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Richter Library reduces finals week hours amid UM budget cuts, students speak out

Sydney Billings
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Richter Library reduces finals week hours amid UM budget cuts, students speak out

Following a series of budget cuts that have limited access to academic resources, frustrated students at the University of Miami are taking action after the Otto G. Richter Library’s hours of operation during finals week were reduced.

In addition to reducing database subscriptions and high-impact resources for students, a lack of funding to pay employees has led the library to reduce its hours of operation during finals week from 24 hours to 6 a.m. through 2 a.m..

At the beginning of the semester, a statement was published on the UM Libraries website detailing how the recent adjustment would impact collections funding, which is allocated toward student resources and the preservation of historic records at the library.

“Overall, our collections funding to meet that mission remains strong,” reads the statement. “However, a reduction to the Libraries’ operating budget requires us to strategically reduce and realign collections spending on the Coral Gables campus for the coming year.”

Skye Eppel, a senior double majoring in economics and global health studies, is a former employee of Otto G. Richter Library through Federal Work Study.

After four consecutive years of working at the library, Eppel was laid off at the beginning of last week due to the same budget cuts.

On Tuesday, Eppel received an email from a supervisor who announced the adjusted hours of operation. Upon learning of this change, she was furious.

“The school makes billions of dollars a year, and I think cutting these hours is kind of a slap in the face to the student body about where their tuition is really going,” Eppel said. “I think that a library is the most fundamental resource to any education, and for a University of this stature to have to deny students this resource is absolutely ridiculous.

For Eppel, it is the lack of educational resources that will greatly impact students who regularly utilize the library.

“Students, especially those who may not have another space to do work, rely on the library for several aspects of their education,” Eppel said. “The library provides desktop computers, whiteboards, study rooms, chargers, special programs and many more resources that could not be accessed without it.”

Eppel created a petition on Wednesday afternoon expressing her frustration with the announcement.

The petition included information about the budget cut as well as comments from a personal interview with Glen Wiley, the associate dean of access and discovery services at Richter Library.

Wiley, along with Jose Rodrigues, the director of access services and learning commons, are responsible for coordinating the budget for Richter Library.

During this interview, Wiley revealed that in June 2023, the University of Miami announced they would be cutting 10% of the entire UM Libraries budget and 50% of the student budget.

While budget cuts by the University have been gradually increasing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Wiley noted, this recent development appears to be the most substantial budget cut yet.

Upon signing the petition, several students expressed frustration with how administration is allocating the University budget.

“It’s like the administration is forgetting that the whole point of college is to learn,” senior biology and political science major Izzy Sowells said. “It seems as though despite being a tier-one research university, we seem to have forgotten our roots. This should never have even been on the table for an institution that prides itself on research.”

Lydia Buckius, a junior transfer student from Elon University, was surprised at the lack of support for students during an especially busy time of the semester.

“I’m disappointed because I’m a transfer student and my old institution’s library was open 24/7 and even had free snacks during finals,” Buckius said.

While several students are bearing the brunt of these recent budget cuts, faculty and staff members at the library have also expressed hope for change.

A full-time staff member at Otto G. Richter Library, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed their heartbreak for the students who rely on the library for their academic success.

“I struggle to find the words to express how much I would like the students to continue to have a great educational journey. It’s about the future and assisting the students to continue to reach their educational milestones in an efficient manner. And the manner in which we’ve always assisted should continue.”

Students and faculty can read and sign Eppel’s petition here.

Florida’s Rally for Change: How Floridians are coming together for access to clean water

Layla Gravelle
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Florida’s Rally for Change: How Floridians are coming together for access to clean water

Though Florida might be the state surrounded by the most water in the mainland, the right to access clean drinking water is not a guarantee for many Floridians.

Home to several prominent industries from tourism to urban development, the state’s executive branch arguably favors industries that engage in pollution by enabling lenient regulations and weak legislative measures, according to Florida residents like Cheryl Lasse.

“Most people would be surprised to learn that Floridians do not have a right to clean water,” said Lasse, the director of information management for Florida’s Right to Clean Water Campaign. “It’s a huge economic, quality of life and public health issue.”

Many of these industries that contribute to the pollution problem are involved in industrial activities where excess waste and toxins are released as byproducts into nearby bodies of water.

With substantial population growth and heightened precipitation from climate change, the over 30-year-old wastewater treatment plants have become too small for the required wastewater volume. Their capability is limited, processing only a select range of chemicals. Those that are not processed are released into waterways, leading to increasing levels of toxic runoff.

This toxic runoff entering the water supply has caused drastic environmental consequences for Florida’s wildlife and had a huge impact on local communities, oftentimes resulting in hundreds of thousands of aquatic creatures and wildlife being killed and washed onto shore.

Even more dangerous, toxic contaminants in the water are entering aquifers that are responsible for providing communities clean drinking water.

Exposure to these chemicals in communities has been posing health concerns, especially for vulnerable communities as toxic runoff in water can lead to waterborne diseases and critical health issues among residents.

Economic wellbeing of Florida communities dependent on tourism, fishing and other water industries may lose their businesses or months of revenue without access to clean water.

According to Lasse, Florida’s Right to Clean Water Campaign aims to combat the damaging effects of pollution by drafting an amendment that will force the state to take action.

“We would like to make the right to clean water be something that everyone has access to, regardless of socioeconomic status,” said Lasse. “Everybody should have that as a basic right, just as they have the right to free speech.”

Requiring 900,000 petition signatures by the end of 2023 for ballot inclusion, the amendment explicitly outlines actions and omissions that are a detriment to water quality.

The amendment defines “clean and healthy waters” and recognizes the fundamental right of the people to have access to this resource. Providing an inclusive list of relief violations, it describes potential remedies to restore waters to their normal conditions.

