Henry Magowan

Tear gas. Colonial theft. Money connected to the opioid addiction crisis. These are not stakes one might typically associate with art museums, but all have been implicated by recent protests at the Guggenheim and Whitney, among other global art institutions.

Everyone remembers the chaos of their first few weeks at Columbia. For me, it mostly revolved around the grand piano that lived in the John Jay lounge. The piano was a prime source of bonding; it kindled conversations among musicians and non-musicians alike. Anyone was welcome around the piano, and everyone who sat down to play had a different story to tell through their music. During these first few weeks, the John Jay lounge saw countless jazz jam sessions, impromptu classical performances, and rehearsals. Thanks to its accessibility and visibility, the John Jay piano was a forum for practice, musical expression, and cross-pollination. It allowed for the formation of a welcoming first-year music culture within the first few weeks of our time at Columbia. However, the John Jay piano was short-lived, and the story of its disappearance is a testament to Columbia’s lack of commitment to its student artists.

While other schools may have highly attended football games, tailgates riddled with red Solo cups, and fraternities allowed to party, Columbia has the 1 train.

Standing out in the monotonous scroll through Instagram is Nana Agyemang, Journalism ’17, and her popular fashion blog, EveryStylishGirl. Divided chromatically by bright periwinkles and lush lavenders, the individuals featured on her feed empower people of color on a platform and industry often lacking representation.

“Oh you's a college gurl? Go be a Gucci gurl. Oh you's a Gucci fan? Let's go to Gucci Land,” and other lyrics of the eponymously named rapper Gucci Mane were brought to campus on Thursday in the form of their inspiration, the high fashion brand Gucci.

Football will cap off its season this weekend, looking to ensure a winning record at home against Cornell in the annual Empire State Bowl.

With the smell of Dominican, Mexican, and Cuban food wafting through the air, students, dance groups, high fashion designers, and the chief financial officer of Designer Shoe Warehouse took to the stage to celebrate the conclusion of Latinx Heritage Month at Columbia.

After its first Ivy League win last week, football will take on Harvard this weekend in Cambridge.

Football plays host to defending Ivy League champion Yale (4-2, 2-1 Ivy) this weekend in a rematch between last year’s top two.

Grammy-nominated musician Jorge Glem stood center stage with his eyes closed, plucking and strumming the cuatro at an astounding speed. When the last note rang throughout the Diana Center Event Oval, the crowd sat for a moment in stunned silence before erupting into applause.