Voice of the Wildcats Fall 2015

NEWS/FEATURES ENTERTAINMENT SPORTSHOMECOMING

SEE PAGE 6SEE PAGE 3 SEE PAGE 5 SEE PAGE 7-8

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

By Felix Reyes Sports Editor Wildcat fans have another sports team to cheer for following the recent debut the university’s new soccer squad. The team, which school officials have nicknamed “BC-United,” won its first game, 2 – 1, recently against Al-bany State. Brandon Arana, co-captain, said B-CU Club soccer has been in the works for a few years now. “It has been a long time coming. Being here for two years and just hearing about it [club soccer], really made it hard,” Arana said. “But, now that it’s here, I think it brings out more people,” he said.

Arana scored the first two goals against Albany State, which also just added soccer to it’s list of colle-giate sports. The game was scoreless through the first half but the inten-sity picked up in the next 45 minutes. Arana’s first goal came on a long break away where he had to fight off a de-fender with his right arm, and manage to kick the ball in the lower left corner of the goal with his right foot.

“During the game it didn’t hit me [that I had made history], until after the game when people came to con-gratulate me. And the next day when staff and coaches from other sports were congratulating me as well, then it really hit me that I made history for our school, in not only scoring once,

BCU’s Brandon Arana (#2), looks to put pressure on Albany State during recent game in Deltona, Florida. The event marked the historic opening of soccer at Bethune-Cookman University.

photo courtesy of John Reeves

B-CU Club Soccer debut exhibition marks a historic moment

continued on page 3

Work continues on new dorms at B-CU

A construction worker, above, with contractor Hensel Phelps works on what appears to be an opening for a window in the new dorm on McLeod Street.

The new dorm can be seen rising against the LLC building near Martin Luther King and George Engram boulevards.

A sign announces the project.

By Voice Staff

Construction of two new dorms on cam-pus continues and appears to be on track.

When completed, the new resident halls will add 1,200 new beds for students at a price tag of $72 million.

photos by Brenda Starrcontinued on page 3

2 EDITORIAL VOICESeptember/October 2015 The Voice of the Wild-

cats is written, edited and published monthly by

members of the student body at Bethune-Cookman

University. The Voice of the Wildcats is published

monthly during the fall and spring semesters.

Petra MerrickEditor-in-Chief

Jaimee CobbLayout Editor

Felix ReyesSports Editor

Timothy White Assistant Sports Editor

Curtis KillingsPhoto Editor

Staff WritersTykwan Knight

Khadejah FolmarShiquaa Fowler

Shye-Kairah GreenCharla McCord

CorrespondentsDurell YoungCortez WestBrenda Starr

Kierra McCray

Dr. Elsie WanjohiPublication Director

Valerie WhitneyVoice Adviser

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The Voice of the Wildcats is a member of the Black Col-lege Communications As-sociation (BCCA), College Media Advisors Associa-tion (CMA) and National Association of Black Jour-

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By Shiquaa Fowler

Parking can be a hassle, especially when a cam-pus has limited parking. That’s the situation here and it will only get worse with the construction of not one but two new dorms on campus.

Don’t get me wrong. The additional housing is needed but so is adequate parking. Besides being late to class, work-study, or any school event, trying to park without getting a ticket is the challenge.

Add to that the fact that a lot of parking areas on campus are reserved for faculty and staff—but few if any for students. In fact, campus officials said that there are only 325 spaces on campus and more than 100 tickets are issued each month.

“Yes, we have a lot of staff but we have twice as many students,” student Paris Lewis said.

Some students do have the right to park where they please because they have parking decals. They’re usually sold in the security department on campus for $20—another irritation for students who have suggested the cost of the decal should be a part of the tuition plan. “I think it is pretty ridiculous that I have to circle around the university numerous times to find a parking spot, or park in front of someone else’s house to get to where I have to go,” Torrian Brown said.

Some of us would like to see separate parking lots around campus. The only reserved spots would be for department deans. Something has got to give. Until then, students will continue to complain or better yet, resort to hunting one another down, to ask the burning question: “Are you pulling out or leaving yet?”

Good luck finding a parking space on this campus

Sad. Numb. Distraught.

All of those terms describe how I felt after hear-ing that two Wildcats—Diona McDonald and Timesa Floyd-Carswell—were killed. Police reports say the girls and a third student, Micah Parham, were victims of domestic violence in an off campus housing complex.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines domestic violence “as the inflicting of physical injury by one family or household member on another; a repeated or habitual pattern of such behavior. “

The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported recent-ly that incidents of domestic violence have risen 15 percent in the past five years in Volusia County.

