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Vol 66 | Number 10 THE TSU HERALD | February 12, 2014
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CAMPUS NEWS page 3
CUPID’S CORNER
LIFE & STYLE page 5
BLACK CELEBRITY COUPLES THAT WE LOVE
SPORTS page 9
SPORTS RUNDOWN
OPINION page 10
A SINGLE LADY’S GUIDE TO A HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
Getting Back To Healthy Relationships In The African American Community photo courtesy: Cameron Butler
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Campus News
Campus Eye Candy
Rudy Alonzo
Destiny Flemons
Status: Single
Status: Single
Status: Single
Classification: Sophomore
Classification: Freshman
Classification: Senior
Why are you single: “I just haven’t really thought about dating.”
Why are you single: “Because I haven’t found a man who is willing to give me his all.”
Why are you single: “I just recently got on the market.”
Instagram: @Rudy_Alonzo
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
Instagram: @Dest_Denae
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.
Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER
Advisors SERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER MICHAEL BERRYHILL
Alex Crenshaw
Instagram: @Roman_Empire
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Campus News Darius McClelland and La-Keshia Pope Place you met: TSU student center Your Song: Don’t Change by Musiq Soulchild How long have you been together: 1 year Favorite place for a date: Dave & Busters Advice to couples in college: Communication and honesty is key for a successful relationship. throughout college.
Kayla Petean and Andre Myers-Washington Place you met: TSU Cafeteria Favorite Tv show: Law and Order: Special Victims Unit How long have you been together: 9 months
Rami-Rashad Booth and Tiara Brown Place you met: Urban Academic Village Favorite Tv show: Netflix How long have you been together: 3 years Favorite place for a date: Pier 39, San Francisco, Calif. Advice to couples in college: Know what you expect from each other, and never show emotions to outsiders when there’s trouble in paradise.
Favorite place for a date: Dinner and a movie Advice to couples in college: Keep your relationship private!
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Cover Story
Getting back to healthy relationships in the African American community BY LINDSAY GARY Opinion Editor Imagine turning on the television or the radio and hearing the phrase “white love” or scrolling down your social media timeline and seeing #whitelove under pictures of happy white couples. Not only would this be rare and seemingly random and unnecessary, but also it would most likely be considered racist. In fact, one is more likely to find advertisements for skin-bleaching products under the hashtag “white love” than the fairy tale white couple that has been ingrained into the psyche of people of all races worldwide. So why is “black love” plastered across black magazine covers? Why are social media users driven to hashtag “blacklove” when they repost pictures of the Obama’s, Beyonce and Jay-Z, and cartoon images of African kings and queens? Despite how accurate or inaccurate the depiction actually is, the image of the happy white couple is easily found and well known, but the image of a loving black couple, particularly a happy marriage of two black people, are seldom seen. Instead, our eyes, minds, and hearts are filled with baby mamas, grown boys, and aloof relationships. We have become conditioned to these trends—single mothers, children born out of wedlock, half siblings, absent fathers, and disdain within horizontal relationships has become the norm. While these trends are not exclusively correlated with the black community, recent data shows that they affect our community at higher rates. According to a 2011 study by the Kids Count Data Center, 25 percent of white children are reared in single-parent households, a number below the overall percentage of 35 percent, while single parents raise 67 percent of black children. This data suggests that black people are having children but are not getting married. With popularized images and statistics like these, the movement toward highlighting,
defending, and encouraging our love is expected. National media networks have recently disseminated data suggesting that black marriage is diminishing—ranking black women amongst the group least likely to marry and contending that when black men are not irresponsible fathers, incarcerated, or homosexual, they are marrying outside of the black community. Are our communities just under attack by the media and research agencies, or are we attacking ourselves? Data and media sources often skew realities but are black love and marriage still a reality? Were they ever realities? Both have historically been under attack. Marriage between slaves was outlawed as slaves were viewed as property rather than people who were capable of upholding binding contracts. Slaves were limited to “jumping the broom,” something that would not prevent owners from sleeping with wives or husbands from being sold down south. Families were regularly separated, slave men were emasculated and were not permitted to act as the head of their families, and women were raped, taken away from their infants, and sometimes prohibited from interacting with the men of their choosing. The resilience of our people would not allow this trauma to prevent black love or post-bellum marriages, but it strained our relationships and the effects of this system persist. Negative trends further intensified with the Great Migration and urbanization as men left home in search of work and big city poverty brought about new temptations like drugs and crime, further contributing to broken black families. History reveals that our love and marriage has continuously been under attack in this country and many present-day black relationships perpetuate both historical residue and contemporary cycles.
