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LIFE & STYLE
THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
The official student newspaper of Texas Southern University
Vol 66 | Number 01 THE TSU HERALD | August 26, 2013
Regaining Our Royalty: Introducing Mr. and Miss. Texas Southern University
Greek Life on An HBCU Campus
SPORTS
Media Day Introduces New Faces For Football Program
OPINION
ALSO INSIDE: Five Things To Avoid Your First Year of College
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A Letter From the SGA President
2 THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
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Welcome Back A letter from the SGA president
Welcome to Texas Southern University! On behalf of the Student Government Association, I would like to welcome you to the Yard. Whether you are just beginning your journey or returning for the last time, I wish you the best of luck this year. The Student Government Association is here to represent and serve you. You are invited and are welcomed to the SGA meetings, which are held every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in the Student Center in room 207A. Or come to any branch on the SGA hallway in the Student Center to voice any concerns. This is going to be a fantastic year at TSU. Although TSU is changing the culture of the university for the better, SGA has plans to enhance and make your college experience one of the best yet compared to any university in the nation. TSU is ranked #40 for most affordable universities in the country, #17 for graduating all minorities in the country, and #1 for awarding college degrees to African Americans in Texas. This year, we have reached a peak for tremendous statistics per our freshman class. The average GPA for first time freshmen is 3.0 (.3 percent increase over the last 5 years). 2 percent of first time freshman have over a 3.25 GPA (263 students). The freshmen class has the highest average of SAT and ACT scores since 2008. About 45 percent of the freshmen class have declared majors within the colleges of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences, Science and Technology, Pharmacy, and Health Sciences. These are highly impressive statistics that will change the educational realm of the university and lay a foundation to boost the legacy as a TSU Tiger for the next four years to come. Please look to your SGA executives and senators as role models of how to embrace a desire to improve. I hold SGA to a high standard of professionalism and invite you to do the same. The SGA is here to serve the student body and being a member is more than a title, it is a commitment to serve the needs and address the desires of the student body. As an organization, SGA has a substantial impact on campus policy and issues that concern our students. Also, I hope to make SGA more prominent on campus by providing better quality activities for the student body and promoting an increased amount of school spirit for our athletic, performance, and other exhibition events. I hope that your Tiger experience will be as wonderful as mine has been. Continue to be the bridge builder for the next generations to come, extending the hand to lift as we climb. Transitioning the university right now, together. We are the T.U.R.N.T Administration. - Leon R. Spencer III President, Student Government Association The Turnt Administration
EDITORIAL STAFF
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mecole’ Hayes Opinion Editor Lindsey Gary Campus News Editor Mariea Boyd Life & Style Editor Senora Harris Sports Editor BUCK BEDIA Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER Advisors MICHAEL BERRYHILL
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.
www.tsuherald.com THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
Life & Style
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A Different World: Greek life on an HBCU campus BY Mariea Boyd Campus News Editor They stomp, stroll, shimmy and chant but more importantly, they graduate. They are the people freshmen talk about in secret in their dorm rooms after Freshman Rock the House or before running into a line of Greeks on the Tiger Walk. Who are these Greeks and where do I sign up? As the incoming freshmen struggle to find their place within the campus hierarchy many are aspiring to join the Divine 9. “I remember the first time I saw Greeks on the yard they looked like they’re were having a lot of fun and were really close,” said Adrienne Tate, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Before making the decision consider the pros and cons of joining the Divine 9. Immediately after joining a fraternity or sorority you become part of a pool of collegiate socialites. Networking is as simple as wearing paraphernalia, for you have joined an elite brother or sisterhood of young professionals. Gaining access to jobs has become less competitive, since most companies see Greek organizations as a platform for building professionals leaders. “The people I have met because of my membership in AKA have been instrumental in furthering my collegiate success and have made my future visibly brighter,” said Shayla Owens, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Another reason for joining a Black Greek Letter organization is the commitment it requires students to have with both their academics and servicing of the community. Promoting scholarship is the main goal of a BGLO. For example, to join the sorority Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., members must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Victoria Wilson, President of the Delta Gamma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. said that her sorority aims for above average students that value giving back to their community. This sorority is having a back to school drive for at Foster Elementary for less fortunate children. Throughout the school year, students will see Greek organizations hosting campus wide events that cater to the student body such as: panel discussions, fashion shows, movie nights, and volunteer initiatives. “The best part of being a Greek under grad is it enhances leadership qualities and expands your social capabilities,” said Jordan Morris, member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Although the excitement of the being Greek is mostly shown in movies and on television shows, the negative aspects of the culture, such as hazing and stereotypes are also heavily highlighted throughout the mainstream media. Texas Southern University and all its Greek-lettered affiliated organizations do not condone hazing in any capacity, though the stereotypes associated with said organizations can be just as brutal. Joshua Green, president of 100 Black Men and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. said, “A drawback of being a member of a Greek organization is being stereotyped to act a certain way according to your affiliation.”
