Vol 68 | Number 05
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THE TSU HERALD | October 7th, 2015
CAMPUS NEWS page 2
ADMINISTRATION BEGINS FIXING ISSUES IN TAKE BACK TSU MOVEMENT
SPORTS
President Rudley Responds to #TakeBackTSU, asks students to create a Fix-It-List
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SPORTS RUNDOWN
LIFE & STYLE page 8
BELIEVE IT OR NOT: BREAST CANCER AFFECTS COLLEGE STUDENTS, TOO
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page 4 Photo credit: Buck Bedia
POLITICS page 11
WARREN SAYS BLACK LIVES MATTER
TSU CELEBRATES THE 11TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE
OBAMA: ‘OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE NOT ENOUGH’
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Campus News Administration Begins Fixing Issues in Take Back TSU Movement BY AMBER VERNON Campus News Editor Following a meeting where students presented their demands to President Dr. John Rudley September 28th, Texas Southern University’s administration began addressing issues that ignited the Take Back TSU movement. Dean of Students, William Saunders said progress began the evening after the meeting when he contracted a company to start correcting the deficiencies in the dorms.
gates since last Tuesday.” As far as homecoming is concerned, Saunders said he wanted to let the students be more active in the planning process. This is something junior Nycole Hutchens is excited about. “We’re getting student life back on campus,” Hutchens said. “To make a long story short, it sounds like the student body can do whatever they want for homecoming. We can have prep “I walked all of the properties and found rallies and tailgating. We can have everything Lanier to be one of the worst ones,” Saunders on campus and not be limited to behind the said. “I walked in every stall and found some student center.” of them were pretty bad. By this Tuesday or Wednesday, they all should be corrected. I also Take Back TSU is a movement started by juwent out to Courtyard last Wednesday and nior Christina Letsinger, in order to shed light stayed out there from seven till eight asking if on campus issues and inspire change. With students had any concerns about their rooms. administration on board with the list of deOne of the concerns was with the security mands, students can expect to see the changes gates, so we have people working on those as they desire. we speak. The parking division has also had people working on the kiosks at the security On the contrary, one thing that is not changing soon is the recruitment video. Director of recruitment Brian Armstrong said the EDITORIAL STAFF video clip students are angry about is only one section of TSU’s entire recruitment video. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LENZI S. CAUSEY “It’s one video that Campus News Editor we’ve updated a year AMBER VERNON The TSU Herald is published by the ago to include more diversity of our stustudents of Sports Editor dent body,” Armstrong JONATHAN DAVIS Texas Southern University. Opinions expressed are those of the said. “It’s a full video writer and do not that runs about eight Opinion/Politics Editor necessarily reflect those of the adminisminutes long that starts LINDSAY GARY tration. The newspaper is printed bi- with a speech by Barstaff writer weekly, except bara Jordan. It’s one TYLER DOGGETT during holidays and recruitment video. We examination periods. don’t have two separate For additional information, videos. That was just Publications Manager call (713) 313-6710. one part of the video. TIYOSHA TURNER We show the entire Advisors recruitment video to SERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER everyone.” MICHAEL BERRYHILL Saunders said the situation surrounding the
recruitment video is upsetting and unfair. “I’m on the team that goes out with the president to do bus tours and we have never shown that video like that,” Saunders said. “Never. I hope the students read this. When we go out on the road to visit these schools, the entire video shows as one. What they did was pull that clip out and said TSU has no black students in their recruitment video. That wasn’t fair. No one is saying it but that’s what happened. Can you get that video as a clip? Yes, because it was done as one. We took it and inserted it in our video. The very first time we showed it, it was shown at the end of a series of clips. Then we put it in the video to make it one with the others. We’ve never gone anywhere with that clip and said this is us. That never happened. We don’t do that.” Saunders went into detail to explain the process more clearly. “When you go out and you’re recruiting students you have different audiences,” he said. “Most of the schools that we go to are predominantly African American, but there will also be Hispanics and Caucasians in the audience. In an effort to increase audience participation and increase diversity, which we’ve got to do by law. With the money we get from OCR, Office of Civil Rights, they said we cannot be a one race school. We get millions of dollars from them. What admissions did for recruitment, because we also needed to be inclusive in the video, was put in a clip that shows Hispanic students and white students to promote diversity.”