A black man does not know how to love or commit to a woman because he did not have a father to set the proper example for him. His mother did not show him love because his father left her. The mother of this man’s child does not trust him because her father abused her; she does not know how to love or trust him. Together they are raising a son and a daughter who will likely mimic the lack of love they learned and received. These circumstances are contrasted with the stories of African kings and queens, slaves jumping the broom and fighting for their love despite severe adversity, happily married grandparents, the weddings of family members, and our own love stories. It is important to note that research is often misrepresented and the media does not account for the ages black women and men marry or the reasons white women marry. Black people do marry, they do marry each other, and they often do it for love over other motivations. We must take these moments to examine our relationships and those around us. Originally, our broken families were directly caused by outside influences, but at what point do we take control and end this toxic cycle? Many of us hold on to the love of a few black celebrities but do not know how to properly love each other. Some of us know how to love vertically—our parents and children—but cannot treat our significant others with love and respect. Our ancestors were not even allowed to marry but we have the freedom to choose our lovers and the right to commit to them; love and healthy marriages are necessary to build healthy families. We have been able to withstand the attack on black love and black marriage for centuries and must not be discouraged from continuing to do so. We have to go beyond hash tags and statements of black love—we have to be black love.
Life & Style
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Black celebrity couples that we love BY SENORA HARRIS Life & Style Editor When looking to some celebrity couples, losing faith in love is the last thing on our mind. Here are the couples that we love to love. Beyoncé & Jay-Z From when they were “03’ Bonnie and Clyde” to being currently “Drunk in Love”, our admiration for the music world’s most powerful couple has not wavered. Since they began dating more than 12 years ago, the now married couple is well known for keeping the details of their relationship under wraps. In the past, Beyoncé has admitted that only revealing what she wants the public to know has helped them to stay afloat. So understandably, our hearts beam when we do get those rare, tiny peeks into their lives. Whether it be seeing the chemistry between them when they perform onstage together, or just a candid picture of them spending quality time with their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, we simply love it. Michelle Obama and Barack Obama “Michelle’s like Beyoncé in that song,” President Obama said in an interview for Vogue magazine last year. ‘Let me upgrade ya!’ She upgraded me.” In more ways than one, First Lady Michelle
Obama has indeed “upgraded” the president. In addition to an improvement in his personal style, he has given her credit for being elected for president twice. Some media allows us to believe that this kind of love does not exist; a black man cannot value and love a strong black woman. However, the fact that the President and first lady remain in love and have respect for one another in their 20-plus year union defeats that notion. Barack and Michelle show how important it is for one to actually benefit from their partner. Ciara and Future Ciara and Future may not have been together for a long time, but they have still left quite the impression on us. Since the rapper and the songstress began dating early last year, the pair has teamed up not only in the world of love, but also in fashion. As avid fashion fans, it is common for them to have front row seats to a catwalk. Their latest spotting was at Calvin Klein’s show for Fashion Week in Milan just last week. As superficial as it may sound, we can’t help but to appreciate how this couple is like walking pieces of art. Wherever they’re seen together, they never fail to be dressed in the most fashion forward ensembles. Furthermore, the way that the currently pregnant Ciara is rocking her maternity wear has us super excited for how they will collaborate on looks for the baby. In addition to going good together, Ciara and Future look good while doing it. Really good! NeNe & Gregg Leakes
Because of the shade, drama, and catfights, Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta” (RHOA) can be a guilty pleasure. But there is something we’re not ashamed to say we enjoy watching on the show: NeNe and Gregg Leakes. Since appearing together on the show in 2008, things haven’t always been picturesque for the reality couple. Unfortunately, we had to witness their demise on RHOA, as they divorced in 2011. But as the show went on, viewers watched to see Gregg work to win NeNe back, which led to them getting married again in June of last year. Despite their relationship not being so neatly packaged, it’s still refreshing to see that second chances can actually happen. Meagan Good & Devon Franklin Prior to their marriage in June 2012, Meagan Good announced that she and her then fiancée were doing something that may seem a little out of norm: practicing celibacy. While this kind of commitment is nothing new, it’s surprising to see in a society where sexuality is so visible and open. While we don’t look down on those who choose to engage in pre-marital coitus, we can’t help but admire this couple on sticking to their guns.
