Issue #09(1)

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CAMPUS NEWS

Vol 69 | Number 09 THE TSU HERALD | January 25th, 2017

page 4

WELCOME TO SPRING 2017

SPORTS page 6

SPORTS RUNDOWN

LIFE & STYLE page 8

page 3 THE ROMANTIC ISSUE

POLITICS page 10

THE DOOR OF NO RETURN

BARACK OBAMA’S FINAL FAREWELL

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Letter From the Editor warmest regards. As we transition into the new year and new semester, understand this, this is a chance for you to start fresh. Everything that is done in 2016 cannot be reversed and will forever remain engrained into your memory, so I say to you this leave what is in the past in behind you and look forward to the future before you. You may not be able to change the past but you can always shape the future.

How exactly do we shape the future?

The first step is having a vision for yourself, or your team.

(Photo by: Jake Lambert IV)

Hello Texas Southern University, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break and brought in the new year in all of the

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MARCUS D. SMITH STAFF WRITER(S) MAHBUBA MATOVU TODD ROGERS ALLY BANKS TYLER DOGGETT AKIL WILLIAMS SARA JAMISON Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER JADE HORTON Follow The TSU Herald on Social Media Instagram: @THETSUHERALD Twitter: @THETSUHERALD

Most would write that vision down so you do not forget it and are constantly working towards it. Well, I say, if your vision is that important to you, then you will never forget it.

Your vision is something that becomes routine to you, it shouldn’t even be something that you have to think about or hesitate upon. Your vision should be something you eat, sleep, and think about all the time. You should become so obsessed with accomplishing that vision that it keeps you up at night thinking of different ways and strategies in which you can enhance your vision, making valiant contributions to your vision’s success. Your vision should be something you see yourself doing for as long you live. It should be a passion not a task to succeed. You have to want it...bad!

The TSU Herald is published by the students of Te x a s S o u t h e r n U n i v e r s i t y.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration.

The newspaper is p r i n t e d b i w e e k l y, except during holidays and examination periods.

For additional information, call (713) 313-6710.

Next is mapping out your vision.

Like every destination, there are different routes to get there. Hard to believe that just 15 years ago we needed to print out MapQuest routes to figure out which direction we needed to go for our destination. Now we have Google Maps and lovely voice that sounds oddly similar to Siri who tells us everywhere we need to go to get to where we are headed. Yes, sometimes, she does tell us slightly too late on directions and we may miss a step causing our entire map to reroute

itself. Ask yourself, was it the Siri-twin voice who mislead you, or were you driving too fast and happened to miss the instruction. Were you not paying too much attention to her, distracted by the bass-pumping sound of the music through the speakers?

Just as in life, sometimes we need to slow down and remain focused on our vision, the route where we plan to be. Moving too fast may cause us to keep heading straight, nowhere fast, while our next exit towards our destination was approximately 0.6 miles behind us.

The next step is putting all of your thoughts, all of your words into action. Once you get through the phase of simply mapping out where you are seeking to go, it is up to you to continue forth and take a leap of faith towards your desired goal or vision.

This serves as the most difficult part. More times often than not, this part is easier said than done.

You are familiar with the phrase “talk the talk, and walk the walk” right? Most people simply “talk the talk” because it’s easier than “walking.” Figuratively, well and literally, it is easy to talk, well we do it everyday. Some on the phone, some when they post on social media, others in class while the professor is talking.

You hardly waste any energy just talking, well eventually, but it’ll be a long time. Whereas walking takes a little more effort, more energy, more time than just talking. Those who “walk the walk” after the talk they all have similar traits. They just simply try.

When you look back at some of the thigs you’ve done, ask yourself this one question, “did I really try?” In the grand scheme of things, life is not measured in failures and success, but rather trial and error. You either win, or you learn, but either way you’re still successful than most people because you had the vision, you had the dream to try.

That being said, this year, this semester, what ever it is that you have a passion for, if you have mapped out a vision for yourself, set goals, then simply live them out, just try, but most importantly, aim high. Let’s have a great Spring 2017!

Your Editor-in-Chief, Marcus Derrell Smith

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Cover Story Thank You Obama: President Barack Obama’s Farewell Speech By: Ally Banks Political Columnist

Americans that we are a democracy, ruled by the people for the people before leaving office.

He speaks of how the ideology of America democracy.

(Photo courtesy of: Andrew Harrer-Pool/Getty Images)

January 20th, 2016, marks the final day of President Barack Obama’s days in office as the 44th President. His farewell speech delivered on January 10th, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois could be compared to that of a campaign rally; it was more of a call to action than anything.

The last chance to address his fellow Americans before he steps out of office, completing an amazing two terms, eight years. Americans from all generations were very inspired and moved by this speech, and have those same Americans questioning rather or not we will ever receive a moment speech from another American president again. President Obama’s speech demonstrated how much of a class act our Commander-in-Chief really is and throughout this article I would like to highlight some of the most notable statements made.

In the President’s speech, he acknowledged his rivals instead of insulting them.

“Whether we have seen eye-to-eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people, in living rooms and in schools, at farms, on factory floors, at diners and on distant military outposts — those conversations are what have kept me honest, and kept me inspired, and kept me going. And every day, I have learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man,” said President Obama.

This is something we have yet to see from president-elect Donald Trump, who is days away from inauguration. Professionalism is an important trait for any successful leader to have, and the fact that President-Elect Trump lacks that makes many citizens nervous.

