the eyes of those who have dabbled in this world, such malfeasance would be undoubtedly bereft of any sensuality. This is even demonstrated in how every tryst with lust in the story walks in lockstep with death.
“Eyes Wide Shut” can be a boring film, but it is supposed to be.
If predators got into gunfights with Daniel Craig on their private island, the survivability of the operation would be compromised.
In that respect, their eyes are wide shut to the beauty of true intimacy — only dreaming of the reality they sleepwalk through.
story by Andrew McNamara May graphic by August Wicker
“Those
who saw the sun:” The generation who experienced the Civil
MARYAM MOSS Political Reporter
As the 2030s approach, many of the pioneers of the Civil Rights Movement will be near their early to mid 80s, making it imperative for the succeeding generations to create living archives of their experiences.
Those of the Civil Rights Movement alive today belong to the Baby Boomer (1946-1964) or Silent Generation (1928-1945). The “Silent Generation” is often named as such because those brought up during it understood the expectation that “children are to be seen, not to be heard.” Those born on the cusp of that generation, however, would soon be encouraged to elevate their voices as the young leaders on the frontlines of the Civil Rights era.
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, beloved reverend, civil rights leader, and two-time presidential candidate Jesse Jackson passed away at 84 years old. Jackson, a student at the University of North Carolina A&T in 1960, got his first start in activism after joining the famous “sit-ins” at store lunch counters in the city of Greensboro.
Organized by a group of Black students, this form of passive resistance gained popularity in other cities, succeeding in prompting owners to abolish segregation on store grounds. Jackson later worked under Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who initially dispatched him to Chicago to oversee Operation Breadbasket — a campaign centered on economic justice and increased Black representation in the workforce.
Reshaping corporate culture to better reflect the values of equity and inclusion remained one of the reverend’s key interests throughout his career in activism.
Another notable aspect of Jackson’s legacy is the way he trained the next generation of activists
and civil servants. Former First Lady Michelle Obama learned about political organizing at the Jacksons’ kitchen table as a teenager.
She later said that Jackson’s presidential run in 1984, and later, 1988, was the inspiration behind her later campaign for elected office with her husband and former President Barack Obama.
Around the time Jackson had moved to the forefront as a leader during the peak years of the movement, my grandma, Mary Bethel Moss, was a college student and a blooming activist.
Born in September 1945 in Danville, Virginia, she moved north to D.C. to attend the prestigious HBCU, Howard University, seeking a degree in law. During her years there, Moss reported taking on multiple jobs to pay tuition. Amid struggles, she held onto her self-worth, faith, and the aphorisms of dignity and wisdom her late mother had raised her upon.
Moss, who would have graduated between 1966 and 1967, holds a law degree from Howard. Her later involvement in social work and advocacy on behalf of underprivileged families was driven by one desire: “to help my people,” as she recounts.
In 1963, when she would have finished her freshman year of college, The March on Washington was held, drawing esteemed speakers and participants from around the country to demand voting rights, equal employment opportunities and the end of segregation.
Moss and her sister, Maxine, participated in the march that August, likely only a few miles from Howard’s campus facilities. Decades later, the expression in Moss’s eyes shifts between sadness, pride and joy as she relates memories of a living past.
Like Jackson’s story, Moss’s illustrates the beautiful cycle of youth leaders inspired by generations past, who then become inspirations
to those of the future. In all these personal histories of Black elders are narratives of grit, sacrifice and gains that trace back to a second revolution in America. It is one that needs to be documented, honored and lived.
“Those Who Saw The Sun,” a book by author Jaha Nailah Avery that debuted in 2023, offers us a blueprint for recording personal histories. It can all start with a conversation.
“Those Who Saw The Sun” features the interview-based oral histories of ten Black seniors who grew up in the American South. The questions wrap around their memories of life during the Jim-Crow era, unique paths and opinions about the achievability of Dr. King’s dream. The book is titled as such because it is the stories of those who witnessed the dawn of a movement and prepared its stage for the latter. These stories from another time— whether in an interview or journal, told at the pulpit of a ceremony or the kitchen table— brim with wisdom and heart for the ages.
PHOTOS
Golden Recommendations: Films that deserve the spotlight this Black History Month
SARAH BULGARELLI Campus Reporter
Black History Month is a great time to check out films that celebrate Black stories and talent. These movies show determination, courage, and teamwork, whether it’s fighting for justice or taking on impossible challenges. They highlight people making a difference and remind us why these stories matter.
“Just Mercy ” (2019)
“Just Mercy” is a dramatized film based on the true story of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) and his early work challenging racial injustice in Alabama during the 1980s. The film focuses on one of Stevenson’s first major cases, Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), a Black man wrongfully convicted of murder.
After law school, Stevenson moved to Alabama with the goal of helping people on death row who often do not have the resources or support needed to properly defend themselves in court. He begins this work with the help of Eva Ansley (Brie Larson), who works alongside him as they start building a legal organization focused on justice and fairness.
As Stevenson begins looking into McMillian’s case, he starts to notice how complex the legal process can be, especially when bias and pressure from the community are involved.
The film follows Stevenson as he speaks with McMillian, meets with families, and reviews evidence to better understand the case. It also shows the emotional weight carried by everyone involved, especially the families and the people supporting them.
Throughout the story, the film highlights how difficult it can be to challenge decisions that have already been made within the legal system.
“Just Mercy” focuses on issues of justice, inequality, and the experiences of Black individuals within the legal system. It also highlights the work of a Black attorney who chose to dedicate his career to helping others and advocating for fairness.
The film shows the determination it takes to keep pushing forward even when progress feels slow, and it tells a meaningful story about standing up for what is right.
“Black Panther” (2018)
Marvel’s superhero Black Panther made his first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the 2016 film “Captain America: Civil War” and received his own feature film just two years later.
The character Black Panther originated in a “Fantastic Four” comic in 1966 and became a member of the Avengers in 1968, the first Black superhero to join the comic series.
The film follows T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), the king of the fictional African country Wakanda, a high-tech, advanced society that makes a living off mining the valuable metal vibranium. T’Challa must take up the mantle of
the Black Panther after the death of his father in “Captain America: Civil War,” eating the Wakandan heart-shaped herb that imbues him with superhuman strength, speed and agility.
Historically, Wakanda has been largely isolated, hiding behind the guise of a third-world country in order to avoid meddling from larger world powers that wish to control the vibranium industry.
A challenger to the country’s stability arises in the form of N’Jadaka (Michael B. Jordan), an American with Wakandan heritage who wants to claim the throne and take control of Wakanda’s immense military powers.
T’Challa must confront this figure from his past as well as face the responsibility of holding great power, while balancing the duty he owes to both his countrymen and his fellow Africans.
