Houston Olympic boxing champion welcomes UHD Gators
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Student-run since Volume One
VOLUME 67
ISSUE 2
September 9, 2021
Houston Olympic boxing champion welcomes UHD Gators
BY MCKENZIE BREWER Olympic female boxing This means Esparza was
event, but she also became only just beginning her box-
On Aug. 24, UHD kicked
the first female to qualify, for ing career when she brought
off “Week of Welcome”
the U.S. While Esparza took home a bronze medal for the
with the help of some fe-
photographs and signed auto- USA team.
male power. Gators had the
graphs with students, one of After the meet and greet,
opportunity to attend one of
Esparza’s publicists recount- Esparza shared about the
UHD’s main events, a meet
ed the Olympic medalist’s pleasures and challenges of
and greet with Olympic
early steps in the world of becoming a pro boxer. When
medalist and World Boxing
boxing. asked how it felt to bring
Council Flyweight Champion
It was the 2012 Olympics home a medal for the first
Marlen Esparza.
in London where Esparza time in 2012, Esparza was
In addition to a photo
first began her climb to the lost for words describing the
op and meet and greet with
top. Contrary to what you feeling of becoming the first
Houston’s own boxing cham-
might think, boxers in the female ever to win a medal
pion, the Marilyn Davies
Olympics are not profession- in Olympic boxing.
College of Business hosted
al boxers, yet. “It helped because I tell
their open house featuring ta-
One of the Olympic qual- everybody that the medal is
cos, popcorn, and the chance
ifications require that boxers my favorite, but the belt was
to enter a raffle to win tickets
must be amateurs and have the hardest thing to ever get,”
to the Major League Soccer
not competed professionally Esparza said about her 2021
team, The Houston Dynamo
in leagues such as the World WBC female flyweight title. Olympic medalist and World Boxing Council Fly-
Football Club.
Boxing Council, Interna- weight Champion Marlen Esparza poses with a
Not only did Esparza CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
tional Boxing Federation, or UHD student on Aug. 24 during fall 2021’s Week of
compete in the very first
World Boxing Organization. Welcome. Credit: Mckenzie Brewer
New UHD motto honors Gator grit
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN perceived “as the school of invites its audiences to meet
first choice among prospec- the UHD student—confident,
At the beginning of the
tive students,” according to ambitious, fearless and ready
fall 2021 academic school
Vice President of Advance- to change the world,” Olsen
year, UHD steps towards a
ment and University Rela- said.
new era, as the university
tions Johanna Wolfe. Olsen further added that
rebrands its slogan to three
The three words that “both first-time in college
words that define the Gator
echo the essence of the Gator students and returning
community: “Determined.
community have already students have looked upon
Dedicated. Downtown.”
made its presence known UHD as the perfect universi-
Initially, the brand
across campus, as there are ty to continue their academic
campaign was set to be
banners, posters, and even journeys. Its value to future,
unveiled in November 2020.
t-shirts with the new motto current and former students
It came to a halt due to the
all over UHD. is reflected within this cam-
Credit: Shaheryar Khan
COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Execu- paign.”
The new school motto
tive Director of University UHD was founded in
succeeds the previous slo-
Relations Elissa Olsen, the 1974 and carried out a funda-
gan, “Finish UHD Strong,”
University’s new motto “cel- mental goal to meet the needs
enacted in 2017. This previ-
ebrates the tenacious spirits of Houston’s ever-so-diverse
ous brand campaign was set
of its students, faculty, staff community.
during the 2015-2020 UHD
and alumni.”
Strategic Plan to prove to CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
“The brand-new initiative
future students that UHD is
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Gator Life..................................2
News...........................................6
Opinions.....................................9
Arts & Entertainment.............11
FIND US ONLINE!
Vaccine Incentive 3 Chase Giddings 6 Earth murals 11
2 GATOR LIFE September 9, 2021
UHD implements ‘soft opening’ to kick off first weeks of fall semester
BY CHRIS KEMP Relations. The message and the Centers for in feeling less than op-
detailed a plan of action Disease Control and timal about the degree
Questions on
that was deemed a “soft Prevention recommend. to which UHD is being
UHD’s handling of
opening.” During this Philosophy Profes- proactive in this very
operations at the start
soft opening, face-to- sor Andrew Pavelich, dynamic situation.
of the fall semester
face and hybrid class Ph.D., who is also “It’s always a com-
linger amid the ongoing
instructors had the UHD’s Philosophy promise,” as Pavelich
pandemic. UHD’s “soft
option of only meeting Department chair, ex- aptly said. As a not-
opening” to the start of
once a week for the first pressed empathy for the ed public institution
the semester welcomed
two weeks of this fall various approaches to serving one of the most
more Gators to campus
semester. responding to our novel diverse communities
but also drew disagree-
While the message predicament. globally, Gators have
ments.
sent from the Office of “I get the soft open- expressed they expect
The UHD Facul-
the President did not di- ing as a compromise... UHD to excel at man-
ty Senate Executive
rectly address the open and what we’re doing aging turmoil. From the
Committee and UHD
letter sent out three is in the middle,” he student perspective, The
Staff Council Executive
days prior, Blanchard said. “For a situation Dateline’s editor Indira
Committee made their
promised that he would like this being in the Zaldivar said she is
concerns clear prior to
communicate with the middle is probably the happy to see a lot more
the start of the semester
UHD community “as best choice. There are people on campus.
in an open letter sent to
quickly as possible very rare times where The Week of
the UHD community on
should UHD need to you can just say that, Welcome was a “whole-
Aug. 9.
once again pivot in the ‘okay there is a very some” experience
One of the matters
face of COVID-19.” clear choice, there is no “filled with many fun
conveyed was a request
The president’s downside, this is what events that wouldn’t UHD mascot Ed-U-Gator makes an ap-
that faculty be allot-
message notified stu- we’re going to do.’” have been as fun with- pearance at Week of Welcome’ event on
ted more flexibility in
dents of the availability However, not all out the soft opening.” Aug. 24, 2021. Credit: Mckenzie Brewer
changing their modes
of an on-campus testing teachers are as will- “Thanks to vaccines,
of instruction over the that has allowed Gators through a screen.”