Granting legal remedies for violations, the amendment would enable residents, non-governmental organizations or government entities to uphold and safeguard these rights by legally challenging state-backed industries.

For Floridians, the amendment will also enable the implementation of Basin Management Action Plans (BMAP) to control pollution levels in their water. BMAPs set limits for how much pollution runoff is allowed to be released into the environment.

Biscayne Bay is one community that has been of concern among residents because of the lack of BMAPs. Without regulation on how much one can pollute, the bay continues to be legally flushed with pollutants and toxins that are harmful to humans and the environment.

In August 2020, the effects of the unregulated toxins in the bay showed just how much of an impact it has on wildlife. With a combination of several environmental factors, the effects of climate change and unregulated pollution, over 27,000 marine creatures from 56 different species were killed, making it the largest recorded fish kill in Biscayne Bay history.

As these stats highlighted the consequences of toxic water and the dire need for regulation and improved infrastructure, Florida’s Free Water Campaign proposed this amendment to have a significant impact on the restoration of the bay and its ecosystem, along with improving water quality in various other locations in the state.

“Everything from the beach, to the canals, to the water we drink can be cleaner, “ said the Student Government’s ECO Agency chair Ainsley Hilliard. “The act is so important for all Florida residents to be aware of, because we are the one’s holding the power to make a difference.”

According to Lasse, passing this act will allow for the people to hold the Florida Department of Environmental Protection accountable and create implementations of BMAPs so that areas like Biscayne Bay in South Florida and several other locations in the state can be restored and protected.

Florida’s Right to Clean Water Campaign ultimately aims to take the first step to protecting the state’s most valuable resource and addressing the effects of Florida’s wastewater issues. With the potential to enact meaningful change, Lasse argues it is up to Floridians to unite and stand up for their rights as residents.

“The current system protects polluters,” said Lasse. “It puts a lot of vulnerable communities in harm’s way. Our amendment is going to fix that and create much-needed equality.”

UM alum raises allergy awareness with children’s book

Vivica Dunlap
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UM alum raises allergy awareness with children’s book

Every day of elementary school, UM alumna KiAnna Nycole Dorsey would sit at the nut-free table by herself. As a young girl, her severe nut allergy made her feel isolated as she navigated birthday parties, school events and other gatherings as the only kid who couldn’t enjoy the treats.

Her experience led her to publish “Food Friendly,” a children’s book that promotes inclusion for kids with allergies. The book tells the story of elementary school students who learn about allergies during their lunchtime together.

A Stamps Scholar and Foote Fellow, Dorsey graduated from the School of Communication with a degree in motion picture production. She now works in Los Angeles within the entertainment industry, but her journey from filmmaker to author started during the height of COVID-19.

Dorsey graduated from the UM School of Communication in May 2023 with a degree in motion picture production.
Dorsey graduated from the UM School of Communication in May 2023 with a degree in motion picture production. Photo credit: TMV Visuals

Dorsey originally developed “Food Friendly” as an animated series for children, but after her funding was cut off due to lockdown, she had to pivot and figure out how to make her hard work into something worthy of her time.

“One thing about me is that if I want to do something, I’ll get it done. I’ll find a way no matter what,” Dorsey said.

After getting a suggestion to turn her show into a children’s book, she dove into the process and learned all she could to make it a reality, from talking to artists and developing the visuals to writing the text.

“The only thing I knew going into it was the story,” Dorsey said. “That was the only thing I knew I felt comfortable with was the story and the characters, because that’s what I study.”

The cover of KiAnna Nycole Dorsey&squot;s book "Food Friendly," illustrated by Titus V. Thomas and Syr-Ivan Bennett.
The cover of KiAnna Nycole Dorsey's book "Food Friendly," illustrated by Titus V. Thomas and Syr-Ivan Bennett. Photo credit: Contributed graphic

The story Dorsey paints is one of her own life: a girl struggling with an allergy and wanting to hang out with other students her age. She doesn’t want to be left out due to her disability, an experience that Dorsey relates to.

“I thought I was gonna be the only person with an allergy, like I just constantly felt different and it would have meant the world to just have a book with a character who looks like me,” Dorsey said. “At the end of the day, I just wanna build some awareness in my audience. Whether you resonate or you don’t, you walk away with something.”

A self-published author, Dorsey has sold over 100 copies of her book so far — an impressive feat for a recent college graduate.

“My long-term goal is to continue to make stories that cause people to think and build compassion and have a message…that’s what I’ll be happy with,” Dorsey said.

Students interested in reading Dorsey’s story can purchase the paperback version at Barnes & Noble or Amazon and follow her on Instagram @foodfriendlyproject.

Hip-hop dance team KAOS on growth and “making space” for creativity

Vivica Dunlap
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Hip-hop dance team KAOS on growth and “making space” for creativity
KAOS at the Spring 2022 showcase
Hip-hop dance team KAOS at its Spring 2023 showcase. Photo credit: Instagram @umiamikaos

Electric dance choreography took center stage at the Rock Plaza last Thursday as hip-hop music reverberated through campus and a crowd of students cheered their peers on. This synchronized group of dancers known as KAOS — UM’s only coed hip-hip dance team — lit up the Rock at their fall showcase on Nov. 9.

Since 1995, KAOS has shared hip-hop choreography with the campus community through performances at sporting events, open dance clinics, Homecoming Week’s O-Cheer competition and their end-of-semester dance showcase.

The Miami Hurricane sat down with Jayda O’Neill, a biomedical engineering senior and president of KAOS, to talk about her passion and love for the organization.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

How do you choose choreographers?

O’NEILL: I ask at the beginning of the semester who’s interested in choreographing and it used to be one person a week. So on Tuesday, they would teach and then on Wednesday, they would get our dance ready to go perform on stage.

