Related Image
Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon
Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon
Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon
READ THE E-EDITION
Sam Shipman

Sam Shipman, Assistant News Editor

Sam Shipman (He/Him) is a second-year journalism major from Natick, Massachusetts. When Sam is not working for the Beacon, he can be found working with WEBN as the J Channel Manager, SPJ as the Vice-President, or staff writing for WECB Milk Crate.

Latest from Sam Shipman
Dawes the Band left to right: Griffin Goldsmith, Taylor Goldsmith

Dawes returns with a rebound of creativity in latest album ‘Oh Brother’

By Sam Shipman, Assistant News Editor / 17 hours ago

Regardless of relationship status, family bond is forever. With Dawes’ latest record “Oh Brother,” brotherly love goes deeper than its title. Taylor...

Members of Sweet93 performing at The Sinclair on Oct 15. (Nick Peace / Beacon Staff)

From a shoegazey haze, Sweet93 emerges

By Sam Shipman, Assistant News Editor / November 19, 2024

The five members of Sweet93 quietly set up their instruments in a relaxed room of 20 or so people. A few songs in and the gathering was fixated on the...

Hundreds of counterprotestors lock arms creating a blockade not allowing the Men's March to walk to their planned rally event in the the Boston Commons. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)

‘Men’s March’ clashes with counterprotesters in Boston

By Sam Shipman, Yogev Toby, Nick Peace and Max Ardrey / November 17, 2024

Hundreds of anti-abortion marchers escorted by Boston Police were met with hundreds of counterprotesters Saturday over several waves of their three-mile...

Boston Police officers in riot gear preparing to disperse protesters blocking and bringing the Men’s March to a halt. (Yogev Toby/ Beacon Staff)

Photos: Hundreds of counterprotesters clash with police at anti-abortion demonstration in Boston

By Arthur Mansavage, Yogev Toby, Nick Peace and Sam Shipman / November 17, 2024

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Planned Parenthood on Commonwealth Avenue Saturday afternoon for the annual Men’s March against abortion....

(Nick Peace for the Beacon)

‘Magachusetts’ election party displays festive environment ahead of Trump blow out

By Sam Shipman, Assistant News Editor / November 7, 2024

In the historically blue Massachusetts, conservatives are a scattered and few-and-far-between group.  In southern Massachusetts, the red side of...

Emerson reacts to Trump landslide, campus ‘devastated’

Emerson reacts to Trump landslide, campus ‘devastated’

By Katherine Cressman, Iselin Bratz and Sam Shipman / November 7, 2024

Emerson community members woke up Wednesday to the news that former President Donald Trump had won the 2024 presidential election and would hold office...

Alice Phoebe Lou opening for Clairo at Roadrunner Oct. 29 (Sam Shipman / Beacon Staff)

[Photo] Alice Phoebe Lou delivers short but bubbly and riveting set during the Charm Tour

By Sam Shipman, Assistant News Editor / November 6, 2024

Sam Shipman

Election live updates: Trump wins a second term, Harris concedes

Election live updates: Trump wins a second term, Harris concedes

By Hannah Nguyen, DJ Mara, Rylie Burns, Bryan Hecht, Katherine Cressman, Sam Shipman, Jordan Pagkalinawan, Merritt Hughes, Iselin Bratz, Annie Sarlin, Rumsha Siddiqui, Arthur Mansavage and Meg Richards / November 5, 2024

The Blue Man group onstage during a performance at the Charles Playhouse in downtown Boston, where they have had a residency since 1995, on Oct. 17, 2024 (Nick Peace / For the Beacon).

The Blue Man Group become unlikely arbiters of AI, mass surveillance, and today’s internet age

By Bryan Hecht and Sam Shipman / October 23, 2024
The mute men in blue have been performing their act in Boston since 1995, combining comedy and musical sketches with percussion instruments and neon oceans at the Charles Playhouse.
Oh He Dead guitarist Alex Salser, and lead singer CJ Johnson performing live.

