NY Hispanic Cosmetology & Beauty Chamber of Commerce Empowers Aspiring Business Owners
Photo from the 2019 Beauty Gala of Excellence. (Photo Credit: Charito Cisneros)
By Natalie Nuñez
The New York Hispanic Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce helps immigrants start businesses in the beauty industry from Lehman’s off-site campus CUNY on the Concourse. Founded by Charito Cisneros, the non-profit center provides workshops, training, certifications, networking opportunities and job placement services, as well as yearly symposiums throughout New York City where lawyers and representatives from the Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Services among others, give guidance to aspiring beauty entrepreneurs.
Cisneros, who has spoken widely on TV and radio, as well as in Washington D.C. alongside former President George W. Bush, was once in the same position as many of her clients. She immigrated to the United States from Ecuador in 1972, and after working in factories for some time, decided to study cosmetology and become a beauty teacher.
Like many immigrants, Cisneros felt that the US was a land of opportunity, and she wanted to share her knowledge with others. The lack of support and guidance in her community is what inspired her to start The New York Hispanic Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce.
The New York based organization primarily serves Latin American clients but is not exclusive to New Yorkers or Hispanics.
“We have worked with clients from all nationalities from Koreans, to Jamaicans and Italians; we’ve used translating technology to help them. Our clients have also come from all over the U.S., even as far as Texas,” said Cisneros.
Lehman students and Bronx residents praised the organization's initiative and impact.
Business owners receiving awards. (Photo Credit: Charito Cisneros)
“Cisneros has helped me tremendously in starting my business and many others that I have referred. I am very grateful for her service,” said Magda Oquendo, a long-time client who owns a successful beauty salon in Queens. “I came from Ecuador to the United States in 1993 and met Cisneros in 2008 after seeking to obtain a license of cosmetology.”
“I think it’s a great concept to help educate and guide future professionals in this industry, to have a base or foundation and know where to go,” said Ericka Acevedo, a junior health administration major.
Rosario Ricketts, a 24-year-old Political Science major at Lehman, agreed: “I think it’s a great initiative that will provide opportunity to an economically marginalized group. The beauty industry is growing very fast with social media and influencers. I’m pleased that this organization is helping people of Hispanic/Latin [background] access this industry.”
Noticing that many people were not being recognized as professionals, despite having credentials in the beauty industry back in their countries of origin, Cisneros has traveled to countries like the Dominican Republic where many of her students migrated from. She wanted to learn about the process of licensing and certifications and whether or not these can count towards opening a business in the U.S. Along with her team, she helps verify the legitimacy of clients’ diplomas and certificates from their country, as she believes the success of any industry requires constant education and updates on the practical and legal aspects of a business.
“Organizations like this give people opportunity to keep their families afloat, while providing a service to the community they’re in, which is a win for everyone.”
The chamber also helps clients obtain grants and loans to start their businesses. It holds a yearly Beauty Gala of Excellence that serves as a fundraising event as well as networking opportunity for clients and sponsors of the organization.
“Immigrants come to this country looking to work and earn a better life for themselves and their children,” said Joseph Deleeuw, a 23-year-old nursing major at Lehman. “Organizations like this give people opportunity to keep their families afloat, while providing a service to the community they’re in, which is a win for everyone.”
The center is currently helping clients obtain federal assistance during the pandemic, as many small businesses, including beauty salons, had to close their doors indefinitely.
“We are telling our clients to remain calm and take the necessary precautions with their businesses,” said Cisneros. “There is an American Dream, but we have to know what steps to take and work hard daily to obtain it. The triumph of someone who has left our office is a triumph for all of us.”
Soderbergh's Timely Thriller Forecasts Life in Pandemic
The DVD release cover of “Contagion.” (Image courtesy of IMDB.)
By Michael Omoruan
As the Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on a worldwide scale, many are looking to the 2011 movie “Contagion” for terrifying deja vu. It is a film that feels less like a Hollywood blockbuster and more like a nail-biting documentary of the present.
The plot feels familiar to anyone surviving the current pandemic: a new virus slowly spreads among people worldwide, starting in Minnesota and London, then all the way to Tokyo.
Directed exceptionally well by Steven Soderbergh and set in the midst of the holiday season, “Contagion” shows how family gatherings multiply the public’s exposure to the virus, a side effect of seasonal travel, allowing it to reach across all corners of the world.
Strong performances from its main and supporting cast bring the film to life.
The standouts are definitely Jude Law’s portrayal of a popular online journalist named Alan Krumwiede, who is looking for answers to how the virus spread so fast, while Ellis Cheever (Lawrence Fishburne), lead member of the CDC, tries his best to contain the situation.
At a crucial moment in the film, when test trials begin to seek a vaccine to combat the virus, the two butt heads and their superb delivery during this climactic encounter will have viewers forgetting that they're watching a film, and not real life.
The film shares many commonalities with the current state of the world, the biggest being the spread of COVID-19.
On a Chinese farm, a bat flies in eating a piece of banana that soon falls in front of a pig. The pig eats it not long before being slaughtered and taken to be prepared by a chef who shakes hands with the main character Beth at the casino she was in, eventually infecting her. According to several reports from the CDC, bats may have been the cause of the coronavirus spreading all over the world.
The film also talks in length about the power of digital media and how online sources are quickly overshadowing print media outlets for spreading information.
Alan Krumwiede runs an online blog called “Truth Serum Now,” which he boasts has over 12 million readers. He taunts a San Francisco Chronicle writer that his blog gets more hits than his paper and will soon put them out of business.
Krumwiede live streams on his site, feigning illness from the virus and uses a holistic oil to “cure” himself, which also felt like a premonition by Soderbergh and Burns. Similarly, radio show host Alex Jones recently promoted his own so-called cure for the coronavirus during a livestream, according to an article by the New Yorker.
Damon’s portrayal of a father slowly watching his world crumble is extremely powerful. Viewers will relate to the escalation of his paranoia as riots ensue when shortages for a newly discovered treatment arises. He panics throughout the film whenever he’s with his daughter Jory as he tries to make sure she doesn't get infected.
Kate Winslet, who plays an epidemiologist researching the spread of the virus, cleverly conveys how dangerous the work of health officials can be, when her character also eventually succumbs to the symptoms of the illness. Marion Cotillard plays Dr. Leonara Orantes, another epidemiologist, who gets abducted by a group of Chinese government officials and used as bait to obtain first access to a cure for their village.
“Contagion” showcases how different facets of society react to a modern pandemic with impressive accuracy. The riot scenes and laboratory scenes with scientists suggest how stressful and overwhelmed many of these essential workers must feel.
It is one of a whole sub-genre of films that deal with novel viruses, among which are “The Flu” in 2013, a South Korean film about an airborne strain of the H5N1 virus in Seoul; “Carriers” in 2009 starring Chris Pine of “Star Trek” fame, about two brothers and friends escaping a virus spread; and “Outbreak” in 1995, a story that stars Dustin Hoffman and Morgan Freeman about a smuggled monkey virus air-spread from into the United States.
Despite the heavy and dark subject matter of “Contagion,” it still ends on a rather optimistic note: the government has begun administering vaccines based on birthdays and begins to call out dates through a lottery-based system, due to the limited supply. Since the film so closely resembles our current reality, I would only suggest watching this if you really enjoy medical dramas/thrillers.
Spanish Show ‘Elite’ Takes on New Topics
Season 3 premiered on March 13. (Photo Credit: IMD)
By Mayte Peña
Spanish teen drama and thriller, “Elite” explores sexuality, religion, drugs and murder-related topics in new, nuanced ways, making it a gripping viewing experience.
Created for Netflix by Carlos Montero and Dario Madrona, “Elite” follows the adventures of a group of students who attend the prestigious school Las Encinas. The Spanish show has been breaking boundaries from the very first season by addressing serious issues teens deal with today, allowing fans to contemplate these issues in their own lives. Polyamorous relationships are rarely, if ever, shown on-screen in popular culture, but “Elite” is respectful in its portrayal of the relationship between the main characters Polo, Carla and Christian.