President Obama made sure he reminds

“It’s the beating heart of our American idea — our bold experiment in self-government. It’s the conviction that we are all created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It’s the insistence that these rights, while self-evident, have never been self-executing; that ‘We the People,’ through the instrument of our democracy, can form a more perfect union,” said our president.

No one should ever feel as if they do not belong in this country, America was created for everyone, throughout history it has not always been that way, but over time the United States of America has spoken true to its creed. Barack Obama is living proof of that.

In Barack Obama’s final speech as president he chose not to denounce Donald Trump, who will be the new commander in chief on January 20th.

“In 10 days, the world will witness a hallmark of our democracy... the peaceful transfer of power from one freely elected President to the next. I committed to President-elect Trump that my administration would ensure the smoothest possible transition, just as President Bush did for me. Because it’s up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face,” said President Obama.

He instead encourages Americans to get involved with politics locally and make sure the government officials uphold their vows to us.

The final part of the speech that I would like to reflect about, is when President Obama spoke out against racism in this country. The topic of race has always been a sensitive topic to discuss here in America, with the first African American president leaving office I think it was a topic we need to hear about from him.

He made four points:

a.

“Hearts must change. It won’t change overnight. Social attitudes oftentimes take generations to change. But if our democracy is to work in this increasingly diverse nation, then each one of us need to try to heed the advice of a great character in American fiction — Atticus Finch — who said “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” b.

“For blacks and other minority groups, it means tying our own very real struggles for justice to the challenges that a lot of people in this country face — not only the refugee, or the immigrant, or the rural poor, or the transgender American, but also the middle-aged white guy who, from the outside, may seem like he’s got advantages, but has seen his world upended by economic and cultural and technological change. We have to pay attention, and listen.” c.

“For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didn’t suddenly vanish in the ‘60s —that when minority groups voice discontent, they’re not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness. When they wage peaceful protest, they’re not demanding special treatment but the equal treatment that our Founders promised.” d.

“For native-born Americans, it means reminding ourselves that the stereotypes about immigrants today were said, almost word for word, about the Irish, and Italians, and Poles — who it was said we’re going to destroy the fundamental character of America. And as it turned out, America wasn’t weakened by the presence of these newcomers; these newcomers embraced this nation’s creed, and this nation was strengthened.”

It would be a disservice to our country to disregard these goals set out to us by President Obama. Instead we should come together and find a way to create opportunity for all people, no matter race, gender, or religion. If not the division that has now surfaced will stall our progress in becoming a true nation for all.

Thank you President Obama.

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Campus News TSU Welcomes the New Year, Spring Semester By: Tyler Doggett Campus News Writer

As we look back on 2016, anticipations rise as students welcome the upcoming spring semester.

The fall semester was a very ambitious academic school year for Texas Southern University with a plethora of “campus firsts” to start the school year off right.

With a new administrative direction, filling vacant positions such as a new Dean of Students, TSU Police Chief, and University president in Dr. Austin Lane. After the demise of former university president, Dr. John M. Rudley at the hands of a collective voice and a series of unfortunate events, TSU opened the 2016-2017 school year with high hopes and a clean slate.

Our campus welcomed in our largest freshman class to date with the new nine-story University Towers. We welcomed top tier artist and celebrities to campus like rapper, YG, on behalf of TSU’s California Club, also a day party featuring Rob $tone and with one of the university’s best homecoming celebrations, debuting our first studentorganized homecoming committees.

“YG in the game room was one my favorite parts last semester. I don’t think I’ve had that much fun on campus in a while,” said senior, Saline Elder.

Although we welcomed in new and innovative experiences, the fall semester also gave an interesting twist on already prominent programs and organizations.

The return of iconic traditions such as: the entertaining campus talk show, Talk on the Walk, the infamous University Program Council Humpdays return to 12:00 start time, KTSU 90.9 P.R.O.M.O initiative under the direction of its new general manager, Ernest Walker, and radiant Greek trees help the campus life and overall HBCU morality flourish.

“It’s crazy how you don’t really know that you’ve been missing something until you have it back again,” said senior, Derek McIntosh.

The year was also faced with its fair share of hardships with Freshman Rock the House and the “Mr.

TSU Scandal” that plagued our Student Government Association and Royal Court alike.

But, like all adversities this university has faced, we overcame it as a family and emerged with Moses Mbai as our newly crowned campus king as Mr. Texas Southern University.

The bar set within the first half of the school year may seem impossible to surpass, but with the unstoppable Ocean of Soul preparing for a trip to Atlanta, Georgia for the Honda Civic Battle of the Bands and the two-time SWAC championship basketball team dominating the SWAC, it’s becoming harder and harder to keep our composure.

The rumors of who UPC will bring on stage for their annual Springfest is beginning to make its way through our social media outlets, and our benevolent queen, Cassandra Cantue, is planning a community celebration in the First Black Girls Rock: Texas Southern University edition.

Texas Southern University is on the wave of change and by the look of things, everyone’s enjoying the ride.

Confucius Institute Encourages Students to Immerse Themselves In New Cultures Abroad By: Todd Rogers Contributing Staff Writer

The Confucius Institute at Texas Southern University (TSU) is one of our campus’ hidden gems. Located on the third floor of the Martin Luther King (MLK) Humanities Center, the Confucius Institute offers “cross-cultural exchange and professional development programs” focused on creating an “academic forum for intellectual discovery and exchange” by building relationships through language training, educational workshops, and events.