Oh He Dead’s new project explores a range of ‘Ugly’ moments

By Sam Shipman, Assistant News Editor / October 16, 2024
Today’s indie music scene follows a lot of the same patterns: a hot new artist discovered on social media throws out a couple of singles followed by an album and struggles to break out of the sound that threw them in the spotlight.
The rally held in Boston Public Garden on Oct. 7 was hosted by IfNotNow, an American Jewish led organization which according to their website hopes to, “end U.S. support for Israel's apartheid system and demand equality, justice, and a thriving future for all Palestinians and Israelis" (Rian Nelson / Beacon Staff)

‘Every death is a universe destroyed:’ Oct. 7 memorial for Israeli and Palestinian lives lost

By Merritt Hughes and Sam Shipman / October 9, 2024
A crowd of keffiyehs and yamakas filled the Boston Public Garden Monday as part of a joint memorial service for the Israeli and Palestinian lives lost since Oct. 7 last year.
Protesters gathered in the Boylston Place Alleyway on Oct. 8, 2024, where in May they announced they would refer to it as “Walid Daqqa Alley.” (Nick Peace / For The Beacon)

Pro-Palestinian protesters march outside Israeli consulate, in Boylston Place Alley

By Hannah Nguyen, Nick Peace and Sam Shipman / October 9, 2024
Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters marched outside of the Israeli Consulate in Boston Tuesday before gathering in the Boylston Place Alleyway.
The sights of The Big E at night.

Entertainment, Excitement, Eats: The Big E’s in town

By Sam Shipman, Assistant News Editor / September 30, 2024
On a cool day in early fall, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in West Springfield to experience one of New England’s largest events of the year: The Big E.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey shakes hands with moderator and Globe climate reporter Sabrina Shankman at the conclusion of Thursday's panel discussion on building the climate workforce at Day 2 of the Boston Globe Summit on September 26, 2024 (Bryan Hecht / Beacon Staff).

‘We all know where we need to go’: Gov. Maura Healey on building the climate workforce panel at Boston Globe Summit 2024

By Bryan Hecht and Sam Shipman / September 27, 2024
In a packed room on day two of the 2024 Boston Globe Summit, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey joined Globe climate reporter Sabrina Shankman in a 30-minute discussion on building the climate workforce.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joined Globe work and income inequality reporter Katie Johnston in a discussion about skill-based employment and education at the second day of the Boston Globe Summit on September 26, 2024 (Bryan Hecht / Beacon Staff).

‘Boosting the number of jobs in any community is a win-win’: Mayor Wu talks skills-based employment at Boston Globe Summit 2024

By Bryan Hecht and Sam Shipman / September 26, 2024
In the first event of the second day of the Boston Globe Summit 2024, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joined Globe work and income inequality reporter Katie Johnston in a discussion about skill-based employment and education.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the former Director of the Center for Disease Control discusses vaccination rates, bird flu outbreaks, and antimicrobial resistance in a panel discussion with Globe health and medical editor Anna Kuchment at Day 1 of the Boston Globe Summit on September 25, 2024 (Bryan Hecht / Beacon Staff).

Former CDC director talks COVID, vaccines, and bird flu at Boston Globe Summit 2024

By Bryan Hecht and Sam Shipman / September 26, 2024
On the first day of the 2024 Boston Globe Summit, Anna Kuchment, the Globe’s health and medical editor, led a discussion with Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the former director of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about “The State of Public Health.” 
‘Raw, scrappy, hopeful, and vulnerable’: Odie Leigh talks debut album ‘Carrier Pigeon’

‘Raw, scrappy, hopeful, and vulnerable’: Odie Leigh talks debut album ‘Carrier Pigeon’

By Sam Shipman, Assistant News Editor / September 25, 2024
Between your Adrianne Lenkers and Sufjan Stevenses, the world of modern folk music is a vast spectrum.
Photo by Sam Shipman

JPEGed at Roadrunner: Peggy takes Boston

By Rumsha Siddiqui and Sam Shipman / September 18, 2024
“PEGGY” chants erupted at Roadrunner in anticipation of JPEGMAFIA’s Boston appearance on his “LAY DOWN MY LIFE” tour.
Ahead of the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in Philadelphia, Pro-Palestinian protesters and other demonstration grouops took to the streets hoping to have their voices heard by the candidates (Nick Peace / For the Beacon).