But as membership has increased in numbers, so has the interest in choreographing, and I find it very important not to turn anyone’s creative ideas away. I want to embrace everyone’s creative ideas because that’s what makes KAOS, KAOS. So, instead of saying, “Oh you can’t choreograph because we don’t have enough space,” we have just made more space for everyone.

Where does your passion for dance come from?

O’NEILL: For me, dance is a passion that I’ve always had. It’s my sanity. Aside from doing all the hard work with my major, dance is my mental break. So, for me, it was really important that I found a team that was able to understand that school’s first at the end of the day and also had practice every week.

Can you elaborate on how dance is a release for you?

O’NEILL: When we dance, it is physically an emotional release, because we are moving all of that stagnant energy. We’re moving it, we’re releasing it, we’re feeling something positive and we’re putting that energy into positive motion.

I could go through whatever during the day, but as soon as I walk in that studio and I’m dancing with my teammates, it’s gone. Even if it comes back when I leave the studio, it’s gone for a while and I feel supported and safe there.

How does KAOS combat the exclusivity in dance culture?

O’NEILL: I’m very familiar with the different types of cultures that can be found in the dance environment and how cliquey and toxic it can become. As president, I made it one of my missions to make sure that we are an environment that includes everybody. There are no cliques.

I don’t care what you do outside of dance, but when we’re inside the studio, we’re all there for the same reason. We’re all there to grow together as dancers, and we’re all a family. We support each other inside and outside of the studio. We’re all communicating with each other — It’s the healthiest dance environment that I’ve ever been a part of.

How do you make the environment welcoming to newcomers?

O’NEILL: We like to promote that there is no need for a dance background. There have been many people on our team before who have never danced and they just had the courage to show up and the passion for it. We don’t even look for technique and we don’t look for things that make you a perfect dancer. What we do look for is what you have that we cannot give you, like performance quality. What energy do you bring to this stage?

It’s really not about how good of a dancer you are at the end of the day. No one in that room is perfect — we all make mistakes and we all learn from each other. It’s a very safe environment for people to just come and explore and see if dance is something they want to be a part of.

How do you promote a healthy dance environment?

O’NEILL: Communication is something that I always think is really important. We’ll have bonding events outside of the studio, so we’ll go to dinner, then go around the table and say our favorite thing that’s happened so far, our favorite memory or something positive. At practice, sometimes we’ll do a short warm-up, get into a circle and go around the room asking questions like “What did you do last week that you’re proud of?” [or] “What’s something you’re excited for?”

It’s just a really great way of starting the day off with open communication where everyone feels like they’re seen and heard for who they are in and outside of the studio.

How has the team grown since you first joined?

O’NEILL: When I first joined, it was a pretty small organization. There was about a max of 15 people, and then COVID hit and it got really hard. We had to do practices online, a lot of people ended up dropping out and we got to a team that was under 10 people at one point.

We came together and we were very determined to build the team up to be a professional club organization. After the past three years of really grinding to make the organization as great as it is, we’re now a team of 27. It’s the biggest the organization has ever been and we are the cleanest group of dancers that I’ve ever seen since being on the team.

What’s your favorite thing about KAOS?

O’NEILL: My favorite thing is seeing the growth of the dancers individually. Newbies become vets and then the vets become even better than they believe that they would ever be able to become.

To watch us as a team get synchronized because we’re dancing together, it’s like we’re more of a family than friends. Everyone dances and feeds off of each other and it’s a really great environment.

What legacy do you want KAOS to leave?

O’NEILL: Our name, what we do, our involvement on campus and our reputation. Seeing us on stage, you can see and feel the professionalism, and something that I want to continue is that level of work ethic and hard work.

Everyone’s the same amount of committed and it’s not like half the team’s growing every week and half the team’s not. We’re growing together.

Is there anything else you want to say?

O’NEILL: Everyone has their own different training backgrounds and that always plays a part in how you choreograph. Having people on our team from all different backgrounds, all different dancing experiences and all different places really brings diversity.

There’s no two dances that are the same, so we’re constantly given the space to continuously learn, to continuously grow. Live, love, KAOS.

Miami Wilds, the not-so-wild water park interrupting critical habitat, faces community opposition

Jenny Jacoby
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Miami Wilds, the not-so-wild water park interrupting critical habitat, faces community opposition

A group of protestors stood at the entrance of the University of Miami, demanding the UM Board of Trustees buy back the 88 acres of pine rockland forests sold to developers for $22 million. That was in 2015.

The forest was eventually bulldozed to make room for a Walmart.

Eight years later, zoo employees, environmental groups and citizens of all ages gathered outside Zoo Miami, protesting again to save the pine rocklands. This time, they say they won’t lose.

“I have kept a sign from the [Walmart] construction site in my room for six years. I look at it when I want to remember what happens when we lose,” said Zachariah Cosner, a UM graduate and organizer of the Let Them Thrive Rally held on Nov. 4, 2023.

Hundreds turned out on the gloomy Saturday morning in support of the critical habitat and the at least four federally listed endangered species that call the forest home. Environmentalists, including 40-year Zoo Miami employee Ron Magill, believe the development of the Miami Wilds theme park would severely threaten the rare ecosystem if approved by county commissioners on Dec. 12.

“When I heard that they want to build this property into a waterfront and it was deemed a critical habitat for endangered species, I said, we can’t do that. It totally goes counter to what we stand for in the zoo,” Magill said.

The water park, 17 years in the making, is slated to take over 27.5 acres more of pine rocklands sitting on county land that currently serves as a free parking lot for Zoo Miami. Less than 2% of the scarce habitat remains outside of the Everglades National Park.

“These are truly irreplaceable resources. There are people that travel the Earth to see the biodiversity that we have right here. So to see the county considering throwing that away for a development that can be built anywhere? It’s really shocking,” said Elise Bennett, Florida and Caribbean director for the Center for Biological Diversity.

