VOLUME 3

ISSUE 9

SPRING 2015

SCARLET MAGAZINE

We Remember
Read about how Dr. Clement Price left his mark
on his students the city of Newark.

Empty Pockets

Sen. Cory Booker visits the RU-N campus and talks about student debt.

Hot Kicks

Check out the student who has the best shoes on campus.

Table of
Contents

Brick City Streets

6-15
Empty Pockets
16-19
All Hail the Queen
20-21
Uptown Grill
22-23
We Remember
24-29
Newarkian Tales
30-35
Hot Kicks
36-37
Comic Book Man
38-39
Pay it Forward
40-43
Art Revival
44-47
Humans of New York inspired photos
with the residents of Newark.

Sen. Cory Booker visits the RU-N campus

and talks about student debt.

A look at the
Politicizing Beyonc class.

Student opinions on
the new campus eating spot.

Read about how Dr. Clement Price left his

mark on his students the city of Newark.

Humans of New York inspired take on the city of Newark.

Check out the student who has

the best shoes on campus.

Read about this students

comic book creations.

Them Cloud Kids

bring Ubuntu to campus.

Newark Print Shop

keeps printmaking alive.

SPRING 2015 | 1

Letter from
the Editor
All Roads Lead to Newark
- Clement Price

All roads lead to Newark but for many, Newark becomes the city that
manifests their greatness. Newark has inspired the likes of writers like
Allen Ginsberg, Philip Roth, and poet laureate Amiri Baraka. As a jazz
city, Newark has brought forth musicians like singer Sarah Vaughn,
saxophonists Wayne Shorter and James Moody upon others. Thats also
not mentioning Whitney Houston, I Will Survive singer Gloria Gaynor,
and Grammy-Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Famer Paul Simon. Then theres
government Sen. Cory Booker, Gov. Chris Christie, and former New
York Mayor Ed Koch. Not to mention Basketball star Shaquille ONeil
and John Cotton Dana, who reinvented what we know as the public
library. Finally, theres Sam J. Porcello, Mr. Oreo, who invented the
filling in milks most beloved cookie, and much, much more.
Although the student body appears to be divided by majors, schools,
or social cliques, one this is for certain our paths have diverged at
this university. Our roads have lead us to this city.
Its time to celebrate the city wherever we go. While in our future
endeavors we aspire to become citizens of the world, we should also
aspire to become a part of Newarks ever growing collection of legends.
Whether you draw your own comics or draw on your own sneakers, if
you have a love for business, politics, writing whatever the case may
be no matter what you do, be great.

Kristine Villanueva
Editor-in-Chief

2 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

N
E
W
A
R
K

N
E
W
A
R
K

Credits
Editor-in-Chief
Kristine Villanueva

Executive Editor
Ashley Okwuosa

Writers

Sarah Hastings
Chaden Noureddine
Evan Le Blanc
Maxine Macias
Ashley Okwuosa
Helena Ruiz
Kristine Villanueva
Carlos Zambrano

Editors
Maxine Macias
Allyza Umali
Evan Le Blanc

Faculty Advisors
Chantal Fischzang
Robin Gaby Fisher

Creative Art
Director
Karen May Cunanan

Assosiate Art
Director
Christian Guerrero

Designers
Sarah Barcelos
Karen May Cunanan
Christian Guerrero
Daniel Jamroz
Tinhinane Khelifi
Ryan Saavedra
Faten Sumrien

Cover Art
Lauren Meneses

Photographers
Sarah Hastings
Chaden Noureddine
Ashley Okwuosa
Kristine Villanueva
RaeAnn Walters
Theo Anderson
Nick Romanenko

SPRING 2015 | 3

Poems by Chaden Noureddine

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4 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2015 | 5

HUMANS
OF
NEWARK
Words and Photos By: Sarah Hastings

I always wondered how Brandon Stanton, the portrait

photographer for Humans of New York, got stranger to tell him
about personal moments in their lives. I took to the streets of
Newark to see if I could get the same results. Much to my surprise,
getting to know Newark residents wasnt hard. People were willing
to pose for a picture and share something about themselves. The
experience of getting to connect with our neighbors outside
of campus was eye opening. Thats when I learned Brandons
technique of getting people to talk. Talking to Newark residents
was like talking to anyone else. Make conversation. Ask people
about their lives. Tell them about yourself. It will help eliminate
the imaginary barrier that separates you from them. After all, we
are all human.

