Vol 67 | Number 05
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CAMPUS NEWS page 2
JAMES FORTUNE SET TO PERFORM DURING TSU’S GOSPEL EXPLOSION
LIFE & STYLE page 8
NUBIAN SKIN: NEW LINE DESIGNED WITH WOMEN OF COLOR IN MIND
THE TSU HERALD | October 29, 2014
T he Histor y of T he Br east Cancer Ribbon
SPORTS page 9
Photo credit: Buck Bedia TIGERS FALL SHORT TO ALCORN STATE
OPINION page 10
RAVEN-SYMONE AND OPRAH TALK RACE
page 4
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Campus News James Fortune set to perform during TSU’s homecoming Gospel Explosion A journey from homeless to fame BY MARIEA BOYD Campus News Editor The Fortune family hit hard times when they became homeless early in his career. One night while in a hotel, Fortune reached his revelation when asking God why is he experiencing so much hardship even though he’s doing his work. “I felt in that room that faith is tested when you don’t have stability,” Fortune said. The adversity that he faced in life is what inspired him to write his hit single, “I Trust You.” The first single “I Trust You” is dominating Gospel radio with 25 weeks straight at number one. Because of its crossover appeal, “I Trust You” was number 30 on Urban AC charts and number one at WBLI in New York City. Since the release of his debut single “I trust you,” Fortune has remained at the top of both Gospel and Pop charts with a number of awards and nominations. Fortune has received three StelThe TSU Herald is published by the lar Awards and two students of Grammy nominations Texas Southern University. honoring his talents Opinions expressed are those of the and work in the induswriter and do not necessarily reflect those of the admin- try. Outside of being istration. The newspaper is printed a Grammy nominated biweekly, except during holidays and artist, Fortune is a host examination periods. of many talents. For additional information, call (713) James Fortune 313-6710. also serves as the CEO of his own music record label, FIYA music label with his wife and choir. He works as a radio personality on the James Fortune show that airs in 29
James Fortune is leading the way for a new generation of a gospel singers and performers with his praising lyrics. He will be apart of the homecoming gospel explosion as one of the headlining performers. “I’m honored to be able to come home and mister to TSU students and be a part of a college with so much homecoming history,” Fortune said. James Fortune grew up in Sugar Land, Texas attending Kempner High School later graduating from Cal State Northridge. During his early childhood he spent most of his time in church, due to his father being a pastor. It was no surprise that he would later move on to being the choir director for Higher Dimension Church on the South West of Houston.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MECOLE’ HAYES Managing Editor LENZI CAUSEY Campus News Editor MARIEA BOYD Life & Style Editor KENNETH WARE JR. Sports Editor SIDNIE HOLMES Opinion/Politics Editor LINDSAY GARY Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER Advisors SERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER MICHAEL BERRYHILL
different cities such as: Atlanta, Detroit, St. Louis, and New York and his nationally syndicated show, The James Fortune Show aired for the first time in May of 2013. The James Fortune show is free in the Apple Market and droid market and plays from 6:00 until 10:00 a.m. “It’s always been a passion of mine and something I’m interested in,” Fortune said in an interview with Philadelphia Praise Station. Fortune has a new song out featuring Monica and Fred Hammond called “Hold On” which was co-written with his wife, Cheryl Fortune. “I’ve always wanted to work with the two; Monica is a good friend of mine and Fred Hammond is one of my biggest influences,” Fortune said. It is no secret that Fortune is a man with many fans including his featuring choir FIYA, Free In Yahweh’s Abundance; the younger generation can enjoy praise and worship too. “Growing up, Kirk Franklin was a big influence, and how he got the message across to the younger generation,” Fortune said. “You can change the wrapping paper but keep the gift the same.” FIYA has been nominated four years in a row for the Texas Gospel Youth & Young Adult Choir of the year. They have been also been featured on Eric Carrington’s album, “Soar.” As Fortune’s career continues to flourish, be sure to check out his new album “Live It Through” and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @MrJamesFortune.
