After being canceled by COVID-19 in 2020, between 120,000 and 150,000 people came together at Loring Park in Minneapolis on July 17 and 18 to celebrate the 49th annual Twin Cities Pride.

Traditionally, the festival is held during Pride month in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall uprising. However, due to evolving COVID-19 safety measures, the planning committee did not have time to prepare for the regular June dates.

This was the first year that the University of Minnesota had a presence at Pride. The University’s main booth, just one of the 290 vendor booths at Pride this year, had various games, a photo station, free giveaways and a visit from Goldy Gopher.

William Larson, a 1983 graduate of the University, regularly volunteers at Pride and recalled the first year he ever attended the event.

“It was amazing to see people openly embracing their sexuality,” Larson said. “Pride has become a bit commercial now, so we need to continue to remember that it is about inclusiveness.”

Throughout Loring Park, there were three stages packed with entertainment. Surrounding the main stage, called the “Stonewall Stage,” was a food court with lemonade, iced coffee, cookie dough, shaved ice and more. In addition, several artists and groups performed at the main stage over the two days.

“It is insane to see so many people here,” said Sarah Engedal, a student at the University. “It is exciting because this is the first big event I have been at since the pandemic started and it feels great to be a community again.”

Engedal stopped at the University’s booth with friends Simone Stark and Kayla Nelson, all of whom are fourth-year students studying genetics, cell biology and development. Engedal added that the University has done well at fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQ students.

“I am here to celebrate myself as a queer person, celebrate the fact that we are able to be out and proud and bonding with the community,” Engedal said. “As a young queer person, my goal is to really remember and hold up the people within the community who have paved the way for us.”

On the north end of Loring Park, near the beer garden and dog park, was the University of Minnesota Physicians (M Physicians) booth. M Physicians is a group practice within the University, and this is also the first year they have been present at Pride.

“We know that the LGBTQ community has unique health disparities that our physicians are expertly trained to address,” said Hannah Michelson, a graduate student at the University and marketing manager at the Medical School. “We also know that they require unique care because they have unique hardships that come with being part of a community that has not always had the best access to care.”

Inclusivity at Pride

There are an estimated nine million to 11 million adults in the United States that identify as LGBTQ.

An estimated three million to five million LGBTQ individuals live with disabilities. Access to affordable, accessible, inclusive health care and community services is more difficult for people with disabilities in the LGBTQ community.

Accommodations for people with disabilities at Pride have continued to improve successively, said David Hancox, a former executive director of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living and an annual Pride attendee.

Similar to previous years, the Autism Society of Minnesota provided an escape space.

“Our tent is not just here to provide quiet space; it is also air-conditioned, full of fidgets and staff to help support people who just need a break from all the celebrating,” said Jillian Nelson, a community resource and policy advocate for the Autism Society.

In addition to an escape space, medical tent and wheelchair access, Pride provided American Sign Language interpreters with live interpreting of every stage performance.

Changes over the years

What began as a 50-person march in 1972 has expanded to what is normally a more than 400,000 attendee event. Performance stages and corporate sponsors became an integral part of the event in the 1990s as total event attendance surpassed 200,000.

Today, Twin Cities Pride usually consists of a weekend-long festival, parade, headliner event and fireworks, though the Twin Cities Pride canceled the latter three this year due to time constraints.

For three days beginning on Aug. 14, however, Twin Cities Pride will host the first MN People of Color LGBTQ Pride festival. The additional festival aims to recognize many diverse ethnic groups in the Twin Cities LGBTQ communities and allow additional revenue and opportunities for participating organizations.

Following last summer’s protests in response to the murder of George Floyd just over three miles from Loring Park, there is now more visibility at Pride and acknowledgment of the intersection between racial justice and LGBTQ rights, said Lauren Laufman, a third-year astrophysics graduate student at the University.

“I think the more people become aware of the different movements, the more people share between the movements,” Laufman said. “Pride is about embracing who you are overall.”