I can’t count the number of times that I have seen news reports about a man who killed his wife and then himself, or a man who killed his girl friend and now he is facing jail time. Domestic violence, it seems, is happening even in Hollywood. Remember the 2009 incident involving singers Chris Brown and Rihanna. Or even the incident in 1989 between boxer Mike Tyson and actress Robin Givens.

McDonald and Carswell were shot to death by a third party in dispute, police said, that center over rent money and someone being asked to leave.

Domestic violence is not accept-able in any form whether it is phys-ical or verbal. A man should not put his hands on a woman neither should a woman put her hands on a man. If you are mad at your signifi-cant other then handle your anger in the old fashion way and turn the other cheek. Walk away from the situation. A person should not make you that mad to the point you want to harm them.

If you feel as if have been a victim of domestic violence situation, please seek help immediately. Tell your friends and families about what is going on in your life. If you do not feel comfortable letting your loved ones know, call the hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or talk to a counselor. Take action now!

October is Domestic Violence awareness month. It’s time we, B-CU and the community, joined the movement to raise awareness about the harmful act of domestic violence.

In Love and Memory of our fallen WildcatsDiona McDonald and Timesha Floyd-Carswell

By Petra Merrick Voice Editor

Petra Merrick is a junior mass communications major.

VOICE VOICE 3NEWS/FEATURES September/October 2015

but twice and helping us get a win,” Arana said.

The players were not the only people around B-CUs campus waiting for the formation of a soc-cer team. Others include Stacey Speller, a former admissions recruiter, who played a role in the decision to admit Arana to the university. “It literally sent chills through my entire body to see something that has been talked about for so many years actually happen right in front of my face,” Speller said.

Other faces in the crowd include those of uni-versity President Edison O. Jackson and athletic director Lynn Thompson.

Arana said the team is taking its win—the first of the season and in school history—in stride. “The first game went really, really, well,” Arana said. “It gives us a lot of confidence, but at the same time we don’t want to take our con-fidence overboard because we still have to face some good teams.”

SoccerContinued from page 1

Bethune-Cookman officals convert four out of eight dorms to coed with the excep-tion of Curtis and Joyner Hall, that will remain all female, while Lefevere and Old Bronson dorms remain all male.

The new dorms are expected to be ready for occupancy for the next school year, according to school officials.

Workers, above, continue building on the new dorm at the corner of Lincoln Street and Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard

Dorms Continued from page 1

Construction worker takes a break from sawing bricks for new dorm Satur-day September 26 on the site of the new dorm near LLC.

photo by Brenda Starr

photo by Curtis Killings

Students who left college in recent years because of tightened standards for the Parent PLUS Loan that rendered them ineligi-ble can now reapply, according to U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown.

“We want them back,” said the Florida congresswoman dur-ing this year’s Convocation. Brown noted that the changes had been detrimental to many historical black colleges and universi-ties, affecting some 30,000 students.

The program now is friendlier and students who left because of money reason should reapply, she said. Brown also praised college President Edison O. Jackson as one of those who lobbied for the changes.

The updated Parent PLUS Loan program will make 370,000 PLUS loan applicants who failed to pass the new ‘adverse credit history’ criteria, now eligible borrowers for the PLUS Loan gap funding, according to BlackPressUSA.com.

Brown: ParentPlus Loans are available once again

B-CU Provost Dr. Makola M. Abdullah, left, and University President Dr Edison O. Jackson listened intently as Congresswoman Corrine Brown speaks at Convocation on Wednesday September 16.

“During the game it didn’t hit me [that I had made history], until af-ter the game when people came to congratulate me” - Arana

Visit The Voice of the Wildcats online

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books, whatever. For more information contact Ms. Whitney in Fine Arts 123.

4 September/October 2015 VOICECOMMUNITY

By Cortez West Correspondent

Hemis Ivey, 52, was born and raised in what is now known as the Midtown commu-nity here in Daytona Beach.

“Back then this community showed a lot of pride within this black community. Now you don’t see that. We need to have that back,” Ivey said in a recent interview.

As he talked about the changes in the com-munity that he has seen, he suggested that a re-newed relationship between Bethune-Cookman University and the community that surrounds it would play a big part.

