The Forum October 2020 Edition

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

JORDAN WOODSON

News Editor

Chloe McGehee

COPY EDITOR

JORDAN WOODSON

STAFF

ALEX BALL

ALEX BROWN

AZALEA ANDRADE COYUNNA JONES

DESSI KELLY JAMES JOHNSON

NAKIAH WILLIS

GUEST WRITERS

KOLTON RUTHERFORD MIRIAM BATTLES

SUSAN SCHADE

MAGGIE RISLEY

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ADVISER

SONNY RHODES

The Forum is the official student newspaper at UA Little Rock. It is published monthly from the newspaper office in the Donaghey Student Center Room 116. Any UA Little Rock student is welcome to be a staff member. Opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of UA Little Rock. Any inquiries should be directed to the Forum’s executive editor, Jordan Woodson, at editor@ualr.edu.

The Forum welcomes letters to the editor on any subjects as well as comments on our news coverage and editorial positions.

- Letter should include the author’s name, classification, major or position and a contact telephone number for confirmation.

- Letters are subject to editing to meet space limitations. Please limit letters to 500 words or less.

- The staff will not alter the meaning of a letter, but will correct spelling and punctuation.

- The editor reserves the right to reject any letter, especially one that is considered libelous, obscene, or incoherent.

Letters should be emailed to editor@ualr.edu.

Executive Editor: Jordan Woodson

Writer: Alex Ball

Writer: James Johnson

Writer:

Photographer: Maggie Risley

Writer: Nakiah Willis

Adviser:

JOIN THE FORUM

A look at Drale’s first year as chancellor

By Azalea Andrade Staff Writer

Christina Drale, Ph.D. was named chancellor back in September of 2019. Since then, a lot has progressed for UA Little Rock.

Dr. Drale’s first year as chancellor was like no other, but she and the university persevered with the positive encouragement she received from students and staff. With a pandemic in the midst, it was anything but a smooth ride for Drale forcing her to conquer many challenges.

“It was not a typical year by any stretch of the imagination with all the various challenges that we had all at once,” Drale said. “I would say my first year was very, very challenging. The hardest thing with COVID-19 was the perpetual uncertainty. Retrenchment was difficult and it was hard, and dealing with budget challenges is very hard, but nothing was harder than COVID.”

Dr. Drale brings with her about 35 years of experience in this position where she has cultivated so much knowledge and

wisdom. Prior to UA Little Rock, Dr. Drale spent almost 20 years at Missouri State where she held various leadership positions. She’s been at UA Little Rock since 2006 and is beloved by many.

Dr. Ann B. Bain, the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, really admires everything that Dr. Drale has done for UA-Little Rock.

“I accepted my position as Provost because of the confidence I had in Chancellor Drale,” she said. “I have worked with her for many years and I admire her leadership, respect her as a colleague, and value her as a friend. She has proven herself to be a leader who cares about our institution, our faculty, our students and our staff.”

Because of UA Little Rock’s outstanding online programs, its online infrastructure was already in place, so when it was faced with obstacles due to COVID-19, Dr. Drale and staff knew that the transition would still be hard work but relied on how established their online presence was already.

That facilitated the transition when COVID-19 arose and the institution had to move classes online. It was one of many of Dr. Drale’s accomplishments this year. Among others were the institutional accreditation visit, a 25 million dollar donation to the university, a strategic plan to increase enrollment, a response to the social justice movement, addressing the budget and many others.

“We had a lot to do, but we did it. I’m very proud of the work the university has done over the year”

- Christina Drale

“One of our really significant accomplishments was our institutional accreditation process

that culminated in a site visit last February,” Drale said. “We ended up with a review from our accreditors that [were] basically straight A’s. There was no follow-up. We got a clean slate on all subcategories of all five criteria.”

As one of the most centralized universities in Arkansas, UA Little Rock serves a diverse community. It is a non-traditional school that is versatile and agile in ensuring that any person that wants to attend can. Regardless of what background a student has, UA Little Rock is prepared to serve them which makes a large donation so deserving.

“The real shot in the arm was landing a 25 million dollar donation for the university from an anonymous donor,” Drale said. “That was tremendous and very much appreciated.”

After this not-so-ordinary year, Dr. Drale looks ahead to what she can accomplish at UA Little Rock. She is very optimistic about its future and the potential the university holds.

“I would like to get to a completely balanced and stable budget within two years,” she

said. “I think we are at target to do that. We are implementing our enrollment management plan and my goal is, by next fall, to get that increase in new students. The third goal is to continue fundraising and to bring in more large gifts.”

Looking back through this first year as chancellor, Dr. Drale really relied on her team and staff to conquer each obstacle as it emerged.

“We had a lot to do, but we did it,” she said. “I’m very proud of the work the university has done over the year”

UA Little Rock students and staff couldn’t be prouder to have Dr. Drale in charge and the hope is that with the hard work and dedication from the university leadership and staff, this institution thrives together.

UA Little Rock history professors react to Trump’s ‘patriotic education’ commission

By Jordan Woodson Executive Editor

Many UA Little Rock history professors are in disagreement with President Donald Trump after his statements at the first White House Conference on American History on Sept. 17 over the creation of “patriotic education” and his announcement on the development of a “pro-American curriculum.”

At the conference, President Trump announced that he will develop a grant and soon sign an executive order to establish a national commission to promote “patriotic education” in schools called the “1776 Commission” which will celebrate “the truth about [America’s] great history.”

“We must clear away the twisted web of lies in our schools and classrooms, and teach our children the magnificent truth about our country,” Trump said in his speech. “We want our sons and daughters to know that they are the citizens of the most exceptional nation in the history of the world.”

Trump said in his speech that it is “left-wing indoctrination” in schools that teaches students to think poorly of America, but many history professors at UA Little Rock, including Kristin Mann, a professor who is currently teaching Teaching Applications in History and Social Studies this semester.

“I disagree with the president’s remarks about students being indoctrinated or taught to think badly of their country in schools,” she said. “One of the remarkable things about our country is that we can openly acknowledge and learn about the times when individuals, groups, and national, state and local governments haven’t lived up to the ideals of our Constitution, including things like liberty and ‘equal justice under the law’, as mentioned by the President in his remarks.”

Barclay Key, an American history professor here at UA Little Rock currently teaching US History Since 1877, shares a similar response to President Trump’s speech.

“I disagreed with his generalizations about how history is taught,” he said. “If history classes in Arkansas are the site of left-

wing indoctrination, then teachers here are failing miserably.”

Key does, however, agree with one part of President Trump’s speech in which he brought up the critical race theory with a controversial social media post by the Smithsonian Institution, in which the institution quickly apologized for.

“A perfect example of critical race theory was recently published by the Smithsonian Institution,” Trump said. “This document alleged that concepts such as hard work, rational thinking, the nuclear family and belief in God were not values that unite all Americans, but were instead aspects of ‘whiteness.’ This is offensive and outrageous to Americans of every ethnicity, and it is especially harmful to children of minority backgrounds who should be uplifted, not disparaged.”

Key acknowledges that most historians probably do fall more on the left side of the political spectrum, but questions what kind of impact history classes has on students.

“It is difficult to make any generalizations about ‘how history is taught in schools,’” he said. “In my experience, many K-12 schools consider history as an afterthought, if they consider it at all. The quality of history courses at the collegelevel varies widely, but most students only take an introductory course or two, if they take any. So whatever influence those courses might have on a student is minimal, and the vast majority of students will have no direct encounters with critical race theory. If they’re lucky, they will have a class or two that invites them to consider how history was experienced by people from different ethnic backgrounds.”

As someone who teaches students how to teach history to students across the country, Mann has a problem with Trump’s use of the term “patriotic education” when describing how he believes history classes should be taught.

“Words like ‘traditional’ and ‘patriotic’ mean different things in a multi-ethnic, pluralistic society like ours,” she said. “We should be teaching students about both oppression and freedom, about the principles of American democracy, but also about times in which those ideals haven’t been extended to every-

one. We teach multiple perspectives on the past and present to prepare students for active participation in our democracy now and in the future.”

John A. Kirk, a 20th Century U.S. history professor here at UA Little Rock, says that Trumps’s remarks are nothing new.

“President Trump’s remarks revisit questions that have been asked since the very founding of the nation and, indeed, well before,” Kirk said. “Who is an American? What is a Patriot? What civic bonds tie us together? What represents ‘traditional faith, culture and values in the public square?’ Each generation of Americans has faced these questions and tried to seek--and, in some instances, to impose--the answers.”

“One of the main purposes of education in a democracy is to prepare students to think critically and to learn about others different than they are.”

- Kristen Mann

wMann also agrees Trump’s criticisms of history education are nothing new and that these types of conversations always come up whenever the country is polarized.

“Because of our Constitution, we can study and learn and protest and criticize freely,” she said. “One of the main purposes of education in a democracy like the U.S. is to prepare students to think critically, to learn about others different than they are, to engage so that they can be informed and participate in civic life.”

The day after President Trump’s speech, Mann had her students in her Teaching Applications in History and Social Studies class read, analyze and discuss the full text of the speech like she does with all pieces of sources and speeches in her class.

“We analyzed his speech look-

ing at the text within the context of the time period in which it was written and the speaker’s position, while also considering the intended audience and the purpose,” she said. “The speech is a product of a specific moment in U.S. History with an election very near, a resurgence in the culture wars, and conversations about whose stories we tell when we teach about our country’s past.”

Mann says that the part of Trump’s speech that generated the most discussion in her class is when Trump brought up the New York Times’ 1619 Project, which is a project that aims to reframe the United States’ history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of the United States’ national narrative.

