Duwop, Duwop: One Gala, One Band

The Maroon Tiger

What special quality transforms a mere party into a memorable formal affair? You guessed it: a renowned jazz band. Although, not just any jazz players perform at Morehouse’s 28th annual Candle In The Dark Gala. Members of the Morehouse College jazz band, along with select Atlanta professional musicians are chosen to create the smooth rhythms and rings that soothe the ears of countless guests for the night.

Per usual, student volunteers at the gala receive admission in exchange for their service. This is one of the many benefits that students may obtain through showcasing their talent for the college.

The Maroon Tiger had the pleasure to sit with a member of the gala jazz performers: Dakarai Barclay (Trumpet, ’17).

Maroon Tiger (MT): What makes you say, “Yes,” when asked to perform at the gala?

Dakarai Barclay (DB): The Jazz band has two big performances throughout the year: the gala and the jazz band concert. You know what you sign up for when you sign up for the jazz band. You sign up for the gala and concerts. It’s like being an athlete. You play whenever and wherever you are requested.

MT: Is this your first time performing at the gala?

DB: No. This is my fourth time performing at the gala. I have been playing since my freshman year and now I am a senior. I would consider myself a veteran.

MT: How do you feel being a student that is involved in the presentational aspect of the gala?

DB: Freshman year, it was all new. Although I’ve played in front of many people before, the gala was special. You’re right in the center of the stage of the ballroom. It’s the second biggest event for the campus besides Homecoming. Bright lights! Everyone’s dressed up nicely and happy, just celebrating. Even though I wasn’t a soloist, I still played an important role. I felt I was fulfilling a role that others could not fulfill on campus.

MT: Do you wish there were more student roles for the gala?

DB: There are a lot of students that go to the gala. You have ushers, the band, and speakers. I wish that ticket prices were cheaper so that more students could attend. At the end of the day, it’s a fundraising event that benefits students. I would love to see more students.

MT: What are the pros and cons of being a gala performer?

DB: I wouldn’t call it a con, but we do have to practice a lot more leading up to the event. As a performer, you do not have the chance to sit down to enjoy the ceremony fully. We, as performers, face the audience – not the stage. We don’t have the opportunity to enjoy ourselves. But, it’s a benefit that we get in for free, and to see how the logistics work before the show officially happens. We see how much effort the school puts into the event.

Another pro is that you never know who you are going to meet. I don’t long to meet celebrities, but the gala grants the opportunity to meet new people. I have pictures with famous people, heard live singing by Stevie Wonder, and witnessed a speech by Congressman John Lewis. I’ve spoken with President John Wilson and various people, ultimately seeing the gala as a family reunion.

MT: If given the opportunity, would you play again for the gala?

DB: During our tenure in college, I feel like we have roles to play. We have people who are here to play basketball, run SGA, etc. One of my roles is to provide music to the campus. This is not why I came to the college, but it’s something I do. If I had another year at Morehouse, and no one was better than me, I think it would be my responsibility to serve my college up on that stage. The gala should be an opportunity for current students who perform arts, to let them shine. And, I will definitely sit in the shadows and watch the next generation play.

Engaging Students To Become A Massage Therapist

The Maroon Tiger

“Online Massage Therapy Training

– A Step Towards A Bright Career As A Massage Therapist in Newark, NJ”

Whether you’re planning to make your career as a specialized therapist or you just want to be trained in different types of massage techniques, you’ll find online massage therapy training very helpful.

If you’re also one of those who have other engagements and cannot afford to join a regular course program, the online massage courses are perhaps the best choice for you.

The great thing about such training programs is that they allow you to pursue your course right from the comfort and privacy of your home. What’s more, there is no fixed timing. You can have your own schedule for study.

Work Scope

Once you successfully complete a specific course through massage therapy training online, you’ve plenty of career options to choose from It opens the doorway of opportunities for you.

For instance, besides working in natural health care services, you might also find handsome work in hospitals, spas and salons, cruise ships, chiropractic clinics, health and wellness clubs, and other health-related facilities.

What Does The Program Comprise Of?

Different online programs have a different focus. It’s crucial for you to understand that no two courses can be similar in course content. Massaging is a vast subject, and when it comes to specialized programs, it’s not just all about learning the different techniques.

You’re also taught about the legal aspects and other responsibilities of a therapist, and much more. However, a typical program might include basic studies in kinesiology, pathology, physiology, and of course anatomy.