“I’m honored to be able to come hoome and minister to TSU students.” - James Fortune
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Campus News Career Advice 101: Importance of Appearance BY MELVINA SCOTT Contributing Writer Texas Southern University is an institution of higher learning. Not only does the university prepare us academically for the future, but now is the time to learn other knowledge that will carry us through life. One such lesson to learn is – how to dress appropriately. When on campus, one is exposed to many different styles of dress. Personalities are expressed through the type and style, and often times, students forget that they are attending a university and do not dress as if they are prepared. Students of TSU should represent themselves as individuals who are on the move upward. They are, after all, preparing for the workforce in a very competitive world. What a person wears often speaks for him or her and tells the world who that person is. There is a time and a place for everything and if at any given time a person doesn’t look the part, he or she does not get the role. At this vital time in students’ lives, when preparing to take on the world, they must start to practice their walks, talks and
most of all put a little more thought into the way they dress. They should start aiming to dress for success. There are times when a person really wishes to be comfortable, so one can propose and promote a casual day. On casual day, TSU/HBCU gear should be utilized, from top to bottom. Students could promote the school and increase school spirit. Students could propose and promote workshops that would provide information on what to expect once they have completed their studies and are ready to seek employment. Subjects pertaining to appropriate styles and types of clothing for particular fields would be ideal. Facilitators could even provide models to assist some people who are more visual learners. Serbino Sandifer-Walker, journalism professor in the School of Communications said that students of this university need to be encouraged to present themselves in a professional manner, while shaping themselves for the world “The college is here to empower, inspire
and elevate you to become the professional you are inspired to be. African-Americans have always wanted to dress up and look professional, so let’s get back to the importance of how we look.” Lelita Colen is a professor of Health Information Management at TSU. “When I started to college, I wanted everyone to know that I was a student,” Colen said. “The way I dressed when coming to school, exemplified that desire. We dressed as if we were going somewhere important and that somewhere was to the university. ` We did not look as though we were going to volleyball, basketball or any other sport that deemed that we wear short shorts, but rather that we may have an interview for a prominent company.” College is an a place where students are developing, growing, learning and becoming the creme of the crop. Students should take advantage of this opportunity and embrace what will one day be their futures. Once a person has obtained his/her dreams, then and only then, are we empowered to dress any way we feel.
TSU students share how they plan to bring awareness to Breast Cancer during October
Garrin Chillis, Sophomore
Autumn Gray, Senior
Gayla Randal, Junior
Damilola Akinlotan, Sophomore
“By informing people to get yearly check-ups and by donating to the cause.”
“The NAACP held a general body meeting where we passed out information on how to properly do self-examinations.”
“By informing women, as well as men, that Breast Cancer is on the rise and it’s important to get checked.”
“We could have a forum on campus reaching out to those seeking information.”
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Cover Story
Battling Breast Cancer: The history of the pink ribbon BY KENNETH WARE JR. Life & Style Editor
Nowadays ribbons are worn for many different causes. Red signifies drunk driving prevention and the fight against HIV/AIDS. A yellow ribbon has long represented support for armed forces. However, one of the most prominent ribbon colors is pink, which aims to raise awareness of and support for breast cancer. Pink is a color that is uniquely feminine, and it also represents a person full of health and vibrancy. Pink is also a color that seems the complete antithesis of cancer, and inspires hope for renewed health and survival. “I kept my grandmother’s pink ribbon with me everywhere I went during her battle,” freshman student Kandace Crawford said. “She won.” There is some controversy surrounding the origins of the breast cancer mascot -- the pink ribbon. There are also suggestions that the ribbon was intended to be peach and not pink. In 1992, just about every organization started using ribbons to raise awareness. The New York Times actually dubbed 1992 “The Year of the Ribbon.” Alexandra Penney, the then-editor of Self magazine, wanted to create a ribbon for the publication’s second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue. The previous year she had worked with cosmetics giant Estée Lauder. Evelyn Lauder, the senior corporate vice president, was herself a breast cancer survivor. Penney thought a collaboration between the magazine and Lauder could see a ribbon on cosmetic counters across the nation, and help sell a few magazines in the process. The trouble was Penney had read a story about a 68-year-old woman, Charlotte Haley, who was producing handmade ribbons in her home.