The film stands out not just as one of the few superhero movies with Black superheroes, but also because it forgoes stereotypes and represents T’Challa as a leader who stands in the light, celebrating his heritage and culture.
“The Six Triple Eight” (2024)
“The Six Triple Eight” is a dramatized film based on the true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black and all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II.
The film follows the battalion as they are sent to Europe with an unbelievable task of sorting through massive amounts of undelivered mail meant for American soldiers.
The film centers on Lena Derriecott Bell King (Ebony Obsidian) and several other young Black women in the battalion, guided by Major CharityAdams (Kerry Washington), as they face challenges when they arrive overseas.
From the beginning, the women deal with racism, sexism, and pressure from military leadership while trying to prove they are capable of completing the mission they were given. Despite this, the battalion remains determined to support the soldiers waiting to hear from their families.
As the women begin their work, the film shows the scale of the task and how important the mail is for the soldiers. Letters connect soldiers to their families and give them emotional support, reminding them of home and what they are fighting for. The film highlights the teamwork and organization required to take on a job that many believed was impossible.
Throughout the film, the women support one another while pushing forward under difficult conditions. Their dedication and effort slowly begin to change the way others view them and the role they play in the military.
The film shows the contributions of Black women during World War II and recognizes the determination and strength it took for them to succeed in a space where they were often overlooked. The story adds another perspective to Black history and honors the impact this battalion had during the war.
“Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse” (2018)
While this may seem like yet another of countless Spiderman iterations, Sony’s animated version is starkly different. Instead of Peter Parker, viewers are introduced to Miles Morales, unique for his Puerto Rican and AfricanAmerican heritage.
The film also boasts impressive animation, blending art styles to create unique looks for each character in a way that seems like a comic book brought to life. Fun style choices such as speech bubbles and onomatopoeia appearing onscreen immerse the audience in the experience.
Miles Morales faces up against the Kingpin, who is trying to activate a collider that would allow teleportation across the multiverse but would also destroy Morales’ world. While the Kingpin’s first attempt is abortive, it opens tears in the multiverse that draw spider folk from other universes into Miles Morales’ world. Each of the spider superheroes is animated in a distinct style, such as Peni Parker, who is an anime character.
Miles Morales is unique among the various Spiderman iterations not just because of a slightly different arsenal of superhero powers but also because his family is still alive. Unlike the typical orphaned Peter Parker, Morales has the support and guidance of his father, Jefferson, a police officer, and his mother, Rio.
While Peter Parker is known for his scientific genius, Miles Morales leans towards the arts and is frequently shown embracing his creative side. Throughout the film, Miles must learn not only how to balance his superhero/ high schooler identity split but also the struggle to reconcile his biracial identity and the pressures of living up to the name of Spiderman.
The film stars Shameik Moore as Miles Morales, Hailee Steinfeld as Spider Gwen, Chris Pine as Peter Parker and Nicholas Cage as Spider Noir.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY+
PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
PHOTO COURTESY
Concerto and aria competition winners perform at annual concert
MARIA MAGNOLI Arts Reporter
Concerto and aria competition winners performed their pieces on Feb. 15 with the Oakland Symphony Orchestra (OSO) at the 29th Annual David Wilder Daniels Young Artists Concert in Varner Hall.
This year’s prizewinners were Jorge PalaciosRodriguez, piano, Carlos Perez-Hijar, trumpet, Mila Pitman, soprano and Andrea Valenzuela-Lazcano, mezzo soprano. Students who enter the competition aim to study and compete at the highest level, as Gregory Cunningham, Ed.D., music director and conductor of the OSO, explained to the audience.
“These are some of the places where people who have done this [concerto/aria competition] are now performing. Organizations including the Metropolitan Opera, the Detroit Symphony, U.S. Navy Band, Paris Opera, La Scala in Milan, Zürich Opera, Chicago Civic Orchestra, Salzburg Festival, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Lincoln Center, Lyric Opera Chicago and New York City Opera,” Cunningham said.
Each year, a select number of students prepare a classical concerto — instrumentalists — or an aria from an opera — vocalists. Such pieces showcase a solo performer’s memorized performance accompanied by an orchestra, challenging the limits of one’s technical and musical abilities.
The preliminary round was held on Dec. 3, and the final round on Dec. 9. Winners were announced soon after and presented the opportunity to perform with the OSO.
Valenzuela-Lazcano led the way with “Parto, parto” (1791) from “La clemenza di Tito” (k. 621) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Part of the early classical period, the aria is sung in Act I of the opera by Sesto, a Roman nobleman and Emperor Tito’s best friend, ambivalent between loyalty to the emperor and his love for Vitellia. The arduous work requires breath control, endurance and precise interaction with the clarinet part — elements that Valenzuela-Lazcano executed seamlessly.
With the recent premiere of Oakland Opera’s “Alcina” by George Frideric Handel, Valenzuela-Lazcano chose the piece because of its similar techniques.
“We just did Handel, so I wanted to focus on those tight, clean runs, which was a lot of fun to work on,” Valenzuela-Lazcano said. “It’s such a long piece, but it’s incredible to explore so many emotions throughout it…I was just so happy to have such a supportive orchestra and director.”
Following an eruption of applause, Perez-Hijar took the stage with “Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra” (1955) by Aleksandra Pakhmutova. The single movement concerto opens with a harp theme reminiscent of “Pure Imagination” from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971), but deceptively transitions into the most triumphant, tonal virtuosity.
One would think an entire orchestra would overpower the sound of one trumpet soloist, but not Perez-Hijar. For the entire 14 minutes, he remained front-andcenter, showcasing the power of his enormous sound and dexterity.
After competing in the competition for several years, this was his first time winning the instrumentalist division.
“This is a very programmatic piece, one I felt the audience would understand, and I really liked that. I knew that if I were to win, it would be one that the crowd would take really well,” Perez-Hijar said.
Pitman sang the famous soprano aria from Act I of Giacomo Puccini’s 1917 opera, “La Rondine.” A remarkable piano opening by Professor Victoria
Shively signaled the astounding vocals that awaited. Embodying the role of Magda de Civry, Pitman’s character declines prosperity from a king, instead longing for the love of a student.
Her stage presence was enormous; she possessed immense control and fantastic vibrato. The major prima donna role was successfully performed, and the room certainly felt the passion.
“I feel I did really well,” Pitman said. “Singing with the orchestra felt insane, because I practiced it so much with piano accompaniment, and it was just completely different. It was more vibrant, and I was able to give off so much more energy as well.”
Palacios-Rodriguez closed the soloist and orchestra performances with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37, I. Allegro (1800). The majority of Beethoven’s concertos have a prolonged orchestra introduction that the piano will then imitate in its introduction. In this concerto, particularly, the orchestra lurks in C minor with tight dotted rhythms. Three minutes later, the piano part makes its vast entrance.