Texas Southern University Excellence in Achievement
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THE EYES OF OUR TIGERS As the weeks go by here at Texas Southern University, our photographers captured all of the moments and current events on campus.
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1. A few Tigers hanging out during reverse hump day in W.O.W. 2. The ladies who assist with the Tiger basketball programs show their Tiger pride during the TSU vs. PV rivalry game. 3. TSU students representing the “Midwest Club” during reverse hump day.
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4. The men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. strolling during reverse hump day. 5. Taylor Kidd, Vivian Williams and a few of their close friends supporting our Tigers as they took on the Prairie View Panthers. 6-7. SGA and other student leaders gathered in front of Sawyer Auditorium dressed in all black attire to kick of Black History Month. 8. The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. supporting the women of Collegiate 100 during their HIV/AIDS awareness event.
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9. TSU students supporting the Tiger basketball programs as they took on the Prairie View Panthers. 10. The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. strolling during reverse hump day. 11. Madd Hatta of the ‘Madd Hatta Morning Show” speaking with students in the School of Communication on life after graduation. 12. Members of the NAACP show their efforts in support of HIV/ AIDS awareness while promoting #FreedomFridays.
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13. The ladies of Collegiate 100 made rice krispy treats that encouraged students to “Know Your Status”. 14. Brooke Lewis owns the stage as she prepares for the bids during the Love Jones Cafe Date Auction. 15. The Women of Collegiate 100 and their supporters pose for a candid photo before releasing ballons to honor those affected by HIV/ AIDS. 16. Miss TSU along with SGA and other campus organizations show their pride in the African American culture as they kick of Black History Month.
Photos courtesy of: Buck Bedia, Joedicy Simms, Cameron Butler, and Jerry Webb.
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Life & Style What men really want for Valentine’s Day: A gift guide for men BY TONY MONK Contributing Writer Contrary to popular belief, men are very simple and laid back, we don’t need a bunch of attention or affection in order for a woman to get her point across to us. Most times, if you just leave us alone with the TV and ESPN, we’re good! So since you all have shamelessly turned the holiday into one that caters to you, I figured that I’thought that you all may need a gift guide If you’ve been dating for less than 3 months If you’ve just started dating and haven’t invested too much into your relationship, it would be smart for you to take the same approach for your Valentine’s Day gift. The common gift of a shirt is the right way to go. Stores like Zumies, Urban Outfitters, or Premium Goods have the right apparel that your man would like to wear. If you are willing to spend a little bit more, then a nice pair of Levi’s will get the job done. “A nice pair of Dockers or anything from Stussy would be cool for me,” junior, Robell Tocuray said.
these days makes it nothing but easy to get this type of gift for your man. Shoes such as Jordan’s, Nike’s, Lebron’s, or even Foam Posits are fresh kicks for his feet.
If you’ve been dating for 10-12 months You can’t forget Chocolates and cards. Valentine’s Day is what it is, so going with the old fashionable gifts of chocolates and a card says enough for a guy. No one can resist chocolates and men are no exception. Along with it should be a nice card to tell him just how much you love him. These gifts can be easily obtained at most stores, like CVS or Walgreens. The only problem that the guy would have would be making sure that his girl doesn’t sink her teeth into the chocolates first.
