Latest news with #Samoan
NZ Herald
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Black Faggot's Victor Rodger on Destiny Church and why his groundbreaking play remains so relevant today
Like a lot of young homosexuals, it made me feel a lot of self-loathing. But I wasn't raised to denigrate people who were gay. My mother was very young when she had me – she turns 72 this year – but she elected to keep me and I'm so grateful she did. She let me do swirly swirlies in her blue dress when I was going through my Deborah Kerr phase, from The King and I, and she got me the Barbie dolls I craved as a young fella. She was still surprised when I came out when I was 26, but she's always just let me be. When Destiny Church led its 'Enough is Enough' march on Parliament in 2004 against the Civil Union Bill [giving legal recognition to same-sex relationships], I knew without a doubt that at least one of those young men would be gay. Hating on themselves and marching against themselves. I wanted to write something metaphorically for that kid. Then, in 2012, there were more protests against the marriage equality bill, with members of the Pasifika community coming out against it. I knew it was time to finally get over the line. Victor Rodger: "Some seriously appalling things are going down in our own backyard." Photo / Dean Purcell Black Faggot premiered at Auckland's Basement Theatre in 2013. I wanted it to be funny, which it is, and I also wanted to diversify the spectrum of Samoan queer characters, who until then had often been typified by fa'afafine as objects of mirth, with no complexity or layers. Two actors play multiple roles, mostly queer Samoan men, from super camp to super butch and everything in between. There's also a fa'afafine, a Samoan mum, and a pumping iron straight brother, but the spine of the show is a relationship between a young Samoan man on the down low and an out-and-proud Samoan man. When I heard The Court Theatre in Christchurch wanted Black Faggot on its programme this year, I wondered if it was still relevant. I'd thought about doing it myself in 2023, for the 10th anniversary, and had asked myself the same question. A few years ago, I was a dramaturg on a trans rom-com about a Tongan fakaleiti at high school and the captain of the First XV, who takes a bet that he can make her fall in love with him. When we did our first showing to a group of students, they were just so invested in the trans main character having a happy ending. For me, as an older, queer person, I was blown away because that never would have happened in my era. Destiny Church members wearing Man Up T-shirts disrupt the Auckland Rainbow Parade on Ponsonby Road in February. But as they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same. I was in the UK when I saw the headlines: 'Brian Tamaki's Destiny Church pride protests: Te Atatū witness describes terror inside library'. I wasn't expecting something like that to happen, but it didn't surprise me, either. We are living through a period in history right now that is as startling as it is unstable. And here in Aotearoa, we can't kid ourselves that we're in a position to look overseas and say 'Well, at least it's not that bad here', because some seriously appalling things are going down in our own backyard. Back in 2013, I wanted to pull Black Faggot. I was unravelling over all sorts of other life stuff and had convinced myself it was the worst piece of shit that had ever been committed to paper. Everything felt pretty grim and dark. The premiere got a standing ovation, but even that offered no relief. With this new season, I've been able to engage with the show from a much better place. I forbade my mother from seeing it, but she disobeyed me and went to the opening night in Christchurch, which is where I grew up. She's always been concerned with the amount of swearing in my work and that people will think she raised me to talk in the gutter. I did that all on my own. She's also not a great fan of sex, and there's a lot of sex talk in the show. But she coped and was blown away by the two actors, one of whom is the son of a family friend from the same church. There are moments in it when you can hear a pin drop, like when the young Christian character keeps praying to God to be made straight. That resonates with so many of us who've been through the same thing, just wanting to be #normal. On the night I went, there was recognition and there was laughter, but the overriding emotion was celebratory. That's not a word I would have used, but seeing it now, I thought, yes, this is absolutely a celebration. And a necessary one. Victor Rodger is an award-winning playwright based in Wellington and a 2024 Arts Laureate. The new production of Black Faggot, directed by Anapela Polata'ivao (who starred in the feature film Tinā), has just completed a four-week season at The Court in Christchurch and is on at Auckland's Q Theatre from June 25 to 29.
