Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White


Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White
Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Monica Nakashima | @MM_nakashima, Staff Reporter

All content by Monica Nakashima | @MM_nakashima
‘You are not alone’: How local organizations support survivors of sexual assault

‘You are not alone’: How local organizations support survivors of sexual assault

Monica Nakashima | @MM_nakashima, Staff Reporter • September 22, 2021

During times of crisis, it’s important for students and community members to understand what resources are available to them.  Tuscaloosa SAFE Center  The Tuscaloosa SAFE Center is a nonprofit agency...

Hostile Terrain 94 and immigration stories are being showcased at UA

Hostile Terrain 94 and immigration stories are being showcased at UA

Monica Nakashima | @MM_nakashima, Staff Reporter • September 8, 2021
UA student organization Art Forward is preparing the final workshops for “Hostile Terrain 94,” an exhibit that showcases artwork that contemplates the border crisis and immigration in America.
The University of Alabama. Action Card.

Why ACT Cards went digital

Monica Nakashima | @MM_nakashima, Staff Reporter • September 8, 2021
Beginning June 1, The University of Alabama required all members of the community to use digital ACT Cards, but the idea was planted before the COVID-19 pandemic. 
We Rate Ratings presents special clip show finale.

We Rate Ratings | Special clip show finale

Monica Nakashima | @MM_nakashima and Joshua LeBerte • August 29, 2021
This last episode of We Rate Ratings starts with Josh and Monica reading reviews of the show sent in by Meredith Cummings and Tom Arenburg.
National Pan-Hellenic Council holds fall convocation

National Pan-Hellenic Council holds fall convocation

Monica Nakashima | @MM_nakashima, Staff Reporter • August 28, 2021

The National Pan-Hellenic Council will host convocation on Sunday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m and 6:30 p.m. in the Ferg Ballroom.  Convocation is a general interest session that allows students to learn about...

A photo of Bryce Hall behind a fence with construction signs posted. Construction area authorized personnel only. Bryce East Wing demo.

UA begins demolition of Bryce Hospital’s east wing

Monica Nakashima | @MM_nakashima, Staff Reporter • August 25, 2021
As part of a multi-decade plan to bring new life to Bryce campus, the University is renovating Bryce Hospital and constructing a performing arts and academic center in its place.
We Rate Ratings with special guest Bill Getchell.

We Rate Ratings | Bill Getchell from PJ’s Coffee and Rita’s Custard

Monica Nakashima | @MM_nakashima and Joshua LeBerte • August 22, 2021
In the last interview-based episode of WRR, Josh and Monica talk with Bill Getchell.
Opinions. The Crimson White.

Opinion | Students shouldn’t suffer from chronic pain in silence

Monica Nakashima | @MM_nakashima, Contributing Columnist • August 22, 2021
Scoliosis is an abnormal, sideways curvature of the spine. Curves may be as mild as 10 degrees, or as severe as 100 degrees or more.
Tuska was installed at the corner of Wallace Wade Avenue and University Boulevard in April 2021.

Seven tons of beauty: Tuska, UA’s newest sculpture

Monica Nakashima | @MM_nakashima, Staff Reporter • August 18, 2021

Students arriving on campus will notice a new addition to The University of Alabama: Tuska.  The 19-foot bronze statue modeled after an African bull elephant is hard to miss. Located near Bryant-Denny...

National Pan-Hellenic Council President Jordan Smith addressed potential new members at the Alabama Panhellenic Association's convocation on Aug. 7.

Alabama sorority recruitment begins for 2,500 potential new members

Monica Nakashima, Staff Reporter • August 8, 2021

The Alabama Panhellenic Association held convocation for more than 2,500 potential new members on Aug. 7 as it kicked off fall primary recruitment, which will continue through Aug. 15. Recruitment began...

We Rate Ratings with special guest professor Jon Merritt.

We Rate Ratings | Jon Merritt from History

Monica Nakashima and Joshua LeBerte • August 6, 2021
On this weeks episode of "We Rate Ratings," Monica and Josh waste no time hoping into a conversation about all things history with this weeks guest, UA history professor, Jon Merritt, who also happens to be one of the top three best professors Monica has ever had.
Campus buildings get a new look

Campus buildings get a new look

Monica Nakashima, Staff Reporter • August 4, 2021
Construction is underway for several campus buildings Here are some of the most important new locations students should look out for. 
You’re a UA transfer student. Here’s what you should know

You’re a UA transfer student. Here’s what you should know

Monica Nakashima, Staff Reporter • August 4, 2021
The stress that transfer students encounter is unique. While freshmen have their own orientations and communities on campus, it can be difficult for transfer students who are expected to already understand college life. 
We Rate Ratings with special guest prof. Allison Scrivner.

