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The Mass Media
As ICE raids devastate the undocumented population across the county, Boston remains a safe haven. Government photo.
Trump administration tightens immigration policy
Organizers and attendees pose in front of a banner for the Pokemon Go Community Ambassador program, the group which organized the Wild Area event.
Players gather in Boston for Pokemon Go Wild Area: Global 2024
Demonstrators lined the back of the Campus Ballroom during an information session in October, protesting the recent updates to the space use policy and university administration’s enforcement of the policy.
Former police commissioner Edward Davis consulted on updated protest policy
The front door of the Integrated Sciences Complex, which is featured in the thumbnail for the UMass Boston episode of The College Tour.
New season of “The College Tour” highlights UMass Boston
The UMass Boston police station, located in the Quinn Administration Building.
University releases 2024 Clery Act crime report
Organizers and attendees pose in front of a banner for the Pokemon Go Community Ambassador program, the group which organized the Wild Area event.
Players gather in Boston for Pokemon Go Wild Area: Global 2024
Tyler, the Creator stands on a trailer outside the Converse store to perform a $5 show celebrating the release of his eighth studio album.
Tyler, the Creator holds pop-up concert in Boston
The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office sends out voter information booklets with information about each ballot question.
Curious about the Mass. ballot? Here’s what to know
Question 2 would remove the MCAS graduation requirement for students like those at Boston College High School.
USG resolution endorses Question 2
A train arrives at the JFK/UMass station.
Red Line shutdown: What you need to know
Demonstrators lined the back of the Campus Ballroom during an information session in October, protesting the recent updates to the space use policy and university administration’s enforcement of the policy.
Former police commissioner Edward Davis consulted on updated protest policy
The UMass Boston police station, located in the Quinn Administration Building.
University releases 2024 Clery Act crime report
UMass Boston community members were encouraged to share their reasons for writing for the Undercurrents' National Day on Writing celebration.
English department celebrates National Day on Writing
More than 100 union members and students, many dressed in Halloween costumes, gathered outside Phillis Wheatley Hall to demand a living wage and criticize the administration’s response to an Oct. 8 vigil mourning the death of Marcellus Williams, who was executed by the state of Missouri despite questions of his innocence, and victims of the war in Gaza.
Union speak-out criticizes protest policy, disciplinary letters for members
The UMass Boston Police Department closed University Drive West while they documented the crash scene.
Student struck outside West Garage
Demonstrators lined the back of the Campus Ballroom during an information session in October, protesting the recent updates to the space use policy and university administration’s enforcement of the policy.
Former police commissioner Edward Davis consulted on updated protest policy
Students gather in the One-Stop Financial Office after UMass Boston guaranteed free tuition for eligible students through the Beacon Pledge.
UMass pledges free tuition for high-need students
Chancellor Robert A. Corrigan giving the address at the 1980 Commencement held at the Columbia Point campus plaza between the Quinn Administration Building and the Joseph P. Healey Library. Corrigan served as Chancellor from 1979-1988. Photo from the University of Massachusetts Boston digital collections.
Former UMass Boston Chancellor Robert Corrigan dies at 89
Campus activism heats up: UMass Amherst student protestors arrested
Students attending the Rally for Sayed Faisal in Cambridge. Photo courtesy of James Cerone/ Mass Media Staff.  
Boston community members seek justice for Sayed Arif Faisal
Corrections: Vol. LVIII, Issue 6
Corrections: Vol. LVIII, Issue 2
Students enjoy the Welcome Week events hosted by Student Activities last January.
Events to start your semester off strong
Fund Public Higher Education Rally put on by Classified Staff Union, Professional Staff Union and Faculty Staff Union in 1990. Photo from the Healey Library Digital Archives.
Dig into the Archives: A history of protests at Boston’s UC Berkeley
Beacons huddle together during a timeout last season.
More than just saves: A profile on JJ Devine
The Jumpstart office located on the second floor of the Campus Center.
Jumpstart annual donation drive focuses this year on classroom supplies
Executive Chef Jocelyn Aurelien smiles for a portrait in the Dining Commons.
Executive Chef Jocelyn Aurelien makes waves in UMass Boston dining
Written by Dakota Brown and illustrated by Bianca Oppedisano / Mass Media Staff