Los Angeles Times
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
The Sports Report: Dodgers-Padres series reaches contentious conclusion
From Jack Harris: Seven times in the last 10 days, the Dodgers and San Diego Padres have renewed their steadily intensifying divisional rivalry. And in the last inning of the last one of those games Thursday night, the mounting tensions between the clubs — and their respective managers — finally ignited into a benches-clearing confrontation. At the end of the Padres' 5-3 win against the Dodgers, San Diego star Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit by a Dodgers pitcher for the third time over the two recent series between the National League West foes, and a career-high sixth time by the team in his six years in the majors. Moments later, Dave Roberts and Mike Shildt were face-to-face on the field, engaged in a shouting match that caused both benches to empty in a heated melee behind home plate. 'I felt that he was trying to make it personal with me,' Roberts said of Shildt. 'Which then, I take it personal.' Indeed, as soon as Tatis got plunked on the hand by a 93-mph fastball from debuting Dodgers rookie Jack Little, Shildt came storming out of the dugout, walking over to check on Tatis while barking in Roberts' direction. Whatever Shildt said, Roberts took exception. Suddenly, he was charging onto the field, bumping into Shildt as the two jawed back and forth and their two teams swarmed around them. Continue reading here Federal agents denied entry to Dodger Stadium parking lot, sparking new outrage over Trump sweeps When Dodger baseball meets L.A. reality | Dodgers Debate Shaikin: Why is Dodger Stadium SO LOUD? Dodgers box score MLB scores MLB standings Trent Grisham and Paul Goldschmidt hit consecutive homers in the second inning, and the New York Yankees beat the Angels 7-3 on Thursday to halt their six-game skid. Carlos Rodón (9-5) allowed a season-high three homers but held the Angels to four hits in six innings to bounce back from two rocky outings against the Red Sox. The left-hander struck out seven and walked one on an 89-degree afternoon. The AL East-leading Yankees stopped their longest losing streak since a nine-game slide in August 2023. New York also avoided its second four-game sweep at the current Yankee Stadium and first since September 2021 against Toronto. Continue reading here Angels box score MLB scores MLB standings From Gary Klein: From the moment the Rams landed in Maui, Puka Nacua embraced the spotlight and provided sunshine vibes. The star receiver, with several colorful leis draping his shoulders, turned heads upon arrival at a Monday night luau. The next morning, flag football players excitedly buzzed 'It's Puka!' as he entered War Memorial Stadium for a Rams workout and clinic. That afternoon, autograph seekers lined up 100-deep for an exclusive afternoon Puka-centric event at a team pop-up store. On Wednesday, several thousands of fans showed up to see the Rams' public workout, dozens of them wearing Nacua jerseys. Nacua, who is of Hawaiian, Samoan and Portuguese descent, welcomed the attention with open arms. Continue reading here From Kevin Baxter: The FIFA Club World Cup is just six days old, but it has already provided a mixed bag of memorable experiences for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whose trip to Southern California with Paris Saint-Germain marked his first visit to the U.S. 'I was in shock,' the veteran winger said. 'It's very beautiful here. I like it very much. One day we [went] bowling. And played mini golf. I was thinking when I finish football, to come to live.' Then there's the soccer, where not all the memories have been good ones. After contributing two assists to a win in PSG's tournament opener, Kvaratskhelia was unable to get any of his game-high five shots past goalkeeper John Victor in Thursday's 1-0 loss to Brazilian club Botafogo before an announced crowd of 53,699 at the Rose Bowl. The upset, the tournament's most shocking result so far, snapped PSG's win streak at six games in all competition, marked the first time it has been held scoreless since March 5 and leaves in doubt the team's spot in the second round. Botafogo (2-0) leads the four-team group with PSG and Atlético Madrid (both 1-1) tied for second with a game remaining. With just two teams moving on, PSG will need a victory over the Sounders on Monday in Seattle to advance. Continue reading here Juventus players befuddled by visit with Trump at White House: 'I just want to play football, man' From Jack Harris: The Lakers are getting a new owner. And in Los Angeles, he's already a familiar name. Thirteen years after buying the Dodgers and transforming the team into a juggernaut in Major League Baseball, billionaire businessman Mark Walter is in line to become the new majority owner of the Lakers. Suddenly, the once anonymous Chicago-based investment manager is about to have both of the Southland's most prominent professional sports teams in his portfolio. For Lakers fans, Walter's arrival will mark a massive shift following decades of family ownership of the team by the Buss family. But, they won't have to look far to find examples of how Walter has operated another iconic Los Angeles sports brand. 