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FEBRUARY 29, 2016 | @THEHILLTOPHU | VOLUME 100 ISSUE 26
PHOTO BY WINSTON J. HOLLOWAY
SEE PAGE 14
CAMPUSPresident Frederick gives the State of the University.
PAGE 2
NEWSSee what fi ling your taxes can do for you!
PAGE 10
VARIETYCheck out Kerry Washington's newest role.
PAGE 11
SPORTSBison basketball prepares for MEAC.
PAGE 14
BYRD WATCH: 1,000 POINT MAN
2 FEBRUARY 29, 2016 THE HILLTOP
CAMPUSThe Hilltop Editorial Office2251 Sherman Ave. NW
(202) 806-4749
STAFF
TAYLOR TIAMOYO HARRISEDITOR-IN-CHIEF
NILE KENDALLBUSINESS MANAGER
AMARACHI UZOSIKEDEPUTY EDITOR
DELORES TERRYASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER
LEANNA COMMINSSENIOR COPY CHIEF
SYLVESTER JOHNSON IIIASSISTANT COPY CHIEF
RISHARA JOHNSONGRAPHICS DIRECTOR
CRYSTAL SMITHPHOTO EDITOR
JAZMIN GOODWINCAMPUS EDITOR
WILL FULLERNEWS EDITOR
DIANDRA BOLTONVARIETY EDITOR
MATTHEW HOLMESSPORTS EDITOR
JAILYN ANDERSONDIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
Maya King Staff Writer
President Wayne A.I. Frederick addressed students, faculty and alumni of Howard University
on Thursday, Feb.25, in a State of the University presentation. He discussed issues most relevant to the Howard community in a speech and PowerPoint slideshow. His presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session hosted by the 55th Administration of the Howard University Student Association. Here are some of the items key items in the State of the University address:
1. Financial Aid: Frederick explained the university’s financial condition with a focus on its most direct effects on students. He underlined the idea that scholarships for students are “four-year investments,” thus debunking the commonly-held belief that Howard’s administration favors its freshmen much more than other classes. Frederick also mentioned his efforts to advocate on the university’s behalf in order to receive more federal appropriations.
2. Selling Howard University Hospital: The president clarified the university-wide rumor concerning whether or not HUH would be sold by making it clear that it is a step he would indeed like to take. Using the examples of Georgetown and George Washington University, two research institutions with medical programs but no hospitals, Frederick said he believes selling HUH is a positive decision. “We do not have to launch our own university hospital in order to provide a quality academic rigor,” he said.
3. Facilities: When asked a question about
the sub-par conditions of dorms and other university buildings, president Frederick explained both the costs and consequences of making changes within them. According to his team, the total cost of renovating all buildings on campus would be roughly $275 million. He mentioned his “Campus Master Plan,” which includes proposals for new dorms, a student health and wellness center to supplement the Burr Gymnasium
and a new student activities center to replace Armour J. Blackburn University Center.
4. Auctioning of WHUT: Frederick explained the auctioning of the spectrum that WHUT owns to Viacom. Acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue, he stated that he could not divulge too many details related to the situation. According to him, WHUT’s spectrum is currently valued at $461 million.
5. “The Purge”: In response to a question concerning the recent purging of students not in good financial standing
at the university, Frederick provided the moderators and others present with a brief synopsis of his own experiences with affording housing at Howard. He also stressed the idea of a four-year plan for students and devising ways to engage them, along with their parents, in financial planning before they do actually come to Howard. “[I want the university to] give as much to those who have the biggest need,” Frederick said.
6. Student Organizations: The president expressed his wishes to have more open conversations with students about campus organizations. When asked about the stricter measures placed on a number of them, he said, “These are not matters of university culture; they are matters of the federal government.”
7. Student Mental Health: Frederick spent a fair amount of time discussing the stigma surrounding mental health not only on Howard’s campus but also within many communities. To him, mental health is matter of well-being and overall safety. “This is not something we should be taking lightly,” he said. With that, he talked about plans to make mental healthcare more accessible to all students who need it.
8. Graduation Rates: When compared to the national average of 14 percent, Howard’s four-year graduation rate of black Americans from college is nearly four times that, at 40 percent. In fact, Howard’s graduation rate is the third highest among HBCUs nationwide. However, according to the president, the number could be much higher if finance were not a element. To him, that is the largest factor keeping students from graduating on time.
Did you Miss it? Top 8 Statements from President Frederick
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“[I want the university to] give as much to those who
have the biggest need.”
THE HILLTOP FEBRUARY 29, 2016 3CAMPUS
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CHAPEL
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. shares their Call to Chapel in celebration of Founders Day.
“Deeper in Faith – Wider in Community”
Join us this Sunday…Rev. Dr. Renita J. Weems
Co-Senior Pastor, Ray of Hope Community Church
Vice President of Academic Affairs, American Baptist College
Nashville, Tennessee
Did you know that there are locations on campus for silent prayer and mediation?
