Daily Toreador 022224

MAKING HISTORY

Williams earns national recognition with perfect night

By JAMAR BROOKS Staff Writer

Entering the history books of college basketball, Texas Tech men’s basketball forward Darrion Williams has been a key contributor for the Red Raiders as he put the most productive form of his career on display.

In addition to getting it done on the stat sheet this season, which assisted him in becoming the Associated Press National Player of the Week, Tech head coach Grant McCasland said Williams has grown into a leader.

“You’re seeing a guy that’s playing the game to win. He really is,” McCasland said. “He’s in those timeouts, and this is what I wish people could really see. I’m telling you, I’m on guys, and I’m telling them like, ‘We’re not sprinting back like we’re supposed to,’ and D5 (Williams) is like, ‘It’s all right. We got it.’ There’s an engagement that he’s playing this game with that’s about winning. He’s not trying to figure out he can do this on his own. That’s what I love about him.”

In Tech’s win over the University of Central Florida on Feb. 10, Williams posted his fifth double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds with nine of his points coming in the second half, according to Tech Athletics.

Following the game, McCasland said Williams’ efforts coming out of halftime were instrumental to the Red Raiders’ victory.

“We went to him in the post to start the half, and they went down and scored and got a pretty easy basket. We just weren't engaged enough defensively,” McCasland

said. “And I thought he was the one guy that had an edge to start the second half even though he maybe didn’t have a great offensive first half. His will to win, ability to rebound, handle the ball, and give us another guy to make decisions is really huge for us. Can’t be overstated how important he is.”

Williams followed up the UCF game with an encore performance where he etched his name into the history books of college basketball against Kansas on Feb. 13.

Against the Jayhawks, Williams went off for 30 points — shattering his previous career-high of 17 points — while becoming the first player in college basketball in the last 25 seasons to have 30 points and 10 rebounds without missing a single shot, according to ESPN.

Much to the reflection of his personality, Williams opted to pan the spotlight onto his teammates following the game.

“It feels good, but I couldn't have done it without my teammates setting me up for a lot of those shots,” Williams said. “So without them, it wouldn’t have happened.”

Williams said his recent performances are a manifestation of his dedication to the game.

“It’s all in the work I put in,” he said. “I’m in the gym all the time. Everybody on this team’s in the gym all the time. We all trust our work because it works.”

While Williams praised his teammates, McCasland attributed Williams’ resilience and work ethic to the historic showing.

“He wasn’t trying to be perfect. He was trying to win,” McCasland said. “And when you play that way, you get rewarded. I honestly believe his hard work, his belief, plus his belief in moving forward

and handling things that don’t work has allowed him to have this night.”

Furthermore, McCasland said the manner in which Williams goes about life will allow him to continue to pave his way to success.

“In life when things don’t go your way you can deflect, you can feel shame, you can be embarrassed, and he’s starting to look at me every time something doesn't go right and he’s like, ‘I got you coach. We’ll fix it,’” McCasland said. “And it’s just a beautiful

picture I think of how we’ve got to live, and he’s living it on the basketball court, which I think has allowed him to keep moving forward in a way that he can make these kind of impacts.”

@JamarBrooksDT

International Affairs details safety while traveling abroad

By KAYLA STONE Staff Writer

Texas Tech students have access to both safety and health resources while on their journey studying or interning abroad. The commitment deadline for both summer and maymester programs is March 1.

Tech’s Office of International Affairs encourages students to research both the country they are traveling to and what they may need to bring on their trip abroad, said Whitney Longnecker, director of study abroad. Students are provided a pre-departure orientation module on Blackboard.

While the university has procedures in place to ensure student safety, Longnecker said students play a pivotal role in their own health and safety while abroad. “Texas Tech has many measures in place to help keep students and our program leaders safe while they are participating in study abroad opportunities,” Longnecker said. “But we do need our students to meet us halfway.”

Ways students can practice safety in another country include keeping electronic copies of important documents, such as passports or credit cards, Longnecker said.

Ella Petty, a third-year human development and family sciences and Spanish major from Amarillo, said she prepared for her time in Seville, Spain, by making sure she had backup technology.

“Before I had left, they kind of

gave us a rundown of things like pickpocketing and some things that can happen while you’re in Spain,” Petty said. “So one thing that I made sure to do before I left was bring a second phone with me, just in case my phone gets stolen, so that I am not out of a phone and have no way to contact anyone.”