Protesters cross paths at Independence Mall ahead of presidential debate

By Bryan Hecht and Sam Shipman / September 11, 2024
Ahead of the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in Philadelphia, protesters took to the streets hoping to have their voices heard by the candidates.
Trump and Harris faced off in a tense debate in Philadelphia on September 10, 2024 (Bryan Hecht / Beacon Staff).

As it happened: Harris and Trump had a tense first debate. Here’s what happened Tuesday.

By Hannah Nguyen, Bryan Hecht, Sam Shipman, DJ Mara and Merritt Hughes / September 9, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to take the debate stage Tuesday night at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. 
Goose performing at MGM Music Hall, Sept. 4, 2024.

Goose delivers radio set in WERS studio while hammering out a three-night run in Boston

By Sam Shipman, Assistant News Editor / September 9, 2024
As the lights went down at MGM Music Hall on Sept. 2, the opening chords of Goose’s “All I Need” began after the more than 5,000 seat venue shouted—“Goooooooose.”
People walking past Emerson College buildings on Boylston Street. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff, File)

The college updated its protest policy. Some argue it’s a suppression of free speech.

By Bryan Hecht and Sam Shipman / September 6, 2024
Emerson unveiled a new initiative, updated its code of conduct, and released an interim policy in August, generating a wave of concern among students, faculty, and staff over free speech.
The Union Bank Building on Tremont street. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff, File)

Here’s what to expect at EmersonTogether’s first Community Conversation

By Sam Shipman, Assistant News Editor / September 5, 2024
Emerson is hosting a “Community Conversation” event Friday at 3 p.m. in the Bill Bordy Theater as part of its early programming for EmersonTogether
Fans gather in the main area of Levitate Music and Artis Festival to watch an artist on the Stoke Stage

Levitate Music and Arts Festival offers a feast for every musical palate

By Sam Shipman / July 14, 2024
Levitate Surf Shop’s Music and Arts Festival hosts another successful year of a wide range of different musical genres, arts, and food for its festival-goers to enjoy.
Celtics 2024 NBA Championship Parade

Nearly one million fans celebrate during Celtics 2024 NBA Championship Parade

By Sam Shipman / June 30, 2024
The Celtics parade brought all walks of life together throughout the city of Boston, with fans littering the streets in green clothing, confetti, and signs.
TD Garden erupts in celebration after the Celtics win the 2024 NBA Championship

TD Garden erupts in celebration after the Celtics win the 2024 NBA Championship

By Sam Shipman, Assistant News Editor / June 20, 2024

Thousands of Celtics fans flooded out of TD Garden in celebration following Monday night’s victory during Game 5 of the NBA Finals, their first championship...

A student waves a Palestinian flag and holds up their hand, on which is written, “Ceasefire now.” (Rian Nelson/Beacon Staff)

Emotions split at commencement amid pro-Palestine protests

By Sam Shipman / May 18, 2024

A sense of excitement and nervousness filled the air of Agganis Arena as friends and family of Emerson graduates filed in for the 2024 Commencement Ceremony.   This...

A few healthcare professionals position themselves at the front of the human chain advocating for the student’s right to protection, and peaceful protest, in the face of police presence on Friday, April 26, 2024. (Rian Nelson/Beacon Staff).

Photos: Inside the erratic final hours of the Northeastern Gaza Solidarity encampment

By Bryan Hecht and Sam Shipman / April 30, 2024

Northeastern University’s “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” was created in the early morning of Thursday, April 25, starting at 8 a.m. and continuing...

Police create a barricade at each end of Boylston Street from Piano Row to the Little Building and continue to arrest students on Thursday, April 25, 2024. (Rian Nelson/Beacon Staff)

Emerson College amongst nationwide movement of college encampments protesting war in Gaza

By Bryan Hecht and Sam Shipman / April 26, 2024
Beginning last Sunday evening, Emerson College’s Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) built an encampment of tents, food stands, and blankets to show solidarity with the pro-Palestinian movement.
Emerson encampment: A look at connection and chaos

Emerson encampment arrests: A look at moments of connection and chaos

By Bryan Hecht, Sam Shipman and Iselin Bratz / April 25, 2024

During and after the arrests in the 'Popular University Encampment' at Emerson College on Thursday, protesters demonstrated the strength of their community...