“We must clear away the twisted web of lies in our schools and classrooms, and teach our children the magnificent truth about our country,” Trump said. “The left has warped, distorted and defiled the American story with deceptions, falsehoods and lies. There is no better example than the New York Times’ totally discredited 1619 Project. This project rewrites American history to teach our children that we were founded on the principle of oppression, not freedom. Nothing could be further from the truth. America’s founding set in motion the unstoppable chain of events that abolished slavery, secured civil rights, defeated communism and fascism, and built the most fair, equal, and prosperous nation in human history.”

Mann says that all of her students disagree with Trump’s statements; disagreeing with his claims of left-wing indoctrination and his use of the word “truth.”

“I had comments from students like ‘it is important for us to learn about the good and the bad in our history so that we can understand how we got to where we are today,” Mann said. “Several students noted that both freedom and oppression run throughout our history.”

Mann also had her students focus on the part of President Trump’s speech where he said “the only path to national unity is through our shared identity as Americans. That is why

it is so urgent that we finally restore patriotic education to our schools.”

“We talked about how, in many other countries around the world, the national government writes national curriculum standards and publishes textbooks and materials, while in the United States, education is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, and is left to local control,” Mann said. “We also discussed what elements of shared identity we think we have or should have as Americans. We talked about how one person’s idea of patriotism can be very different from another’s.”

As for President Trump’s potential executive order to create the “patriotic education” in the class rooms, both Mann and Key feel that it won’t have much affect on the future of history education in America.

“I anticipate that any executive order that he signs will have minimal effects on teaching history,” Key said. “Individual states write curriculum guidelines for K-12 students, and teachers are generally expected to follow them. College instructors have specific objectives to meet for core classes, and US history courses are supposed to include instruction on the Constitution. I’m not concerned about this executive order, except to the extent that an unknowing public might believe what the president says about anything, including the teaching of history.”

Williamson becomes new head of School of Public Affairs

By Dessi Kelly Executive Editor

In the 1920s, women around the world marched for a seat at the table during the Women’s Rights Movement. Fast forward a century later, women are making decisions at the table and are partaking in major roles in modern society.

In 2020, Dr. Anne Williamson’s success is evidence that the Women’s Rights Movement held a century ago was a massive success. The nationwide housing policy expert, Williamson is thrilled about her new position at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

“It’s a real honor to join such a talented faculty and a school with marvelous programming,” Williamson said. “The faculty has a strong commitment to community engagement and to issues of social equity. I would like to build on the excellent work that is already happening so that we can be part of the solutions for issues facing communities in the state and the country. We hope to serve as an example of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education and how scholars can be strong collaborators in the community.”

Dr. Williamson is more than a director, she’s a woman with expertise on a mission to massive success. The vision of Williamson’s plan as the new director of the School of Public Affairs is revolutionary.

Williamson has led more than 20 externally funded public service research projects such as the HOPE VI evaluations and has also used her expertise to provide important information about housing discrimination in the U.S. Federal Court. The Social Science Quarterly and Urban Affairs Review are two of Williams notable journal publications contributions.

Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education says Williamson brings with her leadership experience and expertise in both public and private sectors that help the University.

“She is adept at working in multidisciplinary teams on pressing community issues such as fair housing and youth homelessness,” Dr. Estes said. “She is lauded as an exceptional teacher. Her visionary leadership will enhance our ability to collaborate with our community and city as we educate future lead-

ers.”

Women who are pursing a degree in Political Science or have a minor in Non-Profit Leadership Studies at UA t Little Rock can look at Williamson’s success story as a guide for their career after graduating college. Before becoming a director, she earned her Ph.D. in Public Administration and was a prominent scholar are several universities such as The University of Texas at San Antonio. Williamson has accomplished many achievements since the beginning of her career as a director and her skills in housing policy, tax policy, public budgeting and community development are superior.

“All of these areas are interrelated,” she said. “I look at how states have made use of federal resources for affordable housing, participation in public meetings by historically underrepresented groups, and effective means for community collaboration to address complex issues like public student homelessness.”

Arkansas student homeless rates have increased amid a global pandemic, which is why Williamson is implementing the “Impact KCK” program in the city of Little Rock. This program was a massive success in Kansas at lowering student homelessness rates and will be beneficial to the UA of Little Rock homeless students seeking an education.

“Impact KCK began in the poorest of the 105 counties in Kansas,” Williamson said. “By using effective collaboration and social service innovations to reduce poverty and housing instability, this has resulted in 95 percent housing stability in the families with children served. That was important before the pandemic. Now, it is tough to calculate the amount of people who are facing housing instability or homelessness.”

Applied research, non-profit organizations, and public service are a big part of the School of Public Affairs’s main focus, which makes Williamson the best leader to be chosen as the new director of the School of Public Affairs at UA of Little Rock.

Universtiy hosts forum on race and ethnicity

By Nakiah Willis Staff Writer

The UA Little Rock Race and Ethnicity Forum hosted another public forum over the summer just before the start of the Fall 2020 school year to cover topics relating to race on campus.

The forum aims to enhance equality and inclusion on campus through thoughtful and constructive dialogue from students, staff and faculty.

There was a Student Forum on Race and Ethnicity on Sept. 9 that lasted about an hour and thirty minutes. The forum’s format was webinar styled, so everyone’s cameras besides Chancellor Drale’s and a set of panelists were unavailable.

The panelists included Dr. Mia Phillips, the Director of Student Experience and Inclusion Programs, Sharon Downs, the assistant Vice Chancellor for Wellness and Inclusion, and Chair of the Diversity Council.

The panelists on the forum also included Lauren Wilson, a graduate assistant in the Multicultural Center and an American Sign Language interpreter.

The students were able to ask questions and share their thoughts through the chatbox on Zoom. Wilson would check the chatbox for questions and comments and relay them back to Chancellor Drale and the other panelists.

At the beginning of the discussion, Drale mentioned that the university would be relaunching the Multicultural Center on campus.

“We are going to locate that Multicultural Center in Ottenheimer Library,” she said.

Wilson was one of the first participants to propose a question to Drale.

“How will you specifically be working to ensure these effects last beyond your term as a chancellor or beyond this time where it’s being publicized in the news and being talked about globally?” she asked.

Chancellor Drale acknowledged the fact that these systematic racial issues will be longlasting and will take time for improvement to be noticed.

“Those are things that are not just ‘oh we’re going to talk about it and do a discussion today

then a year from now nothing has changed or we’ve forgotten everything that we determined was important,” she said.

Drale said that one way to combat the issue is to start with its roots and address those problems first.

“These issues didn’t form overnight,” she said. “They won’t be solved overnight either.”

Drale also mentioned that establishing a standing committee whose purpose is to continuously examine how racial issues would be a good place to start.

“By doing that, we can have a better chance of addressing those systemic problems that need to be acknowledged,” she said.

Landon Dekay, the Student Government Association (SGA) president, asked if it would be in the interest of the University to make African American history a core requirement for graduation.

“It would probably be a good thing,” Drale said. “The problem is that the curriculum is the purview of the faculty, so it’s not something a chancellor can dictate. However, one of the things I think that has been a positive aspect of this discussion is that faculty, chairs, and deans want to promote their courses that are already available to students about this topic. They want to encourage not only students to sign up, but for the faculty and staff to audit them.”

Another student asked about the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), a council that consists of nine predominantly Black sororities and fraternities, and if it was possible if the NPHC could have their own spot on campus that could be used for events once deemed acceptable by the university.

Phillips stated that they have been working on this long-standing issue.

“This issue has been present since I’ve been at the university,” Phillips said. “We recognize that their is not fair treatment as far as space and reservations for events for Greek organizations. However, each organization is important and valuable to the university, and we will continue to fully combat this issue.”

More Forums like these will appear throughout the school year.

UA Little Rock remembers Linda Pine and Donna Kelly

By Azalea Andrade Staff Writer

Linda Pine, an assistant professor emeritus of Ottenheimer Library at UA Little Rock and former senior archivist with the Center for Arkansas History and Culture, passed away Sept. 17 after fighting a lengthy illness. She was beloved by so many people, including many of her coworkers.

J.B. Hill, director of Ottenheimer Library, worked with Linda for five years and was fond of her work and wisdom.

“She was very detailed and extremely knowledgable about both Arkansas and university history; consequently, she was a tremendous resource person for researchers and administrators on campus,” he said.

A Boulder, Colorado native, Linda moved to Arkansas and earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Hendrix College in 1978. She then went on to be the third person to graduate from the public history master’s program at UA Little Rock in 1986.

Linda joined the university

greatly.”

Linda will be remembered as a wonderful and intelligent coworker, great cook, and selfless citizen for her impact and volunteering in various organizations around town, specifically the League of Women Voters of

Pulaski County and the Old State House Museum.

UA Little Rock was lucky to have such a witty, brilliant, and devoted professor as Linda Pine. She will be dearly missed by everyone that knew her and worked with her.

had the utmost esteem for her.

staff in 1983 after working from 1980-1983 at the DemocratGazette as chief marker/indexer and researcher in the news library. Pine later became part of the faculty in 1991, serving numerous positions during her admirable 30-year career.

Some positions included Head of Archives and Special Collection and Director of Archives at Ottenheimer Library. She brought so much knowledge and intelligence to the Ottenheimer Library.

“[She was] outspoken, very intelligent, and knew her facts about Arkansas history,” Carol Macheak, research and scholarly communications coordinator, said. “I still think of her as my go-to-person for questions on Arkansas history.”

Throughout her years at UA Little Rock, many faculty and staff saw her as more than a coworker. Bill Taylor, associate professor recalls some of her best qualities.