The part demands impeccable timing, technique, dynamic contrasts and fervor. Palacios-Rodriguez brought all of that and more.
“Playing the concerto with a full orchestra felt incredible, and I’m really grateful for the experience,” Palacios-Rodriguez said. “The cadenza was especially fun to perform. I feel really proud about my performance and was glad to share it with an audience.”
The OSO also featured works by Spanish composer and pianist Manuel de Falla, in addition to French
impressionistic composer Claude Debussy.
While the crowd was ongoingly beguiled by the student talent on stage, what they may not realize is how difficult learning a concerto or aria is.
To learn such advanced repertoire, students dedicate months to nearly a year studying, practicing and rehearsing. Piano professors play a condensed version of the orchestra score together with students in rehearsals, simulating the real experience. By studying the orchestral score, students gain awareness of how their part fits in with the ensemble’s, what themes or motives are passed between solo and orchestral parts and how melodic content can be manipulated.
Students must consistently listen to recordings, drill technical sections for hours, research key information about the piece, develop practice habits to prevent memory slips and revisit the material nearly every day. Studying music in and of itself is incredibly hard work. But for many, learning such complex music at a high level is a full-time job.
Congratulations to these four young artists for excelling at a stupendously high level. Their dedication to their craft is how OU SMTD continues to gain attention and acclaim.For upcoming OSO concerts, see the OSO and Oakland University Symphony Chorus perform on Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Orchestra Hall in Downtown Detroit — home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. This event is free for School of Music, Theatre and Dance students, faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased online at www.etix.com.
Elevating global voices: World Music Organization invites rising artists
MARIA MAGNOLI Arts Reporter
The School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) is widely recognized for its Western classical music program, a beloved genre that has endured the years. The World Music Organization (WMO) aims to spread awareness of music and instruments that do not fit the “Western” mold.
Founded by current President Wil Angliss, a master student studying world percussion performance, and Advisor Mark Stone, professor of world music and percussion, in 2023, members meet weekly to provide an opportunity for students to learn about varying musical traditions from around the world. Showcasing music outside of the Western sphere, attendees of meetings can expect to learn about African, Indian and Caribbean styles.
The organization meets every Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the main lobby of Hill House. Meetings are not mandatory, as the club prioritizes flexibility. Swipe key access is required to enter, but those who are unable to obtain access are asked to knock until someone grants entry.
Frequently, the WMO will collaborate with other student music organizations. Recently, the Jazz Club joined in on a jam session where the two organizations were able to share ideas and instruments.
While exploring repertoire, members will spend a significant amount of time learning the complex, interlocking, polyrhythmic textures that are found in African music. Such rhythms and techniques are
taught largely on the gyil, an African xylophone originating from Ghana, as well as on Ghanaian hand drums.
Hindustani classical music, a significantly different system from Western style, is also taught through hand-drumming on tabla, dhol and dholak.
The groove of the Caribbean is explored on the steelpan drum.
Angliss appreciates the approachable nature that learning world music offers.
“Something that intimidates a lot of people out here in Western is that feeling that you must be
at a certain skill level already to participate with the people around you,” Angliss said. “I think the beautiful thing about music that organically is brought up from other places in the world, traditional music as well, is that there are levels of participation for everyone.”
Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to join, even those with no musical background at all. Liz Garcia, social media manager, can attest to the benefits the organization has provided in her own journey.
“I come from a vocalist background, so it [WMO] helped me with rhythms and not thinking in a vocalcentric way,” Garcia said. “But if you’re a nonmusic major or not a vocalist, it’s just fun. There’s no pressure to know anything, because most people don’t.”
This organization is completely free of charge. Those interested in joining can do so via MySail by searching “World Music Organization.”
The World Music Department has an upcoming concert sponsored by the Judd Family Endowed Fund on April 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Varner Recital Hall.
It will feature Haruna Walusimbi, royal musician of the Busoga and Buganda kingdoms. Focusing on music from East Africa, an African ensemble (Akwaaba, directed by Mark Stone) and Steel Band (Pan-Jumbies, directed by Patrick Fitzgibbon) will play traditional music.
$12 Million ticket scam shakes the Louvre
SARAH WASIELEWSKI Arts Reporter
The world’s most visited museum has been plagued in recent years by employee walkouts, collection damage and thievery. This past week has turned up yet another scandal at the Louvre museum, as recent investigations revealed a ticket scam that lost the Louvre museum over $12 million dollars across the past ten years.
A complaint was originally filed in December 2024, alleging that tour guides were reusing tickets for multiple tour groups. Further investigation brought to light several tour guides who reused tickets for their tour groups, sometimes bringing 20 groups a day to the Louvre and using the same tickets for all of them.
Specifically, two married tour guides started the practice, and several others started copying their practice later on. The tour guides would also bribe museum employees in order to bypass ticket checks and split up large groups in order to avoid paying fees.
As a result of the complaint, an investigation was launched in 2025 in order to look into the issue. As a result of the inspection, over $1 million in cash was seized from the suspects, along with $500,000 from bank accounts.
Three vehicles and several safe deposit boxes were also seized. The suspects are also believed to have invested money into real estate in France and Dubai. Also, two Louvre employees, several tour guides and one person believed to be the ringleader
were arrested.
Ticket scams are nothing new for the Louvre Museum. In 2022, fourteen people were arrested for running a ticket resale scam outside the Louvre.
The perpetrators would coerce visitors exiting the museum to hand over their used tickets.
The group would then alter the QR codes on the
tickets and resell a higher price to unsuspecting tourists, often claiming that the price markup was because they were skipping the ticket lines.
The scam is just another item in a long list of unfortunate events besieging the Louvre in recent times. Just last week, on the same day the ticket scam was revealed, a water leak from a pipe caused water damage in the Denon Wing, where the most valuable paintings are displayed, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the famous statue of Venus de Milo. While those priceless works were fortunately unharmed, a ceiling painted by 19th-century artist Charles Meynier was damaged by the leak.
Staff also staged a walkout just days after the ticket scam was uncovered, and the Devon gallery sustained water damage. The strike was in protest of worsening working conditions and increasing concerns over security, and only served to lengthen what is already the longest period of strikes in the history of the museum.
Many call for the removal of Laurence des Cars, the director of the Louvre since 2021. While she offered her resignation in the face of the October jewelry heist, the administration ultimately decided to leave her in power. But as the strikes and mounting problems prove, the steady decline of the world’s most famous museum will not stop unless changes of some kind are made.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CRYSTAL ORSER.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LOUVRE.
