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Vol 68 | Number 07 THE TSU HERALD | November 4th, 2015
CAMPUS NEWS page 5
DAUGHTER OF MALCOLM X INSPIRES HUNDREDS AT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
LIFE & STYLE page 9
TSU STUDENT PRESENTS BE-YOU-TIFUL: OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY AND BREAST CANCER MAKEOVERS
OPINION page 11
RAVEN-SYMONE’, AGAIN
SPORTS page 8
SPORTS RUNDOWN
MEET THE ROYALS: Miss & Mr. Texas Southern University
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Campus News Students and alumni unite to beautify TSU BY KHALIL COFFIELD Contributing Writer
Texas Southern University received a $25,000 grant from The Home Depot to beautify their college campus after students voted for the university in the Retool Your School grant program. At the beginning of Homecoming week, many students and alumni joined forces to make the campus look appealing for those who may be visiting in the future. They did everything in their power to make everything look like Homecoming, and they did not hesitate getting down and dirty. Several students came out to help plant flowers and other plants on the campus lawn once they got out of their classes. “The campus is being beautified and I like it. We’ve never seen all the flowers before on TSU’s campus. We don’t see this at other uni-
versities, this is unique,” Chandler Wimbish, senior at TSU said.
on my phone,” said Robyn Brown, student at TSU.
Students have shaken the school a little bit over the past couple of weeks after trying to get their campus life back, and also make sure they have the things they need in order to be successful. One of the problems students faced was there being a lack of lights on campus. The university has several crews going around campus placing new lights up so that students will be able to see what is going on and who is around them at night if they may be walking alone.
The campus is gradually changing and becoming a better, and safer place for all the students at TSU. The students used their voices via social media to help the school win the Retool Your School Grant, and they have also used social media to bring other changes to the school to make it better.
“I think it’s really nice, I think it’s so beautiful, and it’s putting us in the homecoming spirit,” Buba Matovu, a junior at TSU said.
Ghandi said, “Be the change you want to see in this world.”
The students have used their voices to bring change to their college campus and after all of their hard work it is paying off. The campus is still going through change and EDITORIAL STAFF it is going to take time to fully bring all the change T h e T S U H e r a l d the school needs, but the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF students and administrais LENZI S. CAUSEY p u b l i s h e d b y t h e tion are confident that it is going to be a great change. students of SPORTS EDITOR JONATHAN DAVIS OPINION EDITOR LINDSAY GARY
Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER Advisors SERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER MICHAEL BERRYHILL
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.
Students now have access to a portable charger station on the campus located on at the end of the student center where they are able to charge their phones if they are dying. This gives students the opportunity to also chat and hang out with one another while they are letting their phones charge. “I am really happy that they put this here on campus because my phone never really has juice, and now I am able to stop here in between classes if I need a little bit of battery
Most students don’t know how much change they can make until they get out and do something about it.
How did you feel about this year’s homecoming, and what did you get from it? “I felt like it was the best thing in the world! The whole week was amazing and as a freshman, I feel like they made homecoming about more than just the football players, it was about everyone. What I got from it was when we actually come together as one we can have a good time.” -Jamie Harrell (Freshman)
“Well I feel like it was a lot more fun last year
and we had a lot more events then we did that year. I liked that they brought the Yard back and I liked that we had more student involvement in the events this year especially with the cafe party on Friday. I got a little more of the HBCU experience but it wasn’t as fun as last years!” -Kayla Warren (Sophomore) “I feel like this year’s homecoming has been the best one that I have experienced so far. All the work that was put into it was seen and I feel the homecoming committee did a great job of “bringing back the yard”. There was a strong sense of unity in the air and it made me even more proud to be a TSU tiger!” -Kayla Hartman (Junior)
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Campus News 88th Homecoming Recap BY KHALIL COFFIELD Contributing Writer
The week of October 18th through 24th, students and alumni celebrated the 88th Homecoming on the campus of Texas Southern University. They engaged in several different events on campus, and also tailgated at the football stadium over the weekend.
ing game.
When you stepped foot on the campus of TSU Friday, you were greeted by a row classic cars located on the historic Tiger Walk. The cars were part of a local Corvette club. In adition, several of the cars also were featured in the homecoming parade.