'He's really committed to the city of Los Angeles in various ways,' Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday, after the stunning news of Walter's impending purchase of the Lakers first emerged. 'He's going to do everything he can to produce a championship-caliber team every single year, and make sure the city feels proud of the Lakers and the legacy that they've already built with the Buss family.' As Walter's ownership of the Lakers prepares to begin, here are four things to know about his stewardship of the Dodgers over the last decade-plus. Continue reading here All Times Pacific NBA FINALS Oklahoma City vs. IndianaIndiana 111, at Oklahoma City 110 (box score, story)at Oklahoma City 123, Indiana 107 (box score, story)at Indiana 116, Oklahoma City 107 (box score, story)Oklahoma City 111, at Indiana 104 (box score, story)at Oklahoma City 120, Indiana 109 (box score, story)at Indiana 108, Oklahoma City 91 (box score, story)Sunday at Oklahoma City, 5 p.m., ABC 1908 — Colin wins the Tidal Stakes at Sheepshead Bay and retires undefeated after 15 starts. No major American racehorse approaches this record until 1988, when Personal Ensign retires with a perfect 13-for-13 career. 1936 — Jesse Owens sets a 100-meter record of 10.2 seconds at a meet in Chicago. 1940 — Joe Louis stops Arturo Godoy in the eighth round at Yankee Stadium to retain the world heavyweight title. 1960 — Floyd Patterson knocks out Ingemar Johansson in the fifth round in New York to become the first boxer to regain the world heavyweight title. 1966 — Billy Casper beats Arnold Palmer by four strokes in a playoff to win the U.S. Open. 1967 — Cassius Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali, is convicted of violating the United States Selective Service laws by refusing to be drafted. Clay is sentenced to five years in prison and fined $10,000, the maximum penalty for the offense. Ali remains free while his conviction is on appeal. 1968 — The Night of Speed. In a span of 2½ hours, the world record of 10 seconds for the 100 meters is broken by three men and tied by seven others at the AAU Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, Calif. Jim Hines wins the first semifinal in a tight finish with Ronny Ray Smith, becoming the first man to break the 10-second barrier. Both runners are credited with a time of 9.9 seconds. Charlie Greene wins the second semifinal and then ties Hines' 9.9 record in the final. 1976 — UEFA European Championship Final, Red Star Stadium, Belgrade, Yugoslavia: Czechoslovakia upsets West Germany, 5-3 on penalties following 2-2 draw. 1980 — Roberto Duran wins a 15-round decision over Sugar Ray Leonard at Olympic Stadium in Montreal to win the WBC welterweight crown. 1982 — Tom Watson wins the U.S. Open by two strokes over Jack Nicklaus. 1984 — Jockey Pat Day equals a thoroughbred racing record for an eight-race card when he wins seven races at Churchill Downs. Day's only loss is in the fourth race. 1993 — Lee Janzen holes a 30-foot chip for birdie on No. 16 and adds birdies on the par-5 closing holes for a two-stroke victory over Payne Stewart in the U.S. Open. Janzen ties Jack Nicklaus' record 272 total and Lee Trevino's four straight rounds in the 60′s. 1993 — John Paxson hits a 3-pointer with 3.9 seconds left as the Chicago Bulls win their third consecutive NBA title with a 99-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the finals. 1994 — Ernie Els of South Africa becomes the first foreign winner of the U.S. Open since 1981, beating Loren Roberts on the second sudden-death hole. 2004 — Retief Goosen captures his second U.S. Open in four years. In the toughest final round at the U.S. Open in 22 years, Goosen closes with a 1-over 71 for a two-shot victory made possible when Phil Mickelson three-putts from 5 feet on the 17th. 2006 — Dwyane Wade caps his magnificent playoffs with 36 points and 10 rebounds to lead Miami past the Dallas Mavericks 95-92 as the Heat roar back from a two-game deficit to win the NBA finals in six games. 2013 — LeBron James has 37 points and 12 rebounds, and the Miami Heat repeat as champions with a 95-88 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. 2018 — Christiano Ronaldo scores a goal against Morocco to become the all-time leading European goalscorer (85) in international compitition. 