Voyeur Bordello: Oakland University students take to the Detroit art scene
MARISSA GETSCHMAN
Arts Editor
Two Oakland University students, Isabell Owens and Danielle Pagano, recently had their artwork featured in an up-and-coming gallery located in Southwest Detroit, The Voyeur Bordello. The show was titled “The Blue Condition” and opened on Feb. 6, featuring a two-day open house and then running via appointment until Feb. 14.
The Voyeur Bordello is a small gallery founded by Miles Marie and Connery McDowell, which prides itself on being an affordable venue for artists to showcase their work.
“The Voyeur Bordello is a working class gallery. We run by artists, we’re for artists. We take probably the lowest commission in the city,” Marie said. “There’s a lot of gatekeeping on getting into these spaces so we’re really trying to create a level playing field for any stage of an artist’s career. I would say that our focus is definitely on emerging artists and middle class, working artists.”
“The Blue Condition” was a show told from the perspective of one hundred local artists on the many interpretations of the color blue. From the soft, soothing side of the color to the bitter, isolated aspects. Pagano and Owens both chose to interpret loneliness in their work, though they both hail from different backgrounds.
“My artistic practice centers mainly on exploring over-consumerism, isolation and loneliness,” Pagano said. “I’ve been painting from a very lonely place recently and it does also stem from the larger issues going on in the world, like having a more difficult time connecting with one another even though we’re all so present on social media.”
“My work also explores self-identity and isolation, more so in communities that I would technically be represented in, but I still feel like I may not necessarily be a part of or as deep into it as others,” Owens said. “Or in spaces where I should feel welcome, but I don’t, and it’s not for any other reason except for myself. So, dealing with that kind of loneliness, not necessarily being alone, but still lonely.”
Owens is a Fine Arts, Studio Arts and Art History double major who is getting back in the groove of putting artwork out into the world after a brief break to focus on technique. She comes from a background rooted in creativity, even boasting several scholastic art awards in high school.
“My whole family is creative,” Owens shared. “My grandma was an artist, she went to CCS [College for Creative Studies, Detroit] and had some of her pieces featured throughout Michigan, even at the DIA [Detroit Institute of Arts]. My mother was also a fine arts major and she’s a big inspiration for my life and my dad is a musician, so I’m surrounded by creativity all the time and it’s always been encouraged.”
Recently, Owens had two murals featured in Rochester’s “Magical Mural Tour,” prior to her piece at the Voyeur Bordello.
Pagano has chosen a different path, majoring in Computer Science rather than Art, but she still takes any opportunity to share her artwork. She didn’t grow up with the same support as Owens, but the different background and career path have not hindered her artwork. She now boasts an exciting landmark in her art career, thanks to the Voyeur Bordello.
“This was my first time selling a piece in the gallery, so that was kind of a big deal for me because I’m emerging right now,” Pagano expressed. “This gallery is a really good entry point for newer collectors and newer artists to be able to meet in one place.”
Marie and McDowell are proud to support the network of artists honed by their space, Oakland University students included.
“The creative community here is really sort of a petri dish of a bunch of different elements of the Detroit Arts scene and I think it’s something that students should be a part of as well,” McDowell said.
Each artist who enters the gallery brings a new perspective that students can interact with and soak up like a sponge. Art inspires art, and the Voyeur Bordello is the perfect place for students to dip their toes into the world of showcasing artwork.
“When we look at submissions, we’re not looking at your professional resume in the same way that some of the upper echelon galleries might be looking,” McDowell shared a look at their selection process. “We’re looking at your work, so if you have work that fits the theme for one of our open calls, definitely submit to one of our shows.”
Submissions for their next open call gallery themed and titled “Under the Femme Gaze” are being accepted now through Mar. 2, this upcoming Monday. The show will be partnered with the Hydra Fund, a Detroit-based mutual aid organization seeking to improve the state of female reproductive rights.
“Some stuff is going to be more political, and some stuff is going to be more intimate, but it’s all going to be created by female-identifying voices,” Marie said. “10% of all the art sales and half of the submission fees will go to the HydraFun. They will also be tabling and taking donations.”
Marie and McDowell shared about their success in
working with non-profits in the past. Each year, they host a dog-themed show partnered with Rebel Dogs and a cat-themed show partnered with Detroit Ally Cats. Both shows have earned around $3000 for their respective organizations.
“Those are the types of shows, the dog and cat show, where you get submissions from all corners of the art world, including hobbyists who have never shown work before in a gallery, but want to be part of a show that helps out dogs and cats,” McDowell said.
Pagano and Owens both speak highly of their time working with the Voyeur Bordello, applauding Marie and McDowell each for their openness, communicative nature and the community they have fostered. Being a part of a gallery is a learning experience for everyone involved, regardless of their past experiences or skill level.
To engage more with the Voyeur Bordello, check out their website at https://thevoyeurbordello.com/, follow them on Instagram @thevoyeurbordello, or head on over to the gallery on Feb. 27 from 6-10 p.m. to view their next solo show titled “Greeting from a Perilous Realm” by artist Theodore Bihun.
Pagano’s artwork can be found on her website DaniellePaganoArt.com or on her Instagram @ DaniellePaganoArt.
Owens’ artwork will be featured in the Senior Thesis Gallery at Oakland University’s very own art gallery, located on the main floor of Wilson Hall. The opening reception will be on April 16 from 5-7 p.m. Her artwork can also be found on her Instagram @IsabellOwens.Art
PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIELLE PAGANO.
JFK Jr.’s groundbreaking influence in American politics and pop culture
SOPHIA CURRAN Political Editor
Picture it: Cindy Crawford, a George Washington costume and a magazine founded by the heir of America’s royal family. If that doesn’t scream highend America, then I don’t know what does.
John Fitzgerlad Kennedy Jr— nicknamed the
“American Prince”, voted as People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1988, an American attorney and journalist— and most notably remembered as the son of the former President John F. Kennedy, JFK Jr used his Kennedy name to reintroduce the vitality of politics in America during the era of paparazzi, celebrities and tabloid gossip.
Born into American politics, JFK Jr. was an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan. With the American audience watching his every move through the paparazzi lens, many expected him to immediately follow the duties of his late father and uncle (Robert F. Kennedy) and serve the American people as a politician.
JFK Jr. was the face of New York’s bachelor scene before his highly publicized and explosive relationship with fashion publicist Carolyn Bessette. As the two became public, they reached a stardom that not many politicians— other than Diana, former Princess of Wales, of course— received at the time.
However, JFK Jr kept the eyes of Americans in another, more attractive way. With the help of co-founder Michael Berman, George magazine released their first issue in Sept. of 1995.
Famous model Cindy Crawford plastered the cover with a powdered wig, exposed midriff and couture revolutionary-style outfit, meant to symbolize classical America through the modern
lens, thus introducing a new age of American politics. Along the page, scattered words such as “revolution,” “the new divas of politics” and especially the magazine’s famous catchphrase, “not just politics as usual.”
