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Articles by Denali Lerch
The People of Peachtree: What Brings Runners Back Every Fourth of July
On July 4, tens of thousands of runners, walkers and wheelers will toe the start line to take on the iconic Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race—the world's largest 10K. Some will explore the 6.2-mile course for the first time, others for their 50th. Each participant brings their own "why" to mind— why they signed up for the race, pushed through training challenges or got out of bed that morning to take on the course.
From the staff: Sharing more COVID-19 vaccination experiences
As more University of Georgia students receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, some find that it was a walk in the park while others had more intense side effects following their second doses. If there’s one thing many recipients have in common, it’s that the process of receiving a vaccine in Georgia has become increasingly easier in the past few months since eligibility is officially open to all adults over 16 years old.
From the staff: Our experiences with the COVID-19 vaccines
As eligibility opened for all Georgians over the age 16 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on March 25, some of the Red & Black staff have been observant and quick to receive the vaccine. The process for some was not easy, but for others, it took little effort and they were able to schedule an appointment within a few days. Similarly, some recipients of the vaccine have experienced side effects and others have not, all depending on how it reacts to the individual’s bodies.
From the staff: What we would be doing if we had a full spring break
During the first week of March 2020, University of Georgia students went home or to the beach for spring break, not knowing we wouldn’t be returning to a normal semester. At first, it was an extended spring break by two weeks, but then the University System of Georgia made the decision to continue the rest of the semester online.
From the staff: How we handle our midterms week stress
The University of Georgia’s midterm season typically falls on the first two weeks of March each spring semester depending on the university’s schedule, class structure and professor preferences. But in years past, there’s normally a spring break at the end of this tunnel. Midterms stress can be damaging to a student’s academic performance or even well-being without taking proper self-care and stress management techniques.
From the staff: How we’re spending our first instructional break
While we may not be lounging on the beach with our friends enjoying a spring break this year, there’s an unexpected benefit to the instructional breaks scattered throughout the semester — they provide a day to rest in the middle of a potentially hectic week. Some students will use this time to take a day trip for a hike and some will use it to sleep, but either way, the instructional break should be put to good use.
UGA students create holiday trip packages to assist Athens hotels
This holiday season, two University of Georgia students and the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau have worked to bring restoration for Athens’ beloved travel destinations. They have compiled multiple hotel packages and a marketing campaign so Athenians can gift their loved ones a trip to Athens at a discounted rate.
UGA student's passion for photography leads to feature in Vogue Italia's PhotoVogue
When Kathryn Ann Waller sat in her AP art class junior year of high school and started learning how to properly use a digital camera, she had no idea it would lead her to be in Vogue Italia and various other magazines, and turn this hobby into her true passion. Waller, a senior advertising student at the University of Georgia, grew up in Savannah and developed her skills with a camera by taking portrait photos of her friends and family.
UGA student's passion photography leads to feature in Vogue Italia's PhotoVogue
When Kathryn Ann Waller sat in her AP art class junior year of high school and started learning how to properly use a digital camera, she had no idea it would lead her to be in Vogue Italia and various other magazines, and turn this hobby into her true passion. Waller, a senior year University of Georgia advertising student, grew up in Savannah and developed her skills with a camera by taking portrait photos of her friends and family.
Q&A: UGA student on his song about the UGA vs. Notre Dame 2019 game experience
Back on the night of Sept. 21, 2019, University of Georgia and University of Notre Dame fans crowded into Sanford Stadium to watch the Dawgs beat the Irish 23-17. While the win was enjoyable for many UGA fans, the experience lives on with them after witnessing the surreal emotions that came with the loud cheers and red LED lights debuted in the stadium for the first time.
UGA students produce satirical video promoting Grady college’s name change
The University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications has received pressure to rename the college, which has the namesake of Henry W. Grady, a well-known journalist from the 1800s who was also a white supremacist. To express the passion and desire for the college to be renamed, a group of Grady students took skills they gained from professors and classes to produce a satirical video on why it should be renamed.
