Community leaders from across America urged the public not to buy from major retailers like Walmart, Target and Amazon as part of the boycott. Protesters attempted to showcase the power of the consumer against “corporate greed” and companies in alignment with President Donald Trump’s efforts to terminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. If protesters did have to spend, they were encouraged to use cash and support only small, locally owned businesses. Professors in Grand Valley State University’s Department of Economics deemed the boycott only slightly successful. 

USAToday tracked the boycott’s origination and its influence on companies across the United States. Despite the inconclusive data due to the narrow time frame, there was a slight impact on Feb. 28’s market. Data collected from digital marketing intelligence company Similarweb showed that overall online traffic from the top 100 e-commerce sites dropped 4% on Feb. 28 when compared to the previous Friday, Feb. 21. Data from marketing intelligence firm Placer.ai found foot traffic in-store at Walmart locations to have dropped 6.3% when compared to the previous five Fridays. Placer.ai data also showed Target’s foot traffic in-store dropped 10.7% compared to the previous five Fridays.

Daniel Giedeman, an economics professor at GVSU, said the protest was unlikely to have much impact since participating consumers likely switched the timing of their purchases to Feb. 27 or March 1. Giedeman said he also expected there to have been at least some consumers who deliberately chose to spend money on Feb. 28 because they did not agree with the protest. 

“The only way that a protest like this could really work is if consumers were willing to change their spending patterns for a much longer period of time or to permanently switch their spending toward small businesses (or businesses that were more aligned with consumers’ values),” Giedeman said. 

While short-term boycotts and protests usually don’t have the momentum or impact to make a lasting difference, they are a step in the right direction. Giedeman said similar protests, like not purchasing gasoline on certain days in an attempt to lower gas prices, are rarely successful. However, when customers collectively target where they spend their money or what businesses they support for a sustained amount of time, the effects can be much bigger.

“Such protests would work if large groups of consumers targeted their boycotts against specific goods or companies, and were prepared to maintain these boycotts indefinitely,” Giedeman said. “Given the one-day nature of the (Black Out Friday) protest, there were no meaningful impacts on corporate profits or stock market prices.”

Christopher John Cruz, an associate professor in the Economics Department, agreed with Giedeman’s conclusion. Cruz reiterated that a one-day spending freeze would not be successful; if protesters want to create a larger impact, then boycotts have to be on a more sustained basis.  

“An alternative strategy for these protesters is (to) totally switch (the) stores where they shop,” Cruz said. “For instance, there are reports of some consumers cancelling their Amazon membership,” Cruz said. “With the DEI rollback from Walmart, perhaps some consumers might strictly prefer Costco (to) Sam’s Club, (which is owned by Walmart).”

Cruz recommends that anyone interested in participating in a boycott research the businesses they frequent. If a company’s values do not align with personal views, then an alternative can be found. According to Cruz, while that alternative isn’t always a local business, they can often be a better option than chain retailers.

“Not all local businesses share the views of these protesters,” Cruz said. “In fact, some of them might have voted against the very principles and programs these protesters are fighting for.” 

While the Black Out Friday protest had only minimal effects on the market, the boycott could potentially inspire consumers to further consider their morals and ethics when shopping.

“If a sizeable number of consumers switch to local retailers, including small businesses, (that) they believe are doing business that is more aligned with their morals and principles, then the impact might be more meaningful,” Cruz said.

“Just Mercy,” a true story, is a thriller based on the book of its same name. The story follows the life of public interest lawyer Bryan Stevenson and Walter McMillian, a Black man sentenced to death for a crime he was wrongfully convicted of. The story highlights the fight for racial justice, and spurred insightful dialogue among those at the film showing.

Lariesha Lee, the assistant director of CWGE, said the main goal of Femme Film Fridays is to create a space for meaningful discussion in a relaxed and comfortable setting.  

“While the films highlight various topics related to gender, we are most excited about fostering open conversation and encouraging students to engage with diverse perspectives,” Lee said.

Lee said CWGE staff hopes students leave Femme Film Fridays feeling empowered and informed about topics that can be hard to talk about and understand. 

“By seeing diverse representations and real-world issues portrayed in film, students can develop a deeper understanding of systemic inequalities and the importance of advocacy, activism and allyship in their communities,” Lee said. 

Johanna Montalvo-Tinoco, a CWGE student facilitator, said the center is very intentional with the movies they choose to show. Selections are a team effort at CWGE.

“I try to show films and lead discussions that seek to include identities that are often forgotten and overlooked,” Montalvo-Tinoco said. “Last semester, I chose to spotlight “Finding Dawn” to highlight the epidemic of missing or murdered Indigenous women.”