Once in the magazine, readers witnessed something unseen and experimental in the publishing scene. Kennedy had combined politics and pop culture into one, getting into the glitz and glamour of celebrities, while also having celebrities tap their voice into the political scene.
One piece featured actress Julia Roberts and her work in Haiti with UNICEF. Cindy Crawford reappeared in a fashion column, posing with designer Isaac Mizrahi as they delved into “To Tell the Truth,” where they analyzed and critiqued political fashion.
In another section, titled “If I were President,” Madonna expressed her views on banning handguns, raising teachers’ salaries and even claiming that she wants to see the entire military “come out of the closet.”
One of the most shocking pieces, though, was a Q&A conducted by Kennedy with former Gov. of Alabama George Wallace. As a strong segregationist, Wallace is most famous for his statement on resistance, “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever,” combating President Kennedy’s vision for a desegregated future.
The magazine itself may have its own flaws, such as portraying politics through a potentially unprofessional lens by standardizing it to the same flamboyancy and dramatisation as any other celebgossip tabloid. However, it was one of the first sources of media coverage to bring world issues to
readers through pop culture—something that has become incredibly normalized today.
Kennedy’s life was unfortunately cut short when a plane he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on the way to cousin Rory Kennedy’s wedding. Carolyn and sister Lauren Bessette were also on the plane and neither survived the impact.
With so much of a life packed into 38 years, the Kennedys’ lives and legacy are being reintroduced to the media following the 2026 release of FX’s historical fiction series “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.” The limited series is a dramatic retelling of their relationship, reestablishing the same fixation that Americans have had over the Kennedys since the mid-20th century.
Today, the Kennedy name lives on in the American audience. Jack Schlossberg, son of Caroline Kennedy and Grandson of John F. Kennedy and Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis, has become a new political figure fit for today’s younger audiences.
Once a former political correspondent for Vogue, Schlossberg has moved from magazines and other forms of physical media to the new digital age. He now utilizes social media and mixes his casual, humorous demeanor with his political expertise to connect to young, impressionable voters.
George declined in revenue and ultimately ended in 2001, two years after Kennedy’s death. The execution of physical media may have agedout, but its legacy lives on with the media today. Today’s younger politicians have essentially utilized Kennedy’s techniques to gain popularity and spread awareness about the world to younger voters.
PHOTO COURTESY
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
Trump’s tariffs squashed by the Supreme Court
MATILDE RABAJOLI Political Reporter
Earlier in the weekend, the Supreme Court held a ruling over President Donald Trump’s infamous tariffs.
The Supreme Court’s ruling occurred on Feb. 20 and ruled that the President overstepped his authority when he applied his powers to nearly all the international trading partners the U.S. has.
The ruling is now being recognized as the 6-3 decision. It has already created incredible uncertainty in the short time of its existence for the Trump administration’s economic agenda.
“No one can deny that the president’s use of tariffs has brought in billions of dollars and created immense leverage for America’s trade strategy and for securing strong, reciprocal America-first trade agreements with countries that had been taking advantage of American workers for decades,” Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said. “Congress and the administration will determine the best path forward in the coming weeks.”
The Trump administration was first able to apply the high tariffs, which have sent many European allies scrambling to create new deals, at the beginning of his second term. The tariffs became an incredibly popular topic of conversation that all were focused on.
President Trump was the first president to enact the tariffs without congressional approval, by using the 1970s emergency statute and IEEPA, a sanctions law, to allow him to raise the tariffs to a percentage never seen before.
With the 6-3 decision ruling, consumers will see an effect on their own daily lives. Americans are predicted to see a decrease in all imported goods, which have recently seen an intense increase in pricing. Products such as retail, beauty products, electronics, furniture, perfume, household appliances and more will have more affordable prices.
The tariffs so far have given a collection of over $200 billion since the beginning of 2025. President Trump has already spoken about trying to find a way to “work around” the new impediment of the Court.
“Their decision is incorrect,” President Trump said. “But it doesn’t matter because we have very powerful alternatives.”
The president has already responded to the Court’s ruling with a new pledge to apply a new 10% tariff to all imports, the protection of a law which holds no connection with tariffs.
Europe, which will be most affected by this continued decision of adding tariffs, had Olof Gill, the European Commission spokesperson, make the statement.
“We remain in close contact with the U.S. Administration as we seek clarity on the steps they intend to take in response to this ruling,” Grill said.
President Trump further lamented the decision of the Supreme Court by arguing that it was too polarizing a discussion to be having.
“What happened today never seems to happen with Democrats. They vote against the Republicans, and never against themselves, almost every single time, no matter how good a case we have,” he said.
In response, some Republicans were seen celebrating along with Democrats after the ruling was announced. Senators such as Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Mitch McConnell (R-AL) were reported as saying that President Trump’s acts were “illegal.”
“Congress’ role in trade policy, as I have warned repeatedly, is not an inconvenience to avoid,” Sen. McConnell said. “If the executive would like to enact trade policies that impact American producers and consumers, its path forward is crystal clear: Convince their representatives under Article 1.”
Additional negotiations are sure to follow; the federal government may try to rein in Trump’s additional 10% tariffs. If they, however, do see the light of day, we can expect our European allies to keep fighting for them to be lowered or eliminated, just as they have been.
University of Michigan ruled to release papers belonging to immigration activist
MATILDE RABAJOLI
Political Reporter
On Feb. 20, the Court of Appeals ruled that the University of Michigan needed to release the sealed papers given by the anti-immigration activist, John Tanton.
The Bentley Historical Library of the university received the papers, and was kept under the strict promise that a part of the collection should be kept private and unreleased to the public until the year 2035.
However, the recent ruling of the court was spurred on by the inquiry done by the Virginia-based immigration lawyer Hassan Ahmad. He first requested access to the file through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in May of 2017, but was quickly penalized with a $1,000 penalty fine for the privacy of the files.
The court ruled that, because of the FOIA, no argument could stand as the initial donor; Tanton passed away in 2019. Therefore, the court’s ruling stood on the lack of recognition of privacy rights for the deceased.
Therefore, the remaining collection of the antiimmigration files that were first donated will have to be fully published, and anti-immigration lawyer Hassan Ahmad will be refunded his previously given monetary penalty.
The importance of these fully released articles is that of Ahmad’s mission to unveil the roots of the antiimmigration movement of the area and to hopefully propose an improvement to the current administration.
“The #TantonPapers shine a light on the conceptual underpinnings of the policies that rip families apart, jail children and create a permanent underclass,” Ahmad posted
on social media. “After all, what’s in the #TantonPapers they’re fighting so hard to hide?”