Season one introduces three new working-class students given scholarships to attend Las Encinas High: outgoing Christian, (Miguel Herrán), who gets involved in a polyamorous relationship with two wealthy students, along with Nadia (Mina El Harmmani), the ambitious daughter of Palestinian immigrants, and Samuel (Itsan Escamilla),who becomes close to Marina, a student whose father has funded their scholarship. What begins as a teen drama about how they try to fit in at their new school quickly transforms into a classic whodunit.
Elite broke Netflix during its premiere day. (Photo Credit Variety)
When it’s revealed that Marina has been murdered, Nadia, Samuel and Christian find themselves pulled into a web of mysteries and deceit. Flash-forwards to Marina’s death drive the action of the plot within seasons one and two, dropping hints about the killer’s identity.
Elite’s third season premiered on March 13, adding to a compelling new twist of these high Scholler’s stories. Just as things seems to be winding down after the mystery of Marina’s murder was solved, another death leaves the students desperate for answers.
As the season progresses, conflict between characters are revealed while new and old romances come into play. The clues fed to the viewers keep them guessing until the very last moments of the season, a thrilling adventure full of drama and suspense.
In season three we have polyamorous love between Polo and his new girlfriend Cayetana and Valerio who becomes their sexual game, as in season one with Carla and Christian.
In exploring the polyamorous, “Elite” reassures its audience that it is acceptable to have or experiment with open relationships, a testament to the many forms love can take.
“Elite” is a breath of fresh air to teen audiences: its hyper focus on the glamorous lives of the wealthy and privileged is an addictive escape, reminiscent of “Gossip Girl,” but unlike that show from the early 2000s, it features a diverse cast of characters with different backgrounds, religions and places of origin.
It is a must-see for anyone who loves drama, mysteries and fast-paced thrillers; viewers can see themselves in the characters, providing representation that is desperately needed in the teen drama genre today.
Pandemic Fallout Leaves More Students Hungry
By Kadija Doumbia
Economic hardship from COVID-19 policies puts more students at risk of going hungry, making an already present problem worse. About 48 percent of CUNY and 55 percent of Lehman students had experienced food insecurity within the past 30 days, according to the Bronx Free Press.
“We do not have concrete numbers of how much the COVID-19 crisis is affecting food insecurity among Lehman students,” said David Charcape, Assistant Director for the Office of Campus Life. “However, testimonials from students using the pantry tells us that they are struggling to make ends meet more than ever before.”
“Before COVID-19, I was going to the Lehman pantry every week, which was a great help. Thanks to the Lehman pantry, in the time that I have been studying, I have not had a food insecurity problem,” nutrition major Mary Morfe told the Meridian.
“Before the Coronavirus happened in New York, we always had students coming into the food pantry,” said Suzette Ramsundar, associate of campus life. “When we started this food pantry, we had about 50 students per week. Late last year, our numbers really increased to where we had 80 to 100 students per week.”
A 2018 survey from the Hope Center reported that Lehman has a higher than average food insecurity rate, with 75 percent of Lehman students facing food insecurity, and 61 percent unable to afford a well-balanced meal. This means that even before the pandemic, students often skipped meals to stretch their limited food supply into the next day.
Now with increased unemployment rates comes greater need.
"I live in a household of five, so it never covers all of us, but if I am cooking just for me it lasts over a week. I go whenever I really need it, maybe once a month,” said 21-year-old sophomore studio art major Sharaah Aquino. “Me and my mother work in beauty salons, which are now closed, so we did lose our jobs temporarily. My dad fell really sick earlier this year so he’s been out of his job for a while.”
Since March 17, Lehman’s Food Bank has changed its schedule to maintain social distancing, with students now only allowed to come by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Prior to the change, the food bank was open three days a week, on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Student volunteers and workers still work for the food bank remotely.
“I usually work for the food bank during the semester as a paid position, not a volunteer,” said political science major Alicia Rodriguez-Allie. “However, due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, I have been working for the food bank from home assisting students virtually in support of the employees who are still going in person."
As of April 9, the Lehman Food Bank announced via e-mail that their physical pantry service was switching to a digital service by offering students e-gift cards to supermarkets such as Target and registrations to Fresh Direct’s five-borough food drive. This lets students shop for food online and receive it to their homes, rather than taking the trek to the campus to get their food.
Students can also apply for greater relief sources such as the Lehman Cares Student Emergencies Fund and the Carroll and Milton Petrie Student Emergency Grant Fund, which gives up to $500 to cover basic needs. Multiple relief sources also let them know when the food is available in their neighborhoods.
“It is a fulfilling job knowing that what I am doing is directly benefiting the students,” said Rodriguez-Allie.
Lehman Goes Remote Amid COVID-19 Crisis
Lehman campus seen empty. (Photo Credit: Perla Tolentino)
By Deanna Garcia
“We’re careful not to say that Lehman is ‘closed’ because we are still an active community – we’re still Lehman and we’re still here for our students even though most of us are not physically on campus,” said Dean of Students Stanley Bazile.
Lehman’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was followed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s decision to close all CUNY and SUNY campuses on March 11.
Prior to the closure, only one case of a Lehman student feeling ill was reported on March 5, but the student assumed it was allergies. The student, whose identity was kept confidential, attended classes in Lehman’s Carman and Davis Halls on March 5, 7, 9 and 11. President Daniel Lemons informed the community on March 16 via email: “The areas visited by the student on those dates have been thoroughly cleaned by our custodial staff as part of their ongoing proactive cleaning measures.” Classmates and professors of the student were told to go into a “precautionary quarantine” for 14 days after attending the class.
On March 22, Cuomo ordered the entire state to go on “PAUSE”, or “Policies Assure Uniform Safety for Everyone,” which forces all nonessential workers to remain home, maintain a 6-foot distance from others and wear masks while in public. According to MSNBC, PAUSE will be extended until May 15.
Some Lehmanites felt the closure should have happened sooner.
COVID-19 drive-thru testing site at Lehman's parking lot. (Photo Credit: Perla Tolentino)
“The wait could have jeopardized more students if the person had gotten sick earlier,” said Amman Ahmad, a junior journalism major. “The virus is reaching people at a great amount, so it wouldn’t surprise me if others contracted it as well.”
Others were worried about succeeding at distance learning for the remainder of the semester.
Joseph Flaz, freshman biomedical engineering major, mentioned that learning for his math and science classes online will be a challenge for him. “Having to learn all of this from home will be difficult, but it’s better than prolonging the spread of the virus around campus.”
“I’ve maintained my high GPA and I would like to keep it that way, but I have a fear that this new experience with remote learning could jeopardize it,” said Katerina Sopilidis, senior English literature major with a minor in childhood education. She wants Lehman to make it clear to professors to remain patient with their students during this pandemic.
Music department Chair Diana Mittler-Battiapaglia, told the Meridian that some courses such as music history and music theory, were able to convert to online learning. However, ensemble courses are seeing some difficulty.
“You can’t coordinate sounds coming from various sources even if we call a Zoom meeting; it’s not like everyone is in the same place,” she explained. “If I were to accompany them, it’s almost impossible to synchronize sounds.” This resulted in students in courses with vocals and instruments individually video chatting with their professors.
To address increased student precarity, on April 2 the CUNY Board of Trustees approved a flexible grading policy for spring 2020. All students have the option of converting all of their (A-F) letter grades to Credit/No Credit for their courses.
Road sign let drivers know Lehman's testing site is appointments-only. (Photo Credit: Perla Tolentino)
“I have a fear that this new experience with remote learning could jeopardize [my GPA].”