Haley had a number of people in her immediate family who had battled breast cancer and her handmade peach ribbons intended to raise awareness about the limited government funds being used for breast cancer research. Haley’s message was spreading by word of mouth. Penney and Lauder contacted Haley and wanted to further collaborate on the peach ribbon theme. However, Haley didn’t want to be involved, saying the effort would be too commercial. She refused to turn over rights to the use of the peach ribbon. As a result, Penney consulted with attorneys who said to come up with another color, and pink was eventually chosen. Pink had already been associated with breast cancer in the past. Just a few years earlier, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation had given out pink visors to its Race for the Cure participants and created a pink ribbon. The pink ribbon quickly took off by leaps and bounds. Estée Lauder distributed millions. There are many philanthropic and commercial businesses that now use the pink ribbon in their breast cancer marketing plans. Every October, women are urged to don pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One can find the pink ribbon adorning everything from cereal boxes to cans of cleanser, and you will see plenty of them on the Tiger Walk this month. “Real men wear pink,” graduating senior David Bowen said. Many embrace the pink ribbon as a symbol of hope, one that has done its share of work toward spreading the word about the need for more breast cancer awareness and research.
“I kept my grandmother’s pink ribbon with me everywhere I went during her battle. She won.” - Freshman, Kandace Crawford
Life & Style
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Ebola Fears: Fact or Fiction BY KENNETH WARE JR. Campus News Editor Three cases of Ebola have been confirmed in the United States, but fear is spreading at a much faster pace, especially on social media. Singer Chris Brown was mocked on Twitter for calling Ebola a form of “population control.” “Last time I checked he was not a doctor,” said sophomore student Allyson Granger. “He is a singer and a dancer who needs to stay in his lane.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. Ebola can cause disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). There are five identified Ebola virus species, four of which are known to cause disease in humans: Ebola virus; Sudan virus; Taï Forest virus; and Bundibugyo virus. The fifth, Reston virus, has caused disease in nonhuman primates, but not in humans. Ebola viruses are found in several African countries. Ebola was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa. The natural reservoir host of Ebola virus remains unknown. However, on the basis of evidence and the nature of similar viruses, researchers believe that the virus is animal-borne and that bats are the most likely reservoir. The virus has killed about 4,500 people in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, but so far only one person has died in the U.S. Matter fact, the only people to contract the infection in the U.S. are the two nurses who were treating Thomas Duncan, the Ebola patient who died in Dallas on October 8. Frank North, RPh, President of the Pharmacy and Health Sciences Alumni Chapter of the Texas Southern University National Alumni Association, said students, faculty,
staff, alumni, and visitors should stay well informed about the Ebola virus. “The CDC has identified guidelines for evaluating contagiousness of potentially positive people with Ebola, described detailed symptoms and outlined what people should do if they expect they have been exposed to the virus,” said Dr. North. You should wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers not necessarily because Ebola is a threat, but to prevent far more common infections like norovirus, the common cold or influenza. Up to 49,000 people die of influenza a year in the U.S. “Awareness and education, as with any epidemic health risk is keen to each and every individual,” said Dr. North. Do not take supplements that claim to prevent or treat Ebola. The trade group representing supplement makers said there’s no evidence to show they work, and the Food and Drug Administration has already sent warning letters to some manufacturers making that claim. According to the CDC, wild animals, including bats and monkeys, can become infected, but, pets are not believed to be a significant risk in the U.S. Among domestic animals, dogs and pigs can contract the virus, though dogs do not seem to actually get sick from it. There are no reports of a pet dog transmitting the virus to humans, but the dog of the first nurse who was infected in the U.S. is being quarantined. There have been many theories reported online about the Ebola virus mutating to become airborne. Some people have even joked about the spread of the virus. “I saw a student post a photo of a homemade Hazmat suit saying he found his Halloween costume,” said Granger. “The post and comments were very distasteful.” It is very unlikely the Ebola virus will mutate to become airborne, but in theory, it is a possibility. The virus might also possibly change in other ways over time that would make it
more dangerous. Stopping the outbreak at its source, in West Africa, is key. For more information about the Ebola virus, visit cdc.gov.