Back when he was growing up people had access to the school more than they do now, he says. This community loved the school, he says, adding that now the relationship between the two is strained to the point where few commu-

nity members visit the campus anymore.

During his youth, Ivey says, the community had a lot of black-owned businesses, which added to community spirit, too. “ I always wanted to hang around black businesses. It showed a sense pride and ownership.

Now there are hardly any black businesses. We need to get that back,” said Ivey, who recently served as chairman of the Midtown Redevelop-ment Advisory Board.

“It’s just about getting back to being suc-cessful and bringing back community pride. President Jackson is doing a great job at trying to bring that back and making students suc-cessful,” he said, adding success is something everyone wants but in order to achieve that you have to fail and start over.

“I have failed many of times. I have been what people consider rich twice but I took the necessary steps to be successful and I still am. It takes the basics to be successful,” Ivey said.

photo provided by Hemis Ivey

Ivey: Black-owned businesses fostered community spirit

By Durell YoungCorrespondent Alexander Wynn is the owner of R J Gainous-Wynn Funeral Home, one of two such businesses located in the heart of the Midtown area.

Wynn, 58, has been a Daytona Beach resident since 1980. He said he isn’t really that satisfied with the community in Mid-town. “We have a long way to go,” said Wynn. “It could be better. I don’t think our leader-ship is as good as it could be.”

He noted that there has been little in the way of change since he moved here. But he is op-timistic that may not be the scenario going forward.

“After years and years, the Midtown Redevelopment Area Board is finally planning to

make change within the com-munity of Midtown,” he said, referring to plans for a public square near Bethune-Cookman University that will be the cultural and commercial heart of Midtown. It will include shaded seating and gather-ing areas with foun-tains, public art and Black Heritage Trail destinations. In the meantime, Wynn said he well aware of the his-torical significance of his business. “Keeping this fu-neral home up and running is an honor because it upholds a lot of his-tory within Midtown,” he said.

The business was established in 1952 by Dr. Mary McLeod

Bethune’s son, Albert Bethune Sr. The firm handled his moth-er’s funeral.

At the same time, Wynn said, he donates thousands of dollars

each year to the community by supporting various fund rais-ing events, including those that provide scholarships.

Welcome to MidTown In 1913, Daytona had three distinct African Ameri-can communities–Waycross, Newtown and Midway.

Waycross was where noted theologian Howard Thurman was born in 1899 in a house that still stands at 614 Whitehall St. The most southern of Daytona’s African American communi-ties, Waycross was situated around current-day Bellevue

Avenue. Waycross had a pop-ulation of 300, according to the Daytona City Directory, which used a “C” to indicate colored, according to local historian Leonard Lempel.

Midway encompassed the area from today’s U.S. 1 on the east to several blocks west of the railroad tracks. From the north, the area included today’s Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, which

was named Second Avenue for most of the 20th Century. Midway extended south at least to today’s International Speedway Boulevard.

Newtown was in the area around Orange Avenue in Daytona Beach.

Several years ago city officials in now Daytona Beach rebranded the three communities as the “Midtown

Historical Black Heritage District.”

Records show that there are currently 1,539 single-family homes and 69 multi-family homes in Midtown.

Most of the buildings are more than 45 years old. Most of the residents who live in Midtown still are African Americans.

Journalism students here at B-CU reached out to some of the area’s residents to get their take on what makes the area special and also what if any change they would like to see in their communities.

The staff of the Voice of the Wildcats proudly presents “Voices From Midtown.”

“It’s about getting back to being successful and bringing back community pride.”

Wynn: Keeping funeral home up and running is a true honor

photo provided by RJ Gainous Wynn Funeral Home

Alexander C. Wynn III

Hemis Ivey

5NEWS VOICE September/October 2015

Jahlil Witt, left, and Devin Tunnage in their official portrait as Mr. B-CU and Miss B-CU following the coronation Sept. 17 in the cam-pus Performing Arts Center.

By Khadejah FolmarStaff Writer

Fall means football and homecoming for many colleges across the country including Bethune-Cook-man University.

In keeping with tradition, school officials staged the official coronation of campus queens and kings last month in the Performing Arts Center. Home-coming Week kicks off Oct. 18 and concludes on Oct. 25 with a comedy show in the Performing Arts Center.

The theme this year is “There is no place like Homecoming.” The homecoming parade will be 9.a.m. Oct. 24 and the game will be at 4 p.m. that same day. The Wildcats will be facing the Spartans of Norfolk State University.

