Vol. 66 No.2 by THE TSU HERALD

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The official student newspaper of Texas Southern University

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Vol 66 | Number 02 THE TSU herALD | September 13, 2013

CAMPUS NEWS page 3

yoU’Ve grADUATeD...

MiNiMUM WAge DeBATe TAKeS ToLL oN TSU STUDeNTS

LIFE & STYLE page 5

STUDeNTS refLeCT oN SePTeMBer 11th ANNiVerSAry

SPORTS page 9

College graduates face student loan troubles page 10 goALS STiLL iN reACh for SoCCer ProgrAM

OPINION page 10

DoMeSTiC VioLeNCe iS BeCoMiNg A LAUghiNg MATTer

A Dream Come True: 50 years after the March on Washington

page 11

TigerS fALL ShorT AT LABor DAy CLASSiC

page 9

Campus News James McBride visits Texas Southern University BY MARIEA BOYD Campus News Editor

During a visit to Texas Southern, novelist and musician, James McBride did a reading of his new book The Good Lord Bird for students and faculty members. The Good Lord Bird is about the courageous John Brown and his adventures as he traveled the country conducting many battles and freeing slaves in the early 1800’s. His crusade ended in 1859 with the battle at Harpers Ferry. While reading his book, McBride revealed a twist in the story that alters Brown’s plans and puts him and his entire army in ultimate danger. “I wrote this story because I wanted people to know about a lost part of African American history,” Mr. McBride said. McBride will continue his book tour across the country throughout the remainder of fall.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MECOLE’ HAYES campus News Editor MARIEA BOYD Life & Style Editor SENORA HARRIS Sports Editor BUCK BEDIA Staff Writer LINDSAY GARY Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER Advisors MICHAEL BERRYHILL SERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER

The TSU Herald is published by the students of Texas Southern University. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration. The newspaper is printed biweekly, except during holidays and examination periods. For additional information, call (713) 313-1976.

Campus News Minimum wage debate takes a toll on TSU students BY SENORA HARRIS Life & Style Editor

As no stranger to minimum wage, most college students feel a connection to the recent events surrounding whether or not earnings should rise. This past month, fast food workers in 60 U.S. cities protested outside of their work places and demanded that minimum wage,

can get, they’re not getting paid enough. They have to do multiple jobs. It’s still not covering expenses,” Johnson said. At her current job, she works alongside a 62-year-old man who has been earning minimum wage for the past 20 years, which in her opinion, is “ridiculous”.

Lisa Nunez, a freshman biology major, who currently works for minimum wage, feels that the protest was a great idea.

Johnson has no doubt that it should be increased. “For me personally, I feel lucky to have gotten a job above minimum wage. But I do feel the pain for people who do have to work jobs that they are not getting paid enough.”

do think that people should protest if they don’t think something is right… I think the protests were good because it shows that we have a voice. [When] a lot of people come together, it makes that voice louder and you will get heard.” Although she did agree to the protestors being able to freely express themselves, Nunez expressed mixed feelings about whether or not the federal minimum wage should actually be raised. “I do think that we do need to get paid more. But when I think about other countries around the world, they only get paid like one dollar and a day in African countries and other places like that. But I know that over here, our expenses are more,” said Nunez. On the other hand, freshman Darol Allison shares the same stance as the fast food protesters. “Even though you’re working that job and you don’t have that many skills, you still have bills to pay,” Allison said. Allison, who worked at JoAnn’s Fabrics for three months prior to attending TSU, says that working for minimum wage was quite stressful. “It was a negative [experience] because I had other responsibilities, even for my age. Even though I tried to work as many hours as I could, it still wasn’t enough,” Allison added. Nailah Johnson, a recent TSU graduate, says that she once quit working as a waitress after two months because she earned $2.50 an hour before tips. Johnson also feels that the $7.25 an hour is simply not enough. “I feel that minimum wage should be higher because of the economy, gas prices, and just the cost of living is so high. It doesn’t

“I think the protests were good because it shows that we have a voice. [When] a lot of people come together, it makes that voice even louder.” -Lisa Nunez

Houston Democrats, Al Green and Sylvia Garcia support demonstrators in their quest for better pay.

