The South Texan Vol.95 Issue 8

TheSouthTexan.com Texas A &M University-Kingsville Award-Winning Student Publication Tuesday, October 20, 2020

LGBTQ+ SPECIAL SECTION PG.4-5

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Vol. 95 Issue 8

Valencia’s dream realized

Annual Tejano Banquet honors Barraza, Lopez Aryssa Enriquez| Editor -in-Chief. chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com

Fourteen years ago, the Tejano Banquet was created to honor Texas A&I and Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) alumni who have had a positive impact in the South Texas community.

This year Chicana artist Santa Barraza and League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) consultant and political activist Mike Lopez were recognized for their contributions.

Guests gathered at the Memorial Student Union on Oct. 15 to celebrate the accomplishments of the individuals.

“Back then, there was no way to recognize Hispanic alumni who have gone out and done well in the world…So myself, and Mr. (Homero) Vera brought this idea to Dr. (Frank) Ureño who was the Dean of Students at the time. He loved the idea, and we’ve been doing it ever since. I just think it is important to recognize the work Hispanic alumni has done over the years,” Manuel Flores, member of the Hispanic Heritage

Student faced discrimination at young age

Brieana Casarez| Contributing Writer

Looking out the window of his third-grade classroom, young Angel Valencia sits and daydreams of the person he wants to be one day.

Angel sits and watches as the rain falls from the dark and heavy clouds, he thinks about growing up and moving from Mexico. He has big hopes and dreams of going to school and filling his mind with as much knowledge as he can to make a better life for himself.

Now at the age of 20, Angel is attending school at Texas A&M Universi-

ty-Kingsville (TAMUK) studying to be an Architectural Engineer. His determination and hardworking demeanor helped pave the way to where he is now. His journey from then to now was far from easy but ultimately shaped him into the courageous outgoing person he is today.

“I would not change anything, everything I went through and all the obstacles that I faced made me the person I am today, and I will always hold that near my heart,” Angel said.

Angel was born and

raised in Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico. He called this quiet town his home for nine years. At the age of 10 he moved to Skidmore, Texas, with his parents and five other siblings.

This would be Angel’s first time in Texas and the United States. The change of scenery was a lot to take in at first but eventually Angel warmed up to the new place he would call his home.

“When I first arrived in Texas it was overwhelming and different. It was a lot to take in, but I was ready for this new adventure. I had no idea what to

Submitted Photo

Angel Valencia studies to be an Architectural Engineer.

expect but it was exciting to finally be here,” Angel said.

Angel faced his first few obstacles when he started school in elementary and

junior high. Battling a language barrier and dealing with being ridiculed and mocked for his broken-up English, he never gave up See Valencia, Pg 8

See Tejano, Pg 8

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Amanda DeFrees

Students gathered on Oct. 14 outside College Hall to honor the memory of George Floyd, Norma Adrian, Hueytzen Wu and Jerome Tymrak. A moment of silent was held for each individual during the vigil. The Black Student Union and Student Government Association hosted the event.

Four remembered at vigil Students honored Floyd, Adrian, Wu, Tymrak

Ronni Reyna| Campus Editor news..editor@thesouthtexan.com

Chicano Movement It’s the 1960s and the sun is shining bright over the Texas A&I campus.

The flawless blue sky is the perfect backdrop for the campus as it highlights its beauty. There isn’t a cloud in the sky. The thought of the opportunities and possibilities that could be ahead is very exciting.

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, students gathered in front of College Hall to remember the lives of former student George Floyd and faculty members, Hueytzen J. Wu, Norma Adrian and Jerome Tymrak. Students signed in at different checkpoints and were able to pick up electric candles for the ceremony.

The vigil was hosted by the Black Student Union and Student Government Association. The ceremony started with a moment of silence to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19. The vigil continued with speakers and the TAMUK choir which sang Amazing Grace.

“As you know these are challenging times for our nation and it’s up to all of us to create a society where civil respectful discussion leads to meaningful change,” TAMUK Pres-

ident Dr. Mark Hussey said. “Working together Javelinas will continue to build a culture of respect, inclusivity and excellence.”

Hussey, unable to attend the event, left his message for Dean of Students Kirsten Compary to share.

“In Javelina Nation we have a saying: ‘once a Javelina always a Javelina,’” Compary said. “It does not matter if someone graduated or only attended for a semester or two. Once you enroll on campus or work here you become a member of our family, and with family comes opportunities and responsibilities.”

As a part of honoring former student Floyd, who lost his life in May because of police brutality, the SGA introduced new legislation in honor of the former student. The SGA moved to request the university give Floyd a posthumously honorary diploma and to claim him as a Javelina Alumnus. The SGA wants to use the diploma to send the message that Javelinas stand behind justice.

“The idea came over the summer when we heard the news of what happened to Floyd,” Etta Enow, with SGA, said.

“We got together and asked how can we create change, how can we honor this man that was a fellow Javelina? We agreed that this man needed to be given a degree. He was here on TAMUK soil; he should be honored with a degree here.”

SGA President Lydia Morales encouraged students to come to her with any concerns saying that although they are practicing social distancing, distance should not stop conversation. Morales also mentioned the creation of the Diversity and Inclusion Council.

“The impact that the candle light vigil aimed to have on students was to bring us together as one whether you are faculty, staff or students. What we wanted to do is show solidarity that at the end of the day we are all Javelinas,” Enow said.

Peaceful, helpful, caring and loving are the words

Ronni Reyna

Kirsten Compary sharing words of consolidation to the student body on behalf of President Dr. Mark Hussey.

Coach Johnny Estelle used to describe his late friend Floyd. Estelle recalled the impact Floyd had on his life while at TAMUK, calling them the most impactful years of his life.

Estelle called for students to push for change and to lead in doing what’s right. At the end of the vigil all who attended the event stood in silence for eight minutes and 41 seconds to honor and remember the life of Floyd.

The time represented how long an officer knelt on Floyd’s neck.

“I felt it (the moment

of silence) was really necessary and sends a strong message to the people watching and the people here that we just have to live life in the fullest,” Yahaira Austin, a pre-vet major and sophomore, said.

During the moment of silence students turned on their candles and phone lights to stand together in remembrance of Floyd.

“Continue to use your voice,” Enow said.

“We the students have power, we have more power than faculty if you can believe it or not, our voice has power.”