We Rate Ratings | Allison Scrivner from Psychology

Monica Nakashima and Joshua LeBerte • July 30, 2021
Episode 6 of WRR features Allison Scrivner, Psychology professor and pomeranian mom of Snyper! Due to her love of animals, Monica and Josh discuss the ultimate argument: cats versus dogs. Once Allison comes on the show, she talks about how talking about Snyper helps students understand Psychology and the lessons she teaches.
Taco Bell is coming to the Strip

Taco Bell is coming to the Strip

Monica Nakashima, Staff Reporter • July 21, 2021
Taco Bell will open its fourth Tuscaloosa location on the Strip next month. Situated between Rounders and Phone Clinic University, the fast food chain is replacing China Master at 1211 University Blvd.
Culture Pick | Aly & AJ announce 2022 tour, and we’re ready

Culture Pick | Aly & AJ announce 2022 tour, and we’re ready

Monica Nakashima, Staff Reporter • July 21, 2021
The duo has made a comeback recently, culminating in the release of their fourth studio album, “A Touch of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets You Out and Then Into the Sun.” “A Touch of the Beat” is Aly & AJ’s first studio album since “Insomniatic” in 2007.
We Rate Ratings with special guest Avery Leopard.

We Rate Ratings | Ernest & Hadley booksellers

Monica Nakashima and Joshua LeBerte • July 16, 2021
Monica talks about spraining her ankle while walking in the rain on campus, which leads to both hosts discussing the unsafe conditions of UA's crosswalks. This transitions into interviewing Ernest & Hadley booksellers, a local business near campus.
Some Million Dollar Band alumni say reunions are overpriced, inaccessible

Some Million Dollar Band alumni say reunions are overpriced, inaccessible

Monica Nakashima, Staff Reporter • July 7, 2021
The Alumni Band weekend is an annual reunion where Million Dollar Band alumni reconvene on campus and perform during a home football game. The event usually lasts two days, and it costs $40 for alumni to attend. 
We Rate Ratings with special guest professor Tom Arenberg.

We Rate Ratings | Tom Arenberg from C&IS

Monica Nakashima and Josh LeBerte • July 4, 2021
Episode four of “We Rate Ratings” begins with Monica revealing her anxiety of her incoming Summer II classes, and Josh asking for her “Ned’s Declassified [Summer] School Survival Guide." Professor Tom Arenberg joins the podcast as its second C&IS guest.
Digital illustration of the transgender pride flag superimposed over the state of Alabama

How Alabama legislation impacts trans youth

Monica Nakashima, Staff Reporter • June 30, 2021
Although Pride Month has highlighted the steps taken to celebrate and accept members of the LGBTQ+ community, some Alabama legislation has pushed against the progress made in the last few decades. 
We Rate Ratings with special guest professor Kevin Woosley.

We Rate Ratings | Kevin Woosley from Music

Monica Nakashima and Josh LeBerte • June 25, 2021
This third installment of “We Rate Ratings” centers around all things music from Josh's mini-rant about how people have been responding to Lorde’s new single “Solar Power," to this weeks guest Kevin Woosley, a UA instructor in the music department.
We Rate Ratings with special guest Garrett Bridger Gilmore.

We Rate Ratings | Garrett Bridger Gilmore from English

Monica Nakashima and Josh LeBerte • June 18, 2021
In the second episode of “We Rate Ratings" hosts, Monica and Josh discuss their recent vacations before welcoming guest Garrett Bridger Gilmore, a UA instructor in both English and Race and Gender studies.
A sign posted by Starbucks featuring images of the planned remodel, as well as the following text: "Pardon our progress... Please visit our kiosk located on the second floor. Coming Fall 2021!"

Out with the old, in with the new: What’s going on at the Ferg?

Monica Nakashima, Staff Reporter • June 13, 2021
UA students will see updates at the Ferguson Center this fall. Starbucks is being renovated while Blenz Bowls and Cheese Louise are introducing new dine-in locations. 
We Rate Ratings featuring professor Meredith Cummings

We Rate Ratings | Meredith Cummings from C&IS

Monica Nakashima and Josh LeBerte • June 11, 2021
In the premiere episode of We Rate Ratings, a podcast inspired by “Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet,” hosts Monica and Josh discuss Spotify ads and cringey 2010s trends before they’re joined by Meredith Cummings, a UA College of Communication and Information Sciences senior instructor.
A digital illustration depicting two cute squishmallows.