6 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

We just moved up here

from Virginia. It was
getting too bad down
there. Its worse than
Newark. Im looking for
a college now but I have
to get my GED. My
sister is in 10th grade
and she plans to go to
college also.

RUBY
BARRY, 24

SPRING 2015 | 7

#Load look
me up. Thats
my clothing line.
Im going to
Vegas but Im
coming back for
Fashion Week.
8 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

Im about
to get $100
dollars from
the bus driver.
I beat him
in Tunk. Its a
game like pitty
pat. Im waiting
on him now.

RUBY
BARRY, 24

SPRING 2015 | 9

I dont
know what
to say.
10 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

I walk pretty fast for

a 66-year-old man.
Im in a rush. Im
on my way to the
wellness center.

SPRING 2015 | 11

I woke
up this
morning.
Im so
blessed!

12 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

RUBY
BARRY, 24
Its Represent
Guyana Night at
African Stand.
Im from Guyana.
Im getting ready
for tonight.

SPRING 2015 | 13

Everything you do,

you must do it with
compassion. If you
cook food, talk
to your husband,
daughter, or son,
you must have
amor (love). Do it
from the heart or it
wont be good.

14 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

RUBY
BARRY, 24

I work down
the hill. Im
on my way to
work now.
SPRING 2015 | 15

SCHOOLED BY
STUDENT DEBT
By: Kristine Villanueva

We are making as a government off the backs

of our students, the very people who are
struggling just to stay in school.
16 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

Growing student debt has been the consequence for attaining higher education for most American families,
especially young people.
In early February, University Square was packed during Senator Cory Bookers visit with the schools
debate team to address the issue of student debt. As the price of tuition increases, students are reminded
that debt has always been a problem.
We are making as a government off the backs of our students, the very people who are struggling just to
stay in school, said Booker.
For many students, the looming predicament of paying back student loans comes too soon after a
celebratory period of graduation and completing finals. According to Booker, the thought of paying back
loans is beginning to drive more people into two-year schools or trade schools rather than college. Booker
also said that the government makes between $10 to $18 billion off of interest and the way the government
runs its student loan program. The result leaves students with empty back accounts.

Photo by Kristine Villanueva

SPRING 2015 | 17

18 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

In a 2012 report, the Federal Reserve Bank of New

York estimates that 39 million people owed $966
billion in student loans, the average balance close to
$25 thousand. The report also says that 30 percent of
student-loan borrowers in the process of repayment
were delinquent or at least 90 days behind payment
a 10 percent spike from eight years ago. With many
payment plans and programs to aid students reduce the
cost of tuition, Booker posed question: are our colleges
doing enough to spend wisely to keep tuition low?
While Booker questioned colleges roles in keeping
affordable tuition, he also described a state of sedentary
agitation that befalls the student bodies of every higher
education institution.
[Its] when youre so upset about whats going on but youre
not getting up and doing anything about it, he explained.
The senator said students should try to create a
movement that would lower the price of tuition.
Although he was received well, some students felt that
more could have been done during the discussion.

I liked that Senator Booker took the time to come

speak to the students about student debt, said Nonie
Okoye, an attendee at the event. However, I felt that
he really did not address the policies that are pertaining
to the problem. I felt that he was giving mostly
motivational speeches instead of offering solutions.
But Okoye agrees with Booker in that that high tuition
costs could be remedied by students.
I believe students should really start petitioning and
getting seriously involved in groups that are geared
toward issues affecting them financially, she added.
But students still hope that Booker will bring the issue of
tuition with him to D.C.
I dont call it brick city because of the architecture, but
because the people are hard, tough, resilient, enduring,
said Booker. And when bricks come together, theres
nothing they cant build.

Photo by NJTV News

SPRING 2015 | 19

POLITICIZING
BEYONC
By: Maxine Macias

20 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

Beyonc is everywhere - especially at Rutgers.

With Beyonc as the prime subject for the Politicizing
Beyonc class, it seems that no one can escape from
Queen Beys reign.