Lehman is also trying to provide adequate tech support for students who lack necessary resources. The college has received over 500 loan laptop applications for devices towards the beginning of April, according to Bazile. CUNY sent out 30,000 laptops for students in need to continue the semester. So far 200 new Lehman-purchased Chromebooks and about 23 iPads, loaned from Lehman’s Leonard Lief Library, have been sent out through UPS. An additional 200 new Chromebooks were expected to ship by April 4.
Bazile told the Meridian that essential staff from the IT, Student Affairs and Administration and Finance Departments gather in a large room, while practicing social distancing and wearing protective gear, to prepare each device before sending them to students.
Although students and faculty are not on campus for classes, an appointment-only drive through testing site was put in Lehman’s parking lot on March 23, which is still open for residents, and is providing 500 tests daily. The site is only accommodating appointments for people in their 50s, immunocompromised and displaying symptoms.
“As humans, we need to unite, help each other out and make sure we are all staying inside,” said Ahmad. “The best way to battle a virus without a current cure is to fight from home.”
Transition to Online Learning is Harder for Some Classes
Lehman’s technology center. (Photo Credit: Lehman’s Flickr account)
By Allen Mena
Since the Lehman campus closed on March 12, all faculty and staff have had to switch to online technology to provide distance learning and other services. As Lehmanites work to adapt to the new systems, some are facing greater challenges.
“The transition to online hasn’t been bad, but there are some technical difficulties that happen during classes that have to do with Zoom and Blackboard,” said Emmet O’Boy, a sophomore English major. O’Boy noted that keeping a stable connection to these platforms during online classes was his primary problem, along with apps having server-side problems and professors having poor Wi-Fi connections.
Muhamed Yasser, a sophomore computer science major, did not find online learning problematic. “I haven’t had many problems with the online format besides deadlines changing during the transition period,” he said.
Richie Castillo, a junior acting major, also found the transition workable. “Despite obstacles regarding the coronavirus, Lehman is still doing what they can,” he said. “I haven’t really had many challenges because I did not expect classes to even continue.”
However, undeclared sophomore, Rebekah Gamble had some frustrations with online learning. “My house is sometimes loud during classes and that can make it very hard to focus during lessons,” she said. “However, my overall experience has been good.”
Other students had less optimistic views on the transition and more trouble with online platforms.
Amy Figueroa, a sophomore communications and media studies major, said she has faced some difficulties with online classes. “Some difficulties that I have encountered during online learning is viewing the material,” she said. “Some of my professors are not prepared to use Zoom or Blackboard Collaborate. Sometimes it is very hard to view our class work or any material they have ready for class.”
“Some of my professors are not prepared to use Zoom or Blackboard Collaborate.”
Britney Delgado, an Anthropology, Biology, and Chemistry Major who is graduating in 2023, noted: “One difficulty that I’ve encountered is finding the motivation to complete classwork; ever since this shift to online classes, it feels as though our workload has significantly increased.”
Classes that have aspects that need to be conducted in the classroom are also struggling. Learning modes that require students to be physically in a classroom need to be adjusted to find compromises that enable convenient learning for students.
Music and Dance Departments students, for instance, are not able to dance in large enough rooms because they are confined to their homes.
“Distance and remote learning is new to me, and frankly, I feel completely out of my depth,” said Michael Manswell, a dance professor at Lehman. “However, I believe this situation presents an opportunity for me to practice and include distance learning in all my courses. The learning curve has been steep.”
“It has also underscored the fact we NEED to meet ‘in person’ for some courses to be truly successful. Some Dance, Music & Theater courses cannot be taught solely online,” said Manswell. He added that the Department’s main emphasis is, “to keep the class schedule as close to the planned one as possible for the sake and comfort of the students.”
Healthcare Workers Overwhelmed with COVID-19 Crisis
(Photo Credit: Pixabay)
By Denise Phillip
“The hysteria nurses are feeling stems from the guidelines constantly being changed by the CDC about the way COVID-19 is transmitted; we feel exposed,” said Vinessa Lee, a 5-year veteran Registered Nurse at NY Presbyterian Hospital who also tested positive for the virus. “First, they thought the virus was airborne and we needed the N95 respiratory mask. Then, they told us we didn’t need them. Now, they have us reusing our equipment because of shortages.”
(Photo Credit: Airman 1st class Taylor D. Slator)
New York City has become the epicenter of the pandemic, with 136,806 confirmed cases, 18,569 hospitalized, 3,120 in the ICU, and about 10,344 deaths, which represents 43 percent of confirmed cases in the United States as of April 20, according to the New York Times. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio reiterated hispleas for the city’s need for more equipment, and medical workers echoed this demand.
“I’m stressed because we don’t have enough PPE (personal prevention equipment) to work with. Also, my unit is designated for all COVID-19 positive patients in the hospital. It’s a little scary,” said Lee.
“I have moments where I feel overwhelmed and felt myself getting emotional because of the people being admitted with COVID-19 and the feeling of being helpless,” said a Lehman student and Infection Prevention Liaison at New York Presbyterian Hospital who asked to remain anonymous about the stress of working on the front line during this pandemic.
The need is especially severe in the Bronx, which is home to more than 60 percent of New York City's very low-income residents and also leads in hospitalizations with 27,014, and 2,245 deaths, the New York Times reported. It noted that Bronx residents are twice as likely to succumb to COVID-19 and are dying at double the rate because of pre-existing health conditions linked to coronavirus complications, and a lack of access to healthcare.
Bronx’s Lincoln Medical and Mental Health reported having very few remaining ventilators for patients, while in Brooklyn, doctors at Kings County Hospital Center said supplies have gotten so scarce that they are reusing masks. Workers were setting up separate areas to manage COVID-19 patients, because of the overcrowded E.R. waiting rooms, according to CNN.
Nurses and doctors are not the only healthcare workers on the frontlines. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and first responders are also the first line of defense during this pandemic, and also find themselves struggling for adequate protection.
(Photo Credit: Pixabay)
“We are being asked to sanitize and reuse our N95 masks that are meant to be used once,” Ashley DeJesus, a 3-year FDNY EMS worker, told the Meridian “We are running out of PPEs and are running into dire situations with less protection on. It’s honestly no secret that the entire healthcare system is currently in crisis mode, but we need more protective equipment.”
She also stated that during the month of March, 6,406 calls were made daily to 911 citywide, by people with COVID-19 related illnesses. “We are overwhelmed by the volume of people calling 911,” she said. “We want people to be mindful and only call us in life-threatening emergencies only because there are people that are severely ill and need our attention.”
The Fire Department of New York confirmed that more than 20 percent of the EMS workforce were out sick, according to CNN.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sending 250 ambulances and 500 EMTs and paramedics to help the city contend the crush of calls to 911 during the pandemic, Mayor de Blasio’s office said in a press conference.
“It’s honestly no secret that the entire healthcare system is currently in crisis mode, but we need more protective equipment.”
To help with the demand for medical supplies, Lehman’s Biology and Chemistry Departments donated 165 N95 respirator masks, 50 pairs of slip-on medical shoe covers and boxes of latex gloves to Montefiore Medical Center, the University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Lehman’s high-quality nursing education programs are designed to train aspiring nurses to take the lead in health issues that impact both the local community and the world.
The school isn’t unscathed in the pandemic as they mourn the loss of Lehman alumni Freda Ocran, former head nurse of Jacobi Medical Center who worked on the front lines, and the stepfather of former nursing student Walkiris Cruz-Perez.
“We can take precautions to protect ourselves and healthcare officials by washing our hands and practicing social distancing, along with wearing a face covering when possible,” says Giovanni Rodriguez, a Lehman Nursing student.
Student Playwriting Festival Captures Voices of a Budding Generation
Performers in the Student Playwriting Festival (Photo Credit: Lehman's Theater & Dance Department)
By Esgardo Castelan
This year’s Lehman’s Student Playwriting Festival, held annually at the Studio Theater, featured five unique family-oriented plays written and performed by Lehman students and alumni. The plays focused on life events such as workplace romances, explosive Thanksgiving dinners, and tragic degenerative memory loss; the one that ran from Feb. 26 to Feb. 29 culminated with a collaborative act.