UGA students speak on how the potential ban of WeChat would affect them
Since Sept. 18, Chinese-owned apps WeChat and TikTok have faced a potential ban in the U.S. for national security and privacy purposes. While TikTok has since been bought by Oracle, a computer software organization, the WeChat decision is on hold due to California’s federal judge ruling that it is a violation of freedom of speech. The appeal court will hold a hearing for the WeChat case in 2021, but until then, many users of the app are left with uncertainty.
Deciding where to live
Starting your off-campus housing search can be overwhelming. There are thousands of options, from an apartment in a downtown development with an infinity pool, to a 1900s cottage in Boulevard with a semi-modern kitchen but oodles of charm. It’s important to start the hunt early so you can consider every detail that will go into the lease-signing process and the home itself. Anyone searching for housing for the first time might find a lot of information spewed at them on that first tour.
Caledonia Lounge, Atomic Athens to close
Caledonia Lounge, known for its iconic live music venue and as 40 Watt Club’s original location, will be permanently closed and bought out by Sister Louisa’s Church Bar owner Jon McRae. The bar plans to expand into Caledonia’s location and eventually use the patio, once completely bought, in order to encourage live music and entertainment, McRae said. “That space is going to stay a performance venue, it’s going to stay a local business,” McRae said.
Athens drag troupe, The Kourtesans, will no longer perform at Church bar
Local drag troupe, The Kourtesans, will no longer perform shows at Sister Louisa’s Church bar in support of Caledonia Lounge and Atomic Athens, which have both announced permanent closure after Church bar owner Jon McRae bought Caledonia Lounge. The official purchase of Atomic Vintage by McRae has not been confirmed as of press time, but it has been confirmed by Athens Community Fridge that the store will be closing, according to an Instagram post on Tuesday.
New Athens at-home record label founded during the pandemic
This year, being stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic led many people to new projects, starting podcasts and binge-watching TV shows. But for four musicians in Athens, it led them to start a new at-home, DIY record label: Super Carnival Recording. What started as four artists wanting a new way to distribute their own music turned into an at-home record label with a few collaborations, such as ¿Banana?, an Athens/Atlanta-based band, Sacred Bull and Ihlyatt.
A look into this year’s virtual Wild Rumpus-Athens’ Halloween parade and spectacle
The Wild Rumpus is back in town, but this year it’ll look a little different. The event is calling all freaks and creatures of the night to stay socially distanced and participate on their own, but that doesn’t take away from any chance to show off the costumes and artwork, and participate in traditions. This year’s Halloween will be brightly lit by a full moon, exciting Rumpus participants more than ever, especially the director of Wild Rumpus Timi Conley.
UGA grad, Taylor Shaw, adds a groovy addition to Five Points with new mural
There’s a new addition to the Barberitos on South Lumpkin Street, otherwise known as Five Points—a groovy, ‘70s-inspired mural commissioned by University of Georgia graduate Taylor Shaw. This over 34-foot-tall mural features little details related to Athens culture with a glimpse of the word “Barberitos” stretching across from within.
UGA students react to potential ban of TikTok and WeChat
This past Friday, on Sept. 18, TikTok and WeChat users around the world woke up to the news many have anticipated for months — the removal of TikTok and a potential ban in the U.S. The U.S. Commerce Department said it would ban the apps from the App Store on Sunday, Sept. 20 due to national security and privacy concerns.
Freeform show 'Kal Penn Approves This Message' speaks on how young generations can drastically affect this year’s election
Kal Penn, former White House staff member for the Obama administration and current actor and comedian, believes in driving younger generations to vote so much that he created a show to prove it - “Kal Penn Approves This Message.” The show’s sole intent is to inform young generations, like Millennials and Generation Z, on why it is critical for them to vote in all elections, local and national, and how young generations can make a difference.