Meanwhile, Obianuju Orjioke, vice president of the Student Activities Board, sat down recently with the Voice to talk about what students can expect this year.

Q. What ideas and activities do you have planned for homecoming?

A. For the 2015 homecoming, we plan to keep the tradition of the school homecoming week but also incorporate fresh and innovative events and ideas. Most events will stay the same, adding a twist or

different approach to them (whether it be location, decor or getting an artist) while a few will change to introduce something new to our campus.

Q. What are some of the specific events stu-dents can look for?

A. The list is as follows: Oct. 18, community service; Oct. 19, Mr. and Miss Homecoming Pageant; Oct. 20, the All White Party; Oct. 21, cultural extravaganza; Oct. 22, Greek Step Show; and Oct. 23, family barbecue and pep rally.

Q. Are you planning a concert and who is slated to appear?

A. Artists cannot be disclosed at this time

Q. Tell us about football season. What types of activities will you be sponsoring to get students involved during the games?

A. As we all know, tailgating and pep rallies are a given during football season. Both events will continue but with add ons. For tailgaters there is something that was introduced last season called (the)”Greek Village,” which allow two Greek-lettered organizations to have a tent and show their school spirit…. This will be happening again this season. …Two (non-Greek) organizations will also be hosting a tailgate. The goal is to draw in a greater

crowd of students being that students may be affili-ated with an organization that may be hosting.

Q. Where will the homecoming pep rally be held, and is there any other pep rally before the home-coming events?

A. The homecoming pep rally will take place at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on City Island in down-town Daytona Beach.

Wildcats gear up for homecoming Student Activities Board still deliberating upcoming events

Homecoming 2015 is looking like a bust to some students here.

Bethune-Cookman University’s homecoming dates are Oct. 18 through the 25. However, with less than a month to go, offi-cials have not released the name of any major artist or the venue for many events. The Student Activities Board, better known as the SAB, is in charge of handling all activities for the university. Officials say their hands are tied due to a lack of funding.

“SAB can not make any plans for homecoming until the uni-versity presents them with a budget. So right now all we know is that we are having a step show, pep rally and the homecom-ing game. However, we do not know who’s going to perform or where the venue is for the step show. All I know is that we are suppose to release a line up this week,” said Anetria Miller, the director of community outreach for SAB.

Ideally, most HBCUs have their line up in place by the end of July so that they can pass that information on to students and alumni, who plan to return for the event. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University or FAMU began planning for its homecoming in December.

The failure by officials to be able to release specific has some students at B-CU concerned about what they perceive to be poor planning. “It is a shame that SAB does not have anything planned for this homecoming. I mean, it is the end of September and they still have not released anything. What is truly going on?” student Saadia Gauthier said in a recent interview.

Homecoming is expected to be a time of laughter, unity and enjoyment.

But with no plans, some people may be disappointed.

Students concerned homecoming could be a bust in 2015

By Kierra McCray Correspondent/Commentary

6 September/October 2015 ENTERTAINMENT VOICE

By Charla McCord Feature Writer

The big screen flick “Straight Outta Compton” is the latest biopic release from Hollywood—this one based on rappers Ice Cube (played by O’shea Jackson Jr.), Eazy-E (played by Jason Mitchell), and Dr. Dre (played by Corey Hawkins).

The movie, which opened at the top of the box office in mid-August and stayed there for several weeks, attempts to explain how the rap group N.W.A (reportedly for “Niggas with Attitudes”) revolutionized music forever, while also changing and influencing hip-hop.

Not only did the movie deliver for its extraordinary depiction of the rise of the rap

group, it also shows the harsh realities that African Americans faced in the late 1980s.

The movie--which was made at a cost of $29 million and has grossed more than $150 million, so far, since opening day--was an amazing experience to sit through. I loved every moment of the passion, ambition and struggle that they went through and still made it out on top.

The question on everyone’s mind is will there be a sequel? Possibly. Only director F. Gary Gray knows for sure. This movie gets a full five stars in my book.

Film Review: ‘Straight Outta Compton’ is the real deal

By Tykwan Knight Feature Writer

Hip-hop superstar Meek Mill hit the ground running with his long-awaited album “Dreams Worth More than Money” this summer, which dropped roughly six months after his re-lease from jail after being found guilty of a probation violation. The Philadelphia native, who has always been in touch with the underground music heads, quickly grasped the attention of commercial listeners with his most recent project. He breathed that fresh air of energy, fulfilled with ambition and day-starting drive that we need from him.