“We’re getting student life back on campus.” -Nycole Hutchens, Junior
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Campus News TSU Celebrates the 11th Anniversary of the Confucius Institute BY VALERIE MADISON Contributing Writer Wesley Foundation Hosts On-Site Food Bank for TSU Community
Performing artist at the Confucius Intitute Anniversary Event paints during musical selection. On Tuesday September 29th, The Confucius Institute of Texas Southern University celebrated the program’s existence with authentic Chinese music featuring one of China’s awardwinning Orchestras and selections from the Heritage of Zion Singers of TSU. The event took place in Sawyer Auditorium where students were able to experience a piece of Confucius’ homeland. Lots of great people came out to support including First Lady, Docia Rudley and members from TSU Women’s basketball team. Over the summer the players were able to travel to Beijing with the Confucius Institute. “This event was a very great experience for me and showcased the culture extremely well. I have been inspired to apply for the study abroad trip next summer. I immensely enjoyed the music,” shared Sophomore, Ola Akinyemi. The Nanjing University Traditional Instruments Orchestra has been able to play all over the world in countries such as: Germany, Britain, Russia, Korea, Japan and more! The music ranged from Bamboo Flutes, Plucked Instruments Ensemble, Aheng and Erhu Solos to a very picturesque performance of Tai Chi mixed with the Pipa Ensemble. Chinese music tells a unique story and most times do not include words. The TSU students
Administrators at Texas Southern University pose alongside curators of the event. were able to visualize the emotions of the original composers with each musical selection. “I found the TSU Choir to be very visual and interesting. I remember my grandmother used to sing some of the songs they performed,” Graduate student, Amanda Castillo stated. The Heritage of Zion Singers joined the Nanjing Orchestra for a harmonic performance entitled, “Jasmine Flower.” The choir also performed theatrical version of African American folk and opera songs, “Didn’t it Rain”, — The even lasted for an hour and ended with a crowd interactive series of popular American songs like, “Jingle Bells” and “Yankee Doodle”. The audience was able to join in on the orchestra’s selection by clapping along as they played. This wasn’t the first time The Nanjing University Traditional Instruments Orchestra performed at Texas Southern and it will not be the last. Law Student from Nanjing University, Jiang Yuarai shares, “we performed last year and TSU is always so wonderful and people here are very enthusiastic!” For more information about The Confucius Institute visit them in the MLK building room 305.
The Wesley Foundation, a United Methodist campus ministry sponsored on college and university campuses, now makes practice of feeding students. Every Monday and Tuesday from 2:30-4:30 p.m., The Wesley Foundation at Texas Southern University opens its doors to TSU students in need of a meal or late lunch. It is a means to care for the students in more ways than one, feeding students mouths, therefore feeding their minds. The food bank, held in a pantry on the Wesley Foundation’s grounds, provides canned goods and other non-perishable items for quick meals. Equipped for short-term supply, the Food Bank is a supplemental asset to the visitors at Wesley, but the services do not stop there for students in need. Located behind the Jesse H. Jones School of Business, the Wesley Foundation is a hangout haven, centered around needs of students, equipped with a computer lab and lounge area(s). In addition to the Food Bank, Wesley hosts other events for students including the Lunch & Connect events every Wednesday, where they again provide students with meals, but also work to draw them closer to God and one another. The director of The TSU Wesley Foundation, Reverend Julius Wardley, said in a video his goals and purpose for his position. “My goal as the is to re-equip students and help them become future leaders: to lead their classrooms, lead their families, lead the workplace, and some day lead the church,” Wardley said. By providing students with meals, hence providing them with energy and any tools they may need, The Wesley Foundation works diligently to ensure students’ success at Texas Southern University.