Andrew Rankin Memorial ChapelMonday – Friday ~ 8:30 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.
Interfaith Prayer Room (Blackburn Center Room 142)Daily ~ 7:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Seven Last Words of Jesus on the CrossIf you are interested in ministering an
art (singing, dancing or spoken word) in a service commemorating the Seven
Last Words of Jesus on the Cross, please email [email protected].
Sytonia ReidStaff Writer
Fulbright Scholar LectureOn Monday, Feb 28, theHoward University Center for African Studies, African Studies Department and Fulbright Outreach Fund (OLF) will host a lecture from visiting Senior Fulbright Scholar in residence at Concordia University and University of Ghana Professor of Africana Studies, AkosuaAdomakoAmpofo. The lecture will be held in the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center from 3p.m.-5p.m.
Digital Production Center Program: Black Progress in the 21st CenturyTo wrap up its celebration of Black History Month, Howard University’s Digital Production Center (DPC) in partnership with the Association forthe Studies of African American Life and History (ASALH), will co-host “Black Progress in the 21st Century”, a discussion lead by New York Congressman Charles Rangel. The event is free and will take place in the Founders Library Browsing Room from 1p.m.-2p.m.
President of Trinidad and Tobago to Visit HUOn Thursday, Mar.3, His Excellency Anthony Thomas Aquinas, President of Trinidad and Tobago, will deliver an address to the Howard University School of Law in the Moot Court Room at 5p.m. As past Judge of the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago, Aquinas will share his experience and insight into the fi eld of law with Howard students. The free event is open to all majors as well as the public.
SARAFINA! The long awaited musical, Sarafi na! has arrived to the Ira Aldridge Theater. Running from Mar.2-12, the Howard University Department of Theater Arts’ production of Sarafi na! will be the fi rst to incorporate an update to the Prologue: Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, signaling an end to Apartheid and beginnings of powerful political change. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.coas.howard.edu/theatrearts/current_productions.html
Swahili Summer Study Abroad ProgramHoward University's Department of World Languages and Cultures is now accepting applications for the Swahili Summer Study Abroad Program. The site of this year's program will be at the Coast Instituteof Technology (CIT) in TaitaTaveta, Kenya. To learn more about the program or application requirements, contact [email protected].
Campus News of the WeekDon’t miss a beat the week of Feb 28-Mar 5!
Some groups on university campuses profess a religious focus, but have potentially dangerous practices and influence. These groups and individuals will often target students, especially new students, because they are in an unfamiliar environment away from their established friends and family.
These groups are often identified as cult or “high pressure groups” and they operate without recognition or approval from Howard University nor the Office of the Dean of the Chapel. They:
- Are often dishonest about their true identity and agenda.
- Aggressively recruit and sometimes harass students.
SOME THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
- Leader claims divinity or a special relationship with God.
- Leader desires members to be faithful to him or her.
- Encourage members to separate from family and friends, especially if they do not share the group’s beliefs.
- Ask potential members to confess/tell all past sins/mistakes to members of the group.
- Seek to have total control over members’ lives.
- Want influence in every decision members make.
- Want members to keep things about the group secret.
- Desire to diminish members’ sense of self. - Exploit members’ finances. - Want members to be a part of this group and
no/few other groups.
What’s the Harm? - Loss of free will and/or control over your choices. - Loss of long-term friendships and relationships.
- Loss of independence and planning for your future.
What Should You Do? - Only visit Bible Studies, Prayer Groups, and Spiritual Discussions on the APPROVED LIST from the
Office of the Dean of the Chapel. (Our goal is to protect you & support your spiritual journey). - If you believe you have seen a group that may be a cult, have a friend being recruited by one, or have
been recruited or harassed yourself, contact the Office of the Dean of the Chapel immediately at 202-806-7280 or [email protected].
You have the power to keep our campus safe!
CULT Awareness
THE HILLTOP FEBRUARY 29, 2016 5CAMPUS
Malcolm WycheContributing Writer
Change is inevitable. It’s one of those forces of life that there’s nothing we
can do about. Being in college, I’ve learned that these are the years where massive amounts of change happens. These are the years where we fi nd ourselves.Many people don’t see change as a good thing or an opportunity to grow. They expect people to remain the same forever and take it negatively when they do inevitably change. The real problem is not change itself, but
the way people look at it.
It’s easy when we’re home, still in high school. We think we’ve got life fi gured out because we often think everything in high school is fi nal- our friends, our relationships, our interests. It’s only when we get out on our own that we discover who we are. College ushers in levels of stress, success, failures and emotions that we’ve never dealt with before. It’s where we get to experiment and fi nd our niche.
But somehow, people are considered to be a “fraud” when
they come back from college a different person. People assume you’re portraying yourself to be someone that you’re not. When you come to college and become “cooler” than you were in high school, or fi t in with a different crowd, people are quick to try and dig up your past.