Extra adapters and chargers for cell phones also are key to ensuring students are always able to keep in contact while traveling, Petty said. Keeping her phone in good shape also allows her to keep electronic copies of important documents.

In terms of health, Tech study abroad requires all students, faculty and staff traveling out of the country to be covered by Tech’s international insurance plan, Longnecker said. “We’re reviewing all of our

programs, making sure that we’re choosing good opportunities and safe opportunities for our students to participate in,” Longnecker said. “We also have mandatory international insurance policy that all of our students, faculty and staff who are traveling with students are all covered by the same policy.” Students are able to contact the university with any concerns they may have while abroad. Longnecker said although she and the Tech Police Department are there to support students, their in-person professors and staff are typically best to go to first in an emergency situation.

“We do tell students that if they really are in an emergency situation and they need care immediately, they do have access to on-site support systems as well,” Longnecker said. “If

they’re traveling with a professor, oftentimes notifying that person or getting support from that professor is the better first step than calling back to Lubbock and chatting with me.” While abroad, many students will have the opportunity to legally drink for the first time. Longnecker said although this may be exciting, it is important to remember that any issues that arise while abroad may follow them back to Lubbock.

“The Texas Tech Code of Conduct does apply to students as part of a study abroad program. What happens on a study abroad program doesn’t necessarily stay there,” Longnecker said. “If a student does decide to consume alcohol and then gets into some type of trouble, that violation can be applicable even here back on campus.”

The culture of the country students are studying or interning in is crucial for students to understand in order for their study abroad to be successful, Longnecker said. Students should also trust their gut instinct in order to stay safe.

“A big part of it is just knowing yourself and knowing what you’re comfortable with,” Longnecker said. “Once you have that knowledge of your host country and the culture that you’re entering as part of your study abroad program, that combined with your situational awareness will really suit a student well as part of their study abroad experience.”

Lyombe Eko, professor of journalism and creative media studies, said although his Maymester course at the Texas border is still within the United States, Tech keeps student safety as the number one priority, no matter the location.

“Tech is a student-safety first institution, and students are our main priority,” Eko said. “We have to be sure that they’re safe at all times.”

Students getting ready to study abroad should feel comfortable while traveling, Longnecker said, as long as they come prepared and have done their research.

“I think it’s important to recognize that something that’s unknown does not automatically mean that it’s unsafe,” Longnecker said. “It just requires a little bit more time and research.”

The Daily Toreador dives into the world of fencing. Scan the QR code for a step-by-step look into the sport.

Sophomore softball player Kailey Wyckoff comes off a record year and enters the ‘24 season striving for more.

Student organizations put together events in celebration of Black History Month.

Scott Hein, an emeritus professor in finance, details inflation and how students can manage their money.

Global inflation raises local concerns

By CHRISTIAN JETER Staff Writer

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the inflation striking the United States has increased and is predicted to worsen going forward, according to data released by Macrotrends, claiming a 3.46% increase since 2020.

The Federal Reserve declared its goal of 2% annual inflation for the near future, which plans to boost monetary and occupational growth. This point has raised concerns over the effect on the national economy in the coming years. Scott Hein, an emeritus professor of finance in the Rawls College of Business, said inflation is affecting the everyday person more than experts believe.

“I think the average in-

CAMPUS

dividual is suffering much more because of the substantial price increase that we’ve experienced over a longer time horizon,” Hein said. “And I would criticize economists who’re focusing just on the one-year picture and thinking everything’s turned around for the good, and not realizing that we’re still having those high prices that are a burden on the average individual.”

Given the Federal Reserve’s current goal of 2% annual inflation, Hein said, students should be aware of increases in inflation going forward.

“I think a policy that is geared towards zero inflation, that would realize that price decreases are temporary, wouldn’t be something to fear greatly,” Hein said. “I think students should worry about infla-

tion, especially given the Fed’s goal that seems to be in place now with monetary authorities.” Hein said individuals, especially students, should consider investing in avenues that will combat the ongoing effects of inflation.

“If all prices are rising, then stocks are generally increasing, given a sufficient length of time. We’ve seen, since 2020, that the stock market has done fairly well with this inflation period. And investors that are putting money into stock are rewarded handsomely relative to inflation,” Hein said. “I would encourage students to think about investing, especially in equities and stock investments. I think that’s something that students should really use to protect themselves against

inflation.”

Riley Byrne, a thirdyear mechanical engineering major from Amarillo, said he is worried about the economy moving forward, as inflation seems to be outpacing income.