“Linda Pine was more than just another UALR colleague,” he said. “She was a true friend. She became one of my strongest supporters and most trusted employees. I shall miss her

Dr. Donna Kelly, a loving and caring professor, passed away at the end of August after a shortterm battle with cancer. She was the associate professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and coordinator for the Communication Sciences and Disorders program –– a valuable and unforgettable part of UA Little Rock.

“Dr. Kelly loved teaching and was a strong advocate for her students,” Graduate Clinician student Janet Young, who worked as Dr. Kelly’s GA this past school year, said. “I suffer from chronic depression and Dr. Kelly was able to help me through some difficult times. She is one of the many reasons I am still here today. With her guidance, I was able to slow down my life and take time for myself. I will always appreciate her concerns [about] my well-being.”

She was such a role model to those around her. Dr. Kelly’s impact at UA Little Rock is undeniably great. She joined the UA Little Rock faculty in 2003 – 17 years of teaching, leading, and advising to the students in the clinical speech-language and pathology program.

Dechantria D. Wallace worked with Dr. Kelly for five years. She respected her as a superior and always appreciated everything she did for her to the point of pursuing a doctorate.

“Dr. Kelly was a joy to work with,” she said. “She loved her profession and cared deeply for her students. She would stop at nothing to see them all succeed. She is one of the reasons I chose to pursue my doctorate in higher education. She enjoyed working with students and it showed in everything she did. I strive to be like her every day.”

People that knew Dr. Kelly

It never failed that she would bring a smile to someone’s face or gave the most insightful advice to a student or colleague in need.

One of those students, Danny McNeely now a speech pathologist, spoke fondly of her.

“Dr. Kelly was interested in the well being of others,” she said. “Always working to make sure the needs of her students were met. She was a listener. Always willing to sacrifice time to understand the joy or pain of those that sat in her office.”

Danny expressed what he will always cherish most about Dr. Kelly.

“[I always felt] at ease when approaching her or asking for help,” he said.

Dr. Kelly was an advocate for her students. She went above and beyond for the people she cared about and wanted all her students to succeed.

Abeer El-Anwar, PhD., an assistant professor of linguistics at UA-Little Rock, admired Dr. Kelly both professionally and personally.

“Dr. Kelly was brilliant, extraordinarily kind, and a uniquely special presence,” he said. “Her impeccably organized mind kept track of a vast quantity of research. She was unwaveringly supportive of her students, often with the student unaware she was behind the scenes advocating for them. She found joy in the little things in life. Friendships meant the world to her.”

Dr. Donna Kelly as loved and cherished by many. Her outstanding leadership and good character made her one of the greatest professors UA Little Rock’s Speech-Language Pathology program has seen. Even without knowing her, you knew her by the amazing things her colleagues and friends expressed about her.

“I will miss my professor, but I think I will miss my friend even more,” El-Anwar said. She will be dearly missed as a professor, colleague, mentor, and friend.

DeKay, Edwards become new SGA President and Vice President

By Kolton Rutherford Guest Writer

Junior Landon DeKay and Senior Molly Edwards. were voted President and Vice President of the Student Government Association (SGA) before summer vacation after urnning unopposed.

DeKay is no stranger to student government. A native of Marche, Ark., DeKay attended Maumelle High School and served as their student body president in his senior year. He also served as a member of various student organizations including the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and the Distributive Education Clubs of America.

After enrolling at UA Little Rock in the Fall of 2018, DeKay joined the SGA.

“I knew that I eventually wanted to run for an executive position,” he said. “So I spent most of my freshman and sophomore year learning as much as I could about the university and its leadership.”

Over his first two years at UA Little Rock, DeKay has served in various capacities in multiple stu

dent organizations. Among the multiple organizations, he’s the Delta Chi Fraternity Recruitment, Philanthropy and Scholarship Chair, a Middle Eastern Studies program assistant, President Pro-Tempore of the SGA, member of the Chancellor’s Retention Committee and a Chancellor’s Leadership Corps Scholar.

For DeKay, the allure of running for leadership of the SGA is to give back to his campus.

“This university and its staff members, professors and administrators have given me so much that will positively impact my future,” he said. “College really is what you make of it. I want students to prosper while attending UA Little Rock.”

Edwards has had a similar path as DeKay. From Magnet Cove, Ark., Edwards graduated as Magnet Grove High School’s Class and Student Body President in 2017. Through her high school years, she served in multiple student organizations and competed in softball, track and basketball.

In Fall 2017, after arriving at UA Little Rock, Edwards got involved on campus.

“I wanted to be as involved as possible and I take every opportunity I can to make myself a better leader,” she said. “I got involved in clubs whenever I got to UA Little Rock, but [I] was eager to become involved in SGA.”

In her three years at UA Little Rock, Edwards has held multiple positions in campus organizations. She was the Chi Omega Sorority’s Campus Activities Director in 2018 and their New Member Educator in 2019. She currently serves as president of the Political Science Club and as an SGA senator for the College of Social Sciences and Communication. She’s also a Chancellor’s Leadership Corps Scholar.

Edwards said the decision to run for vice president of SGA was a credit to the impact the association has had on her.

“I have gained a better understanding of what UA Little Rock is as an institution and how big of an impact students can make on it,” she said. “After serving as a senator for a year, I knew running for Vice President was the next step.”

campus communication by having regular contact with other student organizations and the administration, as well as make the SGA more accessible to students.

They would also like to continue to work to address the absence of the university’s Trojan Transit. Senators passed a bill this spring to donate a golf cart to the Disability Resource Center, but DeKay and Edwards said more work is needed.

“If we pride ourselves on being the most ‘diverse’ university in Arkansas, we must help all students succeed,” DeKay said.

DeKay and Edwards point to their previous experience as one of the reasons students should vote for them.

“Students at UA Little Rock need someone who wants to represent them and make sure their concerns are heard and taken care of,” Edwards said. “I have leadership experience in multiple organizations on campus, so this has been something I have always cared about.”

DeKay says UA Little Rock’s current position requires careful decision-making.

DeKay and Edwards had multiple initiatives they were running on which focused on improving campus life and beauty, improving communication and helping to expose barriers which impact students with disabilities. They both said their experiences on the SGA has shown them that students’ opinions and perspectives are frequently ignored.

“While serving on the SGA, I have noticed that student perspectives and ideas tend to be pushed to the side,” DeKay said. “Likewise, communication is rather lackluster, which, in turn, limits the university’s full potential.”

Edwards spoke similarly and said student ideas must be heard.

“In order for our university to reach its higher potential, I want to do everything in my power to have student voices heard in all aspects,” she said

While neither of them would like to backtrack on any initiatives in recent SGA administrations, they would like to create a grant program to fund the creation of murals across campus. They would also like to improve

“UA Little Rock is in a crucial period in which every decision will inevitably impact its future,” DeKay said. “After serving on the SGA as a senator for the College of Social Sciences and Communication and as President Pro-Tempore, I know that we can make a positive, lasting change on this institution.”

A look at your main four presidential candidates

By James Johnson Staff Writer

As the presidential debates begin to kick off, undecided voters are taking a look at the candidates running for President of the United States. With a global pandemic and the rising protests and riots, voters are looking to find a president that can find a solution to these problems and lead them out of these troubled times into a time of peace and prosperity. Voters have four choices to choose from and a big decision to make on election day Nov. 3rd.

Republican Candidate Donald Trump

The republican party selected current president Donald J. Trump and Mike Pence. Though recent controversies such as audio leaks of telephone con-

versations and tax reports leaking through the media, President Trump is looking for a repeat as he gears up for the upcoming debates. Trump believes he’s the only candidate right for the United States and he’s done a lot of great work for the American people. Trump is standing on the policies of defending the police, ending reliance on China, and creating jobs for the American people. He’s also taking the stance of defending the second amendment and the US citizens rights to bear arms. He believes that he is the safest choice, however other candidates believe otherwise.

Democratic Candidate Joe Biden

Vying for presidency, democratic candidate and former vice president Joe Biden and his

chosen vice president Kamala Harris are moving to upset Trump in the upcoming presidential race. Biden and Harris have started their administration on the thoughts of providing what he believes is more adequate leadership during the times of covid, ending gun violence in America, and reforming the systems on climate change and the police force. Biden believes that under the Trump administration America has become divided and needs to come together in order to battle the problems of systemic racism and ending the increase of violence. Biden intends on becoming president and bringing America back together; however, both the republican and democratic candidates have to worry about their other opponents as well.

Third Parties

Other than the main two presidential candidates we also have the Libertarian Candidate Jo Jorgensen with her running mate Spike Cohen and the Green

party candidate Howie Hawkins and his running mate Angela Walker.

Libertarian Candidate Jo Jorgensen

Jorgensen believes that the Republicans and Democrats have done nothing but leave us with debt, involvement in foreign wars, and a broken retirement system. Jorgenson wants to reduce the cost of healthcare by 75% by allowing real price competition. The Jorgenson administration also wants to remove government barriers to replace coal and oil power plants and make the US into a giant Switzerland that is armed and neutral.

Hawkins and his administration wants to create the Green New Deal, which they believe will bring 100% clean energy by 2030. They also believe in legalizing marijuana and end the war on drugs. Hawkins also wants to create a sustainable agriculture system where each region could be self-reliant with the use of farm belts.

As the presidential election draws near and undecided voters paying attention to the presidential debates, candidates are working diligently to gain voters. Undecided voters can find out more information about each candidate and their views and ideas on their respective websites for their candidacy.

UA Little Rock students partipcate in Black Lives Matter Protests

By Nakiah Willis Staff Writer

Ever since the death of George Floyd on May 25, Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests have been happening across the country, prompting some UA Little Rock students to attend to march for a cause that they care about.