George R. Brown Convention Center employees protest outside their work place for higher wages.

Life & Style The technological age of college dating

BY MECOLE’ HAYES Editor-In-Chief

Much like the infamous Freshman 15, college relationships are now as easy to obtain as the excess pounds are. In today’s generation, casual dating has become widely accepted and students now have a better chance at masking their dating awkwardness by simply logging into their social networks or pulling them up on their smart phone devices than they have in the past. With the use of technology and social media at an all-time high, students are no longer counting on classrooms or university instead, become as easy as the click of a button – literally! Senior Education major, Ally Banks

met her boyfriend during a concert at the University of Houston where she says at the time, she was “too shy” to ask for his number so she decided to follow him on Twitter. Like many of her peers, Banks felt that it was “easier” to talk to him through twitter than it would have been face-to-face and from then on, the couple has become inseparable. “It makes you become a stalker in a sense,” added Banks “With Twitter and Face book and other sites, people really do stalk Although relationships are not necessarily the primary focus during ones undergraduate career, they continue to play a key role in the development of character and conindividuals.

ing of themselves while still in college,” said senior recent graduate, Mario Parks “That’s when the experience starts and you get to meet new people.” Social networks such as Face book and Datemyschool.com allow students to search for classmates or colleagues who share similar interests and set up dates and outings online, A study done by the Online Computer Library Center research group shows that 92 percent of college students between the ages 18-29 use social networks and only 7 percent of which are graduate students. Continued on page 11

Life & Style 11th anniversary BY SENORA HARRIS Life&Style Editor

sented itself to the students of Texas Southern University, as the 12th anniversary of the September 11th attacks recently passed. When the coordinated attacks were made in New York and Washington D.C. areas, most TSU students were only in grade school. In sixth grade at the time, current senior, Damien LaDay remembers not being able to take into account how serious the situation was. “At that age, I didn’t really grasp the concept of [a] terroristic attack. As I grew older and found out the details behind it, I realized the fear in everybody’s hearts,” LaDay said. Senior and broadcast journalism major, Courtney Savage, was in the tenth grade when the attacks took place. In addition to being old enough to understand what was happening, she had a front row seat to the action, as she is native to upstate New York. Savage recalled an average day at school turning into one of fear and “organized chaos.” “There was uncertainty if something else was going to happen… It was scary, but there was this uncertainty of like ‘OK, what’s going to happen next?” Savage said that while everything that was happening around her was scary, it wasn’t until later that the reality of the events began to sink in. “It didn’t really strike me until after school. I went to go get pizza and the TV was on in the pizza parlor. It was showing all the ash and debris falling, everyone covered,” Savage said. Thirteen years later, both students have mixed feelings about how the country has changed. growing in Syria, both students feel anxious

as the U.S. plan to take aggressive action against the chemical warfare taking place in the country.

“It seems like our answer is always LaDay said. “It’s poor countries out there that need them out unless it’s going to look good in the public eye.” Savage says that she is fearful of the possible consequences the U.S. can face for taking action against Syria. else’s battle. I don’t want us to be attacked by Syria. It’s one thing to watch war happen on TV, but when it’s in your own backyard, it’s scarier. It’s real,” Savage said. Despite the negativity surrounding recent events, both students found some

positives stemming from the September 11th attacks. LaDay, who sees the increased security measures at airports and public events as a “silver lining” feels different today than he did thirteen years ago. “I feel more patriotic now as I’ve grown older. I know we’ve got our problems but this is still the country you were born in. It’s messed up, but it’s still the place to be,” LaDay said. Savage says that although the events were traumatic, she now feels an unspoken bond with her fellow New Yorkers and Americans. “You think about people who died and but also people who died trying to help. It’s all so encouraging and inspir-

“Even if all the other 364 days a year we hate each other, on September 11, every year, everybody rallies around and stands together to remember those who died.” - Courtney Savage ing. Even if all the other 364 days a year we hate each other, on September 11, every year, everybody rallies around and stands together to remember those who died.”