Campus

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October 20, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

CAB hosts ‘D.I.Y. paint your own’ event CalistaReyes| Campus Editor Campus.editor@thesouthtexan.edu

On Tuesday Oct.13 the TAMUK CAB hosted a DIY paint your own event at the pavilion from 11a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students could choose from a letter J, coaster or picture frame. They could then pick the color of paint they wanted to use.

There was also music playing so students could hear some popular tunes while they painted.

Due to the COVID-19

pandemic the CAB has had to get creative with their ideas for events that are safe yet enjoyable.

This event was planned just in time to give students a chance to not olny get creative but destress as most are stressed because of midterms.

“During a meeting general CAB members got the idea off Pinterest and so we decided to plan this event,” CAB President Lizzetty Lara said. Students found inspiration for their art

pieces from things like music and video games while some just freestyled.

“I’m painting a symbol from a video game that I love to play,” education major Lorenzo Garcia said.

“I did a coaster, I freestyled on mine pretty much, I just ran with whatever came to my head,” engineering major Hayley Cook said.

Students have been really enjoying the events that have taken place this semester. “All of the

events have been fun so far, I did the game night when they had all of the arcade games out. The tie-dye event was fun too. It’s really helping to encourage normalcy in light of the pandemic; it’s comforting even,” Garcia said.

The CAB will be hosting another DIY event in November and they will be participating in Trunk or Treat on Oct. 29. To keep up with the CAB and upcoming events you can follow them on social media @tamukcab.

Lorenzo Garcia and Hayley Cook painting coasters.

Calista Reyes

Diehl speaks at Texas Veteran Higher Education Symposium A&M veteran students speak on S.V.A

GabriellaMastroanni |Reporter

Texas A&M System’s Student Veteran Excellence Award winner and President of the Student Veteran Association Shae Diehl was invited to speak on Oct. 14 at the annual Texas Veteran Higher Education Symposium.

Speakers from different Texas A&M systems were able to talk about the positive and negatives of their Student Veteran Association (SVA).

Diehl vocalized that the student veterans have access to a “fountain of resources.”

However, she also

talked about relocating the student veteran lounge from Eckhardt Hall to the Memorial Student Union Building (MSUB), which she believes will be more accessible especially for disabled student veterans.

“The Memorial Student Union Building was made to memorialize fallen soldiers, so in my mind it makes sense to have the student vet lounge in the Memorial Student Union Building,” Diehl said.

According to their page on the TAMUK website, one of the main goals of the Student Veterans Association is to help active veterans transition into civilians and adjust to college life.

SVA helps student-veterans bridge the gap between active duty service and college life.

“The transition to ac-

tive duty to school is hard on its own,” Diehl said. “For me it was an isolation, it was a bit of an identity crisis. You go from having this sense of innate pride to not having that anymore. Being pregnant, getting out of the military, transition into a civilian, all those were hurdles that I inevitably had to face, and by a miracle I made it.”

Diehl, now a senior working toward a degree in geology, strives to achieve her goal to leave the organization better than when she found it.

“I just want to see a student veteran succeed, if I can do it so can they, we are all in this together,” she said.

For more information about the Student Veteran Association visit the Military and Resource Center page on the TAMUK website.

TAMUK Jazz Program Recognized Featured on ‘Student Music Guide: Where to study Jazz in 2021’ MaximilianoMartinez| Contributing Writer

Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s School of Music had its jazz program recognized in a publication of Downbeat magazine once again.

Downbeat is a popular magazine in the music industry and is focused on jazz music. The jazz program was included in the magazine’s “Student Music Guide: Where to Study Jazz 2021;” TAMUK is the sole university that offers a Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance with an Emphasis in Jazz Studies south of San Antonio.

“Seeing as Texas A&M Kingsville are the only ones to offer this degree in the area, they are going to bring in a lot of new jazz students,” David Lee Koenig Garza, a third year college stu-

dent said.

Although the university is small compared to others, there is great potential here for those seeking to study jazz music in the future.

“It is more typical to find these programs at the larger schools, but some smaller schools also have excellent programs,” Dr. Paul Hageman, Regents Professor and Director of the School of Music, said.

“The popularity of jazz music in South Texas prompted us to develop our jazz emphasis degree program, and we currently have several students enrolled as jazz emphasis majors.”

The jazz program was recognized on two other occasions as well in 2004 and 2010; the first band also performed five times in the past 25 years for the annual Texas Music Education Association convention held in San Antonio.

“The quality of our jazz students, the jazz

music professors, the jazz festival and our jazz ensembles has continued to grow and evolve, and all of those components have attracted and continue to attract some of the finest jazz students in all of South Texas,” Hageman said.

The School of Music continues to grow as the years progress, and TAMUK has become a huge music major attraction.

“At first I didn’t think going to Kingsville would be a good idea, so I enrolled here at UNT,” Alex Rodriguez, marching band student at University of North Texas, said.

“They’ve come so far with their music program; it makes me think what would’ve happened if I decided to go there.”

Students that enroll here will study in the newest building on campus which includes a state-of-the-art jazz rehearsal hall and recording studio.

NASA awards Texas A&M Kingsville graduate student VictoriaMarquez| Contributing Writer

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded Nicholas Bishop, a TAMUK graduate student, the Texas Space Grant Consortium Fellowship.

Staff and faculty congratulated Bishop on receiving an honorable award saying it is no surprise that all his hard work led him to be one of the recipients.

“Receiving the honor of this fellowship means more than words can describe,” Bishop said.

“I am especially honored to represent Texas A&M-Kingsville.”

“It has further inspired and motivated me to continue pushing myself, and never stop reaching for the stars! I am so thankful for everyone at TAMUK who has helped me in my journey so far.”

The Texas Space Grant Consortium awarded Bishop $5,000 to help

him continue his graduate studies in the new Mechatronics Engineering Master’s program at TAMUK. “Nicholas Bishop is an excellent student, so I wasn’t surprised that he won this Texas Space Grant Consortium fellowship,” Department Chair of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Scott Smith said.

“TAMUK has excellent programs and students; and Nick is one of them.”

According to the NASA website, the Texas Space Grant Consortium fellowship strives to encourage graduate students to study in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Mohammad Alam, the Dean of Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering, was also glad to hear that Bishop received the fellowship.

“I was delighted to know that he was selected for this highly competitive NASA fellow-

ship,” Alam said.

“Mr. Bishop is an outstanding student.”

David Hicks, a professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, was also not surprised that Bishop received this award as a graduate student because of everything he achieved as an undergraduate.