Femme Film Fridays are hosted in various locations throughout the school year, including the CWGE lobby and campus living centers. During colder months, CWGE intentionally hosts screenings in on-campus living centers to meet students where they are at.

“We recognize that winter can bring increased feelings of isolation, disconnection and a lack of community for many students,” Lee said. “Our goal is to provide space, foster connection and create a sense of belonging during this time.”

CWGE plans to continue hosting Femme Film Fridays monthly. The next screening will be “Assassination Nation” on Saturday, March 29. The satirical, horror and crime movie focuses on the condemnation of violence against women and calls viewers to action against patriarchy.

“As Ava DuVernay (an award-winning filmmaker, producer and screenwriter) once said, ‘If your dream only includes you, it’s too small,’” Lee said. “Video has the power to educate, provoke thought and inspire action. By engaging in dialogue around these films, students can expand their perspectives and recognize the impact of collective storytelling in driving social change.”  

The musical was based on the classic novel “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott and followed four sisters– Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March– as they came of age during the American Civil War and Reconstruction. The cast and crew did their best to bring the audience into the March sisters’ world through the script and engaging prop use. 

“There is a scene where Jo and Beth are flying kites, and we actually fly kites in the show,” said Natalie Tripp, who played Jo March. “I thought this (flying kites) was a cool (choice by the) director. I think it (the choice) brings the audience into the world (of “Little Women”) a bit more.” 

Tripp said that opening night was great, but it was difficult because she was fighting through the beginning of a sickness. 

“I think I did well given the situation,” Tripp said. “I felt proud of the performance, (but) it was hard because I was coming down with an illness and the role is very physically demanding.”  

Maddie Cooper, who played Beth March, said a large number of cast and crew members became sick, which resulted in the cancellation of their third performance on Sunday, Feb. 9. Despite this, Cooper said the crew still fought for the rest of the showtimes to be energy-packed.

“We had so much energy,” Cooper said. “We were like, ‘Okay, this is serious, we have to keep this energy up for the second show,’ especially since a couple of people were getting sick. Overall, we had a great first weekend.”

Tripp added that from an audience perspective, you wouldn’t know she was fighting off an illness. 

“I posted a picture that we canceled the show because of illness, and my friend (who went to the second performance) said, ‘I hope everyone in the cast is okay,’ not knowing I was the one (who) was sick,” Tripp said.

Cooper said audience members also supported the cast and crew by laughing through each joke and voicing their feedback of feeling drawn into the musical. Tripp added that the cast heard from audience members about how they loved the show’s staging.

“You might feel like you didn’t deliver the line the way you wanted, or maybe there’s a joke that you don’t think the audience will get, but they were right there with us, which helps so much,” Cooper said. “It’s validating (of) what you are doing and (keeps) the momentum going to get through the show.” 

Anna Bremmer, who played Meg March, said the cast and crew got through the performances’ challenges by encouraging and supporting each other. 

“I think we all just felt comfortable with our characters, and we were able to portray what the scenes entailed,” Bremmer said. “It was a lot of fun.”

A team of GVSU centers and programs partnered to host the event. The hosts included the Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity (CWGE), as well as the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, Center of Health and Wellbeing (WIT) and Alcohol & Other Drugs Services (AOD).  

A common room in Holton-Hooker was decorated with pink and green tinsel, witches and a yellow brick road that led to audience members’ seats. CWGE provided an on-theme spread of pop, lemonade, cookies and savory dips for guests to enjoy. WIT set up a cart in the room full of free mementos, including stickers, pens, “Wicked” coloring pages and other products.

“Honestly, I was really impressed with everything,” said Jenna Jensen, a GVSU student in attendance. “I expected to sit there and just watch a movie, but it was really fun. I loved all the decorations they had and all the fun snacks.” 

GVSU student Samantha Makowski agreed, adding that event organizers went above and beyond to put on an inviting and fun experience while promoting educational dialogue.

“I think they’re trying to loop it (educational dialogue) in because there’s a lot of hidden messages in the movie,” Makowski said.

D. Hollowell, the assistant director of the University’s LGBT Resource Center, said they feel it is important to cultivate spaces of joy and create different forms of community engagement, which sparked collaboration with CWGE.

“We (the LGBT Resource Center) would love to engage in more collaborative endeavors for students on our campus,” Hollowell said. “We know that as social justice center leaders, we value opportunities for our students to learn and be educated around systems of oppression, how their identities overlap with those systems, how to be active bystanders, how to transition from ally to accomplice and all those kinds of things.”