Texas Southern University Excellence in Achievement 6

ThroUgh The eyeS o 1.

4. 5.

10. 10. 11.

of oUr TigerS 3.

As the weeks go by here at Texas Southern University, our photographers capture all of the moments and current events on campus. 6.

1. The Lady Tiger soccer team rushes toward the goal during home game against the University of North Texas. 2. Pharmacy students gather inside the Education Building before their “White Coat” ceremony.

4. Freshmen students show their school spirit during Labor. 5. The Delta’s stop for a photo-op during reverse hump day. 7.

6. President Rudley smiles before he hands the men’s basketball team their championship rings. 7. The volleyball team poses outside of H&PE Arena just before they face UofH. 8. Students sign up with UPC during reverse hump day. 9. Erica Lewis and Kali Fluke spike the ball during home game against University of Houston. 10. Organizations sign up for the campus organization’s workshop outside the Education Building Auditorium. 11. Marinda Fruge (Miss TSU) and Nathaniel Harris (Mr. TSU) pose with future Texas Southern cheerleaders during Labor Day Classic.

Photos Courtesy of: Buck Bedia, Jerry Webb, Joedicy Simms, David Funchess and Cameron Butler.

Cover Story graduates weigh in on federal student loan rates BY MARIEA BOYD Campus News Editor

Federal student loans are resources used by 12 million college students each year to pursue their goals in higher education; however, they can become a burden post graduation due to pesky interest rates. With the cost of college exceeding both family incomes and financial aid grants, students have begun to take out loans in larger amounts in order to cover living and tuition costs with no idea on how it will affect them in the future. “Being an out-of-state student, I understand that you sometimes need a refund check to cover costs if you don’t have a job, but you still have to be conscious of what you’re doing,” recent Texas Southern graduate, Dominique Monday said. The Oklahoma native has racked up close to $35,000 in out-ofstate fees and student loans and plans to pay his back after he finishes graduate school. “Once I finish grad school, I hope to get a pretty good job and pay them off but in the meantime, I’d advise anyone to only take out what you need,” he added. Surrounded by students and college affordability advocates in the Oval Office, President Barack Obama signed the newly revised Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013. “Even though we’ve been able to stabilize the interest rates on student loans, our job’s not done because the cost of college remains extraordinarily high, it’s out of reach,” President Obama said minutes after signing the legislation. The legislation caps student loans at 8.25 percent and allows students who have accepted Federal Direct Stafford and Plus loans a 10-year treasury note bill note in addition to a statutory add-on of 2.05 percent

for undergraduate student loans. This offers a breath of fresh air to students across the country and gives them a chance to pay the loans off instead of pushing them aside. dent The presi-

plans to keep student interest rates at a

how to pay back their loans that are at high rates,” Marion said. Marion along with Director of Financial Aid, Linda Ballard, have begun preparing future seminars that will teach students how to

“Being an out-of-state student, I understand that you sometimes need a refund

reasonable level so that young people have better “opportunities” to go to college. Recent graduate, Mario Parks says that he plans to pay back his student loans and the quicker he can get them paid off, the “better off ” he’ll be. “Pay them off while in school if possible,” Parks said. “You don’t want to put yourself in a position where you can’t pay them back because it’s hard out there.” To prevent these kinds of things from happening, Latisha Marion, Default Prevention Officer at Texas Southern University, has set up a powerful team to reach out to our alumni to aid them in paying back their loans. “Most students and alumni are just unaware of which loans have an interest rate and

check to cover costs if you don’t have a job, but you still have to be conscious of what you’re doing.” -Dominique Monday

Sports Tigers fall short at Labor Day BY BUCK BEDIA Sports Editor

The Ocean of Soul should have stayed fense stalled after the break, losing the 29th Annual Labor Day Classic 37-13 against Prairie View A&M University. After PV scored a touchdown

and two interceptions. Junior running back Daveonn Porter

sophomore quarterback Homer Causey led the offense to the end zone with a 30-yard pass to Dedric Shipman. Despite the loss, head coach Daryl Asberry was pleased with his quarterback play. “We don’t have a quarterback issue anymore,” Asberry said during the postgame interview. Causey had to sit out for a year when he transferred to TSU after following Asberry from Shaw University. “You can see the ability is there and he will get better with time,” Asberry said.