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Cover Story
President Rudley Responds to #TakeBackTSU, asks students to create a Fix-It-List BY MAHBUBA MATOVU Contributing Writer President Rudley Responds to #TakeBackTSU, asks students to create a Fix-It-List The President of Texas Southern University John M. Rudley addressed the #TakeBackTSU hashtag that went viral after university students raised complaints about issues at the university via social media. In an unscripted address taped in his office and released via YouTube, Rudley addressed the three major issues brought up by the movement which were, financial aid concerns, shortage of housing, and the celebration of the institution’s traditions as an HBCU. The video, composed by junior Radio Television and Film major, David Funchess, was created to create a bridge of information between students and administration. “The communication between the administration of the university and the student body must increase,” Funchess said. “That’s where I begin to do my job, and what drives me.” President Rudley opened his address with an apology, saying that a lot of the students’ concerns were legitimate and that in all American businesses, the customers are always right. “At the end of the day, as the President of the university, I am responsible, and I’d like to make a public apology on behalf of my administration for the lax in terms of addressing some of the concerns,” Rudley said. In his attempt to explain the financial aid situation, Rudley said that a few years ago, the university was in a position where it had to pay $13 million back to the Department of Education because they awarded financial aid to students who didn’t have all their paperwork in. Rudley said that two thirds of students apply for financial aid in August even when the university tries to get them to apply in April. He added that it’s the university’s fault for allowing students to receive financial aid up to two days before classes start. As part of the solution, Rudley said that the deadline to turn in financial aid paperwork will
be moved around in order to make it much more convenient for everyone. To solve the issue of customer service, Rudley said that he is going to create a financial aid center in the parking garage with at least five new positions and 24/7 hotline which will help students and parents communicate with financial aid on a continuous basis. While addressing the housing issue, President Rudley said that he went to the historically black college capital financing program in Washington DC which sets up $800 million for black colleges to borrow from. Rudley said he worked with that program for four years and was able to get a $6 million loan to build the housing facility for 800 beds. “It was not completed by August as I said before, so that really is a problem, but it is also a solution because once the housing comes online on say January the 14th, then we will see some of the housing pressure dissipate,” Rudley said. Rudley went on to say that he has decided to create a ‘Fix-It-List’ where students, specifically those of the #TakeBackTSU movement will prepare for him all the problems that they have observed so that the university can start working to improve on each of those recommendations. Another issue raised concerning campus life was the removal of the painted trees and the barbeque grills. Students have asked the president to reconcile their position when it comes to repainting the trees because his decision made some of the students feel that the President didn’t understand what Black college life was about. President Rudley explained that universities have changed in appearance over the years, and that he decided to remove the painted trees and grills from the plaza while remodeling after the damages caused by Hurricane Ike. He decided to exchange the trees for pavilions where students were free to paint them. “You can still have tradition but the world is
changing,” Rudley said and added, “The fact that we’re competing with other universities, means that your facilities have to be a place where, when parents come to our campus, they want to see the quality that the university is representing in terms of the outer appearance of the campus.” “We have to look like an institution that all people want to come to,” Rudley said. When speaking about the recruitment video that did not include any African-American students, Rudley said that the video was designed to make students of all races feel comfortable attending TSU and not meant to imply that TSU was drifting away from its traditions. “When we produce a video, we want it to be able to send a message to Hispanic students, and other minority students, and white students, that Texas Southern is a place for you as well, even though we are labelled as a Historically Black College,” Rudley said in his address. In response to students’ complaints on why the University’s Ocean of Soul band has few members, President Rudley said that the hazing incident that occurred a few years ago caused the university to shrink the number of band members while dealing with students that violated the rules and regulations of the hazing. He agreed to have 250 members in the band even though the current number is less due to difficulties in recruiting members from high schools. President Rudley concluded his address by thanking the students for bringing the issues to his attention and saying that he is going to work with students to make sure that campus issues are worked on quicker. In his final words, President Rudley said that he is going to spend more time on campus and make sure that students’ problems get fixed. “One thing I have learned from this experience with the student group is that I’m not going to rely so much on people telling me they are supposed to be doing their job. We are going to make sure they do their job.”