UPDATE: UGA students react to potential ban of TikTok and WeChat
UPDATE: On Sunday, Sept. 27, U.S. District Judge Carls Nichols granted a preliminary injunction blocking President Trump's order to ban TikTok. Although the judge filed the decision publicly, he filed his full reasoning for the injunction separately in a sealed document. The judge brought into question whether TikTok was given enough opportunity to defend itself before Trump's executive order, according to The Washington Post. The original story continues below This past Friday, on Sept.
6 Hispanic/Latinx owned businesses in Athens to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and there are plenty of Hispanic and Latinx owned businesses in Athens to support during this time and beyond. From barbershops to grocery stores, the Hispanic and Latinx community contributes many local businesses to the classic city. The Red & Black compiled a list of six Hispanic/Latinx businesses in Athens to check out during Hispanic Heritage Month.
6 Hispanic/Latinx owned businesses in Athens to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and there are plenty of Hispanic and Latinx owned businesses in Athens to support during this time and beyond. From barbershops to grocery stores, the Hispanic and Latinx community contributes many local businesses to the Classic City. The Red & Black compiled a list of six Hispanic/Latinx businesses in Athens to check out during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Athens Classic Center to host socially-distant movie night
Movie nights are making a comeback, safely, with the recent pop-up drive-in events that have taken place in Athens, and now a “pod-style” movie night hosted by the Classic Center and Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. The movie “Office Space” will be shown in the fresh air at the Classic Center’s Foundry Pavilion on Sept. 25.
Athentic Brewing launches Athens grand opening with 'Black is Beautiful' campaign
Athentic Brewing Company celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 22 in Normaltown Athens by kicking off its Black is Beautiful campaign and a special stout beer to accompany it. The campaign originated in San Antonio, Texas by Weathered Souls Brewing, and all Black is Beautiful proceeds from Athentic are donated to the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement. Athentic Brewing started as a dream of two friends, Paul Skinner and Mark Johnson, who wanted to start a homemade brewery together.
Agora Vintage provides high-quality masks to the Athens community for free
Free masks are on display in the front window of Agora Vintage, a boutique in downtown Athens, on Sept. 2, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. Store owner, Airee Edwards, buys the masks from Tia Cox, a Vietnamese woman in Tennessee who is unable to work due to COVID-19 and now makes and sells masks. Edwards buys the masks in bulk, giving them away to Athens’ local businesses and anyone who asks. “I just want everyone to feel safe and have one if they need one or cannot afford one,” said Edwards.
Q&A: Athens ‘founding rock & roll band’ Love Tractor to re-release first album
Love Tractor, one of Athens’ founding rock & roll bands, was formed in 1980 after three University of Georgia art students realized there was no music scene in Athens and wanted to create “music they could dance to.” It’s instrumental, alternative style created a foundation for the music scene in Athens and is still referenced today as one of the city’s classic bands.
AthHalf half marathon moved to virtual race
AthHalf half marathon and 5K race, hosted by AthFest Educates, has moved to virtual form instead of the originally scheduled in-person event on Oct. 24-25, according to a press release. This year is the 11th annual AthHalf half marathon. “We were really, really hopeful we would be able to host the AthHalf Half Marathon & 5K together in person this fall,” Jill Helme, AthFest Educates executive director, said in a press release.
UGA graduate creates mask-wearing comedy video: ‘The Way She Wears It’
After Ellis Flurry watched recent events unfold due to COVID-19 and saw the differences between people who choose to wear masks and those who don’t. The University of Georgia graduate from Athens, took a romantic spin on mask-wearing in his short comedy video “The Way She Wears It.” The video features a woman partaking in everyday tasks while wearing a mask with a voiceover of a man’s voice describing how attracted he is to her mask-wearing techniques.