Ruby Trotter, a junior majoring in Chemistry and Spanish here at UA Little Rock, attended a BLM protest in Fort Smith back in May shortly after the protests across the country began.

“The protest lasted for 8 hours, but I was only there for about 30 minutes,” Trotter said.

Trotter says about 100 people were lining both sides of the street down Rogers Avenue in front of the Chick-Fil-A. She also said there were many different types of people at the protest.

“The protest consisted of stu-

Trotter says there was an incident that occurred after she left the protest. She says that there was a man who attempted to be violent against protesters and that he had a weapon on him. However, law enforcement quickly deescalated the situation and arrested the man.

Trotter was taken aback from the amount of support other races were showing the Black community.

“The thing that stood out to me the most was how white people and other races were standing proudly with us,” she said. “I had seen some touching videos like that on social media but it was incredible to see in person. Just knowing that we are not alone in this struggle was so refreshing. I often feel like everything we are doing is in vain, especially with this recent Breonna Taylor ruling. But thinking back to that gives me a little hope.”

“Just knowing that we are not alone in this struggle was so refreshing.”

- Ruby Trotter

dents, adults, and other community members,” she said. “I was incredibly touched to see people of all races out there in support.

I actually cried on the way in because I saw a lot of White people passionately protesting for our rights. It was so nice.”

Trotter says that the protest she attended was nothing but peaceful.

“It was mostly just protesters lining Rogers Ave, holding signs, and chanting,” she said. “There were even protest coordinators handing out water and snacks for the protesters. It was a super positive environment.”

However, according to Trotter, not everyone was entirely positive.

“There were some people who would drive by and throw up their middle fingers,” she said. “They would also yell at us.”

the police department. The other protest took place downtown.”

Pipkin says the protest in front of the police department lasted for quite a while.

“The protest that took place near the police department was almost an all-day event,” he said. “However, I only stayed for a few hours because I had to go to work later that day.”

Pipkin says that the protest downtown lasted a few hours, so he was able to stay the whole time. He also says there were quite a lot of people at both protests.

“At the first protest, there were mainly adults,” he said “There were police officers there too. I do remember some kids being present. At the second protest, there was a mixture of adults and students.”

Pipkin emphasized that both protests were peaceful, however, there was an incident at one of the protests.

“During our walk to where we started, a vehicle ran into the crowd and a man with a gun appeared,” said Pipkin. “No shots were fired, but people did start running.”

Pipkin stated that people ran towards the man’s van and the police soon followed. Pipkin mentioned that he wasn’t sure of the outcome of that incident.

Despite that incident, Pipkin relished on how united the protests and the protestors were.

Breonna Taylor was a 26-yearold black woman who was shot in her apartment in Louisville, Kentucky on March 13. The officers were at Taylor’s home for an alleged drug raid. Allegedly, Taylor and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, were involved with drugs. The police officers involved busted into Taylor’s apartment on a no-knock warrant. Walker fired shots when he realized someone had busted into the apartment. The police officers fired back, killing Breonna Taylor in her own home. One of the three officers was fired. None of them have been charged and convicted to this day.

Gage Pipkin, a Junior majoring in Theatre Arts, said he attended two BLM protests.

“I attended two BLM protests in Jonesboro,” he said. “One took place on the road in front of

protests was the fact that people still believe that protestors have a part in creating violence.

“For example, the man who had pulled a gun on the protestors,” he said. “It was known that he tried to hit protestors with his van. Then he pulled out his firearm. Protestors proceeded to take matters into their own hands to stop the man.”

He mentioned that many of his fellow peers claimed that the protestors started the violence.

“It’s crazy what people want to believe to fit their hidden agendas,” he said.

Pipkin stated that Black Lives Matter is a call to action to address a major flaw in our justice system and to create equality among the people.

“It is a call that minorities’ lives matter just as much as the majority,” he said. “BLM is choosing life.”

Pipkin said that he went to the protests because he knows what it’s like to not be granted equal rights as others.

“As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I would not have the rights that I have today if it was not for the queer POC (People of Color),” he said.

Pipkin is mainly referring to Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender Black woman who is known to have started the Stonewall Riots, a major turning point in the gay rights movement.

“We marched around downtown and ended the march with a moment of silence that lasted for eight minutes and 15 seconds,” he said.

Eight minutes and 15 seconds was how long Officer Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who is currently being charged for the death of George Floyd, had his knee on Floyd’s neck.

“It honestly was magical at how everyone treated each other at this protest,” Pipkin said.

Pipkin also mentioned that the police officers mainly acted as bystanders at both protests.

“They were there to help block off the roads,” he said. “They wanted to listen. At the start of the first protest, the police and community members set up a time to talk about the issues they face. It felt very proactive from my perspective.”

Pipkin said that what stood out to him the most about the

“I needed to show my respect, solidarity and love,” he said.

Pipkin mentioned that his best friend is a Black woman and that she has had a major influence in his life.

“If I don’t stand with her, then what value would our friendship have?” he said.

Pipkin did say that his support for the movement has affected some of his personal relationships.

“My family and friends all know where I stand,” he said. “I have had deep conversations with them. At the end of the day, they either understood my point of view or they agreed to disagree with me. If those close to me did not feel the need to speak up or support the movement, I pointed it out and would ask why they have chosen silence.”

Statistics show that 93% on the BLM protests have been peaceful. There have been times

[Story continues on next page]

where protests became violent, but the majority of them were peaceful.

According to the official Black Lives Matter website, BLM is a global movement and organization whose mission is to “eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.”

The movement was adopted after the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s killer, George Zimmerman, in 2013. Martin was only 17 years old when he was murdered in the street in central Florida. Martin was walking home on a February evening in 2012. He had a bag of skittles and an Arizona Peace Tea in his hands. A fatal encounter occurred between Martin and Zimmerman; Zimmerman was a neighborhood watchman at the time. He claimed that Martin looked “suspicious.” Against the dispatcher’s orders, Zimmerman followed Martin. The scuffle between the two led Martin to run down the neighborhood screaming for help. His screams could be heard through the phone when one of the neighbors called 911. Zimmerman fired rounds at Martin, ultimately ending the young boy’s life. From this incident, BLM was born.

BLM and its supporters have been protesting for Black lives for seven years now. People have been protesting for Black lives for decades. More and more people are recording unjust incidents against black people on their phones and sharing them on social media. The Rodney King beating by four LAPD officers in 1991 was caught on tape. Eric Garner’s death was also caught on tape. Around late April of this year, the video of Ahmaud Arbery being gunned down while on a run by three white men was released on several media and social media platforms; He was killed in February.

All of these black mens’ death sparked uproar within the United States. However, George Floyd’s murder on May 25, 2020, was the straw that broke the camel’s back. George Floyd was allegedly arrested for paying with a counterfeit $20 bill at a store. A video surfaced on social media of a Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for approximately eight minutes and fifteen seconds. During the recording, you can hear Floyd pleading for his mother and tell-

ing the officers, “I can’t breathe.” Floyd died from mechanical asphyxia. All four of the officers involved in the arrest were fired. But that wasn’t enough as citizens of all different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds demanded that justice be served for the unarmed killing of George Floyd. This is where the worldwide protests in favor of justice for George Floyd, and justice for all black lives, began.

WRITER’S THOUGHTS:

As a Black woman, I wholeheartedly support Black Lives Matter. It’s not a trend that lasts for a few months; It’s a lifelong commitment to justice. A lot of people who bash BLM fail to realize that it’s an equal opportunity organization and movement. Yes, we’re screaming “BLM!” in the streets and advocating for the justice of black people who have been killed because of police brutality. The message isn’t that black lives are more valuable than any other races’ lives. The message is that black lives matter just as much as everyone else’s lives. But since our justice system has continuously failed to acknowledge that for years, we will continue to march and protest until our demands to equal rights be considered and direct action is taken. All lives can’t matter until black ones do.

University showcases British Ceramics with virtual exhibit

By Jordan Woodson Executive Editor

The UA Little Rock Windgate Center of Art and Design is showcasing a variety of Contemporary British Studio Ceramics works all the way through Oct. 1.

The 57 ceramic works are on loan to the University from The Arkansas Art Center while their new museum is being built.

“The exhibition illustrates a rich variety of technique and forms represented; ranging from slab-building to hand-building and wheel throwing to neriage and nerikomi, traditional Japanese methods using ‘marbleized’ clay similar to the 17thand 18th-century ‘agatewares’ of England,” gallery director Brad Cushman said.

Cushman says he has gotten a lot of positive feedback from faculty, UA Little Rock art students, colleagues from other art schools and high school teachers in the Little Rock area.

“I have heard from a teacher in the Little Rock School District,” he said. “She is excited about the new website and plans to use it in the classroom as a resource

for her students.”

This is currently part 2 of the exhibit with part 1 having been showcased back in January.

“From Jan. 16 to March 7, we exhibited 29 ceramics objects from the AAC British Studio Ceramics collection,” Cushman said. “Currently, from Aug. 24 to Oct. 11, we are exhibiting 28 other ceramics objects from the AAC British Studio Ceramics.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Department of Art and Design set up a website to allow the public to view the artworks showcased this semester for free from the safety of their homes.

“We created the virtual exhibits related to the physical exhibits,” Cushman said. “We wanted to be prepared for the fall not knowing if there would be much face-to-face activity or if it would be a more remote campus environment.”

Students, faculty and the public can access the exhibit online at https://artexhibitionsualr.org/ or see it in person as long as they schedule an appointment at least 24-hours in advance. Social distancing is practiced, masks are required and no more than five people can be in the gallery at a time.