Ask Bobby #38: Bobby returns
‘They’re unionizing’: Reports of raccoons continue, worsen
‘They’re unionizing’: Reports of raccoons continue, worsen
After a horrific accident, Joe DiPersio has resigned from The Mass Media. Get well soon and best wishes! Illustration by Bianca Oppedisano / Mass Media Staff
Due to a terrible accident, I hereby resign from my post
Bobby Beacon poses in his final form. Illustration by Bianca Oppedisano / Mass Media Staff
A final interview with Bobby Beacon
Written by Joe DiPersio (He/Him) and illustrated by Bianca Oppedisano (She/Her) / Mass Media Staff
Ask Bobby #37: What’s your favorite member of the deer family?
Bob Dylan performing in 1978. Photo by Chris Hakkens is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Knocking on cinema’s door: Exploring Bob Dylan’s legacy in ‘A Complete Unknown’
A snake wraps around an orange tree as the Year of the Wood Snake begins.
A new year beckons: Ring in the Lunar New Year with cultural celebrations
Moviegoers enter for a daytime showing at the AMC at Boston Common. Photo by Saichand Chowdary / Mass Media Staff
Get excited for these upcoming 2025 releases
Verveine Cafe displays their wide array of gluten free breads, baking mixes and other baked goods.
Verveine Café & Bakery: Where gluten-free gourmet shines
Rachel Zegler and Jaeden Martell, who play Laura and Eli, both starred in Y2K, which was released in December of 2024. Photo by Nicole Rivelli via A24.
Reimagining the ‘millennium bug’: Kyle Mooney and Evan Winter discuss A24’s ‘Y2K’
A projector displayed images of Jazz greats while students played covers of contemporary jazz songs.
‘Jazz! Live!’ showcases ‘improvisational takes’ by new student musicians
‘Whodunit?’: ‘Clue: On Stage’ presents a thrilling murder mystery
‘Whodunit?’: ‘Clue: On Stage’ presents a thrilling murder mystery
Professor John Fulton, author of "The Flounder" and one of 35 winners of the National Endowment for the Arts grant. Submitted by Prof. Fulton.
Prof. John Fulton earns NEA grant for ‘The Flounder’
Five student actors rehearse their play during “New Voices, New Stories” dress rehearsal.
Giving playwrights the stage: ‘New Voices, New Stories’ celebrates student voices
Students wait in Snowden Auditorium for the UMBeats club meeting to begin.
UMBeats warms up for a new semester of music
Bob Dylan performing in 1978. Photo by Chris Hakkens is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Knocking on cinema’s door: Exploring Bob Dylan’s legacy in ‘A Complete Unknown’
Moviegoers enter for a daytime showing at the AMC at Boston Common. Photo by Saichand Chowdary / Mass Media Staff
Get excited for these upcoming 2025 releases
Rachel Zegler and Jaeden Martell, who play Laura and Eli, both starred in Y2K, which was released in December of 2024. Photo by Nicole Rivelli via A24.
Reimagining the ‘millennium bug’: Kyle Mooney and Evan Winter discuss A24’s ‘Y2K’
Pedestrians walk past the Boston Common AMC movie theater.
Flying high: ‘Wicked’ reimagines the land of Oz
A student browses through Palestinian films, many of which are free through the Healey Library.
The vast culture and rich stories of Palestine told through film
Bob Dylan performing in 1978. Photo by Chris Hakkens is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Knocking on cinema’s door: Exploring Bob Dylan’s legacy in ‘A Complete Unknown’
Pedestrians walk past the Boston Common AMC movie theater.
Flying high: ‘Wicked’ reimagines the land of Oz
A projector displayed images of Jazz greats while students played covers of contemporary jazz songs.
‘Jazz! Live!’ showcases ‘improvisational takes’ by new student musicians
Tyler, the Creator stands on a trailer outside the Converse store to perform a $5 show celebrating the release of his eighth studio album.
Tyler, the Creator holds pop-up concert in Boston
More bands are killing their pop-punk sound. Is it working?
Forward Connor Walden goes in for a shot at a previous home game.
Men’s basketball to welcome the Wolves on Wednesday
Forward Conor Foley faces off against the University of Southern Maine during a previous home game.
Men’s hockey making ground in NEHC
Guard Maddie Parks dribbles the ball during a previous home game.
Women’s basketball wins three of four
Beacons celebrate win against Elmira on Jan. 17. Photo by Becky Schoenecker/ Beacon Athletics.
Men’s hockey meets the Elmira College Eagles
A player attempts a pass at a previous home game. Photo from The Mass Media Archives.
Women’s basketball back with a winning stretch
The team sits with coaches during a timeout.
Women’s volleyball winning, but lost LEC opener
Men’s soccer player Diego Gisholt sprints down field in game against UMass Dartmouth on Oct 2.
Men’s soccer drowns the Anchormen in LEC playoffs
UMass Boston Softball players gear up at a recent game. Photo provided by Beacons Athletics.
Softball continues strong as season’s end approaches
Outfielder Mariano Jimenez stares into the field after a tough loss on May 2. Photo provided by Beacons Athletics.