Students and alumni gathered at the pointe on campus to celebrate the school, and all of the achievements and history at TSU. They didn’t allow the rain to stop them from enjoying every bit of homecoming. The celebrations continued all around campus and throughout the city of Houston.
“I liked how the school brought the carnival in front of the auditorium. I thought it was awesome,” Zetrik Marves, a sophomore studying Administration of Justice said. “This year’s homecoming celebration was by far one of the most festive celebrations at TSU.” Students were able to participate in several events from rock climbing, bungee jumping, and also a merry-go-round. There were also over 30 tents from different campus organizations, as well as businesses started by current TSU students and alumni. Students were also granted the opportunity to to pick up their long-awaited yearbooks and share memories with one-another. The University Program Council put on a fashion show where several students and alumni got to showcase their clothing lines. “I’ve always liked fashion and I have always wanted to add my own twist to it and my own style. Having my own line gave me more room to be creative,” Sharay Davis student and founder of Ego Ray Fashion said. Students all gathered on campus later Friday night to attend one of the biggest college parties in the Sterling Student Life Center. UPC put on “Damage Control” featuring Zaytoven, celebrity DJ. Saturday, the Tiger football team took on the Southern University Jaguars for the homecom-
The weather created difficulty for execution of plays for the game, and the Tigers lost against Southern with a score of 40 to 21.However, that didn’t stop the celebration and tailgating.
“Homecoming this year exceeded all of my expectations. It was fun all around from the events on campus, to the football game that happened at BBVA Compass Stadium,” Justin Elumn, a junior at TSU said. A lot has changed since the freshman class of 2017 arrived to Texas Southern University. Things are slowly progressing and getting better. After the #TakeBackTxSU movement started, the university has seen many improvements. This has been the opinion of many faculty and students we reminisce about our 88th Homecoming here at Texas Southern University.
“Homecoming this year exceeded all of my expectations.” - Justin Elumn, Junior
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Cover Story
Meet the Royals BY VALERIE MADISON Contributing Writer
A Royal Woman Indeed, Meet Your 2015-16 Miss TSU, Channing Briggs Hailing as the 68th Miss Texas Southern University, Channing Briggs has already begun great things for the campus and fellow tigers at the university. “I make sure that I am there for the students as a mentor, friend or sister. As Queen, I make sure that I am involved with the same things that I would be doing even if I didn’t have the title,” Briggs
stated. Briggs’ platform is R.O.Y.A.L.: Restoring and Organizing our Young Kings and Queens Through Active Leadership. By being available to all students as a mentor and ambassador, she does her best to spread the ‘royal’ treatment. Channing also devotes a great amount of time to campus organizations on campus such as NAACP, Collegiate 100, Residential Life and Housing and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. While she remains involved on campus and offers assistance in anyway possible to ensure
A Tiger Who is Proud of his Stripes, Meet Your 2015-16 Mr. TSU, Brian Eashman This California native is for sure has ‘Tiger Pride’ in his veins. With having a platform called S.T.R.I.P.E.S.: Supporting Through Repetitive Interaction Progressing Every Student, we know he proves “Excellence in Achievement.” He is currently studying Business Management here at the university and through his platform, he plans to have a network and internship event for at students “to assist students with those opportunities,” shares Brian. Mr. TSU himself has a huge connection with the student body from being in organizations like, Collegiate 100, California Club and the Student Government Association.
her peers graduate on time; Miss TSU loves to spend time with her family, travel and write. After she completes her degree, she plans to attend graduate school where she will be able to travel abroad, write and create videos of the many fascinating cultures, people and landmarks. If you haven’t seen this beauty during Homecoming, on the Tiger Walk or in the School of Communication where she studies Broadcast Journalism, you can also follow her on Instagram @love_rece. When asked what he loves about TSU Brain stated, “I love that TSU has a personable administration that actually cares about their students. This goes a long way with success at the school. This school has also allowed an environment for me to mature and become a better person in the time I have been here.” Just like Channing, Mr.TSU is big on family and this year as we celebrated homecoming he got a once in a lifetime surprise. “My homecoming experience was very meaningful. My father was able to fly out to watch me on the field at the game and also at the parade, so that was a special moment,” he stated. With hopes to have his own business, wife and children and also reach the level of success to be financially free, you can definitely call him a ‘Classic Man.’