While examining the pop icon, Allred incorporated books

authored by black women to the framework of the class.
Allred explained that his college years were spent reading
mostly white male authors, and felt that they could not relate
to females or people of color.
I also dont think looking at gender alone really gives that
much insight on the overall power structures that oppress
individuals in our society race, gender, class, sexuality dont
work separately from one another but rather through each
other. So to understand one truly, you really need to look at
them together, Allred said.

Photos from www.politicizingbeyonce.com/

Taught by professor Kevin Allred, the class blends his

interest on issues based on gender, race, and sexuality
with his musical background.
Allred, who has started a PhD in Women and Genders
Studies, wanted to look at why women, especially women
of color, are marginalized.
The course did not centralize praising Beyonc as part
of the curriculum. Instead, the class analyzed her work
to see if it aligned with her ideals, like femininity, in her
self-titled album that dropped in December of 2013.

Allreds initial goal of teaching this class is to get students

to learn to be more critical of pop culture in order to avoid
being a passive consumer. He also hopes that people will start
to think of Beyonc as more than a pop star but also as a
progressive black feminist.

I learned the extent of

which Beyonce was fighting
for female empowerment.
I wasnt a die-hard fan of Beyonce, so I didnt really know
much about her aside from what media put out. So to learn
about the ways she uses her music to get a message across was
new for me, says Cora Gabriel, a former student.

Without a marketing campaign, the album remained a

secret endeavor before shocking fans with its release.

By analyzing her work

and career, the class
teaches students to think
more critically about the
content being presented
to them.
The class also studied the albums B-Day and 4
and her decision to leave Live Nation Executive, Faisal
Durrani, in order to manage her musical career with her
husband, Jay-Z.

Theres not a single definition to feminism and he shows that

Beyonce along with other artists such as Nicki Minaj, embrace
female empowerment differently than what traditional
feminists such as bell hooks would.
His class puts together this history of black feminism in
order for his students to get more context when analyzing
pop culture.

SPRING 2015 | 21

22 | SCARLET MAGAZINE
Photo credit: http://www.gardencatering.net/deli-menu

Photo credit: thedeliciousdozen.com

UPTOWN
GRILL
REVIEW
By: Maxine Macias
As we said goodbye to Dannys last year, another restaurant
has taken its place. Uptown Grill was opened up by fellow
Rutgers alumni, Alex Wang. When I had first spoken with
Wang he told me about his plans of having his restaurant
uphold quality food but at still affordable prices.
Upon visiting the establishment, it seemed that Wang has
stuck with his word. What replaced the blue walls of Dannys
now had exposed brick, wooden floors, and wooden furniture,
which was reminiscent of a comfortable log cabin. Old
fashioned fans hung off the ceiling; the pole that used to be in
the middle of the floor of Dannys was removed and giving
way to more space to walk through. TVs hung in the waiting
area as well as the eating area giving customers something
to look at while they munched on their food. It was comfy, it
was modern, and it was aesthetically pleasing. The workers all
wore matching Uptown Grill shirts, and it was clear they were
trying to build their brand on campus.
The menu was no longer a chalkboard with the items written
on but a fixed menu that greeted you as soon as you walked in.
The dining area was full and there were some people waiting
by the register to take their food to go. Many seats were

available for people to sit as they waited for their number to

be called. The men behind the counter were efficient, with no
wait lasting longer than 5 minutes.
While the items were typical of whats usually served in delis
and restaurants on campus, the establishment definitely tries
to make it with more quality ingredients as well as a more
trendier, classic aesthetic.
Theodore Liggians, a junior, says I feel like its just the
updated version of Dannys where its pretty much the same
food but it lacks kind of the real grill food in a sense.
Liggians felt that Dannys felt more like real college food as
opposed to Uptown Grill and offered cheaper prices.
Another student, Darien Morla, thinks that the new establishment
is expensive and doesnt offer good portion sizes compared to
other places on campus.I dont think theyre as good as Dannys
because there is no other place to get Korean BBQ. Morla felt
that Dannys food added diversity to the campus food culture
whereas now most food spots offered the same things.