4 THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
Life & Style
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Five apps to help you throughout the semester BY Senora Harris Life & Style Editor When not scrolling through Instagram and Twitter feeds, students can use other apps that can be of great assistance to them in class this semester. For iPhone and Android users, there are plenty of apps that can help students perform better on an academic level. For instance, the Kindle app can be downloaded to help students keep up on their reading for classes. With Kindle, one can choose between over a million books, magazines, and newspapers to read in their phone or smart device browsers. Another great app is Duolingo. Duolingo is a good supplement for students who may be taking foreign language classes. The free app is designed to help one learn languages that include Spanish, Portuguese, and German with exercises that are both simple and fun. The Dropbox app is a great backup for students who may not have a flash drive. After syncing documents, photos, and videos from their computers, students can share these files anywhere with Dropbox. There are also apps that can be of good use outside of the classroom. Known as a smart assistant, the Easily Do app can help the busier student maintain balance. The Easily Do app does many tasks, which includes organizing calendars, contacts, and setting important reminders that can be of great assistance to the student on the go. Google Keep is a similar all-in-one app, but is only available to Android users. Students can use Google Keep to audibly transcribe notes and create lists. The app can be used to manage different thoughts and ideas through photos, lists, and notes. Lastly, for student athletes or those who are in the gym on a daily basis, the My Fitness Pal app would be a great addition to one’s app collection. With My Fitness Pal, one can monitor their caloric intake and amount of exercise daily. With the help of these apps, students should be able to have their best semester yet.
Breaking down campus terminology BY Mariea Boyd Campus News Editor It is the first day of school and finding your way around campus can be a headache. Not only are you confused on where your classes are located but the upperclassmen keep directing you to places that you have never heard of. Do not worry, here are a few commonly used terms that will help you find your way around campus in no time. The Student Center - The Sterling Student Life Center located directly in the middle of campus The Cafe- The only university cafeteria located on the first floor of the Student Center Tiger Card- A university issued card with your name and photo on front. Used to grant you access to the cafe, home games, and on-campus housing buildings H&PE- Health Physical and education arena, located on the far west end of campus The Rec- Student Recreational Center located between the Student Center and H&PE buildings Tiger Walk- Just follow the maroon and grey paws on the cobble-stoned walkway that cuts through the campus The Point- The circle of benches and landscape located in front of the student parking lot Tierwester and Courtyard- Campus housing facilities located across the street from the main campus The Pavilions- Located directly behind the student center is an area of wooden pavilions mainly used for on campus activities and barbecues MLK- Martin Luther King building Humanities Center. All English, foreign language, and communications classes can be found here
www.tsuherald.com THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
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Cover Story
Campus Royalty: Introducing Mr. and Miss TSU BY Senora Harris Life & Style Editor With the start of a new school year come new things. The average student can look forward to new classes, purchasing new parking permits, and getting acquainted with new professors but more specifically, students at TSU can expect to see their new school representatives: Mr. & Miss TSU in action. Before competing in their respective pageants this past April, Mr. TSU, Nathaniel Harris III and Miss TSU, Marinda Frugé, had their own reasons for wanting the title. In 2011, Frugé transferred to TSU from a predominantly white college, where campus queens were uncommon. When meeting the 20112012 Miss TSU, Shartajeye Wright, she decided to be in the same role some day. “From that very moment, I aspired to become Miss TSU because I could envision myself becoming a part of something much larger than myself,” Frugé said. “I believe this will be a molding experience for myself, as well as others around me,” Nathaniel Harris III, also a transfer student, wanted the title so that he could be a positive representation for the male student body. “I felt that I would be a great male role model for the gentlemen at TSU. I felt that we needed one,” Harris said. Making their minds up to compete was probably the easiest part. Harris and Frugé revealed that rehearsing for the pageant was quite rigorous. For at least three days a week, contenders for both pageants learned formal etiquette and practiced their cues for the different portions of the show. Frugé revealed that it was challenging to maintain the busy schedule. “As a contestant, we definitely had to manage our time to stay on top of grades and many of us had work, extracurricular, and internships as well,” Frugé said. Harris recalled the experience of competing for Mr. TSU to be that of a bonding one, as other