Kempt Athens and Milan Art Institute combine fashion and art with showcase in-store
Walking into Kempt Athens, customers notice racks of menswear surrounded by a brick-and-mortar aesthetic to fit the store’s cool and classic theme. Now, an art showcase from a father-son duo and family of the owners of the Milan Art Institute hangs on Kempt’s walls, showing support and collaboration between local businesses in Athens.
A look back on the popular trends throughout summer 2020
While a typical summer for University of Georgia students usually includes internships, study abroad trips and summer jobs, this past season was thrown a curveball with the impact of COVID-19 forcing students to have to make last-minute changes in their schedules. All over social media, students have been sharing their latest projects and newfound hobbies such as bread making and stitching, which have been used to occupy their time and provide stress relief.
How Athens recording studios are fairing with COVID-19, future plans
Recording studios often require a close and intimate environment to form the creative industry it has. Recently, local recording studios have been introduced to new methods of production and are adjusting their business methods due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The Glow Recording Studio and Tweed Recording Audio Production School have witnessed a new reality for the recording industry.
The future of AthHalf and local 5Ks amid COVID-19
Every October, hundreds of runners, walkers and supporters wake up before the sun rises to take on 13.1 miles through the streets of Athens in the city’s half marathon — the AthHalf. They tackle hills, see the Classic City sites and join together as a community, but this year looks different as COVID-19 has hindered large crowd gatherings. COVID-19 has affected not only the AthHalf but also shorter distance runs in community-based 5Ks throughout the year.
UGA students create initiatives, demand change for racial justice
Students across the University of Georgia are calling for changes within the university and Athens communities to promote racial justice through tangible programs. Two initiatives, Athens for Black Lives Matter and Dawgs Demand Better, are banding the groups together to promote change in Greek life, community resources and acknowledgement from the university.
UGA student organizations discuss fall plans amid COVID-19
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt on everyday life for University of Georgia students, faculty and large student organizations. Organizations like University Union and UGA HEROs provide activities and philanthropic events throughout the year for students and have made drastic changes to their event plans, funds and fundraisers for the fall.
#LoveShack festival hosted live and virtually to benefit AthFest, Nuçi’s Space
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the music industry in Athens has taken a hard hit with the closing of music venues and canceled concerts. However, local musicians are determined to rise back up. Sixteen artists and groups performed on July 18 at #LoveShack, the live and streamed concert event hosted by Nabo Realty at Southern Brewing Company.
Athens Help With COVID platform reaches volunteers for COVID community service
Athens Help With COVID, a platform that organizes volunteer opportunities for Athens locals to help nonprofit organizations facing hardships from COVID-19, launched this past May. Since then, the platform has partnered with local nonprofits and organizations to recruit volunteers with a variety of skill sets. Some of the responsibilities of the volunteers range from programming and research to mask making, with the opportunity to work remotely.
A look into the virtual 2020 UGA orientation
When John Roorbach attended New Student Orientation in the summer of 2017, he said his orientation leader was captivating. Roorbach said Jesse Kerzner, leader of the “Turnt Twos,” was energetic and kind, and Roorbach wanted to become “just like him.” “If I can try and be as supportive to these first years as he was with me, I think I could be happy with myself,” Roorbach said.
UGA Alumni Association hosts online Bulldog book club
For the University of Georgia Alumni Association, learning is a life-long commitment that can come in many forms, not just within the walls of a classroom. The association is hosting Between the Pages, an online book club that gathers UGA fans, students and alumni together to read books written by UGA alumni. The book club is free despite the cost to buy the books, and will offer optional virtual discussions with the author on the platform Goodreads.
July 6: What does UGA’s virtual new student orientation look like?
On today's episode, we’re breaking down the University of Georgia’s virtual new student orientation. For most UGA students, attending orientation is their first step on campus as a college student. A night of summer camp away from home. It’s their first taste of dining hall food and their first chance to take part in UGA’s traditions. But due to COVID-19, this program had to move entirely online. We talked to an orientation leader and an incoming freshman about their online orientation experience.