It’s hard for people to understand that just because you weren’t popping or making moves back at home doesn’t mean you can’t come to college and make something shake. Reinvention is necessary for success in life. It’s not fake, nor fraudulent. It’s called
growing up and changing.
It’s realizing that you have a fresh start to put things together. So what if the girl who gets all the guys on campus was lonely back home? Who cares that the guy stunting on everybody got no love in high school? Life isn’t about staying stagnancy.
There’s no rule that says you have to maintain the same image and personality from high school to college. You’re allowed to be new if that’s what you want. Find out what works for you and when you do, then you thrive in it.
To me, these are the best years of our life. I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent discovering who I am. It’s been great learning about myself and watching myself grow. I’ve watched others grow and change as well. I don’t look at it with any negativity because is what this time is for. The focus shouldn’t be on trying to tear down the people who are embracing the constant force that is change. We should encourage it. Being negative about change just leaves you stuck with no progress, and progression is a major key.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
DROP: DROP The College Glo-Up
THE HILLTOP NEEDS WRITERS IN ALL FOUR SECTIONS
THIS COULD BE YOU, BUT YOU'RE PLAYING!
EMAIL [email protected] FOR A HILLTOP WRITER’S GUIDE!
CAMPUS6 C THE HILLTOP
Sadiyah MalcolmContributing Writer
The Howard University Undergraduate Student Assembly in partnership with WGN America
brought together the cast of their new series, “Underground,” and members of the Howard University student body n Tuesday, Feb.22, for an exclusive screening of the upcoming series.
The series chronicles a fictional account of the more than 600-mile escape of a band of slaves from a Georgia plantation. The first episode opens with the sound of Kanye West’s “Black Skinhead,” with the accompanying image of a slave running through the woods beyond a Georgia Plantation in 1857.
The bold scene caused chatter among students, who were seemingly conflicted at the convergence of the two worlds-- modern day hip-hop, and the 17th-century perils of black Americans. The creators say this was an attempt to modernize the narrative of slavery.
Following the screening, Amia Vann, who plays the role of Ernestine in the series, answered the question, “Why another slave series?” Vann said it was a different way to
tell the same narrative- one that focuses on revolution and not occupation.
“When they talked about slavery in the classroom, they would make us—the young African American students-- feel so ashamed,” Vann said. “But these are our heroes, so why should we be ashamed of that?”
Still, some students weren’t so sure there was anything new about the slave narrative. Elizabeth Jenkins, a senior psychology major, is excited about the series, but doesn’t think it’s anything new.
“Despite what the directors, producers and actors tried to imply about it not being another ‘slave narrative’, it is,” Jenkins said.“This is definitely just a new drama series that continues to perpetuate the ideas and assumptions about slavery backed up by some historical facts.”
Douglas Ruffin, a senior theater arts major, had a similar sentiment.
“I expected to learn more about the Underground Railroad and how African Americans struggled through this period,” Ruffin said.“But what I learned was that you can [quickly] create a show and know nothing about the history.”
However, some students were pleased with the series. Ariyiana Haynes, a freshman legal communications said she didn’t come to the screening with high expectations.
“The show ended up being amazing,” Haynes said.“The entire time I was on the edge of my seat. I look forward to watching it, as well as encouraging others to watch it too!”
For those intrigued to check out the series for themselves, you can catch the season premiere of “Underground” on WGN America on Mar.9 at 10 p.m.
Don’t forget to give us your opinion!Have you taken our survey yet!?February 15th to March 4th. We want to hear from you.Complete a survey and be automatically registered to win an Apple iPad.
Use the qr code or take the survey here: http://vcil.cc/jpfyw31
HU UGSA Partners with WGN America for New Slave Series “Underground”
PHOTO COURTESY OF SADIYAH MALCOLM
THE HILLTOP FEBRUARY 29, 2016 7
NEWS
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
PHOTO COURTESY OF KWBE.ORG
PHOTO COURTESY OF
CREATIVEBIOMART.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF STATEN ISLAND
PHOTO
Will FullerNews Editor
Zika Virus Spreads Explosively, Infects Nearly 4 Million
A virus, spread via mosquitos,has become increasingly widespread within the last year.On estimate, there have been more than 3 million infections in the region over a 12-month period, the head of the World Health Organization told CNN. According to CNN, 80 percent of those infected with Zika virus don't feel sick with relatively mild symptoms such as a fever, rash, joint pain or pink eye. Pregnant women and babies are at a greater risk of the virus, which has affected more than 30 people across various states in the U.S., including the District of Columbia.