competitors were nervous about performing for an audience. “We had to come together as a group of men, whether we liked each other or not for the better of the pageant, so that it could be a nice production,” Harris said. Both Mr. & Miss TSU have taken on a platform that focuses on the advancement of TSU students in some form or another. For Harris, it is that of an academic one which directly affects incoming freshmen. By the end of his reign, Harris hopes to publish a “Freshmen First Aid Tool Box” which will be a resource full of scholarships and testimonials from upperclassmen. He also hopes to institute “Freshmen First Hot line”, an emergency alert system to keep those students “in the know”. “Because the retention rate [is] so low, I feel that we need to save our freshmen in order to save our school,” Harris said. “Without our freshmen, there’s no TSU.” Frugé’s platform, S.O.S. (Sustaining Our Successors), focuses more on culture. “There is such an emphasis instances where we as African Americans feel discriminated against and oppressed by other races,” said Frugé. “However, I believe we sometimes fail to realize [that] we can be and have become our greatest road block. S.O.S. will speak out against this by assisting to rebuild our community in different aspects.” Upon beginning her reign as Miss TSU, Frugé expressed her excitement.“I am extremely excited, humbled, and ready to be your Miss Texas Southern University 2013-2014! I can’t wait to begin this year’s journey with our Tigers.” While Harris shared the same sentiment, he also insisted that he plans to completely fulfill his duties.“I want people to understand that I am gratefully honored to be Mr. Texas Southern University, but at the end of the day I have a job to do and it will be done with or without recognition of the title of who I am.”
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8 THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
Opinion
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Five things to avoid your first year of college
BY Lindsey Gary Opinion
With both the excitement of leaving home and the anxiety of embarking on a new journey lying ahead, college can already be challenging and confusing enough. Do not let the thrill of being out of your parents’ house or the fear of failing in the unknown become the demise of your college career instead, heed to the advice below because not only will it make college much easier, it will also ensure that your first semester will not be your last. Starting class on the first day Whether you are overwhelmed with the idea of college or just lazy, do not avoid preparing yourself for the big step. The last thing you want to do is waste valuable learning time in the financial aid or registrar’s office when you could be in class adjusting to the college life. This means that you will need to handle your enrollment and financial aid before the semester begins, so making trips to campus beforehand will be necessary. Although frustrating, getting a head start with financial aid and course selections may be the smartest thing you can do throughout your undergraduate tenor and getting them done earlier will allow you to map out the rest of your semester by attending the first day of class. Buying books While some people (your parents) will advise you to buy your books early, I would suggest waiting until classes begin. My freshman year, I spent almost $1,000 on books, about $800 of which I did not even need and I quickly learned how extremely expensive and most times, unnecessary buying books can be. Talk to your professors or upperclassmen to determine if you will actually need the books on the syllabus or if you can hold off until a later date. Consider borrowing or exchanging books with classmates, renting from online or the university bookstore or purchasing cheaper versions of the books on your eReader or iPad. Poor scheduling Scheduling can and will be the death of you if it becomes or remains an absent practice in your daily life. Make time for homework, studying, hanging out with friends, talking to your parents, work and participating in extracurricular or social activities. This way, you will be sure to get everything done and will not allow yourself to become stressed out or overwhelmed. Taking on too many responsibilities I struggled with this a lot my first year because I was eager to do it all so I went after everything at once. You do not have to join every club, work five jobs or have two internships, become acquainted with the basics before taking on extra responsibilities. Joining an organization can be tiring and an added work load so get involved but do not spread yourself too thin. Remember that this is only your freshman year and that you have three more years to experience all that college has to offer. Partying too much A healthy social life is an essential part of maintaining a balanced college life. Although you do not want to party excessively, you should take time to enjoy yourself. I went out twice a week my freshman year and was still able to make the Dean’s List. I only went out on weekends, studied hard during the week and made it a point to clear my schedule of important duties on the days after I partied. Remember, college is all about balance. Take the time to maintain the balance between going to class, doing your homework, studying, getting your sleep, working, eating, saving your money and having fun and I guarantee that you will have a successful and memorable freshman year.