SPRING 2015 | 23

ALL ROADS LEAD

TO NEWARK
The Clement
Price Story

By: Carlos Zambrano

The moment Clement Price took you on one of his tours of Newark; you
suddenly went back in time -- to watch a strong and mighty engine power
New Jersey into prosperity. Clem, a virtuoso in the art of storytelling made
written text visible and capable of touching. He made the otherwise clouded
past obvious and the eerie future clear. Only a great Historian like Clem
could have painted the picture of an illustrious city that was moving forward
despite decades of deterioration and a loss of luster. On Nov. 5, 2014, in New
Brunswick, Dr. Clement Price, the official Historian of Newark died too young,
at the age of 69.
This great storyteller was generous in giving us his knowledge and perspective.
He had a genuine interest in what others had to say and the capacity to
understand others visions and take interest in them. His love for History and
the urban experience lead his clear vision of the future. He loved Newark, and
made his presence felt everywhere like a great neighbor, and an ideal citizen.
[Clem] understood the power of civic duty, History as a living framework
of the future, and how to create a vibrant Democracy going forward, said
Chancellor Nancy Cantor, a friend of Clem for close to a decade.
Clems love of neighborhood made him an integral part of the community,
and left a longstanding mark on the strategic planning of everything.
Everyone feels like they knew him, he was of the World and with it, said Cantor.

24 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

Art by Lauren Meneses

Everyone who met him said he was a

wonderful human being in a couple of
minutes of talking to you, he would make
that human connection, said Jan Ellen
Lewis, Dean of Faculty of Arts & Sciences.
SPRING 2015 | 25

Cantor remembers Clems captivating Newark tours. There was nobody with such a
long and deep understanding of the assets of Newark, said Cantor.
Clems devotion to the city lead him to be named Official Newark City Historian,
and Chairman of the committee organizing the celebration of citys 350thanniversary scheduled for 2016.
Neighbor is not a geographic term. It is a moral concept, said Frances Bartkowski a 25year colleague of Clem.
This quote from Rabbi Joakin Prinzs speech at the March on Washington is one that
speaks about Clem. His deep love for the city, for Rutgers-Newark and its people lead
him to work on numerous projects that promoted its ethnic diversity but also its capacity
to be a beacon of hope for the city, and a place where future leaders were instructed.
Clem would always say, All roads lead to Newark.
Newark was his city, it was his home, and he honored it. He was a son of Newark even
though he was born in Washington D.C. Clem arrived to Newark in his twenties, shortly
after the 67 Riots. He saw the city at its lowest point, and wanted it to never lose its
greatness. His devotion to Newark came from his love of community lead him to be founder
of the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience located on 49 Bleeker St.
26 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

Photo by Theo Anderson

Newark was his city,

it was his home, and
he honored it.

His institute has played a central role in the revitalization of Newark. It

has opened dialogue to new ideas and ways to look at Newark, and has
continued to engage in public programs with the objective to make Newark
more visible, as well as a more livable, and an overall greater environment.
The thing that most impressed me, although he founded the institute, was that
he really welcomed and encouraged everyone, said Mark Krasovic, Associate
Director at the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience.
While Krasovic will miss his hugs, what he says hell miss most is working
across the hall from Price and seeing him come through the door smiling and
laughing. Krasovic said that he brought out the best out in everyone, and
expected his colleagues to bring their best in every dialogue they had.
Clem would have wanted for his students, and the community at large to
know that at the Institute.
We work hard and think very hard, that we make rigorous critical thinking
in our scholarship accessible to everyone, continued Krasovic.

SPRING 2015 | 27

Clem was a man that worked endlessly. His level of

energy was unbelievable, and he was a connector
that was everywhere and with everyone that had a
vision for the city and the university.
Along with his wife Mary Sue Sweeney Price,
former Director of the Newark Museum, Clem
helped Newark once again see itself as a city full of
life, arts, ingenuity, and civic engagement.
Aside from the intellectual, and engaged community
leader, Clem was also a man who always found
common ground with others. He had a contagious
sense of humor and a love for great food.
Everyone who met him said he was a wonderful
human being in a couple of minutes of talking
to you, he would make that human connection,
said Jan Ellen Lewis, Dean of Faculty of Arts &
Sciences. He was the guy you would have enjoyed
sitting next to whether it was at a public event or a
small private gathering. He was the low key life of
the party, he had a calming effect if you sat next
to him at dinner hed keep you laughing he was
utterly unpretentious.
[He had a gift to] make you feel as if it was with
you that he wanted to talk to, no matter what
environment you were in, added Lewis.
Hed put his hands on both of your shoulders, and
speak while looking into your eyes.