Hollowell said the movie’s hidden themes can spark insightful conversations. They also added that lighthearted events can bring individuals a stronger sense of belonging on campus and the opportunity to de-stress during the busy, winter semester.

Lariesha Lee, the assistant director of CWGE, agreed with Hollowell and said the event was an opportunity to reach students in a fun, entertaining way.

“We (CWGE) really want students to engage and have conversations about what they saw (in “Wicked”), how it impacts them and how it impacts the world,” Lee said.

Hollowell added that AOD helped organize the “Wicked” mocktails to encourage students to have a healthy relationship with drinking. 

“(AOD) brings awareness about potential risks and hazards of other recreational drugs, while also offering alternatives to drinking,” Hollowell said. “It’s (the movie night) a social environment, and you can still have a fun drink in your hand, but not one that impairs your ability to drive afterwards.”

Lee noted that she hopes to be part of additional events where students can make connections with one another.

“(We’re) trying to get students to be in a community with one another,” Lee said. 

Elite Dance was founded in 2022 for dancers proficient in lyrical, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop movements. President of Elite Dance, Savannah Auito, helped choreograph the winning piece, and said her love for the group has only grown since joining three years ago. 

“It was exciting for a lot of us to compete,” Auito said. “Most of us thought we were done competing after high school.” 

Elite Dance grants members a fun and relaxed atmosphere while still pushing them to grow their technique at the collegiate level. Bringing the team to a competition was an indication of their growth. 

“It was a really fun opportunity to get back out on the floor and be in that competitive atmosphere that we were striving for when creating the club,” Auito added.

Hannah Salembier, the club’s vice president, said she had not competed in almost three years and enjoyed getting back out in a competitive light.

“I’ve been to this competition before when I was in high school, so it was (like) taking a step back in time,” Salembier said. “It was also a good team bonding experience because not everyone (in the club) is from that area (Clarkston).” 

Salembier added that the team walked away with a boost of self-confidence and bragging rights after working diligently on the winning routine’s intricate details.

“It was a confidence booster for us,” Salembier said. “It was super exciting (and) a feel good thing.”

Auito agreed, saying it was amazing to be recognized and celebrated for the team’s hard work.

“(There was) a lot of fine-tuning and drilling of sections to make (the dance) look good,” Auito said. “It was a team effort and we all put our best out on the floor.” 

Auito and Salembier both hope the team will continue to branch out and enter more competitions in the future, helping to strengthen the dancers’ skills.

“I want to see them (the dancers) continue to have the same drive and love for dance that this team has now,” Auito said. “We’ve grown so much. There were five (dancers) and now we have grown to a team of 23. Seeing everyone loving it and working so hard is really all we wanted.”

She added that the club encourages members to create lifelong friendships through their shared love of dance. 

“The transition from high school to college can be hard,” Auito said. “We all know you are giving up a lot of things when you leave high school, so it’s a great way to continue those things you loved.”

Elite Dance club’s next performance will be at a Grand Rapids Gold basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Cadence Osborn, a GVSU student, said that over the remote days, she was able to prioritize herself better and make connections with old friends while unwinding from the stress of the semester. 

“(When) all the snow days hit, I had so much more time,” Osborn said. “I got to hang out with people a lot longer, which was lit. I don’t get to see anybody (usually) because I’m so busy with school or work, and it was nice to (have) extra time with all of them.” 

Osborn took advantage of the snow days to go sledding at a local park in Walker with friends.

“The roads were so bad, but I was with one of my friends, and I said, ‘At least if we go in a ditch, we won’t be alone,’” Osborn said. “We (were) all geared up and in (it) together.” 

Osborn said the enjoyment of the childhood activity was worth braving the winter roads and the hills they trekked up repeatedly. 

“It was so wild because I hadn’t gone (sledding) in so long,” Osborn said. “It’s something that I forgot was so much fun.”

Osborn said the activity was worth the cold, although she feels sore from climbing the hill multiple times, which made her feel old.

Other GVSU students elected to stay inside instead of facing the icy conditions. 

“I like watching movies,” said GVSU student Vanessa Hewitt. “It’s one of my hobbies. With the spare time, I was able to (embrace) that hobby.”

Hewitt spent her snowy days cozy inside, watching classic movies with friends. She added that remote learning can make her feel less productive, and that creative outlets help to keep her engaged.

“I’ve seen that TikTok trend where you make animals (out of) air dry clay, and you make (them into) clay magnets,” Hewitt said. “I was thinking about doing that with my roommates.”