DID YOU KNOW? Channing was a TSU Cheerleader Likes to go to the zoo Loves listening to all genres of music Served as Miss University Courtyard and Miss Delta Sigma Theta Brian likes to play basketball, football and weight lift Loves to stay up to date and read about business trends Served as an Elections Commissioner Loves fruit
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Campus News Daughter of Malcolm X inspires hundreds at Texas Southern University BY NIKKI LUELLEN Contributing Writer
in the 1970’s, thirty-thousand blacks were incarcerated. Today more than 2.3 million of our black and brown brothers and sisters are incarcerated, locked up behind bars.”
Noted author, lecturer and human rights activist Ilyasah Shabazz spoke at the campus of Texas Southern University on October 30th, 2015. Shabazz is also the daughter of activists Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz. She spoke on the importance of education, compassion, and black history.
Given the devastating reality African Americans are faced with in America, Shabazz made it clear that the Black community, more than ever, needs to truly understand and internalize the importance of Black history, cultural pride, self-reliance and unity. She asked if anybody truly cared about the ills that plague Black America and stressed the need for African Americans to go beyond social media and truly make their voices known through various forms of activism.
Shabazz reminded students that African Americans must tell their own history because no one is going to tell their stories for them. Shabazz also spoke on knowledge, and the importance of individuals to become effective leaders in their personal lives and abroad.
“Creating a Black lives matter hashtag is not enough,” Shabazz said. “The black community must go further than social media; the black community must mobilize itself and bring about the magnitude of change that so many people in the world wish to see.”
“Knowledge of accurate historical information prepares us for leadership in our homes and prepares us for leadership in our communities and around the world...Without correct knowledge, leadership is an impossible task.”
African Americans may start by honoring their ancestors through stories and various forms of art. Shabazz urges: “Become the authors, producers, directors, songwriters, whatever it takes.”
Shabazz asserts that the sole duty of all African Americans is to learn their history and never forget the shoulders upon which they stand. Reminiscent of her father’s straightforwardness and ‘make it plain’ philosophy, Shabazz spoke extensively on the failing justice system for people or color, as the incarceration rates are on a steady incline.
She also stated that the solution lies within us, and it not only takes one person, but all Black people to come together to demand change. She said that this is the perfect time for African people to network, unify and organize among themselves with people of like minds and begin to set specific goals.
“Statistics show that times for us are worsening,” Shabazz said. “According to statistics,
Finally, Shabazz spoke not only spoke of her activism, but of her parents’ legacy. She spoke
of her mother being left alone after her husband, Malcolm X, was murdered in front of his family. Betty Shabazz had to raise all six of her children by herself while successfully obtaining a PhD. Dr. Betty Shabazz instilled in her children racial pride, correct knowledge and compassion, all of which their father based his ideal and principles upon. Shabazz notes that because each of these principles are fundamental in our communities; she will never forget them. At the close of her lecture, she reminded the audience of their greatness and how they can accomplish anything. Shabazz declared, “There are absolutely no excuses...Young people: you are brilliant, bold and compassionate...This is your time!” Shabazz reminds African Americans that they can achieve anything with knowledge, compassion, respect, and unity.
“Creating a Black lives matter hashtag is not enough. The black community must go further than social media; the black community must mobilize itself and bring about the magnitude of change that so many people in the world wish to see.”
-Ilyasah Shabazz
Texas Southern University Excellence in Achievement 6
THROUGH THE EYE 1. 2.
4. 5.
7. 8.
ES OF&OUR Life StyleTIGERS 3.
1. Students partake in the Homecoming Casino Night event in the student center. 2. A group of students try their hand at casino gambling at Casino Night. 3. One student tries her luck at the slot machines for the first time.
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4. Two Texas Southern ladies strut what they’ve got in the Homecoming Fashion Show. 5. The fashion show, not excluding young men, took place in Sawyer Auditorium. 6. The women performing and walking in the show pose for their finale.
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7. Student La’Diamond Blueford excitedly poses with her yearbook after finding a spread she’s in. 8. Students partake in the rides at Friday’s Homecoming Festival. 9. Several students, after visiting the vendors and activities begin lining up for the Homecoming Stroll-Off.