Tanton was an important individual to have tied to the files, as he was connected to a large network of a dozen different anti-immigration groups, also recognized as hate groups.
Tanton was the founder of the Federal American Immigration Reform (FAIR) in 1979.
The public organization aims to use community outreach to share information with affected communities on how immigration will further change their own situations. The organization is still actively following its mission of limiting immigration as much as it can, as it has lobbied the federal government and testified in Congress.
Though the University tried to protect the file’s privacy, as was the donors’ requested year of release, the court found that even the argument used of the Library Privacy Act, which provides confidentiality to certain library records, could not stand as the importance of the filed material.
“The fact that a valid FOIA request can override a donor’s restrictions has no impact on defendant’s authority over its educational and financial decisions,” the panel released in a statement.
We can expect that this news may change the access and behavior for students’ lives, as new resources will be available to students of various departments and newfound opportunities for immigration-related research.
The University of Michigan may also be looking at future difficulties regarding donations to its Bentley Historical Library. Due to its restrictions as a public body of education, the university will have to continue the FOIA’s regulations and procedures, even if it comes at the cost of providing appropriate privacy for its future donors.
PHOTO COURTESY OF REUTERS
Christians For A Free Palestine hosts “Faith In The Crosshairs” webinar
MARYAM MOSS
Political Reporter
On Feb. 16, the Adalah Justice Project hosted a webinar on Zoom between 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. with the grassroots organization, Christians For A Free Palestine (CFP). During the session, three panelists came together to discuss contemporary struggles in the fight for Palestinian liberation, including the acceptance of ideological Zionism among people of color.
The webinar invited Rev. Crystal Silva McCormick, Rev. Naomi Washington Leapheart and activist Jonathan Brenneman to share their insights.
The three are prominent leaders of CFP, a faithadvocacy network that works to mobilize Christians across the US to act in solidarity with Palestinians and “resist empire in all its forms.” In drawing support from an interfaith collaboration, CFP also seeks to dismantle antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism.
Izzy Mustafa of the Adalah Peace Project delivered a few opening remarks that set the stage for later discourse among the panelists. He returned attention to the ongoing violence against Palestinians, under the guise of the US-brokered ceasefire that went into effect in October 2025.
Although broadcast coverage has declined in recent months, the attempts to erase Palestinians’ presence are as rampant as ever, amid annexations of Palestinian-owned land in the occupied West Bank and armed settler attacks on villages. Behind these state-sponsored aggressions, as Mustafa noted, is a more elusive ideology.
Leapheart explained it as a select interpretation of scripture that implicates a duty to sponsor “the nationstate of Israel.”
However, this vision itself has Anti-Semitic roots. Zionism, as a political ideology, emerged during a time when the idea of the nation-state was solidified, motivating the rise of fascism and Nazism in its wake. European nationalists, such as former British Prime Minister Arthur Balfour, encouraged the resettlement of the Jewish population in Palestine to achieve the vision of a Christian Europe.
As Leapheart adds, the reach goes beyond a certain ideological framework. In her words, it is the primary political tool behind U.S. backing of Israel and undermines regional stability in the Middle East— entertaining a vision of displacing Arab populations as part of a wider resettlement campaign.
After beginning his first term in 2016, the administration under President Donald Trump initiated a series of actions that paved a path for Israeli expansionism. One of the most symbolic of these came in 2018, when Trump moved the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognizing it as Israel’s capital despite contested claims to land in the region.
Brenneman explained that Palestinians of the Christian faith, who have “been stewarding this tradition since it began,” are marginalized by Zionism. Before the 1948 Nakba disaster that displaced 750,000 Palestinians, Christians accounted for 12.5% of the total population. However, due to forced removals without the right of return, only 1.2% remain in historic pre-1948 Palestine.
Brenneman also spoke about the newest edition of the Kairos document, a renewal of the 2009 edition’s commitments to “fundamental faith, theological and moral principles,” ethical resistance and the preservation of Christian identity.
The new document, issued in November 2025 at the 16th Annual Kairos Palestine Conference, was signed
by Christian leaders from around the world. They convened in Bethlehem to address the ongoing harms against Palestinians, urging government leaders in the Global South, Europe and America to cut national ties with Zionism.
Each panelist also shared how they, as individuals from diverse denominational and ethnic backgrounds, found belonging in the Palestinian struggle.
McCormick, a Mexican-American raised in El Paso, Texas, remarked that her earliest memories of traveling across the border to visit family were overshadowed by the separation wall.
“ I think in my childhood, I didn’t understand what the walls or checkpoints were. They were kind of ubiquitous—normal.”
Years later, she found herself facing a similar barrier: the apartheid wall between the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Although in different environments, it dawned on McCormick that the walls reinforced similar ideologies of exclusion. As she remarks, “they had the same roots” in an oppressive system.
As part of her seminary, Leapheart led a group of students to Palestine. During her travels, she empathized with the testimonies of Palestinian Christians and nonChristians alike, who had long been displaced by the rewriting of political borders and communal histories.
These prompted her to take a second, more critical look at the strains of the ideology encountered in childhood. As an African American woman, she recognized the similar techniques of systemic oppression used against Palestinians.
“Palestine, for me, was roughly transformational,” Leapheart said about her epiphany around a unified struggle.
Leapheart and Silva spoke on how the proselytizing of Zionism can embed itself within communities of color, despite right-wing rhetoric posing harm to them. According to Silva, it is manipulative tactics that prime acceptance.
These probes into wounds that have not healed— the scars of colonial pasts and historic discrimination. Where the Global South and marginalized communities in the U.S. are concerned, she believes it is ultimately proximity to power that drives association with a powerful movement.
Both Leapheart and Silva conceded that even noble sentiments — principle and a duty to serve a cause higher than oneself— can be warped by nationalistic ideologies. However, these same reasons can be the means by which a person learns to ally themselves with the Palestinian cause, and of all peoples who have been oppressed.
An article by the United Methodist Church evokes this call for a pluralistic front against injustices globally, reflecting the shared values of law, peace and love for one’s neighbor across religious traditions.
“As Christians and people of faith,” Director of Peace With Justice Colleen Moore said, “we must reject antisemitism, Islamophobia, and any policies and ideologies that put people in the Middle East — including the Jewish people — more at risk.”
As a closing thought, Leapheart encouraged viewers to bridge the gaps of their distinct upbringings and identities with the cosmopolitan cause of CFP.
It is through reckoning with these that we begin to hold ourselves accountable and realize that struggles for the affirmation of human rights, wherever they may be, are one and the same.