Despite the intense weather, downtown Grand Rapids was busier than ever with its winter activities and events. The ice rink at Rosa Parks Circle offers open skating to people of all ages, an activity that both Osborn and Hewitt said they hope to take advantage of this winter season. 

“I wanted to go ice skating this weekend (but) I fell so many times sledding, and I don’t know how to ice skate,” Osborn said.

Other winter activities to take advantage of downtown are the food trucks parked along Monroe Center Street that help keep cold temperatures bearable and the free curling rinks in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Outdoor art exhibits are displayed for locals to enjoy while waiting their turn to skate or curl.

The museum currently has the second-largest art collection in Michigan, and possesses over 28,000 works of art. Artwork is incorporated into every University building, creating a virtually borderless museum that spans across GVSU’s campuses. 

Nathan Kemler, the director of galleries and collections, initiated the name change after comprehensive conversations with the museum’s team, including its wider community partners and donors. Kemler said the term “museum” better communicates the depth of their collection, educational initiatives and community outreach efforts. 

“The transition to the GVSU Art Museum aligns with our commitment to enhancing the visibility, impact and academic rigor of our cultural resources,” Kemler said. “We believe that art matters because our shared humanity experiences and stories matter.” 

Kemler said the museum’s staff hopes the name change will better convey to students the resources they have available on campus.

“The GVSU Art Museum team empowers our community to engage with visual narratives that align with University values through diverse exhibitions, learning events resources and unparalleled access to art,” Kemler said.

Kelmer added that the name change should help signal to the broader community that the museum is a publicly accessible and open resource for all, not just GVSU students.

“In addition to our ever-changing exhibitions, every GVSU building acts as a museum gallery venue location, all of which are free to visit and engage in,” Kelmer said. “We continue to be leaders in the museum field by offering full digital access to our collection online and a mobile companion app for helping one navigate and learn more about the artwork they are looking at.”

The GVSU Art Museum mobile companion app, “Art at GVSU,” can serve as a tool for students and the public community to discover art in the University’s collection.

The museum’s current exhibition in the Haas Center for Performing Arts, “Climate Matters: Our Changing and Resilient Planet,” focuses on earth and society’s climate impact. Other museum exhibits opening soon include “Compelling Visions: The Art of Narrative in Japanese Prints” and “2024 Padnos International Center Photo Contest.”

Ed Aboufadel, the senior associate vice president for Academic Affairs and the Art Museum’s appointing officer, said Grand Rapids has a thriving arts community, which is highlighted by ArtPrize every September. Aboufadel believes the GVSU Art Museum is an anchor for the Grand Rapids community, and he welcomes the public to enjoy and learn from the pieces on display at GVSU’s campuses.

“Students should think of all (of) GVSU (campuses) as a thriving art museum,” said Aboufadel. “I would like them to look around when they are on campus and see how art infuses all our buildings. We place works of art in classrooms, hallways, gathering spaces and elsewhere in a way unprecedented at (other) universities.”

Kemler noted that the museum believes art has the power to move people, bridge gaps in understanding and spark collective imagination toward building a better, more equitable world. 

“In support of these outcomes, the Art Museum acquires, preserves, interprets, exhibits and makes accessible a diverse collection of art across all GVSU public spaces for the benefit of faculty, students and community.” 

The event, which was organized by GVSU student Zachary Glovier, provided attendees with hands-on experience of the archaic art form. Participants carved their own stamps out of wood blocks, which they then used to print designs onto paper.

Woodcutting is part of the old-fashioned art form of printmaking, where an image or design is carved onto a wooden block, typically made of softwood, and then used to create prints by pressing the design onto paper. It is one of the oldest forms of relief printmaking, and was once used as the primary medium for book illustrations. 

“It (got) people together in a low-pressure environment to do something hands-on and creative,” said Leigh Rupinski, the archivist for public services and community engagement. “That’s just a really nice feeling. The idea (was) to give (students) a break and a little bit of time to do something crafty that (they) might not get to do otherwise.”

The woodcut and block printing event proved to do just that. As the participating students came and went, some put their headphones in and carved solo, while others sat in groups and talked noisily while carving. 

Glovier, a studio art and art history major at GVSU, organized the event with the hope of encouraging students to learn about the art form and relax in a stress-free environment. Glovier noted that in prior courses they’ve taken, students have grown to appreciate the technique of block printing. By organizing the event, Glovier wanted to share the art form with others who might have been curious.

“I think it is important to keep woodcut and relief printing as a continued art form because it has such a rich history,” Glovier said. “It is important to keep these tactile ways of reproducing and creating imagery alive since we (have done) it for a long time.”  

Rupinski said the University Archive’s workshops evolve from the passions and skills that students have and are eager to share.  

