In their final home match of the season on Oct. 18, Inter Miami CF drew 2-2 with Charlotte FC at DRV PNK Stadium. Here’s a look back at the action:
Gallery: Inter Miami and Charlotte draw 2-2
UM junior Travian McNair to open 2023 Homecoming concert
As the clock counts down to Thursday’s Homecoming concert, junior Travian McNair is preparing to take the stage ahead of headliner Quavo at the Watsco Center.
The economics major with minors in music industry and sports administration learned of the opportunity from a friend. After submitting the opener application, he heard back within days that he’d scored the spot.
“I’m really excited. Every time I have a show, the nerves don’t really hit until I get there, but then it just becomes fun,” McNair said.
Students can expect to hear original songs from McNair like “Go Wrong” and “I Used To,” a cover of Beyonce’s “Deja Vu” and an unreleased original song called “The Vibe.” The 20-year-old wants to focus on crowd engagement, something his live band composed of other UM students will help with.
Before scoring his gig at the Watsco, McNair played venues like Skatebird Miami, the DROM in NYC and Sounds of Bravil (SOB’s) in Manhattan, a legendary music venue where big names like Drake and Kendrick Lamar have performed.
His journey to Miami, however, starts in his birthplace of Irvington, New Jersey. A lover of both music and sports, McNair focused more on making music after a health condition took him off the basketball court.
“I always loved music,” McNair said. “My dad is a big music guy. A lot of 70s soul, bossa nova. He listened to everything. He really loved house music, too.”
Though the young artist produced beats for other musicians throughout high school, he didn’t release his own music until 2020, a year before coming to UM. Since then, he’s grown musically and found a support system in his peers.
“I’ve met some of my best friends who’ve really helped me and inspired me,” McNair said. “I’m not in the music school, so learning from them and getting more of a general education has been really cool.”
McNair has lofty aspirations for his music career and beyond.
“The goal ultimately is to make music,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be involved in sports, so one day, I’m gonna have my own multimedia company representing athletes and talent as well, whether it’s handling their marketing or even being a record company.”
His goal for this year is to lay out a plan for music and avoid the traditional route of working in a corporate setting.
“In five years, what can The Miami Hurricane expect? Travian being one of the biggest rappers in the world,” McNair said.
Despite calling himself a rapper, his music includes a mixture of R&B, soul, hip-hop, reggae and more. Names like Pharrell Williams, Tyler the Creator and Stevie Wonder came to mind when asked about his influences.
“Lyric-wise, my dream is to be like the Amy Winehouse of rap,” Mcnair said. “Just how personal she is — that’s kind of where I’ve been trying to take it the past year and some change. A lot of stuff I plan to put out is a little bit more personal.”
When describing his sound, McNair emphasized that he wants to release music that “makes people feel good.”
“[It’s] very percussive. I really like dance music [and] music that makes people feel good. So, kind of like rap and soul,” McNair said. “Kaytranada is one of my biggest influences.”
Describing his creative process, he noted that words have always come easy for him. He finds inspiration in being outdoors.
“I go to the botanical garden a lot,” McNair said. “Silence really inspires me. Taking in the world for a little bit [along with] some of the stuff I see and what other people go through.”
McNair offered some words of advice to students who are interested in a music career.
“This is gonna sound corny, but you really just gotta trust your heart,” McNair said. “You really just got to trust in yourself, trust in God. Be willing to fail, and just know that if you feel like you’re walking in your purpose, that’s all that really matters. All the other dots [will] connect.”
See Travian open for Quavo at the Watsco Center on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Ring Theatre’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a comedy for serious people
With a beautifully crafted stage, captivating actors and an intriguing storyline, “The Importance of Being Earnest” successfully transports its viewers to Victorian England to witness the comedic lies of two young bachelors unravel.
Its first production of the academic year, the Ring Theatre held showings of the play from Oct. 6-13.
Written by Oscar Wilde in 1895, “The Importance of Being Earnest” tells the story of Algernon Moncrieff and Jack Worthing, two men who, to escape their monotonous lives, each take on the persona of the fictional gentleman, “Earnest.”
In a series of comical revelations, the two men must maneuver through the uncovered lies to win the hearts of their beloveds.
Bruce Miller, an experienced director who worked for UM for 26 years, returned from retirement to direct the production.
The costumes, designed by associate professor of costume design Michiko K. Skinner, captured the essence of Victorian fashion with wonderfully put-together waistcoats, colored suits and elegant gowns.
The scenery, designed by associate professor of professional practice Brandon M. Newton, also encapsulated the late 19th century with a simple but alluring layout. Scene changes during the show set the play between two cities: London and Hertfordshire.
What won the hearts of the audience, however, was the actors’ spectacular performance. Each role was executed with enough energy to keep the audience engaged throughout the two hours.
Senior musical theatre major Owen Trawick, who played Algernon Moncrieff, demonstrated masterful comedic timing and fully embodied his character through subtle movements and a sassy tone.