Boston Police Officers gathered in the Massachusetts Transportation Building on Thursday, April 25. (Nick Peace for the Beacon)

DEVELOPING STORY: The latest on 2 Boylston Place ‘Popular University Encampment’

By Sophia Pargas, Hannah Nguyen, Olivia LeDuc, DJ Mara, Merritt Hughes, Bryan Hecht, Sam Shipman, Iselin Bratz and Katherine Cressman / April 25, 2024

June 18 at 2:17 p.m. - College announces future faculty and staff layoffs due to enrollment decline it says is linked to campus protests Emerson...

Juice is in full swing of celebrating ‘Nothing Like a Dream’ EP through jubilant live performances across America

Juice is in full swing of celebrating ‘Nothing Like a Dream’ EP through jubilant live performances across America

By Sam Shipman / April 17, 2024

Juice was formed in 2013 in Boston, and still, over 10 years later, the six-piece rock band is traveling around North America playing sold-out shows to...

More than 30,000 runners from over 100 countries are registered to run in the 128th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Rian Nelson/Beacon Staff)

2024 Boston Marathon: Stories racing to and beyond the finish line

By Hannah Nguyen, Olivia LeDuc, Rumsha Siddiqui, DJ Mara, Sam Shipman, Bryan Hecht and Emma Siebold / April 15, 2024
More than 30,000 athletes from all across the world will take on the 26.2-mile course through Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, and Boston on Marathon Monday. 
Sampha’s ‘Lahai’ tour transcends Roadrunner

Sampha’s ‘Lahai’ tour transcends Roadrunner

By Rumsha Siddiqui and Sam Shipman / April 10, 2024

British alternative R&B singer-producer-instrumentalist Sampha graced Boston with his presence on April 2 at Roadrunner Boston and serenaded the crowd...

Members of WEBN-TV Boston, Emerson College's student-run broadcast news organization, produce their Mandarin J-Channel shows every Tuesday. (Feixu Chen/Beacon Staff)

WEBN launches new branches of J-Channel show for Spanish and Mandarin-speaking students

By Sam Shipman, Staff Writer / April 3, 2024

WEBN, Emerson’s student-run broadcast station, launched two new versions of its J-Channel broadcast show in Spanish and Mandarin.  The new broadcasts...

Anime Boston 2024

Thousands of anime fans flood the Hynes for Anime Boston 2024

By Sam Shipman / April 3, 2024
If anyone is wondering why there have been some interesting outfits on the Green Line this past weekend, it’s because Anime Boston 2024 occurred at the Hynes Convention Center from March 29 to 31.
Floats make their way down the parade route as thousands of spectators watch during the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, March 17, 2024, in South Boston. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)

‘It’s definitely lived up to the hype’: Crowds gather in South Boston for St. Patrick’s Day Parade

By Sam Shipman and Hongyi Ji / March 26, 2024
South Boston was a sea of partygoers dressed in vibrant green this past Sunday for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. 
women and non-binary players in Esports

Esports team nominated for award highlighting women and non-binary players

By Sam Shipman, Staff Writer / February 28, 2024
Emerson’s Esports team is looking forward to a big weekend, advancing from being nominated to the final five of the*Gamehers Awards Top Collegiate Organization of the Year award. 
Thousands of people march shoulder to shoulder on the Boston Common during the 8th annual Winter Walk on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)

Thousands attend Winter Walk on Boston Common to end homelessness

By Sam Shipman, Staff Writer / February 14, 2024

A sea of blue beanies marched through the streets of Boston Common on Sunday morning to support the 8th annual Winter Walk and raise awareness for people...

Emerson community reacts to abnormal weather patterns in Boston

Emerson community reacts to abnormal weather patterns in Boston

By Sam Shipman, Staff Writer / January 31, 2024

Bostonians are no strangers to bizarre winters, keeping their coats and snow boots readily accessible in the winter months—but this year, everything...