Cary Waubanascum will be completing a Ph.D. in social work at the University in August. Waubanascum is from the Land of the Menominee Nation and is a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin.

“Indigenous people, I feel, are represented at the University, but everyone can always do better,” Waubanascum said. “There is still a lot of indigenous erasure across disciplines, so that is why I am here, to represent.”

Waubanascum is also a mother of two and caretaker of five nephews — one of whom, her son, is transgender and two-spirit.

“I am proud of him. Showing up to Pride means showing my love and support; I feel love here,” Waubanascum said. “I am so happy to see [the University] here. I have had a great time here and am happy I chose to come to school here.”

Nathanael Ashton-Piper contributed to this report.

Georgia Southern will see no change in plans for returning to a ‘normal’ campus this fall amidst a recent spike in Bulloch County’s COVID-19 cases and record high freshmen enrollment.

“There are no changes in our current plan to be fully open and engaged,” University President Kyle Marrero said in an email to students. “Though face masks are not required, they are encouraged while inside campus facilities.”

Masks are only required inside the Health Center and on buses around the Statesboro campus. Social distancing is no longer required.

“We are diligently preparing and ready to meet the continuing challenges of this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Marrero. 

Although 8,000 doses have already been given, the university will continue to provide vaccination opportunities.  Two mass vaccination appointments are scheduled for next week, providing both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines on August 10 for Statesboro and August 12 for Armstrong. 

With an average of 36.2 daily new cases per 100k on CovidActNow, Bulloch County is listed as ‘very high risk’, while students have yet to move back in. The delta variant has already become the dominant strain of the virus, and only a quarter of the county is fully vaccinated.

Marerro encouraged students to use The CARES Center for support, contact tracing and reporting.

While there are no changes in plans thus far the president asked that everyone remain flexible as new information comes out.

I am a people watcher and a food lover. I feel like people might mistake my watchful eyes for leering and the thought of it makes me laugh. I loved taking Metro Transit — at least before COVID-19 — just so that I could watch people in their natural habitats. Our differences are so appealing to me that it makes me want to learn more about people and their history. I want to learn about different cultures to increase my appreciation for human beings. So, I thought I could entice you into making this summer a cultural exploration experience through food and customs.

Comfort food is generally thought of as quick food that pleases the soul, like ice cream and snacks, but it can also be different types of food for different people. For me, trying new dishes from different cultures is my comfort food. We have so many different restaurants in the Twin Cities that offer a variety of dishes, each one is unique to a particular culture or goes back to a certain ethnicity.

There are many restaurants with Asian cuisines, my favorite being an all-you-can-eat buffet called Panda Garden Buffet in Roseville. For an East African taste, see Fasika, an Ethiopian restaurant in Midway. Marhaba Grill in North Minneapolis offers a Mediterranean buffet. Downtowner Woodfire Grill in downtown St. Paul for Persian cuisine. Broders’ Pasta Bar in South Minneapolis for some Italian taste. It is all about having that curious appetite and cravings for new experiences. We already dine at different restaurants with different cultural themes, but I want the intention for this exploration to be one of unity, love and appreciation for people from different cultures and backgrounds.

I believe food brings people together, and to truly understand one another is to learn about our different cultures through any means. It is easy to order or self serve, eat, pay the bills and walk out without much thought. After the murder of George Floyd and the pandemic, our city is still recovering from such trauma and hardships. But we now again have the opportunity to get to know our neighbors as equal citizens who deserve to enjoy every right and privilege other Americans enjoy. Holding a conversation with the waiters and waitresses about what they recommend, or even talking to people at the table across from us can bring us closer.

Other means of cultural exploration can be through cultural events such as the Irish Fair of Minnesota coming up in August, or the 8th Annual Jamaican Independence Day celebration. We are blessed to have the second largest state fair in the nation and sporting events like baseball games or even the Super Bowl, which are gathering spots for many that are interested. I have been to multiple Twins games and the only people I talked to were the group I went with. It is easy to stay reserved and within our comfort zone, but talking to people who look different from us is both intellectually growing and keeps us aware of our differences, and makes us appreciate each other.