Lewis recalls their drives down to Rutgers in New

Brunswick. Clem would pick her up and make the
drive so smooth and relaxing. In affairs that concerned
Newark and the everyday working citizen, Clem was
your guy. His analysis and input came from decades of
serving the city, from a deep middle-class background,
and a clear association with the poor and inner-city
black communities.
He knew everything about Newark he knew all
these books, and had read them all, said Lewis.
Hed walk Halsey St., and if he saw trash on the
street, hed point it.
His sense of place and interest in the city were deep. His
mind was in sync with the city and the city in sync with
him. He made many proud to call the city their home.
He loved Newark with such a fervor and passion that he
inspired people to write books and articles about the city,
opening their eyes to its potential.
For his students he leaves a long lasting examples
of civic commitment, and an appreciation for the
surroundings that they would have otherwise not
learned to see and love.
Clems spirit was smooth and gentle, like a great
Scotch that earned its richness in flavor after years of
aging. He truly was golden, and continues to live on.

Thats the one thing I will miss the most, his hand
on my shoulder, and I still feel it today even though
hes gone, said Bartkowski.

He knew everything about Newark

he knew all these books, and had read
them all.
28 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

Photo by Nick Romanenko

SPRING 2015 | 29

NEWARKIAN
TALES
Words and Photos By: Chaden Noureddine

30 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

Photo from mapmaker.rutgers.edu

THE LOVE SPRITE

RINA PATEL, 18

Rina says that shes never felt so selfless, so unconditionally giving

before meeting her significant other. Skeptical minds might just
refuse the idea of love transforming a persons fundamental being.
By simply seeing Rinas gentle smile, it is clear to everyone how
genuine and powerful love can be.

I watched myself grow in a time span of a couple of weeks. I dont

think Ive ever been influenced by an emotion like that.

SPRING 2015 | 31

FROM TURKEY,
WITH LOVE
DERYA
MUCAHIT, 18

This is Deryas first semester of college. After high school,

Derya spent an eventful couple of months in Turkey. From
his brother getting married, to his grandfathers passing, hes
been driven on what he calls a roller coaster of emotions.
But many college freshmen complain about not being
prepared for stressful events that come after a massive
transition. Hopefully, the last couple of emotionally charged
months aided Derya by shaping him into a mature individual.

The whole college experience is a lot harder than what

people tell you; but I think its incredibly do-able.

32 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

POLYGLOT

DEVON MASON, 19
Devon is fluent in three languages. She speaks, writes and reads English,
German, and French. Shes currently practicing Mandarin, Arabic, and Spanish
but she aspires to learn even more. Devons cultural background also includes
frequent traveling, as she moved to Newark from Pittsburg last Fall. Shes been
to Jamaica,Canada, and various European nations such as France and Germany.

Devon expresses her originality and aesthetic inclination through her unique
attire. Her red lipstick, platinum blond hair, and fashionable clothes truly reflect
her individuality. Devon is actually a biomedical engineering major, with a
passion for linguistics.

SPRING 2015 | 33

AN ECSTATIC SOUL

MADANI EL SHEIKH, 18
If youve ever walked through the Paul Robeson Campus Center, Madani R. Sheikhs presence
must have caught your attention. Whether its his intelligent aura, his radiant voice, or his optimistic
laugh, Madanis demeanor expresses intelligence and certainty. Madani is married and is currently
living with his wife. His passion and love of life reflects how young marriage can be successful.
Madani is also has a true love for writing.

Language is really my passion, but English is my best language. Language is in everything. Not
just speech, but music, our gesticulations, our thoughts, our silence, our world! For me, the world is
comprised of an infinite multitude of stories. Language is communication/interaction, from person
to person, person to thing, thing to thing, Creator to creation, and creation to Creator. When I
think about language, I feel as if everything we say is God manifesting [Him]self in our world.

34 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

HUMANITARIAN
MEDICINE
RUBY
BARRY, 24

Ruby transferred to Rutgers-Newark from Connecticut.

Shes received a bachelor in the College of Letters.
Shes completed Antique to Present European Studies
history as well as literature and philosophy. Ruby is
characterized through her original choice in garments,
her short-red hair, her unique glasses, but, mostly, her
sweet laugh. Ruby is currently a post baccalaureate premed student. Shes loving the Rutgers-Newark campus,
with firm certainty.