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Sports Sports Rundown BY JONATHAN DAVIS, JORGE MOSCOZO AND MARCUS SMITH Sports Editor and Contribtuing Writers The Texas Southern Tigers Football Team lost to Southern University 40-21 in a hard fought game that got away from them in the second half. The game was moved up 2 hours because of the heavy rain caused by Hurricane Patricia. The score at halftime was 21-21, with Southern scoring 19 unanswered points in the last two quarters of action. Quarterback Averion Hurts, who had thrown 6 touchdown passes the week before, only completed 6 passes in total, 2 going for touchdowns. Star wide receiver Derrick Griffin was limited to 1 catch for 7 yards, by far his worst performance of the season. The Tigers offense only accumulated 92 total yards including -2 yards in the rushing game. They gave up 377 yards to Southern. The Tigers forced 2 turnovers but had 3 turnovers of their own, in a contest where the score was closer than the actual game was. Southern University running back Lenard Tillery for rushed for a career-high 198 yards and 2 touchdowns. Willie Quinn returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. The Tigers planned to play this past Saturday against College of Faith in Arkansas but due to heavy rain the game was cancelled. The football team will be back in action this Saturday against Grambling (6-2) in Shreveport, Louisiana. Three consecutive wins for the Lady Tigers soccer team were crucial as they defeated Alabama State’s Lady Hornets 6-1 on Friday October 23rd at the ASU Soccer Complex. The first goal came after the Lady Hornets scored in the first half. Then, the Lady Tigers responded with three goals. Three more goals in the second half gave TSU the big “W”.Their second victory was Sunday October 25th against Alabama A&M’s Lady Bulldogs by a score of 3-1 at Bulldog Field. Texas Southern controlled the game with two goals before the Lady Bulldogs netted their only score in the game. Texas Southern’ s second-half goal and the team’s third was enough to maintain the lead until the final whistle. Texas Southern also beat rival Prairie View A&M 2-0 to conclude their season. After the 3 game winning streak the Lady Tigers finished the season with 8-10 record.
Last week, the Texas Southern Lady Tigers Volleyball team lost to Houston Baptist in three sets (25-18, 25-23, 25-11). Despite battling hard set after set, the Lady Tigers could not withstand the tenacious play of Allison Doerpinghaus and the rest of the Lady Huskies. For the maroon and grey, Kali Fluke led the way with eight kills and three blocks. Asia Howard tallied 14 assists and six digs while Allison Woods compiled eight digs of her own. The Lady Tigers have two matches this week. The first of two takes place in Austin, Texas as TSU visits Huston-Tillotson on November 3. TSU won the last meeting between the two in three sets on September 15. That match was played at home for TSU. Friday, November 6, the Lady Tigers PLAY Southern University’s Lady Jaguars. In this rematch the Lady Tigers look to redeem last month’s three sets to one loss. The match begins at 6:30pm in the H&PE Arena located on the campus of Texas Southern University. Both Texas Southern’s Men and Women’s Golf look to be poised and focused for the 2016 season as they quest for a second chance at SWAC championship honors. Last season the Tigers fell short of the crown. They lost to Alabama State, placing TSU to second-best in the SWAC of the 2015 season. “We were so close last year. We are thirstier since we have the realization that we can do it. This year we are coming in with hunger so just go out there and win,” said senior Allison Flores. “We were only down nine strokes going into the last day, that’s one hole in golf. Between four people, if we all make birdie and they all make par, we win,” said senior William Wells. The Tigers seemed to pick up right where they left off last season after participating in the twoday Prairie View A&M Invitational in Cypress, Texas. Both Men and Women’s Golf won first place in the event. Flores was the best of the best as she won for first place overall in the women’s
division, with a two-day score of 148. Wells, senior, finished fourth on the individual leaderboard after posting a two-day score of 150. As a team, four of the players shot under 160, ultimately sealing the deal at the event. TSU had a scheduled tournament at the Alcorn State Invitational that was cancelled due to weather conditions. The tournament was rescheduled for March. Despite the holiday stretch, the team continues to work hard daily and improve on their craft as they look to achieve their championship goals. “Every shot counts…if you are not on it 24/7 in golf, then you are not going to shoot a good round and it’s all 18 holes,” Wells said, “There’s a lot of physicality that comes with it. Your swing is different towards to the end, not to mention the nonstop running.” The women’s golf team will have to account for the loss of recently graduated, Kassandra Rivera, who was nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year. She played a huge role in TSU winning second place in SWAC championships the previous season. “She was a strong player, but we have to make up those strokes so we are all just grinding. It will take all of us. Every stroke counts in golf. We can’t just leave it up to one player. We all have to grind for success and that’s what we plan on doing,” said Flores. With the season sprouting in full bloom in the spring, the TSU Men and Women’s Golf team will be motivated and prepared to bring the championship home to the campus. The team plans to remain focus on their plan of attack while overcoming the obstacles that lay in their path. “We have to outwork them. We have to come together as a team and on SWAC Day we have to perform. It’s all about performance on the day of the game. We’re all definitely preparing right now,” Wells said. Men’s Golf will be back in action in February 8th and 9th in San Antonio, TX and Women’s Golf doesn’t compete until March 6th.