Museums are another way to learn about other cultures through historical artifacts. I am trying to teach myself how to appreciate all the pieces displayed and presented. After all, one of the ways of transferring history from generation to generation is through symbols. This is the place to travel through the time periods to learn about what it was like in the past. I love history, and through it, an appreciation for our fellow humans can deepen.

We have a wonderful multicultural festival here in the Twin Cities that I have yet to attend called The Festival of Nations. In 2019, nearly 100 different ethnic groups came together to celebrate their cultural heritage. Some of the many cultures represented in the exhibits include Columbian, Thai, Turkish, Dutch culture and more. The festival was canceled last year and this year due to COVID-19, but it is where people from different backgrounds get to display their culture through food stands, dance performances, and cultural exhibits. Just imagine being in a circle clapping and laughing with people you have nothing in common with. That is respect and love for humanity.

To the delight of anyone who’s yearning for a night on the town this summer, various businesses are welcoming back patrons to enjoy the luxuries missed during isolation, including dine-in services, live music and lifted COVID-19 restrictions. With the city’s lifted mask mandate, citizens are greeting each other again with smiles as they reenter urban nightlife.

For those who aren’t terribly interested in a stinky college bar, there are other options available in the Cities to ensure FOMO doesn’t mess with hot girl summer.

Coffee-lovers, foodies and anyone in need of a night out — or a strong drink — should check out these venues when planning their next get-together.

Icehouse: Located in south Minneapolis on Nicollet Avenue South near the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Icehouse offers both indoor and outdoor shows this summer. Featuring an industrial aesthetic and situated on Eat Street, this venue is perfect for a first date or a girl’s night. Begin your night getting drinks at one of the many restaurants along Nicollet, such as Black Sheep Pizza or the Bad Waitress, and then head over to see a show at Icehouse to wind down the night with an order of their short ribs with a chocolate espresso rub or pan-seared shrimp and grits. Satisfy your sweet tooth before you leave with a campfire apple crisp or raspberry lemon tart.

Aster Cafe: Conveniently housed near Marcy-Holmes, Aster Cafe is a great place to end your day after exploring Father Hennepin Bluff Park and taking Instagram shots on the Stone Arch Bridge. Watch the sunset through the trees outside the cafe as you sip a Summer Buzzer cocktail and munch on focaccia and artichoke dip. With laid back vibes and a killer menu, Aster is guaranteed to make your night worthwhile. Those interested in attending a show at the cafe must make a reservation beforehand either by phone or on their website.

The Hook and Ladder Theater and Lounge: Along Minnehaha Avenue and housed in an old firehouse, Hook and Ladder offers a variety of shows, including comedy shows, concerts, literary events, craft shows and theater. Dedicated to low-waste events and partially solar-powered, the venue has two indoor stages, a lounge with beer and wine available and a full production theater. Anyone interested in the arts can find a show at Hook and Ladder to welcome themselves back to live entertainment. Grab a burger and milkshake before a show at Hi-Lo Diner nearby or seafood tacos at Sonora Grill.

Editors’ note: Outside impact issue

Betsy Siegal/Staff

Summer is almost gone, and not just any summer. If vaccinations continue to rise and we remain careful, conscious and safe, this could be the summer to end all summers and the summer to finally end the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is a time for outdoors, for late nights and long days spent under the sun and stars. It is a time for travel and trade, for escaping school and work. With that in mind, we hope our impact issue celebrates the outside and our journeys beyond our homes.

But we also seek to share the outside world. To appreciate the outdoors in the midst of a climate crisis and to come together to protect the outside as a place we share. We want to spotlight the outsiders, the siblings, children, parents and people who are excluded.

Most of all, we want to celebrate the outside not as somewhere that’s frightening or dangerous but as somewhere that’s a part of us. The outside — real and imaginary — is where we find adventures of all kinds and where, ultimately, we will learn and grow.