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Sports Sports Rundown BY JONATHAN DAVIS, JORGE MOSCOZO, MARCUS SMITH Sports Editor & Contributing Writers The Texas Southern Fighting Tigers football team (2-3) fell to Alabama State University (23), putting them a game below .500 going into the by-week. The 41-23 loss to ASU stretches TSU’s losing streak to five games, the last win coming in 2010. TSU backup quarterback, Averion Hurts, would make his second career start for the Tigers in place of the injured Johnathan Wide Receiver Bowen. In his second start, Hurts went 16-23 and threw for 147 yards. Hurts connected with WR Derrick Griffin late in the third quarter for his only touchdown on the evening. Griffin recorded four receptions for 41 yards. Freshman Running Back, Brad Woodard ran for a career and team high 106 yards in the first half, he finished the game with 130. Despite a career performance by Woodard, ASU was able to outgain TSU in the air and on the ground, picking up 539 yards overall on the game, most of which coming in the second half. This was heavily due to the play ASU’s quarterback Ellis Richardson, who threw for a game high 162 yards and three touchdowns maintaining 66.7% completion rate. Richardson added 135 yards on the ground and chipped in a touchdown. He would effectively compliment ASU running back Alex Anderson, who ran for 134 yards that includes a 75-yard touchdown score. That run would come late in the third quarter to answer Griffin’s touchdown, giving ASU a 27-23 lead heading into the fourth quarter. ASU outscored TSU 20-6 in the second half alone. Zack Bamijoko, recording 14 tackles and a forced fumble, led the TSU Tiger defense. Tigers were without linebackers Darian Claiborne and Jarius Moore due to injury. Moore was ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining an injury during the Jackson State game. Johnathan Bowen would make a brief appear-
ance in this game as Coach Darrell Asberry subbed out Hurts for a possession. Bowen threw for 45 yards on five completions and seven attempts. Bowen was immediately taken out the game when he attempted to rush for a first down and hobbled back to the huddle after his first down attempt was unsuccessful. Texas Southern has a bye week and then they face Mississippi Valley State University on October 17 at 2:00pm in Itta Bena, Mississippi. The Tigers Volleyball team (3-12) split their last two games. The first was a 3-2 win on the road against The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Texas Southern was led by Kali Fluke’s 15 kills, seven solo blocks, five block assists and four digs. Robyn Shannon chipped in 11 kills, nine digs and three block assists while Nicole Robinson added 10 kills. Chelsea Thompson dished out 34 assists, seven digs, four aces and three kills while Allison Woods had 14 digs and four assists. The Tigers tallied 56 kills with 12 errors in 119 swings to post a .370 hitting percentage in the five-set victory. The second game resulted in a 3-1 loss on the road against Southern. The Volleyball team will be back in action this Friday night at home against Grambling State at 6:30 p.m. The Tigers Soccer team went 2-2 in their last four games, including two huge conference wins against Grambling State & Alcorn State. The Tigers beat Grambling State 7-1 in a blowout at home. “We played together as a team and we finished opportunities when we needed to, especially in the second half,” Forward Tiana Humphrey said, who scored a goal. The Tigers also beat Alcorn State 6-0 at home. The Soccer team will play Howard this Friday on the road at 7 p.m.
Houston Astros to Make Playoff Cut This Season BY MESCHACH SULLIVAN Contributing Writer
The Houston Astros punched their playoff ticket Sunday, October 3rd. Astros lost to the Diamondbacks Sunday night, but because the Texas Rangers were able to beat the Los Angeles Angels, the Astros were guaranteed a spot in the playoffs this season. This is the first time the Houston Astros have made it to the playoffs since going to the World Series in 2005. That 2005 team was led by Roy Oswalt, Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman, and Jeff Bagwell. The Astros have been one of the worst recorded teams in MLB for the past few seasons. The Astros being able to draft some new talent has really helped them improve coming into the season. Carlos Correa who is the rookie short-shop for the Astros has posted 22 home runs this season which is the most by any rookie in franchise history. Correa is in the race for Rookie of the Year honors. “In the minors, I wasn’t hitting home runs on balls on my hands,” Correa said in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “I would hit the ball with too much top spin or hook spin. I wanted to turn those singles or foul balls into doubles and homers.” George Springer who is also a young bat for the Astros was injured for a good part of the season but when he was healthy he brought some quality batting and fielding to the table. The next cornerstone on this team is pitcher Dallas Keuchel. This pitcher is undefeated at home. He is also in Cy Young consideration. The pitcher was able to make the All-Star team this season also. He ended the regular season with a 2.48 era, which is only behind David Price in the AL. Some belive Jose Altuve may be the most valuable player on this team. He is hitting .313 and also has 38 stolen bases this season. He also brought in 66 home runs this season alone. The Astros made two key trades at the trade deadline. They were able to get outfielder Carlos Gomez from the Milwaukee Brewers and starting pitcher Scott Kazmir from the Oakland Athletics. Gomez is coming off injury but it has been reported that he will be ready for the Wild Card game. Kazmir has been a good addition to the pitching staff. The Houston Astros will face the New York Yankees on Tuesday at seven Central Standard Time. The game will be played in New York at Yankee Stadium. Dallas Keuchel will be starting for the Astros. Masahiro Tanaka will start for the Yankees.