The original short plays included “Remember Me” by Damarilee Alvarado, selected as one of ten plays to be featured at CUNY’s Theater Festival at City College in March, “Playing Around” by Raelene Holmes, “Pure White” by Myles McNeal, “Just Say Hi” by Francisco Morales, and “Thanksgiving” by Princess Thomas. They were all produced in four weeks in coordination with faculty Director Stephanie Stowe.
Morales’ “Just Say Hi” is about a romance that simply couldn’t flourish despite plenty of chances, due to characters’ self-doubt and overthinking. It stars two office coworkers who work on different floors battling with mutual romantic feelings. Morales cleverly uses asides to show close glimpses of the characters, who constantly run into each other on the elevator.
The story reaches its climax when both characters tell each other what they want, a twist that drives the plot into an unexpected direction, while maintaining the wish for a happily-ever-after. In essence, the fast-paced, funny and charming tale teaches a lesson of letting chances slip away. Anyone who ever had a crush can easily relate to the protagonists’ awkward and silly interactions as they attempt to maintain some semblance of work etiquette.
Thomas’ “Thanksgiving” brings high tension from the onset, as Monica, 18, and 30-something Anna and Deborah, hurl passive-aggressive insults at each other during their family's holiday dinner, discovering burdens and secrets neither of them can hide any longer.
Their exchange reveals that both Monica and Anna strove to secure a comfortable life for Monica who was born into poverty in which Anna, who is innocent of all family grudges, couldn’t really make ends meet. The characters who initially act hostile towards each other eventually reconcile their differences and work together to keep the family whole.
(Photo Credit: Lehman's Theater & Dance Department)
Thomas does an excellent job representing the many families who sadly fall victim to their grudge-holding habits, highlighting the importance of family unity during difficult times and the dangers of keeping secrets. It’s a heartwarming testament to the strength of family and women that reaffirms family values, honesty and communications while maintaining a light tone through sheer melodrama.
In Alvarado’s “Remember Me,” the character Harley wanders near a coffee shop during a snowstorm. She waits under the storm with a friend, Gabriel, who she eventually recognizes after realizing it is not the first time she’s entered the shop, as it is not clear at first that the barista already knows the protagonist. The audience learns the truth of her illness and memory loss along with her.
The interplay between the two suggests a romantic undertone, and spectators can’t help but wish they had known each other under different circumstances. The plot is a tragic love story without the love, that shows taking care of others is a chivalrous act and a virtue that can go a long way.
“Pure White Ash” is about a gang that has been taking hits and there is a price for their gang leader. The drama comes down to who the gang leader can trust because there is a mole in the gang.
“Play Around” focuses on 21st century dating with smart phones and dating apps. It shows how people can be who they really are in person but not online. When Trina Farina-a woman who wants to get some attention, meets Tom-a man up to no good in the woods, it doesn’t end well.
Together, the plays reveal how young adults are living and feeling in today’s world.
PTS3 STEM Program Funding Cut Will Hurt STEM Students
(Photo Credit: Jamie Camino)
By David Kolade
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students will lose major opportunities to gain research experience on campus when the Pathways to Student STEM Success’ (PTS3) program funding comes to an end in Sept. 2021.
“As the PTS3 program comes to an end, our students who remain at the college post the program’s last day may lack in services,” said Rafael Gonzalez, PTS3 program campus director and mathematics adjunct lecturer at Lehman. “For instance, although Lehman has a career and advising center, our students benefited in having their own advisor with an intrusive model.”
“PTS3 students also benefited from access to electronic devices, tutoring for STEM courses and math interventions during summer and winter sessions, and received priority registration every semester while members of the program,” Gonzalez said.
Launched at Lehman five years ago, the PTS3 program is funded by a Title 3 grant from the United States Department of Education. Ms. Anne Rothstein, Lehman grant writer, proposed the grant to the U.S. Department of Education, which approved the program’s funding with a 5-year grant. Rothstein also included the Bronx Community College and Hostos Community College in the proposal.
The program serves as an undergraduate resource for those who fail to obtain internships within their desired field, working in collaboration with Bronx Community College and Hostos Community College to increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students, as advertised by the official website. It also helps undergraduates who fail to obtain an external research experience to obtain it.
Lehman students, faculty and staff expressed regret for the program’s upcoming end.
“It would affect Lehman’s STEM students,” said PTS3 program director, Christopher Milton. “The PTS3 program is an additional opportunity for students to receive internships and research opportunities without the college having to worry about funding for the student, even though it is optional for the college.”
Hayford Ansah presenting his research at summer 2018 REU presentations. (Photo Credit: Jamie Camino)
“The end of the funds will affect students and teacher assistants financially as they will no longer receive payments from the program, which was a huge benefit,” said Hayford Ansah, biochemistry junior and PTS3 program member. “Most students are able to obtain research experience through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) which consists of various programs for students studying science, engineering or mathematics, which are organized.”
Halima Suleiman, psychology junior and PTS3 member, noted that the end of the program will limit school supplies’ budget. “I haven't spent money on pens and notebooks this year; thanks to the PTS3 funds, I can spend my money on other important items,” she said.
These funds of the program also helped settle the bills for low-income families and independent college students.
“Personally, besides the obvious it pays my bills. I have been able to provide students with opportunities that were not available to me as early as 2016 to 2017 when I was a senior at Lehman,” Gonzalez said.
Suleiman also told the Meridian that the stipends she was given encouraged her to participate in summer internships and research labs. “This program has provided me with a great network of opportunities, advisors and friendships that I would not have easily attained,” she said.
Lehman Women Celebrate Empowerment
By Denise Phillip
Women’s History Month is especially relevant to Lehman students, since 68 percent of them are female--a higher proportion than the national average of 56 percent, according to pewresearch.org. The 2020 theme for the month is “Valiant Women of the Vote,” which pays homage to the women who fought for the right to vote and who continue to fight for the voting rights of others, according to The History Channel.
We asked Lehman students to share what this month means to them, and a moment they felt empowered as women.
“It’s a month where we celebrate the contributions of women that have made an impact in history, women that do not get enough recognition. It is a time to learn and reflect how us [women] have come a long way and should continue to strive for a better future.”
Madelin Arias Bueno, senior computer science major
“I teach management courses, and more than half of my students are female. In addition to live cases in the business world, I use examples of being a daughter, a wife, a girlfriend, or a mother to illustrate the concepts discussed in the textbook. Students feel connected by the examples. I can tell from their nodding heads and smiles on their faces.”
Ning Chen, Professor of Management at Lehman
“Women’s History Month is a time to acknowledge women who made history because for so long, we were not a part of the conversation… [and] to inspire and remind future generations that women are strong, capable, unique, intelligent, fearless, and special.”
“For the past few years, I had the honor and privilege to meet and work with so many amazing, exemplary women leaders throughout the CUNY system – most of them are students. Despite how hard and exhausting it is to balance school, work and personal life, they still dedicate their time and energy to give back- to advocate on behalf of every student they represent. They are great examples of women in leadership, who lead with confidence, compassion and courage.”
Nhi Phan, Introduction to Leadership Mentor - HHL Center for Student Leadership Development
“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate all of the women who have come before me and have paved the way to where we are today. I think it is especially a time to remember and honor women that tend to be overlooked or ignored in our history, like trans women, queer women, and women of color. We have come so far, but we still have so far to go.”
Angela Peteani, 23-year-old senior English major
“When do I feel empowered as a woman? Lots of ways, some easier than others. Here’s an easy one: my 25-year-old daughter wanted a raise and promotion that wasn’t forthcoming, so she looked for another job, didn’t get the one she wanted but got another, and then went to her home company and asked them to match rank and salary, which they did and then some. I told her, “Always remember that you stand on the shoulders of women who asked and were refused, or (more common) never even dreamed of asking.”