People with expected Ebola lie on the ground outside of the Ebola Treatment centre.
MSF staff member wearing protective clothing stands in the high risk area of the Ebola Treatment Centre. Photos courtesy of: International Business Times
Texas Southern University Excellence in Achievement
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HOMECOMING
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G 2014 SCHEDULE
Texas Southern University Excellence in Achievement
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Life & Style Nubian Skin: New line designed with women of color in mind BY LENZI CAUSEY Managing Editor Nubian Skin, an innovative and unique lingerie line designed specifically for women with darker complexions, is introducing a universal idea of “a different kind of nude.” The line’s online webpage went live the first week in October, but the momentum it got from advertisement and social media was a benefactor in the line’s release. Based in London, it has only been physically selling for about two weeks, but so far it had been featured in several noteworthy publications such as: Marie Claire, Vogue Italia, Cosmo and Lucky magazines, as well as the Huffington Post and the New York Times. Nubian Skin founder, Ade Hassan, a
people who could make buying her products more accessible. “I found out very quickly that it is really hard to get manufacturers to listen to you if you are a small start-up [business], so there was a lot of knocking on doors, and then I found an amazing consultant. If you want to do something, it is really important to have someone to help who can really guide you in the right direction in developing a great product.” In developing the chosen “shades” for the lingerie and hosiery: Berry, Caramel, Cinnamon and Cafe au Lait, Hassan underwent an interesting process.
derneath clothing. Nubian Skin’s webpage was originally and still is a life and style blog centered around women of color, which may have aided in the line’s receival in the media. It’s Instagram page is growing quickly as its follower count increased from 1,000 to 23,000 followers in just a few short weeks. It is not only an option but it is a means of acceptance for women far from fair. For more product information, visit the webpage at www.nubianskin.com.
4th Annual Total Body Expo Donates To Breast Cancer Research BY CAMBRAI ROBINSON Contributing Writer
London models posing in Nubian Skin’s new lingere line 30-year-old, England-born woman of Nigerian descent. She is prestigiously educated, a Duke graduate, with a thoughtful and innovative mind and attitude. Her reason for the product she puts forth is one that posed a problem for her and Black women all over the world: finding a undergarment that is truly nude for a woman of color. “It was originally brought up out of frustration”, Hassan said. “I really just wanted it myself and I came up with this idea that its true: if I can’t find it, then I should make it.” Starting out with a new product and idea wasn’t completely easy, though. She voiced how hard it was to sell her idea to
She literally chose skin shades from makeup counters in department stores to get as close to nude as possible for her spectrum of future clients. “It took over a year to get right. There was no original reference point, so I had to start from scratch. I literally went to any makeup counters who had a specific offerings for women of color to see which of their shades were selling. So I went around with a pantone swatch for skin tones to see which would be most representative.” The lingerie ranges in sizes to fit nearly every woman, from. Hassan’s dream is to have her product available to darker complected women everywhere, so black underwear or tights aren’t their only option to conceal un-
On Saturday, October 25, Shunte Davis, Founder of the Total Beauty Ladies Events will host the 4th Annual Total Beauty Expo. This event is made friendly to all beauty and fashion lovers and free to the general public from 1 until 6 p.m. at the Culinary Exhibit. The Total Beauty Expo will fundraise for the 2014 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign to provide financial support to provide mammograms and spread awareness about breast cancer. Special guest judges will include: Courtney Perna, on-air correspondent & producer of Great Day Houston along with Shalanda Turner, noted fashion blogger of Live Life in Style. The Total Beauty Awards Show, beauty and fashion workshops, baddest pink shoe competition, and make-up artist competition and showcase are just a few that you can look forward to. The event will include raffles, live entertainment, a mini fashion show, and over 40 pop up shops. Vendors for the event will include several noted fashion boutiques, professional makeup artists, and fashion designers from across the city of Houston. For more information on this event, visit www.events.chron.com.