www.tsuherald.com THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
The black man’s verdict
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Opinion
BY LINDSEY GARY Opinion
When news spread of the fatally shot unarmed African-American teenager by an armed self-appointed Hispanic neighborhood watchman, protestors around the world gathered in hoodies to bring awareness to what they believed was not only a criminal act, but more importantly an act of racism protected by Florida law. From Ministers to elected officials, students to professionals, people from all walks of life donned the infamous “hoodie” to rally for Trayvon Martin’s justice. The hoodie had undeniably become the most popular symbol of the case. Whether it is the hijab in France or the hoodie in the United States, majority populations find ways to criminalise the minority. Historically, the criminalization and stereotyping of a people has led to the justification of oppression on those minorities. This stereotypical image becomes the basis for racism while the prejudice leads to the racial oppression of African Americans males. The oppression is seen in the disproportionate incarceration rates of young African-American males, through voter disenfranchisement, and death, as in the case of Trayvon Martin. George Zimmerman’s defense team had argued that the case was not about race but, even after the verdict was reached, there is still a nation filled with people who believe otherwise. Zimmerman won the trial due to the Stand Your Ground Law; however, evidence showed that Martin was innocent. The Stand Your Ground Law states that a person has the right to use “defensive force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another” if a person has “reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another.” Essentially, this law is permitting a suspicious person to be murdered. In this case and in the many cases that are based on the criminalization and stereotypes of the black male, these men are often viewed as suspicious and thus in certain states, are likely to be murdered by those who are protected by the law and deemed innocent. In addition, over 60 percent of states with this law or similar laws were once states with Jim Crow laws. Is this a coincidence? Or have these states replaced the superseded Jim Crow laws with their comparable, less overtly racist, brothers? If so, black men are not safe. Black men are not safe in a nation with a deep historical and current presence of racism and institutions that protect it. Exchanging sagging pants for tailored slacks and wearing a hoodie in remembrance of an innocent child will not change this. Many wish reversing this system and the psyche of a people was that simple. Zimmerman may have been on trial but black men are under attack and will continue to be until the Stand Your Ground Law and other oppressive and unjust laws are eliminated and replaced with fair policy.
10 THE HERALD | December 1, 2011
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Sports
Media day for the Football Program introduces new faces BY BUCK BEDIA Sports Editor Hoping to turn around TSU’s football prospects, new head coach Darrell Asberry is going to rely on a new defensive coach and a sophomore quarterback. At a media day in early August, Asberry introduced his new defensive coordinator Mike Vite, and sophomore quarterback Homer Causey.
After a dismal 2-win season, the new Tiger quarterback is optimistic about the season to come. “I told coach Vite to just make some stops, so I can have the ball in my hands, “ Causey said. “If the defense can do that, we expect big things this season.”