How Squishmallows won the hearts of college students

Monica Nakashima, Staff Reporter • June 9, 2021
For the past year, TikTok users have been captivated by Squishmallow’s unique designs and soft polyester material.
UA Generation Action hosts menstrual cup drive

UA Generation Action hosts menstrual cup drive

Monica Nakashima, Staff Reporter • June 2, 2021

The UA chapter of Generation Action, a national organization affiliated with Planned Parenthood, has worked for the past year to educate UA students on reproductive health and rights.  As a newly active...

Embrace Alabama Kids unveils mural in Montgomery  

Embrace Alabama Kids unveils mural in Montgomery  

Monica Nakashima, Contributing Writer • May 14, 2021

Embrace Alabama Kids, a faith-based nonprofit that supports children and families in crisis across Alabama, recently unveiled two murals in Montgomery.  One of the murals was a “traveling showcase”...

CW File

Black and LGBTQ+ alumni receive seats on committee 

Monica Nakashima, Contributing Writer • April 23, 2021

While Crimson Tide fans were celebrating A-Day over the weekend, two University groups were celebrating a victory of their own. Effective April 17, the Black and LGBTQ Alumni Associations have two seats...

Courtesy of UA Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Campus community to discuss Chauvin verdict 

Monica Nakashima, Contributing Writer • April 21, 2021
Derek Chauvin is guilty on all counts, a jury ruled. Now, campus DEI leaders are asking: "Where do we go from here?"
Embrace Alabama Kids volunteers and community members collaborated with three Alabama cities to piece together a mural in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention month. Courtesy of Luke Powell

Embrace Alabama Kids helps foster youth with college expenses 

Monica Nakashima, Contributing Writer • April 11, 2021

Embrace Alabama Kids is a nonprofit faith-based organization dedicated to serving vulnerable children and families in crisis across the state, and its program extends to college-aged foster youth.  Governor...

#StopAsianHate vigil remembers victims of Atlanta shootings

#StopAsianHate vigil remembers victims of Atlanta shootings

Monica Nakashima, Contributing Writer • April 3, 2021
Hundreds gathered Thursday evening to remember the lives lost in the Atlanta shootings last month and to pledge an end to anti-Asian hate.
How two art graduate students are making their exhibitions personal

How two art graduate students are making their exhibitions personal

Monica Nakashima and • March 29, 2021
Two UA graduate students have art hanging in Sella-Granata Gallery right now. The pair of exhibits are obvious representations of how reflective both students have been in their work.
‘This needs to stop’: Campus community speaks out against anti-Asian hate crimes

‘This needs to stop’: Campus community speaks out against anti-Asian hate crimes

Monica Nakashima, Contributing Writer • March 21, 2021
In a week of grief and mourning, Asian American students and faculty discuss what a ‘fight for a just society’ might look like
Courtesy of Pixabay

Calendar | Trivia, movies and lectures: How UA is celebrating Black History Month

Monica Nakashima, Contributing Writer • February 4, 2021
Looking to learn more about and celebrate Black history this February? The University calendar is loaded with events, both virtual and in-person, meant to engage your mind this month. From film screenings to lectures, find your ideal learning experience in this compiled Black History Month calendar.
Former U.S. Congressman John Lewis speaks at a Blackburn Institute event on campus in 2019.

Why vote? Here’s what some civil rights legends would say

Monica Nakashima, Contributing Writer • October 28, 2020
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hosted a Zoom event honoring those who worked to secure the right to vote for Black Americans. The event, titled “What would John Lewis do? Vote!,” educated attendees on why voting is important.
‘Border South’ documentary highlights migrant stories

‘Border South’ documentary highlights migrant stories

Monica Nakashima, Contributing Writer • October 11, 2020

In a year, over 400,000 migrants travel from the south of Mexico. Thousands go missing. Those were the opening lines displayed to faculty, staff, and students who attended a watch party event for the...

CW / Carly Farmer

University cancels spring break, extends winter break

Monica Nakashima, Contributing Writer • September 30, 2020
The University of Alabama announced the Spring 2021 semester will start on Jan. 13, one week later than originally planned, to allow 12 days between New Year’s Day and the beginning of classes. This announcement, sent in a campus-wide email, confirmed that in-person classes and on-campus residency will be available. 
CW / Carly Farmer

UA relaxes moratorium, retains restrictions against partying

Monica Nakashima, Contributing Writer • September 29, 2020

The University of Alabama announced on Tuesday that student organizations can begin hosting non-social engagement events, effective Oct. 1.  Vice President of Student Life Myron L. Pope said in a campus-wide...

UAPD participates in racial intelligence training 

UAPD participates in racial intelligence training 

Monica Nakashima, Contributing Writer • September 16, 2020

The University of Alabama Police Department participated in the Racial Intelligence Training & Enforcement (RITE) Academy on Sep. 2. The event featured discussions led by the organization's founder,...