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Life & Style TSU Student presents Be-YOU-tiful: the official launch party and breast cancer makeovers BY LAKESHA LEWIS Contributing Writer On Friday October 30, 2015, Be-YOU-tiful celebrated its official launch party and Breast Cancer Makeover event. The event was held at the Texas Oncology facilities located at 7515 South Main St., Houston, TX 77030 starting at 10am. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, five courageous breast cancer survivors were chosen and given the ultimate makeover experience by a complete glam squad. The objective was to give each survivor an opportunity to channel their outer beauty and to allow them to heal from within.
hand that takes us through a test to ultimately give us a testimony,” said Founder Willie Williams. “Believe it or not, it ultimately gives us a common bond that we share.” The event began with each lady sharing their story of triumph of dealing with and overcoming breast cancer. Following, each lady received a full hair installment and style, followed by a makeup and manicure pampering session.
The five survivors include: Connie Stevens, Ronica Pierre, Shawnta Ferrow, Regina Richards abd Rhonda McGarthy.
After the complete makeover, they all were given a personal glammed-up photo shoot where they were given the opportunity to shine like the queens they are. Ending the event on a high note, each women was invited to share what made them feel be-you-tiful while battling breast cancer.
This event was also the official launch party of the Be-YOU-tiful brand, which is dedicated to empowering and uplifting people who deal with day-to-day adversities while striving to continuously overcome them. “We all know that life can sometimes deal us a
“I did not allow cancer to steal my joy. I didn’t want a pitty party; I just wanted to enjoy my life”said Connie Stevens, breast cancer survivor.” I took trips to China,I still lived my regular life but most of all, I kept my faith in God”. Dealing with breast cancer is a traumatic and
stressful experience. It threatens to steal your life and the beauty within. Be-YOU-tiful is focused on restoring that inner beauty. “In order to move forward, we must she’s our fears and clothe ourselves in empowerment,”said Williams.” We invite you to listen and or share your journey. We want our survivors to know that they are not alone and cancer hasn’t taken their beauty because they are truly and undeniably Be-YOU-tiful,”said Williams. According to the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States and is the second leading cause of death in women. About 1 in 8 (12%) women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. At this time there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States and with early detection and treatment our hope is that the number of survivors continues to increase.
Fall fashion that wont hurt your pockets BY ROBIN JACKSON Contributing Writer Ready to get your fall fashion started and don’t want to hurt your pockets? Well don’t fret; here are ten fashion trends at a reasonable price. Here is a list of a few trends to kick off a fashion forward fall. 1. Zara sweaters are a great must have for the fall starting at $19.90 they will have your wardrobe looking flawless. 2. Aliexpress.com has some great army for the low price of only $29.99 they will look great and comfortable with just about anything. 3. J. Crew Factory scarves are AWESOME! They are starting at $23.50, what a deal?
4. Crochet-trimmed destroyed denim jeans a true must have for the fall. Charlotte Russe has just what you are looking for starting at $14.99 online. 5. Macys have outstanding fall dresses starting at $49.99. 6. Hollister has great fall sun hats starting at 19.97. love that floppy hat look 7. You can’t go wrong with Forever 21, with their leggings starting at $5.90, you can pair them with just about anything. 8. Agaci’s riding boots are to die for, with them
starting at $21.00 you can mix match all colors from brown to grey. 9. Long beanies are great to for the fall, jet.com has multiple colors starting at 4.08 10. Great lipstick for the fall is Cyber by MAC, $16.00 to complete the look.