Overtime glory: USA edges Canada 2-1 in Women’s Hockey gold medal game
MARYANNE SANFORD Sports Reporter
On Feb. 19, the U.S. and Canadian women’s Olympic hockey teams faced off for the gold medal, adding yet another unforgettable chapter to the fiercest rivalry in the sport. With gold on the line, everyone knew one thing: Only one team would skate away as queens of the hockey world.
From the moment the puck dropped, the intensity was immediate. Team USA controlled possession early and fired the first shot of the game, setting an aggressive tone. Hockey is a sport defined by constant motion and momentum swings, and this matchup delivered both instantly.
The first penalty went against Team USA, giving Canada an early power play opportunity and forcing the American penalty kill to settle in quickly.
The pace never slowed. Line changes came in waves, defenders pinched to keep pucks alive, and forwards battled along the boards. Two power plays in the opening period showed just how physical and high stakes this showdown was.
Canada struck first, capitalizing on sustained pressure and briefly quieting the U.S. bench. But Team USA never lost its composure. That steadiness comes from years of experience — not just from training camps and world championships, but from watching the women who paved the way long before them.
This roster featured 12 first time Olympians, a symbol of the next generation stepping onto
the sport’s biggest stage. For many of them, this moment represented a full circle journey. They grew up watching legends like Hilary Knight — and now they get to wear the red, white and blue right alongside her.
Knight, named captain of Team USA, continues to build a legacy unmatched in American hockey. She has scored more Olympic goals than any man or
woman in U.S. history, cementing her status as the sport’s G.O.A.T.
Late in the third period, with Team USA trailing, Knight delivered again — burying the equalizer to tie the game and force overtime. It was a defining moment not just for the night, but for her storied career.
That goal shifted the energy, revived the U.S. bench and set the stage for a dramatic finish.
Overtime became a showcase of grit on both sides. Each team generated chances, and both goalies stood tall under the pressure until the breakthrough finally came. Team USA buried the game winning goal in overtime, securing a 2–1 victory and reclaiming Olympic gold.
Beyond the final buzzer, this win symbolized something bigger. The blend of veteran leadership and emerging young talent signals a bright future for U.S. women’s hockey. Players like Caroline Harvey and Laila Edwards represent a new wave of stars ready to carry the program forward.
For a sport that has long fought for visibility and equal recognition, moments like this matter. The players who competed on Feb. 19, 2026, once looked up to Olympians who broke barriers and elevated the women’s game — and now, they get to be those role models.
As the final horn sounded and helmets and gloves flew into the air, Team USA gathered at center ice as Olympic champions once again. The rivalry continues, the legacies grow and for the next generation watching at home, another dream was born.
League of their own: The power of deaf sports
MARYANNE SANFORD
Sports Reporter
For many athletes, sports are about competition, teamwork and discipline. However, within the Deaf community, sports represent something deeper — a space where language, culture and identity are fully visible and celebrated.
Deaf culture is rooted in shared language, specifically American Sign Language, along with a collective identity shaped by visual communication and community connection. In a world that often prioritizes spoken communication, sports can become a space where Deaf individuals are not just navigating barriers, but also competing, leading and thriving in environments designed around their strengths.
According to the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf, Deaf sports promote empowerment at the individual, group and societal levels. Instead of viewing deafness as a disability that needs to be overcome, Deaf sports emphasize cultural identity and determination. Athletes compete in settings where sign language is the primary mode of communication, eliminating the constant need for interpreters and reducing miscommunication that can occur in hearing‑dominated environments.
At the individual level, participation in Deaf sports often strengthens confidence and autonomy. Athletes train and compete without relying on spoken cues such as whistles or starting guns. Instead, they use visual signs, lights and hand gestures to ensure fair play. These adaptations are not considered special
accommodations within Deaf sports; they are the standard. This reinforces a sense of belonging and competence.
At the group level, sports function as a cultural hub where Deaf athletes connect with peers who share similar experiences. Team environments foster not only athletic development but also lifelong friendships and cultural pride. Events become gatherings where language and identity are affirmed rather than explained.
The Deaflympics were established in 1924 and remain the most visible example of Deaf culture in sports. As the world’s oldest international multi‑sport event for Deaf athletes, the Deaflympics highlight
both elite athleticism and cultural unity. Competitions are conducted using visual signals, and sign language is central to communication among athletes, coaches, officials and fans.
Deaflympic athletes also point to the importance of culturally informed coaching and mental training. Many Deaf athletes benefit from approaches tailored to visual learning and direct communication styles. When coaches understand Deaf culture and prioritize accessible communication, athletes report stronger trust, improved performance and greater overall satisfaction in their sports experience.
Despite these strengths, Deaf sports face ongoing challenges. Integration into mainstream athletic systems can create tension when communication access is inconsistent or when Deaf athletes are treated primarily through a disability lens rather than a cultural one.
While inclusion in hearing leagues offers more opportunities, it can also dilute the empowerment that comes from fully Deaf‑centered sports.
Leaders within Deaf sports organizations have historically advocated for autonomy, emphasizing that Deaf athletes represent a linguistic and cultural minority rather than solely a disability group.
Deaf culture in sports is about more than medals or championships — it is about visibility, language and pride. Athletic arenas become places where communication flows freely, Deaf identity is normalized and athletes are judged solely on skill and performance. In a society that often measures success by how well individuals adapt to hearing norms, Deaf sports reverse the narrative. They create environments where Deaf culture is not accommodated — it is centered.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEAF ACTION
PHOTO COURTESY OF YAHOO
Oakland losing streak extends to four
MIKE OKORONKWO
Sports Reporter
The transition from a promising 14-10 record to a stagnant 14-14 mark in almost a month has left the Golden Grizzlies searching for answers as the postseason approaches. A season that once seemed to be building momentum has instead hit a weekslong slide, characterized by inconsistent execution and a lack of late-game closing power.
Following the 73-68 loss to Green Bay at the O’rena, it is clear that the disconnect between the team’s potential and its on-court reality is growing wider by the game.
Defensive identity and the perimeter problem
Much of the struggle stems from a defensive system that is being picked apart by basic perimeter play. The zone defense relies on high-energy lateral movement and precise closeouts, but Oakland has routinely been late to shooters, allowing opponents to find a rhythm from beyond the arc.
Without an elite rim protector to erase mistakes, the lack of a hand in the face of shooters has turned what should be contested attempts into open practice shots. These are not one-off errors but recurring themes that have defined this losing streak, as the team continues to surrender back-breaking threes at the worst possible moments.
Green Bay exploited this routinely in the first half, shooting 60% from deep by rotating the ball to open men and capitalizing on Oakland defenders who lacked the lateral quickness to recover.
Stagnant rotations and personnel struggles
Personnel issues and stagnant rotations have only compounded these tactical failures. Isaac Garrett showed flashes of his normal self in the post with solid footwork, contributing ten total rebounds, including five on the offensive glass.