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Sports Sports run down BY SIDNIE HOLMES Sports Editor Tigers Fall To Alcorn Tiger football was in for a treat while in Lorman, Mississippi Saturday evening as they took on Alcorn State. With 319 total offensive yards; the Tigers went down early in the first quarter 26-0. “We got off to a slow start and that really hurt our chances of winning the game,” TSU head coach Darrell Asberry said. “We’re looking forward to getting back on the field this weekend for our Homecoming game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.” Even though the time of possession for the Tigers was about six minutes longer than Alcorn, the effort seemed to fall short. Things began to turn around and pick up in the second quarter when Jamall Smalls completed a pass to Malik Cross for a 13-yard touchdown. Things quickly turned as the Braves went on to score three times making their final score 40. Daveonn Porter led the rushing game this week with 79 yards, followed by athlete of the week Jay Christophe, with 52 yards and 10 completed passes for 93 yards. Stev Carpenter also racked up 53 yards
with his six receptions. The Tigers defense went on to shut down the offense holding the Braves to 40 points until the final buzzer sounded. Justin Wheat helped seal the deal with a sack early in the fourth quarter. Jarius Moore led the defensive side with 10 of his own unassisted tackles. Kicker, Eric Medina continues to hold strong kicking a grand total of 266 yards resulting in three touchbacks against the Alcorn Braves. Lady Tigers Fall to Howard The Lady Tigers Soccer Team fell short in their match against Howard. “It was a tough loss, but definitely something we can learn from it,” Head Coach Kathryn Saunders said about the first loss ending their four game winning streak. The soccer team will be hosting an alumni weekend starting Friday with home game against Jackson State starting at 7p.m. followed by a game on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Durley Stadium here on campus.
“We just have to do a better job of tracking players into the box, we have to finish the chances and opportunities that we get,” Coach Saunders said about the upcoming plans to win the next few games here at home. The Lady Tigers and Coach Saunders are also asking for campus support with the ‘Pink Out’ that will take place the last home game October 31, at 7 p.m. also at the Durley stadium. On the upside of Tiger Athletics, The Lady Tigers Volleyball team swept away Huston-Tillotson, three sets to none. Sarah Wooton led the Tigers with 17 assists, and Ashle Markey led with seven digs that kept the Huston-Tillotson under control. With 16 kills from Kali Fluke and five blocks, the tone was set for Texas Southern to walk away victorious. The first match ended with a service ace from Kaylah Zepeda 25-15. Kali Fluke stamped the Lady Tiger win with a kill at the end of the third match ending 25-12. Lady Tigers take on Prairie View in Prairie View on Thursday at 7pm.