Complementing Trawick’s carefree character was senior musical theatre major Keenan Lyons. Lyons successfully portrayed Jack Worthing’s frequent frustrations towards Algernon’s insufferable nature and skillfully conveyed the respectable and witty sides of the character.
Trawick and Lyons weren’t the only dynamic duo in the production. Dominique Karanfilian, a senior musical theatre major, played the fashionable and strong-minded Gwendolen Fairfax.
With energetic movements, excellent vocal cues and a strong understanding of the personality of her upper-class character, Karanfilian’s performance was one of the best in the production.
Junior musical theatre major Maggie Rabitsch played Fairfax’s young and innocent counterpart, Cecily Cardew. Rabitsch’s vivid facial expressions and overall wittiness perfectly portrayed Cardew’s status as the youngest in the play.
Her expressions and delivery were full of emotion, exhibiting the sensitive and romantic nature of the young woman. The stark differences between the two love interests produced hilarious banter that filled the audience with laughter.
The remaining cast members — including senior theatre arts major Hector Montoto, junior theatre and music industry major Josephine Dinan and junior musical theatre majors Ian Luk and Leandrea Brooks — all added extra charm to the play with their unique performances.
The plotline itself was just as entertaining as the actors. What starts as a simple problem that Worthing could have easily solved evolves into chaos when Algernon’s decision to appear as another Earnest disrupts his plans.
With such disarray, the audience could not help but sit at the edge of their seats to see how things would unfold.
On top of the chaos was the presence of small, briefly mentioned details which would play a significant role in the play’s plot. Near the finale, these small details became relevant again to resolve a final issue in an unpredictable way, creating a sense of surprise that left the audience in awe.
The hard work of the students and staff paid off, as the production exceeded expectations and has become an instant favorite. Ultimately, the performance demonstrated to the audience the “vital importance of being earnest.”
Homecoming organizers prioritize ‘Canes spirit, inclusivity
It’s time to stand tall, step forward and “Leave Your Legacy” because it’s Homecoming week. The various competitions and spirit-filled events that make the week memorable would not be possible without the Homecoming Executive Committee (HEC).
Comprised of 30 student leaders, HEC has been working since March to put together each event.
“Whether it be current students, alumni, faculty, staff or future ‘Canes, Homecoming is a chance to celebrate UM, and I look forward to seeing the liveliness across campus throughout the week,” said Sara Ebrahimi, vice chair of HEC and a junior studying global health studies and microbiology & immunology with minors in chemistry and sociology.
Members of HEC chose this year’s theme, “Leave Your Legacy,” after careful consideration of what Homecoming week should represent for students. On the surface, the theme brings to mind images of superheroes, but the message runs deeper — HEC believes every student has the potential to make a mark on the U and be recognized for generations to come.
The committee has planned events for everyone in the UM community, such as the Opening Ceremony & ‘Canes Spirit Day, the Homecoming Pageant, Homecoming Trivia Tuesday, the Homecoming Concert presented by Hurricane Productions, the Hurricane Howl block party and the Boat Burning and Fireworks Show.
In past years, Homecoming participation largely came from upperclassmen. This year, HEC aimed to make events more accessible for new students. Changes to the competitions and guidelines will ensure that students do not have to know a lot about the University of Miami in order to participate.
“While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, we wanted more first-year students to become involved and feel a stronger connection to Homecoming week,” said Joshua Abel, vice chair of HEC and a junior studying political science and French with minors in general music and public advocacy communication.
Ebrahimi first experienced UM Homecoming at only five years old. She participated in her first Hurricane Howl and saw first-hand the pride ‘Canes had for their university. She loved it so much that she imagined herself attending the ceremony again as a future ‘Cane.
“Homecoming is the time during the year that makes so many new ‘Canes feel like they are a part of the campus community, and encourages others to feel eager and excited to celebrate their background at the U,” Ebrahimi said.
For other members of HEC, Homecoming became something they discovered as students that has played a key role in fueling their sense of belonging in the UM community.
“I began my journey at the University of Miami during the pandemic, so this was the first time I had experienced what it was like to come together as individuals from all across the university to celebrate our love for the U,” said Sarah Sluka, chair of HEC and a senior studying nursing and minoring in psychology.
Being an HEC student leader has not only shaped these students’ time at UM, but it has also taught them how to organize large-scale events while promoting inclusivity.
“When events are designed with inclusivity in mind, they become a platform for building bridges, breaking down barriers and allowing students from various backgrounds and walks of life to come together, engage and share their experiences,” Abel said.
Students can get involved in Homecoming in many ways, such as joining HEC, attending events throughout the week, or competing with a student organization in one of the many competitions.
“I love being with a group of people who have the same love for the university and want to contribute to spreading ‘Canes spirit within the university community through the greatest lasting tradition,” Ebrahimi said.
Students interested in joining HEC next year can follow the organization’s Instagram page @umiamihomecoming for more information on the application timeline.