Texas Southern University Excellence in Achievement
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THROUGH THE EYE
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ES OF OUR TIGERS
Photos courtesy of: Dominique Monday and David Funchess
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Life & Style
Believe It or Not: Breast Cancer Affects College Students, Too BY VALERIE MADISON Contributing Writer Ladies, imagine taking a relaxing shower after a long day of class and while rubbing on your favorite Bath and Body Works’ body wash, you notice a bump on your breast. You begin to feel the bump more closely to find it’s a large knot and say to yourself, “Something is definitely not right.” After calling your doctor to arrange an appointment for the next day, you find out you have stage one of breast cancer at only 20 years old.
staying at a healthy weight helps. “While white women are more likely to get breast cancer (followed by African American women, Hispanics, and Asian populations), African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer,” shares Feloneice Davis- Marsaw the Executive Director of TSU Health Services.
In 2015 it is estimated that over 200,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,000 will die from the breast cancer disease; Of those, five percent will be women near the age of 20. Many female students fail to realize that they, too, are at risk for breast cancer. According to a study done by Susan G. Komen, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women ages 20 and up. Even though students may eat right and work out, it still does not guarantee you from getting the disease. Breast cancer survivor, Dominique Reed, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 21. She shares, “I was as healthy as a horse, so I thought, and it completely caught me by surprise when I was diagnosed.” It is recommended for young ladies to begin getting breast exams once every three years between the ages 20- 39 and starting at age 40 a mammogram test is highly recommended. Although there is no for sure way to prevent this disease from happening, eating right and
obesity and being overweight causing some women to go into menopause, it is said to increase the risk. Your body mass index is a major factor. Family History of Breast Cancer As there are many of us that may have family members who have been diagnosed, female students have to make sure and get regular check ups and perform self- examinations. 3% of the women diagnosed to have breast cancer have a connection to family history. Light at Night and Shift Work Although the chances are rare that working late and overnight causes this disease, women that work these job types are more likely to have breast cancer.