Michigan Uber Driver Admits to Mass Shootings, Kills 6, Injures 2
Justice is currently underway for the friends and families of six people that were allegedly killed by an Uber driverFeb. 20.Jason Dalton, 45, allegedly went on a shooting spree in Kalamazoo, Michigan, killing six and injuring two people. According to NBC 5 Chicago, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting had charged Dalton with six counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. A source with knowledge ofthe investigation told CNN the Uber driver picked up and dropped off passengers between shootings. Dalton, who admitted his involvement in the shootings, is scheduled to appear in court again March 3.
Norovirus Outbreak Plagues Nearly 150 Students at U. of Michigan
An investigation is underway at the University of Michigan after nearly 150 students were plagued with a harmful virus this past week. An outbreak of norovirus – a virus with symptoms including vomiting nausea, fever and diarrhea – occurred on the campus on Monday, Feb. 22., with no determined cause. The virus, spread through contact with an affected person or contaminated food or surface, will take up to three days to be treated.
Richmond University Medical Center to pay $1M to Eric Garner’s Family
Richmond University Medical Center has agreed to pay $1 million to the family of Eric Garner. Garner, 43, died July 31, 2014 after an altercation with a Caucasian offi cer who allegedly wrapped his arm around Garner’s neck, causing the father of six to yell “I can’t breathe!” According to court documents, EMTs did not conduct the “appropriate examination" of Garner at the scene and "failed to provide him with the necessary life-saving procedures.” A judge set a hearing for Mar.16 to formalize the proposal.
News of the Week: A Round-Up of the Nation’s News Headlines
8 FEBRUARY 29, 2016 THE HILLTOP NEWS
Tatyana HopkinsHoward University News Service
WASHINGTON -- A former northern Virginia high school basketball coach is scheduled to appear in court May 9 on charges he had sexual relationship with a student athlete.
George Logan III, 43, who is
being held without bond, will appear in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in Manassas to answer charges of indecent liberties, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and using a communications device to facilitate a crime.
Logan was the girls’ varsity basketball coach at Highland School, a private school in Warrenton until he was fired
Monday.
According to police, Logan began an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old student in January.Logan turned himself into Prince Williams County Police shortly after they searched his home Monday “to investigate a sexual assault, which was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 8200 block of Humphrey Lane in Manassas,”
police said.
“Detectives further learned that the accused sent inappropriate text messages to the victim,” according to police.
Logan was a well-known trainer and coach in the area. He was assistant coach to the girls’ varsity team at Potomac High School in Dumfries, coached boy and girl elite teams for the Amateur
Athletic Union in Prince Williams County, and owned G Team Sports Training, which offers sports clinics and personal training, according to a press release on the school’s website.
The school has not made a statement about the incident.
Lawyer Says Client Innocent in Metro Shooting
Coach Accused of Sex Act with Student Set for Court
Tatyana HopkinsHoward University News Service
WASHINGTON -- The attorney of one of two teens charged in the highly publicized shooting on a Metro train said Friday charging documents show his client is innocent of robbing and shooting a man on the Green Lin eat the Anacostia station.Kevin Mosley, the attorney for Andre Broadie, 19, said he is disappointed that the judge
charged his client because while police said his client knew the assailant and was on the train, there is no evidence that he cooperated Tuesday with Hassan Graves, 16, in shooting Jerome Tibbs.“It’s a travesty that the presumption of innocence does not apply to young black males” Mosley said. “The only connection he has to the incident was he knew the person who did it,”
Broadie and Graves were charged with armed robbery and ordered detained Wednesday by D.C. Superior Court judge Errol Arthur.According to court documents, the two defendants were seen talking after boarding the train at separate stations. The shooting took place after an altercation between Graves and Tibbs, 24, documents said..Graves grabbed an unspecified amount of money from Tibbs’
hands and shot him when Tibbs tried to retrieve it, according to court documents. Broadie and Graves were identified and arrested at the South Capitol Street Bridge just moments after the shooting.Graves’ attorney, Heather Pinckney, could not be reached for comment.A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 10. PHOTO COURTESY OF DMV
METRO TRANSIT POLICE
PHOTO BY PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
PHOTO BY GOOGLE MAPS
Robbery, Shooting on Green Line
THE HILLTOP NEEDS WRITERS EMAIL [email protected]
Highland School is a private K-12 school in Warrenton, Va. Former high school basketball coach George Logan III is a accused of sexual assault with 16-year-old player.
NEWS THE HILLTOP FEBRUARY 29, 2016 9
Leanna ComminsHoward University News Service
WASHINGTON – Mayor Muriel Bowser came to St. Elizabeth’s East Campus for a celebration to heighten construction of a new facility that city officials say will aid impoverished Southeast Washington, but her media event was disrupted by protesters who claimed instead of helping the community, the project is pushing people out.
“This project is displacement!” shouted Schyla Pondexter-Moore, one of the two members of Empower DC who picketed the event on a biting cold Thursday. “You need to wake up!”
The two women, carrying a large sign that read “Stop Displacement, Don’t Move!!”, attempted to
disrupt the mayor’s event by placing themselves behind her podium and shouting during her presentation.