How UM singer Jasmine Harris — granddaughter of ‘60s folk music icon Joan Baez — is finding her own voice
On a wet Thursday night in September, rainwater filling my shoes, I trekked across the University of Miami’s palm-tree laden campus, buzzing with anticipation. I was headed to the United Wesley Chapel where I was about to watch singer-songwriter Jasmine Harris perform some of her new material for the first time that evening.
The show — part of the chapel’s weekly “Coffeehouse” gathering, where new artists introduce themselves to the university community — had yet to start. Inside, a crowd of about two to three dozen students had taken their seats. After a momentary struggle to open the church’s hefty front door, I walked in and locked eyes with Harris, seated on a multi-colored rug sipping ginger tea, her legs sprawled across the stage beneath her at the opposite end of the room.
Lights from overhead bathed her face in shades of lavender and blue, illuminating an expression that seemed somehow nervous but serene at the same time. Before I could walk up to Harris to wish her the best of luck, she adjusted the petite pink bow in her hair and gripped the microphone in front of her. It was showtime.
A rising star within the ‘Canes community, 20-year-old Harris — a native of the San Francisco Bay area and junior at the University of Miami studying modern artist development and entrepreneurship — has already headlined three on-campus events this year: Hurricane Productions’ “Patio Jams,” United Wesley’s “Coffeehouse,” and a taping of UMTV’s resident late-night talk show “Off the Wire.” As the newest addition to ‘Canes Records, UM’s official student-run record label, and with her debut album “Baby Steps” slated for a spring 2024 release, crowds at her performances are growing, and her social-media presence is steadily rising.
Harris is the scion of mid-century music royalty. As the granddaughter of Joan Baez, a pioneering folk singer and five-time Grammy Award winner, one could argue that making music is in her blood. Baez rose to fame during the 1960s as a social activist who sang the civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome” alongside Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington and released dozens of albums over the course of more than six decades.
As Harris stands on the precipice of launching her own career, it seems like everything is falling into place. But interviews with the up-and-coming artist reveal that she’s at a crossroads — something is holding her back. She’s not interested in signing a flashy contract with a record label or going out of her way to chase gigs. And, as much as she loves making music, she isn’t sure that the lifestyle of a recording artist is what she wants long-term.
“I place a lot of emphasis and value on other aspects of my life outside my music,” Harris told me. “Music isn’t my be-all and end-all.”
Nevertheless, her passion for the craft is serving as her North Star for now, and she’s taking everything in stride.
“The universe seems to be wanting me right now, so I’m just going with the flow,” she said. “All I know is that music makes me so happy. And that’s why I’m willing to see where it goes.”
‘People are going to say and believe whatever they want, but I work my ass off.’
While Harris’ classmates and other members of her generation might recognize Joan Baez’s name, most people born after the year 2000 may not fully understand Baez’s impact within the larger American music tradition.
The legendary folk singer was inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 thanks to her contributions to the mid-century American folk music revival. As African Americans battled for civil rights and the United States waged war with Vietnam during the 1960s, Baez traveled the country giving live performances, using her musical gift as a vehicle for anti-racism and anti-war activism.
With top 40 hits such as 1971’s “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and 1975’s “Diamonds and Rust” — which peaked at number three and number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively — Baez, alongside other folk singers such as Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, helped push the genre to the forefront of American popular music throughout the 1970s. Now, she’s the subject of the recently-released documentary “Joan Baez: I Am Noise,” which highlights the trajectory of her storied career through never-before-seen archival footage provided by her family.
Around campus, it isn’t uncommon to hear students familiar with Harris’ pedigree casually invoke the term “nepo baby.” Harris seems aware of the perception some hold that her family might have opened doors for her, but laughs off the notion that opportunities have found her on a silver platter.
“I think the ‘nepo baby’ label is super funny,” Harris said. “People are going to say and believe whatever they want, but I work my ass off. I’m doing 19 credits this semester, and I’m recording an album.”
“I have a lot of privileges, but I’ve had to work hard,” she added.
Harris’ love of music emerged in elementary school
However, Harris has privately wrestled with what her life as a recording artist may look like if she finds commercial success.
For most of Harris’ childhood, her grandmother and father — who joined Baez’s touring band as a drummer shortly after Harris turned 5 — would spend eight to nine months on the road every year. Harris’ quality time with them was reduced to infrequent interactions behind concert stages or on tour buses.
Growing up, she admired her family’s dedication to their craft and felt she had to prove to them, particularly her grandmother, that her love for music was legitimate — not a fleeting interest that came about simply because of who her family is. But because of their travels, Harris’s childhood memories are flecked with feelings of being disconnected from her father and grandmother, and sometimes make her wary of following in Baez’s footsteps. She fears missing out on quality time with friends and loved ones while pursuing her career.
“Even though I’d love to have a career as a performer, I saw how fame was very isolating for my grandmother,” Harris reflected. “No matter how bright and exciting the clouds may seem, I refuse to allow my feet to be swept off the ground.”
While her family’s connections might not have kick-started her career, their love of music may have helped ignite Harris’ original passion.