“As an undergraduate Nicholas was a double major earning BS degrees in both Electrical Engineering and Computer Science,” Hicks said.

Smith is confident Bishop will continue to be a strong representative of the university.

“In addition to excelling academically, he also excels outside of the classroom, including participating in and leading student organizations,” Smith said. “…I am confident that Nick will be an excellent ambassador for TAMUK, and will be looked to as a role model for others to follow his footsteps.”

EntErtainmEnt

October 20, 2020

thesouthtexan.com

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With Halloween coming up, I have been watching my mom decorate the house for this spooky holiday.

As my mom was decorating, my black cat Thackery (yes named after Thackery Binx from the movie Hocus Pocus) approaches her to see what she is doing.

He positions himself instantaneously transforms into a decoration.

Looking at him, I started to wonder, why are black

cats a Halloween icon?

After Googling, it was obvious that black cats are icons for this holiday because of their superstitious background: they are bad luck.

Many of us have heard this superstition time and time again, however, it is simply not true.

So, I have decided to go down the rabbit hole of the history of the superstition of black cats.

In Britain, Ireland, Scotland and Japan, black cats are believed to be a positive omen.

However, many Western cultures have adapted to

believe the superstition of black cats symbolizing an evil omen.

Black cats were also associated with demons and witches, which at the time of the Pilgrims settling on Plymouth Rock, anyone who was seen with a black cat was killed along with the cat.

Fast forward to the present, animal shelters have taken note that black cats have a harder time getting adopted due to their color and superstitious background. adoption days around Halloween, because of

the fear that people will adopt black cats to torture, kill or use them as decorations and abandon them after the holiday.

In the United Kingdom, Oct. 27 is Black Cat Day designated by Cats Protection, a charity aimed to help homeless cats.

This day celebrates black cats and encourages people to adopt unwanted black cats.

For those who have never had a black cat and believe in this silly superstition let me

3

Gabriella’s cat Thackery

there is no bad luck or evil omens. Black cats are beautiful and mysterious looking creatures and are just like any other cat. When I look at my

see an evil creature who has ties with the devil.

I see a beautiful chubby kitty who has brought joy into my life.

Schitt’s Creek Editor’s note: major spoilers ahead !"#$%&''"()"*+$,%"--%(|Reporter

son of Schitt’s Creek, an award-winning sitcom about a rich family gone broke, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, almost six months after its initial release on cable TV. Cable-less fans (including myself) have long anticipated

it was worth it.

For some context, the Rose family contains Johnny Rose - businessman and father, Moira Rose - actress and mother, Alexis Rose – socialite and daughter, and David Rose – fashionista-turned-business-owner and son.

Another main character is Stevie – motel owner and eventually family friend of the Roses.

Picking up after the sode, we are left venturual members of the Rose family and Stevie.

Patrick make wedding plans, Alexis assists her mother Moira as her Public Relations representative, Johnny aims to build the Rosebud motel empire with the help of Rohland, and Stevie searches for a new purpose.

Both vocal and physical humor is uniquely tied in with the story line of each character.

Daniel Levy, the actor behind David, is a physical humor genius; his brilliant use of facial features and perfect timing make his character even

more lovable.

Moira’s voice, a mix of a southern and British accent, became even more excruciatingly cringy, yet humorous, to listen to. Alexis’s T-Rex arms (no her arms are not short she just pins them up to her chest rendering her a dinosaur-like appearance) remains an awkward acting choice but Annie Murphy (Alexis) makes up for it with her hilarious, overly exaggerated rich girl voice and mannerisms. ly satisfyingly wrapped

up the series’ end.

Johnny makes a comeback with his Rosebud motel empire, Moira’s ries the love of his life.

He also continues to run his shop Rose Apothecary with his now husband Patrick, and Stevie gets to travel the world thanks to her partnership with the Rosebud motel empire and now has a new sense of purpose. The absolute, most unsatisfying aspect is the wrapping up of Alexis’ story. Alexis, in

the middle of the season, breaks up with Ted (who she’s had a long history with and is possibly the only great boyfriend she has ever had).

After getting back together for the third time, the show made us believe that they were truly staying together for good. Sadly, that was only wishful thinking.

The end result of the characters - although their personalities remain the same – was beautiful. The Rose family realized the importance of family, humbleness and community.

Thybulle documents NBA Bubble on YouTube NBA rookie becomes Youtube star after documenting his bubble experience 0$&-1"(.%,2"*|Entertainment Editor Entertainment.editor@thesouthtexan.com

Tips that will help you get through midterms .,--%(.&/-"(|News Editor News.editor@thesouthtexan.com

As the time for midterms arrives, studying and test taking in the new online format may be challenging.

Online learning poses mation retention so in the days leading up to your midterm make sure you are paying close attention to anything your professor may mention about your midterm.

Everyone in college has studied for a test and knows their methods of studying, but now that you spend most of your day in front of a computer getting distracted probably comes more easily. Online tests can be and in most cases are monitored, either in lock down browsers

where your webcam and microphone are on, or with someone supervising you. To get the best education during these online times it important that you actually put in Though you may think you have time, and no one will see you, the odds are time is running out and someone will be watching you.

If you have trouble studying here are a few things that may help you.

If you get distracted easily try printing out all of your study material to avoid the YouTube and computer poses.

If the textbook you need is on your computer, try closing all of your tabs and only have the textbook open; it may

alleviate the need to tab out and do something else.

Take breaks, set an alarm every hour or whatever amount of time you think is best and let out your energy: walk around your room or eat a snack, but try avoiding social medias, once you log on you phone is your biggest distraction try setting time limits on your apps like Instagram, Tiktok and Snapchat so that they literally cannot distract you. ceiving a lot of messages or phone calls utilize the do not disturb function on your phone. Studying for midterms can be hard but it’s not impossible. Set aside the time and focus, you can do this.

After the NBA suspended their games in March, Matisse Thybulle, rookie guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, resorted to making TikTok videos.

Making short videos of dribbling a ball and using Legos to build a toy car would ultimately prepare him to make 10 minute YouTube vlogs.

When the NBA decided on the “bubble” idea, Thybulle knew he had to document the league’s

most unexpected experience.

Thybulle quickly became a YouTube sensaone episode of his bubble experience.

His YouTube channel consists of nine “Welcome to the Bubble,” episodes.