The mayor was there for a demolition event that served as the symbolic start of construction of a $55 million sports complex for the Washington Wizards and the Washington Mystics. City officials say the construction and operation of the complex will bring new jobs and spur development.
Pondexter-Moore said her organization wants the mayor to invest in public housing instead of the sports facility.
“It doesn’t help public housing from being torn down,” she said. “It doesn’t stop displacement and it doesn’t stop gentrification. We’re being pushed out of the city."
Robin Fields, the other protester, said the mayor is only focusing on one set of constituents.
“She’s appealing to rich white people,” Fields said. “She’s appealing to all these people, but not looking at us.”
Bowser stood by the 5,000-seat entertainment venue, hailing it as a significant economic development boost for southeast Washington.“Over 380,000 people will visit the complex each and every year, driving private investment dollars to St. Elizabeth East, spurring retail and affordable housing opportunities right here near our Congress Heights Metro,” Bowser said during her speech before the demolition.
“Some may scream, some may shout, but I’ll be back,” Bowser said. “I’m going to invest. I’m going to keep our promises and
it won’t just be today. It will be everyday.”
After the demolition, Bowser spoke on the protests, which stole some of her spotlight from television and other media crews.“Nobody lives here, so nobody is being displaced,” she said.
Councilmember LaRuby May, Ward 8’s councilmember, who supports the project, also spoke on the protests.
“I know Schyla and I really appreciate her passion,” May said. “We may disagree on how to actualize that passion, but I really appreciate her passion for low income and affordable housing residents. I’m grateful to have residents who are dedicated to those issues.”
Protestors Disrupt Mayor’s Media Event
PHOTO BY LEANNA COMMINS, HU NEWS SERVICE
Protesters from Empower DC hold up a sign in front of construction workers in protest of the demolition of St. Elizabeth's Campus to make way for a $55 million sports complex in Southeast.
“It doesn’t stop
displacement and it
doesn’t stop gentrification. We’re being
pushed out of the city."
NEWS THE HILLTOP FEBRUARY 29, 2016 10
What Students Should Know During Income Tax Season
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
Aesha AtherelyStaff Writer
The tuition cost to attend colleges and universities are at all-time high nationwide according to the College Board. Tuition at Howard University, specifically, was $22,737 for undergraduates alone during the 2014-2015 school year, according to Howard University’s website. Fortunately,tax programs were created to reduce college costs and give undergraduate and graduate students monetary allowances each year. Income taxes, a major generator of revenue in the United States, are government taxes applied on both
a national and state level. The taxes aren’t only based on the amount of income a person makes, but also interest, dividends, rents, royalties, lottery winnings, business earnings and unemployment compensation.
The following programs are available for both employed and unemployed students:
American Opportunity Tax Credit
Unreimbursed EmployeeExpense Deduction
529 College Savings Plans Student Loan Interest Deductions
Lifetime Learning Credit
One of the tax programs many college students are elligible for is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Eligible students can receive up to $2,500 in credit for qualified education expenses, for the first four years of higher education.According to the Internal Revenue Service, if the credit brings the amount of tax you owe to zero, you can have 40 percent of any remaining amount of the credit (up to $1,000) refunded to you.
According to the IRS students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit:
•Be pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential•Be enrolled at least half time for at least one academic period* beginning in the tax year•Not have finished the first four years of higher education at the beginning of the tax year•Not have claimed the AOTC or the former Hope credit for more than four tax years•Not have a felony drug conviction at the end of the tax year
The Unreimbursed Employee Expense Deduction deduct the amount that is in excess of 2 percent of your gross income if they were paid expenses for work-related education that an employer didn’t reimburse to you.
Students must be aware of where to file their taxes and where to learn about different tax breaks they are eligible for. Luckily, Howard University provides tax preparation service free-of-charge Tuesday and Thursdays from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the GADGET Center in the Howard University School of Business.
Students must bring a photo id, social security card, copy of their last year’s tax return, back account and routing number and all other tax forms for all income received in 2015. Students should you can call 202-684-8228 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment or for additional questions.
529 College Savings Plans are tax advantages savings plans designed to encourage future savings, but college-age students and parents can utilize the plans for tax savings.
Student Loan Interest Deductions are where students can deduct the interest, of up to $2,500, on a qualified student loan. According to USA Today, the loan must have been taken out to pay for qualified education expenses and cannot have come from a relative or employer. The deduction is not available for those filing as married, filing separately and income limits are $80,000 for an individual and $160,000 for a couple.
Lifetime Learning Credit allows eligible students to receive up to $2,000 for qualified education expenses for an unlimited number of years.