In second grade, her parents gave her a Taylor Swift songbook and, as a budding Swiftie, she’d sit at the piano for hours, teaching herself how to play songs like “Back to December” and “Better than Revenge.” During middle and high school, her yearning to create music outside of her bedroom and living room blossomed. Harris began penning lyrics in her diary, exploring the dilemmas teenagers typically face: awkward feelings, unrequited crushes, questionable friends.
Harris’ godfather, Alan Abrahams — a former executive producer at RCA Records’ West Coast Division during the ‘70s and ‘80s, and an old friend of Baez — recognized her budding talent and wanted to help. The veteran producer agreed to arrange a one-on-one private studio session and, ultimately, the godfather-goddaughter duo recorded eight tracks together.
In an interview, Abrahams praised Harris as “an old soul” who “was amazing in the studio.”
“The next day, she came to my apartment and thanked me for what she described as one of the best experiences of her life,” he recalled.
From the stairwell to the recording studio
After high school, Harris moved across the country in 2021 to begin her studies at UM’s Frost School of Music under the scorching sun of the Magic City.
During her first year on campus, she often decamped to the dingy stairwell of Stanford Residential College, her freshman residence hall, with only her phone and her acoustic guitar in hand. She transformed the reclusive, solitary space into a private enclave where she’d spend hours writing and recording new music.
From these initial sessions came the foundation of her debut single, “Mannequin,” a slow-burning alternative ballad exploring the messy feelings associated with missing a past lover.
Harris enlisted 20-year-old music-engineering major Jake Sonderman, who had experience mixing and producing singles for indie artists, to apply finishing touches to the track. He added backing instrumentals, and the pair spent a few studio sessions refining the single before releasing it last November. It didn’t quite reach “hit” status, garnering nearly 6,500 streams in its first year, but Harris is proud of the outcome.
“I received a bunch of messages from random people who loved the song,” Harris said. “I don’t really care that much about making money as an artist. I make music because I want to connect with people. I think my stories are relatable and can mean something to other people.”
Undeterred, Harris and Sonderman began work on her debut album in the winter of 2022. Entitled “Baby Steps,” the ten-track offering will recount the trials and tribulations Harris has faced while navigating friendships and romance within the bubble of a college campus.
Pulling inspiration from alternative pop stars such as Lana Del Ray and Phoebe Bridgers, Harris says the songs will shy away from the snappy structure of popular TikTok anthems that rush to upbeat choruses within the first 15 to 30 seconds. Instead, they’ll take the form of slow-tempo, drawn-out records that resemble descriptive poems, gently unspooling one life story after another.
“Every song is sort of a different major story of who Jasmine is,” Sonderman said. “The album does a pretty good job of portraying that story as a whole.”
‘This performance reminded me of why I even do music in the first place — to connect with people’
To record the tracks, Harris and Sonderman frequently dodged between the university’s on-campus facilities and their respective apartments. A personal and creative chemistry flourished between the duo, forged by countless hours of writing and composing.
“Sometimes we both are on the same page about where the song’s going to go, and other times we’re really not,” Sonderman explained, adding that the album is an amalgamation of “all of her influences.”
“As Jasmine grew to trust me more, she would let me finish an idea and would grow to really like it,” he said. “But she gets the final call.”
Neither Harris nor Sonderman are divulging too many specifics about what to expect from the album, but it’s clear that it will bottle up the same essence she brings to her performances — a relaxed, at-ease sense of authenticity that evokes a developing artist who’s feeling the pull of the spotlight, the resistance stemming from her apprehensions, and the spectrum of experiences and emotions she’s navigating as a college student.
Back on stage at United Wesley Chapel, after half an hour of performing songs that drew both laughter and tears from the audience, Harris positioned her slender fingers on her acoustic guitar and strummed her setlist’s final note. As the storm still raged outside, and the sound of applause overtook the momentary silence inside the chapel, I rose from my seat at the back and made my way toward her.
By now, Harris had already joined her friends in the crowd, and I hoped to congratulate her before she was swept away into the night to celebrate. I caught her for just the briefest of moments and asked her how she felt about the show.
“This performance reminded me of why I even do music in the first place — to connect with people,” she told me. An ear-to-ear smile stretched across her face, and she looked precisely where she was meant to be.
Miami faces defeat in their last road game against Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech commanded a dominant 3-0 victory in their last home game of the season over the struggling Miami Hurricanes. Miami (3-9-4, 2-6-1 ACC) battled the Hokie’s (7-7-3, 4-5 ACC) explosive offense with ten players in the second half but failed to contain them.
Sophomore Natalie Mitchell broke the ice for Virginia in the thirteenth minute of the game, giving the Hokies an early one-nil lead.
By the end of the first half, Tech had outshot Miami 7-0. By the end of the game, Virginia Tech had a total of 17 shots, 12 of which were on goal. The Hurricanes gave up six corner shot opportunities and six fouls, two of which were yellow cards by Hallie Salas, who was ejected in minute 42.
Miami defender Emma Tucker had an opportunity to tie the game in the 54th minute. Still, the ball’s journey to the back of the net was hampered by the post shortly after the swift defender found herself alone against the goalkeeper. This time, the ball was nowhere near its intended destination.