Here are a few key factors that increase the risk: Age The older, the more likely. Get those regular checkups, ladies! Alcohol Women who drink alcohol heavily are more likely to have breast cancer than those who drink moderately. It is recommended that women have drink a day. Low Physical Activity Exercising regularly and remaining active helps to reduce the chance of being affected by 10 to 20 percent. you must involve yourself in a minim of 4 hours of physical activity a week. Overweight and Weight Gain Because of
With it being so many risks to cause breast cancer and none in particular; it is safe to say we are all at risk, but you don’t have to be scared. The most important thing one must remember is to check out your breast regularly and if any symptoms arise, see a physician. Get Active TSU Health Services will be hosting, “Fight Like A Tiger”, focusing on breast cancer awareness on October 8, 2015 in the lobby of the Student Center from 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. If you have any questions about the event or your personal health, please contact Health Services at (713) 313- 7173. Information and data provided by Susan G Komen Foundation, TSU Health Services and Cancer.org
Life & Style
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Midterm Madness: Five Steps to Excelling on Your Midterm Examinations BY EL’LOHNA JONES Contributing Writer
It’s October! We all know what that means: MIDTERM MADNESS! It’s that time of year for major projects, papers and tests worth a sizable chunk of your course grade. Do not let it get the best of you. Here are five steps to prepare for midterms: 1. Keep the mind and the body alert. You will do much better during your exams if you have the proper rest, exercise, and nutrition. Make sure you are mentally sharp for your exams. Pulling an “all-nighter” is not the best strategy to use when preparing for your exams. To relieve some of the stress of midterm and exam weeks, there is no better source than exercise. This could be a short walk or other quick activities. Very simply, your brain needs the energy from food to work efficiently. This includes protein-rich foods, which can lead to greater mental vigilance. 2. Use the resources on campus. Fairchild Center Room 130 and the University Learning Center provide university-wide tutorials, whether you need individual or group tutorials. TSU provides resources and programs to help students reach their academic potential through the achievement of their academic goals. You are not alone, do not be afraid to ask for help that is out there! Forming study groups or getting together with a classmate may also be helpful in preparing for an exam, so you can communicate the material back and forth to each other. However, DO NOT put this off until the night before the exam. 3. Plan how much time will be devoted to
Five Stylish Accessories to Get this Fall studying each day. Because there are only so many hours in a day and week, it is important to prioritize the hours during these exam weeks. If possible, you may need to eliminate some of your other responsibilities. If you have multiple exams, you may need to choose which exam you will need to put the most time in preparing for. When you put together your schedule, make sure to include short study breaks to help you recharge. This will help you to concentrate. 4.Attend Midterm Madness In The Science Building Atrium. Midterm Madness is the biggest event held in the Science Building Atrium to assist students in preparing for midterms. The College of Science and Technology provides refreshments, tutoring, scantrons, blue books, and security escorts to get back to the garage or your dorm. Midterm Madness is usually held a week before midterm week so look out in the tutorial buildings and science building for the exact date. 5.Learning Style. Lastly, this is the time to really figure out your learning style. Some students are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. Visual learners turn notes into pictures, auditory learners have to repeat material aloud to retain the subject at hand, and kinesthetic learners have to partake in another activity to focus on what they are studying. It is all about how you retain information the best. This is the time to learn your learning style and put it into play! “The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent.”– Arnold Schwarzenegger
BY MAHBUBA MATOVU By now, you are able to maneuver your way through your classes without checking your schedule five times a day which is a sign that you are finally settled in. And since the fall weather is slowly creeping up, here are five accessories to keep you looking stylish this season. A Scarf You can call this every trendy person’s go-to accessory on a dress-down day. A scarf can take your all black top and leggings/pants outfit from zero to chic in seconds! Also, if that rain takes you by surprise while making your way down the Tiger Walk, you already know that your scarf just saved your hair for the next few seconds before you find the nearest building. Keep your collection bright and colorful or explore with prints. Stores like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe have beautiful prints at affordable prices. Boots ‘Tis the season for boots guys. I would recommend a neutral color that will probably go with most of the items in any closet, because who has the time to find matching shoes when you have an 8.am class. You can find a great pair at DSW or TJ Maxx (where I got mine). Don’t forget to purchase a water protectant spray along with your boots so that the water puddles don’t ruin them. Lipstick Not that there’s a set of rules about when you should wear certain lipsticks, but in case you are interested, deeper shades like browns, purples and pinks tend to compliment the fall season. A few shades that would look great on most skin tones are MAC Rebel which is a deep purple shade, Laura Mercier’s Black Orchid which is a sheer dark mauve, and my personal favorite, NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Spice Cake which is a beautiful deep pink that makes for the perfect pop of color. Cross Body Bag Cross body bags are in vogue. I usually prefer the larger sizes that can fit my books but the smaller ones can make for a stylish Saturday afternoon on your way to the Galleria. Try out some funky colors like orange or teal to liven up your look. Stores like Marshalls always have reasonably priced unique selections. Mirrored Sunglasses Do I even have to remind you? If you haven’t already heard, it is mandatory to attend all TSU games...just kidding. Seriously though, show some school spirit and go support the Tigers. It’s free you know, just take your school ID with you. And while you’re at it, take a cool pair of sunnies with you so the sun won’t get in the way of you seeing which player made the touch down or the immensely entertaining Ocean of Soul Band. Mirrored sunnies are really popular right now and you can find a pair at any Aldo or Forever 21 store.