Scan the QR code to access all virtual exhibits:

British (Staffordshire, England, 1934 – 2000, London, England) Untitled (Vase) 1972

stoneware, hand-built, ash-glazed 12 1/4 x 10 1/8 x 10 1/8 in. Gift from the Diane and Sandy Besser Collection. 1997.021.058

British (Tokyo, Japan, 1911 – 2005, Devon, England) Untitled 1973

John Clark

Canadian (Newent, Gloustershire, England, 1940 – 2014, Calgary, Alberta, Canada) Slump Iron 1996-1998 multiple-fired glazed stoneware 6 1/2 x 6 1/8 x 12 1/8 in. Purchase, Tabriz Fund. 1998.042.001

Student Artist Spotlight Perspectiv3

By Miriam Battle Guest Writer

A Little Rock has an underground variety of artists around campus. I started the Artist Spotlight column in October of 2019 to showcase some of these artists. February’s Student Artist Q&A focus is on UA Little Rock’s student Tajjon McDaniel. McDaniel is a junior majoring in Media Production. His supporters may also know him by his stage name Perspectiv3.

When did you know you wanted to do music? How old?

Perspectiv3: I knew I wanted to do music at a very young age. I fell in love with music when I was in the womb. My dad said that when my mom was pregnant, he would always play music around the house. My dad just loved playing music out loud in general. I would often bang on pots or tables around the house making beats.

How did you get into producing?

Perspectiv3: My dad plays a huge role in my producing lifestyle. He used to make beats all the time when I was younger

and even had friends who did the same thing. Anytime my dad was in the studio, you could find me in the back with him. It’s just something about merging sounds together and coming up with a breathtaking product.

You said you would be in the studio with your dad, was he an artist as well?

Perspectiv3: My dad was an artist and producer, but [he] embraced the producer side more.

What is your process like in the studio?

Perspectiv3: My process is fairly simple. I sing a lot throughout the day and come up with melodies. I often record them on the phone so I don’t forget them. Once I get to the studio, I pull my software up and go straight to the piano. As soon as I touch the keys, I experience a surge of power that’s undeniable. My process varies from day to day.

Why did you decide to come to school instead of solely focusing on your music career?

Perspectiv3: I came to school because it was something that

making beats at that point of time, but he always saw more in me. After he passed away, I went into a deep depression, but it made me write more and added power to my passion.

Can you take me through a day’s process of when you have classes and also work in the studio?

Perspectiv3: My day usually starts at 5 a.m most days. It doesn’t happen every day but most of the time. My class schedule is kind of spread out, so I’m usually in the Mass Communications building from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. every day. I have two-hour breaks on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so during those breaks, I go to my room and cook up a quick beat if I have an idea.

Where do you get your inspiration from when you get producer’s block? Do you have any techniques?

was always instilled in me. My parents wanted to attend college but didn’t really get the chance. I picked up the torch and decided to go. I’m the oldest of three. I had to be that beacon of light and show them that they can do anything and still pursue what they love. I just wanted some more skills under my belt to enhance what I truly love.

How do you juggle being a student and an artist/producer at UA Little Rock?

Perspectiv3: Honestly, it’s quite a lot juggling between being an artist/producer who’s also a full-time student. At the end of the day, it all comes down to prioritizing time and understanding what’s more important during this season. I try to get my work done earlier in the week so that I may have time to do what I love most.

What challenges have you faced?

Perspectiv3: I’ve faced a lot of challenges since coming to college. I lost a very good friend due to a tragic car accident and sickness. He was an inspiration to me and always told me that I was going to make it and do big things in this world. I was just

that restaurant in the next couple of months, they were going to get me. They said I was bigger than a restaurant and too bright to be there. That blessed my soul and motivated me even more.

What are your goals after graduating from college?

Perspectiv3: I think about my goals a lot! One of my goals is to travel to different states and see how their music culture is. The big goal is to move to Texas for a little bit and network down there. Texas has a pretty nice music scene that I want to be a part of and then bring that heat back to Arkansas. I will also be traveling to music conferences and pursuing the lifestyle of being a full-time entrepreneur, making a living as a producer, artist, videographer and filmmaker.

Perspectiv3: I get my inspiration from a walk outside, watching other producers produce, talking with friends or even latenight drives.

Was there ever a time where you wanted to focus on school or music more than the other?

Perspectiv3: Most definitely! I often find myself wanting to do the music way more than school, but I know that school is going to benefit me in some areas that I’m not aware of yet. I dropped out of school for a year and worked on my music religiously while working a server job and as a counselor in the summer.

How did your family react to you dropping out since you were the first in the family to attend college?

Perspectiv3: They were very supportive of my decision. They knew that I had a dream and that I wanted to pursue it.

What motivated you to come back?

Perspectiv3: My parents, little siblings and working at Texas Roadhouse as a server. I had a couple of regulars who said that I deserved better and that I was meant to do big things in life. They told me if they saw me in

After looking at your SoundCloud, I noticed that your uploads go back to four years ago. How has social media helped you grow?

Perspectiv3: I started uploading music to SoundCloud when I was a senior in high school. That’s when I discovered that I had something to say to the people. Social media has helped me a ton as a producer. Sometimes I would post snippets of my beats and start catching the attention of some local artists. I’m the type of person who pulls up a beat on the spot because I’ve made at least a thousand beats and am proud to show them off. [During] my senior year of high school, I posted a song with a friend of mine by the name of Mary Rachel Rose. [As] soon as we dropped it, our high school went crazy and posted it on their social media. We had a thousand plays in a matter of two days. I thank social media for that.

What school did you attend?

Perspectiv3: Lakeside High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Who are some of your favorite producers in the game now?

Perspectiv3: Sounwave, TaeBeast, Noah Shebib, Tay Keith, Sonny Digital, IllMind, Anderson Pak, Big Krit and J. Cole.

[Continued on next page]

I know that you’ve collaborated with UA Little Rock student DeeAyee. How did that collaboration come about?

Perspectiv3: DeeAyee is my brother! I met him when I was a sophomore through a mutual friend. That man has bars that will twist your head in circles. He’s dope in person, but when you listen to his music, you really get an idea of how dope he really is. I love that guy, I’m just glad that I was able to connect and make a brother of a future legend. I always tell him that he is going to be big one day. He simply laughs at me, but his humbleness is going to get him very far. That man has a passionate soul and is always willing to help people.

I know that there are other artists and producers on UA Little Rock’s campus. Are you open to collaborating?

Perspectiv3: I’m always open to collaborating, whether it be making a beat for someone, spitting a 16 on a feature, or even mixing and engineering vocals.

What is one collaboration you would like to get under your belt? Locally and famous?

Perspectiv3: I would someday love to get a collaboration with my guy from Dreamville, J. Cole. I would also love to get on a record with the top dog himself, Kendrick Lamar. First, I need to upgrade my bars to super saiyan mode. As far as locally, I would say Comosaski, Penn Davis, Alexis Ray Parker, Stoney Jackson and more.

Now let’s talk about your personal projects. Tell me about your latest release, “Vein.”

Perspectiv3: In “Vein,” I was coming from a broken place and a self-identifying period. The message was made to give people hope and inspiration. Letting them know that they could conquer any situation thrown at them, no matter the obstacle.

I noticed that it had spoken word flow. Was that the goal?

Perspectiv3: Yes, that was the goal for sure.

How would you categorize your work?

Perspectiv3: I often ask people this question. Most people say that my work is socially conscious and motivating. My whole

goal is to inspire and motivate.

As a producer, are you open to delving into other genres?

Perspectiv3: Most definitely! It’s important to be versatile, especially with this generation of music. Music rules this world in every form. It’s the universal language and you have to know it and be willing to advance as it rapidly progresses with time.

How has your musical journey been since you’ve started?

Perspectiv3: I started taking rap seriously a year ago and have loved every part of the journey. It’s something about hearing your voice playing through people’s cars. I was already pas sionate about making beats, why not get back to my love of writing songs as well? Throughout this journey, I’ve thought about giving up, but every time that happens, people walk up and say, “I listened to your last song, bro, keep on grinding and putting out music. You actually have a lot to say, we need more music like yours.” That gives me so much hope and inspiration, like wow people really rocking with my music. I had someone come up to me a couple of months ago and tell me they loved my music. I honestly didn’t even know this person, but they knew my words. That was real love.

What has been your most memorable memory?

Perspectiv3: My first performance here in Little Rock at Aphrodesia Studios. It was my first show ever since I started releasing music. It was actually on my mom’s birthday. My mom drove from Dallas, Texas, to watch my first performance as an artist. I’ll never forget that moment.

What upcoming projects do you have coming out?

Perspectiv3: I have a lot of projects coming soon. My first real project is going to be a story of my life. I’m going to talk about the things I’ve encountered in my years of going out into the world by myself and entering college.

Perspectiv3 is expecting to put out his first project during the summer of 2020. Listeners can stream his music on all streaming platforms.

This Q&A took place in March of 2020, some dates and info may not be up to date

Local Artist Spotlight Bankroll Freddie

By Dessi Kelly Staff Writer

Little Rock native, Freddie Gladney, who is professionally known as “Bankroll Freddie” is one of the hottest and moststreamed music artists from Arkansas.

Bankroll Freddie was born in Helena and moved to Conway at a young age for better opportunities. At the age of 25, Bankroll Freddie is one of the most successful public figures from Arkansas and has opened the door for other Arkansas music artists to obtain a major record label deal. In June 2019, Bankroll Freddie was discovered by Atlanta Native, CEO Pierre “P” Thomas, after releasing his “Act Up Challenge” to current label mates, The City Girls hit song “Act Up”.