Paula Loscocco, Professor & Chair of English
“In my opinion, 31 days isn’t enough time to discuss so many achievements women have done, past and/or present. Women continue to break barriers and accomplish many important things whether it’s in the medical field, education, science etc. Women are killing it! More months should be dedicated to us.”
Sandra Gutierrez, 26-year-old Business Administration major
“I think Women’s history month is an important time to work on female solidarity. However, as a feminist, it’s always women’s history month for me! As a professor, I teach and read predominantly women, especially women of color who are often left out of the literary canon or classroom.
I always feel empowered when I read my poetry out loud for an audience. It’s a powerful thing to bear your truth to strangers. One time was in 2017 when I gave a reading at my Alma mater Fordham University on my birthday. I shared a number of personal poems about what it’s like to be a Mexican American woman in New York City in a loud clear voice and it was very well received. Another time was when I was asked to honor poet June Jordan with an original poem at Radcliffe College. I intertwined her poetry with mine for a unique piece and I could feel her presence with me.”
Melissa Castillo Planas, Assistant Professor of English
“To me, Women's History Month represents the struggles & obstacles we had faced, & also the triumphs & contributions we have achieved globally. For example, women were huge contributors in deciphering the Mayan written language (I highly recommend the documentary "Cracking the Mayan Code," where it describes the influences of Tatiana Proskouriakoff & Linda Schele). Not only is understanding the Mayan important for learning about history, but it also granted the present-day Maya people for learning about their past as the written language had been lost).”
Emily Willen, junior Lehman ABC (pre-med) major
“A moment in which I felt empowered as a woman was in the two Lehman College programs called: “Introduction to Leadership” and “Leadership Narratives.” These two programs helped me explore more about my individual abilities and also how I can use my natural gifts to help others within my environment/community, my career path, or in any other situation in general. This is extremely significant to acknowledge, because as an individual with two health impairments and also as the oldest of three sisters, I would love to be the role model for them and others. Furthermore, out of all of this, I hope to continue breaking barriers and hopefully setting positive examples for others like me or with a different story.”
Susan Vicente, 19-year-old dietetics and food nutrition major
In Breaking with Original Novel, “Call of the Wild” Creates Lackluster Hero
(Photo Credit: 20th Century Studios)
By Melissa Tejada
"Call of the Wild" is a family-friendly remake of Jack London's 1903 novel that might be too friendly for its own good. Released on Feb. 21 and starring Harrison Ford as John Thornton, the film perfectly displays graphic scenes of the violence that dogs are subjected to without actual dogs being harmed, thanks to Director Chris Sanders’s clever use of CGI technology. Those who prefer action films may not be completely attracted to the plot because all action-packed scenes are usually cheesier than they are exciting. Still, some moments have an urgent, emotional quality that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.
With a price tag of $150 million, the film is set in the 1890's Klondike Gold Rush. The canine protagonist, Buck, who was previously living lavishly, is now transported from his California home to businessmen who use him for financial gain in Yukon, Alaska. As a newcomer, he quickly gains the trust of the other dogs in his new pack. The leader of the pack, a jealous, temperamental husky named Spitz, becomes threatened by Buck’s ability to gain the other dogs’ trust, and a confrontation between the two leads Buck to become the pack leader, as Spitz runs off into the woods in defeat.
Buck's luck comes to an end when the abuse returns, and he is transferred into the hands of Hal (Dan Stevens) and his sister, Mercedes (Karen Gillan). However, John quickly saves Buck from a beating by Hal and eventually becomes his new owner, while Buck turns into a version of John’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor.
Sanders does an excellent job in showing the abuse off-screen, instead of direct and graphic scenes, but Hal's abusive manner is fearful enough for many audiences, especially children.
Buck also encounters a spiritual guide in the form of a wolf with captivating eyes that saves his life multiple times, giving the movie a new level of spirituality. This character, symbolic of his previous ancestors, represents Buck’s call of the wild. It seems that every step further in his journey, even in following Thornton to the gold mines, he is one step closer to the wilderness.
Harrison Ford and his CGI co-star in “Call of the Wild”. (Photo Credit: 20th Century Studios)
Throughout the film, Buck's big brown eyes, intelligent facial expressions and towering demeanor make him lovable and endearing.
"The theme that stood out to me was kindness. Buck begins as a terrifically reckless dog who is tricked into a wagon trap to be sold as a sled dog, while spending his time out after ruining his owner's party," said Sadly Wiser, who attended the film with her grandson in Westchester County at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
However, the film falters in making a distinct break from realism in its erasure of indigenous people. The movie is set in the Alaskan Yukon, but the only indigenous character is Françoise. Originally portrayed in the novel as a man, Françoise is played by actress Cara Gee in the film. This gender-switched character is vital in Buck's character development.
There is a possibility that Sanders left out the Yeehats, the indigenous people from the 1904 novel, in order to keep Buck in a family-friendly lens. In the original novel, Buck's primitive nature is shown when upon finding half-starved dogs as well as their Yeehat owners attacking the camp, he searches them out and kills many by biting into their throats.
Taking away a scene with so much action from a movie that has been unusually passive also does not seem in the best interest of the film, but it would not fit the family-friendly lens. Buck’s attack in the novel, as well as losing so many people close to him, seem to be his final farewell to the life of domestication in the novel, which would not bode well with viewers.
Given these qualities, it’s no surprise that this movie oozes ownership by the Walt Disney Corporation. What is also not shocking is how this movie flopped because it was not one of the more requested films in the book to film categories, making only $79.8 million at the box office, despite its use of expensive technologies such as CGI. It is weakened by how greatly it differs from the original novel, although its creators may have wanted to eliminate the novel’s many disturbing aspects.
Sander’s amazing efforts to filter out animal abuse and create an excess of emotional connections in order to deliver a more family-friendly plot did not satisfy the audience's craving for more action. I give it only three out of five stars, especially if viewed by those who have read the book.
Lehmanites Link Harvey Weinstein's Conviction to Me Too Movement
(Photo Credit: Scott Heins/Getty Images)
By Sally Barrilla
Members of the Lehman community praised the March 11 verdict that sentenced Harvey Weinstein to 23 years in prison. Many credited it to the power of the #MeToo movement, while a few questioned why women only reported their abuse long afterwards.
On Feb. 24, the former film producer was found guilty of two out of five charges: committing a first-degree unlawful sex act with two women, Miriam Haley, a formerly known production assistant on “Project Runaway,” and Jessica Mann, an aspiring actress, and felony rape in New York, CNBC reported.
“I feel like there are many cases like Harvey Weinstein’s that probably aren’t talked about and that’s unfortunate,” said film and television studies senior and Lehman’s Film Club president Asia Brooks. “I’m okay with the results, but I still find the punishment for sexual assault and rape isn’t nearly what it should be,” she said.
English Professor Allison Amend agreed. “Weinstein knew what he was doing; those kinds of assaults almost never get reported.”
Sara Miranda, 60, accounting Lehman 1992 alumni also praised the verdict. “Many women have come forward, back then, women were exploited and not taken seriously, and many couldn’t say anything. He needs to pay for what he did. ”
Weinstein was exonerated from one count of first-degree rape and predatory sexual assault involving Mann and Haley due to the fact that the jury initially did not find “forcible compulsion” necessary for the first-degree rape charge, as reported by Insider.
The Daily Mail disclosed that Weinstein will not be eligible for parole for the next 23 years. His lawyer Donna Rotunno said she will file an appeal in July because she believes the trial was “totally unfair” to her client.
Many students felt the verdict confirmed the power of the Me Too movement. Brooks feels that the Weinstein case has helped diminish the remaining power that men have over women.
“I believe the Me Too movement is extremely important as a woman’s rights should not go unrecognized and women stand strong together,” she said.