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Politics
Obama: ‘Our Thoughts and Prayers are Not Enough’ COURTESY OF USA TODAY months in America.” Oregon officials said a 20-year-old man killed at least 10 people in a shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, about 180 miles south of Portland. Obama visited the city during his 2008 presidential campaign. Obama has spoken in the wake of shooting tragedies on at least a dozen occasions, including the 2012 murders at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., and this past summer’s killings at African-American church in Charleston, S.C. Other countries have mental health issues, but none have the kind of gun violence the United States does, Obama said. The president mocked opponents of gun control legislation, including those who say the solution is “more guns” or fewer safety laws. “Does anybody really believe that?” Obama said. A visibly frustrated President Obama offered condolences to the victims of the mass shooting at an Oregon college on Thursday, but he added that “our thoughts and prayers are not enough,” and voters should demand changes to the nation’s gun laws. Having now spoken after more than a dozen senseless killings during his administration, Obama again called for “common sense” legislation aimed at preventing gun violence, and he mocked opponents of past initiatives he has pushed. “Each time this happens, I’m going to bring this up,” Obama said during emotional remarks in the White House press room. “Each time this happens, I am going to say that we can actually do something about it, but we’re going to have to change our laws.” Obama noted that he has been to Roseburg, Ore., where the shooting took place, and “there are really good people there” who are the latest victims of gun violence. “Somehow, this has become routine,” Obama
said. “The reporting is routine. My response here at this podium ends up being routine ... we’ve become numb to this.”
Given the frequency of mass shootings, Obama said people should demand action at the federal and state levels, and make it an issue at election time. He also said lawful gun owners should question whether gun rights organizations are truly representing their views when it comes to efforts to prevent violence.
Throughout his presidency, especially after shootings, Obama has called for legislation to try to stop gun violence, including enhanced background checks, an assault weapons ban, and improved mental health programs. On this “I hope and pray that I don’t have to come out occasion, the president said, “it cannot be this again during my tenure as president to ofeasy for somebody who wants to inflict harm fer my condolences to families in these cirto get his or her hands on a gun.” cumstances,” Obama said. “But based on my experience as president, I can’t guarantee that As he echoed those calls in the wake of the Oregon shooting, Obama predicted that state- — and that’s terrible to say. And it can change.” ments of opposition from gun rights groups were already being written. Many of those opponents will accuse him politicizing tragic shootings, the president said.
“Well, this is something we should politicize,” Obama said. “It is relevant to our common life together, to the body politic.” He later said: “This is a political choice that we make, to allow this to happen every few
“Each time this happens, I am going to say that we can actually do something about it, but we’re going to have to change our laws.” -President Obama
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Politics Warren Says Black Lives Matter BY LINDSAY GARY Opinion Editor Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) backed the Black Lives Matter Movement during a speech at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate last Sunday, arguing that economic justice will not and has never ensured racial justice. Her address candidly challenged the current and historical trend among United States elected officials and political candidates on racism—many stray away from the issue altogether, while others like Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, argue racism and economic inequality are parallel issues. “Owning a home won’t stop someone from burning a cross on the front lawn,” Warren said. Echoing what activists have been saying for decades, she maintained that it is time for this nation to stop ignoring racism and instead address it as a separate issue and actively work to put an end to it. Warren cited the Black Lives Matter Movement, sparked by young activists in the wake of the deaths of black teenagers Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, as an extension of the Civil Rights Movement of the
1960s. Warren added that “50 years after John Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. spoke out, violence against African Americans has not disappeared.” She argued that black people’s fear of being killed and the resulting anger of the loss of innocent lives should be taken seriously. Furthermore, the movement should be validated instead of being challenged, and racially-motivated crimes, police brutality, and other racial injustices must be eradicated and prevented because the future of the nation depends on it. Warren ultimately contended that this is not just a black issue, but also a white issue, and most importantly, a national and urgent issue. She suggested police departments and policymakers work to meet the demands of activists by enacting new policies to stop racial profiling and police brutality. Some of these include putting body cameras on police officers and patrol car dashboards, ensuring that police forces come from the neighborhoods they serve, training officers on effective non-militaristic de-escalation methods, and obtaining special prosecutors for police killings, racial hate crimes, and terrorist acts like the South Caro-
lina church shooting that killed nine people this summer. Violence however, is only one racial issue. Political disenfranchisement and disparities in economics, education, and the criminal justice system continue to plague black Americans. Activists have not strayed from these issues either. As a result, 2016 presidential candidates are under an immense amount of pressure to develop cohesive and effective plans to end systemic racism, and for these plans to be popular enough to garner the support of activists and the greater black vote. Failure to do so could potentially cause Sanders, Hilary Clinton, Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, and all the other candidates their seat at The White House. “It is a tragedy when any American cannot trust those who have sworn to protect and serve,” Warren affirmed. Black Americans are increasingly growing distrustful of public servants, from police officers to presidential candidates. Warren ended her speech by insisting that these servants make a change that upholds equality and safety for Black Americans.