2019 — Duke power forward Zion Williamson is the first player chosen in the 2019 NBA Draft. 2020 — Tiz the Law, ridden by Manuel Franco, wins the 152nd Belmont Stakes becoming the first New York-bred horse to win the event since 1882. 1912 — The New York Giants outslugged the Boston Braves 21-12 with the teams scoring a total of 17 runs in the ninth inning. The Giants scored seven runs to take a 21-2 lead and the Braves scored 10 runs in the ninth. 1932 — Philadelphia's Doc Cramer hit six singles in six at-bats and Mickey Cochrane, Jimmie Foxx and Mule Haas each drove in four runs in the Athletics' 18-11 win over the Chicago White Sox. Haas hit a grand slam in the sixth inning to put the A's up 12-6. 1956 — Mickey Mantle hit two home runs into the right centerfield bleachers at Detroit's Briggs Stadium. Mantle hit both blasts off Billy Hoeft in the 7-4 win. He became the first player to reach the bleachers since they were were built in the late 1930s. 1973 — San Francisco's Bobby Bonds broke Lou Brock's National League record for leadoff home runs. Bonds' 22nd career leadoff home run came off Don Gullet in a 7-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. 1973 — Chicago's Cy Acosta becomes the first American League pitcher to bat since the designated hitter rule went into effect. Acosta strikes out in the eighth inning, and still gets the win in the White Sox' 8-3 win over California. 1980 — Freddie Patek, one of baseball's smallest players at 5-foot-5, hit three home runs and a double to lead the Angels in a 20-2 rout of the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park. 1992 — Kelly Saunders became the second woman to serve as a public address announcer at a major league game when she filled in for Rex Barney in Baltimore. 1994 — The Detroit Tigers' string of 25 straight games hitting a home run ended in a 7-1 loss to Cleveland. The streak matched the major league mark set by the 1941 New York Yankees. 2004 — Ken Griffey Jr. hit the 500th home run of his career, off Matt Morris, to help the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-0. 2007 — Sammy Sosa hit his 600th home run, making him the fifth player to reach the milestone. Sosa, playing for the Texas Rangers following a year out of baseball, hit a solo homer off Jason Marquis. It came in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs, the team he played for from 1992-2004. 2009 — Two games ended on wild pitches in extra innings. Nate Schierholtz scored the winning run for San Francisco on a wild pitch by Jason Jennings with two outs in the 11th inning and the Giants beat the Texas Rangers 2-1. Earlier, the Chicago Cubs beat Cleveland 6-5 in 13 innings when Andres Blanco came home on Kerry Wood's gaffe. 2011 — The Florida Marlins named Jack McKeon interim manager. The 80-year-old McKeon became the second-oldest manager in major league history. Connie Mack managed the Philadelphia Athletics in a suit, tie and straw hat until 1950, when he was 87. 2015 — Max Scherzer pitched a no-hitter, losing his perfect game with two outs in the ninth inning when he hit a batter in the Washington Nationals' 6-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Scherzer dominated in retiring the first 26 batters and was one strike from throwing the 22nd perfect game in major league history since 1900. Pinch-hitter Jose Tabata fouled off a pair of 2-2 pitches before Scherzer clipped him on the elbow with a breaking ball. Scherzer then retired Josh Harrison on a deep fly to left. 2016 — Colorado beat Miami 5-3 where eight solo homers accounted for all the runs in the game and set a major league record. Mark Reynolds hit two homers and Trevor Story, Nick Hundley and Charlie Blackmon also went deep for the Rockies. Marcell Ozuna homered twice and Giancarlo Stanton hit one for the Marlins. The previous MLB mark was five. The eight home runs were also the most in a game at Marlins Park since it opened in 2012. Five of the game's first 13 batters connected. 2017 — Umpire Joe West worked his 5,000th major league game. West was behind the plate for a matchup between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The 64-year-old, nicknamed 'Cowboy' Joe, is the third umpire to work at least 5,000 games, joining Hall of Famer Bill Klem (5,375) and Bruce Froemming (5,163). West made his major league debut as a 23-year-old on Sept. 14, 1976, at Atlanta's Fulton County Stadium in a game between the Braves and Houston Astros. He joined the NL staff full time in 1978. His 40 seasons umpiring in the majors are the most by any umpire. Compiled by the Associated Press That concludes today's newsletter. If you have any feedback, ideas for improvement or things you'd like to see, email me at To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.
Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Puka Nacua's rapid ascent an inspiration to Polynesian athletes and Hawaiian fans
WAILUKU, Hawaii — From the moment the Rams landed in Maui, Puka Nacua embraced the spotlight and provided sunshine vibes. The star receiver, with several colorful leis draping his shoulders, turned heads upon arrival at a Monday night luau. The next morning, flag football players excitedly buzzed 'It's Puka!' as he entered War Memorial Stadium for a Rams workout and clinic. That afternoon, autograph seekers lined up 100-deep for an exclusive afternoon Puka-centric event at a team pop-up store. On Wednesday, several thousands of fans showed up to see the Rams' public workout, dozens of them wearing Nacua jerseys. Nacua, who is of Hawaiian, Samoan and Portuguese descent, welcomed the attention with open arms. 'These are people who have similar backgrounds to me,' Nacua said this week. 'This is how I was raised — to call everybody Auntie and Uncle, and to be with them and give hugs and kisses, and to eat a lot of food with them. 'This feels like home.' Nacua, 24, is clearly comfortable in his role. He is the latest Polynesian NFL star, joining players such as Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell and Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata. Nacua burst onto the NFL scene in 2023 with a record-setting rookie season. His boundless enthusiasm, physical style and daring athletic catches thrilled fans and showed Polynesian athletes that opportunity and success at a so-called skill position was in their grasp. Linebacker Junior Seau, safety Troy Polamalu and center Kevin Mawae are Polynesian players enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Nacua is respectful of the players who paved the way for his opportunity, citing Marcus Mariota, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Polamalu as just a few of the many that led the way. He aims to show that opportunity exists beyond 'the trenches' for aspiring Polynesian athletes. 'It makes it super exciting,' he said, 'because the skill positions are coming.' The influence of Polynesian pro players dates to the 1940s, when offensive lineman Al Lolotai played for Washington. In the 1950s, offensive lineman Charlie Ane twice made the Pro Bowl and won two NFL championships with the Detroit Lions. Ane returned to Hawaii and tutored a young offensive lineman named Norm Chow. Chow played at Utah and coached as an assistant at Brigham Young, North Carolina State, USC, the NFL's Tennessee Titans, UCLA and Utah before Hawaii in 2011 made him the first Asian American head coach at a major college program. Watching Nacua's ascent has been gratifying for the Hawaiian-born Chow. 'It's a cool deal,' Chow said. 'He's a tough guy.' Toughness was a hallmark for Polynesian players such as Jesse Sapolu, an interior lineman on four San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl-title teams. Sapolu was twice voted to the Pro Bowl during a career that spanned from 1983 to 1997. In those days, Sapolu said a dearth of Polynesian players in the NFL led him to study the schedule each year and identify the teams that included Polynesians. 'I'd look five weeks down the line at the roster,' Sapolu said, 'and put it in the back of my mind, 'I can't wait for that week so I can say hello to that person.'' Sapolu is the co-founder and chairman of the Hawaii-based Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. He has known Nacua since 2019, when Nacua played in the organization's annual high school All-Star game. As an ambassador for the 49ers, Sapolu was on the sideline at Levi's Stadium in 2023 when Nacua broke the NFL record for catches and receiving yards by a rookie. 'This generation is looking at this picture with a broader lens,' Sapolu said. 'We still have the top linemen … but now we've got the Puka Nacuas coming up that Polynesian kids can say 'Hey, you know, not only can I be big and strong, I can also be skinny and fast and go out there and do things that Puka is doing.'' Manti Te'o grew up in Hawaii. In 2009, he was one of the most highly recruited players in the U.S. before going on to star at linebacker for Notre Dame and playing eight NFL seasons. Te'o, an NFL Network analyst, has a home in Utah. He recalls watching Nacua play at BYU, where he displayed tenacity, physicality and fearlessness that harked to Smith-Schuster, the former USC star who has played eight NFL seasons. Nacua's humility and the way he represented his family and community also stood out, Te'o said. Nacua's success might have helped pave the way for former Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan, selected by the Carolina Panthers with the eighth pick in the 2025 draft. 'They're starting to believe that they can be more than just the typical O-lineman,' Te'o said. 