Sociology instructor talks about the future of black history
February 16, 2010 by Jacob Zinn · Leave a Comment
Juliane Bitek reads several of her poems at Kwantlen's Black History Month Confab. (Jacob Zinn photo)
On Feb. 8, Kwantlen’s sociology department held its annual Black History Month Confab in the conference centre of the Surrey campus.
This year, the department collected donations for Haiti earthquake relief and raised $220, bringing the classes total to over $3,000.
The well-attended event featured four film screenings on African history and performances by spoken word poets Juliane Bitek, Scruffmouth and John Akpata.
Dr. Charles Quist-Adade, a sociology instructor, has led the discussion since he moved to Kwantlen four years ago. This year’s theme, “The Danger of One Story or the Power of Multiple Stories,” is a combination of two ideas in black history.
“The first part of the theme, ‘The Danger of One Story,’ is actually the title of a talk that was given by the Nigerian author named Chimamanda Adichie,” said Quist-Adade. Adichie’s talk notes that the western media gives only a one-sided rendition of the story of African history.
Quist-Adade added the second part of the theme and explained that multiple stories provide knowledge and empowerment.
The purpose of the discussion was to celebrate and reflect on black achievements, challenges and shortcomings. This year’s confab had a good turnout, but Quist-Adade doesn’t feel the current generation has a strong grasp on black history, which makes it all the more important for youth to attend.
Beyond the recognition of Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr., he feels many aren’t aware of lesser-known, historical black figures.
“The contribution of people of African descent to the global stock of knowledge, to world civilization, has been over the years marginalized, at best,” said Quist-Adade, citing advancements in science, social sciences and engineering. “And ignored at worst.”
He feels the biggest issue within black communities is having a media outlet to broadcast their message of African heritage.
“We don’t have the power, we don’t have the voice. [...] When you have the voice, then you can push your identity.”
With the U.S. presidency of Barack Obama, Quist-Adade considers his election to be “the second American Revolution.” But at the same time, he’s realistic about the changes Obama can make.
“While we’re happy he’s elected, our hopes should not be too high,” he said. “We should temper our optimism with pragmatism and realize that he cannot solve the problems of the people of African descent alone and quickly.”
Spoken Word Poetry
Scruffmouth, whose name is derived from his facial hair, has done spoken word poetry since 2004. (Jacob Zinn photo)
[audio:http://www.kwantlenchronicle.ca/audio/Scruffmouth2.mp3]
“Pan-Africanism is Dead” by Scruffmouth
John Akpata is pictured with his spoken word CD titled "Breadcrumbs." He is doing shows in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island throughout Black History Month. (Jacob Zinn photo)
[audio:http://www.kwantlenchronicle.ca/audio/John_Akpata2.mp3]
“To Be or Not to Be” by John Akpata
Video: Langley campus dances in the Year of the Tiger
February 16, 2010 by Abby Wiseman · 1 Comment
In honour of the Lunar New Year the Langley Community Services Society hosted a multi-cultural performance at Langley campus on Feb. 6.
Tai Chi Fan, Tango, Korean drums and Chinese Folk dance are just some of the many dances performed to welcome in the Year of the Tiger.
Abby Wiseman and Kristi Jut captured the event on video.
Students raise big money for Big Brothers
February 16, 2010 by Abby Wiseman · Leave a Comment
A belly dancer entertains the crowd at the Circus of the Night fundraiser for Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. (Abby Wiseman photo)
Public relations students hosted a big bash for Big Brothers on Feb. 9 at the Circus of the Night fundraiser.
Through ticket sales, donations and a silent auction, the second-year students raised $6,900, exceeding their goal of $6,000.
The idea behind the event was to create an atmosphere where adults could feel like kids again, said student Alicia Bernbaum.
Adding to the circus-vibe was the illusionist Yeeri, two belly dancers and tango dancers and candy apples, popcorn and “circus-tinis” were served.
One of the evening’s highlights was a speech by big brother Steve Lee, who spoke about the positive effect being a big brother has on his life.
Every year, second year PR students host a charity fundraiser as part of their event management course.
Amelia Kennedy is the course instructor and has been a Big Sister for 11 years. She knows how difficult it can be for 24 people to organize an event, and said they did “really well.”
“It’s really great to see all their hard work come together, and pull off a really great event, and raise a lot of money for Big Brothers,” said Kennedy.
Eagles split with Falcons: women lose at buzzer, men win third straight
February 14, 2010 by Jacob Zinn · Leave a Comment
Doug Meyers retrieves the stray basketball from Brad Quevillon, who dove for it in an attempted turnover. (Jacob Zinn photo)
Friday night, the Kwantlen Eagles won some and lost some against the Langara Falcons on home court in men’s and women’s basketball.
A questionable pushing foul on Taminder Dhaliwal in the fourth quarter allowed the Falcons to sink two free throws with seven seconds left on the clock.
The score was close for most of the game with the women’s team just behind 27-26 at the end of the second quarter. Shortly after, Jessica Williams closed the gap, tying the game 33.
Other highlights included a breakaway layup by Dhaliwal in the third and a layup through a crowded court by Grace Pawluk.
The women’s team league record sits at seven wins, nine losses.
Meanwhile, the men’s team picked up its third straight win, beating Langara 80-66.
The Eagles closed in on a 20-point lead in the third quarter with four consecutive baskets, two of which were three-point shots, making the score 56-36. The Falcons tried to catch up, but Kwantlen maintained a steady lead through the fourth.