Even though his time at bubble didn’t last unknew he wanted to continue his vlogging journey. viewers an insight about what it takes to be a rookie, and that means

feeding the entire team Chick-Fil-A sandwiches.

He also gives his viewers an insight to the NBA’s coronavirus testing protocols. checking his temperature and self-assessing through an app.

NBA players were tested in a gigantic ballroom and sometimes ran into other team’s players in the hotel lobby.

Thybulle also gives us a tour of his hotel room which would be his home for the majority of his summer. He unpacks

his clothes, books, and even a candle so he can feel like he’s at home. vlog he receives a call from his teammate, Tobias Harris, who mentions the NBA’s Toronto Raptors bus and says, “We can’t be the team out here that’s quiet.” Harris and Thybulle both agree that they should use their platforms to raise awareness about social injustices they’re passionate about.

NBA players were given an option to display a social justice message on the back of their jerseys.

Throughout the, “Welcome to the Bubble” vlogs, Thybulle has many phone conversations with his father, Greg Thybulle, and his sister, Chloe Thybulle.

He lets his viewers know that his father is Haitian and growing up he had a dictator.

He and his sister were raised with the perspective and understanding of what it means to have a vote. Thybulle chose the message “Vote” to be displayed on the back of his jersey. Later on in

experience being on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in his hotel room.

His teammates guest swimming, eating, and even getting tested for the coronavirus. Thybulle’s vlogs have continued since his bubble experience is over and fans are entertained.

He has started a new and has three episodes uploaded. Fans are able to enjoy and experience the NBA bubble through Thybulle anytime on YouTube.

Presents A Celebration of LGBT History Month The time to protect, demand equal rights is now To our Javelina Nation: The year is 2020 and the LGBTQ+ community is still fighting for equal rights.

The current U.S. president continues to roll back protections for LGBTQ people with most recently his nominee for Supreme Court Justice.

Enough is enough! How can we as a society continue to overlook so many injustices and think it’s OK? Or, stand aside and think it doesn’t affect me so, why care?

As a student organization, UNITY strives to continue and do their best in promoting a more diverse and inclusive campus. We are a campus made up of different cultures and backgrounds.

As you walk around our campus we cannot deny the individuals we might see as a professor, a colleague, staff member, fellow classmate, a friend or even a family member.

It’s unfortunate to think of the current situation we see ourselves and how divided we are more than ever. This election year is not one to think “my vote doesn’t matter,” there’s major discriminatory laws that are being presented that will affect the livelihood of various groups; especially for people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.

There is no time rather than now to use our voices and vote for what is right. No human right is more important if it isn’t applied to all equally.

And, let’s not forget that someone you love and care about, may be that someone who is being discriminated against. If you don’t believe it, please look into the Gay & Lesbaian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Trump Accountability Project (TAP) to see the more than 175 attacks against the LGBTQ+ community.

On behalf of UNITY, we would like to thank alumnus Will Stridde for his contribution to our LGBT History Month special edition, as well as the continued support of our UNITY advisors Dr. Shannon Baker and Mrs. Elizabeth Baker, and the time and effort from the dedicated South Texan editors.

Lastly, we thank Student Activities-Mrs. Martie de la Paz, Leadership and Special Projects Coordinator for her willingness to always support UNITY and it’s LGBTQ+ members.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville UNITY

Need Support? you’re not alone.

LGBT National Hotline

888-843-4564 LGBT National Youth Hotline

800-246-7743

The statistics found throughput this issue are courtesy of The Trevor Project, 2020 LGBTQ Youth Survey

Lace J. Garcia is a 2010 alumni of TAMUK, where she earned degrees in Fine Art and English. A founding member of UNITY, she is proud to know that the organization is still pushing for the visibility and voice of the LGBTQIA Javelina community. More recently, Lace is an art educator committed to the success of her students in and outside the classroom. By night, she is a zinester and illustrator who finds inspiration in many of the binaries she has challenged, straddled and navigated throughout her life.

Follow her on Instagram @tomboytoons for more.

Study Abroad: Berlin, Germany Q&A with Alberto Oliviera III

1 A: The flyers and signs throughout campus helped to get my attention. Getting to meet other classmates that had taken part in a trip already increased my curiosity. It began my hunt to ask a million and one questions at the Financial Aid and Study Abroad Offices. These instances made me inquire on getting the necessary understanding on the possibility of making the trip.

Q: Did the experience have an impact?

A: Like the saying goes, “an experience of a lifetime!”

Initially, the excitement of making the trip kept me from thoroughly realising the importance of the trip.

Identifying as a homosexual man, the history of the concentration camps, and the atrocities faced by LGBT Jews in Germany. Being hispanic, visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial and thinking of the Wall being built across our southern U.S. border.

These moments provoked such emotional feelings that strengthened my need to have a more profound impact to do what I can to keep fighting for immigrants seeking asylum and our LGBTQ+ community.

Celebrating LGBT History Month Purpose: A time to recognize the important moments and efforts of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender people in creating social, legal and political changes throughout the world. Created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school history teacher.

October LGBT Awareness Days Oct. 11 National Coming Out Day Oct .12 Anniversary of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard’s murder, which led to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr., Hate Crime Prevention Act. Oct. 14 Anniversary of the first Q: Would you recommend a study abroad trip?

A: Being a non-traditional student, I can attest that I never made the time to travel much less abroad having a steady full-time job making a decent wage. Getting to be here at TAMUK allowed me the opportunity to finally

march on Washington by take that step to experience something I had only imagined.

This trip reaffirmed how much we need to explore the world, its history and have a chance to meet different people of all backgrounds. I am forever grateful for this experience.

LGBT people Oct. 15 Spirit Day, anti-bullying campaign advocating for solidarity and the world to pledge to wearing purple.

LGBT History Month Presented by UNITY

October 20, 2020

A look back at the Gay Liberation Movement Written by Will Stridde, TAMUK Alumnus THE STONEWALL RIOTS The Stonewall Inn, a dank, dark, mob-run gay bar with watered-down drinks in dirty glasses on Christopher Street in the Village of New York City, was raided by police on June 28, 1969.

It was not the first time the bar had been raided. In fact, most gay bars had been raided by police and queer folk were arrested, dragged off to jail, photographed and their pictures were often published in newspapers.

With few exceptions, LGBT+ people would meekly accept their arrest, or attempt to flee the police.

But on that night at Stonewall things were different— the gays fought back against the cops— and the Gay Liberation Movement was born.