Dr. Ben Carson Says He Would Not Advocate a Muslim President BY JABARI SHERMAN Contributing Writer
Ben Carson announced that he was running for Republican nomination in the 2016 presidential election at a rally in Detroit, his hometown. We know Carson as journalist, philanthropist, and a neurosurgeon highly being recognized for a successful surgery separating twins in 1987. Carson was asked should a president’s faith matter in a recent NBC News interview. “Well it depends on what that faith is. If that faith is inconsistent with the values and principles of America then yes it does matter… but if it fits the rim and the Constitution of America, then I have no problem.” He was then asked if he believes that Islam is consistent with the constitution and he responded saying “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation.” There have been many rumors speculating that President Barack Obama is a Muslim. Although his reactions reflect his Christian faith, we have to assess why should it matter when the Constitution states in the First Amendment that citizens have the freedom of religion and expression. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion; or prohibiting the exercise thereof.” It has been reported that Obama’s father was a Muslim, which has seemingly followed him during his tenure as President. It is believed that this country does seem to have problems with Muslims, and has created a negative label for their religion and way of life. During Carson’s interview the word “faith” was brought up. When Carson performed his the great surgery separating the twins he of course had faith. Ben Carson identifies himself as a Christian, however, what is faith? In the heat of it all, Carson addressed his disdain for Muslims in political office, particularly the office for the President to come.
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What’s Happening on campus & around town
Monday - 10/5
Tuesday - 10/6
Food Bank Wesley Foundation 2:30-4:30 pm
Food Bank Wesley Foundation 2:30-4:30 pm
Monday - 10/12
Tuesday - 10/13
Wednesday - 10/7 Lunch & Explore Wesley Foundation 12-12:50 pm
Wednesday -10/14
Thursday - 10/8
Friday - 10/9
The Weekend 10/10 & 10/11
Friday - 10/16
The Weekend 10/17 & 10/18
UPC Karaoke Night Game Room 7-9 pm
Thursday -10/15
MIDTERM WEEK 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. Where is the art building? 2. Why are professors acting like students? 3. Why do I feel like I am not getting the most out of my education? 4. Why do I feel I’m not learning anything in my classes? 5. Where is the art building? 6. Since we are adding dorms, can we add parking? 7. Who was fired behing the Take Back TSU Movement? 8. Why are people who work hard for the university being fired? 9. Do the faculty and administrators care about the students? 10. Why do we have to ask that? 11. Is everyone prepared for midterms? 12. Where are the cram for exam turn-ups? 13. What can we expect for Homecoming? 14. When will we know when our homecoming events are? 15. Where will we tailgate? 16. Will the Take Back TSU movement fade to the background? 17. Does the student body appreciate the Take Back TSU movement? 18. Do student leaders appreciate the Take Back TSU movement? 19. Has our yard changed for good or just temporarily? 20. Mike who?
Anonymously submit your questions via Ask.Fm or drop by Student Center Room 221. 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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