“I honestly am a little concerned, especially when it comes to getting jobs, because I know that wages don’t necessarily align with inflation,” Byrne said. “What I made at my job a year ago is not really helping out now, because then I was able to afford a cheap apartment and now I’m gonna have to do a little bit more to afford my apartment.”

Being aware of cheaper alternatives for certain items and foods can help reduce costs one would otherwise not know about, Byrne said.

Henry George, a sec -

ond-year English major from Houston, said collaboration also can help to reduce fees, especially for fuel and travel.

“Sometimes, if I’m in a friend group, as we’re driving places, we tried to

take turns and conserve as much gas as possible,” George said. “It’s just about being more conservative and caring about what you’re doing.”

Tech resources help ensure student safety

By ANDREA LOZANO-SANTIAGO Staff Writer

As of 2021, Lubbock County was ranked the third most-dangerous city

in Texas, according to the 2020 Lubbock Police Department annual report.

Capt. Amy Ivey of the Texas Tech Police Department said the police department works to keep

campus protected, specifically with the emergency blue lights that are strategically placed around campus.

Raymond Marsh, a freshman general studies

major from Houston, said one of his primary motivators for choosing Tech was the safety features offered by the university.

“One of the main things that brought me to this

campus was how safe I felt knowing the campus was surrounded by blue lights and campus cops,” Marsh said.

When students are walking to class or going

to and from the Library, they will see blue lights along certain pathways in an effort to give students another way to reach the 911 dispatch center, Ivey said.

When the blue light button is pressed, a student will hear static until it connects them to the dispatchers, Ivey said. Officers will then be sent on scene to follow the track of the lights as they were pressed, and will help identify a pattern based on occurrences.

“Our response time on campus is about two minutes,” Ivey said. “We can get on campus pretty quickly and as fast as possible.”

Not only does Tech PD help people on campus, but the Lubbock Police Department is also available as a safety feature for students. Ivey said theft is the crime most-often reported on campus.

“Once I figured out my wallet (was stolen), I went ahead and called the Texas Tech PD to file a report. It was an easy process, I was just asked for my information and a description of the wallet as well,” said David Duran, a freshman human sciences interdisciplinary major from Pecos. “I knew there wasn’t much they could do without being found first, but they were extremely helpful and understanding.”

In many cases, the blue light is not used as often due to the common usage of cell phones, Ivey said. When the blue lights are utilized, there will be a bright blue strobe, which is designed to scare pursuers away. A dispatcher is immediately reached, and is sent to the scene.

In advice to when students feel they are being watched or followed, Ivey said they should find a more-populated area.

“Whether it’s a dormitory or a classroom, most of the time during the day they are available, and if it is at night try to find assistance within a bigger group of people,” Ivey said.

In case of an emergency, call 911, Ivey said. To report a crime, call Tech PD at 806-742-3931.

The biggest thing for Red Raiders to understand, Ivey said, is if they see something they should say something.

AYNSLEY LARSEN/The Daily Toreador

@CJeter_DT

evolution over time,

“It’s a combat sport, it’s different. It has memories of chivalry and derives out of sword fighting from antiquity,” said Aaron Clements, fencing coach and adjunct professor at Texas Tech School of Law. “It’s a little more, I guess, in some ways refined. It is an armed combat sport … but it is a martial art.”

The sport is governed by a set of precisely-defined rules and customs, Clements said.

“Unlike what a lot of people think, it’s not just grabbing a sword and waving it around,” Clements, who has coached the fencing club for over 30 years, said.

The rules of present-day fencing largely have been defined by its appearances in the Olympic Games, Clements said. Fencing has been a mainstay of the Olympics since the first modern iteration of the event in 1896.

“(In) Olympic fencing, you’ve got three weapons: foil, épée, saber,” Clements

said. “And they derived from weapons that were typically used in courts in Europe.”

The rules and dueling styles for each weapon reflect their European origins, Clements said.

“(The foil’s) target area is strictly the torso, to teach people how to make good killing blows in a duel,” Clements said. “Saber, being a cavalry weapon, the target area is the waist up, and it has conventions as well, because you weren’t just

It has memories of chivalry and derives out of sword fighting from antiquity.

defending yourself, you were defending the horse as well. Épées, the whole body is a target, there’s no right-ofway, whoever hits first wins.”

Carson Collins, a senior finance major from Aledo and president of the Double T Fencing Club, said even modern fencing equipment is designed to reflect the conditions of the past.