Bryant Chambliss, Assistant Director of the Confucius Institute, says the program implemented four years ago is dedicated to deeply involve students in new ways of life.

“Our main goal is to immerse students of African-American decent into the Chinese culture, to get them a step ahead — once they graduate, they’ll be ready for international business and relations,” Chambliss said.

Every summer, TSU students have the great opportunity to spend two-plus weeks in China

to practice the language and learn about the Eastern culture firsthand. Eligible students are required to take at least one semester of Chinese language.

expensive, however Chambliss contends the Confucius Institute takes care of everything to ensure successful financial planning and preparation for the trip.

Chambliss says China is beneficial to TSU students in many ways.

“We take care of your visa, flight tickets, and everything needed — except for the passport,” Chambliss said, “The cost is usually between $1,800 to $2,000, but that covers the full expense. This year we have jobs [on campus] for our students to help pay for the trip, so were really cutting the cost down.”

“For business reasons and government jobs — China is very important for students to experience and have some background with it,” Chambliss said.

The assistant director also recommends students consider studying abroad between their freshman and sophomore year.

“Once you go on your first trip, you’ll want to go on another,” Chambliss said, “The more you can build your resume with international education, the better you will be once it’s time to graduate.”

Many students inquire about the cost of the trip, fearing that the experience may be too

Both Chambliss and past participants agree that the study abroad program offered by the Confucius Institute at TSU is a one-of-a-kind, life changing experience.

Interested students can receive additional information by visiting Mr. Bryant Chambliss on the third floor of the MLK in room 302, or by visiting www.tsuci.org

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Campus News Five Free Campus Resources You Didn’t Know You Had By: Mahbuba Motovu Life & Style Writer

All you have to do is show up in your workout gear and bring along your student ID, then you will have all access to the university’s workout equipment. The Rec center also offers various fitness classes, like Zumba, Boots to Glutes and even Yoga. They are open from 7:00am 10:00pm during the week. Follow their Facebook page @TSURec to keep up with their new schedule and fitness seminars. You can also download their app for all updates in your app store under Texas Southern Recreational Center, or just search, “TSU Rec Center”.

5.

New year, new semester, and new resolutions, 2017 is officially here. A great way to start this spring semester off the right way would be to acquaint yourself with a few important resources that Texas Southern University (TSU) offers students for free. These resources will definitely be very useful throughout the semester.

most students are able to benefit from. There are two tutorial centers on campus, one in the Fairchild Building room 160, and the other at the University Learning Center. Tutorial services are available from 9am - 5pm during the week. The coordinator, Ms. Consuela Amos, is always happy to help and you can reach her at 713-313-7449.

1.

3. Counseling

Health Services Center

Besides offering free flu shots, TB skin tests, and HIV testing, TSU’s Health Services Center is happy to assist if you are sick, injured, and/ or need assistance in making a decision about your health. You just have to be enrolled in the current semester and have your Tiger One ID with you. The health services center has multiple health professionals that are willing to assist you and even offer advice on affordable health services around Houston if you have no insurance and need further medical assistance.

The clinic is open from Monday to Friday from 8am – 5pm and you can contact them via phone (713-313-7173) for more information.

2.

Tutorial center

TSU’s Student Academic Support Services are committed to helping students achieve and maintain academic success by offering free tutoring to all students throughout the semester. At the tutorial center, you will find some of the university’s brightest students offering tutoring help in a wide range of subjects that

College life can be stressful; especially when you have to juggle academic deadlines with life’s struggles, and having a demanding job that pays your bills. The Associated Press and MTVU conducted a survey on college student stress throughout the United States.

They found that four out of 10 college students reported feeling stressed often. There might be times when you find yourself in a difficult situation and need to talk to someone. TSU has a University Counseling Center (UCC). UCC is dedicated to helping students find a proper balance between their academic and personal health. They provide counseling and support, crisis intervention, grief counseling, outreach, and referral services to all TSU students. Their offices can be found in the Student Health Center during the week from 8am – 5pm.

4.

Recreational center

If getting into shape was one of your New Year’s Resolutions, you don’t have to worry about reaching that goal if you’re a TSU Tiger.

Placement services

You might be standing in line at the TSU bookstore being assisted by students and you wonder how you too can get that job.

The career services department at TSU offers students career assistance from their first day on campus to graduation and beyond. They help undecided students choose majors, help them search for internships or jobs, make plans for graduate school and offer résumé and cover letter boot camps. You can email them at placementservices@tsu.edu to schedule an appointment.

The university has placed these and more services on campus and made them available to students for free, so that they can have a cumulative academic journey and a smooth transition to becoming successful professionals.

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Sports

Sports Rundown (courtesy of www.TSUsports.com)

Tiger Basketball ITTA BENA, Miss. – Ta’Jay Henry scored a game-high 30 points with 22 rebounds, Isaac Williams tallied a season-high 29 points with 10 rebounds and Marcus Romain added 23 as Mississippi Valley State handed the previously undefeated Texas Southern Tigers a 103-89 loss in overtime.

Chynna Ewing scored a career-high 17 points and was 6-of-9 from the floor for the visiting Lady Tigers (11-7, 5-2 SWAC). Kaitlyn Palmer added 13 points for TSU, while Shamiya Brooks scored 12 points off the TSU bench.

Lady Tiger Bowling

Ashley Beals scored 26 points and pulled in 12 rebounds for Mississippi Valley State (7-11, Williams connected on a 3-pointer with three 4-3 SWAC). Kristy Parker added 13 points and seconds left on the shot clock and 53.5 seconds Sheard chipped in 10 points for the Devilettes. left in regulation to give Valley a two-point lead.