'It's nice to see that transition and progression.' Mariota helped lay the groundwork. He grew up in Hawaii, starred at quarterback for Oregon, became the first Polynesian player to win the Heisman Trophy and was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the second pick in the 2015 draft. Mariota, who will begin his second season with the Washington Commanders, pointed to Jack 'The Throwin' Samoan' Thompson, Jason Gesser, Timmy Chang and Darnell Arceneaux as Samoan and Hawaiian-born quarterbacks who paved the way for him. 'I really value some of these guys that played before me, and what they were able to do, and what they went through to allow me to even have the chance to play quarterback,' Mariota said. Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns rookie Dillon Gabriel followed Mariota to play quarterback in college and the NFL. Now, Nacua is showing other Polynesian athletes that they don't have to be 'loopholed' to play as a lineman or linebacker, Mariota said. 'Guys like Puka and guys across the league are really taking this Polynesian generation to the next level,' Mariota said. 'So, it's cool to see him, and I'm excited to see what's next because this is just the beginning.' This fall, Jayden Maiava is expected to start at quarterback for USC, Nico Iamaleava for UCLA. Maiava said Mariota and Tagovailoa 'set the example and set the tone' for him as a quarterback. Nacua's example as a Rams receiver also inspires, he said. 'Just to wake up and hit that standard he sets every single day,' Maiava said. 'It's something to look up to and gives a young kid like me something to strive for, and one day hope we can get there.' The Rams returned to Hawaii for the first time since 2019, when they played a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oahu. In Maui, they opened a pop-up for five days in Wailea that featured merchandise designed by Aaron Kai, an Hawaiian artist who lives in Los Angeles. Sales were brisk, but the main event was Nacua's appearance. Joshua Cabjuan, 21, of Oahu purchased caps, a hoodie and other items. He said he met Nacua at the Polynesian Bowl a few years ago, so he brought a replica of Nacua's Orem (Utah) high school jersey to be signed. 'He was really excited, like, 'Whoa, this is crazy — I haven't seen this in so long,'' Cabjuan said. Kristin Domingo of Maui had always been a Lakers and Dodgers fan. Becoming a Rams and Nacua fan, she said, naturally followed. 'We support anyone who comes from the islands or is of Hawaiian descent,' she said after Nacua signed a jersey. And what does she like about Nacua? 'He's an excellent wide receiver,' she said. 'He kicks ass on the field.' Peyton Koerte, 12, and Kiara Nishimura, 14, from Kauai each emerged with a signed Nacua jersey. Why Nacua? 'We picked him for our draft in fantasy football,' Peyton said. For decades the NFL's Pro Bowl was played in Hawaii. Te'o remembers watching players such as Rams stars Kurt Warner and Isaac Bruce in person. 'To see them play allowed me to dream big,' Te'o said. Nacua hopes the Rams' visit to Maui has a similar effect, and that it uplifts an island that was ravaged by the 2023 wildfire that destroyed much of Lahaina. In remarks at the Rams welcome luau, Maui County Mayor Richard T. Bissen Jr. noted that the team donated more than $260,000 in initial relief and helped spur donations from other pro teams of $450,000 to the American Red Cross. He also recalled attending a football camp in Maui overseen by former Rams quarterback Roman Gabriel in the 1970s. 'Thank you for what you're going to do for our youth in the next couple of days, uplifting them and teaching them,' he said, adding that perhaps the next Puka Nacua might be among the attendees. Nacua was thankful to help play a role in healing. 'To know the support that you want to give to those people who are going through that issue, and to see how it can change and bring the community closer together in that time, I think our team has felt that,' Nacua said. Nacua once looked up to players such as Mariota and Smith-Schuster. Now, young players are looking up to him. 'The discipline to have the consistency to go out there and perform very well, I feel like those are things that are staples in the Polynesian community,' he said. Nacua will return to Los Angeles and begin preparing for training camp and a season of high expectations. The Rams are regarded as potential Super Bowl contenders, with an offense that includes star quarterback Matthew Stafford and new star receiver Davante Adams. But Nacua will not soon forget his time in Maui. And he will have plenty of reminders. 'I'm sure I'm going to have 50 leis by the time I go home,' he said.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Beloved Utah fashion designer's friends remember his life and his last moments