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Politics
The State of Religion: Survey Finds Drop in Faith in Both Political Parties Courtesy of newsweek.com now say they have “no religious affiliation,” up from 16. Those numbers are likely attributable to growing number of millennial adults, who are increasingly likely to identify as so called “nones.”
A massive Pew Research Center Poll has found statistically significant changes in the role of religion in American society since 2007. The 2014 U.S. Religious Landscape Study reached out to devotees of every major faith and sect in America while examining the relationship between religious and political affiliation. With over 35,000 respondents interviewed by phone, the survey has a less than 1 percent margin of error (meaning it’s more accurate than the daily primary polls). No matter what angle you approach the question from, there is a general trend of decline in religion, with some caveats. Here are the basics: Americans still mostly believe in God. Perhaps it’s a low threshold to define religiosity, but the numbers are striking. About 89 percent of Americans believe in God, a higher percentage than any other major industrialized country. That number is down from 92 percent in 2007. But many are not sure. Only 63 percent of the God-fearing are “absolutely certain” that God exists, down from 71 percent. It’s probably generational. There have been two reports on Pew’s 2014 Religious Landscape Study, and the first focused on the growing influence of millennials on religious demographics. About 23 percent of American adults
Believers are still going strong. Pew’s data suggest that daily prayer, church attendance and other conventional measures of religiosity have not significantly declined among the population that identifies as affiliated. In fact, they’re getting more religious. It’s perhaps a clichéd expectation that when a group faces an existential decay in their overall influence, they become more extreme in their views. There have been modest increases since 2007 in the number of religious people who say they read Scripture regularly, share their faith with others and rely on religion to guide their decisions. Labels matter. In the past, some have contended, a nonreligious person may still have identified with a religious institution, even if they didn’t pray or consider their religion important. In 2014, people who don’t identify (the “nones”) and don’t find religion important are on the rise. Religious decline is happening in both political parties, but Democrats are becoming less religious at a faster rate than Republicans. Pew’s press release notes that “the changing religious composition of the U.S. population is particularly evident among the Democratic coalition.” Still, the number of “none” Republicans has increased by 4 percent since 2007. So why do candidates who are not only religious, but practically run on religion, continue to be so prevalent in political life? Unaffiliated individuals are nearly 10 percent less likely to
be politically engaged, and in exit polls during the 2012 election only 12 percent of people claimed no religious affiliation. At no point in the foreseeable future will religion become politically obsolescent: Saying you are an atheist on CNN would be political suicide for a candidate from either party. This year, Hillary Clinton even stated that the Bible is her favorite book, and she comes from the less religious party. One evangelical Protestant recently told Newsweek that Clinton is “probably not the anti-Christ,” which is a good start for her in the general election. The political meaning of religion is not fixed. Among religious people there is a growing tolerance for homosexuality. Evangelical Protestants and Mormons are about 10 percent more likely to accept homosexuality than they were in 2007. Views on abortion have mostly stood pat, but the data suggest that certain social and cultural issues such as gay marriage could eventually become less of a calling card for a single political party. When landscape changes, the meaning of demographics changes. While polls on religion are not without their critics, they seem to confirm a zeitgeist of increasing secularity. Ben Carson, the man who is currently leading for the Republican presidential nomination has stated that Christians are being oppressed more than gays in this country. The phrase “War on Christianity” has sprouted up in conservative circles during the Obama presidency. As a reaction to the decline of religion, voting with religion in mind is arguably as prevalent as ever. Candidates, especially the anti-establishment types in the Republican primary, have bemoaned the prevalence of special interests in politics. By definition, an interest group is a vocal minority or majority that wields an undue amount of influence on the political process through sheer interest and engagement. If current trends continue, it’s conceivable that the label “special interest” could apply to those who vote based on religion.