had a solid night on the ground with 15 carries for 105 yards. “Porter is something special. He has the speed that we were missing last year,” Asberry said. Conditioning really took its toll on the Tigers, with spring ball prohibited and summer camp starting a week late due to NCAA sanctions, the team jumped out the gate early, but The Tigers will be on the road for the next three games and return to BBVA on Saturday, Oct. 5th where they take on Alabama State. Next weekend the Tigers travel to Huntsville and will square off against the Sam Houston State Bearkats, the Bearkats handed TSU their worst loss of the season last year in a 50-6 drubbing at BBVA. “I still believe we have a good team,” Asberry said. “My major concern was can we face adversity and get through it, considering the short time we’ve been practicing together, we have to go back to work and get in better shape.”

completing 6 of 17 passes, one TD Coach Asberry talks to quarterback, Homer Causey during a time-out.

goals still in reach for soccer program BY HAROLD DAVIS Contributing Writer As the date draws near for conference foes to meet this season, our Lady Tigers Soccer team eyes the SWAC championship. Expectations are high this season and anything short of a conference championship will be considered a bust. “The talent level is there no question,” said head coach Tamura Crawley-Marigny who is entering her fourth year with the team. “Our expectations is to be right there playing for the SWAC Championship. That’s our goal.” Last season ended with a loss to Jackthe SWAC tournament after previously beating JSU during the regular season. Since the 2013 schedule was introduced in June, Coach Crawley-Marigny has circled old and new rivals for the team to

prepare for. “Of course Prairie View we circle every season. Arkansas Pine Bluff looks to be a sleeper this season, so we won’t take them lightly,” said Crawley-Marigny. “Southern University gives us the most trouble, good coaching and their formations give us problems.” The Lady Tigers are preparing for rivals in conference play with a competitive schedule especially since road games are on the menu early and often. They will be on the road for nearly a month before the season ends but coach Crawley-Marigny has faith in her players and believes that being on the road forms a bond and brings a level of “focus and preparation” that will prepare the Lady Tigers for the remainder of the season.

Having played left defense, center back, and forward at Baylor University all four years, Crawley-Marigny has an eye for the potential talent that will get the lady tigers their Ruth Giraldo leads the lady tigers in goals scored with four early this season. Alongside Giraldo is a sophomore chor the team’s hope of reaching the SWAC Championship game. “Heart, toughness, grit, and work ethic are the keys. Those intangibles we must have. If we conquer that, than sky’s the limit for us,” said Coach Crawley-Marigny. The Lady Tigers open up conference play against Southern Oct. 4th in Houston; stadium locations to be announced.

opinion Domestic violence is becoming a laughing matter BY LINDSAY GARY Staff Writer

From the reposting of Ike Turner memes on Instagram to jokes about Kelly Rowland’s “Dirty Laundry,” it is clear that domestic violence between intimate partners has become a light topic among black youth. Although it is not uncommon to make African American community, these behaviors are representative of a developing culture that tolerates domestic violence and dismisses its seriousness. Attempting to create lemonade from lemons is understandable, but refusing to confront the problem and perpetuating the tolerance of this deadly behavior in our communities is crossing the line. There is obviously nothing funny about a woman being beaten so severely by her husband that she cannot see or a woman is supposed to love and protect her, especially when these women and men look like us, especially when these women and men could be us. Perhaps this culture is attributed to lack of education on domestic violence or perhaps it is due to the frequency in which stories like these are publicized. Maybe some of us are numb to these occurrences and no longer see the severity. Regardless of the source, this culture is quite disturbing. More disturbing however, are the statistics: 9 seconds in the United States. cause of emergency room visits by women. women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. ner violence are among minority women and teenagers/young adults. ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence—almost triple the national average. (US Department of Justice, 1997)