The back-and-forth game saw five ties and TSU’s Demontrae Jefferson made two free throws with 37 seconds left to force the highly contested game into overtime. Rashaan Surles scored six points in overtime while MVSU outscored Texas Southern 17-3 as a team to seal the game.

Texas Southern was paced offensively by Kevin Scott who contributed 24 points. Zach Lofton scored 18 points and had six rebounds before fouling out with 5:43 remaining in regulation.

Texas Southern returns home to face Alabama State this weekend at the HPE Arena.

Lady Tiger Basketball

ITTA BENA, Miss. – Rickeisha Sheard’s steal and fast-break layup with 10 seconds remaining in overtime Monday proved to be the difference as Mississippi Valley State defeated the Lady Tigers of Texas Southern 75-74.

Joyce Kennerson scored a game-high 27 points and took four steals for the Lady Tigers, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Texas Southern from falling to Mississippi Valley for the first time since the semifinal round of the 2012 Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament.

eight lead changes during its four and a half periods. Texas Southern held a 66-61 lead with 1:21 remaining in regulation before the Devilettes responded by scoring the final five points of the fourth period; Beals forced overtime by making a pair of free throws with 10 seconds of regulation.

Mississippi Valley led by as many as five points midway through the overtime period, but TSU trimmed the lead to 71-70 with four consecutive free throws by Kennerson at the 2:23 and 2:08 marks of the frame.

After a MVSU basket, Palmer again cut the lead to a single point with a layup with 1:33 left in overtime. On the next defensive sequence, Kennerson stole the ball from Beals and took it the other direction for a go-ahead layup. Her shot was off the mark, but Brooks was there for the putback to give TSU a 74-73 lead with 57 seconds left to play.

HOUSTON – The SWAC West Roundup for women’s bowling concluded in Houston on Sunday at Emerald Bowl, wrapping up the first weekend of conference play.

There was a three-way tie entering the final round. Texas Southern, Prairie View A&M and Jackson State all were 9-2. Prairie View defeated Texas Southern 961-900 to conclude the roundup at 10-2 overall. Jackson State defeated Southern 904-749 to also conclude the weekend at 10-2 overall.

Texas Southern finished in third at 9-3 while Grambling State finished in fourth place, going 6-6 on the weekend. Alabama State finished at 4-8, while Southern finished at 3-9. Alabama A&M rounded out the standings at 0-12.

MVSU missed two shots on their next possession and Kennerson came away with the rebound, one of seven she had in the game. TSU was in control until Sheard came away with the steal and game-winning points.

Deniysha Waller (pictured left) of Texas Southern led the field of 49 bowlers in average score per game, knocking down 208.0 pins per contest. Waller was the only player in the field to average 200 or better for the duration of the weekend.

The loss was the second in a row for TSU after the Lady Tigers saw their six-game winning streak snapped Saturday at Arkansas–Pine Bluff. TSU is now tied for second place in the conference with Southern, one game behind Alabama State.

Marcella Sanchez of Jackson State (197.1), Amanda Morgan of Prairie View A&M (195.0), Samantha Kriner of Texas Southern (194.5) and Lindsay Paredes of Prairie View A&M (193.3) rounded out the top five individual leaders.

The Lady Tigers host SWAC-leading Alabama State on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at TSU’s Health and Physical Education Arena.

Conference play will continue at the east roundup, which will take place in D’Iberville, Miss. on Feb. 17-19.

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Sports Derrick Griffin: The Inside Story By: Akil Williams, Sports Writer

Ever since Derrick Griffin stepped foot on the campus of Texas Southern University in the fall of 2014, there has been a lot of hype behind the former five-star athlete. With the hype also came questions, why Texas Southern?

During his time with Terry High School and Amatuer Athletic Union (AAU) basketball with Andrew and Aaron Harrison, former Kentucky standouts, Griffin received countless amount of letters from universities to be a dual athlete in both football and basketball.

“It came down to Texas A&M, Miami, and Auburn. I had other schools that offered me full-rides but these three schools caught my eye,” said Griffin.

After Griffin won the state championship in basketball as a senior, he decided to commit to Texas A&M and fulfill his dream of playing college football and basketball. That was later taken away from him from the university due to academic violations.

toriously known for giving NFL quarterback and MVP, Cam Newton, a shot before transferring to Auburn.

During Griffin’s time in high school, plenty of his classmates had a feeling that he would be a pro player someday, but never offered to help him and better him as a student in the classroom.

“I always had a chip on my shoulder my whole life, I was always a helping person, but never received that same treatment, and spending time at the prep schools made me realize that I had to earn everything myself with no help.”

Shortly after leaving the prep school, Griffin had a limited amount of universities to choose from, Texas Southern University being among the limited amount.

“I had a chance to go back to Miami but didn’t want to wait a year to play, so I chose to come back to my home of Houston, Texas and play sports,” said Griffin.

“I couldn’t get into A&M due to my grades. My ACT score was an 18 and I had a low GPA so I couldn’t get enrolled to the school,” said Griffin, “When I found out I couldn’t get into A&M, I wasn’t crying about it, I had 100 more offers on the table,” he added.

Griffin didn’t receive a phone call from the TSU Athletic Director, nor the coaches in football nor basketball. Instead, Mr.Greer, a worker inside the Bell building that is great friends with his uncle had advised Griffin to attend TSU and try out for basketball and football.