“The goal (of this event was) learning about history, and how illustrations and books have evolved over time,” Rupinski said. “Our space is a community space where (students) can come and learn something that is interesting.” 

Rupinski added that keeping an art form like printmaking alive can demonstrate how art has evolved. Even if the medium isn’t commonly used anymore, students can find beauty in seeing how illustrations were made, and appreciate how far art has come. By practicing this art form, Rupinski hoped that students could see why some artists still prefer to use woodcut as their medium of choice. 

The play, which was written by Lynn Nottage and directed by GVSU Professor Demetria Thomas, follows a Black seamstress in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. Throughout the play, she searches for love and fulfillment among a community of others who are looking for the same thing. The audience got to watch as the seamstress made decisions rooted in affection, and a desire for connection. 

MTD’s choice to show “Intimate Apparel” was intentional. This was the first time in the past 15 years that the University’s theatre program had produced a play written by an African American female playwright.   

“As a Black tenure track professor, I wanted the opportunity to tell stories about Black people, Black love and Black life,” Thomas said. “This piece fit right into those categories. It’s a lovely story about love (and) searching for real connection between human beings. (It shows) how challenging that can be, but also how wonderful it is when it happens.”

Thomas hoped the audience would relate beyond its heartfelt story, and learn from the universal need for connection that goes beyond race, gender, sexual identity and cultural background. She emphasized that people desire to feel connected to others and that, because of certain social and political constraints, some people have a harder time finding true connections than others.  

“I want the audience to really respect (the seamstress), and search for that connection,” Thomas said.

Shayna Davis, a GVSU senior in the theatre program, played the role of the seamstress. She said that her character emphasized the struggle of social hierarchy, especially as a married woman in the 20th century.

“(The issue) is more so the social hierarchy and (how) at the turn of the century, you were expected to be married and start having children (at a certain age),” Davis said. “(My character) defied that social aspect because she was 35 years old, (and) was expected to be married by at least (the age of) 23.” 

Davis’ character struggled with social and gender norms throughout the play, and experienced social exclusion such as not being invited to parties and community events. When her character finally marries, the audience watches her move up in the social hierarchy, but after the marriage starts to suffer, so does her character’s social status. 

“The plot to me means that there are students that you have to let speak,” Davis said. “You cannot settle in the things that you cannot control, but you have the power to change the things that you can.” 

Davis hoped the audience took away the message that individuals should not follow what everyone else in society is doing, but rather represent who they are as individuals. 

“Intimate Apparel” will be showing again in the Black Box Theatre from Nov. 21-24.

GVSU’s New Music Ensemble is a group of students who promote contemporary music through commissions, tours, recordings, collaborations, outreach events and workshops. It was founded in 2006 by Professor Bill Ryan, who created the ensemble as a way for students to gain experience and set them up for success as future musicians, educators, advocates and leaders in the field of music. 

“I am hopeful that this concert engages the audience and introduces them to some of the significant composers of our time,” Ryan said. 

The concert featured Nawrot and Rito, who were chosen specifically because Nawrot is a GVSU alumni and Rito is from Grand Rapids. Both are now professors of music– Nawrot at Southeast Missouri State University and Rito at Alma College. They attended the concert and spoke to the audience.  

Grace Morrison, a flutist for the New Music Ensemble and GVSU student majoring in music education, said the group has given her a different perspective on music. Personally, she said performances that engage the audience are her favorite to be a part of. 

“I think that all music is really fun,” Morrison said. “There is some (music) that invites the audience to a more intimate setting, (and) kind of brings them in. I feel like there are a couple of reflective and beautiful pieces, (and) ones that are more funky and new to get you dancing in your seat.” 

Morrison added that before participating in the New Music Ensemble, she had only learned a basic repertoire of music, but that she now enjoys learning new pieces and numbers. The ensemble keeps her excited for her future involvement in music education, with music acting as a unique way to pour out her feelings to friends, family and the audience. 

Jeremy Cleary, another GVSU student, plays the saxophone in the New Music Ensemble. Cleary echoed Morrison’s sentiment, and noted that the ensemble does not stick to one specific genre. 

“I like people to know that I’m not stuck in one little (musical genre) bubble,” Cleary said. 

Cleary played three different saxophones throughout the fall concert, including soprano, alto and tenor versions of the instrument. 

“A lot of people tend to know me as just the guy who plays high notes, but I can dabble around in the lower (notes),” Cleary added.  

Cleary emphasized that the ensemble can help people become interested in new genres. He pointed specifically to contemporary classical music, which he feels can connect to a younger audience of students.