According to the IRS, students can claim the Lifetime Learning Credit if they meet the following qualifications:
•You pay qualified education expenses of higher education.•You pay the education expenses for an eligible student.•The eligible student is either yourself, your spouse, or a dependent for whom you claim an exemption on your tax return
THE HILLTOP FEBRUARY 29, 2016 11
VARIETY
Reya RousselStaff Writer
History is being made as Kerry Washington takes on the role of Anita Hill in the HBO
biopic, Confirmation. Executively produced by Washington and directed by Rick Famuyima, who brought us films The Wood (1999) and Dope (2015), the highly anticipated biopicis set to air April11.
Anita Hill is a lawyer, professor and feminist author who sparked controversial discussions on sexual harassment in the workplace when, in 1991, Hill boldly testified against Attorney
Clarence Thomas at his Supreme Court nomination hearings, alleging that he harassed her while she served as his assistant while working for the United States Equal Employment Opportunities Commission
From her powerful performances as Olivia Pope on Scandal, manyexpectthat Washington will bring to life the iconic Hill, however the Scandal staris not without her own concerns.
Washington told reporters at the Television Critics Association winter press tour that she felt terrified playing the role of a significant “real-life figure” and that she, both as an actor and producer, wanted to make the characters feel as real and matter as much as they actually do.
Jennifer Hudson and Kimberly Elise will also star in the biopic alongside Washington.
Confirmation comes at a particularly interesting time, when President Barack Obama is in the process of choosing a new Supreme Court Justice to replace Justice Antoine Scalia. It is rumored but not confirmed that Hill is being considered to replace Scalia.
On Washington’s Instagram, she celebrated her new role.
"Dear @HBO, Thank you for the
profound opportunity of getting to inhabit Anita Hill and help tell this story!” Washington wrote.“Yours truly, k-Dub (aka super excited Exec Producer)."
You can check out the trailer for Confirmation, which was released on Feb.12.
Kerry Washington Plays Another Powerful Black Woman
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAPE COLLAGE
12 FEBRUARY 29, 2016 THE HILLTOP VARIETY
What's Your Style?
Across3. to carry oneself with confidence6. what on wears on the upper body7. when one's eyebrows are great8. what girls use to slay their faceDown1. what one wears on one's legs2. to accessorize with3. what inspires the way you dress4. to where to up-scale events5. everyday wear
Happy March!
D A P J A S W L Z F I S N S Q I E Z B Y V A Q M S N E B A A E M G T R H Z M U Z U N Y P F A S H T B A R N P S K V M P E W T S L P Y E G P S A S I A G R P N J Z V V Z Y I B H N V S S G R T S E O Q I L R S E Y B G O X A Y P W P R G N R S P Z Z A T W G C H A M N I L S I E F Q G A P R J Q K G D J T P S T X C C F T S V Y A S R E W O L F O S R K V N K X U N N F M F C D D E T U K V A P K S S V A U I O L A P F R B N M V T D V X I D M P V R W H Z I Q H M S A V F V D I K A Y G Z P L Z M D Q D B N K E F R L B N Y U S R K Z Y O E D A W U V Z G Y Q R V G N I X A R Q H C C P X Z N O R E U P H R S G Q Y I S J W R K V A Z E P G J Q R C I M B J N N A I A G D L T R R G D W D I F X V B P C K B R Z Q S C V Z S M G S R P P V E X K E W P J A M K A I F U I X F B B Q N Q W M H R E M A R C H Y D D Y B B N M P L S
DAYLIGHTSAVINGSEASTEREGGSFLOWERSLEAPYEARMARCHRAINSPRINGSTPATRICKSDAYWINTER
What's Your Style?
Across3. to carry oneself with confidence6. what on wears on the upper body7. when one's eyebrows are great8. what girls use to slay their faceDown1. what one wears on one's legs2. to accessorize with3. what inspires the way you dress4. to where to up-scale events5. everyday wear
Happy March!
D A P J A S W L Z F I S N S Q I E Z B Y V A Q M S N E B A A E M G T R H Z M U Z U N Y P F A S H T B A R N P S K V M P E W T S L P Y E G P S A S I A G R P N J Z V V Z Y I B H N V S S G R T S E O Q I L R S E Y B G O X A Y P W P R G N R S P Z Z A T W G C H A M N I L S I E F Q G A P R J Q K G D J T P S T X C C F T S V Y A S R E W O L F O S R K V N K X U N N F M F C D D E T U K V A P K S S V A U I O L A P F R B N M V T D V X I D M P V R W H Z I Q H M S A V F V D I K A Y G Z P L Z M D Q D B N K E F R L B N Y U S R K Z Y O E D A W U V Z G Y Q R V G N I X A R Q H C C P X Z N O R E U P H R S G Q Y I S J W R K V A Z E P G J Q R C I M B J N N A I A G D L T R R G D W D I F X V B P C K B R Z Q S C V Z S M G S R P P V E X K E W P J A M K A I F U I X F B B Q N Q W M H R E M A R C H Y D D Y B B N M P L S
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THE HILLTOP FEBRUARY 29, 2016 13
SPORTSStudent Sports Alliance Hosts Alumni Networking Event
Umarah Mughnee Contributing Writer
The Student Sports Alliance (SSA) held the first annual Alumni Networking Event on Saturday, Feb.20 in the Blackburn Ballroom at Howard University. After many weeks of planning, the event consisted of 16 guest alumni that work in in different fields in thesports industry, from reporting to operations to marketing.