What exactly is the focus of your chosen course depends mainly on the online school you’ve decided to go for For example, if a school offers foundational courses in bodywork, the course content may include deep tissue massage, sports massage, and Swedish massage. However, the more advanced programs will provide you with in-depth practical training.

Stand Alone Massage Therapy Training Programs

Nowadays, fascinating techniques are getting more and more popular among massage lovers. Even many massage therapy training online schools are now focusing on teaching their students’ such stand-alone massage therapy training programs.

Let’s take reflexology for example; it’s a unique massage therapy that has become very popular in recent years. This technique involves specific massage of ears, feet, and hands.

Other such programs can include Indian head massage, trigger point therapy, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, Rolfing, meridian therapy, Shiatsu (which is a type of acupressure), Tuina (which is a type of Chinese medical massage), and many others.

Length Of Program

Choosing the right length of the program is one of the most important considerations while you’re choosing the best massage therapy training online course for you It’s vital for you to understand that a foundation program usually consists of at least 300 hours. The more advanced programs might require you to study over 1000 training hours.

Of late, many online institutions are also offering a specific course in an associate of applied science degree in massage therapy. Even vocational colleges and healing arts schools are offering such programs. Therefore, depending upon your choice, you may also like to go for that.

Bottom line

Online massage therapy training programs have been gaining rapid popularity. If you complete such a course by fulfilling all education requirements and earn a certificate in specialized massage in Newark NJ, you can easily earn an excellent hourly rate.

Wherever you go, with your new-found skills as a licensed massage therapist, you can help invigorate tired limbs and encourage better movement, improve circulation, alleviate stress, and bring smiles to countless clients throughout the day.

Why Water Softener should be used by students.

The Maroon Tiger

Water softening is a significant thing which should be done both at home or in the learning institutions. Removing the impurities from water before using it has a lot of benefits to our lives. To some people, water softening can sound like every extraordinary term merely because they have never been informed about it although in the real sense they have even done the act.

Students are the main people that soft water benefits in a number of ways. It is the responsibility of parents and the authorities in the learning institutions to ensure that students use water softeners in their everyday activities. If at all you may have never known why you should use a water softener as a student then it is time that you get to know. This article teaches about the relevance of water softener for students.

First and foremost, as a student, maintaining cleanliness is one particular activity that you should do. Either you are a day scholar or a border, washing your school attire an automatic activity that is incorporated in your daily routine. However, it is usually difficult to wash clothes with hard water. Salty water contains some impurities that form a scum which makes washing very difficult. Washing with hard will always consume most of the time which could have been used for studies. However, having water softeners will ensure that impurities are eliminated and a lot of time is saved.

Secondly, water that contains impurities will always form stains on the school attires and therefore makes them look dull and old. It is disgusting for students to be in such a situation especially when they are attending an educational function or an outing. However, water softeners always ensure that the school uniform shines by maintaining its nature.

Furthermore, since students engage in the cleaning of school attires frequently, a lot of soap is always used Using hard water in most occasions triples the amount of soap used because it neutralizes the components in the soap that are responsible for producing foam. Therefore, it eats the soap away, and this means that the costs of buying detergents will rise. Reducing extra charges on buying detergents can only be acquired if water softeners are used since soft water requires a minimal amount of soap to create foam.

In most of the higher learning institutions, students are usually given the freedom of cooking. They are therefore allowed to carry their own heating and cooking appliances. However, most of these appliances typically wear out at a faster rate because of the impurities present in the water they use Lime as an impurity corrodes the metallic appliances at a fast rate. Excess calcium and magnesium also get deposited on the sides of the tool which makes them less efficient. Water softeners increase the lifespan of such appliances and maintain their efficiency. Some more benefits of water softeners include;

  • Reducing electricity bills in the sense that the presence of impurities in the water requires a lot of energy to boil.
  • Keeping the fabric soft during washing.

It is, therefore, the obligation of both parents and teachers to ensure that students use the water softeners. Fleck Iron is the best salt-free softener product to choose. It is absolutely
outstanding regarding performance for the purposes of cutting extra expenses concerning education.