A year and beyond
If you’re in a fully committed relationship and have exhausted all of your gift ideas, then a simple pair of T-shirts and boxers is always a good gift for men. Since it is something that is always needed, it’ll always be valued. Cologne is another route you can go If you’ve been dating for 3-6 months since all women like their man to smell good. Finding him a signature cologne smell For all of the women who have been would be something that could be pleasing for dating your man for more than 5 months, you can’t go wrong with buying him a nice watch. the both of you. All in all, men will be appreciative of Men are pretty easy going, so they will pretty much any gift given to him. accept mostly any gift, but if you want him So for all you women out there to have a nice wrist game then watches like stressing over Valentine’s Day gifts, just Michael Kors, or Fossil will be the way to go. You can catch a watch on almost every remember that we’ll be ok with any gift so try not to sweat it too much. mans wrist now, so you get any bad response from him with a gift like this.
If you’ve been dating for 6-9 months The variety of shoes on the shelves
“A nice pair of Dockers or anything from Stussy would be cool for me.” - junior, Robell Tocuray
Gifts Men Can’t Resist
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Sports Sports Rundown BY BUCK BEDIA Sports Editor
Tiger Basketball On Saturday night the Tigers (9-13, 5-5) lost to PV (7-15, 5-5) 85-77 in a hard fought battle in the sold out Baby Dome. The Tigers had four players score in double-digits, Aaric Murray, who led the Tigers with 22 points and 11 rebounds, D. D Scarver had 18 points and 4 steals, D’Angelo Scott had 11 while Jose Rodriguez chipped in 10. With the scored tied at 38 and less than 3 minutes left in the first half, the Panthers went on a 9-3 run, putting the Tigers down 4741 by intermission. In the second half, the Tigers only managed to tie the game once. Prairie View had a big night behind the three-point line knocking down 8 from deep, which allowed them to barely stay ahead. With fewer than 40 ticks on the clock, Scarver knocked down a three to bring it within one, but the Tigers could not overcome the Panthers hot shooting night. The next game for the Tigers will be here at the HP&E Arena against Grambling State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Lady Tigers Basketball The Lady Tiger basketball team traveled to Prairie View and extended their winning streak to eight games after beating the Lady Panthers 74-70 on Saturday evening. Brianna Sidney led all scorers with 29 points, as she was feeling the corner three going 5-9 from behind the arc. Sarah Williams added 10 points and 6 assists, while Jazzmin Parker had a solid 14 points and Ashley Ferguson chipped in 10. The atmosphere was electric in the Baby Dome as the first half was fairly even. After three minutes into the half, it was clear that the Lady Tigers would never give back the lead. The Tigers went up by 13 when Parker scored on a lay up with a little over 10 minutes
left to play. The Panthers managed to fight back and bring it within 1 with less than a minute left in the half but still didn’t stand a chance against the fighting Tigers. Inside 30 seconds on the clock, Parker nailed two free throws while Morgan Simmons came up with a huge block on the opposite end of the court. Needing to foul, the Panthers ended up putting Parker back on the line and she sealed the victory for the Lady Tigers. The Lady Tigers will host Grambling State on Saturday, February 15, 2014 in the H&PE Arena. Tip-off time is set for 5:00 p.m. Lady Tigers Softball Hammond, LA- The Lady Tigers kicked off their 2014 campaign at the Southeastern Louisiana Lion Classic Tournament over the weekend, winning 3 out of their 5 contests. The Lady Tigers beat Nicholls State 11-6, handed SELU an 11-3 loss, defeated Akron 5-3, but lost to University of MissouriKansas City 3-0, and lost to Texas Tech 2-0. The offensive stars for the weekend were Thomasina Garza, who went 5-12 with a home run and 4 RBI, Krystalani Yockman had 2 homers and 5 RBI and Amber Garza went 3-5 with 3 RBI. The next home game for the Lady Tigers will be at Houston Baptist at 3 p.m. on Feb. 18th.