Highlights included a series of baskets by Doug Meyers and a collision between Mike Davis and Langara’s Yassine Ghomari. Davis limped off the court in the remaining seconds of the second quarter, but returned to the court in the third.
The men’s record is now six wins, 10 losses.
Jessica Williams drives past Jade Arignon towards the basket for two points. (Jacob Zinn photo)
Emily Wright dribbles the ball while attempting to pass Stephanie Scott. (Jacob Zinn photo)
Williams keeps up the defense against Jena Riches around the three-point line.
Taminder Dhaliwal tries to block Paige Burnham from passing to her teammates.
Kevin Kokoska wins the tip-off, getting the basketball away from Karol Cybula.
Mike Davis directs his teammates around the Falcons’ basket in the second quarter.
Varinder Singh attempts to keep Hardeep Braich from shooting or passing.
Bernie Love, the Kwantlen Eagle’s Head Coach for the men’s team, provides motivation as the fourth quarter winds down.
The Olympic Torch run in photos
February 11, 2010 by mark · Leave a Comment
First-year journalism students are covering the Olympic Torch Run, as it moves through Vancouver today (Thursday). This is the first of what will be several slideshows showing the run and the students’ work.
Election issues: What students are saying
February 10, 2010 by Justin Langille · Leave a Comment
An audio-slideshow that asks questions about how students feel about student government and life at Kwantlen.
Elections are in the air
February 10, 2010 by Kyle Vinoly · Leave a Comment
Voting will be open tomorrow (Thursday) from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. so students at the Richmond and Langley campuses can cast their ballots. (Kyle Vinoly photo)
Tomorrow (Thursday) will be the final day Kwantlen students can cast their vote in this year’s Kwantlen Student Association’s general election.
“Richmond is always really busy,” said Fran Schiffner, whose company oversees elections at the different Kwantlen campuses. “I think it’s because of where it is. It’s all in one building…I think there’s more exposure.”
Shiffner said this election has seen less of a voter turnout then in previous years.
“The last few [years] we’ve run out of ballots,” said Alice Rush, who works for Schiffner. “We need to get more people out to vote.”
Both women believe mid-terms and the Olympics may be distracting students from showing up.
Voting will be open until 7 p.m. tonight (Wednesday) and tomorrow, at Richmond and Langley campuses. Voting closed Tuesdays at Cloverdale and Surrey.
Fran Schiffner and Alice Rush are on hand to make sure every vote is cast fairly. (Kyle Vinoly photo)
Thursday: Following the Olympic torch run
February 9, 2010 by mark · Leave a Comment
Note: the slideshows are actually appearing here.
On Thursday, Feb. 11, first-year journalism students will be following the Winter Olympic torch run as it enters Vancouver, from Burnaby, and makes its way across the city. The slideshow of their work will be updated throughout the day, beginning in the early afternoon.
Interactive: A visual guide to the KSA
February 8, 2010 by Mitch Thompson · Leave a Comment
Ever wondered what the KSA is all about? The following three interactive charts give you details about the various KSA positions, including duties and wages, as well as other information about how student government works at Kwantlen.
Eagles basketball throws down back-to-back barnburners
February 6, 2010 by Justin Langille · Leave a Comment
Eagles forward Shmyla Thandi takes it to the net in the second quarter, helping to secure an Eagles lead. (Justin Langille photo)
Emily Wright powers past Quest Kermodes guard Brittany Harteveld in the third quarter, earning the Eagles a 40-31 lead over the Kermodes. (Justin Langille photo)
Ali Randa throws a shot above Kermodes guard Charlotte Lau and forward Courtney Harpur, giving the Eagles a 49-38 advantage at the end of the third quarter. (Justin Langille photo)
By Kyle Vinoly
It was a tense fourth quarter for the Kwantlen Eagle’s Women’s basketball team, as they defeated the Quest University Kermodes of Squamish 62-59 Friday. After dominating the first half of their match-up against Quest, competition heated up and the game came down to a nail-bitting final two minutes.
“Into the fourth quarter, we stopped playing defense,” said Eagle’s guard Emily Wright, who played 37 minutes and drained one of the trio of three-point shots made by the Eagles. “We always play well for the first three quarters and then the fourth quarter we don’t do well.”
Eagle’s coach Gary Pawluck said that the girls have had many close finishes this year but thinks it’s helped make them a better team.
“We came out with real intensity today,” said Pawluck. “We missed a few easy shots in the second half, and [Quest] stepped up and made some good shots.”
The women also faced off against Quest Saturday, in an attempt to secure a spot in the B.C. Provincial Championships. (Results will follow.)
“I don’t think anyone ever picked Kwantlen to make the playoffs, ever,” said Eagles forward Shmyla Thandi, who posted 11 points in the night and secured a double-double, getting 10 defensive rebounds. “It’s exciting, it motivates me for the next game.”
Eagles forward Ali Bosir looks for a way to the net halfway into the first quarter. (Justin Langille photo)
Seconds from the end, Coach Robbie Love draws out a play that will secure Kwantlen’s hard fought win over the Kermodes. (Justin Langille photo)
Varinder Singh gets airborne as he celebrates the Eagles win. (Justin Langille photo)
By Kyle Vinoly
A high-pressure free throw from Eagle’s guard Mike Davis sealed a win for the Eagle’s in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter of their Friday game against Quest University Kermodes of Squamish 65 to 64.
The Eagle’s were ahead by 10 points at the end of the first quarter but the men from Quest fought back in the second and third quarters. The lead changed 12 times before the Eagles finally won, 65-64.