Even though this is my second college experience, Im

mostly elaborating on the tasks that need to be done.

SPRING 2015 | 35

THE

SOLEFUL
CREATOR
By: Ashley Okwuosa

I didnt want to be like anyone else, so I

picked up a sharpie and drew on them.
Gabby Thomas has the hottest kicks on campus and thats a
fact. The 22-year-old graphic designers sneaker collection
boasts everything from Jeremy Scott x Adidas limited edition
Bones sneakers to hard hitting gold and black Timberland
boots and graffiti layered Nike air forces.
What makes Thomas so unique is that shes not just a die-hard
sneakerhead (who spends almost $300 on a pair) but shes also
morphed her love for design with her love for shoes. Amongst
her Adidas, Air Forces and Timberlands are some of Thomass
customized versions of her footwear.
I had these Jordan 4s and it seemed like everyone had them
and I didnt want to be like anyone else, so I picked up a
sharpie and drew on them, said Thomas.
As a testament to Thomass talent, her sneakers arent like
anyone elses, her prints and doodles elevate a pair of regular
kicks to a one of a kind creation. Take her custom black
Timberlands for example, the boot has been a staple culturally
and aesthetically since as far back as the early 90s but
Thomass pair look nothing like the plain boot weve come to
know and love. Across the black nubuck material of her boots,
Thomas has traced along the word Royalty in gold paint.
The boot also features some heavy graffiti esque drawings of
diamonds and other royal memorabilia.

36 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

When you walk into Thomass room, youre welcomed by a

heap of opened sneaker boxes stacked against the wall, from
there, your eyes are sure to divert to her (very) impressive
sneaker line up, but the most interesting thing in her room
(surprisingly) isnt her collection of shoes. On Thomass wall
against her bed is a 4ft wide and 3.5 feet long painting titled
Stop the Violence.

the public. The young man who is fascinated by sneakers and

all the trappings of the sneakerhead culture might also be type
casted as one to be involved in street violence either because of
his racial appearance or upbringing. The piece is aesthetically
digestible but its connotations are a hard pill to swallow, this
is where one might notice how Thomas draws influence from
graffiti artist and painter Banksy.

The piece features wood panels painted a burgundy shade,

creating makeshift brick walls. Painted over the wall is a graffiti
inspired replica of a gunbut only at first sight. With a rather
awkward head turn, the gun morphs into a shoe. But not just
any shoe - it becomes the Air Jordan Concord 11 sneaker -a
shoe she believes represents the ubiquity of the sneaker.

His work is simple but it makes sense, everything thats in the

piece has a meaning and is for a reason, she said.

My idea of morphing them (the sneaker and gun) together is

the idea that they are becoming one. I mean, people kill people
because of sneakers, said Thomas.
The piece can be viewed as a take on the senseless violence
brought about by the insane fanfare that designer sneakers
have generated. The hype and excitement that a new release
generates is usually only rivaled by the release of an Apple
product or long awaited video game.

So when asked why graphic design and not painting or

photography, Thomas replied, I think its the most precise art
form. I like to be meticulous, so with art (painting), art can be
anything. But with graphic design, you have to make things
make sense to other people. Its easy for people to understand.
Whether Thomas is making large social and political
commentary with her paintings or shes just drawing on shoes,
its hard for anyone to deny her talent. Thats why were
keeping an eye out for this Soleful creator.
For more on Gabby and her custom kicks, check out her
Instagram page - @solefulcreations