site located next to the ing to address the first and foremost, and
semester. Presently, since April to schedule Gators are encour-
Student Life Center situation so warmly. UHD’s decision to im-
some teachers are still an appointment to get aged to take care of
on Girard Street, open After innocent elevator plement a soft opening
locked into agreements vaccinated, COVID-19 themselves and each
Monday - Friday from banter (voices strangely allowing a lot more
made earlier in the year testing kioks, the new other by partaking
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and muffled and somewhat students on campus, I
that prevent them from vaccination incentive, in COVID-19 safety
announced the Gator comically elevated on got to reconnect with
changing. and abundant hand precautions available
Vaccination Incentive account of masks), one friends and meet new
On Aug. 12, sanitation stations. Let’s on campus such as
Program that rolled out member of the faculty Gators,” Zaldivar said.
UHD President Loren prioritize our health COVID-19 testing
on Sept. 3. He encour- declined to comment on “UHD has made a great
Blanchard, Ph.D., en- overall by wearing kiosks and hand san-
aged Gators to consider UHD’s approach to this effort to maintain the
deavored to address Ga- masks and keeping itation stations; and
wearing face coverings semester. Considering UHD community safe
tors’ concerns in a mes- a distance so that we following the CDC and
(vaccinated or not) as the open letter provid- through on-campus
sage sent out to students keep getting to see each DSHS guidelines.
the Texas Department ed by the SGA, the vaccination events, the
on behalf of University other in person and not
of State Health Services individual is not alone UTHealth partnership
UHD Campus Activities Board’s Edwin Daniel Mendez Alvarado Gators gather UHD spirit merch from UHD Marketing’s table on
tables at Week of Welcome on Aug. 24 to show Gators what Aug. 24 during Week of Welcome. Credit: Indira Zaldivar
CAB is about. Credit: Indira Zaldivar
The University of Houston-Downtown
September 9, 2021 GATOR LIFE 3
UHD launches vaccine incentive program
BY INDIRA ZALDIVAR in the Harris County’s vac- gift card. Nearly 60% of
cionation incentive program. eligible county residents are
On Sept. 3, the voluntary
Harris County launched its now fully vaccinated and
THE DATELINE
Gator Vaccine Incentive Pro-
own incentive program in 71% have gotten their first
gram launched and will be
August and extended it to shot, according to Harris
available through Sept. 30.
Sept. 13. The county rewards County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
UHD’s first vaccine incentive
residents who get vaccinated Rodarte will enter both
program against COVID-19,
promises to reward regis-
at any vaccination hub in the county and university’s University of Houston-Downtown
tered participants with $30 in
Harris County with a $100 incentive programs. 1 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
GatorCash and a chance to
Office: S-260 Phone: 713.221.8275
win other generous monetary editordatelinedowntown@gmail.com
prizes.
This program is open to
ARE YOU Fall 2021 Staff
UHD students, faculty and
staff. Anyone who has been
VACCINATED?
vaccinated or will get vaccin- Editor.............................................Indira Zaldivar
ated, qualifies to register. Follow these steps to enter UHD's Gator Assistant Editor...............................Aansa Usmani
Besides the $30 in Ga- Vaccination Incentive Program (VIP) to win $30 Social Media Manager.......................Jema Pantoja
torCash, the limited prizes Business Manager........................Ann M. Lummus
in GatorCash and a chance to win more rewards.
to students include one year Gator Life Section Editor..............Shaheryar Khan
of free tuition and fees, one
News Section Editor...........................Gean Garcia
semester of free tuition and TAKE A PHOTO OF Opinions Section Editor..............Ann M. Lummus
fees, one year of free park- YOUR VACCINATION
A&E Section Editor......................Savannah Mims
1
ing, one semester of free CARD
parking, $100 Amazon gift Faculty Advisor..........................Joe Sample, Ph.D.
card. Faculty and staff should
visit the page to view the SCAN THE QR CODE TO The Dateline is the official student newspaper of
limited prizes. LOGIN TO THE VIP
2
the University of Houston-Downtown. Since its first
To register, participants PORTAL issue in 1982, The Dateline is proud to be “Student
must upload a photo of their Run since Volume One.” We strive to meet the needs
vaccination card on the vac- of a growing university as well as the growing metro-
cination incentive program’s
politan city that surrounds us.
portal between Sept. 3 and
Sept. 30.
UHD senior, Karina Ro- Submission Policy
darte, got her first dose of the The Dateline staff consists of students from UHD
COVID-19 vaccine through who complete all tasks required to produce the news-
UHD and HEB’s on-campus paper, which serves all UHD campuses. The opinions
vaccination event on Aug. and commentaries expressed within reflect the views
26. Rodarte, a chemistry
of the contributing writers. No opinions expressed in
major, is scheduled to receive UPLOAD THE PHOTO OF The Dateline reflect the viewpoints of UHD, its ad-
her second dose on Sept. 17. YOUR VACCINATION CARD
3
“The rewards are extremely ON THE VIP PORTAL ministration, or students.
generous,” Rodarte said. “I The Dateline reserves the right to edit or modify
didn’t expect a year of free submissions for the sake of clarity, content, grammar,
tuition and a semester of free or space limitations. All submissions become property
parking to be options. It just of The Dateline and may not be returned.
shows how much UHD is All paid writers must be currently enrolled stu-
prioritizing student safety!” dents at UHD. All paid writers must also complete
Seeing her close family vendor registration with the University of Houston
members get sick with the System prior to contributing.
first COVID-19 wave back in
Press releases, story ideas, news tips and sugges-
mid 2020 encouraged her to
get vaccinated.
tions are always welcomed. We encourage all students
Some participants could win the following to contribute. Any student interested in joining The
“My parents encouraged
all of their kids to get vaccin- prizes Dateline staff may request more detailed information
ated since the new variant is sending an email to the editor Indira Zaldivar at edi-
much more contagious, pain- Students Faculty & Staff tordatelinedowntown@gmail.com.
ful, and difficult to treat,” Student Debt Waiver 1 year of free parking
Rodarte added.