A group of furries march outside of the Anthro New England Convention. (Photo by Doktor is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Anthro New England attracts large furry fandom to Seaport district

By Sam Shipman and Bryan Hecht / January 29, 2024

Thousands of furries and members of the furry fandom converged on The Westin in Boston’s Seaport district last weekend for the eighth annual Anthro New...

Tremont Street at night.

Emerson students reflect on dull nightlife

By Sam Shipman, Staff Writer / December 6, 2023

Given Boston’s reputation as one of the safest cities in the country and its status as a “college city” with over 150,000 students enrolled in one...

Performers and viewers of the event join on stage to light the tree on Boston Common on Thursday, Nov. 30.

Boston Common celebrates various festivities during Holiday Tree Lighting

By Bryan Hecht and Sam Shipman / December 6, 2023

A cold night was turned warm with friendship in the heart of Boston last week. On Thursday night, the Boston Common lawn had a stage festively adorned...

Molly Grace spreads all emotions of Love in new EP: ‘Lovesick’

Molly Grace spreads all emotions of Love in new EP: ‘Lovesick’

By Sam Shipman, Staff Writer / November 30, 2023

From growing up in Lexington, MA, to preparing for her first-ever tour of her new EP “Lovesick,” upcoming artist Molly Grace brings together the worlds...

A man dressed as Santa Claus stands in front of the Nova Scotia tree and greets participants.

Dozens flock to Boston Common for annual Nova Scotian tree arrival tradition

By Sam Shipman and Bryan Hecht / November 29, 2023

The chilly air around the Boston Common Visitors Center resounded with Christmas music and holiday spirit last Tuesday morning. The occasion marked the...

A spectator videotapes the parade as marchers begin marching from the Boston Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)

Mayor Wu, city officials, honor Boston veterans at Salute to Service Parade

By Sam Shipman and Bryan Hecht / November 8, 2023

Boston was awash with marching band music and American flags on Saturday afternoon as hundreds gathered along the mile-and-a-half-long route of Boston’s...

A night of musical eclecticism: Faye Webster at Roadrunner

A night of musical eclecticism: Faye Webster at Roadrunner

By Sam Shipman, Staff Writer / October 29, 2023

Since Roadrunner’s opening in March 2022, many artists have been featured on its stage. If you come an hour before doors open, you’re almost guaranteed...

Members of the Student Union during their general meeting.

Student union discusses future initiatives, plans upcoming arts festival

By Sam Shipman and Emma Siebold / October 25, 2023

The Emerson College Students’ Union (ECSU) met last Wednesday, Oct. 18, to discuss how to better represent the student body and to extend and plan their...

“My ancestors. This is all for them”: Hundreds gather for Indigenous People’s Day march

By Sam Shipman, Beacon Correspondent / October 11, 2023

Over 100 people made their way through Downtown Crossing in the pouring rain, many chanting to onlookers as they marched in support of Indigenous Peoples’...

A pro-Palestinian protestor holds up a Palestinian flag during a march in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Palestinian marchers and Israeli counter-protesters flock Cambridge City Hall

By Sam Shipman and Bryan Hecht / October 11, 2023

Tensions escalated in Cambridge on Monday afternoon as a pro-Palestine rally came up against Israeli counter-protestors outside Cambridge City Hall. Palestinian...

Students cross the intersection of Boylston St. and Tremont St. in front of the Little Building.

Emerson ranks 13th in North Regional Universities, dropping six spots from last year

By Sam Shipman, Beacon Correspondent / October 9, 2023

Emerson tied with three other colleges for the 13th spot on this year's Best Regional Universities North Rankings, dictated by the U.S. News & World...

Emerson's bookstore undergoes a name change, replacing "Barnes & Noble" with "Emerson Emporium." (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)

What’s changed on campus? A quick overview of Emerson remodels

By Sam Shipman, Beacon Correspondent / September 20, 2023

The college saw several changes to physical locations on campus over the summer, including the bookstore, the Max Mutchnick Campus Center, and a new green...