Trending Topics

This week on trending topics: Howard University marching band protest with a #SilentShowtime and Spike Lee releases a trailer for a new movie.

Howard University Marching Band protests after not receiving scholarships

Howard University’s S.H.O.W.T.I.M.E. Marching Band wants their money.

At halftime, at Howard’s football game on last Saturday, the band staged a “silent showtime”, announcing that they will no longer perform until they receive answers from the administration about why they have yet to receive their scholarships.

“As a band, we decided to wear all black for the lack of a budget, more specifically scholarships for the band program, and to shed light on the lack of financial support for the student body,” a band member told the crowd. “Until the university addresses these issues, we will not support this university with our musicianship.”

Band members told TheeTru1Project blog that not one member of the band has received any scholarship money. When the students tried to reach out to administration, they received no answers. As a result of no answers, the band will remain silent until they get them.

Band members took to Twitter to voice their concerns using the hashtag #SilentShowtime:

@PaidInFull_3: “#SilentShowtime When you love something so much it hurts when it becomes bad for you. No Scholarships-No Sound”

@LoveKissKY_: “Graduating seniors couldn’t register because they have not received their scholarships, still praying for my fellow band family #SilentShowtime”

@love_casualty: “Practicing everyday regardless of weather conditions in order to support our university while they refuse to support us #SilentShowtime”

Howard University released the following statement apologizing to band members:

“Howard University strongly supports the Showtime Marching Band and Concert Band and apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the recent delay of marching band scholarship applications. The Howard University Showtime Marching Band and Concert Band both have a rich legacy at the institution and university officials met with students to understand their concerns.   The University will honor all scholarship commitments made to currently enrolled participants and is actively working to apply these awards as soon as possible.”

Spike Lee reveals “Chi-raq” trailer

Legendary movie director Spike Lee has everyone talking about his new film, “Chi-raq”. The trailer for the film hit the net last week and instantly went viral.

The satirical film focuses on the gang violence in Chicago and is inspired by the Greek comedy, Lysistrata.  In the film, the women of Chicago will withhold sex from men in order to stop the violence.

The movie trailer sparked controversy. Although some critics called the film “genius,” other critics and many of the citizens in Chicago accused Lee of making a mockery out of Chicago. They are upset at Lee for taking a comedic approach to addressing Chicago’s gun violence problems.

The people of Chicago were also turned off by films title. “Chi-raq” is a slang term that combines Chicago and Iraq, comparing the city to a war zone because of its violence.

Lee responded to all of the criticism behind the film in a clip posted on his 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks Vimeo channel.

“Some people are getting it twisted, and thinking this is a comedy. ‘Chi-raq’ is not a comedy. ‘Chi-raq’ is a satire, said Lee. In no way, shape or form are we not respectful of the situation that’s happening in ‘Chi-Raq’. In no way, shape or form are we making light of the lives that have been murdered in this senseless violence. People, don’t get it twisted. This film is about serious business.”

“Chi-raq” will hit movie theaters on Dec. 4.