She said the vaccination
incentive program is “very
(Up to $3,500)
1 year of Free Tuition
& Fees
1 semester of free
parking
$100 Restaurant Gift
Follow us on Social Media!
reassuring” that UHD is 1 Semester of Free Card
“willing to encourage stu- Tuition & Fees $100 Amazon Gift Card
dents to keep themselves and 1 year of free parking
1 semester of free
their family safe.”
@the_dateline
parking
Everyone who partici-
$100 Amazon Gift Card
pated in UHD’s most recent
on-campus vaccination event
is also eligible to participate Credit: Indira Zaldivar
The University of Houston-Downtown
4 GATOR LIFE September 9, 2021
Boxing champ at UHD victory.
“It wasn’t like a
Rocky movie where it
had to convince herself
first that she was capa-
ble of winning.
“thick of it” to “just
keep breathing.”
“You have to really
for three more pro
belts like the powerful
Marlen Esparza in just
CONTINUED FROM And, she went for the was like ‘oh every day Even the most believe in yourself,” 18 months, but college
toughest one first. Es- I wake up and I’m so accomplished profes- Esparza said. “If you can definitely feel like
PAGE 1
parza challenged Ibeth ready!’” sionals struggle with believe in what you’re a series of competitive
In June 2021, Es- Zamora Silva, a Mexi- In fact, Esparza believing in themselves doing, everything is go- events.
parza competed in her can professional boxer admitted she had faced and finding the strength ing to work. It just be- Even when college
toughest competition, who defended the title multiple struggles as to overcome even the comes sticking to it and starts to feel over-
making her Olympic five times. The newly she prepared to “over- hardest of competitions. really just making the whelming as the due
event in 2012 just the pro boxer knew she was come the battle before While recounting worst of it, a process. dates keep coming and
start of hard work and up against a stiff com- the battle happened” how she overcame Because it’s going to be finals creep up ever-so
dedication to succeed petitor but was ready to There were tears, and hardships even when bad, it’s always diffi- quietly and deadly, keep
at the highest level of take on the challenge. there was a lot of build- people didn’t believe cult, it’s always hard to in mind the wise words
professional boxing. Esparza speaks ing that Esparza had to she could beat a tough overcome things and of Esparza, “keep on
Esparza explained out about the mental do to win before win- competitor such as try to conquer things in breathing and you’re
that her 2021 belt was challenges she encoun- ning the big title. Like Zamora Silva, Esparza life.” alright.”
one of four belts a tered along the road to anyone who pursues encouraged Gators who You might not be
boxer can win as a pro. their dreams, Esparza are going through the preparing to compete
Installation entitled “Female Power” by award-winning Houston World champion Marlen Esparza poses with Director of Student
artist Betirri Bengtson features current World Boxing Council Fly- Life Eugene Bernard, Dean of Student Affairs Meritza Tamez,
weight World Title Belt Holder Marlen Esparza,and fellow local Dean of Marilyn Davies College of Business Charles Engler, and
Olympian Emily Chen. Credit: Mckenzie Brewer UHD mascot. Courtesy: UHD website.
New UHD motto
Many students who campaign. feels a close connection
walk the halls of UHD “UHD students are to the challenges many
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
are first-generation stu- innovative pioneers Gators face.
dents, and just as many and leaders. In order to “Fear of failure,
are working individuals be this, you have to be feeling confused, mak-
that break the tradition- determined, dedicated, ing endless sacrifices
al norms of what an and of course, down- to stay in school just to
average college student town!” name a few,” the Dean
is supposed to be. All Dean of Students of Students continued.
these hardworking Meritza Tamez, Ph.D., “Yet like our students,
individuals have chosen says the new brand I was determined to
UHD as their stepping- campaign embodies the earn my degree because
stone for success, right students’ grit at UHD. I knew it was the key
in the heart of one of “Our students come to change not only my
the largest cities in the from different walks life, but my family’s
United States—Hous- of life, many facing life and the lives of
ton, Texas. challenges and hard- others like me.”
Professor of Com- ships along the way, but “Determined.
munication Studies and are determined to reach Dedicated. Downtown”
Director of UHD Cen- their academic goals in best suit a UHD Gator.
ter for Public Deliber- dedication to their per- The new brand cam-
ation, Windy Y. Law- sonal success,” Tamez paign ensures that it
rence, Ph.D., has been said. will continue to pro-
The Dateline’s editor Indira Zaldivar poses with her Week of Wel- a professor at UHD for Tamez graduated as mote excellence that
come t-shirt feauturing the new UHD motto on Sept. 8. Credit: almost 20 years. This a “first-generation stu- has aspired throughout
is what she has to say dent from a single par- the University’s rich
Shaheryar Khan.
about the new brand ent household,” and she history.
The University of Houston-Downtown
GATOR LIFE
September 9, 2021
5
UHD Center for Diversity and
Inclusion honors
Hispanic Heritage Month
BY INDIRA ZALDIVAR come from immigrant
As part of Nation- families,” Hudson
al Hispanic Heritage said. “Our overall
Month, the Center for message will be that Credit: Gean
Diversity and Inclu- ALL are part of the Garcia
sion will once again Gator family and de-
host DreamZone Ally serve to be treated as
raining workshops on such at all time.
Sept. 10 and 29. No exceptions.”
According to CDI
Director John Hudson,
Ph.D., These trainings
provide support, advo-
cacy, resource connec-
tions, and empathetic
listeners for DACA
students, students from
immigrant families, as
well as students who
experience discrimi-
nation and harassment
because they are
perceived to be immi-
grants.
“The goal of these
workshops are to
create opportunities
to educate the cam-
pus community about
DACA and the many
challenges faced by
our students who are
immigrants, perceived
immigrants, or who
Incident on campus starts mental
health discussions
BY AANSA USMANI Club, Ada Clerigo, re- to host discussions
sponded to the incident regarding suicide and
On Sept. 1, the
stating, preventative methods to
Houston Fire Depart-
“This is a reminder reduce further harm to
ment , UHD Campus
to us to be kind and oneself.