Amend agreed. “I would like to think this verdict has had an impact on the Me Too movement,” she said. “It shows how it’s possible for women to get justice. The fact that he was convicted on criminal charges in the kind of case that didn’t used to be prosecuted.”
According to The New York Times, the Me Too movement caused more than 200 men to be fired from their jobs that 54 women and 70 men took over the positions, in total, 124 job replacements across the nation.
The Me Too movement has successfully resulted in seven convictions for four influential figures, including former actor and comedian Bill Cosby and French photographer Jean-Claude Arnault, as reported by Axios.
Some Lehmanites questioned the timing.
“It bothers me that so many women have decided to speak up now, although he was extremely wrong,” said Maribel Areas, a nursing freshman. “Why did so many women wait long to accuse him, especially now that he’s older and in a wheelchair? Many American women know their rights, they could have said what happened before, and now is when they do.”
These verdicts are not Weinstein’s first time being called to account. He was first accused by actresses including Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan back in October 2017, as reported by BBC.
Andrew Lopez, computer information junior, also questioned the validity of some women’s accounts. “A lot of men say they are scared to sit next to women because of this; there have been occurrences in which women have falsely accused men,” he said.
However, Lopez also feels women constantly experience sexual harassment, the majority of the time from a higher authority, and he called Weinstein’s conviction a “small victory for women”.
Netflix’s Horse Girl Shows Complexities of Mental Health
Alison Brie in “Horse Girl.” (Photo Credit: Netflix)
By Veronica Longo
“Horse Girl” is an unusual mix of romantic comedy and eye-catching retrospective on mental health and social circles among young adults. The film, directed by Jeff Baena, was released first at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 27, and became available on Netflix on Feb. 7, where it’s listed as comedy, drama, mystery and sci-fi.
The story centers on the mentally ill Sarah (Alison Brie) and her horse, Willow (Goldenite). Her life seems normal until after a birthday when Sarah begins experiencing a series of strange events and blackouts.
Sarah has a family history of mental illness passed down from her mother and grandmother. Her situation is relatable: she is friendly but often experiences social anxiety and either becomes obsessed with a subject for too long or stays silent.
As the film progresses, parallels between Sarah and the actress who plays her, Alison Brie, become clearer. Then the questions of what’s real and what’s fantasy start causing more confusion. “Horse Girl” pulls audiences into her delusions, leaving them wondering what is true.
The picture shows how Sarah often disturbs people with her obsessions. She obsesses over the horse, a TV show named “Purgatory,” and her crafts, to the point when she visibly upsets anyone she speaks to.
The film takes an unsettling turn when Nikki and her boyfriend Brian seem creeped out after they find Sarah re-watching her favorite grisly TV show, “Purgatory,” during her birthday celebration. Although disturbed, they still encourage Sarah to have fun, which leads her to meet Darren, Brian’s roommate. Soon after, she becomes fixated on him.
Sarah falls into a downward spiral of drinking and doing drugs in order to be socially accepted under peer pressure; Sarah’s new friends then seem to enjoy her moments of embarrassment. The next night triggers Sarah’s descent into madness, and the atmosphere of the movie shifts. The end of the party signals a change in music to a disturbing soundtrack, accompanied with strange visuals.
(Photo Credit: Netflix)
The scenes often don’t smoothly interchange within this film. Sarah blacks out and loses chunks of time, which is why many of the issues and scenes do not seem to connect. The deterioration of Sarah’s mental health is apparent as she becomes unreliable as the narrator. This film is not here to provide straight answers. Instead, it gives a real look at what people who suffer from schizophrenia, Bipolar 1, psychosis, and other types of mental illness that people suffer through.
Brie told Vulture.com that much of this film is based on her own struggles to come to terms with her “real-life family history with paranoid schizophrenia and depression.” Brie, much like the sufferers of other psychological issues, talks about the real terror she experiences from losing her own sanity and not realizing it.
The film is important because all too often the issue of mental health is either avoided in mainstream conversation or romanticized. It is refreshing to see a movie paint it in a different, realistic light. It is heartbreaking how Sarah turns to those closest to her to question them about her sanity only to receive a brush off. Because of “Horse Girl’s” complex message, it may take more than one viewing to understand. This, along with the fact that it does not fully answer the questions it poses for its viewers, is the weakest point of the movie. What happens to Sarah?
Through the uncertainty surrounding Sarah’s experiences, the biggest payoffs of the movie are its twisted ending and the message of solidarity it sends to those who live with a mental illness. Sarah’s constant fumbling with social cues and norms will resonate with introverted viewers. A lot of instances are very unsettling and disturbing. Is Sarah lucidly dreaming, or having a mental breakdown? “Horse Girl,” with all its oddities, should be watched with an open mind.
Lehman Students Praise Bag Ban
(Photo Credit: The Islands’ Sounder)
By Zarin Siddiqua
Since March 1, New York has banned single-use plastic bags in stores, and many Lehman students say it’s about time. The “Bring Your Own Bag” (BYOBag) law is designed to promote the use of reusable bags. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, 23 billion plastic bags are typically used each year in New York.
However, state officials won’t enforce New York’s controversial plastic bag ban until May 15 due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, according to Daily News. Enforcement was originally postponed to mid-April after New York business owners filed a lawsuit claiming they didn’t have time to prepare for the ban.
The National Conference of State legislatures reported that California was the first state to approve this law in 2014; Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Oregon, and Vermont followed in 2019. Countries such as Kenya, France, United Kingdom, Rwanda, and Italy started banning and taxing single-use plastic bags in 2016.
Even though the ban will not be in effect until May, some Lehman students are already reducing the use of plastics in their daily lives and they welcome the BYOBag law.
“It’s about time that the United States banned plastic bags. I hope they also do the same for plastic straws. I have been persuading my family to use reusable bags for years now,” said Brecenia Diaz, Lehman junior psychology major. “Global warming and pollution have been affecting the earth much longer than COVID-19. Even though this virus is very dangerous, we should still care about saving the planet.”
“My family and I have been reusing bags for a while. We usually do our grocery shopping in bulks from stores like BJ’s or Costco and just carry it to the car,” said Jocelyn Infante, a psychology major and Lehman sophomore. “I believe that BYOBag New York will encourage others to follow this trend and impact others to bring reusable bags in order to not spend 5 cents every time.”
“I really hope that this plastic bag ban becomes worldwide. I also hope they ban other plastic items like straws and utensils,” said Roxan Turner, a junior English major. “I have seen customers who get really angry about paying that extra 5 cents for a bag, but they need to realize how good this is to the environment.”
Statistics show that plastic is the major cause of death in marine animals and birds.
The United Nations stated that an estimated one million marine birds and 100,000 marine animals are killed each year due to the ingestion of plastic.
Studies in The University of Queensland in Australia showed that green sea turtles in the 21st century ingest twice the amount of plastic that they did 25 years ago. Since 1950, only 9 percent of an estimated 8.3 billion of produced plastic is recycled, Global Citizen reported.
Plastic waste and other trash. (Photo Credit: LiveKindly)
The National Geographic wrote that if the waste of the plastic increases, by 2050 there will be 12 billion metric tons of plastic in landfills. According to Waste Management, only 1 percent of plastic bags get recycled, and that’s only 15 bags.
Many corporations have already made the switch. Stores such as Adidas, Ikea, Wholefoods, Pacsun and Trader Joes use paper bags; as well as wholesale clubs BJ’s and Costco, who instead reuse manufacturer-boxes to accommodate customers purchased-items, as reported by Earth911, an environmental news source.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which includes the Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium and Bronx Zoo, prohibited the use of plastic and switched to bamboo utensils since 2018 to protect animals and raise awareness of how plastic affects the environment.
“The earth is our home, and yet people are not taking care of it,” said Saheda Akhter, biology graduate student. “This ban on plastic should have been placed years ago.”