Junior Sophie Maltese scored her first two goals of the season in the 69th and 77th minute, giving Virginia their lead and diminishing all hope for the ‘Canes to at least level the game.
Despite Miami’s inability to cease the Hokie’s fire, Melissa Dagenais, who was called up by the Canadian national team for friendlies against Brazil, recorded eight stops. She is currently third on the Hurricanes’ all-time saves list, just ten saves below Lauren McAdam (272).
On Thursday, October 26th, the ‘Canes will host Senior Day at Cobb Stadium to honor seniors Delaney Brown, Julia Edwards, and Katerina Molina. Miami will play its last game against conference rivals Wake Forest to close the season.
Palestinian vigil sheds light on Gaza after campus communities remain quiet
Under candlelight, dressed in keffiyehs, more than 150 students gathered at the center of the University of Miami campus in remembrance of all those lost in Gaza, and in Israel, since war broke out on Oct. 8.
100 candles, representing the 6,400 Israeli and Palestinian lives lost in the conflict, lined the stairs of the Rock. As the vigil took place, a reported 700 further lives were lost in Gaza, raising the Palestinian death toll to 5,700.
“There is sadness and grief at the loss we feel – so shocking in its horror, so great in its numbers, and so gripping in its connection to each and every one of us,” the former co-president of Arab Students Union and organizer of the vigil, said in his address. This source has asked to withhold his name from the article. He will be referred to as John.
“The numbness we felt first at the sight of leveled buildings in Gaza and in the lifeless, charred bodies of countless children, now assumes the reality of names and faces human tears and family dreams, forever torn apart.”
The vigil, hosted by Arab Students Union, uplifted the voices of Palestinian students and opened a space on campus for all to mourn with the inclusion of three religious leaders. Imam Nasir Ahmad, Father Richard Vigoa and Rabbi Brant Rosen each spoke to the crowd, leading them in prayer.
“We have to be like the air that all of us breathe right now. The air is not limited to one religion, it is not limited to one nation, is not limited to one tribe. Air gives itself to every life that God has evolved on this planet and religion,” Ahmad said.
Rosen, the Rabbi of Tzedek Chicago, co-founded the Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbinical Council, uniting Rabbis in seeking justice for Palestinians and Israelis.
“We have seen our loved ones and our community members clinging to this belief that Jewish trauma and grief can and should be used as an excuse to bring the very same genocidal violence that we have faced onto the Palestinian people” he said in a recording played at the vigil.
Gaza has been under a “complete siege” by Israel following Hamas’ attack, putting over 2 million people at risk of dehydration or starvation and leaving one in three hospitals non-functional in Gaza, according to the World Health Organization.
An estimated 1.4 million Gazans have also been displaced after an Israeli order to leave north Gaza and the dropping of thousands of tonnes of bombs. The historic Church of St. Porphyrius, several mosques including Al Gharbi Mosque and 41 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) installations, including schools, have been destroyed in the Gaza Strip.
In mourning the devastation and planning the vigil, the inclusion of the Rabbi and the Israeli death toll was important to John.
“If I’m going to stand here and bring awareness to the Palestinians that were killed, I have to also bring awareness to the Israeli civilians that were killed,” he said. “They deserve representation too.”
While a night of solidarity, the vigil also filled a gap in acknowledgement for Palestinians on campus.
“There’s not really anybody speaking for the Palestinians, which is why we’re here doing this. We want the Palestinian voices to be heard,” junior health science major and current co-president of Arab Students Union Liza Houraney said. “It’s not okay for their hurt, for their pain to be brushed off.”
On Oct. 9, UM President Julio Frenk sent a message to the UM community announcing “solidarity with the people of Israel.” The statement included one mention of “innocent Palestinians, Druze, Bedouins” in the region, but there has been no follow-up as the Palestinian death toll climbs.
“I think it’s great to express your sympathies with the Israelis that passed. I think it’s really important to condemn the actions of Hamas,” John said.
“But we also want representation on our end. We also want messages from President Frenk condemning the actions of the Israeli government, killing 1,000s of Palestinian civilians. We didn’t get any of that.”
For at least the duration of the 30-minute ceremony, students stood in unity, passing candlelight and support between one another.
“There was so much support that I honestly did not expect,” Houraney said. “It’s just nice seeing that we’re not alone, because sometimes – a lot of the time – we do feel like we are alone.”
The vigil’s presence extended beyond students. UM administrators, professors, community members and former students stood amongst those in attendance.
“When things are bigger than you, it’s important to step forward and take a stance with your community. When something happens in the world that’s like evil and unjust, it affects us collectively,” Palestinian UM graduate Sara Uweyda said. “I’m always going to stand for peace. And I’m always going to stand for what’s right. And that’s what brought me here today.”
Senior political science student, former co-president of the Arab Students Union and fellow leader of the event, Mona Abuzahra was raised in the West Bank. She concluded the evening by reading the names of only a few Gazan civilians killed and a message for the UM community.