Police , and other
compassionate to one If you are interest-
emergency authorities
another...If [you] need ed in attending these
responded to a dis-
someone to talk to, my discussions, email Ada
tressed call regarding
DM’s [direct messages] Clerigo at clerigoa1@
an individual that
are always welcome gator.uhd.edu.
jumped from the Main
and open.” Our thoughts and
Street Bridge.
Clerigo also added, prayers are with the
The individual is
“[UHD’s] Counseling victim and their family
not affiliated or associ-
services are very wel- at this time.
ated with the Universi-
coming, and your first Contact Assistant
ty. Further details will
five semesterly sessions Editor Aansa Usmani at
be released via UHD
are free of charge.” usmania6@gator.uhd.
Media Relations.
In light of Suicide edu if you have devel-
Representative of
Prevention Month, the oping details. Anonym-
UHD’s Psychology
Psychology Club plans ity can be requested.
Credit: Giselle Oviedo
The University of Houston-Downtown
6 NEWS September 9, 2021
Credit: Sarah Ramirez
Chase Giddings becomes Spring ISD’s first Black band director
BY SASHA SMITH directors for being a of stories and differ- you have a kid who
motivation and inspi- ent people who have maybe wants to be a
The first Black
ration, he opened up shaped us, although band director or a music
band director at Andy
about two individuals, these specific people educator or an educa-
Dekaney High School,
his parents, whom he have held the longest tor period and they see
Chase Giddings, is the
normally doesn’t men- impression. an African American
sheer embodiment of
tion or credit too often. Giddings elaborated leader, they say, ‘well,
a student becoming
Despite their passing, on the fact that from maybe I can do that.’”
a teacher. As a native
he shows gratitude for an early age, he was Seeing not only
Houstonian who grew
the discipline and intent always surrounded by how passionate Chase
up in the Aldine area,
of working through the older generation and Giddings is about being
Giddings says that mu-
things they were able to subsequently drawn to an inspiration to these
sic embodied a big part
instill within him. them because of their children, but also how
of his life.
“For a child, the greater knowledge. another steppingstone
He turned this
best thing in the world Speaking on his in such an influential
passion into a drive as
is to make their parents achievement, Giddings school district that has
he went into the band in
happy and proud,” Gid- addressed his feelings become a known trend-
the fifth grade, pursu-
dings said. about being the face of setter.
ing a bachelor’s degree
“They motivate me the first African-Amer- “When you’re the
in music education, a
in their death to con- ican High School Band first guy, you don’t
master’s degree in mu-
tinue to just be a good Director in Spring ISD. want to mess up. You
sic conducting at Sam
representation of them.” “To be honest with don’t want to set the
Houston University, and
Giddings also you, it hasn’t hit me, wrong precedent,” Gid-
finally returning to the
credited his babysitter and it was not as big of dings said.
place, Andy Dekaney
Dorthy Rae for helping a deal to me as it was to Giddings also men- Dekaney High School Band Director
High School, where
raise him. Rae helped other people,” he said. tioned a core belief in Chase Giddings. Courtesy: Spring ISD’s
he fell in love with the
Giddings develop his “To me, it was just a his faith. website.
sound.
outgoing personality culmination of doing “If I get too high,
Giddings prides mentions he never roles he plays as direc-
and his ability to stand the job and doing the just knock me down
himself on the educa- doubted the availability tor, leader, and father,
in front of people, work and just being a bit, but if I get too
tion of students and of this position to him but also as a mentor to
allowing his interper- rewarded for it.” down, just pick me up.”
creation of an appreci- or a route where this is these children that he
sonal relationships with “The school dis- He continues to see
ation of music in their something he would not teaches.
principals and other trict and the school is the opportunity of this
lives. He talks about be able to do. “If it has to do with
school administrators to majority-minority, so role and the path he is
what music and bands The Dekaney band music and it has to do
blossom. I think it’s great and setting for those behind
can contribute to one’s director continues to with kids, I want to be
“I’m a guy of his- it’s always a plus when him as humbling, never
life. utilize this platform and a part of it,” Giddings
tory,” Giddings pro- those students can see wanting to take it for
Although Giddings encourages not only remarked.
claimed, reiterating the themselves in positions granted.
credited former band himself in the multiple
fact we are all built up of leadership . . . when However, he also
Credit: Jeremy Jones
The University of Houston-Downtown
September 9, 2021 NEWS 7
Texas strict abortion bill in effect
BY GEAN GARCIA $10,000. Furthermore,
On Sept. 1, the Agencies such as “Abortion providers
Texas state government abortion clinics are not in Texas estimate that
approved Senate Bill the only ones on the 85% of women who
8 the most restrictive chopping block; Lyft are seeking an abortion
abortion law in the drivers may be penal- are at least six weeks
U.S., to restrict Tex- ized as well. pregnant and would be
as women’s right to The last time any denied care under the
receive an abortion. state had a law banning new state law.”
SB8 bans all abor- abortions goes back In response to this
tions after six weeks, to 1973, when in Roe draconian law, abor-
the beginning of a v. Wade, the Supreme tion clinics in Texas
woman’s first trimester. Court ruled that every shuttered by canceling
However, despite being American woman has a their upcoming appoint-
right to receive an abor- ments. Meanwhile, the Demonstrators protest anti-bortion bill, Senate Bill 8, in front
a law passed by the
State of Texas, the bill tion up to 24 weeks, ride-sharing app Lyft, of the Governor’s Mansion in Austin. Courtesy of Evan L’Roy
will not be enforced by well into her second enraged at the recent via The Texas Tribune.
the state government. trimester accusations, shared a
Instead, it seeks In Texas, SB8 statement via email on Therefore, we have interact with each other thing that is clear is that
to deputize private reduces this period by Sept. 4. created a Driver Legal should change.” for a Texas woman to
citizens, even those eighteen weeks. “This law is incom- Defense Fund to cover Weighing in, the receive an abortion af-
outside of Texas, to sue “By the time a patible with people’s 100% of legal fees for Supreme Court ruled ter six weeks, she will
agencies that perform pregnant woman misses basic rights to priva- drivers sued under SB8 that the Texas law may have to flee to another
or help a woman get her period, she is four cy, our community while driving on our remain in effect for state.
an abortion by giving weeks pregnant,” guidelines, the spirit platform. Riders and now, but it is unclear
the reporter as much as reports The New York of rideshare, and our Drivers: Nothing about whether it will remain
Times. values as a company. how you drive, ride, or for good. The only
Supreme Court blocks Biden administration eviction moratorium
BY SERGIO PRESA the CDC on Aug. 3, it asserts.”