The National Park Service initially released the parcel of land to Miami-Dade county for the water park in a 2006 referendum, on the condition that the land was not environmentally sensitive.

“Now, 17 years later, we know it’s environmentally sensitive and that’s technically a violation of that referendum.” Lauren Jonaitis, senior conservation director of the Tropical Audubon Society said.

Protestors hold up signs they made at the ReWild Miami Let Them Thrive rally against the development of Miami WIlds on the pine rocklands on Nov. 4, 2023.
Protestors hold up signs they made at the ReWild Miami Let Them Thrive rally against the development of Miami WIlds on the pine rocklands on Nov. 4, 2023. Photo credit: Jenny Jacoby

The group is currently suing Miami-Dade County over the violation, claiming the environmental value of the pine rocklands should force the county to forfeit the plan entirely.

The pine rocklands entered the spotlight following the rediscovery of the previously thought-to-be extinct Miami tiger beetle in 2007. The beetle received endangered species status with a critical habitat designation in May 2023, disrupting developer plans.

Despite the beetle’s discovery, the water park and corresponding hotel lease was approved by county commissioners in 2020. Problems ensued as a second lawsuit was filed against the National Parks Service for failing to conduct National Environmental Policy Act mandated environmental reviews of the property. NPS admitted to this wrongdoing.

Environmentalists believe that a proper investigation would reveal that a water park significantly impairs the success of the ecosystem.

“Based on how rare the species are here, the impacts of a brand new development could be really species ending for some of these like the Miami tiger beetle,” Bennet said.

Development would put a likely end to the controlled burns needed to make the habitat viable, and exposure to chlorine, from the pools, has the potential to generate noxious bacterial gas looming over the forest, explained community organizer Steven Leidner.

Most importantly, Miami Wilds stands in the way of the success of the Florida bonneted bat, a highly endangered species, that uses the empty parking lot at night to feed.

“This parking lot might be a parking lot by day, but by night is a very important foraging area for critically endangered species who need it to feed, and we’ve got to protect it for them,” Magill said.

The high activity level of the bonneted bats in the area was initially reported by a Florida Fish and Wildlife study. Once the lawsuit emerged, Miami Wilds park manager Paul Lambert conducted an independent study with Johnson Engineering that disputed the “high presence” of bonneted bats. The discrepancy has led to misgivings about how crucial the land is for the species that will need to be determined before construction is permitted.

While fighting the lawsuits, Miami Wilds has fallen behind on its commitments to the county, and is set to miss its Dec. 22 groundbreaking date. According to District 7 Commissioner Raquel Regalado, this is yet another reason to cancel it all together.

“They haven’t applied for a permit. They haven’t applied for zoning. They do not have a site plan, they owe us rent and they owe us attorneys fees. There’s a million legal reasons to kill the deal,” she said.

“We said either kill it or move it.”

Choosing neither, County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recently pushed to delay the commissioners vote from September to December, so the county could investigate alternative sites.These may include the Homestead-Miami Speedway, whose owners have expressed interest in a water park, Regalado noted.

But, Lambert has no interest in moving his 300-job facility elsewhere.

“It is net-beneficial for the zoo to have the water park there. Having multiple gates together adds more business for everyone,” Lambert said in an interview with CBS Miami on Nov. 3 2023.

The December vote will allow commissioners to revisit the issue and force another decision pitting development against the environment on the county.

Cosner, left defeated after the construction of Walmart five years ago, feels this outcome will be different. He believes the pine rocklands are not only part of Miami’s heritage, but a representation of the county itself and that they have no choice but to save it.

“What is a pine rockland?” Cosner asked.

“It is the coming together of the species of temperate North America and the species of tropical Caribbean in a novel context that forms its own identity. And, if we cannot save this forest, how are we going to save ourselves?”

2023 Art Week events welcome global audiences to Miami

Morgan Fry
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2023 Art Week events welcome global audiences to Miami

What is already a colorful and vibrant city truly comes alive during Miami Art Week. Artists, designers, tourists, locals and creative minds alike all come together for this annual event.

From Dec. 6-10, Miami Art Week will host one-of-a-kind events, exhibitions and fairs where attendees can learn about the ideas, cultures and visions of featured artists. Check out some of this year’s Miami Art Week attractions below.

Art Basel

Head to the Miami Beach Convention Center from Dec. 8-10 to immerse yourself in Miami Art Week’s premier international contemporary art fair.

What started in 1970 in Basel, Switzerland has expanded to Hong Kong, Miami Beach and for the first time this year, Paris. Miami is the only U.S. city to host this exclusive event, drawing in crowds from across the country and around the world.

Now entering its 21st year in Miami Beach, the event is scaling back from the massive 283 galleries displayed at the 20-year celebration in 2022.

However, you won’t want to miss the 2023 lineup, which will feature 277 art galleries from 33 countries and territories, including 24 new exhibitors. The event will be divided into six sections, each with its own focus.

Galleries: These include works from leading art galleries. Consider this the “main area” of Art Basel, with the most popular artwork.

Meridians: This is Art Basel’s unique platform for showcasing non-traditional, large-scale projects including video projections, live performances and large sculptures and paintings.

Positions: This section is dedicated to emerging artists. This year, it will feature 16 solo exhibitions by up-and-coming international artists.

Nova: This area hosts works created within the last three years. This year, Nova will highlight 22 presentations from 22 galleries.

Survey: Works in this section highlight pieces with historic relevance. Sixteen galleries will showcase pieces created before the year 2000.

Kabinett: This sector provides galleries with the opportunity to feature curated exhibitions in a separate location within their booth.

Art Basel has evolved into more than just an attraction to admire and purchase artwork. The international contemporary art fair has become a premier event for influencers and fashion lovers alike.

With many attendees dressing up for the event, stylish individuals should consider showing off their own artistic abilities through their art show outfits. Wear your best attire to analyze and inspect some of the world’s finest artwork.