The painting can also be viewed as a visual morphing of two

different identities that are sometimes considered one, by
SPRING 2015 | 37

ELEMENTS
OF M.E.
By: Ashley Okwuosa
Justen Dillard is pretty hard to miss. Chances are youve run
into the towering student in his red polo shirt manning an
event at the Paul Robeson Campus Center. Perhaps you saw
him heading over to class at the Rutgers Business School or
partying with his Tau Delta Phi fraternity brothers
on a Thursday night.
But it wasnt in either one of these scenarios that I found the
24 year old accounting major in when I sat down with him. It
was a Wednesday night and Dillard had just returned from a 3
hour night class, his 62 frame slouched on a chair in his dimly
lit dorm room.
The systematic beating of an EDM song reverberated through
the small room, as if to cement the atmosphere, the letters of
Dillards fraternity sat emblazoned on his blue sweatshirt. Dillard
was a lot like the kids on campus, at the same time, he was
anything but. His room boasted a set of recording equipment
that allowed him to amplify his music and when he wasnt at
work, class, or the gym, chances are that Dillard was in his room
listening to Kendrick Lamar or Maryland born rapper, Logic.
His taste in music spanning from the voices of Jimi Hendrix
to Megadeath, which served as the soundtrack of his youth
up into his adolescence. As I looked around the typically sized
dorm room, there was nothing that served as a tell tale sign
of Dillards creative endeavors other than a black notebook
where he stored name titles and character sequencing for his
upcoming comic book project.
To the masses, comic books are readily associated with
superhero adventures or anime characters and as a child that
was what Dillard remembered comic books to be, but as of a

38 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

year ago, Dillard decided that comics would be his medium of

choice to chronicle his college experience with his band of friends.
The comic book, titled, Misfit Elements; M.E for short can be
compared to the Boondocks on paper. Instead of the two
main characters imagine 6 and take them away from the
fictional world of Woodcrest and throw them into the
Rutgers Newark Campus.

but when fleshed out, Misfit Elements stands for something

bigger than Dillard.
When you look at both words individually, misfits stands for
people that dont necessarily fit in and elements stand for stuff
that make up something. Thats what Misfit Elements is about.
These are my friends, theyre misfits but they all make up a
part of me.
What will make this comic required reading for everyone isnt the
wild scenarios these friends will find themselves in every episode
(although that wont hurt). It is the innate affection that this group
of friends has for each other and how well that transcends on the
page is what will truly make this comic a page-turner.

Each episode will chronicle a typical college night or day in

the lives of Dillard and his band of friends. A page can take
you from a night of debauchery at the frat house to a nauseous
morning after in the dorm rooms and close out with the
customary ride to Buffalo Wild Wings for a recuperatory meal.

Photo credit: Ashley Okwuosa

Other than the genius idea to immortalize his college

experience in this way, it was the importance of Dillards
relationships with his friends that really sold the idea of
the comic. As a fraternity brother, Dillard understands the
meaning of friendship and brotherhood in a context that a lot
of others take for granted.
The dedication and love Dillard has for his brothers also
extended beyond Greek letters. The main characters of
his comic will feature what Dillard calls his core group
of friends which include; the fiercely loyal best friend
Christopher Amaral, Gabby Thomas, the creative one and
the girl that really is one of the guys, and Glenn Spencer, the
self-proclaimed pretty boy whos most famous for his blonde
hair and smooth moves. Theres also the older cousin who
goes by the initial J, and last but not least, his girlfriend Keisha.
The title M.E is a double entendre; me being a pronoun that
alludes to the fact that the comic is about Dillard and his life

SPRING 2015 | 39

THEM
CLOUD KIDS
By: Helena Ruiz

Photos By: Rae Faith Photography

The late and influential Nelson Mandela once said, It

According to Media Club South Africa, the term was first used

always seems impossible until its done - Them Cloud Kids

in print in 1846 but did not become well known until South

embodies this thought.

African author Jordan Kush Ngubane wrote about it in the

1950s. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu also used Ubuntu

Them Cloud Kids, also known as TCK, is an up and coming

during his anti-apartheid campaign in the 1980s, in which

youth empowerment organization based around Ubuntu,

Nelson Mandela was also an advocate.

a South African philosophy translated to I am who I am

because of who we all are. Popularized by Mendella, TCK

Today, TCK utilizes this philosophy as a tool for our

hopes to promote human kindness, compassion and unity.

generation and for the community.

All of our lives weve been told that the sky is the limit but

During a discussion about current issues we realized that our

the sky is not the limit, its only the view, says club member,

generation as well as upcoming ones needed direction, says

Shane Fuller.

Fuller, who is also a Resident Assistant in Woodward Hall for

first year students.

The club started in December 2013 at the Rutgers University

Newark campus by students Jewell Palmer, Shane Fuller,

TCK was recently granted permission for a mentoring

Ngima Wambugu and Kira Antoine. But Ubuntus roots

program at the PennRose Development Center in Newark,

reach much further.

which houses senior citizens and low-income families.