Deadly earthquake hits Haiti
The U.S. Supreme days after the old one The court’s three
Court has struck down expired. liberal justices, Ste-
the CDC’s eviction In June, Justice ven Breyer, Sonia
moratorium, a federal Brett Kavanaugh Sotomayor, and Elena
program that protects wrote an occurrence Kagan dissented on the
renters from eviction and joined four other decision to invalidate
due to economic diffi- justices in upholding the moratorium. Justice
culties caused by the the moratorium. At Stephen Breyer com-
COVID-19 pandemic. the time he did it since pared the injury of the
The court ruled that the program was set to landlords to the injury
Congress must decide expire on July 31. of the tenants in his
on whether to extend As of now, land- dissension. The White
the moratorium. lords’ groups are House has also ex-
However, this is not accusing Biden’s ad- pressed disappointment
the first time an evic- ministration of “games- in the Supreme Court’s
tion moratorium has manship” for reviving ruling.
been addressed to the the moratorium. Several The action taken by
nation’s highest court. administration officials the Supreme Court on
“If a federal eviction said that they did not the moratorium shows
moratorium is to con- believe the Supreme that more of Biden ad-
tinue, Congress must Court would uphold an ministration’s policies
specifically authorize extension of the evic- could face legal chal-
it,” the Supreme Court tion moratorium due lenges.
majority wrote. to Kavanaugh’s occur- Earlier this year,
The eight-page rence. the court also ordered
opinion peace stated The CDC had relied a revival of the Trump
that Congress “was on on an old statute to administration’s Mex-
notice that a further justify the moratorium, ico policy when Biden
extension would almost but the Supreme Court attempted to end it.
surely require new leg- dissents, stating that
islation, yet it failed to the CDC is pointing
act in the several weeks towards a decree that
leading up to the mora- “strains credulity to
torium’s expiration.” believe that this statute
The moratorium grants the CDC the
had been rolled out by sweeping authority that Credit: Giselle Oviedo
The University of Houston-Downtown
8 NEWS September 9, 2021
President Biden orders airstrike in Nangahar Province, Afghanistan
BY GEAN GARCIA Hamid Karzai Interna- wishes America harm, the Islamic State the Middle East. 100,000 people, stuck
tional Airport in Kabul, know this: We will not movement operating Additionally, the to its Aug. 31 with-
On Aug. 28, the
Afghanistan’s capital. forgive. We will not in Afghanistan, as Taliban carry a white drawal deadline.
ISIS member responsi-
The two airport forget. We will hunt recognized by the core flag, whereas ISIS has
ble for coordinating the
bombings, carried you down and make leadership in Iraq and a black one.
Kabul Airport bomb-
out by ISIS-K suicide you pay,” Biden vowed Syria,” reported U.S. Many western
ings that killed 169
bombers, were de- on Aug. 26. journalists Amira Jason countries, such as the
Afghans and 13 U.S.
signed by the Islamic In retaliation to the and Andrew Mines. United Kingdom and
service members was
State to terrorize the terrorist attacks, the ISIS and the Canada, are already
killed, per President
remaining Americans U.S. quickly killed a Taliban are separate ending their evacua-
Joe Biden’s orders.
fleeing Afghanistan, member of ISIS-K, the entities; in fact, they tion efforts and leaving
Two days prior,
CNN reported. Islamic State Khorasan are rival groups. Afghanistan for good.
the terrorists bombed
“To those who Province, on Aug. 28. They envision dif- At the same time,
the Abbey Gate and
carried out this attack, ISIS-K is the ferent implementations the U.S., having
the Baron Hotel of the
as well as anyone who official affiliate of of Sharia law across already evacuated
FDA announces voluntary
COVID-19 third dose,
booster shot
BY AANSA USMANI days after the second dose.
According to Smithso-
On Aug. 12, the Food
nian Magazine, the Biden
and Drug Administration
administration aims to start
announced the voluntary
administrating the boost-
administration of third doses
er shot towards the end of
of Pfizer and Moderna’s
September, beginning with
vaccines in light of growing
healthcare and frontline
COVID-19 cases and vari-
workers and individuals aged
ants.
65 and older.
The FDA also suggested
Dr. Antony Fauci, Direc-
that healthy individuals were
tor of the National Institute
administered a COVID-19
for Allergy and Infectious
booster shot nearly eight
Diseases, spoke to NPR,
months after the admin-
making a case for those with
istration of their second
compromised immune sys-
dose. Despite over half of
tems.
the American population
“[It is] so imminent to
being fully vaccinated,
make sure that we get them
data suggests that in people
boosted so that they would
with compromised immune
be in a protected zone.”
systems, the vaccine’s full
Individuals with al-
protection wanes down over
ready-compromised immune
time, especially as new vari-
systems, hoping that many
ants continue to rise.
individuals whom they
Research on the
socialize with or pass by are
COVID-19 vaccine’s im-
either fully vaccinated or tak-
munity overtime in healthy
ing social-distancing precau-
individuals is still ongoing
tions, rely on herd immunity.
to see if the immunity to
Cases of COVID-19 are
COVID-19 wanes overtime.
rising among the unmasked,
Additionally, the delta
unvaccinated individuals
variant infects vaccinated
amid in-person schooling
individuals, further spreading
returning, as well as pre-pan-
the disease to others, regard-
demic life events such as
less of vaccination status.
concerts, venues, and other
Immunocompromised
physical spaces.