The Best Welding Helmets for African-Americans

The Maroon Tiger

How wonderful is it for your head, neck and face to get protected always while working? And how can you offer such a wonderful gift to your head if you don’t know how to choose the best helmet? Stay put because all the answers are right here. This article will help you select the most effective helmet for African-American workers as well as students. There are quite a number of features you will use to select the most appropriate helmet for African-American workers. Could you be wondering why you need to put on one while working whether employed or self-employed in welding?

First and foremost, as explained in http://www.bestweldinghelmet.review/tig-welders/ best helmets will always guarantee you safety and protection against ultraviolet light, gas emissions, metal particles all of which if they come into contact with your eyes can cause adverse health effects. Nevertheless, helmets not only cover the head but also the neck and face preventing them from unnecessary injuries while working at your welding workshop.

The best helmets for African-American workers should have the following features:

Automatic darkening lens
The best automatic darkening helmet is usually covered with materials that are sensitive with regards to ultraviolet and infrared light. Lens are usually of different numbers mostly named as 3 or 4. Best helmet lens for African-American workers ought to be clear to enable the worker to see what he or she is working on. So choose wisely. The most helpful lens is the automatic lens which will let you work smoothly.

The light weight of the helmet also matters a lot.
Every African-American worker will wish to undertakesafe one task at a go. It is tiresome and boring to carry a very heavy helmet. Most workers using helmets usually work for long hours and it’s advisable to choose a helmet that is light to ease your work and make it enjoyable.

Switching speed of the lens
Why have a helmet with a high switching speed of the lens? A helmet with a high-speed of switching lens helps and makes work easier. Very little time will be spent on switching the lens while using an automatic lens and this will enable you to invest more time in working.

The number of sensors
Probably asking what sensors are? They are devices made to detect the changes, respond to them or rather enhance visibility as expected. It’s good to acquire a helmet that has a high number of sensors for visibility purposes, to see clearly what you doing to avoid errors and mistakes.

Last but not least, the best African-American helmets should meet the set national standards in terms of safety.
The standards usually may major on the material used to make it, the switching power of the lens, the rate at which lens switch from one form to the other among other many standards.

So worry not about your safety any more! for the features you have been looking for in order to acquire a good helmet for African-American welding worker are all made available for you right here. Acquire one and get motivated to do your job.

The Importance of Colors in Sports

The Maroon Tiger

You may not have noticed it, but colors play a huge role in sports. Of course, when you’re attending your team’s game, you wear their colors, but it’s more than that Have you ever wondered why your team has those specific colors? Well, color plays more of a role than just for identification. Colors have the power to influence people’s moods which is why there are certain colors which are more predominant in sports than others. It’s not typical for a team to wear pink or light purple. Usually, teams are in royal blue, blue, yellow, black, and white. But what do these colors mean?

There has been some various research done in order to support this Back in 1970 to mid-1980s, researchers found that NHL and NFL teams wearing black were penalized more than those wearing non-black uniforms. They found that people are more aggressive in sports when wearing black. So, it’s not only other teams perceptions of each other, the perception the individual has of themselves also changes when wearing a specific colored uniform. If by wearing a black uniform a player feels more aggressive, they’ll play in an aggressive manner. However, if a player is in a non-dominating color such as baby blue, they may not feel the desire to show aggression during a match. It’s clear that colors have a strong impact on human emotion.

Let’s take a look at the color red. Red is viewed as a color of power and is a physical color, one that’s seen on any sports equipment and uniforms. Red is masculine and is used to arouse aggression in others. You can see it in bullfighting, for example, as the color is strongly associated with dominance. This also answers the question as to why so many sports teams have the color read in their uniform as red signifies dominance over another team. However, if we look at the color blue, it has completely the opposite effect. Blue is known as the color of the mind and is highly correlated with logic, calmness, and efficiency. We can see this is table tennis. Though there is no set standard for the color of the table, many table tennis tables are blue. This is because though this game is physical, its needs logic and calmness when playing it. In target shooting, the target is usually in color red because it can be easily seen even from afar. Guns used in that sport also look powerful if there is a touch of red. You can check some MMR comparison with a range of the best target shooting essentials.

Sports are not simply physical games or games based off of strategy, they’re also psychological. In order for your team to excel against another, they need to psychologically disrupt the other team. Though they may not be able to speak to them, they can use color as a way to give off a specific image and perception. This perception is immediately interpreted by the opponents and can easily take them off their course.
Though as we sit in the stands, we rarely notice these things, however, there are reasons why some specific teams play so well Yes, they may have exceptional players and an amazing coach but there’s more to it than that They have the help of their team colors. Whether it’s an individual sport or team sport, colors are an essential element of the game and can help a team win or lose.