Madarious Gibbs takes on a Prairie View guard in an attempt to help his team gett into a scoring position.
Jazzmin Parker knocks down two free throws that will allow the Lady Tigers to take home the win.
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Opinion A single lady’s guide to a happy Valentine’s Day BY LENZI CAUSEY Contributing Writer You shut off your alarm, go to prepare for the day, and as you head out of the door, you read a message from your mother that reads “Happy Valentine’s Day!” After unconsciously rolling your eyes as you thank her, you get annoyed by the fact that it was only your mother and not your own special someone. Either way, you continue on in pursuit of what the day could possibly award you with. Sure, you’re spending your Valentine’s Day alone, but know that you are not alone in the notion. On average, the total amount of dollars spent on Valentine’s Day cards and gifts each year comes out to 13.9 billion dollars, according to statisticbrain.com. Some other statistics that may give you a little twinge of hope that there’s someone out there for you are: the ratio of single men in their 20s to single women in their 20s is 1.2 to 1, there’s an average of 2.16 million marriages per year, and today, there are 904 dating sites worldwide. In hopes of single women not missing out in the future, here are a few suggestions as to what you, as a strong, single woman, should do to get through the “love fest” this year. No one loves you like you do, right? So treat yourself! Have a spa day or do a little (well, maybe a lot) of shopping. That deep tissue massage or new pair of boots you’re missing may be the root to your happiness on V-Day. According to Psychology Today writer Kit Yarrow, Ph.D., a new study conducted by Taylor Nelson Sofres Global on behalf of Ebates.com has “found that more than half of Americans admit to engaging in ‘retail therapy” during Valentine’s Day. This echoes a previous study published in the Journal of Psychology and Marketing. Researchers Selin Atalay and Margaret Meloy found that aside from the 28 percent of shoppers who make purchases as a form of celebration, 62 percent purchase something to
cheer themselves up. As an alternative, have a self-retreat. Spend time with yourself and assess how wonderful you are. Although the right man hasn’t come for you, still view yourself as the right woman. Meditate. Cook dinner for one. Rent or watch some of your favorite movies. If that isn’t enough, call up your best friend and have him or her join you. If you’re looking for something a bit more interactive, include all your single friends! Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about romance. Cherish your friends on this day by having a party at your house! You can make the day extra special by baking cupcakes, cookies and other goodies for your friends to munch on while you all reminisce on the old days and make new plans for the future. Go bar hopping or hit the hottest nightclubs. The nightlife provides many viable options, and although you may have to play hooky for work the next morning, at least you had a great night and resulting stories. Expand your horizons by taking a road trip. All-Star Weekend falls perfectly this year so if you’re up to it, grab your girlfriends and hit New Orleans. Have a lingerie/pajama party for all the girls with fruit and chocolate, wine, and good vibes. You ladies could enjoy an evening with your favorite foods as well as your favorite movies. You could even spend time with your family. Go out with your parents for a lunch date, they’d probably be quite amused. Although we should celebrate them more often, there are more days of the year besides Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to show our parents how we appreciate them. In any of these cases, making someone else’s day is a surefire way to enjoy your own.
At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day may be about romance and frivolous gifts to show “appreciation”, but there’s more to life than that. So spend the day celebrating who you really love while patiently await Mr. Right’s arrival.
Single lady’s hangout
Place:
Location:
