Everyone and everything has a story, whether we really know the tale or not – though some know it better than others. A story that has always caught my eye has been the Black Lives Matter movement, including how and why it began and what it truly stands for, not as the media tries to portray it. Graphic by Hannah Hart|The Advocate. Let’s set the stage: It’s the year 2012, and 17-year-old Black boy was shot dead on the 26th of February. He was walking home from a 7/11 store in

The 20s mark one of the most diverse stages in most people’s lives. Some 20-somethings have never been in relationships, while others are getting married. Some are in college; others went straight to work. Some of us are just in the beginning of our careers and others, far more advanced. Melody posing next to her work area. Then there are those among us that have already become their own boss, charging headfirst as young entrepreneurs. Many people choose not to pursue the ent

Photo provided by Nathaniel Lile. Graduation is upon us, and for those of you graduating from MHCC, we commend you. Seriously, you deserve a medal, or at the very least an official sticker, for getting through this pandemic with a degree! This year’s graduating students will face something quite out of the ordinary during Mt. Hood’s 54th commencement, to be held from about 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 12. Under ongoing COVID pandemic restrictions, new graduates are i

Web Photo. The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to take up a case regarding abortion, which could have major effect on the famous Roe v. Wade decision of 1973. Justices will hear the case named Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, No. 19- 1392 (regarding legislation approved in Mississippi) and are expected to rule within the next year. This is something that could be a profoundly good step in the right direction for this country, or it could lead to further tragedy. T

Web Graphic. At last, an end in sight: As the pandemic year appears to be coming to a close soon enough (practically entirely thanks to mass vaccination), one cannot escape the instinct to take stock of all that was lost and found during months on end of excruciating, collective suffering. At the least over half a million Americans have left our lives forever, taken by a disease entirely unknown to the general public a mere couple years ago. So, too, it seems our already flic

Web Photo. If you didn’t already know, Pride Month is here! It may look different this year, but it is still a time of celebration, coming together as one, and mourning those we have lost. In the past, throughout the month of June I would attend pride parades. I got the opportunity to see people of all ethnicities, shapes, and sizes come together and celebrate in their own way, and just be happy as one, and honestly, it was beautiful. I still remember my first pride parade an

Web Photo. Lately in the news there have been many reports about deadly events involving the use of guns. As a result, people are, not surprisingly, calling for more gun control. This view, in and of itself, is a huge fallacy. I am baffled by the fact that the people who want to see gun control cannot seem to understand that guns don’t have brains, they aren’t sentient. Guns are a tool, and as such they require an operator, just like any other tool. I have never seen a gun ta

Web Photo The Derek Chauvin trial, regardless of the ultimate verdict (as satisfying as it may have been), is emblematic of an institution that refuses to change for the better. Soon-to-be a year since George Floyd’s violent death at the officer’s hands, famously and critically recorded in broad daylight by panicked but determined bystander Darnella Frazier, the case even having gone to trial is an anomaly in a policing culture where POC are constantly brutalized with little-

Web Photo I’m sure you have all seen the news, seen the names on social media and have mixed feelings. Some of you may feel these deaths are justified for reasons or opinions of your own, but a lot of you are most likely like me: Horrified and angered by this ever-growing list, yet not surprised, because this isn’t a new story– just another new name and a new face, because police shootings/police brutality are nothing new. I want to lightly address a topic that’s split right

Web Graphic. Over the last year, our way of learning at Mt. Hood has changed completely. I remember when we first started remote learning; I was a little nervous, as I had never taken online classes before. Now that I’ve been attending classes online for about a year, it’s definitely given me a different perspective on school and learning, overall. I believe there are certainly benefits to online classes in some ways but there are also challenges. The drawbacks include not be

Web Graphic. Permanent solutions are possible for Portland’s increasing homeless crisis. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic The Homelessness and Urban Camping Impact Reduction Program (HUCIRP) reported between 40 to 60 campsite removals per week in the city. After the onset of the pandemic in 2020 these sweeps performed by HUCIRP have been much less frequent, at a number closer to three times a week. Halting these sweeps has highlighted Portland’s homeless crisis. The increase in

Web Photo. Well-known children’s author Beverly Cleary died on March 25, at age 104. The Oregon native will forever be remembered, as she was an inspiration to many. Born on April 12, 1916, in McMinnville, Cleary penned the Ramona Quimby book series, introducing the namesake Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, Ralph S. Mouse, and countless memorable characters. I’ve loved her works since I was in elementary school; her stories always made me feel at home. A couple of my favorites a

Web Graphic. There is no artwork that could ever truly exist in isolation. In fact, perhaps it is mostly a work’s deep, inherent connection to the world within which it was born that gives it the ability to compel a response as much as it may. But never has the world been entirely free from flaw. If a work is to be understood at least in part relative to the artist, with each being inseparable from their environment, then their prejudices must be inevitably confronted, as wel

Web Photo. Former President Donald Trump has been acquitted, again. This isn’t surprising, considering the fact that Congress has been turning into something of a freak show. Congress is a circus, a shell of what it used to be – from representatives lying about almost being killed, to trying to impeach a president twice not because he did something wrong, but simply because members cannot bear the idea of having a president who does not work in favor of their agenda. It can

While his home state froze over last month, its people suffering starving through one of the worst climate disasters in the region’s modern history, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz gleefully boarded a plane headed toward the Mexican resort city of Cancun, perfectly content with abandoning those constituents he is paid far too much to represent. Only after the discovery of his trip and the public controversy born soon after would Cruz promptly return and express regret regarding the decis

Web Graphic. With controversy over U.S. elections and their structure fresh in mind, what do we make of a proposed switch to a multi-party political system? Here’s one analysis, with a hint at the future: It won’t solve the frustration of Progressives, at least not quickly. Failings of the two-party system Whenever electoral reform is brought up in the United States, which is not often, there is often a line of argument brought against a change to a multi-party system, that g

Web Photo The lifting or easing of COVID-19 restrictions on indoor dining in Oregon prematurely may cost the sacrifices made during the first wave of the pandemic – or worse – for the service industry. Anxieties are high inside bars and restaurants as Gov. Kate Brown has issued a new green light to reinstate indoor dining. Her latest orders raise legal occupancy in restaurants and bars from 0% to 25% of capacity in several counties across the state effective Friday, Feb. 26,

Web Graphic When times are hard we all can use a bit of aid, whether it be a helping hand, someone to talk to, or a bit of cash. With a lot of individuals and businesses falling on hard times, some extra money is something that would help everyone out tremendously. But when that money isn’t made available – fairly – that could pose a problem. What if you were to learn that while you or your business/employer did not receive any government COVID-19 relief funds, others who are

Web Graphic Welcome, students and staff, to another week of MHCC online. Let me ask you a quick question, and take your time answering: Have you been feeling stressed out? Maybe a tad bit anxious, as well? If you’re not sure whether what you are feeling is one or both of those troubling issues, here’s a few short examples of stress-related symptoms (per WebMD.com): *Becoming easily agitated, frustrated or moody *Having difficulty relaxing or quieting your mind *Feeling bad ab

Web Graphic Gentrification: a word I have heard so often, but had little-to-no understanding of when I was younger. Go figure, a minority like me – African-American – with no grasp of the term. When you look it up, a typical definition you get is “a process of changing the character of a neighborhood through the influx of more affluent residents and businesses. It is a common and controversial topic in politics and in urban planning.” What that means to me is, wealthy people