“I haven’t felt this good since Dr. McClelland introduced me as head coach,” Asberry said. “I think we are getting on the right page and heading into the right direction.” As the new defensive coordinator, Coach Vite brings extensive experience to a defense that allowed nearly 40 points per game last season. “I told the defense I wasn’t here last year and I’m not worried about what happened last year,” Vite said. “ This is a new year. Number one thing we are going to do is stone the run.” Vite brings in a 4-2-5 defensive formation, which consists of four linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs. “If we have 11 guys running to the football our defense will be successful,” Vite adds. Another key addition introduced during media day was sophomore quarterback Homer Causey. Causey was red shirt last season as a freshman and was originally recruited by Asberry to play at Shaw University but followed the coach after he accepted the head coaching position at TSU. “It’s going well so far, getting to know my new teammates,” Causey said. “It’s an 11-man defense and my teammates are just as important as I am to help us win games.”
“The attitude on the team is great, everybody wants to be here and put the time in, we are all confident that we are going to do well this season” -Edward Perkins-Love
Because of NCAA sanctions against the last regime, the Tigers were not allowed to participate in spring football practices or workouts and were forced to start fall practice a week later than normal. Last year’s rushing leader, senior running back Edward Perkins-Love is confident that the team will be firing on all cylinders come Saturday, Aug. 31st for the Labor Day Classic against Prairie View A&M University.
“The attitude on the team is great, ev-
erybody wants to be here and put in time, we are all confident we are going to do well this season,” said Perkins-Love With such a young and energetic roster, finding leaders will be key to this season’s success and Perkins-Love looks forward to helping the new quarterback earn his stripes. Perkins-Love added that when in the backfield, he tries to tell the quarterback to relax and tries to help him be more comfortable in the pocket while encouraging Causey to ”trust himself while he is in there.” Everyone is very optimistic about this year and eager to get the season underway. With only five home games this season, the Tigers only have a few shots to get the university pumped about the changes being made to the program. “I like to talk smack, and I told my guys if they perform their responsibilities on the field, I’ll get to do that to the other coaches around the conference, it’s going to be a lot of fun watching our guys this season,” said Asberry
*Home games can be accessed on Comcast channel 39 and in high definition on Comcast channel 639 on Tuesdays at noon.
26, 1, 2013 www.tsuherald.com THE HERALD | August December 2011 11
Opinion
20 Questions BY TSU STUDENT BODY
6. Will the football team win more than two games this season? 7. Are they going to win the Labor Day Classic? 8. Why isn’t there a dollar menu on campus? 9. Is everyone still trying to become a rapper or a model? 10. Does being Instagram famous make you popular on campus? 11. Who are the popular people on campus? 12. Who’s excited to see what Mr. TSU will do this year? 13. Who’s going to “Run The Yard” this year? 14. Who got ran off the yard last? 15. If you’re not a freshman, why are your parents with you at registration? 16. Have “Poetic Justice” braids gone away yet? 17. If not, can they go away soon? 18. Do you think they make you look like Janet Jackson? 19. Are you enjoying our first set of 20 Questions? 20. Are you mad?
1. What was your favorite event that took place during Freshman week? 2. Are you enjoying the new renovations within campus housing? 3. Are you getting along with your roommate(s)? 4. Are they getting along with you? 5. Do you have roaches or does your roommate(s) have roaches?
This is for entertainment only. The questions submitted are not the views of The TSU Herald or Texas Southern University as a whole. Feel free to bring any comments and questions to room 221 of the Student Center. Questions are printed at the discretion of The TSU Herald.
#TxSU20
Tweet @TheTSUHerald with your questions using the #TxSU20 hashtag.
August 26,1, 2013 12 THE HERALD | December 2011
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What’s Happening on campus & around town
Monday - 08/26
Tuesday - 08/27
Labor Day NO CLASSES!
Thursday - 08/29
Tuesday - 09/03 TSU Volleyball vs. U of H 7 p.m. H&PE Arena
Wednesday - 09/04
Friday - 08/30
The Weekend 10/31 & 9/01
TSU Volleyball Invita- 10/31 Labor Day Classic tional TSU vs.PV 7 p.m. 5 p.m. BBVA Compass StaH&PE Arena dium
UPC Membership Drive 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Gameroom
Classes Begin
Monday - 09/02
Wednesday - 08/28
Thursday - 09/05
Friday - 09/06
The Weekend 09/07 & 09/08
UPC presents: Housing Shuffle-Off Competition 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
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.
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