A breakdown of baseball’s season, and what’s to come
A photo of UMass Boston's Women's Lacrosse Coach Hannah Khin. Graphic provided by Beacons Athletics.
Recruitment strategies of UMass Boston coaches: Hannah Khin
Drake Maye and the Patriots showing signs of growth
Everything you need to know for Super Bowl LVIII
Illustration of Bruins’ right winger Trent Frederic. Illustration by Bianca Oppedisano / Mass Media Staff.
Don’t poke the bear: Bruins fans have nothing to worry about
Men’s March Madness Final Four features one of the most unique lineups ever
Image of a stadium. Image sourced from CalMatters.  
With another Super Bowl in the books, what’s next for football?
Guard Emanuel Zayas dribbles the ball on the court. Photo by Dong Woo Im / Mass Media Staff.
Men’s basketball drowns Rhode Island College
UMass Boston junior sprinter Dorinda Okorji wins Second LEC Track Athlete of the Week / Photo and graphic courtesy of Beacons Athletics.
Track and field keeps showing promise with spike in performance
Forward Keriann Farina shoots the ball against Rhode Island College at a home game last semester.
Women’s basketball losing streak extends to four in a row
Men’s hockey players huddle during a home game. Photo courtesy of Beacon Athletics.
Men’s hockey picks themselves up after minor slip on ice
Forward Katie Wilbert shoots the puck against Salem State University at a home game on Jan. 26. Photo by Dong Woo Im / Mass Media Staff.
Leah Bosch leads women’s hockey to sixth straight victory
Donald Trump is pretty much Biff
The TikTok ban is uglier than you think
The death of DEI and its honest implications
Plastic waste is one of the biggest contributors to habitat loss and environmental contamination. Photo via Creative Commons.
Recycling plastic doesn’t work — period. It’s time to reduce, reuse and reevaluate
The exterior of Jeremiah Burke High School.
Considering the future of education in Trump’s America
A student sits in the University Health Service Center, which is also home to the Counseling Center.
The economics of loneliness — what is the cost of social isolation?
UMass Boston raised tuition by 2.5 percent in the 2024-2025 school year.
A look into the rising cost of college education
The fight to value life and the fight for living wages
Students enjoying the Quad, which was completed earlier this year.
The need for sustainable urbanism at UMass Boston
Open letter to administration regarding Oct. 8 vigil
Posters and infographics from UMass Boston’s Students for Justice in Palestine’s Memorial for Martys of Gaza event.
Navigating between two worlds: How UMass Boston can support students from war-torn countries
Celtics spread joy with visit to Boston Children’s Hospital
Students gather at Emerson College’s encampment for Palestine on Thursday, Photo submitted by Elijah Horwath / Mass Media Staff.
Universities are violently repressing free speech—what’s new?
Students boarding the shuttle bus at the Campus Center. Photo by Saichand Chowdary / Mass Media Staff.
Why finding an affordable apartment feels like chasing a unicorn
Students sit outside the Campus Center over the summer. Photo by Olivia Reid / Photography Editor.
UMass’ economic contributions: More than just numbers
The reality of Boston’s domestic abuse problem
The death of DEI and its honest implications
Students at Emerson College's encampment for Palestine last spring sit and talk outside a campus building.
Gaza today, Gaza next year: Thoughts on the current political moment
A future for immigrants in a divided America
A look at the UMass Boston skyline, where the rising ocean levels will become noticeable as the planet continues to rise in temperature.
Trump devastates climate change policy again
Students register to vote ahead of the election November 5.
Congratulations, America: An open letter to a those in the dark
Are professional coaches really hired to get fired?
A future for immigrants in a divided America
Dr. Jemadari Kamara (left), Dr. Chihombori (center), and Dr. Joyce Hope Scott, leader of the Boston Pan-African Forum, address the UMass Boston and BU community in Ryan Lounge.
Contending with whiteness: Trust nothing that divides us
Anthony Richardson in the Colts’ 2023 season. Photo by Tennessee Titans licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Pro sports have no time to be patient
Joel Embiid, Number 21, at a game in 2018. Photo by Keith Allison licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Joel Embiid’s shove highlights the dark side of modern media
Letter to the Editor: Respect pro-Palestinian protestors
Letter to the Editor: Israeli Apartheid Week
Letter to the Editor regarding Israel and Palestine
Letter to the Editor
The Millennials’ Constitution—No, Just No
Vol. LIX, No. 9
Vol. LIX, No. 9
Vol. LVIII, No. 8
Vol. LVIII, No. 8
Vol. LVIII, No. 7
Vol. LVIII, No. 7
Vol. LVIII, No. 6
Vol. LVIII, No. 6
Vol. LVIII, No. 5
Vol. LVIII, No. 5
UMass Boston's independent student newspaper

