Beto for America | page 4
House Bill 2383 | page 5
TSU falls in overtime | page 7
When I Get Home | page 8
March/April 2019
Volume 71, Issue 6
Kamala Harris unveils new campaign promise at TSU
Senator Kamala Harris speaks in front of a packed crowd at TSU’s Rec Center
Ryan Nickerson Managing Editor HBCU graduate and United States Senator Kamala Harris (D- California) returns to her roots as she rallied an exuberant crowd at Texas Southern University. Speaking at the Student Recreation Center, Harris preached the importance of trust, truth, and unveiled a bold, new campaign promise: making the largest investment into teachers’ salaries in United States’ history, if she were to become president. The rally also made it clear Harris’ base is not just AfricanAmerican women. When Harris took the stage her speech appealed to Americans across the social spectrum, deploying talking points that convey optimism and unity. On January 21, 2019, Harris announced she will be running for President of the United States in the Democratic primary. A daughter of the Civil Rights Movement, Harris was born from an Indian mother and Jamaican father in
Photo credit: Brandon Aninipot
Oakland, California, where racial tensions between the black community and the largely white police force helped shape her long-standing values of truth and justice. If elected President, Harris would be the United State’s first woman president and the second president of color. “I love being in Harris County!”, the California Senator said as she took the podium on Saturday, the crowd holding up signs that read: “This is Harris County.” Later she addressed the state’s and the country’s politics, confidently stating, “we are better than this.” Harris is open about her disdain for the current administration, but, as she would go on to say, she grew up with a mother who didn’t allow complaining. If she or her sister complained, her mother would respond with the question, “What are you going to do about it?”
Carrying her mother’s words to heart, Harris decided to run for President of the United States. According to her speech, Harris believes one of the biggest problems in America right now is people’s lack of trust in their government. But in order to regain trust, politicians must start telling the truth. Harris told what she believes as that truth: the economy in America is not working for working people. If elected president, Harris will propose, “the biggest middle-class tax cut in American history.” It would include up to $500 dollars per month for each taxpayer, paying for it “by repealing the Trump tax cut.” Harris went on to address the growing threat of climate change, police brutality, gun control and the family separation policy at the border. She condemned racism, antiSemitism, Islamophobia and transphobia. “They are all real and we have to actively combat them.” Harris said, “when we wake up thinking in the middle of the night, thinking about God -- some people call it ‘the witching hour’ -- our thoughts have nothing to do with a political party.” Her speech reached its climax when she unveiled her new campaign promises. “We are a nation that pretends to care about education, but not so much the education of other people’s children,” she said. “Our success as a country is a function of the two groups that raise our children: family and teachers, and we aren’t paying our teachers their value.” That’s why Harris unveiled an initiative to close the teacher pay gap, which, according to Harris, would be “the largest investment in teachers’ salaries in the history of the United States.” Harris believes all great fights are born out of optimism. But the fact of the matter is, America has never had a woman president. Some believe America is not equipped to have one. Jaime Rodriguez, a Washington-based Democratic political consultant, believes otherwise. “If you believe in a female president you have to support them,” he said after Harris’ speech. “You can’t say ‘this time around the other candidate is a better choice. There is always the ‘this time around’ excuse. You’re either for a woman president or not.” Sherry Browning, a local Third Ward resident, remains hopeful that, “she will be the first female, let alone a black lady, to win the presidency.” Browning went on to say, “I think she’s sincere, and just by her attending Texas Southern University, that spoke volumes as well.” With the 2020 election around the corner, America waits and listens to see if Harris truly is for the people.
“The vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us.”
2 • The Herald CAMPUS
April 2019
Underground Fashion Society shows off style Attendees were able to connect with one another while being surrounded by the captivating art in the University Museum. The fashion show showcased a multitude of local Houston designers like James Will of Vonde Bonair, Terrell Taylor and Kameereo Crisp. The set for the fashion show was built two hours before the actual event. Paige Hubbard, a Texas Photo credit: @UFSofTxsu Southern alumnus, hosted TSU’s Underground Fashion Society the event and cheered on each platform to be themselves. model as they graced the runway. Janaya Britton The fashion organization had various events, “As an organization, we learned that hosting fashion TSU Herald Contributing Writer like Makeup 101, taught by makeup artist Larri K. events takes blood, sweat and tears,” said Tann. The world of fashion has made its reprise to Texas Thatcher. The event allowed students to learn more “These things were not easy, especially as beginners Southern University. Underground Fashion Society, about the makeup business -- and gave them tips. of a fashion org on the TSU campus.” led by Courtney Mathews (president) and Kiam Thatcher also performed a makeup demonstration for “We had some major doubts,” said Matthews. “Since Tann (vice president), is a new student organization students to see the tricks firsthand. this was our first fashion week, I had to sit back and dedicated to highlighting the trendsetters on TSU’s UFS also hosted a swap meet on “Hump Day” where realize sometimes it’s quality over quantity.” campus. students could sell and purchase clothing from one When asked about how their organization will move “UFS is full of creative young minds. We are inspired another. forward in the future, both leaders were extremely by things we love that involve fashion, like styling, Two highly anticipated events, Kreative Couture optimistic for UFS. designing, makeup artists, and even hair stylists,” Gala and the fashion show, were set during the end of “We’re just going to keep working and molding our says vice president Tann. the week and closed the org’s fashion week. craft and keep sailing high,” replied Mathews. From March 25 to March 29, the organization held The Kreative Couture Gala was a celebration of the “Nobody has seen our full potential as an its first fashion week, called “The Return of Fashion”, unique people on TSU’s campus, where Sophomore organization yet,” said Tann, “so get ready!” applauding Houston creatives and providing them a Janaya Britton was awarded “Style Queen of TSU”.