patients are a priority and
eligible to receive the third
dose of COVID-19 vaccine
sooner than majority of
healthy Americans, nearly 28
Credit: Sarah Ramirez
The University of Houston-Downtown
September 9, 2021 OPINIONS 9
Pronouncing people’s names correctly is important
BY AANSA USMANI of which were nowhere accepting the mispro- my fear stemmed from significance to my fam- religion. As I write this
like the pronunciation nunciation, hoping not social anxiety when ily’s culture. my mother chimes in,
Up until the pan-
Áansá. to stir up unnecessary meeting newer people. Hearing the same “Pronouncing some-
demic, I have never
In the aftermath drama or tensions Until the pandemic, meaning from different one’s name correctly
been adamant about
of 9/11, being Mus- amongst others. I remained content with languages like Urdu, is a sign of respect,
pronouncing my name
lim-American was al- At one point, it got the mispronunciations, Arabic, and Persian regardless of whether
correctly. But after
ready challenging from so bad I allowed my believing that those made me appreciate they are around.”
seeing the rise of Vice
enduring Islamopho- junior-year math teach- simple errors would not my name. In the three Now, whenever
President Kamala
bia. I heard hate from er to call me Anya for impact my self-being. languages, my name I introduce myself,
Harris, Harris County
right-wing pundits, to a whole semester. The During the lockdown, I translates to “unmarried I always emphasize
Judge Lina Hidalgo,
hearing anti-Muslim only time she realized began researching my woman, formal term,” the pronunciation and
U.S. Rep. Alexandria
immigration rhetoric her mistake was at South Asian heritage, meaning it is a title for correct others whenev-
Ocasio-Cortez, and
from political party the bi-semester, par- hoping to find a deeper unmarried/widowed er they mispronounce
other prominent women
leaders. ent-teacher conference connection to my East- women in formal occa- or find other ways to
of color, it made me
These issues con- when my biological ern Roots. sions/circumstances. enunciate it. I still have
realize the importance
tributed to my need for father corrected the Through delving Learning these the lingering thought of
of name pronunciation.
constant assimilation, teacher by enunciating into the internet, it aspects made me recall “being a pain” when-
Growing up, I
believing that the more my name in front of dawned on me how my previous struggle of ever I correct others,
always disliked my Pa-
I adopted Western cul- her. my name, despite the wanting to assimilate but then again it is
kistani name, wishing
ture and traditions, the Even in college, special enunciation, further into Western better than being called
I had a simpler Eastern
least likely there would I accepted my name is unique. Instead of culture, hoping that “Anya” for a whole se-
name like “Yasmine” or
be an opportunity to be being mispronounced, having common Paki- it would eradicate mester of high school.
“Sara.” In school, my
discriminated against. fearing that correcting stani or Americanized negative connotations
name would be pro-
This mentality extended them would make me Pakistani names, I was associated with my
nounced as either Ann-
to even my namesake, “a pain to deal with,” given a name that had ethnic background and
sa, A-nasa, or On-za, all
Credit: Giselle Oviedo
The University of Houston-Downtown
10 OPINIONS September 9, 2021
Wearing a mask won’t hurt, but not wearing one could put someone at risk
BY NEFERTARI LANE political, even down CDC, to maximize pro- wearing a mask in What if you just The truth of the
to the existence of the tection from the delta crowded outdoor set- happen to carry the matter is we do not
In the article “Your
virus itself. variant and prevent tings and for activities virus and pass it on? know what kind of ails
Guide to Wearing
At the beginning of spreading the virus to with close contact with What if someone our neighbors have, or
Masks,” the Centers for
the pandemic, no one others, everyone in- others who are not fully becomes ill or dies as their medical condi-
Disease Control and
knew anything. We cluding fully vaccinat- vaccinated. People who a result? What if you tions which puts them
Prevention recommends
attacked the recom- ed individuals should have a condition or are could save a life just by at increased risk. But
unvaccinated people
mended protocols with wear a mask indoors taking medications that wearing a mask? what we can do is be
and anyone aged two
enthusiasm and vigor! and in public areas weaken their immune True character is cautious.
or older, should wear
But as the pandemic of substantial or high system may not be fully what you do when you If it is a hoax, what
a mask public indoor
continues on and on, transmission. Wearing protected even if they think no one is looking. will putting on a mask
places. The CDC also
many of us are expe- a mask over the nose are fully vaccinated. Anyone can be hurt? Nothing but our
suggest people do not
riencing the effects and mouth is required They should continue to affected. The older lady feelings and maybe
need to wear a mask
of pandemic fatigue. on planes, buses, trains, take all precautions rec- at the grocery store your pride. I know it
in outdoor settings,
We have become lax, and other forms of ommended for unvacci- buying necessities. is serious every time I
however one should be
complacent, defiant, public transportation nated people, including The worker in the scroll my timeline and
worn when in areas of
and sometimes angry, traveling into, within, wearing a well-fitted store who cannot afford see a RIP of someone
reported high numbers
trying to go on with our or out of the U.S. This mask until advised to to miss work, and the I know. But it is not
of cases.
everyday lives. includes indoors at U.S. do otherwise by their various others who are about me or my com-
I am not a doctor
Looking for infor- transportation hubs healthcare provider. in public out of necessi- fort.
or any type of expert. I
mation I went to the such as airports and sta- After seeing these ty. It is about everyone
do not even claim to be
CDC’s website. The tions. Travelers are not CDC suggestions, I I cannot rest with around me, everyone
well-read. I try to exist
CDC is a trusted source required to wear a mask cannot understand the the thought that there they come into contact
in the world and do the
to provide solid infor- in outdoor conveyance problem with wearing is a chance that I could with, and everyone they
right thing. The debate
mation. I found the areas (like on open a mask. Wearing masks be the cause of another come into contact with.
about wearing masks
CDC generally recom- deck areas of a ferry or has a two-fold purpose. person’s illness or to Every time I put on my
has become a polarizing
mends wearing masks the uncovered top deck The mask protects you possibly put them at mask, I am a respon-
discussion. Everything
for both vaccinated and of a bus). and others. Regardless risk of death, when all sible citizen doing my
about the virus has
unvaccinated people. Consideration of beliefs we can error I had to do was wear a part.
become debatable and
According to the should be given for on the side of caution. mask.