The event’s purpose was to provide encouragement for students of color to rise as a professional in the sports industry.The SSA felt it an important event because of the lack of black professionals in the sport industry. According to a 2012 study provided by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida, an alarming 90 percent of sports editors at news outlets were white. Less than 10 percentof blacksare progressing as a sports journalist and the percentage plummets even lower for women of color.
President of SSA, Aaron Mckinley,
recognizes the plight of a “Black and Budding” professional and explained the impact that the Alumni Networking event had on the student body.
“I think that the students now have a better understanding of the various careers they can have outside of the standard ones they see on television or on social media,” Mckinley said.“It exposed them to the
sacrifices and efforts one must make in order to be where you want to be.”
Shanice London, public relations chair of SSA, explained the importance of connecting with alumni who attended the event.
“Connecting with the alum that attended showed that just because Howard isn't a big ‘sports school,’ we still produce students capable of having positions in the sports industry,” she said.
“Bruce [Speight, senior director of media relations for the New York Jets] focused on the art of writing and how far it can get you and to always be persistent toward your goal.”
Wrapping up the school year with another opportunity to network, the Student Sports Alliance will host its final event of the school year, the annual Sports Symposium and career fair, on April 9. Look out for more information on the event in the next few weeks.
PHOTO COURTESY MATTHEW HOLMES
“Connecting with the alum that attended showed that just
because Howard isn't a big ‘sports school,’ we still produce
students capable of having positions in the sports industry,”
14 FEBRUARY 29, 2016 THE HILLTOP SPORTS
HU Bison Athletics
WASHINGTON, D.C --- The Women's Softball team enters the 2016 season looking to capitalize off of a successful season last year that consisted of a breakout player in Al'Asia Davis and a trip to the MEAC Tournament since 2011. The Bison finished last season with an overall record of 14-29 and 8-10 in conference play.
Head coach Lauren McCoy sees this season as an opportunity for the team to raise the bar and win the MEAC conference.
"We've added some players to our roster that I believe who are going to be huge in helping us turn that corner such as true freshman Alannah Baiyina and redshirt freshman Tiyanna Stewart."
McCoy will lean heavily on her seniors to lead this team not only on the field but off it as well. "It's all about legacy, we focus in on the impression they want to leave on the program and how
are they going to contribute to the foundation of Howard Softball."
Al'Asia Davis and Jasmine Gammons are two seniors who McCoy relies on to lead the team. In 2015, Davis lead the team in batting average (.449), on-base percentage (.548), and hits (57) while Gammons lead the team
in home runs (4) and runs batted in (32). "I think our strongest attribute is our experience, all of the high points and low points we've had over the years will come into play this season."
Though McCoy has 6 seniors leaving her after this season, she's seen improvement over
the past few years in her players developing the trust and camaraderie it takes to become a winning program. "I've enjoyed the players bonding as a team, becoming a family, that was really the most important thing to me."
Coming from a one conference win season in 2013, McCoy states
that the team is "determined" in describing the mentality going into this season. "We're determined to show people what we are truly capable of."
The Lady Bison begin their season on the road heading down to Alabama State for a tournament starting on February 26th.
J-Byrd, Bison Focused on Finishing Strong
Softball Looks To Build Off Of Last Season's Success
Winston J. HollowayContributing Writer
In an thrilling game, James “J-Byrd” Daniel III notched 35 points and hit a clutch
go-ahead jumper with 10 seconds remaining. But despite the impressive play by Daniel, due to turnovers and a lack of defensive intensity,the Bison eventually fell to the Hampton
Pirates 68-67 on a stunning 3-point play in the final four seconds on Saturday Feb. 27.
This is certainly not the first time Daniel has led the team in a comeback effort and played a more than impressive game. He has led the nation in scoring, averaging 27.7 points per game. Daniel also leads all NCAA Division I players in free throws made and attempted. Game after game, opposing defenses have
conjured up schemes to stop Daniel, but his relentless ability to shoot over defenders, slither through the lane and get to the free-throw line has been the key to his scoring success.
Daniel also holds the title of all-time leading scorer in Howard University’s history, breaking Aaron Shingler’s 1966 scoring record of 1,724 points. With only three seasons under his belt, Daniel scored. Still, the leading scorer remains humble.
“Years from now, I’ll be in awe of it, but I don’t feel anything right now,” Daniel said.