While there are VIP sections for people interested in purchasing artwork, the average UM student likely won’t make a high-end art transaction. But Art Basel is the perfect time to gather a few friends for a day or two and appreciate the world-renowned artwork presented just 14 miles away from Coral Gables.

Design Miami

This is Design Miami’s 19th addition to Miami Art Week, featuring more contemporary elements including furniture and lighting designs. This year’s theme, “Where We Stand,” examines how design impacts the world around us throughout time and today.

Design Miami will take place Dec. 6-10 at Convention Center Drive and 10th Street, alongside the Miami Beach Convention Center. Head over after enjoying Art Basel to keep the contemporary feel alive.

Visitors gather outside the entrance to the Untitled Art fair during Miami Art Week 2022.
Visitors gather outside the entrance to the Untitled Art fair during Miami Art Week 2022. Photo credit: Mikey Mok

Art Miami

Art Miami is one of the largest Art Basel satellite fairs, showcasing art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Well-known contemporary artists such as Gerhard Richter, Marcel Duchamp, Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning will be featured at this event.

Stop by the Art Miami Pavilion to take a step back in time with one glimpse at these pieces.

There are countless ways to appreciate and learn about art during Miami Art Week. Regardless of your art preferences, there is something for everyone. Be sure to attend this iconic Miami event for an unforgettable experience.

For a list of more events, visit the Miami Art Week website for a complete schedule.

Miami Book Fair celebrates 40 years of literature and culture

Faith Jimenez
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Miami Book Fair celebrates 40 years of literature and culture
UM student Kyle Somelofske browsing through books in the Richter Library.
UM student Kyle Somelofske browsing through books in the Richter Library.

Now entering its 40th year, the renowned Miami Book Fair is once again celebrating literary culture in Downtown Miami from Nov. 12-19.

What started as a dream of independent bookstore owners, librarians and educational professionals has become one of the most successful and inclusive book fairs in the U.S.. With over 500 authors and 200,000 attendees, the annual book fair hosts a wide variety of programs catered to multiple demographics over eight days.

UM, a premium sponsor of the book fair, highly encourages student attendance. Rudy Fernandez, the Executive Vice President for University Operations and External Affairs and Chief of Staff, sheds light on the relationship between the fair and the University.

“We have a mission that consists of three parts,” Fernandez said. “It’s education, it’s research, it’s clinical care. But for education, promoting reading and lifelong learning is something that we deeply believe in at the University, and I think the book fair certainly promotes that.”

Taking place at Miami-Dade College’s Wolfson campus, here’s what to expect at this year’s Miami-Dade Book Fair.

On Sunday, Nov. 12, the fair kicked off with an Opening Night Block Party. Grammy Award-winning producer Louie Vega played live music ranging from hip-hop to salsa as visitors enjoyed the pop-up market “Smorgasburg Miami” right on the Wolfson Campus Plaza.

Throughout the week, invited award-winning authors like Jada Pinkett Smith, Mitch Albom and Kerry Washington will sit on various panels and share their insights. These author speeches, including the “Evenings With” series, are ticketed events that range from $30 to $40.

UM faculty members will also be featured in several of these panels, including Germane Barnes, an associate professor at the School of Architecture, and Phil Harling, director of the Center for Humanities and professor at the College of Arts and Sciences.

In addition to the author speeches are a set of programs catered to the diverse international community of Miami. Book readings, writing workshops and speeches, including “ReadCarribean,” “IberoAmerican Authors” and “ReadingEast,” will give literary insight into different nationalities.

From Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Nov.19, the famous Street Fair will welcome the public to enjoy various book vendors, artisans and other literary events. A diverse set of exhibitors — called the Writers’ Row — ensures that all visitors have something that appeals to them, including sections for graphic novels, Spanish-language novels and books for children.

The Street Fair will feature traditionally-published and self-published authors promoting their novels. Happening at the same time is “Off the Shelf”, a small music festival that features live musicians and DJs while guests visit the hosted art exhibitions and food spots.

The Street Fair is a ticketed event that costs $10 at the gate, however, visitors on Nov. 17 will enjoy free admission for that day. University of Miami Students are eligible for discounted tickets online, with up to 50% off, when using the code: UMMBFDISCOUNT.

Can’t make it to the Wolfson campus? The Miami Book Fair will employ a hybrid system this year and virtually stream programs on their Miami Book Fair Online service.

A comprehensive guide to the book fair’s schedule and event locations can be found on the Miami Book Fair website.

Despite obstacles, Indigecanes chair works to amplify Native American voices at UM

Samantha Rodriguez
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Despite obstacles, Indigecanes chair works to amplify Native American voices at UM
Samuel Tommie and Miss Florida Seminole Thomlynn Billie, both members of the Seminole tribe, speak about the importance of Native American month during Indigecanes' Native American Heritage Month Kickoff event on Nov. 1.
Samuel Tommie and Miss Florida Seminole Thomlynn Billie, both members of the Seminole tribe, speak about the importance of Native American month during Indigecanes' Native American Heritage Month Kickoff event on Nov. 1. Photo credit: Keyra Espinoza Arroyo // Contributed Photograph

Campus organization Indigecanes honors Native American Heritage Month by amplifying Indigenous voices by raising awareness and hosting events. Founded in 2018, the club highlights the importance of strengthening Native voices to counter how the U.S. education system largely romanticizes Native history.

“[Indigecanes has been] organizing events and bringing in Miccosukee and Seminole folks who are Indigenous to the land the University of Miami stands on to push forward a narrative that has historically tried to be erased from educational systems,” said Keyra Juliana Espinoza Arroyo, a senior ecosystem science and policy major and Indigecanes chair from the Kañari nation.