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Opinion Raven-Symone and Oprah talk race BY LINDSAY GARY Opinion and Politics Editor
From her breakout role as Olivia Kendall on “The Cosby Show” to her starring roles in the Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven” and “The Cheetah Girls,” America has watched the now 28-year-old Raven-Symoné blossom into an accomplished actress and positive role model. She has been especially adored by the African American community as black Americans have followed her progress in Hollywood since she was just a young girl. Her recent comments during an interview with Oprah on OWN’s “Where Are They Now?” however has disappointed most and even disgraced others. During her interview, Raven-Symoné declared, “I’m tired of being labeled. I’m an American. I’m not an African American.” In an effort to calm the very shocked Oprah, she went on to say, “I don’t know what country in Africa I’m from but I do know my roots are in Louisiana. I’m an American. And that’s a colorless person.” Her comments are not only disappointing but they are quite contradictory considering she got her start from starring in an African American sitcom that redefined America’s idea of the black family and promoted positive images of black life. It seems as though it is okay for her to be labeled African American when it is beneficial to her career but not in real life. Perhaps she is doing this to stay relevant as she voluntarily brought up this topic during her interview. If so, hopefully she realizes that she will probably be out of work now that she has chosen to separate herself from the from identity that has defined her career. Of course it is frustrating to be placed in a racial box in Hollywood, but turning your back on your history and community will not fix the racialized habits of Hollywood. Her frustration is not unique as many of us deal with this dilemma daily. Furthermore, many people of color in
America are also tired of the negativity our racial prefix is burdened with. Many of us have in fact have struggled with the weight it bears, often in the form of oppression. Thus, wanting to eliminate the African in African American which is often a barrier to success in a nation with a deep tradition of racism, is natural. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best during his “I Have a Dream Speech” in 1963: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Wanting to be viewed as something beyond one’s outward appearance, especially color and race, is expected. Choosing to go against labels is one thing, but accepting some labels and rejecting others is hypocritical. American is clearly a label. It is unclear whether or not she is implying that her American identity is more desirable than her African American identity. If she is, ignoring her differences and wanting to be seen as “colorless” will not make her more American in the eyes of a racist society nor will it solve America’s problems with race. Many of our ancestors were here long before the ancestors of our white countrymen. We literally built this country and are as American as it gets and in this sense, black is synonymous with American. But because our country was not defined by us or designed to be inclusive of us, it is a long road before this society will truly treat us as Americans. Many of our fellow Americans still struggle with accepting us as important contributors to this country and there are others who still treat us like property. If she would have stated that her people are just as American as any other group, perhaps black Americans would not have been
so disgusted with her remarks. But by choosing to reject that part of her identity, Raven-Symoné essentially neglected a very proud history. On the other end of the spectrum, one has to question whether or not Raven-Symoné was wrong for challenging our idea of race. Race is a man-made social construct designed at its core to oppress those outside of the “pure” European (Caucasoid) race through racism. People have been categorized in order to identify those who are different and supposedly inferior, and to distribute power and oppression appropriately. Should one be scolded for wanting to transcend something that was created as a tool of oppression even though most people with similar backgrounds choose to embrace it or believe they have no choice but to do so? Regardless of how society views them, should they have to define themselves based on what is expected? In the end, Raven-Symoné’s remarks could have been more carefully worded and better explained.
Continued on page 10
Raven-Symone and Oprah during their exclusive interview on Oprah’s, “Where Are They Now” series on the OWN Network.
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Politics Will students show up and show out with their votes in this year’s midterm elections? BY CAMBRAI ROBINSON Contributing Writer College students have the ultimate power to make a difference in this year’s race. Now that students have registered to vote, it is time to get serious about this year’s upcoming midterm election. A host of political fund-raisers and campaign strategies are noted to significantly increase the young vote by over 60 percent. The Texas League of Young Voters, a familiar voter registration campaign active on campus have registered over 300 students at TSU alone. Much of the campaigns success can be attributed to several all-star’s on campus who went the extra mile just to get students registered to vote. Raven Reed, Texas League of Young Voters, and TSU SGA member says, “It’s a wide gap between registration and voting turnout rates. In order to see change on campus, in our communities, and throughout the world, together, must rock the vote”. According to the Harvard University Institute of Politics, the demographic that came through the 2008 presidential election proves 46 million eligible voters between the ages of 18-29, compared to the other 39 million voters over the age of 65 will “definitely” plan to vote in this year’s midterm election. With midterm elections drawing near and are taking place on November 4, it is
important that students understand and bring much awareness to their peers. Here are a few ways you can rock out your vote this year and break the low-voter turnout rate: 1. Be engaged: Before you head to the polls, get engaged and learn about the candidates and their platforms. Knowing what and who you’re voting for is the only way to ensure your voice and concerns are heard on a larger scale. Running candidates are going to serve as the liaison between your state and the federal government, so be sure you’re knowledgeable about who you choose. 2. Get involved: The Texas League of Young Voters is one of many organizations that offers various events across the country for students just like you and many other college campuses. Do your research on each Democratic and Republican candidate, volunteer, and get involved in the voting process. 3. Vote/Request an Absentee Ballot: In the midst of our hectic schedules, we may not have the time to head home to cast our ballot, or we may find an excuse for not
being able to make it to the polls. The good news is that you or a close relative can request an absentee ballot for you to vote via mail. Be sure you’re up to date on your state’s deadlines, registered to vote, and have your vote in before midterm election day. 4. Spread the Word: The best way to reach out to fellow students is by raising awareness. Spread the word, inform your friends and let your classmates know why it’s so significant for each person to vote. Every vote matters and the millennial generation has a lot to speak out on, including college loan debt, civil rights, women’s rights, marriage equality and so much more! Encourage our generation to participate.