Police charged the bar to arrest the patrons under a multitude of charges, including cross-dressing and being served alcohol in a public place while being a homosexual (which was illegal in the State of New York). But the patrons refused to present I.D. and the presence of the police cars attracted people from across the Village: gay men, lesbians, drag queens and queer and homeless kids off the street.

These onlookers began to crowd the bar as police attempted to load some patrons into patrol cars, and one of the women being arrested attempted to escape and is reported to have called to the crowd for help.

As she was loaded into the cop car the crowd began to

push back against the cops.

The riots began.

Bricks, stones, bottles, garbage and heavy handbags were all thrown at the police, who retreated into the Stonewall Inn for protection from the crowd. These officers radioed for the Tactical Patrol Force (TPF) to free them as the rioters attempted to break down the doors with a parking meter and threw a garbage can through the window of the bar. The TPF rushed the mob of queer folk several times to disperse them, beating some with night sticks, but the rioters were able to run around the block and flank the cops. Eventually the TPF freed the police trapped in the bar, but the riots continued the next night.

But the most important thing about Stonewall was not the riots — although they are symbolic of the legal and societal oppression that queer people committed to overcoming — but the movement that followed.

The Gay Liberation Front (GLF), a New Left organization which borrowed tactics from student movements, the black Civil Right Movement, feminists, and the Black Panthers.

Similar groups under the same name would form across the US, including in Austin, Texas at The University of Texas. These organizations were not singularly focused on Gay Rights (although that was what brought them together as queer people), but rather for the rights of all discriminated and oppressed people in the United States.

Soon after, the formation of the GLF another organization, the Gay Activists

Appropriate Terms

Cisgender: Applies to someone whose gender matches their “assigned” sex at birth.

Transgender: Applies to a person whose gender is different from their “assigned” sex at birth. Doctors typically assign gender based on sexual organs, but sex and gender are different.

Non-binary: Non-binary, similar to genderqueer, is a spectrum of gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or exclusively feminine—identities that are outside the gender binary of male and female.

Genderqueer: Similar to “non-binary” – some people regard “queer” as offensive, others embrace it.

Genderfluid: Applies to a person whose gender identity changes over time or changes at different times.

Where to Find Support National Resources https://itgetsbetter.org/ The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. https://www.hrc.org/ Human Rights Campaign, leading the fight for LGBTQ rights. https://pflag.org/ Nation’s largest family and ally organization.

Local Resources https://www.wamhs.org/ Women’s and Men’s Health Services of the Coastal Bend, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency providing preventive and primary care services to approximately 15,000 women and men each year. Our medical services address acute and chronic conditions, general health maintenance, reducing teen and unplanned pregnancy, preventing STD’s and HIV, and involving men in family planning. https://purpledoortx.org/ The Purple Door, formerly Women’s Shelter of South Texas, is a non-profit organization committed to serving individuals affected by domestic violence and/or sexual assault, regardless of when the violence occurred. The Purple Door offers support and empowerment to women, children, and men through a variety of services, programs, and referrals with the goal to assist survivors in regaining their independence. https://www.cbpridecenter.org/ The Coastal Bend Pride Center is an LGBTQIA+ Community Center for all 12 counties of the Coastal Bend. It is the first and only one of its kind south of San Antonio, will foster LGBT community growth and will strengthen community bonds.

Alliance (GAA) formed in New York City and they began a series of protests and letter writing campaigns to expand gay rights. Of the most famous of their protests was the sit-in (known as a ZAP) at the newspaper, the Village Voice, which refused to print the word “gay” in any advertisements or articles.

It is critical to note that at Stonewall, and in the aftermath of developing the Gay Liberation Movement, lesbians, drag queens, and transgender people of color played an important part in developing the Gay Rights Movement.

Activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera (who both founded STAR, the Street Transvestite [a now antiquated term, but one which was used at the time] Action Revolutionaries, an organization which helped homeless queer youth and sex workers) were present at the Stonewall Riots.

Brenda Howard, a bisexual feminist, was active in both the GLF and the GAA and was one of the planners of the first Gay Pride marches a year after the Stonewall Riots, known as the Christopher Street Liberation March (two other marches were held in Chicago and Los Angeles).

PRE-STONEWALL: THE HOMOPHILE MOVEMENT The LGBT rights movement didn’t start or end at Stonewall. After the Second World War, the United States was gripped by the Second Red Scare. Politicians like Senator Joseph McCarthy attacked com-

munists and built a fear that they were trying to bring down the government from the inside.

This proved to be largely

member of the Communist Party USA. It was joined in 1955 by the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) founded

by Del Martin and Phyllis

I was delighted. But in reviewing some of my past research I recalled that this is not the first special edition of the newspaper which

incorrect, and the number of communists inside the government was trivial.

Though the Red Scare was mostly paranoia of communists, the Lavender Scare, which targeted homosexuals, was rather effective in hunting out and removing queer people.

This hunt for gays and lesbians in government was connected heavily with the hunt for communists because homosexuals were seen as potential tools of the communists. This governmental and societal disapproval and fear of homosexuals, as expressed in the Lavender Scare, reinforced the stereotype that gays could be blackmailed in order to gain information because there was an inherent embarrassment and fear within the heart of the homosexuals.

Hundreds of LGBT folk were either fired or forced to resign from government jobs. In fact, it is because of the Lavender Scare that the Gay Rights Movement formed through the founding of the first Homophile Movement organizations, the first being the Mattachine Society founded in 1950 by Harry Hay, a former

Lyon as a lesbian organization. The DOB, along with the Mattachine Society, printed homophile papers which helped to strengthen the movement and fulfill the first two of the purposes laid down by Harry Hay: to unify and educate the community.

These papers were filled with gay news and information which was not available in any other media outlet, and it helped the message of the Homophile Movement to be spread. By promoting the Homophile Movement through these newspapers, the DOB and Mattachine Society were helping to fight against the Lavender Scare and the misinformation perpetrated by McCarthyites.

These newspapers helped to show queer people that not only were they not alone and isolated, but that they had a community who was willing to fight for their rights despite the political and societal oppression they faced.

dealt with queer folk. Indeed, in the late 1970s the South Texan ran an article entitled “GAY STUDENTS ORGANIZE, SEEK SELF-AWARNESS” which advertised an anonymous mailing address of a newly founded Gay Students Union (GSU).

The student’s at Texas A&I were not able to be out and proud at the time of that article’s publication. Indeed, the GSU did not seek to become an official on-campus organization, preferring to meet off campus for safety and anonymity.