But after that, what else is there for Mill to offer?

He’s nowhere near a money mogul as is his mentor Jay Z. So what money, besides what he’s earned off of the strength of girlfriend Nicki Minaj, could Mill really talk about?

It seems like he has yet to grasp what the urban ear looks for in a hip hop mogul, namely lyrics, facts, relation with audience, variety within rap styles and the reputation. Looking at the list, he captured only two of these intangibles on this album.

As such, he’ll never be listed as one of the best, which was supposed to be one of his main goals coming into the hip hop industry. For fans that can to relate to Mill on a per-sonal level, this is prob-ably his best work yet. Some are probably marking calendars for his next musical release.

BUT, for those of you who are pure hip hop junkies, there are better EPs that dropped lately and that deserved twice as much credit.

It all comes down to which camp you are in.

Album Review: ‘Dreams Worth More than Money’ misses the mark

Restaurant Review: Two different places, two great meals for local dinersBy Shye-Kairah Green Feature Writer

In the 18 years since it opened in 1997 the Bethune Grill has gained cult status in the campus community for its chicken wings. The eatery, at 731 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., near the intersection of Jefferson Street, is famous, too, for its honey wing sauce. The menu includes wings, tenders, nuggets, seafood and deserts. Prices are inexpensive and you receive a lot for what you pay. On a recent trip to the grill, I ordered a 10-piece buffalo wing entrée with fries. My meal also came with a roll and some ranch dress-ing. This wasn’t an actual combo so I had to order my drink separately.

I ordered a 16-ounce pink lemon-ade. It was perfect. The ordering pro-cess was quick and easy. My tab was around $9, not including taxes. Menu items range from $5 to $29, the latter representing the cost for 50 wings with fries.

The place was crowded and the inside of the building was hot. There were so many people that the line was nearly out of the door. I waited about five minutes for my food. As soon as I opened the box, my eyes watered. The sauce was so strong but it smelled so good. The wings were a little on the mild side; not too spicy but just right. The fries were crispy and the roll was very moist.

continued on page 8photo by Shye-Kairah Green

VOICE SPORTS 7September/October 2015

FOOTBALL PLAYBOOK

The Bethune Cookman Wildcats suffered a crushing 45 – 0 defeat at the hands of the Miami Hurricanes to start the season. The loss was the first of the Terry Sims’ head coaching era. This was not the start to the season coach Sims nor the Wildcats were expecting.

The offense could not get any momentum in a game that was de-layed due to lightning for over an hour. “I felt like a lot of it fell on me not having a sense of urgency. I came out slow in the beginning of the game. I should’ve been more decisive in my decisions. We just have to learn from these mistakes and correct them,” starting quarterback Quentin Williams said.

The Wildcats gained only 73 total yards in the game.

“I felt like I didn’t push the pace on offense. Just going fast like we normally do. That falls on me. I was a little too lapsed,” Williams said.

I wasn’t myself early. Then I started to settle down and get comfort-able after the first two drives. Then we started to get stuff rolling. We had penalties and bad decisions. We hurt ourselves,” Williams contin-ued.

The Wildcats had seven penalties, one of which negated an early field goal from the Hurricanes and led to a first quarter touchdown. “Going against an opponent like Miami you can’t have those hiccups because those guys are going to capitalize on mistakes,” said head coach Sims.

The struggles for the team on offense continued on the other side of the ball for the defense. The defense allowed over 350 yards for the Canes offense.

The Canes were led by quarterback Brad Kayaa who threw for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns and true freshman Mark Walton who rushed for 85 yards on 10 carries and one score in his first game for the Canes.

“They had a good offensive front. They push. I felt like we could’ve run a little bit harder,” defensive back, Marquis Drayton said about the Miami offensive line. The Wildcats took to the field with virtually an entire new defensive team from last season.

There are only two returning starters and none of them are on the defensive line, a position the Wildcats have always been stout at in years past. “It’s just a learning experience and just to get back on the field and work hard.”

Despite the disappointing loss, Sims still was able to take some posi-tives away from the game. “I think the first positive that I take from it is that we didn’t quit. We did not worry about the score. We kept playing all four quarters. And for that I’m proud of this whole football team,” Sims said.

The Wildcats will look to get their first win of the Sims era and 2015 campaign when they travel to Grambling State University in Louisiana on September 12th. Grambling State lost to the Wildcats last season in Daytona Beach 36 – 23.