“It’s a wide gap between registration and voting turnout rates. In order to see change on campus, in our communities, and throughout the world, togetber, must rock the vote.” -Raven Reed
Continued from page 9 The inconsistencies left African Americans feeling betrayed and ashamed of one they once loved and admired. There is no doubt that people, all Americans, will continue to view her as African American regardless of how she chooses to identify herself. In America, any connection to Africa has been deemed dark and bad. So when people choose to be proud and champion this connection (regardless of how much African blood they actually have, how many of their customs have African roots,
etcetera) it is admirable. For so many years people did the opposite because they were ashamed. And perhaps Raven-Symoné is ashamed. And maybe she is not, and just hopes for the nation Martin Luther King once dreamed of, no matter how unrealistic it is for contemporary America. Ultimately, she sparked a very important conversation, one that should be discussed intimately in the hearts and minds of our inner selves.
Regardless of how the world sees us, we choose how we want to define and identify ourselves. We can choose to celebrate our African ancestry or our American legacy or both. Or we can choose to not allow America’s racial dichotomy and forced labels to define who we are. We can view race as oppressive and we can view it as a source of pride. We have the right to choose are labels, if we choose to do so at all.
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What’s Happening on campus & around town
Monday - 10/20
Tuesday - 10/21
Wednesday - 10/22
Thursday - 10/23
Friday - 10/24
The Weekend 10/25 & 10/26 Homecoming Game: TSU vs. UAPB 2:00 p.m. BBVA
Homecoming Week! Monday - 10/27
Tuesday - 10/28
Wednesday - 10/29
Thursday - 10/30
Friday - 10/31
The Weekend 11/1 & 11/2
The Root presents: Free Lunch & Bible Study 12 p.m. Room 237 SSLC
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
1.Will this year’s homecoming be better than the previous one’s? Anonymously 2. Can we all agree that moving the step show to H&PE was a good idea? submit your 3. How many greeks are actually stepping this year? 4. Why is homecoming only 4 days long? questions via 5. Why are two seperate tailgates being promoted? Ask.Fm 6. Why would students tailgate at a stadium that costs more than tailgating on their own yard? today 7. What happens when no one shows up? 8. Who all went out the Hide & Go Seek game on Monday on the yard? 9. And the bbq at the point? DISCLAIMER: The questions are 10.Why can’t we have more events like that? submitted by the student body and 11. Why do student orgs. have to pay to use school venues? are not the views of The TSU 12. Did it not already come out of our tuition? Herald or Texas Southern University 13. Why does the university keep letting the bookstore rip us off? as a whole. Feel free to bring your 14. Everyone can agree that Wendy Davis coming was a good look for the questions to room 221 of the Student university right? Center. Questions are printed at the 15. But why weren’t there more students out there? discretion of The TSU Herald. 16. Where is the campus participation? 17. When did the volleyball games start getting so live? 18. Why can’t we support all student athletics like that? 19. Who’s excited for basketball season? 20. Did all the good players graduate?
ask.fm/TSU20Questions