It is important to note that data on minority and low income populations is probably overrepresented because these communities typically seek help from the police and other public agencies rather than private lawyers and doctors who do not have to provide statistics. Yet the problem still remains in our communities—young, black, college stu-

It does not start with laughing at these situations but instead by having open conversations about the realities of this violence and discussing methods to change this emerging culture. The Clothesline Project seeks to do this. Learn more about and take a stand against domestic violence by stopping by the event and viewing shirts decorated by survivors of this violence. violence and this was unsettling evident durThe event will take place on Friday, ing a presentation I delivered last year. September 18 from 10 AM until 2 PM in the When students were asked to stand if Student Recreation Center and on Saturday, they had ever been a victim of intimate partner September 19 from 11 AM until 2 PM on the violence, been the abuser, or known someone Tiger Walk that was abused or the abuser, nearly the entire If you are a survivor and would like room stood. to decorate a shirt, please contact Bernadette The auditorium, which was almost P. Smith at the University Counseling Center. 713-313-7800, westonbp@tsu.edu this university. Some of these were the same If you or someone you knows needs students who had laughed at a clip I showed help, visit the University Counseling Center earlier in the presentation from Love and Hip on campus or call the Houston Crisis hot line Hop Atlanta in which one of its characters, K. at 713-HOTLINE. Michelle, spoke out against domestic violence. dents, as this university is home to the world’s best and brightest, but instead to show that Statistics from the some of our most educated and well-rounded citizens, have been consumed by this culture. Sexual Assault This alone informs us that this is a Prevention & growing problem, and it is possibly worse amongst our less-educated peers. Awareness Center We think the tumultuous relationships (2012-2013) of Chris Brown and Rihanna, Ike and Tina Turner or Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston are comical t PG WJDUJNT PG EPNFTUJD WJPMFODF I know when we really take the time to were abused by a current or former examine this abuse we understand how disgusting it actually is, so why do so many of us boyfriend t PG DPMMFHF TUVEFOUT SFQPSU IBWperpetuate it with popular culture and social ing experienced dating violence by a media? Our black youth are both the abusers current partner and the abused and it is time we confront this t PG DPMMFHF XPNFO SFQPSU UIFZ plague and educate ourselves on the causes were forced to have sex by a dating and warning signs. partner We must stop avoiding the severity of t 0WFS PG DPMMFHF XPNFO SFQPSU this issue, end the stigmas surrounding it, and they have been stalked work towards preventing domestic violence altogether.

opinion A dream come true: 50 years after the March on Washington BY VELYJHA SOUTHERN Contributing Writer

After years of hard work and dedicatime—the chance to make history and share his dream with the world. He approached the venue that was women, and children marching and singing with a purpose. Surrounded by his entourage of equally determined individuals, he looked on as groups of people arrived in droves just to hear him speak. Mostly blacks, but whites were sprinkled throughout. Despite their racial differences, they all were there to show their support and to seek change. He began to tell their story of unsolicited struggles and emphasized the importance of hope. The audience was tuned in holding on to every word and realizing the power of his dream. This was their moment. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s greatest accomplishment wasn’t selling out the biggest arena or being a platinum selling recording artist, but on August 28, 1963, he instilled a dream inside of an entire generation during the “March on Washington.” He delivered a powerful speech that revealed the social and racial injustices that

those thousands of African Americans gathered had faced on a daily basis. The monumental event that featured people of all walks of life became known as the civil rights supporters’ largest call for equality. This was our moment. Fifty years later, some believe the dream had been realized. People of all racial backgrounds and different social statuses gathered to remember King’s dream and to recognize the progression of African Americans and the nation alike. In 1963, an African American man took the podium out of desperate need to defend the civil rights of African Americans, but today, an African American man is at the podium for different reasons. He now governs all citizens, regardless of color, creed or background in these United States of America. Donned in a perfectly tailored black suit with the U.S.A. pin nestled on his left lapel, President Barack Obama orated a compelling speech at the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Much like his predecessor Dr. King, President Obama reminded millions of Americans of their history in this great nation and inspired them to do and be better. Although there has been progressive movements amongst the culture, President