Arthur "Afa" Ah Loo, pictured with Rep. Verona Mauga. Ah Loo died at Salt Lake City "No Kings" protest. (Courtesy) Those familiar with Arthur 'Afa' Ah Loo's fashion work can quickly identify cohesive characteristics in his pieces — they are freeflowing, comfortable and fitting for every size. Ah Loo himself shared a lot of his gowns' nature, his friends say, as a soft spoken, yet strong presence in his family and the Utah Pacific Islander community. His friends and family haven't recovered from the shock of hearing that self-described peacekeepers at the Salt Lake City 'No Kings' rally shot three rounds at an armed man at the protest, unintentionally killing Ah Loo. Some still use present tense when speaking about him, and many of them wish they could wipe away the widespread images of his fatal wounds to substitute them with memories of his life. Richard Wolfgramm, Ah Loo's close friend, got to witness many of the moments that built his reputation. He saw Ah Loo's many late nights in his studio working on a gown, videocalling his two children while his wife Laura put them in bed. There was also constant talk about art and how seriously Ah Loo took his civic duties as a new American citizen. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'We read about gun violence in this country all the time. It's just really shocking that it happened to someone that you know and someone that you love, that it happened so fast,' Wolfgramm said. Wolfgramm also saw Ah Loo saying goodbye to his wife and kids at his studio before taking a Lyft to the protest together on Saturday, their final moments together. As they marched, he heard his friend speak about how this was the third protest he had attended in a week. Then, Wolfgramm heard gunshots and screams just steps away on State Street that sent him running. They were separated, Wolfgramm didn't see what happened, but realized something was wrong after Ah Loo didn't answer multiple calls. It was afterwards, when looking at a video he had been recording when the shots were fired, that he saw images of his friend laying on the ground. 'I was horrified, because that's the last image I saw of him,' he said. 'Was him laying in the street with a bullet hole to his head.' The shooting happened just before 8 p.m. At about 3:30 a.m. in the hospital he and a group of family and friends were told that Ah Loo hadn't survived. 'We all just left in a state of shock,' Wolfgramm said on Monday. 'You know, I'm just really getting over my shock right now.' Ah Loo's name is recognized internationally, whether for being the first Samoan to be featured in 'Project Runway,' or for dressing many in his distinct flowy pieces — including red-carpet looks of 'Moana 2' stars. He was born and raised in Samoa and moved to the U.S. after making a name for himself in the fashion industry. But, many in Utah also know him for being an involved member of the community, finding ways to empower the next generation of Pacific Islander artists. Ah Loo co-founded the nonprofit Creative Pacific with his friend Benjamin Powell, an organization that promotes culture, creativity and innovation, especially among Pacific Islander communities. While Ah Loo had a specific style for his pieces — and a signature hat look for himself — he was also open to designing any type of wardrobe, Powell said. He served on boards and mentored people on their design efforts. 'Afa was a loving soul, very giving of his time, very giving of his service and the work that he did,' Powell said, 'and just an all-around, really, just genuinely, a good soul.' Ah Loo may have had a very public-facing career, but he wasn't one to speak in front of crowds. According to Powell, he was more of a 'quiet mover and shaker.' 'He wasn't a loud person. His work really would speak for itself, which I think, is what set him apart in many ways,' Powell said. 'Because his quiet ways of doing things were still very effective and impactful with people that he came across.' Taylorsville Democratic Rep. Verona Mauga, who is also Samoan, also remembers Ah Loo with fondness after knowing him for over 10 years. She describes him as someone who could create anything from scratch. 'He was able to connect people and reach people in ways that other people just weren't able to do,' she said about Ah Loo. 'It was a gift of his to gather and to connect people.' Before the shooting, the rally protesting President Donald Trump's second-term policies was peaceful and beautiful, Mauga said. 'It was great until it wasn't.' 'It's very sad and unfortunate that Afa passed away violently when he was someone who stood up for others and cared about equity and equality and people being treated fairly,' Mauga said. '(He) also often said things like, it's important to stand on the right side of history. And I know that's why he was marching.' After the assassination of Minnesota lawmakers Saturday and the shooting at West Valley City's WestFest carnival that ended in three deaths, Mauga says there needs to be an important conversation about public safety. 