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Opinion Raven-Symone, again cause as a black person, she should know that discriminating against someone with a “ghetto” or “black-sounding” name is completely prejudiced and wrong. It’s mind-blowing that she would defend something like this instead of using her platform on “The View” to condemn practices like these that fuel racial disparities in education, economics, and other systems. BY LINDSAY GARY Opinion 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 comments last year during an interview with Oprah on OWN’s “Where Are They Now?” however 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 were not only disappointing but they were 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. Last month, Raven-Symoné intensified that disappointment when said she’d never hire someone with the name “Watermelondrea.” This is interesting coming from her not only because she herself has a unique name, but be-
Most recently, the actress justified the bodyslamming of a black girl by a white male police officer in a South Carolina high school. She says “yes it is overkill” but then goes on to suggest that the student was asking for this treatment by not putting her phone away. RavenSymoné, when did body-slamming a child ever become justifiable? Police officers are trained to take the higher ground in situations like these, but instead he physically abused a child because he was upset she would not obey his orders. And there’s no doubt race played a factor in this. It’s very unlikely he would’ve used the same force on a white child had he or she been disobedient. Her comments are not only completely insensitive, but they are flawed, ignorant, and Uncle Tom-ish. While “The View” is enjoying a rejuvenation of relevance, Raven-Symoné is digging a deeper and deeper hole for herself. Yes it is hard being black in America, but turning your back on your history and community will not fix the racist habits of this country, Raven-Symoné. She has left African Americans feeling betrayed and ashamed of one they once adored and admired. None of us can deny her talent or childhood success, but we can deny her black card. She has apologized for her comments on “ghetto names” and if at all sincere, her remarks should be worded more carefully in the future, and should be better explained. Most importantly, she needs to educate herself on the history and current state of racism in this country because it seems like her time in Hollywood has made her forget the plight of blacks in America. She may be a celebrity, but she should take some time off to go back to those Louisiana roots she’s so proud of. She’ll be in for quite a rude awakening.
SAY WHAT, RAVEN-SYMONE’? “I don’t want to be labeled ‘gay.’ I want to be labeled ‘a human who loves humans.’ I’m tired of being labeled. I’m an American. I’m not an African-American; I’m an American.” “I don’t think he was saying it racist. Not Michelle Obama. Michelle, don’t fire me from this right now, but some people do look like animals.” “Okay, I have an issue, I love — oh, here we go with the Bey fans again… But I just need somebody to put some pants on when people are performing nowadays. I think there does need to be some class in the female pop world.” “I used to breed poodles. I liked them because they were fluffy and so cute — and honestly, they make a lot of money when you sell them!” “I am from every continent in Africa except for one and I’m from every continent in Europe except for one.” “I never said I wasn’t Black… I want to make that very clear. I said, I am not African-American. I never expected my personal beliefs and comments to spark such emotion in people. I think it is only positive when we can openly discuss race and being labeled in America.” “I’m not about to hire you if your name is Watermelondrea. It’s just not going to happen. I’m not going to hire you.”
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What’s Happening on campus & around town
Monday - 11/9
Tuesday - 11/10
Wednesday - 11/11
Thursday - 11/12
Friday - 11/13
Monday - 11/16
Tuesday - 11/17
Wednesday - 11/18
Thursday - 11/19
Friday - 11/20
Cakes and Conversation: Taking Our Campus Back Delta Sigma Thete Tiger Room 7:13 p.m.
The Weekend 11/14 & 11/15 Football Senior Night TSU v. Alcorn State BBVA Stadium 1 p.m.
The Weekend 11/21 & 11/22
Serial Killers: The Crucifixion of the Black Man In America Play Terrry Library 7 p.m.
Our calendar is reserved for the advertisement of on and off campus events. If you are interested in having your event placed on our calendar, then please stop by room 221 of the Student Center or call us at (713) 313-6710.
20 Questions
1. Why didn’t we have a concert for Homecoming? 2. Who was the special guest at the party? 3. Can we have another cafe party? 4.Who were the girls dressed up like cops at the cafe party? 5. Who was over Homecoming this year? 6. Can they plan it every year? 7. Why was the festival so lit? 8. Why were the Zetas the only sorority in the stroll off? 9. Why was the tailgate so epic? 10. Did you party with Patricia? 11. Patricia who? 12. Did y’all enjoy the Haunted House? 13. What is the makeup club? 14. Why do men always try to distract productive women? 15. Are we going to continue to have Hump Days? 16. Did everyone appreciate our Homecoming? 17. Why are TSU students so anxious to go to other schools’ functions? 18. But then complain when there are none on their own campus? 19. When will the campus violence stop? 20. Do you feel safe at TSU?
Anonymously submit your 20 questions submissions via Ask.Fm today: TSU20Questions
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.
#TSU20QUESTIONS