BHM Profile | VCU theatre professor provokes social change through original plays
Ebonique Little, Spectrum Editor When Tawnya Pettiford-Wates played the Christmas angel in a church production at five years old, her family knew she was a natural performer. Pettiford-Wates, a VCUarts theatre professor and actress known for roles like Dr. Louise Shelvy in the 1990 mystery-drama television series “Twin Peaks,” said she’s always been interested in […]
Artistic posters about hope reimagine Richmond street wall
Grace McOmber, Contributing Writer Nine colorful posters decorating a short red wall at Grove and Shields avenues depict images ranging from vibrant and easy-to-read text to abstract works with intricate messages. Despite the diverse array of artwork, they all follow one central theme — hope. John Malinoski, a retired VCUarts graphic design professor and organizer […]
Making Black history: Modern musicians use song as platform for change
Annie Phan, Contributing Writer As social activism spans from demonstrations and sit-ins to online petitions, Black musicians are turning to lyrics and recording studios to bring awareness to social and racial injustices. Drawing inspiration from observations and personal experiences, here are five songs by Black artists that touch on the social and political issues affecting […]
Spectrum editor’s list of films to watch for Feb. 24
“Black Box” (2020) This sci-fi horror film takes the viewer on a roller coaster ride after Nolan Wright, played by Mamoudou Athie, gets into a car accident and loses his memory. He endures an experimental medical treatment on his quest to restore his memory loss, which leaves him questioning his true identity. Available on Amazon […]
‘That’s my everything’: Baldwin’s family, father pass down constant motivation
Noah Fleischman, Sports Editor Ace Baldwin rushed off the court in tears after St. Frances Academy lost to Baltimore Polytechnic Institute by one point in January of 2019. It was one of the rare moments his mother, Nina Baldwin, had seen her son show emotion on the court. His father, Adrian Baldwin Sr., had been […]
Bloom gains confidence with new team
Joe Dodson, Staff Writer Before redshirt-sophomore forward Chloe Bloom ever considered moving to the U.S. from Australia to pursue her dreams of playing college basketball, she was a competitive netball player. Growing up in Wedderburn, Australia, Bloom was encouraged by her parents to play netball as a way to stay active. The sport consists of […]
Field hockey seeks chance for improvement amid atypical schedule
Noah Fleischman, Sports Editor Senior forward Emily Van Hijfte was waiting for game day for more than a year, training with her teammates. After more than 450 days on Feb. 14, the wait was finally over, and field hockey beat Old Dominion 3-2. “It was just super exciting to get back on the field,” Van […]
Take No. 2: Lacrosse seniors return with extra eligibility for final season
Yanni Kouiroukidis, Contributing Writer Isabella Evans-Riester remembers getting the news a year ago that her senior season with VCU’s women’s lacrosse team was going to be cut short due to COVID-19. The graduate student didn’t know what the future held. “As a senior, you get to your last few games, and you’re trying to prepare […]
Williams, Baldwin lead VCU men’s basketball over Saint Louis
Noah Fleischman, Sports Editor As he was driving to the Basketball Development Center on Tuesday, coach Mike Rhoades felt his team was going to “figure it out” against Saint Louis later that night, he said. His gut feeling was confirmed as men’s basketball won the game 67-65. The team was short of the normal selection […]
‘Next man up’: Hyland ruled out against Saint Louis with injury
Noah Fleischman, Sports Editor Sophomore guard Bones Hyland is ruled out for Tuesday’s game against Saint Louis after suffering a foot sprain on Saturday against George Mason, coach Mike Rhodes said. Hyland, whose foot got stuck under him when he was on defense, exited the George Mason game in the second half and did not […]