Obama pointed out the areas needed for improvement stating, “Yes, there have been examples of success within black America that would have been unimaginable a half-century ago, but as already been noted, black unemployment has remained almost twice as high as white employment (sic), Latino unemployment close behind. The gap in wealth between races has not lessened, it’s grown,” President Obama said. In essence, the success of my future and the future of all African-Americans lies within our ability to know our history and to internalize the core messages that were implanted within the speeches of both Dr. King and President Obama. In my opinion that message is to dream but one that is also propitious to my community. The 50th Anniversary celebration was a reminder that I still have work to do, but the best is attainable depending on the choices I make. “The March on Washington teaches us that we are not trapped by the mistakes of history, but that we are masters of our fate,” President Obama concluded.

Continued from page 4 This shows that majority of undergraduate students are turning towards social media when it comes to their day-to-day socializing opposed to the interpersonal interactions that their parents experienced. Although students are busy with class and after-school jobs, many of them are still interested in finding love during college and look forward to match-making and networking events that will be held on campus throughout the semester. “I like the idea of college match-making events because they give us an opportunity to meet and connect with people whom we

wouldn’t usually hang out with under normal circumstances,” said senior, Business major, Tyara Smith. “You never know who you may meet.” Although late night pillow talking has become a thing of the past, there is still hope for students on campuses across the country and with the introduction to social networks; the relationships they seek will now require: patience, consistency, and daily Face book statues in order for them to work.

Thousands of spectators gather at the Lincoln Memorial in honor of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington

What’s Happening on campus & around town

Monday - 9/09

Tuesday -9/10

Last day to Drop/ Withdraw from classes

World Suicide Prevention Day Candlelight Vigil 8 p.m. Tigerwalk

Monday - 9/16

Tuesday - 9/17

Royal Court voting begins

Wednesday - 9/11

Thursday - 9/12

Campus Organization Workshop 12 p.m. School of Education

Wednesday - 9/18

Friday -9/13 Founder’s Day 11 a.m. H&PE Arena

Thursday - 9/19

Reverse Hump Day 5 p.m. The Point

Campus Organization registration packets due

Friday - 9/20 Lady Tigers Soccer vs. Howard 7 p.m. Durley Stadium

The Weekend 9/14-9/15 9/14- TSU Tigers vs. Sam Houston 6 p.m.

The Weekend 9/21-9/22 TSU Tigers vs. Jackson State 6 p.m. (AWAY)

Our calendar is reserved for the advertisement of on and off campus events. If you are interested in having your event placed on our calendar, then please stop by room 221 of the Student Center or call us at (713) 313-6710.

20 Questions If you have been a student at Texas Southern University, then you know that some interesting things happen on the Tigerwalk. This section is reserved for the student body of TSU to share insightful, sarcastic and sometimes humorous commentary based on their observations. As previously stated, this section of the newspaper is for entertainment purposes only. Those who can’t take a joke might not want to read.

1. So, what does it mean to turn up? 2. Were freshmen really not going to class last year? 3. Is anyone going to come back to campus for reverse hump day? 4. Anyone besides the Greeks? 5. Why is parking so limited? 6. Do we really need to buy parking decals each semester? 7. Why is the parking gate broken already? 8. Should we put out an Amber Alert on the Tiger Trams? 9. Why aren’t students allowed to park in UAV? 10. What is shade? 11. Should we stop asking if the football team will ever win a game?

12. Why is Freshmen Rock the House so late this year? 14. Who’s getting the Iphone 5c or 5s? 15. When did we start voting on campus kings? 16. Why are there more people at TSU events who are not enrolled compared to those who are? 17. Who else thinks there needs to be a UPC alumni chapter? 18. When did TSU become Howard’s stepchild? 19. Who’s tired of crosses on clothes? 20. Are you ready for homecoming?

Tweet @TheTSUHerald with your questions using the #TxSU20 hashtag.

#TxSU20