Credit: Shaheryar Khan
The University of Houston-DowntownSeptember 9, 2021 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
11
Top suicide prevention awareness and mental health talks in media
BY JEMA PANTOJA Markey (Elle Fanning) to her sister’s death, out from their parent’s When Neil’s father, or mistreated Hannah
and Theodore Finch Violet becomes depres- high expectations and Mr. Perry finds out in some way. Hannah
September is
(Justice Smith) as they sed. Finch and Violet’s instead pursue their the truth, he becomes chose to take her own
National Suicide
develop into an intima- trauma brings them dreams and seize the furious and threatens life because she felt
Prevention Awareness
te relationship, all the together and helps them day. to send Neil to military alone in her suffering.
Month, it is a time to
while the two struggle bond but it also makes As a result of school.
raise awareness on
with emotional scars them blind to each Keating’s influence, the Sure that his family
a sensitive and often
from their past. other’s suffering. class found the Dead will never support his
stigmatized topic. It
The film teaches Poet’s Society. dreams, Neil shoots
is important to spread
that even the smallest himself with his father’s
awareness about suicide
moments can mean so- revolver. The film
and educate others on
mething. There’s beauty teaches to seize the day
how we can reach out
and light in the most and that you must strive
and help those in need.
unexpected places even to find your voice.
Throughout cinema,
during dark times and “13 Reasons
there have been several
you can be the bright Why” (2017-2020) is Courtesy: Netflix
films produced that
place. a popular book-to-se-
portray suicide and
In “Dead Poet’s ries adaptation that The series teaches
mental health. Unfor-
Courtesy: Netflix Society” (1989), English discusses suicide and compassion and how
tunately, many films Courtesy: Touch-
Teacher John Kea- mental health. Season when people reach out
glamorize or represent stone Pictures
ting (Robin Williams) one revolved around for help we need to take
suicide as a matter of
The story is about teaches at an all-boys One student, in par- the suicide of Han- them seriously.
aesthetics, for example,
a girl who heals and school known for its ticular, Neil Perry, fol- nah Baker (Katherine Other films that
“Heathers” (1988).
learns to live from a archaic traditions and lows Keating’s advice Langford). Before her discuss suicide and
A film that raises
boy who intends to die. high standards. to seize the day and death, Hannah recorded mental illness are
awareness on suicide
Finch is depressed, Keating’s students auditions for the role 13 tapes, in which she “Perks of Being a
and mental illnesses is
suicidal, anxious, and face enormous pressu- Puck in Shakespeare’s explains a reason why Wallflower” (2012)
“All the Bright Places,”
suffers from bipolar res from their parents “Midsummer Night’s she chose to take her and “Girl, Interrupted”
published by Jennifer
disorder. Each time he and the school. With Dream.” Thanks to the own life. (1999).
Niven in 2015 and later
contemplates suicide he Keating’s help, honor Dead Poet’s Society Each tape corres-
adapted into a film in
writes down something student Neil Perry (Ro- and the play, Neil starts ponded to a different
2020. The film follows
good happens, no bert Sean Leonard) and to relish the freedom person at her high
main characters Violet
matter how small. Due others learn to break being carefree brings. school who had bullied
Earth Day murals keep adorning downtown Houston skyscrapers
BY JAMES JUREWICZ ration is a driving force background. The artists who the others very well. Houston, a city
behind the event as well This particularly contributed are Amol The murals are spon- known for industri-
Nestled within the
as the murals. potent mural with a Saraf and Usagi Was- sored by Port Houston alization, is home to
towering skyscrapers in
“Bee Sweet to strong message jux- abi, Melissa Aytenfisu, and Green Mountain many chemical and
downtown Houston, 13
Honeybees” reads one taposes a peaceful Meenr, Betirri, Renee Energy as well as the oil businesses, which
original artistic murals
sign, adorned with the life in the rainforest Martinez, Hannah Citizens’ Environmen- contributes large parts
adorn the walkway of
familiar bear sha- with the busy towers Bull, Chelsea Mariah, tal Coalition. of the city’s economy
Discovery Green. The
ped honey dispenser, of downtown Hous- Dual, Gelson D. Lemus On a sunny day, and are still important
murals are a representa-
flowers and a gigantic ton. (w3r3on3), Empire, Kill the murals are worth and relevant.
tion of Houston that the
bee all in a familiar The beautiful Joy, and Max Guar- taking a trip over to the It is still imperative
artists wish for in the
Texas style. artwork was completed naccia. downtown park. that everyone try to
future.
Another mural by 13 winning app- Each artist offe- The murals simul- maintain a green mind-
The murals were
reads in large, stylized licants from a grand red their view of how taneously blend with set to ensure the future
introduced to the public
lettering “The Earth total of 111 submitted Houston will hopefully the surroundings of the of humanity as well as
during the Green
has music for those who art pieces is from both have an environmental- park while also stan- the planet we call home.
Mountain Energy
listen,” with a painting an environmental ly-friendly future. ding out at Discovery The Earth Day Mu-
Event, “Earth Day.”
of the Earth floating in standpoint as well as a The work of art Green rals will be on display
Environmental conside-
space looming in the one of the communities. relates and matches until Oct. 31.
Mural by Houstonian Gelson D. Lemus “Bee Good to Honey Bees” mural by local Mural by local artist Chelsea Mariah.
(w3r3on3). Credit: James Jurewicz Hannah Bull. Credit: James Jurewicz Credit: James Jurewicz12 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT September 9, 2021
‘Tuca and Bertie’ explores toxic relationships
BY VARAH THORNTON ship of two women relationship important more to do with what despite the challenges Season 2 culmina-
navigating everyday life and why honesty, or a she thinks is supposed we see them face. In tes in Tuca and Bertie
“Tuca and Ber-
in an overtly animated lack of it, plays a role in to happen. The most Season 2, Bertie is finally confronting the
tie” Season 2 tackled
world. how healthy we percei- poignant exploration of committed to getting elephant in the room
the subtleties of toxic
Season one served ve them to be. Tuca’s insecurity arises therapy after Season while literally fighting
relationships and the
mostly to establish the One of the main in the form of Kara, 1, which explored the to save not only their
nuance that therapy has
world of Bird Town and explorations of this voiced by Sasheer many personal traumas friendship, but their
to offer.
the various forms of season is that of Tuca’s Zamata. she has endured across lives.