“They didn’t used to have blunted weapons, they used to just fence until first blood,” Collins said, “which

is why the buttons on (the weapons) are actually calibrated to 750 grams of force, which is what it would take to break the skin.”

Ethan Fisher, the club’s safety officer, said the allwhite gear is a remnant of this first-blood dueling custom.

“They used to put red chalk tips, and that’s the reason for the white suits, so you could see what hits,” said Fisher, a third-year mechanical engineering major from Argyle. “And even before that they wore white clothes, so if you get blood, they would see it. But now we have electronics, so we don’t have to deal with red tips.”

The Double T Fencing Club primarily focuses on dueling with the épée. Fisher said both physical and mental factors come into play in this no-holds-barred style of fencing.

“I would say it’s more mental than physical,” Fisher said. “Knowing how to move your opponent, knowing how to control their blade to your advantage, how to move around the blade.” Collins said the physical component often comes down to pure reflexes.

“Whenever you’re in a bout, sometimes you don’t even have time to think, and it’s all just entirely muscle memory where you just like, move, you do what feels natural,” Collins said.

The club practices Tuesdays and Thursdays in Room 116 of the Robert H. Ewalt Recreation Center. For

to DoubleTFencingClub@ gmail.com.

@NathanKenisonDT

Yeat, an American rapper and songwriter, recently garnered a bunch of hype and exposure surrounding the drop of his recent album 2093, released on Feb. 16.

Yeat’s first breakthrough was in 2021 when he released arguably his most known song “Gët Busy.” The breakout track uses a bell sound, and the way the bell was strategically placed in the song is a staple to Yeat. His famous bar in the track is, “This song was

already turnt, but here's a bell” - followed by the majestic bell ring. To me it felt like the bell was a feature on his song. “Gët Busy,” became so ubiquitous it caught the attention of heavyweight rappers, including Drake, Lil Uzi Vert, Gunna and many more.

From 2021 to 2024 Yeat gained a devoted fan base. Yeat’s hit song with Drake “IDGAF” is an example of his growth. On Oct. 21, Drake and Yeat's track reached first on the Billboard Global 200 Chart, marking his first number 1 record. Yeat reached a career high roughly four months before 2093 dropped.

With recent exposure, Yeat

advertised his album 2093 well with several snippets on Instagram live. He also asked for a certain amount of comments on his IG post to drop the tracklist creating engagement for his new project. Yeat even had his album graphic appear in a 400-year-old crop circle.

With all eyes on him, Yeat dropped 2093, and it was different from any of his other projects. Yeat took a futuristic approach to this project, hence the name 2093. Yeat mentioned 2093 several times throughout his album, I interpreted these mentions of 2093 by imagining that he's living in the year 2093.

Yeat continues to separate

himself from other rappers. His mix of slow and fast melodic beats combined with smooth yet aggressive flow create the futuristic sound. The beats and overall sound he used for the album were innovative.

However since the sound of the album was different than his other projects, people disapproved of the album. I saw online comments say the beats were repetitive, and his album was hectic.

However, I also saw fans praise the album saying things like “How does he keep getting better?” and jokingly talk about how,“They are living in the year 2093 too.” His album received a mixed

reaction because most people don't like different and that's exactly what this album was. Personally I enjoyed the album, from the ethereal opening notes to the resonant closing chords, each track feels like a journey through time and emotion.

I've followed Yeat ever since the magical bell ring, and witnessing his artistic vision has been brilliant. 2093 probably received more hate than praise, but I appreciate the album nevertheless.

When that first track came on Psycho CEO and the beat dropped at 2:07, I felt a sense of captivation like seeing the Lebron James iconic alley oop poster on Celtics guard Jason

Terry for the first time — I was in awe.

I personally think he will continue to change the rap game with his style, and when it's all said and done he will be one of the most influential rappers of all time (hot take).

Regardless of opinion, you can't deny Yeat has become one of the more relevant rappers in recent times who collabbed with rap legends Lil Wayne, Future and Drake for 2093. 2093 was definitely an experimental album, but his creative style and flair is unmatched.

Yeat has definitely cemented himself as a one-ofa-kind rapper that isn't afraid to be different.

Wyckoff embraces sophomore season

By ANDREW GOODRICH Staff Writer

There were many accolades for this Texas Tech softball player after her freshman year in 2023: Big 12 Freshman of the Year, All-Big 12 second team and a D1 Freshman AllAmerican, just to name a few.

But sophomore catcher/outfielder Kailey Wyckoff said she is aiming for more than just awards in the 2024 season. She wants to level up her intangibles.