'This is a conversation that needs to happen with community and with government,' she said. 'Too much has happened this weekend, and we need to re-evaluate things and see what we need to do to make Utah safer.' Thinking about all of those details that made Ah Loo the person his community loved, and then the situation in which he died, angers Wolfgramm. 'I am so sick to my stomach (with) the revelation that's just coming out right now,' Wolfgramm said, referring to a peacekeeper shooting his handgun after seeing Arturo Gamboa holding an AR-15 style rifle at the protest. Before the shots rang out, nonviolence and unity defined 'No Kings' protest Wolfgramm is conflicted, however, because he doesn't know what he would have done as a peacekeeper in their situation. Utah is an open carry state, but Gamboa's intentions for having a rifle during the protest are unclear. Still, he wishes the event peacekeepers had left trained law enforcement to deal with the situation. 'When I look at their actions, I see the actions of amateurs, and I see panic,' Wolfgramm said. 'And I don't know what I would have done in that situation, but my brothers in law enforcement, they are people that are trained specifically for things like this.' Like many, Wolfgramm met Ah Loo through his art, and then formed a friendship that lasted over 10 years with their shared Pacific Islander heritage and interests. He found in Ah Loo a warm, kind, talented and generous friend, but also someone who was fun to hang out with. 'People don't know this about him, but Afa has a beautiful singing voice, and we go to karaoke a lot. I think people are often surprised when he's up there singing,' he said. Wolfgramm also remembers Ah Loo as a devoted father and husband, present even when his job obligations kept him out of his house. 'When we went to the rally, I drove and parked my car at the studio, and we took a Lyft over to Pioneer Park. When I got over there, his wife and his two kids were there. They were leaving the studio. We were all saying our goodbyes and hugging outside. And then they left, and we waited for the Lyft,' Wolfgramm said. 'Those were his final moments with his family.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Rugby Premier League preview for matches on June 18
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 18 (ANI): The first game of the day will see the Chennai Bulls square off against the Kalinga Black Tigers. The Bulls have been the most dominant teams so far with three wins in a row and are on top of the table as they look to extend their winning run. Meanwhile, the Black Tigers will be eager to bounce back after a tough defeat in their previous outing, according to a release from Rugby Premier League. In the second match, the Mumbai Dreamers take on the Delhi Redz. Dreamers will look to notch their first win of the tournament, while the Redz will be eyeing to register more points on board with just one draw under their belt. Top 5 Players to watch out for today at the Rugby Premier League Vaafauese Maliko (Chennai Bulls) The league leader in tries with five successful tries and joint highest points scorer in the tournament so far with 25 points to his name, Vaafauese Maliko is one of the most dominant players of the inaugural season of RPL and is key to Chennai Bulls' strong position in the standings. The 26-year-old Samoan hybrid player is in an exceptional vein of form. Terry Kennedy (Chennai Bulls) A prolific scorer and a key attacking threat, Terry Kennedy is one of the best players participating in the league and is surely living up to that potential. Third highest in points with 17 to his name and successfully converting three tries so far, the Irish hybrid powerhouse is a gamechanger in the ranks of Chennai Bulls. Matias Osadczuk (Delhi Redz) With 16 points in just two games, Matias Osadczuk can cause major troubles for the opposing sides on the field. The 28-year-old Argentine has also scored three conversions and is a major threat to the opposition's backline. Patrick Odongo (Delhi Redz) Another player from the Delhi Redz setup, Patrick Odongo is in a good run of form in the two games played so far. Apart from his defensive contributions at the back, Odongo is also a crucial player in the attack having scored two tries and winning ten points for his side in two appearances. Lucas Lacamp (Kalinga Black Tigers) Despite Kalinga Black Tigers' struggles on the pitch, Lucas Lacamp has impressed everyone with his defensive contributions. With eight tackles already, he is a difficult player to get past and will be critical for the Black Tigers as they face a strong opposition. (ANI)