The Mad Potter
4882 Beechnut
Ibiza Lounge
2450 Louisiana
Howl At The Moon
612 Hadley
Bistro des Amis
2347 University Blvd.
Bella Rinova Spa
1111-02 Uptown Park
Inprint
1520 W. Main
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Opinion On This Day In Black History BY LINDSAY GARY Opinion Editor On February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded by a powerful group of black and white civil rights activists and intellectuals including Ida B. Wells, W.E.B. DuBois, Mary White Ovington, and Oswald Garrison Villard for the purpose of upholding the rights promised by the 13th, 14th, and 15th constitutional amendments. Commonly referred to as the NAACP, it is the oldest and largest grassroots civil rights organization in the United States. Its objective is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minorities and to eliminate racial prejudice and discrimination. Throughout the last two centuries, the NAACP has courageously advocated for its objectives resulting in numerous successes
BY MARIEA BOYD Campus News Editor
including the reduction of demeaning stereotypes in D.W. Griffith’s Birth of a Nation, a successful anti-lynching campaign, and the establishment of the Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC) which opened up thousands of jobs to black workers. The NAACP is probably most recognized for being at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund of the NAACP spearheaded efforts in the desegregation of public schools, winning Brown v. Board of Education, as well as the passage of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1964, and 1968, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The NAACP currently boasts a membership of more than half-million freedom fighters and remains resilient in its advocacy
for civil rights in addition to an emphasis on inequalities in economics, health care, criminal justice, education, and voter empowerment.
Love Column
With only a few days left until Valentine’s Day, I went on a quest to find out what an ideal date would be for TSU students.
“First I would like to go to a romantic candlelit dinner downtown, then a boat ride down a river filled with random conversation,” Jennifer Wilson said.
“I would take my girlfriend to Paris, France. We would first start the day with shopping then dinner and end it with a carriage ride to tour the city,” Devin Aaron said.
“I would like my boyfriend to surprise me with a outfit already prepared, Louboutin heels and dress, for the night to come, then we go to a candlelit dinner on the beach,” Fredi Voorhies said.
“I would take my date to my secret spot in Houston,” Levon Briggs said. “You can see the aurora lights and sunset over the city skyline and then we’ll do something normal like dinner.”
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What’s Happening on campus & around town
Monday - 2/10
Tuesday - 2/11
Wednesday - 2/12 Recreation Center presents: Indoor Soccer Tournament 5 p.m. Rec Center
Monday - 2/17
Tuesday - 2/18
TSU Tigers vs. Jackson UPC- Cinema State Committee presents: Movie Night WBB at 5 p.m. 7 p.m. MBB at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday - 2/19
Thursday - 2/13
Friday - 2/14
The Weekend 2/15 & 2/16
UPC-Performaing Arts Happy Valentine’s 2/15: presents TSU Tigers vs. Day Poetry Night Grambling State 7 p.m. WBB at 5 p.m. MBB 7:30 p.m.
Thursday - 2/20
Recreation Center presents: Intramural Bowling 5 p.m. Bowling Alley
PRESIDENT’S DAY TSU CLOSED
Friday - 2/21 Recreation Center presents: Paintball Trip 2 p.m. Got’cha Paintball
The Weekend 2/22 & 2/23 2/22 Recreation Center presents: Fitness Day 12 p.m. Rec Center
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. So, what are the side chicks going to do on Valentine’s Day? 2. Why has the show “Being Mary Jane” given side chicks hope? 3. Who declined doing the “Cupid’s Corner” section because their “girlfriend” is actually their side chick? 4. Why don’t people like being in relationships anymore? 5. Is casual sex and movie night the new norm? 6. Why did the Kappa’s post their Rush flyer on Instagram? 7. So if you liked the picture, does that mean you weren’t being discreet? 8. Why do the Zeta’s have Rush flyers in every building? 9. Is the struggle that real? 10. Will the SGRHO’s ever have another line at TSU? 11. Does anyone even care? 12. Why did the K’s just give the Delta’s the yard? 13. Wait, we still have a yard? 14. Do we even still have a Miss TSU? 15. Where is everybody? 16. When will we see change? 17. Why don’t organizations do a better job at promoting events? 18. What’s the point of having TV’s throughout the SC if they don’t have sound? 19. Do you really think we’re just going to look up and watch that randomness? 20. Did anyone else see baby Alpha’s strolling at the PV game or nah?
Tweet @TheTSUHerald with your questions using the #TxSU20 hashtag.
DISCLAIMER: The questions are submitted by the student body and are not the views of The TSU Herald or Texas Southern University as a whole. Feel free to bring your questions to room 221 of the Student Center. Questions are printed at the discretion of The TSU Herald.
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