“I want to improve my leadership more than anything,” Wyckoff said. “I mean the accolades are cool, but that’s not exactly what I’m looking for. I’m just looking forward to helping my team.”

Tech softball coach Craig Snider said Wyckoff has improved as not only a player but a leader over the offseason.

“She continues to get better,” Snider said. “She

put up some phenomenal numbers last year. She’s more vocal now. She’s more comfortable in her own skin now which is really good to see.”

Wyckoff finished her 2023 campaign ranked fifth in Tech’s single-season batting average record (.393), fourth in slugging percentage (.740), second in triples (5w), seventh in doubles (17) and in total bases (111). She also recorded nine home runs and 31 RBIs, according to Tech Athletics.

After Wyckoff’s strong freshman season, Snider said 2023 doesn’t need to be the precedent for her but a stepping stone into 2024.

“The big thing we talk about a lot is you don’t have to repeat last year because that’s gonna be the big question,” Snider said. “The answer is you don’t. You continue to get better each day, and you let the chips fall where they may. Because if you

fall in love with that process, good things are going to continue to happen in her career.”

Based on what he has seen from Wyckoff in the offseason and preseason, Snider said he is looking forward to what is in store for her in 2024.

“She’s had a phenomenal preseason and had a great fall, so I’m excited to see what comes with that this year with her.” Snider said.

Kalum Haack, Wyckoff’s head softball coach while she was at Katy High School, said he saw the traits in her early on.

“I think her work ethic and her willingness to just be the best softball player she possibly could,” Haack said. “She started for us as a freshman, and she was just a really hard worker and all that going along with (being) a really good athlete.”

Haack said those qualities earned her playing time early in her high

school career amidst a deep roster. “(Her traits) got her an opportunity to play as a freshman, and that’s kinda hard in here (Katy) because we’ve had some good ball players, (so) to play as freshman (she) did

really well.” Haack said.

In her second year of developing those traits at the collegiate level, Wyckoff and the team are ready to step up to the plate for this season.

“I think we’re still gonna be a super com -

petitive team,” Wyckoff said. “We’re gonna give other teams a run for their money. We know what we’re doing. We have the standard set, and we know what to look for in any team.”

@AndrewG_DT

Jarvis Scott’s legacy remembered during Black History Month

By CORY WHITMAN Staff Writer

Established in 1976, Black History Month strives to celebrate the accomplishments of the Black community.

During this time, there are many influential people recognized including the late former head Texas Tech women’s track and field coach Jarvis Scott. Scott, following a twoyear coaching stint at Cal

Former Tech soccer player returns as assistant coach

By TY KAPLAN Staff Writer

Under the lights of Round Rock Multisports Complex, Texas Tech midfielder Charlotte (Teeter) Masters saw her collegiate career come to a close on Oct. 30, 2022, as Oklahoma midfielder Michelle Pak scored an 89th minute goal to defeat the Red Raiders 1-0 in the Big 12 tournament.

A year after graduating from Tech’s soccer program, Masters will return to her former squad in a new role. Appointed by Tech head coach Tom Stone, Masters will serve as an assistant coach and the Red Raiders director of player development, according to a Feb. 12 news release from Tech Athletics. “We feel like Charlotte knows ‘The Texas Tech Way’ and has lived it being a former player,” Stone said in the release. “She’s been a starter and a leader. As a mentor and as a young person that can help our players make the transition to college life and college soccer, I don’t think we could have found a better example of what it takes to make it on and off the field, so Charlotte was a no-brainer for us. We’re thrilled to have such a quality young woman on our staff.” During her five-year career at Tech, Masters scored 14 goals and tallied nine assists. The Alpharetta, Georgia, native helped the

Red Raiders to a 54-25-17 record over her career and a pair of trips to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament, according to Tech Athletics.

Masters will join a Red Raider squad coming off a 16-2-5 season in which they were crowned the Big 12 Champion. With the opportunity arising for Masters, she stated it was an easy decision to come back and get to work with such a talented group of athletes. “I’m only a year removed from being a player, but who would pass up the chance to work with the Big 12 Champions on their staff,” Masters said in the release.

“What an incredible year they had and to work for a program that means a ton to me is incredibly special. I learned so much from these coaches, and my experience at Texas Tech was amazing. So, I just want to do the same and pour into these girls while I’m here.”

Sentiments of excitement continued for Masters as she stated her desire to replicate the life lessons and developmental attributes she gained during her tenure for this group of Red Raiders.