In Sept. 2019, Bankroll Freddie made history by becoming the first Arkansas rapper signed to a major record label. Signing to Quality Control Music and expanding his brand in Atlanta are the best decisions Bankroll Freddie has made so far in his career. Ranking in over 200K monthly listeners and 8 million streams on Spotify, Bankroll Freddie was born to be a star. In

October 2019, Bankroll Freddie released the video to his hit song “Drip Like This” from his first mixtape “Saved By The Bales” and gained over 30 million views on YouTube in less than a year, making him the most viewed and highly requested rapper from Arkansas.

In Nov., Bankroll Freddie performed his hit single “Drip Like This” at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, opening up for the highly anticipated rematch between Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz. 2019 was just the beginning for Bankroll Freddie, judging by his accomplishments and work ethics, he’s just getting started. Back in Jan., Bankroll Freddie released his second mixtape “From Trap To Rap” and showed versatility in his sound, hits like “Street Love” and “Backend” went viral on social media platforms during the global pandemic. In March, Bankroll Freddie was featured in XXL magazine as a candidate for the 2020 Freshman cover, which is a major accomplishment in the Hip-Hop community.

Expressing his struggles and success in music has allowed Bankroll Freddie to gain fans from around the world and more international publicity. Despite

COVID-19, Bankroll Freddie is still booked for performances, interviews and collaborations. In July, Bankroll Freddie recorded his first interview with “VladTV” and discussed numerous topics such as his upcoming project, signing to Quality Control, childhood experiences, finances, relationships, living in Arkansas and the death of former label mate, Lil Marlo. Bankroll Freddie has collaborated with notable music artists in the music industry such as Moneybagg Yo, Young Dolph, Renni Rucci, Lil Baby and YFN Lucci.

By collaborating with different music artists with a large fan base, Bankroll Freddie’s social media followers, radio requests and YouTube views have increased tremendously. In just one year, Bankroll Freddie has raised the bar and accumulated prominent achievements in the music industry, which is impressive and inspirational to all Arkansas music artists who aspire to have a successful career in the music industry.

Movie Reviews

Executive

Editor: Jordan Woodson

Disney finally gets a live action remake right with ‘Mulan’

Photo: Disney+

“Mulan” is directed by Niki Caro (“McFarland, USA”) and written by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (writers of “Jurassic World” and the “Planet of the Apes” movies) loosely based on the 1998 animated Disney Princess film. When the Huns invade China, the Emperor demands that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Chinese Army to defend their country. When she feels that her father is too weak to serve, Hua Mulan (Liu Yifei) steps in to take his place disguised as a man by the name of Hua Jun.

The 1998 Mulan is one of my favorite animated films of all time and is by far my all time

favorite “Disney Princess” movie ever made, so when I heard that Disney was making it into a live action remake I was nervous especially since I haven’t really enjoyed any of the live action remakes Disney has done in the past.

Where last year’s “The Lion King” failed, “Mulan” succeeds in laying out the blueprint on how Disney needs to handle live action remakes moving forward. “The Lion King” live action remake was basically a frame-for-frame and word-forword copy of the original movie while “Mulan” is almost a completely different film. I know a lot of people will find problems with that since they have such an

attachment to the original music, Mushu, Shang, etc. and while all those things are reasons I love the original so much, I’m actually relieved they removed those things from this remake.

I hated “The Lion King” remake because it was a dull interpretation of something we’ve already seen done before. This “Mulan” is more closely related to the actual Chinese tale than the animated movie. When I say that moving forward Disney needs to follow what they did with Mulan with their other live action remakes, I don’t mean that Disney needs to remove the music from upcoming films like “The Little Mermaid,” I just mean that Disney needs to change things that make it worth the movie being redone in a live action format. This “Mulan” warrants no singing and music because it’s everything that I always viewed the original as: more of a female-lead action movie and less a Disney Princess fairytale film.

And it works because Caro’s directing especially in the action scenes is amazing. Do I wish that Disney would’ve hired a Chinese director to direct this film especially since no one behind the scenes is even of Asian decent? Yes absolutely, but that doesn’t take away from how well Caro directs this film. Seeing Caro bring to life my personal favorite scene from the original movie, the avalanche scene, was everything I wanted it to be and more. The fight choreography and camera movements during each and every fight sequence was all done so well.

The cinematography and production design are breathtaking. Even if you have major problems with this film due to it not being the Disney Princess movie you wanted it to be, I personally feel that no one can deny that the look of everything is topnotch. Seeing the Chinese landscape is so beautiful and the traditional Chinese buildings that were all made from the “Lord of the Rings” production designer Grant Major needs awards recognition.

The movie doesn’t work if Mulan herself doesn’t work, however, thankfully Yifei was a great pick for the role. She completely

embodies everything Mulan represents and brings both the legend and animated “princess” to real life. Gong-Li (“Memories of Geisha”) is also a standout as a newly added character of “The Witch” that truly embodies the yin to Mulan’s yang. Also Yoson An is a perfect replacement for Shang as Mulan’s new love interest that I’m sure fans will come around to (I did).

Despite the remake being about half an hour longer than the original animated film, it still feels very rushed. Characters like Ling, Yao and Po (yes, they remained in this remake) I feel are developed way better in the original, but in here we don’t

really get to know them very well. Also the moment where Mulan goes from her male self to revealing her true, female self didn’t have that impact that it should’ve had for me due to how rushed it was.

Overall, the live action “Mulan” is basically everything I wanted it to be. It’s far different than any other live action remake Disney has spit out over the past few years. While it might be rushed and choppy at parts, it’s beautifully put together with incredible action scenes. I think it truly emphasizes that Mulan was never a “Disney Princess,” she is and will always be a Disney Warrior.

‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ is the perfect example of abstract art

”I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is written and directed by Charlie Kaufman (director of “Synecdoche, New York” and writer of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”) based on the novel of the same name by Ian Reid. The film follows a young woman (played by Jessie Buckley,

“Wild Rose”) as she goes on a road trip to meet her boyfriend’s, Jake (played by Jesse Plemons, Friday Night Lights), parents (played by Toni Collette, “Hereditary,” and David Thewlis, “Harry Potter”). Once there, Buckley’s character starts to sense something wrong as time around here begins to

unravel and she begins to lose her entire identity.

“I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is like a lot of Charlie Kaufman films… confusing. This is a movie that will 100% be divisive to audiences as it doesn’t really give any answers and relies almost completely on symbolism. It’s one of those films that requires multiple viewings and extra research into fan theories and whatnot to maybe understand what’s going on (although there could definitely be a lot of correct answers).

The entire movie almost feels like a dream; so surreal that you’ll feel like you just woke up from a nap after finishing it. There are little moments throughout that really amplify this affect like purposeful continuity errors. A good example that doesn’t give away any spoilers would be a bandaid on Jake’s father’s head that changes size and position multiple times in a single scene. It adds to the confusion that you will feel literally from beginning to end of this movie, which Kaufman obviously wants.

This movie really is a unique experience and one that requires your full attention because any important detail could easily be missed. Kaufman relies on a lot of imagery to help tell the story and it’s affective. The imagery is really good and is amplified by Academy Award nominated Polish cinematographer Łukasz Żal (“The Cold War”). Żal is so good with the camera and light-

ing that he’s able to make you feel chilly the entire movie. While the snow during the outdoor scenes helps with that definitely, even indoor scenes feel like you’re freezing to death. His cinematography is one of the best all year.

The cast is all fantastic and easily one of the best parts behind Żal’s cinematography. Buckley is very likable in her role and really helps the audience be as frustrated with what’s going on as she is. Plemons is in a role that is out of his comfort zone for him but handles it perfectly while Collette is by far and away the standout despite her little screen time compared to the other two. All four main characters really have to switch into different personalties at the flip of a switch throughout the film (I won’t go into further detail on what I mean by that due to spoilers) and they all do it flawlessly, especially Collette.

However, in the end, I appreciate and respect what I saw, but I’m not really sure what it was that I saw. I’m only writing this after my first viewing so my opinion could definitely change upon my eventual second (either positively or negatively), but as of right now, I liked it, but I didn’t love it. These type of movies that don’t really explain what’s going on and leave it up to view interpretation (“Hereditary,” “Mother”) are hit or miss for me and this one just falls somewhere in the middle.

‘Enola Holmes’ doesn’t quite live up to her older brother, but still packs a lot of fun

“Enola Holmes” is directed by Harry Bradbeer (director of most episodes of “Fleabag”) based on the first book in the series of the same name written by Nancy Springer. The film follows the titular character (played by Stranger Things‘s Millie Bobby Brown), the younger sibling to the famous Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes and a free spirited young lady that doesn’t adhere the to the gender norms of early 19th century England. When her mother goes missing on her 16th birthday, Enola runs away from home following sets of clues to try and find her, but finds herself caught in the middle of politics and family expectations.

Sherlock Holmes stories have basically been overdone in both movie and T.V. since the beginning of entertainment, each to varying success. Adapting this 2006 novel allows us to continue with the nostalgia that is Holmes but to finally bring a new, fresh perspective. I love Guy Richie’s Sherlock Holmes films and while this film doesn’t quite rise to that level, I can definitely see that Bradbeer took a lot of

The film as a whole is very fun from beginning to end and it keeps you intrigued and engaged throughout its two hour runtime, however, there’s also a lot going on. There’s two mysteries going on at the same time and a lot of times the film seems to take us on these tangents that sometimes don’t really amount to anything.

I think this is another case of Hollywood turning a script that should be for an 8-12 episode series and cramming a lot of great ideas together to turn it into a feature-length film. Especially with Bradbeer and Brown both coming from television backgrounds, there are a lot of individual scenes that could easily have been turned into 45-minute episodes. I would definitely sit and binge watch 8-12 episodes of this story and I think it would’ve benefited from that.