Originally premi-
creatures that inhabit it. love life. At the end of After two episodes, her life. The voice casting is
ered on Netflix, Tuca
Season two challenges the previous season, Kara turns out not to be The show does a stellar, and the anima-
and Bertie found a new
the main characters’ Tiffany Haddish, who what the audience, or good job of contras- tion is just loose enough
home at Adult Swim
confidence in themsel- voices the tucan charac- Bertie for that matter, ting the healthy and to make you wonder
after some behind the
ves and the meaningful ter had become sober was expecting. unhealthy ways in if everything you’re
scenes controversy.
relationships they keep. and was determined to Speaking of Bertie, which Tuca and Bertie seeing is real.
Similar in tone to
From parental, find a love of her own. voiced by Ali Wong, process their grief and Tuca and Bertie is
Bo Jack Horseman,
romantic and inner But Tuca has some her relationship with troubles while doling currently streaming on
the sweet intensity of
relationship, the show pretty high standards her boyfriend Speckle, out genuine therapeutic Netflix and AdultSwim.
Bertie paired with the
dissects just what that have less to do voiced by Steven Yeun, advice that viewers can com.
chaotic nature of Tuca
makes each type of what she wants and is a healthy comfort take as they will.
paints a vibrant friend-
Thriller ‘Stillwater:’ mesmerizing gem amid strained film-making
BY JAMES JUREWICZ His journey starts off as unhealthy. by his mother-in-law, so as an observer of almost as if he is finally
rocky, as he does not Bill is a man who is Sharon (Deanna Duna- real people rather than a acclimating to his new
“Stillwater” staring
speak or understand determined, but unfor- gan). Allison’s mother cinematic tool. life in France.
Matt Damon is
French. tunately, he insists on was also an addict and The performances “Stillwater” is a
a crime drama from
One day during doing things his own died of a drug overdose. coupled with truly fantastic film and the
director Tom McCarthy.
Bill’s trip, he assists way. When Bill is accu- Bill eventually moves professional production crime/drama label
There is something un-
Maya (Lilou Siauvaud), sed of sounding like in with the family. and post-production verges on thriller. There
settling about the film
a young girl who is an American when he The question does offers a film ripe with is a sad and determined
trailer for “Stillwater.”
locked out of her hotel relays his only concern linger as to whether he verisimilitude. Matt desperation within the
The viewer is given
room. This leads to is getting his daughter stays with the family Damon’s performance father to save his daug-
enough information to
Maya’s mother Vir- out of prison, his res- to be with Virgine, or is fantastic’ and possib- hter.
be aware of the film’s
gine (Camille Cottin) ponse is “Good, I am.” to redeem his failed le Oscar bait. The film is long,
premise, but the trai-
befriending Bill and The European cha- fatherhood nurturing The authenticity 140 minutes (about two
ler’s tone is enough to
offering assistance to a racters are all curious if Maya. put into the character is and a half hours) total,
cause audience concern
man far removed from Bill owns any firearms. Tom McCarthy’s the product of a con- but the pacing is swift
for the main character.
his element. Much to their delight, directing offers a film summate professional. and mesmerizing.
The film strays far
As far as Bill’s he owns two, a shotgun of the plight of a despe- The accent is consistent The audience only
from any formula, and
acclimation to his new and a Glock. rate man in unfamiliar and believable and his spends a brief time
the unpredictability of
world, he keeps close At one point there territory. The film inter- posture and movement in the titular city of
the plot was refreshing.
to his American roots. is a question as to who sperses his tense search resemble a man who Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Matt Damon as Bill
Best Western is his Bill is more connected with tender moments in has lived a life of hard It is worth seeing for
Baker offers a talented
choice of hotels. He still to between the mother a makeshift family. physical work. Damon’s performance
performance of a bro-
eats at Subway instead and daughter. It is al- McCarthy is res- Marseille serves alone, as “Stillwater”
ken man doing his best
of experiencing food most as if his eventual ponsible for the anima- as both the setting and stands out as a gem in a
to right his past wrongs.
from the nation who romantic relationship ted tearjerker “UP,” by filming location and is a weak summer for mo-
Bill makes it clear to
coined the term “cuisi- with Virgine is only a Disney. His direction character in itself. The vies due to the ongoing
the audience he is ready
ne.” side effect of his bond and writing on the 2015 vibrant life of the city is COVID-19 pandemic
to do anything it takes
Bill also does not with Maya. film “Spotlight” won apparent in the scenes and subsequent surge of
to free his daughter.
speak French in the His fatherly attitude the Oscars for Best Ori- filmed on the beautiful the delta variant.
A Roughneck from
film, nor does it seem toward the young girl is ginal Screenplay and French streets. “Stillwater” was
Stillwater Oklahoma,
like he is learning. Du- an apparent attempt to Best Picture. “Stillwater” gives released on July 30 in
Bill, an oil worker
ring a scene where Bill make up for his absence McCarthy’s range the viewer a taste of theaters as well as onli-
relocates to Marseil-
is tasked with making in his own daughter’s as a talented writer the city culture through ne, on-demand apps for
le, France in order to
dinner for Maya and life. and director shows in an “Olympique de home theater.
exonerate his daughter
her mother Virgine, he In the film the au- “Stillwater,” which he Marseille” match, the
Allison (Abigail Bres-
sticks to the American dience learns that Bill is also produced. There city’s local soccer club.
lin) of murdering her
staple of hamburgers, a recovering addict and are scenes in which the Bill attends the soccer
roommate and lover.
which Virgine regards his daughter was raised camera functions more match with Maya,
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