Jasper Kenzo Sundeen is editor in chief and president, Jocelyn Huang is the managing editor and Connor Lin is the creative director. Contact them at management@dailycal.org.

The Daily Californian

When Vice President Kamala Harris’ visited Guatemala last month, she delivered a message of “hope,” proclaiming that the U.S. would increase investigations of corruption in Central America. These investigations are in response to increasing criticism of the Guatemalan government and its alleged illegal activities. Yet, this glimpse of hope quickly faded when she bluntly told Guatemalans, “Do not come,” eliminating the possibility thousands seek through immigration. As the U.S. government aims to slow down the influx of migrants on the southern border, Harris’ statement is contradictory and damaging to a region desperately in need of aid and international assistance. Nevertheless, we can take from her statement that Latin America needs and deserves more than poor U.S. interventionism. 

Kamala Harris. (Creative Commons/Gage Skidmore)

Several human rights groups have raised the concern that Harris’ message will discourage migrants from seeking asylum or even taking the chance to migrate to the U.S., as the statement plagues an already fragile region with increasing uncertainty. Her actions also contradict the Biden-Harris pro-immigration platform exhibited during the election, which specified a welcoming and grateful attitude toward immigration as a core U.S. value. The administration instead encourages immigrants to seek protection in their own countries, an approach Biden criticized of the Trump administration. Most of the time, staying in their own country is not an option for Latinxs and immigrants, especially in countries run under corruption and malice. 

Harris explained her plans to strengthen the Central American economy and diminish corruption in the region. The Biden administration proposed to send homeland security agents to Guatemala’s borders as a measure to deter migration, as well as establish task forces to investigate corruption and violence in the country. At face value, this is a successful plan. However, most authoritative presidents, including President Alejandro Giammattei of Guatemala, continue to commit human rights violations or break the law without repercussions. 

Corruption and violence are some of the most pressing issues in Latin America. However, Giammattei has denied allegations of corruption in his conservative government from his people and foreign countries, including the U.S. The tension between the U.S. and Guatemala escalated in response to the prospective plan of the Biden-Harris administration. 

Rather than concocting an immediate plan to help a troubled region, Biden and Harris’ current plan to “heal” Central America and slow down immigration oozes U.S. interventionism because of its underlying savior complex. Instead of helping the Latinx community, aid intervention further destabilizes the economy when political leaders clash. While they offer the Central American region a plan for improvement, countries like Guatemala have refused to receive monetary aid and COVID-19 vaccines from the U.S. due to a vast precedent of oppression and imperialism across Latin America. Despite the rejection of such aid, the U.S. has not given up the idea of aiding the Central American region. The Biden administration has settled with Congress for a four-year $4 billion relief plan in Central America, distributed to the government instead of directly to the citizens. However, the region’s living conditions have deteriorated to a point where four years is too long for salvation. 

Central America is facing immense violence — countries like El Salvador and Honduras hold two of the highest homicide rates in the world. Unemployment rates continue to skyrocket; 2021 forecasts indicate Latin America will have a 11.1% unemployment rate. Large portion of Central America is still recovering from the damage of Hurricane Eta and Iota a few months ago, heightening economic insecurity. Even as many people lose hope, some still believe the only salvation is embarking on the treacherous journey across the southern U.S. border. 

Harris’ message has drawn immense attention, but the standard of living for Guatemalans and other citizens in Central America are forced to endure hasn’t yet. Instead of providing economic aid directly to the corrupt governments, the U.S. should focus its efforts on the people that desperately need help in the form of newly established NGOs similar to OECD, an anti-corruption initiative for Latin America. Even with its limitations, this system allows a more tailored approach for aid to meet the specific needs of each country, as well as provides a voice to those who have been deprived of one. Rather than criticizing the current political measures on immigration, we should strive to inform ourselves and challenge authoritarianism in Central America. 

Sara Perez (24C) is from Managua, Nicaragua. 