So that’s when he tried his luck with the University of Miami, a very prestigious school that is highly regarded as one of the top football factories for the NFL.

Griffin was quickly put on the football and basketball team that year but had to redshirt the first season.

But shortly after the visit and moving his items into his new apartment in Miami, Griffin received a phone call saying that he couldn’t go to Miami at the time due to academics.

“I wasn’t on scholarship, they knew who I was so they put me on the team. It wasn’t a problem because I workout everyday, so it wasn’t a problem getting me on the team,” said Griffin on his process of joining TSU athletics.

“I couldn’t get into Miami as well, so at this point I feel like God is punishing me but I’m still not giving up. This is just a lesson learned in my life,” said Griffin.

In 2015, Griffin played football and basketball for the first time since being a senior at Terry High School in 2013.

Griffin had to settle for a predatory academy in Miami called Fort Union for a semester in order to get his grades back to where it needs to be.

“My mother seen me play for the first time at the Labor Day Classic in my first year playing college ball. She just heard about me. She’s never seen me play AAU, middle school, or high school basketball. TSU was her first time ever and it just so happens it was my first time since high school,” said Griffin.

“It was bad. It was like boot camp, I couldn’t even have my phone for a whole semester. They took it right away.

And at this point I had to ask myself, do I really want this? I haven’t been a quitter my entire life, so if I quit then I would like I’m letting my family and God down,” said Griffin.

With grades being Griffin’s achilles heel, Griffin went to a prep school in Georgia to fix his problems.

“I was only at this school for like a week. This is how I knew something wasn’t right, my teacher didn’t even know who I was but told me, I didn’t belong here, ‘you don’t need to be here.’ That right there was the turning point and I told myself, ‘I’m not messing this up again,’” said Griffin.

While at these prep schools, Griffin was asked to play sports for these schools but instead didn’t want to settle for that, one of the schools included Blinn College, no-

Shameka Lockridge, the mother of Griffin, was arrested and sent to jail when he was at the age of nine, then sent back again at the age of 12 and was released in 2015.

With Griffin’s mother being home, she has still been a huge part in his life and she plays a huge role in his success today.

“I seen my mom get stabbed in front of me, almost died in front of me. That made me the man that I am today,” said Griffin.

Griffin’s first year at Texas Southern he finished with all-conference in both football and basketball, SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and SWAC Player of the Year in his first full-year of collegiate sports.

In 2016 during football season, the university hired a new coaching staff including former Miami of Ohio and Pittsburgh coach Michael Haywood. Under Haywood, Griffin only played one game for the team and was suspended for the rest of the season in the the third week of the season after violating team rules.

Griffin was given the opportunity to return to the team next season. Griffin declined the offer and decided to focus on basketball.

“After I saw they didn’t put me on the key players list before the season I just knew something wasn’t right.

And once they said I was kicked off the team, I had the opportunity to come back the next season but I called coach Mike Davis and said ‘I’m going to quit and come to basketball,’” said Griffin.

Griffin played 13 non-conference games and averaged a double-double with 11.3 points per game with 11 rebounds per game. Shortly after, Griffin decided to skip conference play and put his name in the NFL Draft this upcoming March.

“It was difficult to tell Coach Davis that I was going to declare for the NFL draft and miss the conference season, but I had to do what was best for me,” said Griffin.

Griffin spent two years on campus at Texas Southern, while people knew who he was based off of sports, many people didn’t really know what type of man he was off the field.

“I felt like a normal guy on campus, I don’t do the whole hype thing, I’m not into the hype, I’m a humble guy, people look at me like I’m big but I look at myself like a regular guy. I still have something to prove, I’m not there yet. Only a few guys really know who I am, such as Dwayne Washington, Jalen McCloud, Eric Williams, Billy Rosenberg, Tray Walker, and Jamal Smalls. People are going to look at me and see how I dress and think I’m a cocky guy, but I’m really not. I’m a humble guy that loves nice things and wants to look presentable,” said Griffin on his campus reputation.

Looking back at his high school days, Griffin wished that he could’ve did things a little bit different but at the same time doesn’t regret anything in his life and had some advice for people that are going through the same thing he went through during the early parts of his life.

“If you going to do something then do it. Don’t play with it, don’t take things for granted. I didn’t do much in high school. The people that are playing at high D-1 level schools and the ones that are playing pro ball right now, I don’t think they can do what I did. And that is going two years without playing sports fresh off a five-star level career in high school in both basketball and football.

I feel like they would give up trying and just go work somewhere. It’s sad to see great guys with great talent go to waste,” said Griffin.

Griffin’s Pro Day and NFL Combine will be coming in the next month and everyone across the nation expects him to be drafted during Draft weekend.

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Life & Style The Romantic Issue By: Charles Koen Contributing Writer

intentional with this person and decide that you would like to try to invest in a relationship with this person. This way you know when the romance does die down in the relationship, you will still have a compatible friend and life partner to aid you along the way until you guys reinvent that romantic feeling.

I was once asked was romantic love a poor basis for a marriage. At first, I thought to myself “Nah! It couldn’t be.” Then as I dug and thought more deeply, I discovered new lessons.

I started to think from a different perspective.

The longer I lived and the more I learned, the more I started to see that it really is a poor basis for marriage. There are much better things that a healthy marriage can be based upon. For one, a marriage would work out much better based off of goals, aspirations, spirituality and godly love; therefore, showing that romantic love would only take a couple so far due to the fact that romance always dies down at some point.