Many feared being outed and in subsequent articles refused to give their names, going under the pseudonyms of Student A, B, C, etc.

In these articles the anonymous members of the GSU discussed how homosexuality related to religion, employment, and their own personal place in society.

Some members still considered themselves “sick” as just a few years prior homosexuality was considered a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association (it was removed from the list of mental disorders in December of 1973).

AUTHOR’S NOTE When UNITY contacted me to help write a special LGBT History Month edition of The South Texan,

SPORTS

6

October 20, 2020

Javelina golf takes on Oklahoma Blue and gold clinches an eighth-place finish

JacquelineBarrera| Sports Editor sports.editor@thesouthtexan.com

Javelina Athletics

Madison Lake looking down the course after a strong drive.

The Texas A&M University – Kingsville women’s golf team hit the road for Lawton, Okla., last week as the blue and gold competed in their first tournament of the 2020-21 season.

Stefanie Maynard, head golf coach, said they had a rocky start.

“We knocked off some rust the first day out,” Maynard told Javelina Athletics. “I saw some really good things that will be great building blocks for this season.

We know where we need to work and we will do

that in order to get ready for Arlington in a couple of weeks.”

The blue and gold had a pair of standout players collect top 20 finishes.

Senior Madison Lake said with golf season finally underway the Javelinas were excited to get the show on the road.

“We have been working really hard and were really anxious to begin playing,” Lake said.

“Every chance that we receive to play will be a special one, especially this season. I want to enjoy every second longer that I can being a student-athlete at TAMUK. It is important that we continue to work hard in practice and perform well on the green.”

Sophomore and Brownsville native Fahti-

thesouthtexan.com

ma Avila was the second Javelina to place in the top 20 at the Oklahoma Intercollegiate.

Avila came out strong on the green as she scored a seven-over 78 in the first round. Her next trip around the course would result in a 12-over 83 finish. This finish is recorded as Avila’s highest for the blue and gold as this would be her first score under 80 in the last five tournaments.

“Our team did a great job overall considering how crazy this year started off. This tournament was exciting since we had not competed in seven months. I feel that going in we were very confident,” Avila said.

“It felt rewarding to place a finish in the top 20 overall. Every week is a chance to get better.

I had not even realized that I had finished in the top numbers. I am definitely setting higher goals for the next tournament and season to come. I am very excited overall.”

Senior Kristina Gutierrez (Laredo, Texas) and sophomore Katelyn Habib (Corpus Christi, Texas) each left Lawton with a share of 33rd and both players sliced off a few strokes in round two.

The Javelinas are looking to dominate every tournement they take part in.

The Javelinas have one more tournament on their fall schedule, the 2020 Lion Classic, which will be held on Oct. 26 and 27 at the Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington, Texas.

Men’s basketball team returns to the court First official day of practice for the blue and gold mens program TyreseRoss| Reporter

For months now, university sports across the nation has been on restrictions with contact and practice to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

But the wait is over for the Javelina Men’s Basketball Team, as the team’s first official practice was last Thursday.

The players and coaching staff are very excited and have many expectations for this upcoming season.

Players have been on restriction since the beginning of the Fall 2020 school year. The official practice brings some form of normalcy during this unpredictable time.

“We’ve been around each other for so long it’s going to be amazing to see how we play together I’m very excited for the first practice; can’t wait to start and get after it,” player Marcus Jones said.

Players are still not aware of when the season will start for the Javelinas but practices

give hope that the season is not too far away.

“I’ve been here for a few months now and there was so much confusion going on [that] I’m just glad to be able to be on the court again with my new teammates,” Trajan Snell said.

“It is exciting to prepare for the upcoming season and set some new goals as a team.”

Although this was the first official practice, players took matters into their own hands and put in extra work to improve their game.

The Lone Star Conference has a total of 12 teams, giving the Javelinas a major battle for the approaching season.

This upcoming season will go down in history because nothing like this has happened before in NCAA history.

“Going into my third year as a college basketball player, I can say this is the most energetic team I’ve been on and just being around that energy makes the game fun again,” player Ellis Jones said.

“We love seeing Javelina Nation along with our friends, administrators and families. The feeling is unreal. Here is to hoping we will have the chance to compete this spring.”

Javelina Athletics

Casey Brooks going one-on-one for an open mid-jumper.

Brooks creating a legacy TAMUK basketball star to follow in family tradition

BrendaRiojas| Entertainment Editor

entertainment.editor@thesouthtexan.com

With his shorts rolled up but still past his knees, Casey Brooks knew from a young age that he loved basketball.

By the time he was able to walk he already had a basketball in his hands attempting to dribble and shoot hoops.

His father introduced him to the game and the entire Brooks family has ties with basketball.

Casey’s father Alvin Brooks is the University of Houston’s assistant men’s basketball coach

and his brother Alvin Brooks III is also an assistant coach at Baylor University.

Brooks dreamed about playing college basketball since he was a little boy. In his adolescent years he played for Texas PRO in AAU and got to travel all over the country. He even played against some current NBA players including standout Zion Williamson.

In his high school years, he played for the Atascosita High School Eagles. The Eagles went to the state championship his sophomore year and to the regionals game the following year.

When it came time to commit to a college basketball team Casey says, “It was a surreal feeling.

I had dreamed of playing in college since I was a kid and to finally accomplish it, I felt extremely blessed and could not be more thankful.”

All of the practicing Brooks put towards the game had really paid off. He was in awe when he committed to Texas A&M University- Kings-

ville.

When he steps onto the court he always thinks about his father and how he wants to be just as good as him. Playing for the Javelinas has not only been a dream for Brooks, but has also been a lot of fun. He travels to away games and gets to spend a lot of time with the team.

The bonds he forms with his teammates are unbreakable and the lessons he learns from Coach Johnny Estelle are unforgettable.

He not only learns lessons as a player, but also gets to learn from Estelle’s coaching style.

Casey’s father still remembers the days of playing college ball.

“The greatest memory (playing) at the collegiate level would be going to the Sweet 16 at Lamar as a junior. It ended up being the best team in school history,” he said.

His father would tell Casey how good he and his team were. He was also the 10th-round pick in the 1981 NBA Draft.

As a coach, he’s won seven champions and coached 16 NBA players.

His brother Alvin Brooks didn’t want to coach and chose another career path. He eventually caught the coaching bug.