There also are some extreme tonal shifts that kind of gave me whiplash. The majority of the film is a family-friendly adventure and feels like really good comfort food, but there are a couple of scenes that get REALLY dark and almost feel like a completely different movie. They’re great scenes don’t get me wrong, but in the context of the rest of the film, they didn’t really fit tone-wise.

inspiration from it.

While Guy Richie’s films definitely do have a lot of influence on this movie, Bradbeer’s fingerprints are clearly all over it in his first film since 2006. Enola’s breaking of the 4th wall is very much similar to Phoebe WallerBridge’s character in Bradbeer’s award winning television series “Fleabag.” Brown is a very good standing for Waller-Bridge as she performs the 4th wall breaks very well. It can get a little too much Dora the Explore-esq at times, but in the end Brown does a great job at it.

Brown overall does excels in the role as Enola Holmes and embodies the character very well. Brown has only really done very emotional and depressing roles like Eleven in Stranger Things and her character in last year’s “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” so it’s great to see her step out of what seems to be her comfort zone and really have some fun for a change. Henry Cavill (“Man of Steel”) plays the one and only Sherlock and really lives up to the famous works of previous Sherlock actors like Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey Jr.

Even so, “Enola Holmes” is still a ton of fun with great action, adventure and a great message set in the backdrop of the women’s suffrage movement that somehow still feels relevant today.

Dance Professor Participates in ‘Dancing with the Stars’ fundraiser

By Dessi Kelly Staff Writer

There are many faculty members and students at UA Little Rock who have supported fundraisers throughout the years, Professor Stephen Stone is on that list.

Stone is a star instructor for “Dancing With Our Stars,” which is Arkansas chapters’ largest fundraising event that helps raise funds for children diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue.

Professor Stone has participated in “Dancing With Our Stars” for 3 years. In 2018 and 2019, Stone partnered with UA Little Rock graduate students, Anthony Bryant and Victoria Vender. This year, Stone began the new decade with a new dance partner, Elicia Dover from KATVs “Good Morning America”. During his performance at the “Dancing With Our Stars Reimagined 2020” virtual event, Stone and Dover entertained viewers with an amazing tribute to a Hollywood golden era musical.

“The reason why we chose

this song is because the message is so positive that we want to put out into the world,” said Stone.

In the early 1980s, while attending Laurinburg High School in North Carolina, Stone studied jazz and developed an interest in musicals. Shelby Hasty, Stone’s first dance teacher, gave him a chance of a lifetime.

Hasty was impressed by Stones talent while attending one of his high school’s musical. During that time, Hasty offered Stone two months free dance lessons at the local dance studio in North Carolina. While dancing those two months, Stone advanced in jazz and tap dance.

Although Professor Stone majored in math and science at the University of North Carolina, he never gave up on dance. During a calculus exam, Stone made a decision that changed his life and led him to become who he is today. After turning in the calculus exam and walking to the register office to change his major to dance and performance, Stone began taking ballet classes and never looked back again.

Performing and dancing means a lot more to Professor Stone than most people, it’s his

K. Michelle returns with the theme of ‘All Monsters Are Human’

By Miriam Battle Guest Writer

K. Michelle shows that she is true to R&B on her fifth studio album, All Monsters Are Human. This album was released on Jan. 31, following the release of her top 10 albums Kimberly: The People I Used to Know.

She is one of the few artists who rose to fame as a reality star on VH1’s hit show “Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta”. She’s always been an advocate for staying true to herself and writing music that is true to her life experiences.

somebody. In somebody’s story, you’re not an angel so all monsters are human. We all have been hurt and hurt,” K. Michelle said during a radio interview with The Morning Hustle. Michelle heavily touches on relationships and everything that comes with them; the good, the bad and the ugly. She sits down and writes songs that stem from real-life experiences. Topics on this album include love, sex, infidelity, heartbreak and revenge.

specialty. Stone considers dance a diverse entity, dance can be considered art, entertainment, or ceremonial. Even though Stone values all types of dancing, his top three that he holds close to heart are ballet, musical theater, and symphony.

Stephen Stone is a performer who expresses himself through dance, which is why “Dancing With Our Stars” sparked his interest. Being able to entertain while serving an important cause and learning more about how to help children diagnosed with NF, is what Stone values the most about his experience as a star instructor for “Dancing With Our Stars.”

The actor, singer, professor, choreographer, and musical director Stephen Stone, is an inspiration to all UA Little Rock students transitioning between a college major change while still trying to find their true purpose in life. Stone’s life story is an example that dreams can come true and that you can also live your dream while doing great things for others in need.

“If you follow your heart, everything will fall into alignment,” Stone said.

Social media played a big part in the making of All Monsters Are Human. She regularly used Instagram and its live streams to connect to her fans while recording the songs for her highly anticipated album. During this album cycle, fans got a chance to get an inside look at her creative process.

“I have a different motto. I don’t believe you leave your fans waiting, I believe you let them hear and you see how they react,”

K. Michelle said in a behind-thescenes clip on Instagram.

The lead single, The Rain, was the first song that fans gravitated to. It samples the 1988 hit Can You Stand The Rain, originally recorded by R&B male group New Edition. Even though the original song is about a relationship standing the test of times, K.Michelle spices up her version by singing about her sexual experiences.

The cover art of the album is not like any other cover art that she has had on her previous albums. There is a connection between the design and composition of the cover art and the title of the album. A theme of duality and good versus evil is present throughout the work.

Michelle said she believes that there is a monster in everyone and that is why she named her album All Monsters Are Human.

“Everybody is a villain to

On this album, she has songs that are lyrically driven, like Can’t Let (You Get Away) and Just Like Jay. One song that lyrically stands out on the album is The Worst. She sings: “I know she comes first and that’s the part that hurts, boy loving you is the worst.”

In an Instagram post, she explained that there can be a situation where a guy moves on after a breakup but a woman can still have love for him. Seeing a man that you’ve spent time with being a better man for another woman could hurt. Even though there isn’t a relationship anymore, you’ve created memories together.

This is the type of music that K. Michelle has been making since she entered the music industry. Throughout her discography, it is safe to say that she is a fan of creating real R&B music. This album puts a confirmation on the statement that R&B is not dead.

Other songs like Love on Me and Supahood give the album an uptempo and light vibe to complement the heartfelt songs that reign throughout the album. All Monsters Are Human has received good feedback since its debut. Her honesty and vulnerability connect with fans on a personal level. Due to her undeniable talent and solid fanbase, the album hit the number one R&B album in the country with over 20 million streams.

Editorials

Cultural Appropriation: How Tactless Behavior Can Cause Controversy

By James Johnson Staff Writer

In recent years, the conversation of cultural appropriation has been becoming a big issue around the world. From use of hairstyles and fashion to certain characters and mascots, the use of certain cultures have become evident and have been treated as an act of disrespect when it could really be just an act of miseducation. Education on other cultures other than American culture has been a driving force in debates on cultural appropriation, but what exactly is cultural appropriation?

Cultural appropriation can be summed up as using the themes, clothing, practices or elements of a culture group without regard to the history or significance of impact within that group.

Acts of cultural appropriation from celebrities have also been called out. A few examples of this are Zac Efron sporting dreadlocks in summer in an instagram post stating, “just for fun,” and Katy Perry dressed as a Geisha sporting a kimono and pale makeup during her 2013 American Music Awards (AMAs) performance. It doesn’t stop at just music artists and actors/ actresses, J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, also received some backlash from Native Americans for her portrayal of skinwalkers and medicine men.

There are also a lot of companies changing their mascots as well such as Betty Crocker, Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben’s all changing their representative mascots for portraying Black characters and profiting from it. With all these issues surrounding the topic a lot of people don’t understand the significance of

this movement.

Shalonda Nelson, a former employee of the UA Little Rock Multicultural Center and member of the UA Little Rock Diversity Board and Student Government, says that there is an importance of culture and that it’s important to be educated on the matter.

“It helps because it keeps us from causing offense to each other,” she said. “The other thing is it also brings more equity to the environment whether it’s an institution, a grocery store, a school, or a community or neighborhood and being educated and being exposed and open to different cultures helps alleviate a lot of biases. Biases that can lead to implicit or not implicit racism and discrimination.”

Nelson says that there are times where we just do not understand other cultures or their religious views. She believes it is important that we take a step back and try to understand each other’s cultures and respect their values as well.

“Whether it’s in the classroom or in the workplace or in the community or if we’re volunteering in service learning projects if there is a culture that is a majority there we’re not quite sure how to interact and they’re not quite sure either,” she said.

“I’ve been on service learning projects where the majority of people there were white and the only way to really enjoy myself was to act like them.”

Nelson says she believes that American school systems should add lessons on different cultures into the school curriculum.

“When you’re in a classroom learning with each other and you can’t understand one another or do not want to, it causes imbalance and makes it uncomfortable,” she said. “It’s for you to be you and that person to be you.”

Nelson says says that when her culture is a part of my education she does better.

“You’re either gonna have to adapt to it or learn it as well as bringing your own into the mix as well,” she said. “I do better when I bring myself as an African American female in search of my ancestors and my roots cause I don’t know where I come from exactly, but oftentimes my culture is excluded from the classroom and that’s not okay. We’re a diverse community why not learn about each other’s culture so no one has to feel like they have to migrate to another’s culture to be accepted.”

It all starts with ourselves. We have to be willing to educate ourselves in order to not offend anyone.