Society has really given us a bad idea of how a relationship is supposed to take place. People these days are moving way too fast and searching in the wrong places for love. Most people are searching for that romantic feeling in whoever they are courting or dating. There is nothing wrong with that, but that should not be the main focus you are searching for in a spouse.

That romantic feeling can be created with a lot of people. Not only that, but the feeling eventually dies out. That is why you should search for much more than just that in a person.

When you begin to focus on your spiritual connection with a person, it begins to take that relationship to new heights. When you find a person who has similar goals and outlooks on life, it can really make things easier for you.

Nothing could really beat that! Having a best friend, who is also your mate as well as your extra support, your lover, the person you can turn to in times of need, and much more. The problem today is that people find that romantic connection and usually refuse to let go of whoever they are dating, regardless of a failing

companionship, lack of spiritual connection, differing goals of where they want to end up in life, and etc. People these days unknowingly just settle for the romantic feeling, not knowing that they could create that with someone of a better match for themselves. What they don’t realize is that they are prolonging the process of them finding themselves a better mate. All of that time wasted with the wrong person could be time used working on themselves for when they come across the right person.

A lot of the time, the reason people refuse to let go is because they are emotionally attached and tied into that dying or already dead feeling of romance. They think “We used to be so good” or “We’re just going through a tough time right now”, when in reality the end of the relationship is long over due. A lot of the time, more often than not, it is because sex is involved (which I will address in my next blog) creating a deeper romantic attachment between the two. A bigger issue is that usually after ending such an extremely romantic relationship, people are seriously hurt and usually search for that same romantic feeling in others; thus, leading them into a cycle.

I would suggest switching it up, and actually starting to search for different qualities in a person. Pursue a friendship with them first.

See how good of a friend they are. Watch how they handle things as they go through the difficult struggles of life. Do you like it? Ask yourself where you want to be at certain points of your life. Does this person’s plans seem like they are anywhere near where yours are? Of course those plans don’t have to be a perfect match, but you don’t want to be dealing with someone who has completely opposite life plans than you do. I would suggest leaving the romance part out until you decide to be very

Romance is a beautiful treat and amazing thing to experience, but is a really poor basis for a marriage. This can be created with a lot of people, and really is more extreme when we are young. The older you get, the more you will want a love that feels true and not so hard to keep. “Love is a choice, not a feeling.” There will come a time where you must choose to continue to showing your partner love rather than feeling that “magical” feeling you always felt that drives you to do things for them.

When that time comes, you will be much happier if you are with someone who you have more than just an emotional connection with that you can connect with on almost every aspect of life.

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Life & Style The Crazy Consequences of Life Changing Intimacy By: Charles Koen Contributing Writer strong. The more sex you have, the stronger the bond becomes. Letting go and starting over begins to feel like a very long, painful and fearful experience that a lot of people just do not want to think about. They may even try for a few weeks and just look back on everything and find themselves right back into the same position because they are afraid to let go.

Many people today, especially younger people have a hard time handling sexual energy. It is a struggle that a lot of people deal with in their lives. They sadly treat sex as a game or a means of relieving stress. Some people do it just for the thrill of having it. What a lot of people do not understand is that sex is a very dangerous thing to experiment with. They never truly consider the consequences that come with such an act. Has anyone ever told you that “One night of pleasure can turn into a lifetime of consequences!”? Well, let me explain.

First off, there are the obvious consequences: STD’s, pregnancy and things like that. Many people believe that a condom will solve all of their problems, but what a lot of people are not aware of are the emotional consequences of sex. “There is no such thing as safe sex!” Just ask all of the people who used condoms, but still ended up getting their hearts broken. A lot of people involve themselves with others sexually in a casual way and wonder why their partner starts to involve their emotions. This is because sex was created and intended for two people who are truly in love with each other.

Whenever two people have casual sex, they are bound to get their feelings and emotions involved somehow if they continue to do so.

Many people irresponsibly handle this and get upset when their consequences finally catch up with them. One thing in life is that “You reap what you sow, but you reap in a different season than you sow”. This is what happens to a lot of people, and it damages their trust for others.

A lot of people go through many relationships

never having full trust for their partners. This can usually have something to do with sex.

When you have sex with someone you are giving them all of you. You are giving them your soul. Your souls intertwine with one another. If you begin having sex with someone too early, and finally start getting to know them later on down the road when you start having feelings for them you will start realizing that you overlooked a lot of qualities and flaws that you really do not like or trust. Whenever you have sex, it can cause you to overlook the flaws of a person. You might even start feeling like you need the person to fulfill your desires, which is really only your lust and clouded judgement.

This can ultimately deter your decision making. Whenever you decide to bring sex into a friendship or relationship, it will from that day forward become complicated. You might learn how to deal with the complications someday, but that relationship will never be the same, which is why you should approach sex much more carefully. You are handling someone’s heart and soul, and possibly someone’s future husband or wife.

One of the biggest and most painful consequences that derive from a sexual relationship is the emotional attachment that it can bring.

Anytime intimacy is thrown in a relationship, it causes almost every small detail to mean so much more. This is why a lot of young people experience so much pain emotionally. They create strong sexual bonds with the wrong person and end up having a very hard time letting go. The bond can be somewhat compared to a knot. (I will explain this in one of my next blogs.) They refuse to let go of the bond that they have created because it has become so

If you ask me, you really should just wait until marriage to avoid all of these unwanted dangers. Just look at how much happier a couple usually is when they wait. They spend all of those years learning each other and whether they truly love each other rather than having sex and becoming too attached much too suddenly. They avoid complications and are better able to discern whether the relationship is good for them or not. Best of all, when they do finally have sex, they are already in love, so the relationship becomes much deeper and they become even closer. It’s well worth the wait.