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Ever dreamt that life was like it is in musicals? Well, that dream — or personal nightmare — becomes the reality for unhappy couple Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) when they find themselves trapped in the magical, musical land of Schmigadoon, unable to leave until they both fall in “true love.”

“Schmigadoon!” follows the two, as Josh tries to find love with another woman (Dove Cameron) and Melissa decides to take matters into her own hands to find her own way out of Schmigadoon.

With executive director Lorne Michaels (“Saturday Night Live”) and creators Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio, this fantastic feature lives and breathes to its fullest potential. The highly-anticipated musical spoof series dropped its first two episodes on Friday, July 16 on Apple TV+ with new episodes released every Friday.

Welcome to Schmigadoon!

“Schmigadoon!” is a show for all, but it is especially enjoyable for those who know their golden-age musical theater repertoire. Hearing piano riffs and melodies with an eerie familiarity to the classics provides a boost of serotonin.

As someone who grew up listening to the soundtracks of “Oklahoma!” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” I was more excited by the references to songs I had ingrained into my brain than the aesthetic of the show.

It’s like a scavenger hunt — Broadway World has even started posting a weekly reference guide for all things “Schmigadoon!” for those moments where viewers might think, “That sounds familiar, but I can’t quite put my finger on it…”

Of course, a majority of the satire stems from acknowledging the way that golden-age musicals have poorly aged. While there are some untouchable and timeless classics, it is impossible to ignore how times have changed and some theatre tropes are no longer acceptable.

In watching the commentary of the underage girl being married off, the use of the term “queer” back in the olden days, the very religious views that are imposed on the town and the classic gentleman caller, “Schmigadoon!” invites theater-goers to make fun of these iconic tropes and address the biases inherent in them. 

The Future of the Show

It is anticipated that, by the end of the show,  Melissa and John will find love once again — how will that happen? It’s anyone’s guess. It has been foreshadowed that episode four will focus on Josh’s pursuit of schoolmarm Emma Tate (Ariana DeBose) and Melissa will start working for the handsome town doctor, Jorge Lopez (Jaime Camil), but what’s in store for the rest of the inhabitants of Schmigadoon?

It would be interesting to see the preacher (Fred Armisen) and the preacher’s wife’s (Kristin Chenoweth) relationship fall sideways since they hold the most “righteous” relationship of the town.

On the other hand, a character by the name of Countess Gabriele Von Blerkom (Jane Krakowski) has yet to enter the world of the show, but has been teased and it is easy to assume that her character will shake up the relationship between Melissa and Josh.

Lastly, now that Melissa has a new man on her mind, where does that leave the gentleman caller, Danny Bailey (Aaron Tveit)? All will, hopefully, be revealed over the next couple of weeks as the show releases new episodes.

Watch “Schmigadoon!” on Apple TV+.

makena.reynolds@dailyutahchronicle.com

@makenareynolds

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After going undrafted, former UH basketball guard DeJon Jarreau agreed to a deal with the Miami Heat. | Andy Yanez/The Cougar

Although he did not hear his name called on Thursday night during the 2021 NBA Draft, DeJon Jarreau announced he signed a deal as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Heat shortly after the draft’s conclusion.

The Heat, who did not have a single pick Thursday night, tried to trade for one in the second round with the intentions of drafting Jarreau, according to UH basketball head coach Kelvin Sampson.

“(Miami) was trying to buy a pick last night and draft DeJon,” Sampson said. “Had (Miami) had a second-round pick they would have drafted DeJon. They loved DeJon. They targeted him.”