UGA students call for mandatory race, equity class requirement
Amid the recent events for the Black Lives Matter movement, University of Georgia students are actively discussing ways to continue educating themselves on racial history and injustice. Jess Brown, a 2019 UGA graduate, shared a list of fall 2020 courses to “further our education on race, privilege and inequality” on Instagram. Brown also compiled a list in a Google Document with course descriptions and recommendations, while allowing other students to add to it.
Escape The Space hosts online escape rooms to accommodate for COVID-19
The process of building an escape room requires attention to detail and plenty of adrenaline-pumping features. For Escape the Space owners Alicia and Andrew Brasher, COVID-19 isn’t stopping them from bringing the heart-racing experience to their escape room fans at home. The Brashers are taking COVID-19 precautions seriously with sanitation, social distancing and following community health measures for their current in-person escape rooms.
UGA students assist over 1,000 Athens residents with taxes
During tax season each year, the Georgia United Credit Union and Georgia United Foundation partner with the University of Georgia to provide free tax assistance to Athens residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Through the program, UGA students help Athens residents fill out their taxes while becoming certified by the IRS and receiving course credit for their work.
Recent UGA graduate selected for Fujifilm storytelling project contest
This year, Fujifilm created a contest for student photographers across the nation to submit a project that, if selected, would be shared with the world as a story. Only 30 photographers were selected out of about 600, and one of the 30 was Will Mordell (@willwanderphotography), a recent University of Georgia graduate who will be representing UGA through his project. The creator’s content will begin and be continuously updated after July 1, with more pieces added as the story progresses.
UGA School of Social Work provides support groups for small businesses during COVID-19
To provide resources for local businesses affected by COVID-19, the University of Georgia School of Social Work is providing solidarity support groups via Zoom. These sessions are designed to help local business owners navigate stress and fatigue derived from running a business during the pandemic. The support groups will run from June 15 through July 20.
Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement hosts Teen Social Justice Camp
In the midst of Black Lives Matter protests across the country and a movement for racial justice, the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement is hosting a Teen Social Justice Camp to teach Athens youth about their rights and activism. The camp involves monthly meetings, travel and performing arts for justice, according to the AADM website. It runs on weekends, starting June 12-14 and continuing July 24-26 and August 21-22. Any youth ages 10-15 are invited to join.
Documentary review and summary: “13th” by Ava DuVernay
When the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1865, former slaves expected freedom for the rest of their lives, as it ruled slavery of any kind unlawful. However, Ava Duvernay explores a loophole, which deems a form of slavery acceptable in the legal form of criminal punishment. Duvernay's documentary “13th” takes a well-informed look at this loophole and administers a researched look at the American incarceration system and how it contributes to systemic racism today.
Historic Athens to host 51st Preservation Awards live online
On June 15, Historic Athens will present its 51st Annual Athens Preservation Awards ceremony virtually via Facebook Live to adhere to safety limitations due to COVID-19. Historic Athens will broadcast an announcement of the winners from the historic Hot Corner area, a historic business district for African Americans.
Athens artists spread awareness for the Black Lives Matter movement
George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor are all names that have been plastered on posters and shouted in the streets after their killings by police and white people. Their deaths have called for recent protests and planted a seed for artists to contribute their works to the cause. Local artists are representing their activism through their talents, whether it’s donating commissions to Black Lives Matter fundraisers or creating artwork that sends a message of empowerment.
Athens businesses continue sustainability efforts during COVID-19
From not being able to use reusable bags or cups to pausing in-person shopping and delaying sustainability budget allocations, COVID-19 has drastically impacted stores’ regular environmentally-friendly practices. Athens business Daily Groceries Co-op has not been slowed down in its sustainability efforts and has even embraced new habits and ideas instead of slashing long-term efforts that were already in place, such as reducing plastic bag use.
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