Nothing can beat sex with feelings!

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Politics

The Door of No Return: An Emotional Study Aboard Trip to Ghana By: Ally Banks Political Columnist nessed during her time in Ghana. Her face grew with smiles every time she reminisced about the red sand, tall palm trees, and clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, also referred to as the Gulf of Guinea.

Being on the beach surround by beautiful palm trees, she met a man, who greeted her with open arms. He welcomed her as his sister, although the two differentiate in ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. An additional part of the trip that stood out to Ornelas was visiting a school located in the country’s capital, Accra.

On December 26th 2016, a combination of graduate and undergraduate students accompanied

by Dean Adams of the Barbara Jordan - Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs take a journey to one of the most historical country’s in the world, Ghana. On January 13th 2017, I had the pleasure of sitting down with three of those students; Crystal Ornelas, Kaleb Taylor and Anthony Collier, all of who were beyond grateful and honored to have had the privilege to embark on such a memorable trip.

As each student reflected on his/her personal experience in Ghana sharing emotional and sensational stories I began to feel as if I was there with them.

Their words painted beautiful imagery, making it incredibly easily for my imagination to follow their tales of unrivaled scenery, the horrors of slavery, and ultimately the perseverance of an unbreakable culture. After interviewing my peers my personal craving to travel only increased, and desire to learn more about my roots deepened.

The country of Ghana led by Kwame Nkrumah gained independence from Britain on March 6th, 1957, this was around the same time African Americans begun the Civil Rights Movement here in the United States of America. Ghana located along the coast of West Africa, is formally known as the Golden Coast, for the abundant amount of gold, Europeans found after colonializing the country.

Although the country received freedom in the late 50s, the impact of foreign invasion is still felt throughout the country’s economy as the nation struggles to become a developed nation. Yet the people of Ghana are friendly and welcoming, this has a lot to do with the leadership of the late Kwame Nkrumah.

Crystal Ornelas, a senior majoring in political science spoke of the beautiful scenery, she wit-

find words to describe seeing that door. The door slaves would exit to board slave ships. It’s nothing like being in that space. I encourage all who are able to take a trip to Ghana, its necessary to remember the past and understand why our communities are the way they are today,” said Taylor.

Anthony Collier blazed with passion as he spoke of the Pan-African Movement, fathered by influential thinker W.E.B. DuBois. The Pan-African Movement is a worldwide intellectual movement that aims to encourage and strengthen bonds of solidarity between all people of African descent.

“I really loved the kids, they were so amazing, we walked in a class room and they had nothing, you could see that they were [just] happy to be there learning,” said Ornelas.

“We are one people, our struggles are connected, and we shall rise together,” Collier said as he educated me on the Pan-African movement and history of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.

The limitation of supplies doesn’t not affect the spirits of the young boys and girls, but rather increase their excitement to learn. The students performed a presentation we’re they showcased fluently in both English and French, thrilled to welcome their visitors from the United States of America.

I then asked Collier, “What would you say to African Americans who don’t feel connected to Africa?”

“I always knew I was going to Africa just didn’t know when, and once we arrived it felt like home. A home I had never been to before,” said Kaleb Taylor, a senior, political science major.

Taylor begun to tell me about the parallels between African Americans and Ghanaians, due to European invasion and how both groups are still enduring the aftermath of slavery generations later. Ghana’s location made it the unluckily home of slave trade.

The students got a firsthand look inside the slave castles located on the Cape Coast.

The Elmina Slave Castle was the holding facility for slaves before being shipped to foreign lands never to return again. What I found most appalling about the slave dungeons was learning that they were underneath a church. And above the church laid the home of the governor! I couldn’t wrap my head around a church being on top of a slave dungeon.

Nevertheless, that was the reality of the situation and Tyler continued to analyze the dungeons. The lack of vitalization combined with the roaming smell of death that polluted the air, and then he mentioned the “door of no return.”

The Door of no return was a name slaves give a door in the dungeons, because those who exited were never seen again. Living in the dungeons was like a trial period before being sold into slavery.

“At this point, everyone broke down, it’s hard to

There’s a reason why slave owners wiped your language from you, because they understood the power of unity. Ghana sees African Americans as sisters and brothers,” said Collier.

Kaleb Taylor shared a photo of a memorial plaque with me that was dedicated to African Americans sited in Ghana. It was one of the most touching parts of the trip shared by the students and myself. This message should be seen by every African American no matter your relationship with Africa, the following quote is what the plaque read: “In Everlasting Memory, Of the anguish of our ancestors.

May those who died rest in peace. May those who return find their roots. May humanity never again perpetrate such injustice against humanity. We, the living vow to uphold this.”

It made me feel that African America are accepted, loved, and forever welcomed in Ghana.

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Tiger Spotlight NAME: Ashleigh Vernon-Lugo MAJOR: Aviation Science Management HOMETOWN: Houma, Louisiana GRADUATION DATE: May 2018

who are part of the same racial group may not necessarily be part of the same ethnic group.