The Final Goodbyes of Basketball Legend, Kobe Bryant
A Memorial for Kobe Bryant. (Photo Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
By July Torres
As family, friends, and fans gathered at the Feb. 24 memorial service for legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, Lehman students also mourned the sudden death of the fallen Lakers star.
Bryant tragically passed away after a helicopter carrying him crashed into the side of a mountain in California with seven other people aboard on Jan. 26. The crash cut short a career that included winning five NBA championships as a Los Angeles Laker over a 20-season career, and an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for Dear Basketball.
“He died out of nowhere,” said Juan Ruiz, a history freshman. “I feel bad that children will be without their father. He was more than a player; he was a father figure.”
Other students agreed. “I’m not a huge basketball fan, but I knew of and respected Bryant,” Jessica Ortiz, an English freshman told the Meridian. “I don’t watch basketball, but I think everyone knows who Kobe is and was affected by his death. He seemed like a great father; it’s all very sad.”
Some Lehmanites admitted to feeling emotional while watching the memorial, which was attended by over 20,000 of the 80,000 people who had applied, according to ESPN.
Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, reminisced about the romantic union she shared with her husband, CNN reported.
“He gifted me the actual notebook and the blue dress Rachel McAdams wore in ‘The Notebook’ movie. When I asked him why he chose the blue dress, he said it was because it’s the scene when Allie comes back to Noah. We had hoped to grow old together like the movie. We really had an amazing love story,” she said at the service.
Janelle Gardner, an English major, Lehman senior and basketball fan, said: “[His wife]’s speech was very touching, I cried watching it. Kobe means a lot to many kids playing basketball today.”
“I don’t know how [his wife] found the strength to even speak. It was so hard to watch,” said Kelvin Ford, a speech pathology and audiology major and sophomore.
Vanessa Bryant delivering a speech at the memorial service. (Photo Credit: Wally Skalij via Los Angeles Times)
Celebrities also paid tribute at the memorial. Beyoncé performed her songs Halo and XO, which she expressed was one of Bryant’s favorite songs, according to Billboard. Christina Aguilera sang “Ave Maria” in Italian, as Bryant grew up in Italy, The Today Show reported; meanwhile Alicia Keys performed “Moonlight Sonata,” which she said on Twitter that Bryant learned to play for his wife.
According to The New York Post, Michael Jordan mourned Bryant in tears as he gave a speech about their relationship, while Shaquille O’Neal talked about their friendship on and off the court. “Kobe and I pushed on another to play some of the greatest basketball of all time,” said O’Neal.
ESPN reporter, Elle Duncan, shared a story about the time Bryant at an event. Duncan, who was pregnant at the time, asked Bryant, who has four daughters, about having more girls. According to Duncan, Bryant replied, “I would have five more girls if I could. I am a girl dad.”
Even though Ford preferred Michael Jordan, he appreciated Bryant’s skills on the court. When asked what he believes Kobe’s legacy is, he responded, “The mamba mentality that so many developed, and the legacy of family.”
Students Welcome Half Fare Metro Plan
(Photo Credit: Zarin Siddiqua)
By Zarin Siddiqua
New York City residents who live under federal income standards now qualify for Fair Fares, a new law to reduce MetroCard prices by half. Introduced by Mayor Bill De Blasio and Council Speaker Corey Johnson on Jan. 27, 2020, the program has earned praise from Lehmanites.
“$127 is a lot to spend when you aren’t working as much [and] also you are a full-time student,” said Joel Nunez, a chemistry junior, referring to the price of a monthly subway pass. “With the half-priced MetroCard, I can now save my money.”
An estimated 800,000 New Yorkers are eligible and can benefit from this reduced-fare program, but only 100,000 have enrolled so far, according to Spectrum News NY1. That’s out of an average of 4.3 million who rely on public transportation to travel to work or school every day. New York City Transit stated that 58 percent of the most transit-dependent New Yorkers are considered poor.
(Photo Credit: Zarin Siddiqua)
Within the Bronx, where 59 percent of Lehman students reside, the median income is $37,500. The Census conducted in 2017 shows Bronx District 7, which includes Kingsbridge Heights and Bedford Park, 7, holds an 8.6 percent rate of unemployment and 27.4 percent for poverty.
Lehmanites whose budgets are stretched by travel expenses said the half fare program comes as a relief.
“This is the first time I am hearing about the new law about MetroCards, and I think it is wonderful because this will help a lot of residents in New York City including me,” said Marissa Morales, a Lehman senior English major. “I use my MetroCard every day and paying that much money affects me a lot because that is money that needs to go to bills and me trying to save because my only income is work-study.”
“I put $20 on my MetroCard on a weekly basis, so in that way, I’m spending $80 a month on MetroCard and not $127. It helped me save money, but I only use it for limited travel,” said Roxan Turner, a Lehman junior English major.
(Photo Credit: Zarin Siddiqua)
Lehman adjunct Spanish professor Pablo Yankelevich, a Ph.D. student at CUNY Graduate School Center who uses MetroCards daily observed that the fee for a monthly card is “a lot of money, so…I usually save my money by not consuming things I find unnecessary; I don't buy anything other than food, coffee, and house-related expenses.”
Lehman students who reside outside New York City weren’t so excited about the new MetroCard program.
“I was able to get a half-priced metro card, but I live in White Plains and neither the Bee-Line buses nor the Metro-North accept it,” said Bricenia Diaz, a Lehman junior and psychology major. “I’m happy they have cheaper MetroCards, but a lot of students who attend Lehman come from outside of New York City like me. I think half-priced MetroCards should be for everyone.”
What Black History Month Means to Lehmanites
By Denise Phillip
Black History Month is observed annually to commemorate the sacrifice of Black Americans during the African Diaspora, honoring unsung heroes who contributed to the past, present and future of African-American culture. The holiday-month originated in 1936, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February as “Negro History Week.” The Meridian asked Lehman students what special meaning February and its Black history roots hold for them. Their answers pointed to how Black History Month should be considered a focal point for a larger conversation in order to incorporate it into American history, and that the fight for civil rights and human rights by Black people should be taught, spoken about and celebrated every month.
“Black History Month is a time when African-Americans can take the time and see what the people before them fought for. It is also a time for rejoicing, celebrating those people for giving us hope and valuable life lessons that we can use.” Patrice Vasquez, a 34-year-old psychology major and Lehman junior.
“Black History should be taught all year long.” Deyanira Calvo, a 32-year-old Lehman senior.
“Black History Month means the world to me as a black man. It celebrates the fight that my brothers were trying to achieve.” Donald Taylor, a business administration major and Lehman junior.
“It means equal opportunity and love for everyone.” Sara Mazahreh, 22-year-old Lehman senior.
“Black History Month is a time when black people can shine. There was a period in time where they were judged by their features and the color of their skin; thankfully, this is no longer the case, and being black is acknowledged, celebrated and appreciated. This is a time where we look back on how far we’ve come as a society and are able to use this as motivation to keep fighting for change.” Carina Campos, a 27-year-old Lehman senior.
“It’s a time to learn and be united. To embrace differences and celebrate a culture.” Cinthia Serrano, a 24-year-old Lehman junior.
Lehman Scholars Program is ‘The College Within the College’
By Allen Mena
Lehman’s Honors Program Director, Gary Schwartz (Photo Credit: Macaulay honors college website)
“‘Real college’ gets lost in the chasing of grades and credits that often occurs in big name universities,” says Anna Purves, an English professor who teaches in the Lehman Scholars Program (LSP). Its purpose, she explains, “is to create the college within the college,” and provide a challenging experience for those students who are able to handle higher-level thinking and analysis, as opposed to rote memorization.
Only 20 students are allowed into the LSP program, which prides itself on “Socratic-style” seminars. This method originates from Socrates’ teaching method of posing open-ended questions and letting students answer them and gain knowledge from each other as well as him, as opposed to just him reciting information, according to Professor Gary Schwartz, Honors Director and head of the LSP program.