Indigecanes originated as the Native American Heritage Committee and is working to become officiated. In the meantime, the organization works with the Native American and Global Indigenous Studies (NAGIS) program to create safe spaces for Indigenous students, professors and faculty.

Arroyo detailed how cultural appropriation, cultural extraction and the glamorization of Indigenous people has spread harmful misinformation.

“People grow up in the educational system learning that the Indigenous people and pilgrims were peaceful [towards each other],” Arroyo said. “It’s completely erasing the actual history of the struggles, colonization and genocide that happened to North Native Indigenous people.”

Arroyo urges educational systems to incorporate more indigenous teachers to teach Native American history.

“I would do a collective effort to meet with other indigenous people to have their insight and what they think would be essential to teach the younger generation,” Arroyo said.

She describes the University’s current land acknowledgement as “a foam board that’s literally taped on a dark-lit wall” and urges the University to establish a formal plaque in a visible location on campus.

Another obstacle Indigecanes faces is the presence of Iron Arrow on campus. They feel it works against their mission to promote Indigenous representation. She recalled demeaning phrases directed at her while on campus.

“It’s hurtful to hear all of these things and then see Iron Arrow,” Arroyo said. “You would think it’s only the student body, but there are faculty and staff that also play an important role in this.”

Despite the challenges faced by the Indigenous community on campus, Native American Heritage Month gives Arroyo hope for a greater future.

“When we go out to protests or movements together…it’s just very empowering to see all of us unite,” Arroyo said. “We’re doing all this work for things…that have really dark connotations and it’s very sad, but you can just feel the love when a lot of Indigenous people unite.”

Indigecanes partners with allies and students to fight for greater relations between the University and Indigenous people both on and off campus.

To commemorate Native American Heritage Month, Indigecanes invites students to head to the Seminole Okalee Indian Village and Museum in Broward County to see the annual Pow Wow Marketplace from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 18.

Stay up-to-date on Indigecanes’ events by following their Instagram @indigecanes.

The Soul Soirée: UM highlights Black excellence with elegance

Laralyn Jackson
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The Soul Soirée: UM highlights Black excellence with elegance
Pictured (left to right): Nikita Wilkins, Amilyah Robinson and Nina Ally.
Pictured (left to right): Nikita Wilkins, Amilyah Robinson and Nina Ally. Photo credit: Autumn Sinegal

Dozens of students and campus organizations filled the ballroom of the Shalala Student Center on Nov. 5 for a candlelit evening full of polished performances, cultural food and stunning formal attire.

The event, dubbed “The Soul Soirée,” is the first fundraising event for the Black Musicians Caucus (BMC) since it was founded last December. BMC collaborated with the Tau Rho chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, which was chartered in 2004 and reactivated Spring 2023.

“The Black Musicians Caucus was started to create a safe space for black musicians,” said Amilyah Robinson, BMC president and percussionist at the Frost School of Music.

“Our main focus is uplifting Black students and Black artists on campus, both in Frost and outside of Frost,” Robinson said. “We focus on community service, programming and hosting events with guest performers and artists who can spread some wisdom to us. This fundraiser is helping us go towards those initiatives.”

In the days leading up to the Soirée and throughout the night, attendees could donate and enter their name in the running to win an electric scooter.

Junior music industry major Zanaiah Billups is a member of BCM and the treasurer and arts and letters chair of Delta Sigma Theta. She was also a featured vocalist of the night.

“It makes sense for us to build that bridge with Delta,” Billups said. “I know some of the Black students at Frost were feeling a lack of community because we are a very small fragment of the school’s population. I thought it would make a great connection and make for a great event.”

The night was decorated with a colorful range of performances. Sydney Myers, a sophomore studying business technology and marketing, gave a stunning vocal performance and senior music composition major Brandon Mirvil played a trombone solo.

Joint performances from Billups and vocal performance professor Jeanette Thompson. Graduate music industry student Sydney “SYENNA” Scott also performed a duet with Caleb Caché, a senior majoring in pre-physical therapy with a psychology minor.

Ensemble performances included the Florida band Falling Iguanas, the Hammond Butler Gospel Choir and the Stamps Jazz Quintet. Performances highlighted a variety of genres, from classical opera to Afro-Cuban jazz to gospel and to contemporary classics.

Donations will be split between Delta Sigma Theta and BMC, with proceeds going to aid in the mission and outreach of each organization.

“It was everything, having their support,” Robinson said. “Their main mission is service and leadership, and we kind of have similar missions as far as outreach and uplifting the Black community so we really wanted to come together. It was a big help since the Deltas have a larger platform on campus, so it was great to have this collaboration to put us on the map as well.”

Kiera Barton, a sophomore psychology major, shared her thoughts on the stunning evening.

“From the beautiful voices and tunes of the performers to the flavorful, good ‘ol soul food, this event was too good,” Barton said. “As a minority student attending a PWI (Predominantly White Institution), I can honestly say this made me feel surrounded by people who were all there to do one thing — celebrate Black excellence.”

The Soul Soirée was a remarkable celebration that highlighted the inclusivity, diversity and talent on campus. It left the audience with memories of a fantastic night and a strong sense of connection and appreciation for the diverse UM community.

Rachel Petrovich contributed to the reporting of this article.

Takeaways from Miami’s gutsy loss against FSU

Luke Sims
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Takeaways from Miami’s gutsy loss against FSU

The result of the Miami Hurricanes showdown in Tallahassee was closer than most pundits thought, as the ‘Canes fell 27-20 to the Florida State Seminoles. The ‘Canes were able to create some big plays on offense behind junior receiver Jacolby George and freshman quarterback Emory Williams. The defense held its own as young corners defended the pass well, and the front seven made things more challenging for the high-powered Seminole offense. While the result is not what Miami wanted, they can take pride in this loss. Let’s jump into some takeaways from this rivalry game loss.