“We carry essentially a struggle, aching in our bones, and bear the wounds of generations of trauma. We may appear intact, but we are aching. We need your help,” she said. “We need your help in educating and carrying the legacy of the Palestinians like me.”
For students interested in learning further about the current conflict and its history, a student-led teach-in will be held at the Rock on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 4 to 6 p.m.
This article was updated on August 1 to replace a source name with a pseudonym and remove a photo out of safety concerns.
‘Canes assemble at opening ceremony to kick off Homecoming 2023
No event other than Homecoming could bring out a mechanical-dolphin, the Frost Band of the Hour and HP Patio Jams to the University of Miami campus.
Students continue to cheer on the 5-2 Hurricane football team, as the ‘Canes community prepares to celebrate the tradition of Homecoming week. The week begins with the traditional Opening Ceremony and ‘Canes Spirit Day with students encouraged to wear the color orange, homecoming boards spread across the stage to represent this year’s theme and various activities and foods for students to partake in.
As Lakeside Patio roared with excitement from faculty and students, the Homecoming Executive Committee (HEC), Sebastian the Ibis and the UM spirit squads kicked off week-long celebration leading up to Saturday’s football game against the University of Virginia Cavaliers.
At the ceremony, titled “Canes Assemble,” a tribute to the superhero-esque selected homecoming theme “Leave Your Legacy,” students were encouraged by HEC to show off their spirit during the annual assembly.
According to HEC, this year’s homecoming theme hopes to bring students together to reflect on their own legacy and hard work on campus. The concept of the theme was created by Hurricane Productions (HP) in an effort to draw a connection between the strength and power that superheroes hold and the power of students to become the best version of themselves here at UM.
Each year, Homecoming provides students with a fun and eventful series of traditional UM activities that they can share with friends.
To kickoff the ceremony, HEC chairs Christopher Papa, Kerrigan Wesley and Hanna Ebrahimi explained the various Homecoming activities and what students can expect from each of them.
“Today, we have a ton of fun activities for everyone to check out: pizza, caricatures, a mechanical dolphin, popcorn and more,” said Wesley.
Student rock band Double Take also performed for the Opening Ceremony while students were in line for t-shirts, ice cream and other goodies.
Sara Ebrahimi, a junior and vice chair for HEC shared her own experience in running this week and all of its festivities.
“I am very excited to see all of our alumni and students throughout the week and have all of our ‘Canes, old and new, come and celebrate the University,” said Ebrahimi.
Another student on HEC running some of the activities on the patio, Jana Faour, discussed her own perspective of what Homecoming and especially the Opening Ceremony means to students at the U.
“Everyone comes together and brings the spirit and it is there for everyone around them,” said Faour. “All of the members of different organizations are coming out and supporting each other, as well as showing spirit for the entire Homecoming experience at the University of Miami. It is heartwarming and exciting to see everyone having as much spirit as you do and to show up and show out for the school.”
REVIEW: “Dumb Money” a feel-good biopic where the little guy wins
“Dumb Money” is a David and Goliath tale that tells the true story of ordinary, working-class citizens spinning Wall Street on its head. Everyday people become rich by sending video game retailer GameStop’s stock soaring in price even as the company bordered on bankruptcy.
Based on Ben Mezrich’s novel “The Antisocial Network,” the film tells this extraordinary story known as the “GameStop short squeeze” of January 2021. The film was directed by Craig Gillespie and released in theaters nationwide on Sept. 22.
Our story’s hero, Keith Gill (Paul Dano), jumpstarts the financial craze when he puts his life’s savings into GameStop stock and shares his actions online. When his social media explodes, his life and that of his followers change dramatically. As the stock tip turns into a movement and GameStop’s stock surges, major investors get word of what’s going on and things get messy.
The movie has an all-star cast. From Gill’s point-of-view, Dano is accompanied by Shailene Woodley who plays his wife and Pete Davidson as his brother.
His Youtube followers include America Ferrera as a hard-working nurse, Talia Ryder as a struggling, but passionate college student and Anthony Ramos as a local GameStop employee.
The big sharks include Gabe Plotkin (Seth Rogen) who is the owner of Melvin Capital, one of the companies that is shorting GameStop. His backers include other millionaires like Kenneth Griffin (Nick Offerman) and Steve Cohen (Vincent D’Onofrio). The co-owners of the company Robinhood, a platform that makes it accessible to buy stocks, are played by Sebastian Stan and Rushi Kota.
At its core, “Dumb Money” is a movie about hope and rooting for the little guy. The comedy highlights the lightheartedness of the people involved despite their uphill battle. Though the story has its darker moments, we see the characters turn to humor and laugh through their struggles with family and friends.
This movie adaptation of Mezrich’s book is his third to be turned into a film. As a result, his fans likely had clear expectations of what they were going to get when they walked into theaters, but this time they were sorely disappointed.
While the message was encouraging and moving, “Dumb Money” lacked a thrilling storyline that left you at the edge of your seat.