“I called my dad and said I think I want to coach, my dad said ‘no, call me back in two weeks,’” Alvin recalled.

This eventually landed him a job at a junior college and his college coaching career began.

In his time at Baylor, he helped tie a school record with 12 Big-12 wins with a finish of 27-8 that season.

Casey has goals to be a coach just like his father and older brother.

Casey has always known that he wants to be an even better coach than his father is.

He admires what his father and brother have done for the game and Casey wants to continue contributing.

He aspires to be a Division I men’s basketball coach and win a national championship.

Forum

October 20, 2020 thesouthtexan.com

7

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.”

Our Opinion

A shot of clarity

Lowering the bar for infection rate

As the bars in Texas open to 50 percent capacity, we will see an increase in COVID-19 numbers.

The 20-to-30-year-old population is already known for being the majority of COVID cases and spreaders.

The reopening of bars could be a threat to college campuses that remain open.

Although COVID-19 numbers at Texas A&M University-Kingsville have been low, the opening of bars will enable the possibility of Kingsville becoming a hot spot for COVID-19.

With midterms and exams coming up it will be easy for students to turn to bars as a place to decompress.

Bars really aren’t important when it comes to our daily survival.

Is risking catching COVID-19 really worth a $12 drink? Alcohol sales have skyrocketed in the wake of COVID-19 so what is the point of reopening bars when the majority of America have been drinking safely at home?

We can only wonder if mask mandates and social distancing will be enforced as bars reopen.

You have to pull your mask down to drink so people may ignore the mask rule altogether.

Though bars can only open at half capacity, can we really rely that this will be followed?

In order to keep safe, we urge everyone to continue following safety measures.

The reopening of bars is only hindering the process of helping find a cure for COVID-19.

COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and Texas have yet to decrease and letting bars reopen is irresponsible on the part of our governor.

We will most likely see a rise in COVID-19 cases within the 20-to-30-year-old population with the reopening of bars across the state.

We are at the mercy of our county officials to make a responsible decision whether bars should be opened.

We can only hope the decision is made with the public’s best interest in mind.

A test of pandemic proportions As has been the case with nearly every aspect of society, being a teacher during the pandemic can be summed C.R. up with Neal o n e Guest Columnist word: chaotic.

Every obstacle conquered reveals 10 more that need to be handled.

Teaching typically revolves around planning with a dash of improvisation or a few course-corrections thrown in for good measure.

However, this semester has been almost exclusively reactionary because the situation is constantly changing.

Teachers never know what new hell they are walking into in the morning, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

If anything, this pandemic is exposing the fact that our educational system is woefully ill-equipped to handle anything of this magnitude, and the cracks that have always existed are starting to grow in the spotlight.One thing has become abundantly clear: education must evolve to survive.Technology provides a plethora of tools to help educators meet the needs of all their students, and

will be the next groundbreaking revolution in education when districts actually get around to understanding it.

In actuality, it has been student teachers leading the charge for the use of technology in the classroom. We grew up with technology, and that profound connection cannot be replaced by a few sessions of professional development and training.

However, it has been difficult to meet the standards of The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS), the method of assessment for teacher performance, when students are fully, or mostly, remote.

To their credit, the university seems to understand that this semester has been, and will continue to be, full of curveballs, and has been somewhat lenient in that regard.But leniency is the bare minimum for what student teachers need from their department right now. What we need from them is a steady line of communication.

I have been in the College of Education and Human Performance (CEHP) for three years, and each year the department has been plagued by, at best, little-to-no communication with students and, at worst, giving us infor-

mation that is completely wrong.

For example, according to the syllabus during my field observation at H.M. King High School in Kingsville the field supervisor was supposed to conduct a one-on-one conference worth 10 per-

starts.

My dilemma was that I got stuck in the Dallas area with my parents during the shutdown, and the lease for my apartment did not start for another week.Thankfully, I was able to postpone my start date by

cent of my grade.

When I asked about it towards the end of the semester, neither the instructor nor my field supervisor even knew the assignment existed.That assignment ended up being eliminated, because it was left over from the previous year and was not supposed to be in the syllabus again.

Time and time again, we have been left out of the loop.

The CEHP is not all bad, and it would be remiss of me to deny that fact. They do good work and care for their students, which makes their fatal flaw even more incredulous.When I was getting ready for student teaching, I found out my placement less than 24 hours before I was supposed to start.

On top of that, I also discovered that student teaching starts two weeks before school

a week, but in no way does that excuse the lack of professionalism from the university in this case.

In their defense, school districts were changing their minds on a daily basis. It was not easy to find schools that would accept student teachers.

However, in any relationship, whether business or personal, you must communicate.

In this scenario, they needed to keep us informed of the process, so that we would be prepared for the last-minute placement and early start.Instead, we were stone-walled and told nothing.

Setting aside the fact that I am a student they are supposed to help, it is insulting on a professional level.

The CEHP needs to communicate with their students more effectively. Full stop.

Amy Coney Barrett is a threat to our future rights.

If we as a country would like to see a future where women’s rights, L G B T Q rights and equality exists, Barrett is not Ronni that fuReyna News Editor ture. With the nomination of Barrett to the Supreme Court the court would include six conservatives and only three Democrats with Barrett being a conservative.

This could lead to the exclusion of LGBTQ rights and the repeal of the Marriage Equality

Act. How can equality exist in America if the court is stacked in favor of discrimination?

As a believer of equality, I believe this nomination will hinder the progression of our country and the rights we wish to have.

We know by Barrett’s beliefs that if she is elected to the court, women’s reproductive rights and many other rights given to women could cease to exist. I don’t know much about Barrett’s judiciary background but I know her involvement with the People of Praise group and as an originalist, it brings concern to what she believes women have the right to do.

In the “religious” group women submit to their

husbands and female members are referred to as “handmaidens.”

Though a consenting member of the group, if she believes women must submit to their husbands where will this lead the future of women rights if left to her vote?

We already know justices on the court have said that if brought to them they will seek to repeal the Marriage Equality Act, and we can only assume Barrett as a devout member of the People of Praise group will elect to abolish the Act. The abolishment of this law will discredit the thousands of same sex marriages across the U.S. Couples who have waited years to finally get married will be told

their marriage is no longer valid.

Another thing the court will strive to do in the wake of Donald Trump, is repeal the Affordable Health Care Act. Repealing this act will leave millions of Americans without insurance.