Jarreau will play in Sacramento, California and Las Vegas with Miami’s summer league team over the next few weeks, Sampson said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“DeJon Jarreau signs as undrafted free agent with Miami” was originally posted on The Cougar

College freshmen might think it’s too early to start building their resume and thinking about post-graduation life when they’ve only just arrived on campus, especially if they haven’t decided what to major in.
Yet the sooner students build skills and experience to put on their resume, the more likely they will land an interview and eventually a job, and the less stressful their junior and senior years of college will be.
College freshman who haven’t declared their major yet can still gain valuable experience through volunteer work with organizations on campus. Eagles Engage, which can be found in one’s MyGS portal under the Campus Life heading, Greek Life, the Student Government Association and Serve912 on the Armstrong campus all offer valuable volunteer opportunities to start building one’s resume.
Students can also apply for a part-time job on campus to boost their resume. Dining Services on the Armstrong campus is often hiring for positions at The Galley, The Perk, Starbucks, The Gus Mart, Chick-Fil-A, or Southern Cafe. Students also may find jobs at the Learning Commons or the library.
To check for student positions as they become available, visit Georgia Southern University Careers.
Once students declare a major and start taking classes in their department, they also might find opportunities for major specific research or internship opportunities that also come with the possibility of a paycheck or scholarship.
Students who are interested in those types of opportunities should always keep an ear out for what’s going on in their department so they can gain experience, either on a volunteer or paid basis, to put on their resume.
One valuable resource that students will need as their start to build their resume and apply for jobs is the Office of Career and Professional Development.
To schedule an appointment with OCPD, students should login into their Handshake account in the Student Employment Tab of their MyGS portal, click on Career Center, then Appointments, select Schedule a New Appointment, then select Armstrong campus, finally, select the appointment type to make an appointment.
Students who cannot find an appointment time that works for them or who need immediate help can drop in to their office hours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Students can also check the OCPD Fall 2021 calendar for events to attend.
For more information and advice about building your resume, contact the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) by calling 912-478-5197 or email ocpd@georgiasouthern.edu and make sure to mention you’re on the Armstrong campus.

High school curricula: Progress or regress?

I was 7 years old when someone called me “brownie” for the first time.

People have asked me if I’m “related to terrorists” because of my appearance, have called my family “uncivilized” because of where we come from and have made fun of my culture. I experience this on a pretty regular basis. Most of the time it comes from people who don’t mean to be racist but are just completely unaware and insensitive of the blatant racism present in American culture.

I am a South Asian high school student from Orange County, California. Both of my parents were born in India and immigrated here about 20 years ago. I constantly deal with racist comments because cultural insensitivity is so ingrained in American society.

That’s why it’s so important for schools to implement a diverse curriculum. We live in a diverse society; it’s time for all school curriculums to reflect that. When schools consistently address issues about race and incorporate stories about different people of color, we can confront our prejudices and overcome them. Furthermore, it has been proven that diversity in the classroom promotes empathy in students, improves student achievement and fosters creativity.

Recent bills in Idaho, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Iowa, New Hampshire and Arizona ban the teaching of critical race theory, the practice of questioning the role that racism plays in society. Nearly 20 more states plan to introduce similar legislation. These bills are a means of rolling back racial progress, essentially banning classroom discussions about racism, bias, privilege, discrimination and oppression. These are attacks on our First Amendment rights. White fragility is so prominent in Republican lawmakers that they are ostensibly willing to indoctrinate students into believing that the United States’ foundation, history and modern systems are not inherently racist.

Fortunately, California does not plan to implement any similar legislation. But while other states are moving backward, we are stuck in time.

We still have a severely whitewashed curriculum. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has not yet mandated an ethnic studies course for all high school students. Most of our books are written by white men. Most of our history textbooks glaze over stories about people of color and are written from the white male perspective. While California’s high school curriculum may not be in as much danger as those of other states, we still have a long way to go before we can call it “diverse” or “equitable.”

High schools in California and all over the country must implement a more diverse curriculum and address the United States’ racist history and today’s systemic racism, as well as incorporate the stories of other people of color from more countries around the world. This will make students of color feel safer in classrooms knowing that their voices are heard.

High school is an optimal time to introduce topics of anti-racism, as a student’s mindset is shaped by their primary and secondary education. Schools are severely underutilizing their influence and resources to combat racism. It’s time they do better.

Ritika Asher is a junior at the Orange County School of the Arts. Contact the opinion desk at opinion@dailycal.org or follow us on Twitter @dailycalopinion.

The Daily Californian