Listening and Expanding Your Music Palette; Frank Ocean, a reopening of sorts

The Maroon Tiger

Frank Ocean elated the world of music with his sophomore album Channel Orange, released on July 10, 2013. Although, after a positive wave of critical reviews from world-renown critics, a Grammy award for Urban Contemporary Album of the Year and a multitudinous amount of analyzations of what Channel Orange is, as art, Ocean disappeared. Critics and fans alike interrogated and critiqued Ocean on his absence, and created questions on if the talented artist would ever return, or if that, be capable of producing a product to the caliber of Channel Orange.

After four years of silence, speculation and insinuations of his return, Frank Ocean stopped the world’s orbit and released “Blonde” on Aug. 20.

There’s a fighting urge to compare and contrast Channel Orange and Blonde. There are blatant similarities between the two: the production is very distinct, and his voice still coincides with his precise instrumentals as well as anyone in musical history. He coexists with the production, both extremely dependent on one another. His baritone and tenor hybrid vocal range still floats elegantly through tracks as the melodies create homely imagery.

However, there’s a similar and polar urge to not compare the two whatsoever. It’s impossible to interpret the meaning of Blond this early. There have been four more years of attempts to comprehend what Channel Orange is, understanding Blond shouldn’t even be in the question. With scattered themes of growth, sexuality, fluidity, darkness and happiness, the album is too intricate for ripe interpretation

However, maybe it’s not about understanding, but enjoying Ocean’s gifts. Standout tracks such as “Ivy”, “Pink + White” and “Seigfried”, are listening experiences- miniature audio odysseys, Ocean has a similar power only movie composers withhold while scoring films, putting the audience in new worlds through the bridge of sound.

Comparison kills, but it is transparent that even after the release of Channel Orange, Blond is a fresh work of art that the world has never witnessed before. Frank Ocean is special, and will only improve from here.

SafeSpace, Sociology Department Offers New LGBT Course

The Maroon Tiger

Some would say Morehouse College consists of a homogeneous demographic though it regularly boasts of having an aura of diversity that is often ignored from the outside looking in. This realization of diversity has taken new form as the gay/straight alliance and student advocacy group, SafeSpace, through the hard work of Dr. Michael Hodge of the sociology department, has officially received the green light to launch a special topics course on Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history and culture to be offered for credit Spring 2013.

The idea came to fruition when SafeSpace’s Special Project and Events Coordinator Marcus Lee partnered with Yale University professor Dr. Jafari S. Allen to pitch the project. Allen focuses on the intersections of queer sexuality, gender and blackness.

“He’s very interested in gender non-conformity among people of color, and I’m interested in that as well,? Lee said. “I told him that I don’t have much direction here at Morehouse because many of the professors whose focus is on sexuality often focus on diseases and not really cultural critique. So he recommended that he teach a class via Skype.?

Both well versed and experienced in the field of sexuality and gender expression, Dr. Allen currently teaches courses on the cultural politics of race, sexuality and gender within Black Diasporas and has authored various publications, including “Crucial Palimpsest: Re-Reading Brother to Brother? and currently “Black Queer Here and There: The Social Poesis of Diaspora? (tentatively titled).

Fixed to extend his expertise to the students of Morehouse College, Allen is sure to make a mark and set quite a high standard of excellence through his course.

“What you call ‘human rights advocacy’ is for me just trying to be a responsible person in the world to point out and perhaps, in some cases, also to attempt to help to fix injustices,? Allen said. “While this may be controversial in some academic settings where there is the pretension of a kind of non-political educational project, this has never been the case for Morehouse or for any historically Black institution. So, it is essential for Morehouse students, faculty, administrators and alumni to engage [in] this conversation.?

Having this course is due to Hodge, the Chair of the Morehouse College sociology department. Academic departments often offer special elective courses, such as this, to “allow the department to trial-run a course to strengthen the learning outcomes, judge student interest and clean up any loose ends before submitting it to the official committee for curriculum.? Based on Allen’s syllabus and learning outcomes, the course was approved by the division Dean Dr. Clarissa Myrick-Harris and faculty of the department.