Editor’s Note: The Wildcats started their home stand this season with a win against Lane University at Municipal Stadium on Sept. 19th ending in 7-3.

The Voice is looking for ad salesmen. Commission paid. For more information contact Ms. Whitney In Fine Arts 123. $$$

Wildcats lose season opener, but bounce back strong

Linebacker Trenton Bridges (#42) and defensive back Marquis Drayton (#6) defend the passing attack of Miami.

Restaurant Review: Two different places, two great meals for local diners

photos courtesy of B-CU Athletics

Felix ReyesSports Editor

Quarterback Quentin Williams (#3) looks to scramble to avoid the sack.

VOICE8 September/October 2015 SPORTS

My overall experience was great and I would give this res-taurant five stars.

I also visited Kinfolks Café, a southern styled restaurant located at 724 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., right across from Bethune Grill. To my great surprise there was no wait. The building, meanwhile, smelled good. It reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking.

The woman behind the coun-ter was very nice and offered me a menu. Entrees included items such as turkey wings, ox tails, smothered pork chops, fried chicken, chitterlings and fried pork chops.

These dinners include your choice of two side dishes such as yellow or white rice and corn bread. The menu also includes seafood, mac and cheese, baked beans, collard greens; black

eyed peas, lima beans, etc. They also sell deserts such as cook-ies, peach cobbler and assorted cakes. The meals range in price from $5 to $25, which is the cost of 50 pieces of wings. They also offer a 10-percent student discount. Deciding what I wanted was so difficult because every-thing just sounded so good. I finally decided to go with the smothered pork chops, mac and cheese, collard greens, and white rice. My meal also came with a slice of corn bread and a drink. I selected lemonade. The ordering process was simple and the wait time was between five and eight minutes.

I sat at a nice little table wait-ing for my food, which I or-dered to go. It smelled scrump-tious when it arrived. When I finally had the chance to dig in, everything was right on target.

The pork chops were amazing and so tender and seasoned perfectly. The greens were deli-cious and mac and cheese was so cheesy just the way I like it. My white rice was moist and the corn bread was like heaven.

The customer service at Kin Folks was great. My overall ex-perience was excellent and well worth the money. I give this restaurant five stars, too.

Restaurants continued from page 6

By Timothy WhiteSports Writer

For those who don’t know, Jasmine Knowles is the start-ing point guard for the Lady Wildcats Basketball team at Bethune-Cookman Univer-sity.

The 5-foot-3-inch redshirt junior transferred to B-CU from Western Michigan Uni-versity and set out the 2013 – 2014 season. I asked Jasmine whether sitting out a year affected her game, especially from a mental standpoint.

“I think my biggest con-cern was just picking back up from where I left. After hav-ing that nice little break I was kind of worried about being a little sluggish, and basically everything that I was worried about actually happened,” she said. “I just started to pick things back up toward the end of the season when it counts the most.”

This mental hurdle affected the team as a whole as they started last season losing their first five games.

“We did play some bigger schools but overall we didn’t handle the pressure well. At one point in time it started to hurt us because we started to fall apart. We didn’t trust each other as much as we should have and on the court it showed,” she said. “ We said we wanted a champion-ship but we weren’t there mentally at the time.“

Going into the second part of the season Jasmine and the Lady Wildcats began to blos-som, winning five straight games in January with an overall record of 6 – 2.

What prompted such a crazy turn around? “I think everybody just got their mind together and realized what their role was on the team and what they bring to the team which is the main thing that helped us,” she said. The winning streak started at Coppin State University and lasted until B-CU defeated its rival FAMU.

But, in Jasmine’s opinion, it should have lasted a game longer. The team, however,

suffered a heart breaking 71-72 loss to Delaware State University after a half-court buzzer beater that shouldn’t have counted. A loss like that near the end of the season could have destroyed the team but they bounced back.

The question on my mine at this point was whether Knowles is happy at B-CU?

“I love the atmosphere here along with my team in-cluding the relationship I’ve built with them as well as my coaches here so there’s no other school that I’d rather be at right now. I’m very satis-fied,” she said.

B-CU’s point guard Jasmine Knowles proves thatshe is a powerhouse on the basketball court

Jasmine Knowles, above and below, loves playing for Bethune Cookman University

photo by Brenda Starr

photos courtesy of BCU Athletics

Jasmine Knowles defending against North Carolina A&T State University