Daniel can’t get overwhelmed with attention or accolades and his teammates are focused on the current task at hand: closing out the season on a strong note and going to the MEAC Tournament.
The men’s basketball team got a
much needed win on Wednesday Feb. 24 against FAMU. The Bison thrashed the Rattlers 63-53 (8-19, 4-10 MEAC), with Daniel leading the way with 23 points. But it was the Bison’s inside presence that was the difference in the contest, as they seemed to have their way in the paint and dominated the boards, outrebounding the Rattlers 42-27.The win against FAMU was a breath of fresh air for the Bison, who had won just 3 of their last 10 conference matchups.
“It was definitely a sense of reassurance that we’re on the right path now heading into the tournament,” Daniel said.
Looking ahead, the Bison travel to Norfolk, Virginia to take on the Norfolk State Spartans (14-15, 10-4 MEAC) this Monday, Feb. 29 at 8 p.m. The Spartans currently rank third in the MEAC conference standings.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BISON ATHLETICS
PHOTO COURTESY OF BISON ATHLETICS
THE HILLTOP FEBRUARY 29, 2016 15SPORTS
HU Bison Athletics
Hampton, VA—The Howard University women's team played a strong first half, trailing by only five, but the third quarter woes reared its ugly head again and resulted in the team's fifth straight loss, a decision to Hampton
University (13-14, 11-3 in the MEAC) in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game at the Hampton Convocation Center. The Lady Pirates avenged an earlier defeat with a 77-48 win.
The Bison (5-23, 3-12 in the MEAC) were able to stay close
despite 13 turnovers and several missed close shots.
In the previous loss to Florida A&M, Howard led at the half but were outscored 17-7 in the third quarter. The Lady Pirates went on a 21-7 run that all but put the game away. Howard aided
Hampton's cause by missing 10 of 12 shots for 16 percent.
Gonzales led Howard with 11 points as no other player scored in double figures.
K'lynn Willis led all scorers with 31 points while Malia DeFreitas-
Tate contributed 16 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists and Kaylah Lupoe and Dejane James each contributed 10 to the balanced attack.
Bison Try and Stop Skid vs. Coppin State
Howard Drops Fifth Straight Game
HU Bison Athletics
Hampton, VA—James "J-Byrd" Daniel, III returned home determined to snap the Hampton jinx over his team, pouring in a game-high 35 points, including a potential game-winning basket with 10 seconds remaining.
But it was not to be and a three-point play by Dionte Adams with four seconds remaining that proved to be the difference as Hampton outlasted Howard, 68-67 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's game at the Hampton Convocation Center.
A 5-10 junior guard from nearby Phoebus High School, Daniel did all he could to make sure that his
Bison would snap the Hampton 13-game win streak. His 19 first half points gave Howard (11-18, 5-9 in the MEAC) a 36-23 halftime advantage.
In the second half, Hampton (17-9, 12-2 in the MEAC) put together a 19-6 run to take a 42-40 lead on a Lawrence Cooks three pointer at the 12:19 mark.
With the momentum on their side, the Pirates took control, 53-46 on the scoring of Reginald Johnson, Jr., Cooks and Adams, who combined for 34 of Hampton's 45 second half points.
That is when Daniel put his team on his back and willed them back in the game, scoring his team's last 11 points.
"He was the best player on the floor," said a disappointed Howard head coach Kevin Nickelberry. "He gave us a chance to win. If there was any doubt about who is the best player in this league, it was answered tonight. It was a disappointing loss, no question about it, but his effort gave us a chance to win."
Daniel, the nation's leading scorer at 28.7 points per game, put on a show for the opposing crowd, knocking down three pointers from another area code and tough pull up floaters over outstretched hands.
But his best may have been his conventional three-point play that tied the score at 65 with 57
seconds remaining.
Following a steal by the Bison, Daniel pushed the ball up the floor and used a slick move where he faked the defender into thinking that he was going to pull up for the jumper, only to stutter step, freeze the defender, score the basket and draw the foul against a flustered Hampton defender.
Following a Hampton timeout, the Pirates went to the most unlikely of players in Adams and he delivered after finding a small crease in the Bison defense and drawing the foul.
"The plan was to make sure that Johnson and Chievous were not going to beat us," said Nickelberry. "It was like Ground
Hog Day. It was the second straight against time that a role player has beaten us. In the first game, it was Cooks who hit the three pointer. This time it was Adams. That is what veteran teams do. They find ways to make the plays that count. We just have to learn from this and get ready for Norfolk."
Daniel hit on 12 of 25 from the field and 6 of 11 from beyond the arc for his points. Tyler Stone and Marcel Boyd each tallied 8 points, but they combined for 26 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Hampton was led by Johnson with 18, Cooks with 14, Adams with 12 and Quinton Chievous with 11 rebounds.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HU BISON
FEBRUARY 29, 2016 | @THEHILLTOPHU | VOLUME 100 ISSUE 26