Catering to the children who live in the developments,

The philosophy is both broad and old. At its core, Ubuntu promotes

Them Cloud Kids Mentoring Program provides them

community, human connections, and caring for all individuals.

with homework help and lessons surrounding anti-bullying,

etiquette and conflict resolution. All mentees are Rutgers
Student Volunteers and have been screened and matched with
a mentee based on compatibility.

40 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

It always seems
impossible until
its done

SPRING 2015 | 41

We are inspiring our peers to become better role models for our
youth and we believe everyone should go above and beyond the
clouds and reach for the stars. We want to encourage our peers as
well as the youth to help one another reach towards the stars, which is
a representation of their individual goals, Palmer says. We want to
emphasize the importance of creating a positive connection between
universities and their surrounding communities and we are going to
our Student Organization as a model.
TCK has a prevalent social media presence, existing on platforms
such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr as a means for
promoting their events. They can be searched by the username Them
Cloud Kids or with the hashtag #TCKUBUNTU.
Some of the events include Cloud Cyphe, in collaboration with an
empowerment group called UCYPHE, where artists come together
and perform for charity. They will soon have their own website to
provide more information on these types of events.
The Cloud Kids is in the process to becoming an official Rutgers
student organization and are finalizing a membership packet for
anyone that would like to join. The packet will include background
information about the organization and its origin, a self-exploration
of Ubuntu and information on how being a Cloud Kid fits into the
individuals life.
As for the future, Them Cloud Kids see themselves growing into an
international organization that will continue to promote positivity in
not only the youth but all generations of life.

42 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

Them Cloud Kids see

themselves growing into an
international organization
that will continue to promote
positivity in not only the youth
but all generations of life.
SPRING 2015 | 43

THE NEWARK
PRINT SHOP
By: Evan Le Blanc

With the reawakening in the city of Newark over the

past decade including the Hahnes Building on Halsey
Street and The Prudential Center on Mulberry, it
would only seem right that the art scene would see
resurgence as well. Home to numerous art locations
like the Aljira A. Center For Contemporary Art,
Newark Museum, and the Newark Arts Council, The
Newark Print Shop has carved out its own niche in
providing culture to the citizens of the city. Located
at 304 University Ave across the street from Essex
Community College, Newark Print Shop provides all
the essentials needed in
learning the fundamental
steps in how the first
publications were printed.

NPS is dedicated
to nurturing artistic
expression, all the while
providing opportunities
and access for its
members to professional
equipment and facilities.

Founded three years ago

on Broad Street as an art
studio, Newark Print Shop
encourages all to take part
in various early processes
of printmaking, and state
of the art equipment
including an etching
press, letter press, and
silk screening materials.
The shop also caters to
photographers as well with the implementation of a dark room, which serves as a place to view and edit
photos. NPS states that it is their duty to provide an affordable experience in an accessible work place
through educational classes in various fine art forms.
44 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

Photo by: Kristine Villanueva

First founded by artist Lisa Conrad, NPS initially was a grant

instituted to administer series or printmaking workshops to a
small group of inner city high school students. NPS is a vibrant
artistic breathe of fresh air which started
from an mere flier at Newarks Public
Library, to what it is now------ a home to
print enthusiast every Wednesday night.
Managed and operated by Samer Fouad,
he shares that the shops main goal is to
bring analog printing to Newark.
Were in a deep digital age right now, so
were just trying to get anyone from the
community. Especially anyone that hasnt
printed before to come here and make their
first print, Fouad said.

SPRING 2015 | 45

The letterpress created by Johannes Guttenberg,

is a technique where an artisan places letter on a
movable type, inks it, and transfers the effect to
paper. This form along with silk-screening, which
is the process of using a woven mesh to transfer an
ink-soaked stencil to any desired landscape, is also
available here at the shop. People are essentially
losing that aesthetic quality not realizing what
printing is about.

We can print anything from a digital printer that can print

out something in a hundred colors in a second, but when
your print making your printing one color at a time and it
making people appreciate the process

46 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

We just want people to be able to make their own

art, print making is an amazing thing to do. Its
very easy to do compared to other design and art
processes. Obviously theres other complicated print
making processes, but the good thing about the
Newark Print Shop is that we simplify and allow
anyone to come print. From senior citizens to
weve had six year olds printing here, Fouad said.

Photo by: Kristine Villanueva

SPRING 2015 | 47

48 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

SPRING 2015 | 49

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