The Defense Showed Some Backbone

While Florida State ran over the defense during the first quarter, Miami could settle in and play tight as the game went along. Florida State’s screen game is deadly, burning Miami early and often. Even throughout the game, FSU was able to use their screen game to pick up critical first downs and convert in big situations. Even with all of this, Miami could hold an offense averaging 40 points per game to 27 points.

Next year, Keon Coleman will likely be a first-round pick in the NFL draft. Coleman is one of the best receivers in the country and has been a monster for the Seminoles this season. Miami could hold him to four catches for 24 yards and one touchdown. Miami’s young corners did an excellent job covering a top flite of Florida State receivers.

“I thought they did really well,” said coach Mario Cristobal. “Both guys, Damari and Jadais very talented young guys, long, big guys matched up better with their big receivers… Those young corners played with a lot of resiliency in that atmosphere against some NFL-caliber players.

The Miami defense also did an excellent job of containing Jordan Travis. The veteran signal-caller for FSU could have been more efficient and could only rack up a few yards. Travis was held to just 19/31 for 265 yards and a single score. The ‘Canes were able to frustrate the West Palm native frequently as he was sacked three times, twice by Francisco Mauigoa. The transfer linebacker tied for the team lead in tackles and led in tackles for loss with 2.5.

“Defense played their butts off all night,” said coach Cristobal. “All night those guys found a way to hit the quarterback and harass the quarterback. Minus the run that popped on GT counter that got us the one time.”

Emory Williams has Heart

Emory Williams showed something on the Doak Campbell grass last Saturday afternoon. While the freshman was almost certainly outmatched by the potential Heisman winner from Florida State, Williams held his own.

“Gutsy, tough. He was a little bit nervous early but then settled in, and made some big throws and some gutsy runs as well. Particularly the one where he got hurt,” said Cristobal post-game. “All in all, I know statistically it’s not exactly what you’re looking for but he made a spectacular throw to Jacolby and made some other key throws, some others you’d like to have back.”

The stat line for Willaims was almost laughable. Williams was 8-23 with 175 yards and two touchdowns. While the two scores are good, completing 34% of your passes could be better. Not good at all. The Florida State defense was tough, and Willaims made the most of the passes that he did complete.

Williams found George in the back of the end zone for a beautiful over-the-shoulder completion. That was just one of the two touchdowns that Willaims could find George on. In the fourth quarter, Williams delivered a risky pass that probably should have been intercepted but was hauled in by George and taken 85 yards to the crib. That brought Miami within seven and a chance to tie the game.

George had a massive day with Williams at the helm. George got tons of yardage on screens and a few long passes from Willaims. George put up 153 yards on five receptions, including the 85-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. All of the other Miami receivers combined had 51 yards on the day. Xavier Restrepo did not record a catch. On Saturday, George was the only bright spot for the Canes receiving core.

Williams did leave the game early as he was injured on a fourth-down scramble. While Williams picked up the first down, the injury to his arm is considered severe, and he’s being treated at the local hospital. Williams had been ruled out for the rest of the season but will be ready for spring ball.

Piece of Mind

This performance from Miami was a far cry from the embarrassing performance last season when the Seminoles came to town and rolled the ‘Canes 45-3 on homecoming. This loss from the ‘Canes left a lot better feeling than last season. Miami showed some grit and guts to stay in the game and fight.

Regardless of how it ended, Miami had a chance to tie the game with two minutes left in the fourth quarter. I bet every Miami fan would have been thrilled if you told them before the game that’s where the ‘Canes would be. Miami was double-digit underdogs, and this game was not supposed to be close. The ‘Canes were able to punch back and stick with one of the best teams in the country.

While this loss stings, Miami should hold its head high after a tough loss. The ‘Canes played well and must carry this momentum to next week when they close out their home slate. Another formidable ACC opponent comes to town in the Louisville Cardinals, ranked ninth in the nation. The kickoff for that matchup is at noon at Hard Rock Stadium.

‘Canes hoops survive scare, defeat FIU in up-and-down thriller

Ian Graves
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‘Canes hoops survive scare, defeat FIU in up-and-down thriller

Coming off two decisive victories to start the year, Miami defeated Florida International University (FIU), 86-80, even after trailing by as much as 12 points in the second half thanks to excellent 62% shooting beyond the arc.

Heading into this matchup, FIU had lost consecutive games by at least 17 points and were expected to get steamrolled by the ‘Canes, but in the first minute of the game, it forced three Miami turnovers establishing that this was not going to be a cakewalk.

“They were hungry. The way they play with the pressure … They play so fast because they are pressing and trapping even in the halfcourt,” Miami coach Jim Larrañaga said.

Despite the hot start on the defensive end for the Panthers (0-3) with its daunting full-court trap, UM (3-0) pulled ahead quickly thanks to a pair of threes from junior Bensley Joseph. That lead was extended up to 13 points midway through the first half after two triples from junior Wooga Poplar.

Junior guard Matthew Cleveland dunks the ball in Miami’s game against FIU at the Watsco Center on Monday, Nov 13.
Junior guard Matthew Cleveland dunks the ball in Miami’s game against FIU at the Watsco Center on Monday, Nov 13. Photo credit: Cecelia Runner

That lead was as high as 17 points for the Hurricanes in the first half only to be erased by a 9-0 FIU run sparked by star guard Arturo Dean, who led the Panthers in points, rebounds and assists heading into the break with his team only down two points, 41-39.

Turnovers were the story of the half for UM, who gave away the ball an abysmal eight times in the first half alone allowing FIU to hang around and eventually go on its run late in the half.

Some positives for the ‘Canes in the first half included outstanding shooting, going 7-of-11 from deep including six threes from guards Nijel Pack, Poplar and Joseph. Junior Matthew Cleveland also played well, as he was a consistent presence in the paint, contributing 10 points in the half.