Despite lacking suspense, this feel-good, inspirational story of the little guy outsmarting powerful financial interests may motivate the average movie-goer to try and make more of themselves.
Lantern festival illuminates Asian culture and community
Nestled beneath the string lights of the architecture courtyard was an animated scene of students enjoying traditional food, lively music and cultural celebration for the University of Miami’s 2023 Lantern Festival on Friday night.
In an annual collaboration between the Asian American Students Association (AASA) and the School of Architecture Student Council (USoA), the event included a variety of campus organizations that took part in the night’s glowing festivities.
“It’s a celebration of all different lantern festivals across Asia, celebrating the end of the harvest season and wishing for good fortune for the next season,” said Justin Yang, a junior neuroscience major and internal vice president of AASA.
Before students were awarded their free boba and mooncakes, a traditional Chinese delicacy that’s paired with the mid-autumn festival, they were tasked with visiting six different organizations and participating in cultural mini-games.
Aidan Quizon, a sophomore media scoring and producing major and president of the Filipino Student Association (FSA), enjoyed the games as he helped table for his organization.
“It’s definitely fun to show off our culture with a little game which is basically a simulation of a traditional dance,” Quizon said. “A lot of people had fun doing it. I sure had a lot of fun running the event.”
From learning a Middle-Eastern board game with Delta Epsilon Psi (DEPsi), to a chopstick building contest with the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), to a guessing game of lantern riddles with the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (UMCSSA), organizations were able to keenly blend cultural education with fun activities.
“[Lantern festivals] take on many different forms and varieties across Asia. That’s why when we invited different orgs to table today, we tried to represent every single part of Asia as best as we could,” Yang said.
Sunmi Dosu, a junior double majoring in accounting and psychology with a minor in Mandarin, admired the representation of different kinds of organizations.
“This is an Asian culture festival, but you have other people who can add their voices who aren’t necessarily heard,” Dosu said.
Student Government’s ECO Agency also joined in on the fun, handing out stickers and sharing how the lanterns will be composted and recycled following the lantern ceremony.
The festival was bustling with activity from 8-10 p.m., and it wasn’t long before hand-crafted lanterns painted Lake Osceola with light.
“There were already some lanterns out [on the lake], but seeing them and adding to them was super pretty,” Dosu said. “I was there with a friend who I haven’t seen in a while, so making the lanterns together was a really nice bonding experience, it was like a time to catch up.”
The dawning of the lanterns across the lake was a physical reminder of the Asian presence at UM, while also symbolizing the release of peace and good fortune into the world.
“Events like the Lantern Festival make our voices heard and make our voices loud so that everyone here on campus knows that Asian-Americans do exist here, we do have a culture to celebrate and we want to educate everyone else about that as well.”
Over 400 guests made their way through the courtyard Friday evening, allowing for an immersive experience into Asian culture for students of all backgrounds.
“While it’s not the largest population, there’s definitely a decent amount of Asian presence on campus if you look for it, so I think it is important for the different cultures to be represented,” Quizon said.
The Lantern Festival is one of two large events that AASA hosts each year, with the other being a Lunar New Year celebration in the spring.
“AASA is a social, cultural, educational and service organization, so we cover all four pillars within our events,” Yang said. “That’s why we put on these events, to spread awareness about our culture, teach everyone our own culture, and together we can celebrate why it’s so special for us.”
WMTU announces sports agent Nicole Lynn as fall speaker
Student government committee What Matters to U (WMTU) has finally announced sports agent Nicole Lynn as the fall speaker after teasing its fall event on Instagram. Students can now reserve a free ticket for the event held in the Shalala Grand Ballrooms on Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m.
WMTU chair Noah Frankel, a junior studying public administration and sociology, shared the inspiration behind choosing Lynn.
“I don’t think we’ve ever talked about the actual business side of things, whether it’s ownerships or an actual agent,” Frankel said. “She’s the first Black woman to ever represent a top three NFL draft pick.”
Lynn’s impressive resume doesn’t end there: the 34-year-old trailblazer earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Oklahoma, worked as a financial analyst on Wall Street, became the first-ever female sports agent at PlayersRep Sports Management and now represents Klutch Sports Group as the President of Football Operations.
“The level that she’s reached at such a young age and the stars she represents — like Jalen Hurts and Myles Garrett — is really cool and can really give a voice for someone in a field traditionally dominated by white men. Her success is just incredible,” Frankel said.
The organization dropped cryptic hints like an eagle carrying a paper with dollar signs and a caption that read “this speaker 198ATE.” Students guessed names like Taylor Swift, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leonardo DiCaprio, but comments on the announcement post showed widespread support for Lynn.
Though sports stars like Megan Rapinoe and Chris Bosh have spoken at WMTU before, the organization hopes that Lynn’s financial and legal experience will also attract business and law students in addition to sports lovers.
Frankel believes Lynn’s story will resonate with students from all disciplines.
“Getting to see someone who — not to use the ‘glass-ceiling’ metaphor — has really broken through barriers and just ran through them,” he said. “I think it can serve as inspiration for other students to just really chase what they want to do no matter what.”