However, his return from an ankle injury was marred by costly turnovers and lapses in judgment. He was frequently caught ball-watching or out of position during rotations, leading to open cuts to the rim or uncontested threes for the Phoenix.
Even when he attempted to close out, opponents were able to manipulate him with pump fakes and drive past his exposed top foot to create high-value opportunities.
The heavy reliance on the starting unit is also beginning to show its toll. Brody Robinson played all 40 minutes, contributing 16 points and 5 assists, but his overall shooting percentages continue to dwindle as fatigue sets in.
While he hit a late 3-pointer to keep the game within reach, the lack of a reliable secondary ballhandler remains a glaring issue. Khoi Thurmon and Warren Marshall IV were non-factors off the bench, combining for zero points in limited minutes. This lack of relief forces Robinson into high-usage situations that inevitably impact his late-game efficiency.
Interior efficiency and field goal struggles
Interior struggles further hampered the effort as Tuburu Naivalurua dealt with consistent doubleteams in the post. These traps forced him into four turnovers and limited his shooting to just 2 for 7 from the field.
While he provided a defensive spark with two well-timed blocks, the offensive stagnation was difficult to overcome. Similarly, Ziare Wells endured a difficult shooting night, going 3 for 14 from the field without registering a single assist. His inability to find a rhythm, combined with being routinely beaten in the paint defensively, left a void that the Grizzlies could not fill. If even a few of those looks had fallen, Oakland likely would have pushed the game into overtime.
Spacing and playmaking deficits
Efficiency from the perimeter and playmaking for others were the final nails in the coffin. While the team was a perfect 17 for 17 from the free-throw line, they shot a dismal 5 for 25 from the three-point line. Brett White provided the only consistent floor spacing, hitting highly contested shots to keep the score close and contributing 12 points.
Beyond White and a tired Robinson, the roster is struggling to reliably stretch the floor, leading to a crowded paint and limited passing lanes. This resulted in Oakland recording only 10 assists compared to 16 for Green Bay, highlighting a significant gap in team creation and ball movement. Michael Houge also struggled with defensive lapses and a lack of decisiveness, frequently getting caught on closeouts.
Until the Grizzlies can commit to disciplined man-to-man principles or fix the fundamental rotation errors in their zone, the momentum needed for a deep run will remain out of reach.
PHOTO COURTESY
Eight Pistons: One engine
JAMES ELLING Sports Editor
The NBA has been flirting with expansion for years, but it seems the league is finally moving into action. Seattle is ready, Las Vegas is ready, and the fans have been ready. And whether the official vote comes this summer or early next season, the writing is on the wall: The NBA is about to get bigger.
While all eyes are, of course, on the newborn franchises, the front offices of the established teams have plenty to consider themselves, because when the league adds two new franchises, every team has to protect eight players from being poached.
That’s it. Eight. Everyone else becomes available for the expansion draft, and if a new team likes someone you didn’t protect, it can take him — contract and all.
For the first time in a long time, the Detroit Pistons actually have players worth worrying about.
So when expansion hits, Detroit can’t just shrug and protect the obvious names. The Pistons have to make real decisions. They have to declare who they believe in — not for the next month, but for the next five years.
Who should be protected
1 — Cade Cunningham
This might be the easiest decision anyone in the front office will ever have to make. Cunningham is the identity, the engine, the guy everything else orbits around. You don’t build a future without him.
Key stat: On pace to be the first player in NBA history to average 25 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds per game with a 75% win percentage (OptaSTATS on X).
2 — Jalen Duren
He’s 22, he’s a walking double-double, and he’s still learning how good he can be. You don’t let a franchise center walk out the door for any reason — let alone in an expansion draft.
Key stat: 66.1% field goal percentage over the last two seasons, fourth best in the NBA.
3 — Ausar Thompson
If you could bottle defensive chaos and sell it, Thompson would be a billionaire. He’s the kind of wing every contender begs for. With the Pistons seeking success for years to come, having a player like Thompson to shut down opposing stars is an asset that must be protected.
Key stat: 4.3 deflections per game, tied for third best in the NBA.
4 — Ron Holland
While he probably isn’t a top-eight Piston right now, Holland’s flashes are undeniable. The athleticism is real. The two-way upside is real. The hustle is real. You protect players who fuel your team identity, and the decision gets a whole lot easier when it looks like they might become a star.
Key stat: 101.4 defensive rating, third best in the NBA.
5 — Isaiah Stewart
Detroit’s young core needs someone who can anchor the back line, communicate coverages and erase mistakes at the rim — and that’s exactly what Stewart gives them. His interior defense is not only the safety net that lets everyone else play more aggressively, but also an emphatic tone-setter.
Key stat: 42.7% field goal percentage allowed in the paint, best in the NBA.
6 — Danniss Jenkins
Despite just earning his way off a two-way contract with the G League, Jenkins is one of the most quietly important players on the roster this season. Steady, poised, defends his position, doesn’t turn the ball over and hits shots. Expansion teams love guards like this — and Detroit shouldn’t risk losing him.
Key stat: 3.2 assists per game, second best on the Pistons.
7 — Duncan Robinson
Yes, he’s a veteran. Yes, he’s on a real contract. No, he doesn’t quite have the same edge as most of the squad. But Detroit desperately needs shooting, spacing and someone who understands how to play within structure. Robinson gives them all three, and he makes life easier for the stars around him.
Key stat: 40.1% three-point percentage, best on the Pistons.
8 — Paul Reed
Despite being buried on the depth chart, Reed is the perfect modern rotation big — mobile, disruptive, switchable and on a team-friendly deal. He’s exactly the kind of player who gets selected in expansion drafts and turns into a breakout contributor. It’s in the Pistons’ best interest to keep that from happening and carve out a more significant role for him in Detroit.
Key stat: 4.5 stocks (steals + blocks) per 36 minutes, tied for best in the NBA.
The Pistons would have to risk losing key pieces like Tobias Harris, Javonte Green, Caris LeVert, Kevin Huerter and Marcus Sasser — all of whom could end up playing major roles for an expansion team — but they have to prioritize the players who best align with the identity Detroit hopes to ride into perennial contention.
Protecting Cunningham, Duren, Thompson, Holland, Stewart, Jenkins, Robinson and Reed isn’t just about talent — it’s about continuity of chemistry and culture.
Expansion tests the integrity of what you’ve built. Teams can only protect eight players, and if you get careless, you can lose the wrong piece and watch your defensive structure collapse overnight. Detroit can’t afford that. Not now. Not when the formula is finally working.
It’s about preserving the backbone of a defense and hustle that has carried Detroit to the top of the standings. It’s about keeping the eight Pistons who best drive the V8 engine that runs Detroit basketball.
