Friday, April 23, 2021
Drama king For OSU’s Kersnar, theater, education is in the blood By Anna Pope Staff Reporter Six universities lined 150,000 cardboard cows from San Francisco to the Sierra Mountains near the Nevada border, inspiring young David Kersnar to leave a legacy of collaboration and inclusion in the arts industry. Kersnar is the Head of the Theatre Department at Oklahoma State University and a writer, director, adapter, singer, designer, technician, actor and producer. In addition to his abilities, he is one of the founding members of the Tony Award Winning Lookingglass Theatre, he co-founded and directed over 40 films and plays, founded The Tree Interactive Productions, and worked with multiple theaters in directing, writing, acting in and producing art. While the pandemic continues to present challenges, OSU’s theatre department is still producing art and showing it in innovative ways. From April 22-25, See Drama on pg. 4A
File Photo In the recent trial, Derick Chauvin was found guilty two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter.
Final verdict Chauvin found guilty By Anna Pope Staff Reporter
Tee’s was originally owned by Wilburt Howard Tecumseh, but after his death on April 1, 2003, the barbershop was handed down to Tecumseh’s daughters. In 2015, they sold Tee’s to Sells. And he’s cherished it ever since. “Tee’s is a means of providing for myself and my family,” Sells said. “Haircuts, shaves and other services. Look better, feel better and get better. It’s a place for young barbers to get employed so they can better take care of themselves and their
On Tuesday, America heard the verdict on the trial of Derek Chauvin, over 300 days after George Floyd’s death. Chauvin, a former officer of the Minneapolis Police Department, was convicted of unintentional seconddegree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter over the death of Floyd by kneeling on his neck for over nine minutes. This event caused reactions to erupt from people everywhere. While some of these organizations who have released statements are on a national level, others are local. Showing that this trial not only had an impact on those in Minneapolis but on people far and wide. Oklahoma State University’s NAACP President Brenden Determann said while he has a sense of relief on this overdue result, when watching the trial he was somewhat scared of the outcome. “I had a rush of anxiety the entire way through,” Determann said. For Determan, the trial was important because it’s eye-opening when it comes to the law enforcement policies in place, and can serve as a steppingstone in holding law enforcement accountable. Even though Determann would like to see change, he feels this is more of a step in the right direction. “Change is inevitable but never imminent,” Determann said. “This will take a collective effort from all parties from both sides as these are lives that are being taken away from us right in front of our eyes. I am hopeful for the future that we as leaders will continue to set the pace and never let it dwindle prior to what it has become. OSU President Burns Hargis released a statement on the historic verdict saying this event calls for a time of “introspection and recognition” of the pain marginalized members of the community and nation. Saying OSU values diversity, inclusion and equity. “I urge the entire Cowboy community to embrace each other in unity and join our nation in its journey of healing – recognizing that much work remains to be done,” Hargis said.
See Balancing on pg. 3A
See Final on pg. 3A
Joshua Cleary David Kersnar puts his mind to anything and everything, and now he’s helped provide his program with a brand new, state of the art facility.
Greenwood’s barber Willie Sells is grateful for Tee’s barbershop
sixth in a series “Greenwood Here and Now’ is a project by The O’Colly Media Group that highlights the tragedy and triumph of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, 100 years after the Tulsa race massacre.” Kelly Kerr Willie Sells has spent many years of his life in Greenwood and still cuts hair at Tee’s barbershop.
Sudeep Tumma Sports Editor When Willie Sells was a 20-year-old kid, he would sneak down to the Bonneville Club on 120 N. Greenwood Ave. Now, almost 60 years later, that same building he used to slither into is home to his own business: Tee’s Barber shop.
“I remember coming in here, and they danced up in this area,” Sells said. “In the back — and I wasn’t supposed to go in the back because I was 20, 21 — they’d gamble in the back. The old men told me, ‘Don’t go to deep Greenwood. Somebody will kill you. I was told you were down there the other night.’ “They said, ‘What you doing?’ I said, ‘I’m dancing, looking around.’ They said, ‘You dance somewhere else.’” Sells was warned to stay away all those years ago, but that never wavered his spirit. He remains on Greenwood to this day.