The best example for that, I believe, are Black people or people of African descent. Although Black people all racially in the same category, Being Miss Houston Caribbean is a lot of work we are the most ethnically diverse people in the world. We have people all over this world— but it allows me to exercise two of my greatest African-Americans, Afro-Latinos, Afro-Caribjoys in life which are sharing and celebrating beans, Afro-Asians, etc. This list goes on and my culture with others and promoting and on. educating people on causes that are relevant 1. What’s your experience at TSU been to this and important to our society. point?

Diversity is important because it makes the world a much more exciting and colorful place.

My platform as Miss Houston Caribbean is I’ve had a great experience at Texas Southern “Promoting Diversity in the Community” with Because our world is so diverse, it is important University (TSU). I have come to love this that everyone sees themselves represented in a focus on Afro-Latinos. My platform serves place! the best ways possible. Representation matters. three purposes: to promote diversity, provide education on the African Diaspora, and raise Texas Southern has provided me, as it has awareness about the Afro-Latin population. done for many others before me, with a secAfro-Latinos, Latinos of African or Black ond chance at success. My transition from descent, make up a substantial percentage high school to college was not easy; I thought 4. Do you see yourself as a role model? What of the world’s population, especially in the I would never get my degree nor have a colleinfluence do you wish to leave upon the youth United States and Latin America, yet receive giate experience due tribulations I was expethe least amount of positive representation and and other individuals? riencing but fortunately I was introduced to exposure in the media. Lack of proper repreTSU. Personally, I don’t see myself as a role model sentation often leads to socio-economic and because I don’t have all the answers and am political disadvantages for those that underFrom the first time that I stepped on the constantly learning myself. However, I also represented. campus to when I began my matriculation in understand that with my role as a queen and the Spring semester of 2014, Texas Southern other titles that I carry in my personal and proMy goals as Miss Houston Caribbean, and University has been my home. This place has fessional lives, I am a role model for others. continuing when my official reign is over, are helped develop and mold me into the profesto combat misrepresentation, promote positive sional young woman that I am today.

My hope is to inspire and influence others representation, and create new opportunities to boldly pursue their goals and dreams. My for Afro-Latinos and all minorities who have Every goal I have set for myself thus far, I have mantra is “Live without Fear”. I believe that it been misrepresented and underrepresented. accomplished and I give a lot of the credit for is important for everyone, especially the youth, With proper representation, we can create the that to my university. The skills I have develto go after what they want in life. It’s our right next generation of leaders, free and critical oped, the resources made available to me, and as humans to live our best and happiest lives. thinkers while building a better community. the relationships I have built at TSU have all Nothing, especially fear, should get in the way empowered me to build a better life for myself of that. and my community. For those reasons, I am 3. What is the importance of ethnicity and eternally grateful. diversity?

2. What is it like being Miss Houston Caribbean?

Being Miss Houston Caribbean is exceedingly rewarding. I am very proud to say that I am not only the very first to be crowned in my division but I am also the first queen to represent my island, the Island of Enchantment, Puerto Rico, in the Houston Caribbean Queen organization.

Ethnicity and diversity are extremely important and equally beautiful. Society thrives when both are properly understood and celebrated.

Ethnicity is defined as the fact or state of belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural tradition. I believe it is important for it to be understood that people

5. What is something that you would tell the next little girl who has dreams of doing something positive?

Go for it! Do not let anything distract or stop you. Have your goal, create a plan, fulfill that plan, and surround yourself with likeminded individuals. Also, always stay positive. You can do anything you put your mind to.

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What’s Happening on campus & around town

Monday - 1/23 UPC General Body Meeting- SC 207A @ 12pm

Monday - 1/30 Gridion Glory- Hall of Fame Museum GRAND OPENING

Tuesday - 1/24 Day at the Capitol

Tuesday - 1/31

Wednesday - 1/25

Thursday - 1/26

Friday - 1/27

FUN BUS TO ATL Mr. & Miss Texas -Departs Southern University Pageant Interest Meet- Evolversi Art+Music ing- SC 207A @5:00 Fest

Wednesday - 2/1

Thursday - 2/2

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Weekend 1/28 & 1/29 TSU T&F Indoor Meet -Univ. of Houston TSU Basketball vs ASU- HPE Arena @5:30pm

Friday - 2/3

SBLI Weekend 2/4 & 2/5 TSU Basketball vs PV -HPE Arena @ 5:30pm 2/5 SBLI: New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons

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. How was your your winter break?

2. Have you broken your New Year’s Resolution yet?

3. Did you know that Elvonte Patton is a professor at TSU? 4. How ‘bout dem Cowboys?!

5. Who’s walking across the stage May 13th, 2017?

6. Who’s already over this semester?

7. Can we start planning for Springfest?

8. Have you met the new Dean of Students?

9. Are you going to Altanta for the Battle of the Bands?

10. Mardi Gras is next month, who’s going to NOLA? 11. What are the best sites to spend spring break?

12. Will TSU actually celebrate Black History Month?

13. Why do we condense our history to one month instead of all 12?

14. Will you watch Trump’s inauguration?

15. 1-on-1 Chris Brown or SouljaBoy, who would you bet your refund check on?

16. What did you make of President Obama’s Farewell Address?

17. Why do people ONLY play Too $hort’s Blow Tha Whistle when shouting out Cali?

18. Cuffing season will end in a few weeks, who’s still going strong?

19. Why all of a sudden every female is ‘bad and boujee’?

20. What’s your best pickup line?

You have questions and we have the answers Subscribe to the Talk on the Walk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UCwfBhYsUswaAZTPYLHnXspQ

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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