When it seemed like halftime could not have come sooner for the ‘Canes, that was not at all the case, as FIU came out of the break as if it had never happened. Another 9-0 run ignited by Dean gave FIU a 12-point lead and capped off a 28-3 run that spanned over both halves.

A big reason for UM’s struggles was that it was missing star center, fourth-year junior Norchad Omier, who was in foul trouble almost the whole game forcing, Miami to be outscored on second-chance points, 24-2.

Down double digits the ‘Canes were in desperate need of a response and got just that with Cleveland, who nailed the triple that halted FIU’s massive run. Not only was Cleveland the answer to halt this run, he was the answer all night tying his career high with 23 points on an impressively efficient 8-of-10 shooting from deep, including 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.

“Seeing the game, seeing the court was really big,” Cleveland said about his improved efficiency. “Just understanding how to play and slow my mind down a little bit to see the floor better and see open looks.”

Continuing his excellent game, Cleveland hit another three to extend a 12-0 run for the Hurricanes to tie the game back up at 53 with 12:30 left.

After trading runs, the contest was tight with just under eight minutes to go until Cleveland and Joseph hit back-to-back threes to go up 10 points with just 5:56 remaining.

Junior guards Bensley Joseph and Matthew Cleveland dunks the ball in Miami’s game against FIU at the Watsco Center on Monday, Nov 13.
Junior guards Bensley Joseph and Matthew Cleveland dunks the ball in Miami’s game against FIU at the Watsco Center on Monday, Nov 13. Photo credit: Cecelia Runner

The Panthers managed one last run capped off by a George Pridgett Jr. three to cut UM’s lead to four with 1:30 left on the clock. Luckily for the ‘Canes, Poplar drilled a deep jumper to get the lead safely up to seven. Shortly after, Pack hit the dagger layup and Miami managed to escape this crazy game with a win.

Impact players for the Hurricanes were Cleveland with 23 points, Joseph and Poplar with 18 and Pack with 17. While only logging 24 minutes, Omier managed to still lead the team in rebounds with 10, followed by Cleveland with seven.

Next up for the ‘Canes, the team will head down to the Bahamas where it will take on Georgia (2-1) in the Baha Mar Classic.

Miami WBB unveils Elite EIght banner before commanding win of Fordham

Blake Stern
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Miami WBB unveils Elite EIght banner before commanding win of Fordham

On a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon, the Watsco Center crowd was cheering loud and proud even prior to tip-off as the Miami women’s basketball team revealed the team’s 2022–23 Elite Eight banner.

Coach Katie Meier addressed the crowd before the game, calling the banner “her absolute favorite.”

“Looking back on the whole journey, seeing all these banners hung up that we’ve been able to get, it’s pretty cool,” Meier said on raising the banner. “That one’s definitely the most special, so far. [We] hope to get one as big as the men’s in the future.”

The 2022-23 season marked the Hurricanes’ best season finish in program history, highlighted by NCAA tournament victories over No. 1 seed Indiana and No. 4 seed Villanova en route to a season-ending loss against the eventual National Champions, LSU.

The ‘Canes (2-0) kept up the high spirits in the building with a commanding 78-39 win over the Fordham Rams (2-1). This was the third all-time meeting for the Miami women’s basketball team with Fordham, winning both previous matchups convincingly in 1985 and 2007.

After graduate student Jaida Patrick makes her second three-pointer of the game against Fordham University, Miami's bench erupts in cheers during the 78-39 win in the Watsco Center.
After graduate student Jaida Patrick makes her second three-pointer of the game against Fordham University, Miami's bench erupts in cheers during the 78-39 win in the Watsco Center. Photo credit: Charisma Jones

The team came out firing with a 10-2 run to start the game and an 11-0 run to end the first quarter with a 15-point lead.

Miami’s lead only grew from there, ballooning to 44-16 at the halfway point. The Hurricanes continued their dominant play throughout the second half, led in scoring by sophomore Arizona transfer Lemyah Hylton with 17 points, including 15 of those coming from beyond the arc.

Hylton went down with an injury late in the second quarter but was able to walk off and come back in the second half. Upon returning, she quickly swished a three-pointer in the third quarter, hyping up the crowd. Hylton also led the team in scoring in its first win of the season on Thursday against Jacksonville with 14 points.

“LeMyah’s very athletic, and we were really happy that she was able to bounce back from her injury,” sophomore center Kyla Oldacre said of Hylton.

Junior Lashae Dwyer also made an impact early, tallying three steals in the first half, each leading to baskets for the Hurricanes. Dwyer’s play highlighted a stellar defensive performance from the team overall, forcing Fordham into 31 turnovers and holding them to shooting 27.9% from the field.

“We are spilling a ton of energy on defense. The intensity on defense sometimes leads us to be a little sloppy, but you have to carry through the entire game. Teams that succeed with this type of style don’t let up,” Meier said.

The ‘Canes have now forced over 25 turnovers in consecutive games after averaging 16.26 turnovers forced per game last season.

Recent transfer student, junior Shayeann Day-Wilson finishes the blowout win against Fordham with seven points and six assists on November 12, 2023.
Recent transfer student, junior Shayeann Day-Wilson finishes the blowout win against Fordham with seven points and six assists on November 12, 2023. Photo credit: Charisma Jones

Fellow transfer Jaida Patrick and junior Ja’Leah Williams had 12 and nine points, respectively, with each coming up with four steals, showing off the great two-way potential of this Hurricanes team.

Fordham was led by senior guard Taylor Donaldson, who scored 13 points. The Rams entered the game coming off a tight 66-63 win over Albany on Friday night.

“To play fast, we have to be clean throughout the whole game,” Meier said. “We think this team has a lot of potential.”

Miami will have a five-day wait before hosting its third game of the season against Southern University. The game will be at 5 p.m. at the Watsco Center.

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