In an article discussing ideas for Halloween costumes for her school’s newspaper, Briana Ellison, a media arts and design major at James Madison University in Virginia, stated that a lot of cultural appropriation begins during the Halloween season. Certain depictions of many different cultures and ethnicities are disrespectful. Things such as Black face, Brown face, body deformations, and many other items such as jewelry. She also mentions the challenges of the stereotypes in the media such as African Americans with plump lips and the depiction of Native Americans clothing.

It’s important that we do our part in educating ourselves and understand the history behind these certain items and clothing. Culture is important to all of us and should be respected and if we don’t start paying attention to these acts of appropriation we will eventually erase what makes each one of our culture’s unique.

Managing My Stress as a Student; I am Capable

By Susan Schade Guest Writer

I have a pounding heart and upset stomach the moment I wake up in the morning. These nerve-racking feelings are my signal of a new semester starting and I am already stressed. Graduation is just around the corner and I have every reason to be excited to finish school. Considering the enthusiasm brewing, the fear of failure still lurks behind me, hanging over me like a dark heavy shadow.

Back when I first started college, while sitting in my first big girl classroom staring at the empty gray walls only decorated by a lackluster clock and a tiny dull design on the wallpaper, I told myself, this is it, I will make or break my future here. Ever since then I have been learning how to manage my stress in school.

It took me time to figure out the best methods for my stress management. Purdue University Global states that exercise and eating well are key parts of managing stress as a student. I still struggle with both of these because I get too nervous to go for a run because, in my mind, I am wasting time releasing my stress. When it comes to eating, my stomach is too upset to process food. The dinner I eat will be ground up in my stomach like a slice of meat in a processor and make me spit it back out.

For me, as a student, the best way to manage my stress is to stay on top of things, be organized, ask all the critical questions I need to address about an assignment and address confusion I may have over a lesson and make lists. Planners are extremely helpful when it comes to managing stress for me. The lists help me remember what I need to do and a check

off the list is helpful, and a little weight is lifted off of me. However, fear and tasks pile up in the beginning when trying to get into the groove of the new semester. Regardless, I always figure out my stress management through staying organized, but I hated keeping my stress to myself. I felt alone. When I started graduate school in the fall of 2019 it felt like I had no idea what I was doing. My stress was at an alltime high for me and I thought I wasn’t going to make it through the program let alone the first semester. Sitting in my professor’s office on the verge of tears from the heavy shadow of fear hanging over me, expressing my concern of failure and asking, “am I going to be able to do this?” I was encouraged by him telling me everything is ok, and my professors are here to help me succeed in this program. I was smart and perfectly capable of succeeding in the graduate program. My level of stress plummeted that day, and I finally felt the dark shadow fade away.

The encouragement and reassurance of my professor was what I needed to rid of my stress. When starting a new semester, I know it will be scary, the dark shadow makes its way behind me again, as I stay on top of tasks and write in my planner, I always make sure to remember the conversation in my professor’s office: I am perfectly capable.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from stress or fear that I wrote about, you can contact student counseling services. The services include stress management, self-esteem, establish life goals and adjustment to college. You can also talk to your professor like I did. Do not suffer in silence and talk to someone.

*As of September 30th, 2020

Historic win for the Trojans against Texas State

By Azalea Andrade Staff Writer

LITTLE ROCK – The LR Trojans are coming in with a grand slam this season. For the first time in program history, they defeated the Texas State Bobcats with a 2-0 home opener with goals from seniors Morgan Smocavich and Doro Greulich.

“Tonight to put such a consistent performance in over 90 minutes with our lack of fitness or much practice was pretty amazing. It has to be...one of the best victories since we’ve been with the coaching staff here,” Mark Foster, the head coach for the UA Little Rock soccer team, said.

The first half saw little action but the Trojans kept their pressure on the Bobcats with a few shots on goal by Mari Young and Smocavich.

The Trojans came in the second half with high energy and high hopes. With a foul at the 48th minute by the Bobcats right outside the box, Little Rock saw a great scoring opportunity.

Smocavich made sure to keep the ball low and towards the right of the goalie. She led the beautifully curved kick right above the Bobcats heads to the right corner of the net.

At minute 61, Greulich ascended into the box for a penalty kick that would define the rest of the game. Positioned at the right corner, she tapped the ball right passed the Bobcat goalie’s fingertips to put Little Rock at a 2-0 lead. Greulich showed her strength after struggling with an injury for the past two years which caused her to sit out in the 2019 season.

The team was on fire. They were not going to let this lead

slip away from them – battling off four more corner kicks from Bobcats. The 2018 and 2019 season ended up with ties against the Bobcats, so this put Little Rock at their first victory over Texas State since they started in the same conference in 2013.

The Little Rock defense was as much part of the victory as the offense. Their teamwork and persistence shined through with two shots blocked, a team save, and three outstanding saves from keeper Saskia Wagner. The team stayed united and determined throughout the game that resulted in a well-deserved win.

Now 1-0 in the Sun Belt Conference, the Trojans hope to keep the ball rolling and score another victory in Jonesboro against Arkansas State this coming Thursday, October 1 at 3:00 p.m.

Trojans Fall Short in Governor’s I-40 Showdown

By Azalea Andrade Staff Writer

CONWAY –– The LR Trojans soccer team debuted their season with a tight game against the Conway Bears –– remaining scoreless the first half but eventually falling short.

This non-conference game is the first installment of the Governor’s I-40 Showdown, a rivalry series aimed at promoting in-state competition.

The Trojans missed a couple of opportunities during the first five minutes of the game, one aiming too high and the other blocked by UCA goalkeeper, Reagan McCombs.

The ninth minute saw some action with UCA midfielder, Emma Hawkins, attempting a fiery shot that ultimately hit the crossbar. Three minutes later, UCA midfielder, Hadley

Dickenson, had her shot blocked.

The second half saw early action with UCA’s Hawkins scoring the Bears’ only goal at the end of the 58th minute. A long shot by midfielder Anika Sulton hit off the crossbar landing right by Hawkins where she tapped it, sliding passed Trojan Freshman Saskia Wagner’s lower right and into the center of the net.

Trojan Senior Peyton Laughley, a forward, brought some action to the game and guided the trojans up the field showing true leadership within the team.

Nonetheless, the Trojans continued to fight and show their tenacity throughout the rest of the game. Unfortunately, the Bears took the win, but the Trojans showed determination and fight for what the rest of the season holds.

Cardinal and Patria Lead Little Rock at UCA Open

By Dessi Kelly Staff Writer

Conway, AR---The LR Trojans began their 2020 Cross Country season at the Central Arkansas Open, presented by Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield. Due to COVID-19, social distancing rules were enforced, teams wore face masks until the starter was ready and starting boxes were spaced out during the race.

Freshman Spencer Cardinal led the Trojan men, finishing 8th place with a time of 16:04:8. Junior Carter Reynolds came in 14th place, finishing with a time of 16:19. Freshman Aaron Soltmann finished 17th with a time of 16:37.8. With a total time of 1:23:14 and a score of 63, the LR Trojan men placed 3rd place.

Freshman Mia Patria led the Trojan women, placing 12th place with a time of 19:43.1. Not too far from Patria, senior Vianney Sanchez finished 18th place with a time of 20:18.6 while senior Kimberly Boni placed 20th with a time of 20:26.7. The LR Trojan women placed third place with a score of 80 and time of 1:42:28. Despite falling short to Arkansas State and Central Baptist, Cardinal and Patria dominated Philander Smith in endurance leading their team to score 3rd place at the Governor’s I-40 Showdown. The LR Trojan men and women began their 2020 Cross Country season off at a good start by placing in the top three spots in both races at the Central Arkansas Open.

Athlete Spotlight Ariana Garcia

By Chloe McGhee News Editor

Ariana Garcia is a sophomore athlete on the Women’s Cross Country and Track teams. Boasting impressive PRs for the 4k at 15:38.5, the 5k at 19:11.8 and the 6k at 24:24.1. She is most prominent in the 800m race, as she is the top qualifier at UA Little Rock with a PR of 2:20.16. Not only is she a powerful athlete, but she also has a strong influence on the team and a positive attitude that makes running more enjoyable for everyone.

Before coming to UA Little Rock, Garcia was a three-time letterer at her high school in Fort Worth, Texas, Chisholm Trail, where she holds the program record for the half mile at 2:25.9. She was also a two-time regional qualifier for the 800m and the 4x400m relay, a race in which she also holds a place in the program’s record.

Garcia did not start running

until her sophomore year of high school, but has come to love it since then.

“I started running track sophomore year, which led to cross country my junior year,” Garcia said. “I started running to fill my time and stay out of trouble. Originally [that was through basketball], but running was much better.”

Even though Garcia was late to start running distance, she soon found her place in the sport.

“I unexpectedly made it to regionals my sophomore year, and I realized I could actually do this,” Garcia said. “I started connecting with coaches at the beginning of my senior year, when I knew I could go to college for running, but after my visit here, I knew this is where I wanted to go.”

Cross country allows Garcia to focus on running and relax.

“My favorite part is the burn in my legs,” Garcia said. “Although it can definitely suck,

it distracts me from everything else going on in my busy life. Plus, it always puts me in a better mood afterwards.”

Another part of cross country Garcia appreciates is the team aspect.

“The best part of running here so far is running with friends,” Garcia said. “My high school team was not close as friends. Here seeing your friends early in the morning for workouts only makes [running] better. It’s nice to have people push you because they want to see you do better instead of only caring for themselves. Even though running is an ‘individual’ sport, I have never felt alone in my wins or losses and I love that.”

Garcia is looking forward to the rest of the season with two meets down and many more to go. If anyone is interested in attending the UA Little Rock home meet, it will be held at War Memorial Park Oct. 17 at 10:15 am for women, and 11 for men.