This is very different from typical lecture halls, where professors have to provide nearly all of the information with little input from students besides clear wrong or right answers. Seminars usually focus on unique topics and deal with questions that do not have a clear answer, and can be defended or refuted, depending on the given evidence.
“In a seminar, the emphasis is on the student’s ability to defend his or her point of view. That is where real debate starts and students learn from each other more than the professor,” Purves explains. “A seminar is not supposed to be a teacher pontificating. Instead it's a roundtable where conversation flows freely… There are supposed to be fewer than 18 students, and because of the small class size, everyone tends to participate more.”
LSP students also praised these benefits of the seminar.
“Smaller class sizes are a plus for me and the professors focus on every student as opposed to regular Lehman courses that I take,” said Moesha Williamson, a sophomore food and nutrition major in the LSP Program.
“I like how the small class sizes of the LSP courses allow for a better connection between peers and professors,” said Jensy Ross, a health and environmental science major of class of 2022 who is enrolled in both the LSP program and Macaulay Honors College. “For me, this creates better courses and better experiences from them.”
Schwartz agreed. “I think the seminar configuration is the most valuable way to communicate and learn and grow. We tend to encourage our fellow students when we are in smaller classrooms. It really promotes community and it’s a place where seeds are planted, and that is what seminar-style courses really entail. And so far, it worked.”
Students are admitted on a case-by-case basis, through a private interview, a review of the student’s GPA, and their extracurricular activities. Both high school and current Lehman students can apply but must have less than 60 credits.
Purves highlighted the holistic nature of the program. “We address the whole person and we have casual conversations that go outside the classroom,” she said. “It is important for students to have an outlet for conversations and staff to build personal relationships with. And when students get to have these conversations, they become more engrossed in their classes.”
‘Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey’ is a Fun, Disjointed Flight
(Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
By Veronica Longo
“Birds of Prey” follows the fantabulous emancipation of the unreliable narrator Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), who recounts the story in a non-linear confusing style and renames herself mercenary-for-hire after breaking up with the Joker. Complications come along as the rest of the rogues in Gotham City find out she is free.
Quinn’s past actions haunt her as former enemies Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina), and the dangerous Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor) plot to revenge against her numerous transgressions, many of them listed on screen. Quinn finds support to fight her adversaries through unlikely allies Detective Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), Dinah Laurel Lance (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), Helena Bertonilli (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and her sidekick Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco).
The film’s predecessor, “Suicide Squad,” directed by David Ayer, released in 2016, involves a shady government using a group of villain prisoners including Harley Quinn, to confidentially work dirty tasks for them, such as spying and killing in exchange for freedom; failure to comply increased their penalty. Quinn’s interesting backstory and fighting talents led to her protagonist in “Birds of Prey.”
“Suicide Squad” failed largely due to the disappointing end result from a muddled plot, thinly written characters and choppy directing, according to Rotten Tomatoes. “Birds of Prey” was feared to be another badly written script about villains, but ended up being a hit with the critics. But critical acclaim has not helped fill seats at the theater.
“Birds of Prey” only made $33 million out of a $45 million projection during its opening weekend, underselling compared to “Suicide Squad” which generated $325 million overall, even when disliked by both critics and viewers.
Ewan McGregor's rendition of the Black Mask is unnerving and audiences will find that his violent chemistry with co-star Chris Messina works well to establish their villain role.
In a grisly scene, Zsasz peels off the face of one of the Black Mask’s rivals after their witty and entertaining banter during the murder. On another shocking scene, Black Mask hits Quinn so hard that it causes her to hallucinate, recreating Marilyn Monroe’s scene from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” By the second strike, Mask has been effectively established as the movie’s villain.
A new character, Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) comes to challenge him with her sharpshooting fighting skills. She is also the most seldom seen. In a blink the audience might miss the rapid-fire version of her backstory. But she has the best reason to go against the Black Mask and Zsasz, as they were both involved in her family’s murder.
“Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey” has an ingenious way of getting around the issue of missing Joker (Jared Leto), who is mentioned in flashbacks and introduced to the audience through an unnecessary return in the form of an animated short rendering. According to Hollywood Reporter, Leto’s presence in the movie was limited as a new Joker took the screens four months ago; sources said Leto was extremely upset.
But there’s a charm to the story’s clear intent to pay homage to the older DC comics.
Audiences will enjoy this movie, especially those who are just looking for a fun action movie and nothing more. “Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey” stands on its own as a superhero film, without relying on “Suicide Squad” or “Joker.” The three-hour film does a good job of avoiding turning Quinn into a hero.
Quinn remains a villain and troublemaker at the end of the film, although a sympathetic one; Margot Robbie’s performance alone is reason enough to watch this film and the stunning visuals should seal the deal.
‘Young, Gifted and Black’ Showcases Thought-Provoking Collection
“A Mother Who Had No Mother” by Chiffon Thomas expresses gratitude for her mother’s strength and guidance. (Photo Credit: July Torres)
By July Torres
Featured at Lehman, “Young, Gifted and Black: The Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art” is part of a traveling exhibition that sheds light on the work produced by over 40 artists of African descent and is drawn exclusively from the private Bernard I. Lumpkin and Carmine D. Boccuzzi collection. Lehman’s presentation of the exhibit is an opportunity for black artists to display their contemporary art, giving visibility to otherwise underrepresented, talented artists and their work.
While some pieces in the collection have been lent to museums for many years, “Young, Gifted and Black” is the first stand-alone public exhibition where selected artworks are displayed for public consumption. Lumpkin began his collection over 10 years ago, and now owns nearly 500 works of art, which are split between his home and his husband’s law firm.
The death of his father prompted Lumpkin to learn more about his African heritage and to begin his collection of black art he told ARTnews.
“Though I support artists of all ages and backgrounds through my service, I choose to live with artists of color because I want people to know—when they meet me or come to my home—my background,” Lumpkin said.
The works of art that hang on the wall of the exhibition are instantly thought-provoking. Visitors can sense at first glance that there’s more than meets the eye, but what does meet the eye is aesthetically pleasing. The art, however, is elevated further when the work is analyzed and the stories it possesses are unveiled.
“Too White To Be Black” by Bethany Collins showcases the complexity of racial identity. (Photo Credit: July Torres)
“Too White to Be Black” by Bethany Collins resembles a black classroom chalkboard that stands out and can be easily spotted from a distance. A piece with subtle meaning, it is open to different interpretations. There is a prominent blackness that represents how she identifies as a black woman. There is white writing of words that represents her other race. The words are either faded or erased almost entirely, expressing confusion, which symbolizes Collins’ difficulty with her identity as a mixed-race person.
In Chiffon Thomas’ piece titled “A Mother Who Had No Mother,” the artist emphasizes the importance of black mothers and motherhood. The inspiration behind Thomas’ work is her mother, who guided her to be who she is today; the artwork depicts a woman sitting on a soft-pink chair, which appears to be floating, giving the impression that she thinks highly of the woman. There is a hollow cutout of a child on her lap, as if intentionally averting attention from it, making her mother the sole focus of her art.
Thomas expressed appreciation for her mother’s supportive role, despite lacking support of her own by making her the focus of the artwork. This piece successfully sets her mother as the cornerstone by putting her on a pedestal, accurately exuding a tender and admiring feeling.
“Sleep: Deux Femmes Noires” by Mickalene Thomas depicts the normalization of homosexual love. (Photo Credit: July Torres)
While the exhibition concentrates on black artists, much of it also focuses on gender and sexuality.
Mickalene Thomas,’ “Sleep: Deux Femmes Noires” centers homosexual love by showcasing two naked black women sleeping together in a bed, while different photographs’ cutouts compose the outside spacious, grassy setting. This conveys a feeling of peace, freedom, and power. The collage of photos seemingly puts together what was once separate: lesbianism, sexual agency and normalization.
The “Young, Gifted and Black” exhibition at Lehman will run from Feb. 8 until May 2.