Planning for WMTU starts in the summer. The organization usually decides their speakers based on a theme for the semester — this fall, they chose “women in business.”
After the chairs brainstorm potential speakers and filter out high-profile names like Beyonce and Taylor Swift, they reach out to speakers’ agents and agencies to negotiate a contract.
Though WMTU is currently focused on executing the Nov. 1 event, students can look forward to another speaker’s visit to UM in the spring semester.
“That’s usually when we try to save up our money and try to wow people, like [with] Pitbull and Chris Bosh,” Frankel said.
Frankel also shared his hopes for the spring speaker, which has not been confirmed yet.
“I would like to see a speaker from the LGBT community. I think that’s important, especially with the situations in Florida with the policies and laws being passed,” he said. “And also…I’d like to bring a proper Youtube influencer. I think a lot of us grew up with YouTube.”
Noting how WMTU allows students to hear new perspectives and find inspiration for their own endeavors, Frankel urged students to come out and hear Lynn speak next Wednesday.
“All these people are coming on their own accord and they’re choosing to spend a night to really give us a great talk,” Frankel said. “It’s the middle of the NFL season and she [Lynn] is making time for us, which we’re super appreciative of.”
Tickets are currently onsale for the WMTU event, which will be held next Wednesday, Nov. 1 @6:30pm in the Shalala Grand Ballrooms. Doors open at 6pm.
The mind behind the music: a look into the life of Quavo
From certified-gold artist to anti-gun violence advocate, rapper Quavo’s story has glorious success and tragic heartbreak.
Born as Quavious Keyate Marshall in Athens, Georgia, Quavo attended Berkmar High School. After dropping out months before his high school graduation, he dedicated himself to the success of Migos, a rap group formed with childhood friend Kiari Kendrell Cephus (Offset) and nephew Kirsnick Khari Ball (Takeoff).
The Georgia native took the rap community by storm with fellow artists Offset and Takeoff as the trio combined an upbeat rhythm with each of their unique styles. Together, the three rappers topped the Billboard Hot 100 and 200 charts with just two albums.
Migos reached stardom with their hit song “Versace,” which Drake remixed in 2013. Quavo reached greater success with his feature on “Go Off” with Lil Uzi Vert and Travis Scott in 2017. The song became certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America after it sold over 500,000 copies.
Migos then released their second studio album “Culture” in the same year, which reached number one in the U.S. Billboard 200 and was nominated for Best Rap Album at the Grammys.
Following the release of “Culture II” in 2018, Quavo announced an upcoming solo album titled “Quavo Huncho.” The album reached the Billboard Hot 100, as the single “Workin Me” peaked at number 52.
Following the release of their fourth studio album, “Culture III,” Migos disbanded. Some believe the reason is related to rumors of Offset sleeping with Takeoff’s ex-girlfriend, rapper Saweetie.
“Whatever ain’t right and however you supposed to see it fit, you put it back together or however you do it, we pray. So only time will tell. We always family now, that ain’t gon’ change,” Takeoff said about the disbandment.
Quavo suggested Offset’s disloyalty led to the fallout. “We stand on real deal, real-deal loyalty, and sometimes that s—t ain’t displayed,” Quavo said on the Big Facts podcast. “This got something to do with the three brothers. And s—t, it is what it is. Right now, we gon’ be the duo ‘til time tell.”
Quavo and Takeoff became a duo called Unc & Phew. They released a collaborative album called “Only for Infinity Links” without Offset in 2022.
Quavo detailed his hope for a future career with his nephew in an interview, stating he would like for them to be an official duo. Less than a month after their first album release, Takeoff was killed.
Quavo and Takeoff were leaving a party in Houston, Texas on Nov. 1, 2022, when they were shot at, resulting in Takeoff’s death.
Takeoff’s passing was felt nationally. Ten days after his murder, a “Celebration of Life” event was held in Atlanta. During a concert in Finland, rapper 50 Cent held a moment of silence for the late artist. The Atlanta Falcons football team also paid homage during a game.
The disturbing incident led Quavo to start a fight against gun violence. He met privately with Vice President Kamala Harris, spoke at the Congressional Black Caucus legislative conference, and arrived at a community intervention strategies and power in advocacy conference hand-in-hand with his sister Titania Davenport, Takeoff’s mother.
“I have to do something about it, so it won’t happen to the masses — especially in our culture,” Quavo said. “I don’t want this to happen to the next person. I want to knock down these percentages.”
Quavo and his family founded the Rocket Foundation in honor of Takeoff and contributed $2 million to community violence intervention. He hopes to develop after-school community centers as he sees an imperative need to provide youth with encouraging activities in safe areas.
During this year’s Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards, Quavo performed with Offset to honor their lost partner, shining an empty spotlight center stage. Quavo additionally released singles, such as “Without You,” dedicated to his late nephew.
Fueled by passion and determined to help his community, Quavo remains a defiant artist who never forgot his roots and his support system.
See Quavo perform live at this year’s Homecoming concert on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m.