With a President and Supreme Court nominee that claims to be pro-life, how can they enforce their beliefs while millions will die because they cannot afford life-saving medical treatment?

Barrett will revoke their rights.

Amy Coney Barrett is a threat to our rights, and in order to help equalize the Supreme Court you must vote.

Barrett is a threat to our future

Dylan Dozier

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views, opinions and commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas A&M University system. The South Texan uses student fees in part to publish. The South Texan is part of

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the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT) and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).

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8 From Valencia, Pg 1

and didn’t let comments break his character. He turned his obstacles into motivation to keep learning.

“Getting made fun of while learning a new language was pretty rough.

All the things that others said to me motivated me to learn more and study harder. I knew starting a new school and learning a new language would not be easy, I didn’t know what to expect, but I did know that I wouldn’t let words break me,” Angel said.

Studying, working two jobs and playing sports was a crucial turning point for Angel and his journey. While in high school he worked at the town’s local restaurant during the week. On the weekend he traded going out of town and hanging out with friends for boots to work on a ranch. Many sacrifices were made but in the long run they shaped him to be the hardworking individual he is now. Angel’s work ethic, charisma and determination shined through at work.

“Angel is an extremely hard worker. Angel manages his time exceptionally well and he is absolutely determined. When Angel takes on a task, he gets it done. He is also a man of his word. Angel is honest and has integrity. My husband, Rob and I are so thankful for Angel as a friend and employee,” said Molly Thomas, lawyer at Law Offices of Molly P Thomas. Work was not the only place that Angel’s

contagious hardworking and generous personality showed. Involved in sports, juggling school and two jobs, Angel made everything he look so effortless. Angel’s coaches noticed how much he stood out for being a hard and diligent worker who was

ly successful in any profession or line of work he chooses,” said Travis Walker, coach at Skidmore-Tynan High School.

Angel attended Coastal Bend College in Beeville, Texas, where he received an award for having the highest average and out-

there not only for himself, but others who needed it.

“Angel is a quiet and friendly person who would help others whenever they need it. He is a person who did not have to be told what he needed to do, he took initiative and did it. Overall, he is respectful towards everyone he is around, even his peers,” said Rene Valdez, football coach at Schulenburg High School.

Another coach who saw Angel on and off the field also noticed how much of a driven individual Angel is.

He noticed how humble and eager Angel was to succeed and be the best version of himself.

Angel is one of the hardest working and determined young men I know. Angel is a young man I would want on my side in any battle no matter how big or small.

His character is second to none. He is disciplined, trustworthy and hard working. He is a young man that I have no doubt will go on to be extreme-

standing performance in college algebra. He finished a semester early and received his associate’s degree of science in May 2020. He proved his hard work was a contributing factor to his successes so far. He is now attending TAMUK and studying to be an architectural engineer. He will be the first-generation college graduate in his family.

Every hardship he faced through his journey was no match for Angel’s drive and motivation to live a successful life. From sitting in his third-grade classroom to now, Angel has had quite a journey; he turned his dreams into reality.

“I’ll never forget sitting in my third-grade classroom. Young Angel would be proud of all the things I have accomplished so far.

I can’t wait to see what life has in store for me next, I hope to finish school and make not only my family proud but others around me and help anyone and everyone in any way that I can,” Angel said.

October 20, 2020 thesouthtexan.com

Aryssa Enriquez

Santa Barraza held an art gallery during the reception. Attendees were able to purchase prints and have them autograph by Barraza.

From Tejano, Pg 1

Committee, said.

The awards are presented to Texas A&M University-Kingsville alumni, professor or staff member or contributor who has represented the Tejano culture and heritage in a positive and honorable manner in education, music, art, theater, literature, communications and community work. Lopez was a long-time journalist before becoming a recognized public relations consultant for LULAC. Lopez’s work has helped LULAC’s national agenda and strengthened La Raza Unida political party.

He also has the distinction to have worked with every U.S. president from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama as a public relations consultant advocating for Hispanics rights and equality.

As a journalist, Lopez started his career as a reporter for The South Tex-

an and came to serve as the editor-in-chief for the Port Lavaca Wave. Lopez was unable to attend the award ceremony because of medical reasons, but his younger sister took his place and received the award.

“I’m very proud of him.

Mike is the eldest of 10, I’m number seven and the youngest of the girls, I saw Mike as a father figure. Mike is always giving and always looking to see where help is needed.

That has always made us proud…Mike was not always close to us, but it’s because he was out helping the world,” Gracie Villarreal, sister of the Tejano Service Award recipient Lopez, said.

Recently retired professor, Barraza was also recognized for her work and her success in the art industry. At a young age Barraza wanted to depict her culture through her art work. Barraza served as a pioneer for the Chicano

art movement. Her work has gained recognition internationally. Barraza is world-renowned who has helped shaped the life of young artists after serving for 35 years in higher education. Barraza continues to make art from her studio, Barraza Fine Art Gallery located in her hometown, Kingsville.

“My intention has always been to come back home, not only for my family but also because of the land, the people, the culture. That all inspires me to do my art, so I think it is very important for an artist to sort of get revitalized… This [award] is important because the people of this community are recognizing that it’s good to come back and make a contribution,” Barraza recipient of the Tejano Heritage Award, said.

University President Mark Hussey presented the awards on behalf of the Hispanic Heritage Committee.

PARTNERING WITH CATTLE IN MOTION

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

3 P.M. Swine Showmanship, Show Arena

8 A.M., Junior Horse Show, Rodeo

5 P.M. Market Swine Show, Show Arena

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22

6 P.M., Queen’s Pageant , Merchant’s Building

8 A.M., Market Rabbit Show, West Show Arena

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20

10 A.M., Breeding Gilt Show, Show Arena

10 A.M. – Commercial Heifer Sale Pen of 2– Special Replacement Heifer

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

Sale, Gulf Coast Livestock Auction Barn

10 A.M., Market Steer Show, Show Arena

6 P.M., Weigh/Sift/Show Poultry, West Show Arena

(Heifer Shows Immediately Following the Steer Show)

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 - Official Opening Day

5 P.M., Overall Showmanship Contest, Show Arena

8 A.M., Market Lamb Show, Show Arena

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

Market Goat Show 30 Minute after Market Lamb Show, Show Arena

1 P.M., Presentation of Scholarships, Show Arena

10:30 A.M., Opening Ceremony, Show Arena

2 P.M., Junior Livestock Auction Sale, Show Arena