The class has also been cross listed by the African American studies department.

The course is expected to outline various key concepts in Black feminism and critical cultural theory and methodology. Described as “an interdisciplinary survey of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) culture and politics? in the course’s syllabus, the class will serve as an in-depth look into critical, social and cultural theory that will vastly benefit the Morehouse community.

SafeSpace’s Public Relations Director Ja’Mal Lewis believes that this course will finally shine light on the LGBT figures that have been overlooked throughout history.

“Many influential LGBT leaders have gone unrecorded due to their sexuality, and they made many of the movements that changed and shaped our history,? Lewis said.

SafeSpace’s President,KennethPass, has one ultimate goal in mind for the course.

“We’re not here to make people feel comfortable, we’re here to make people think and this course will foster a much needed discussion about the Black experience through an LGBT lens here within Morehouse’s walls,? Pass commented.

Dr. Allen is working to make this not just a worthwhile educational experience, but also, more broadly, one that will allow growth and expressional, educated freedom.

“I want students to be open and engaged in reading closely, generously, and with what Gramsci called something like ‘pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will,’? Allen said. “That is, to relentlessly question and never settle for a just-so story or interpretation that suggests, for example, that any knowledge is innocent of the author’s own motives, background or the times in which s/he lived … This is my general commitment as a pedagogue.?

The course (History and Culture of Black LGBT, HSOC 300, CRN: 45022) is open for registration under the sociology department on Tigernet. It will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:50 P.M. to 5:05 P.M.

In letter to alumni, President Wilson announces layoffs to restore financial health

The Maroon Tiger

The Maroon Tiger recently obtained a letter from President Dr. John Wilson laying out a plan to restore the college’s financial health after months of low enrollment and a PLUS loan crisis that has driven enrollment down at HBCUs nationwide.

Read the full letter below:

I am writing because I want you to hear directly from me about an important, financially related issue at Morehouse.

Today, I announced to the campus community that Morehouse has eliminated or downgraded 75 administrative positions through a reduction-in-force. Forty-six people lost their jobs, and another 9 people had their jobs reclassified to a lower grade. Twenty positions that were vacant will not be refilled.

This is a difficult but necessary step we are taking – with the full support of the Board of Trustees – to ensure that Morehouse can operate within our financial means and continue to carry out our educational mission.

Like many colleges and universities, Morehouse has been negatively impacted by the downturn in the national economy. Over the past five years, our enrollment has declined steadily because the economy negatively affected many families’ ability to pay for college. By the 2012-13 academic year, there were 500 fewer students enrolled at Morehouse than there had been in the 2008-09 academic year. As enrollment declined, net tuition revenue also declined.

The Board of Trustees had been aware of this problem for some time. And when I came on board as president in January, I offered a clearer and more accurate definition of the College’s growing financial challenge. Then, within the first few months of my administration, my leadership team and I developed a plan to restore the College to financial health within three years. The Board, with a new executive leadership team in place, adopted the plan in July.

One of our biggest challenges was the need to align our expenses with our revenues. Although our revenues had declined significantly, our expenses had not. To correct this imbalance, we cut $2.5 million from our annual operating budget. We also restructured and right-sized the staff to meet our current enrollment estimates and needs for instruction and strategic priorities.

The cost savings from the RIF plus the other budget reductions will have an immediate positive impact on the bottom line. But there is only so much we can cut and still maintain a quality academic program.

That is why over the next five years, my primary focus will be on generating more revenues and efficiencies for the College. My administration will implement an aggressive enrollment management plan to attract more students who can afford to pay for a Morehouse education. And we will use our scholarships more strategically to ensure that we are focusing support on students who have the highest potential to benefit from being at Morehouse.

But, ultimately, Morehouse must be less dependent on tuition. So, while the administration is working to control costs and stabilize enrollment, the Board is taking the lead on fund raising to significantly grow our endowment and increase unrestricted gifts from donor-investors who support our mission as the premier institution of higher education for African American men.

As we approach the donor community, we know that one of the first questions they will ask is how those closest to the College – our alumni – are stepping up to the plate to support Morehouse. We are counting on all of you to have a good story to tell.

Many of you are already doing a great deal to support Morehouse. I know we can do more. For Dear Old Morehouse, we must do more. So let’s keep going, let’s keep pushing, let’s keep giving.

Forever Morehouse!