The Mass Media
UMass Boston's independent student newspaper

The Mass Media
Dakota Brown

Dakota Brown, Production Editor

Dakota (they/them) is the production editor for the Mass Media, and has been since spring 2025, before which they were the lone features writer. They are a sophomore with a double major in history and labor studies and a minor in economics. They hope to teach secondary history and social sciences one day. They enjoy writing spotlight features and dabble in opinions and humor. They mostly just care about The Muppets and Garfield, but have yet to find an excuse to cover either. Keep dreaming, Dakota.

All content by Dakota Brown
Students enjoy the Welcome Week events hosted by Student Activities last January.

Events to start your semester off strong

By Dakota Brown, Production Editor
January 27, 2025
Written by Dakota Brown and illustrated by Bianca Oppedisano / Mass Media Staff

Ask Bobby #38: Bobby returns

By Dakota Brown, Production Editor
January 27, 2025
Vol. LIX, No. 9

Vol. LIX, No. 9

By Dakota Brown, Production Editor
January 27, 2025
Fund Public Higher Education Rally put on by Classified Staff Union, Professional Staff Union and Faculty Staff Union in 1990. Photo from the Healey Library Digital Archives.

Dig into the Archives: A history of protests at Boston’s UC Berkeley

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
December 2, 2024
The Jumpstart office located on the second floor of the Campus Center.

Jumpstart annual donation drive focuses this year on classroom supplies

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
December 2, 2024
Executive Chef Jocelyn Aurelien smiles for a portrait in the Dining Commons.

Executive Chef Jocelyn Aurelien makes waves in UMass Boston dining

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
November 18, 2024
A student scrolls through TikTok, one of the major ways politicians are reaching voters in the 2024 election.

Virality over values: Political distraction in the digital age

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
November 4, 2024

Bargaining for a living wage: The untold reality of CSU members

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
October 21, 2024
SIA invited participants to "Smash ICE" at their event Oct. 9.

SIA breaks the ice with immigrants on campus

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
October 21, 2024
Photo submitted by Dante Barton.

Meet Dante Barton, the guy who knows a guy

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
October 7, 2024
Listed from let to right, Liam Revell, Nathan Przybysz, Judy Lieberman, Brook Moyers, Jonathan Frankel, Rick Kesseli, Mayra Cadorin Vidal, Rafael Valotta Rodrigues and Spencer Caddigan gathered for Three Squares New England’s Ride for Food event. Photo submitted by Adan Colon-Carmona.

Professor Rick Kesseli raises more than $7,000 for U-ACCESS food pantry

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
October 7, 2024
Jimmy Ennis reads to the children of UMass Boston's Early Learning Center. Photo via The Mass Media courtesy of Beacon Athletics.

Dig into the Archives: The Early Learning Center

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
September 23, 2024
‘They’re unionizing’: Reports of raccoons continue, worsen

‘They’re unionizing’: Reports of raccoons continue, worsen

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
September 23, 2024
Members of the UMass Boston community stand in solidarity with Africana Studies at the protest held on April 5. Photo submitted by protester.

Students weigh in on the updated protest policy

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
September 19, 2024
Photo sent in by Millicent Snow.

Meet Millicent Snow, a shining example of campus leadership

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
September 9, 2024
Beacons enjoy snacks during Welcome Week festivities. Photo by Olivia Reid/ Photography Editor.

A behind-the-scenes look at Welcome Week 2024

By Dakota Brown, Features Writer
September 3, 2024
The Africana Studies Department located on the fourth floor of Phillis Wheatley Hall. Photo by Olivia Reid / Photography Editor.

Black stories are worth telling: The real meaning of anti-racism

By Dakota Brown, Contributor
April 1, 2024
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