“My goal is for all of the players in this program to have the same experience that I had while they’re here at Texas Tech,” Masters said in the release. “I hope to enhance the experience for them and be a help to them however they need me to be.”

State Los Angeles, became Tech’s women’s track and field coach in 1979 and the first Black head coach in program history. A former Olympian and national champion, Scott brought a championship style of coaching to Lubbock and was considered a parental figure by some.

“She was actually a mom away from home for all the athletes when I was at Tech,” said class of ‘83 track athlete Sharon Bruner in an Avalanche-Journal article published on Oct. 3, 2017. “She was inspirational. Not too many people get the opportunity to be coached by an Olympian, and so it was just an honor.”

Prior to her career at Tech, then 21-year-old

Scott was competing at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Scott became the first American woman to qualify for the Olympics in both the 400 and 800 meter races. She later would give up the 800 meter to focus on running the 400 meter and eventually place sixth at the 1968 Olympics.

During that time, Scott became a four-time national champion in the 400m between 1968-75, according to Olympedia.

Prior to her Olympic and collegiate success, Scott began her track career even when there wasn’t an outlet to do so.

Scott was born in Waco and moved to Los Angeles with her family in 1956 where she started her track

career at Pomona High School. Scott was the first female athlete to compete in track and field at her high school, according to a YouTube video posted by Texas Tech.

Following Scott’s retirement from the sport in 1991 she remained a Lubbock resident until her death in 2017. However, even after her death her influence on Tech continued.

In 2022, Wes Kittley, current head track and field coach, announced that the final indoor track meet of the season before the Big 12 Championships every year would be known as the Jarvis Scott Open.

Scott is recognized alongside long time Tech coach Corky Oglesby who

is honored by the Corky Classic.

The Jarvis Scott open, being the last meet before the Big 12 Championships, is one Kittley said brings needed competition to help the Red Raiders prepare and continue the competitive legacy Scott built during her career.

“We had a ton of teams, and I thought I was crazy having this many teams here but we did have Iowa and Arizona and some D-1s, but even the junior colleges, they had certain events that helped us,” Kittley said. “All those things I think really help and when you get that kind of competition it’s going to matter.”

MAKAYLA PEREZ/The Daily Toreador Sophomore Kailey Wyckoff catches the ball in the contest against Lubbock Christian University at Rocky Johnson Field Oct. 10, 2023.

COURTESY PHOTO/Southwest Collections Jarvis Scott was the first Black head coach at Texas Tech, serving as the university’s head track and field coach from 1971-1991. @CoryWhitmanDT

Student organizations celebrate Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, student organizations gathered together to host events on campus. From the Miss Black TTU Pageant to the 1966 Black Panther Party, the events aspired to raise Black representation on campus and educate others on Black history. The month’s events were primarily hosted by the Black Student Association and garnered attention to the organization’s desired changes on campus.

Following the passing of Senate Bill 17, Texas Tech acknowledged there are many responsibilities that now fall on student organizations.

In an interview with The Daily Toreador, Jorge Iber, professor and interim vice president of Campus Access & Engagement, said funds are available for students on the Campus Access & Engagement website to assist with adjustments following SB 17.

Upon visiting the website, student organization leaders may apply under a tab labeled Student Application for Funding/Sponsorship. The goal is to assist in alleviating some of the financial costs of hosting events, Iber said.

Below is a compilation of events hosted by student organizations during Black History Month.

ANDREA LOZANO-SANTIAGO/The Daily Toreador

Miss Black Texas Tech nominees, from left to right, Amyah Fairley, a sophomore business management major; Emily Hopson, a junior university studies major; Precious Oyawe, a junior finance and IT major; La’Taeviah Deckard, a junior sociology major; and Jayden Owsinski, an environmental engineering major, pose for a photo after receiving their individual titles following the Miss Black TTU pageant Feb. 11, 2024.

PABLO MENA/The Daily Toreador Black Student Association members line up to receive their food during the 1996 Black Panther Party event at the Student Enrichment Center, formerly known as the Black Cultural Center, Feb. 7, 2024.

PABLO MENA/The Daily Toreador Black Student Association Vice President Matthew Zuniga makes his next move in a game of chess during the 1996 event at the Student Enrichment Center Feb. 7, 2024.

JADON CHESNUTT/The Daily Toreador

A TV displays an event logo at the Black Student Association’s That’s a Word Poetry Slam, hosted at the Student Enrichment Center, Feb. 8, 2024.