Article by Maria Goffin & Amanda Mosmiller | Photography by John Merkel | Owl Staff A traditional burial isn't the only way to lay a loved one to rest. | Photo by Audrey Merkel More than half of Americans are interested in "green" burials, according to a survey by the National Funeral Directors Association. After … Continue reading What Remains? The Art of Leaving Less Behind
Phoenix Rising: An Introduction to the Transgender Experience
Article by Adeyemi Ekundayo | Photography by Adeyemi Ekundayo | Owl Staff Madisynn Emerson found greater life satisfaction when she started transitioning at age 21. | When Madisynn Emerson opened her eyes and looked around her hospital room, her emotions rose to the surface. The woman hiding inside was finally set free. "I remember waking … Continue reading Phoenix Rising: An Introduction to the Transgender Experience
The Root of Natural Beauty
Article by Crystol McTaggart | Photography by Matt Hubbard | Owl Staff “Don’t touch my hair” are four words famously sung by Solange Knowles in her song of the same name. This is a bold statement with one meaning: hair can be used to communicate a strong message. During the Civil Rights Movement of the … Continue reading The Root of Natural Beauty
Land of the Free: Home of the Immigrants
Article by John Myers | Photography by Josh Eller | Owl Staff Imagine packing everything into a suitcase and leaving home behind. Before Ellis Island closed, 12 million immigrants faced this experience themselves. Like immigrants from all over the world, they took a chance at the pursuit of happiness. In 1956, a young couple full … Continue reading Land of the Free: Home of the Immigrants
The Women’s March
Why I Marched: By Danielle Frater | Owl Staff I marched because I refuse to sit quietly and watch people being discriminated against because of their race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation. I marched because I believe in equality for all. In addition to the march itself, the train ride there was a highlight. … Continue reading The Women’s March
A Capital Voyage: An Inside Look at the 45th Presidential Inauguration
Article by Nick DeMent | Photography by Reed Freeman | Owl Staff A year has passed since America was introduced to its new president, and opinions remain as diverse today as they did the day he was sworn in. As I left my house on the early morning of January 20, 2017, a light drizzle … Continue reading A Capital Voyage: An Inside Look at the 45th Presidential Inauguration
A Nation in Chains
Article by Joe Rein | Photography by Kristina McComas | Owl Staff The United States of America is commonly referred to as the land of the free and the home of the brave. But if that statement holds true, why does the United States have the largest number of people residing in prisons worldwide? Crime … Continue reading A Nation in Chains
Slavery in Modern America
Article by Anira O’Bannon | Photography by Kristina McComas | Owl Staff Angel was 22 years old when she came across a tempting job advertisement on Craigslist. The job presented itself as a harmless gig, a “tasteful” photo-shoot. But Angel soon found out there was more behind it. Responding to that ad turned her reality … Continue reading Slavery in Modern America
America, Inc.: The Corporate Takeover of America
Article by Matt Tennyson | Illustration by Caroline Cooney There was once a time when the notion “We the People” meant we all had the power to change and influence our government. That was the ideal in which our country was founded upon, and we’ve been reciting it for centuries. Today, however, government policy and … Continue reading America, Inc.: The Corporate Takeover of America
Soul Search: My Road to Acceptance
Article by Adeyemi Ekundayo | Photography by Bre Mascetti | Owl Staff "Freedom." What a word. To me, "freedom" was a question. Was it a place? A concept? A relief? Or was it a truth? Before I knew what "freedom" was, I knew I did not have it. It seemed like an eternity away. I … Continue reading Soul Search: My Road to Acceptance