April 2019 CAMPUS
The Herald •3
Speed Networking: an opportunity for young professionals Treyvon Waddy TSU Herald Contributing Writer As part of TSU’s annual Communication Week, students were given the opportunity to “Show Their Net Worth” to SER Jobs, Mo-Bang Media, Evolversi, and Back to Eden, all companies ready and willing to help our Tigers get connected. School of Communication Professor Clyde Duncan Jr. had particularly high hopes for the event. “My hope is that contacts are made for students, their networking skills will be polished, and also [that we] learn what we need to work on in the classroom to get our students ready for the next level.” The company representatives covered all sorts of areas of opportunity for students to explore. SER offered summer jobs and free career training for students between the ages of 18 to 24. Back to Eden offered leadership development and community service opportunities aimed towards survivors
of domestic violence and sexual assault. Kathy Phipps, a representative of Back to Eden, offered a $500 grant available to students willing to complete their nine-month leadership training. RTF and ERM students had the opportunity to network with graphic design and music promotion companies such as Mo-Bang Media and Evolversi. According to Russel Reinhart, a representative of Evolversi, the company helps music artists by discussing booking and marketing strategies, as well as setting in place for them a realistic budget for their goals. Yvonne Taylor, Director of Professional Development from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office was present. “I came to TSU because I am inspired to bring students to the DA’s office so that they can all be involved in criminal justice reform. This is a very exciting
time in the criminal justice era and I think it is important to have people of color represented in the office,” Taylor said, “Our community is over prosecuted and we’re trying to do something about it.” The networking event had a large student turnout with several from different majors within the School of Communication. “Networking is a great way for students to connect with professionals that can help steer them in the right direction to become experts in their field,”RTF major Tyler McDuffy said, “It’s important to bring professionals that students can relate to and companies that students are interested in working for or with.”
Photo credit: LaRhae Black
FOX 26s Melissa Wilson routes students to success Melissa Wilson from Fox 26 spoke to students for TSU Comm Week.
Photo credit: LaRhae Black
Darrion Gray TSU Herald Contributing Writer
STAFF
Brandon Aninipot Editor-in-Chief
Ryan Nickerson Managing Editor
Kim Landry Web Editor
Tamerras Leonard Creative Director
Niya Spain Executive Producer
Contributing Writers Terrence Turner Janaya Britton Tomei Richard Darrion Gray Makayla Molock Treyvon Waddy Jada Newsome
Photographers Mikol Kindle Jr. Lahrae Black Jasmine Adams Faculty Advisor Ladonia Randle
The Herald is the official student Editorial and business offices are newspaper at Texas Southern located on the University and is published monthly, second floor of the except during holidays. Opinions Sterling Life Student Center: expressed are those of the writer and 3100 Cleburne St., SLSC 221 do not necessarily reflect those of the Houston, TX 77004 administration. The Herald invites Phone: (713) 313-6710 Letters to the Editor, commentaries, Email: tsu.heraldeditor@gmail.com and articles on any topic. Submission Website: thetsuheraldonline.com does not guarantee publication.
Melissa Wilson, an anchor at Fox 26 Houston, stopped by Texas Southern for a writing workshop. In order to ensure that you, the student, make it to your desired destination on your media journey, Melissa Wilson suggests you follow these directions: 1. PICK A DESTINATION AND HEAD TOWARDS THE HIGHWAY. If you don’t know where you’re trying to go, why did you even get on the road? For most people, the goal is to reach the top of your profession. Wilson advised those interested in writing to “write what you’re passionate about. What you love to do is what you should write about.” 2. MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY. While in college, many students struggle to find their footing. As we start to find what we love, Wilson, just like many Herald staff members, stresses the importance of reading as it, “can help you start to grasp a writing style. It’s no time before you’re speeding down the highway to your destination.”
3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO TAKE PIT STOPS. When your mind is on the big picture, it is easy to lose focus on the present. This isn’t driving from campus to Aspen, or even to the north side of Houston. This is a journey that will likely take some time to go through. Starting in a small market may seem like a disappointment, but in actuality, this pit stop could be a blessing in disguise. The small market allows you to make mistakes and hone your skills. After a few years, move to a slightly bigger market. Then, fingers crossed, you move to a truly big market without ever having to downsize. This was the path Wilson took to Fox 26, and she encourages students to do the same. 4. CONTINUE STRAIGHT AHEAD. There will be a lot of distractions that could come into play in media, but keeping your composure is essential for an anchor. Wilson described some of the potential distractions she encountered while on-air. There have been loud bangs from lights crashing, rats falling in front of her, and directors continuously talking in her ear– all things that Wilson has dealt with on air. There is no exact science to getting to your dream job. All Wilson can do is give some advice. Hopefully, these directions lead you down the right path.
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4 • The Herald CAMPUS
April 2019
Beto O’Rourke speaks at TSU for third time
Students and community members gather in front of the MLK building at TSU to show support for Beto O’Rourke Ryan Nickerson Managing Editor Beto O’Rourke’s defeat by Ted Cruz last year was humbling, albeit heartbreaking for Texas Southern students and faculty, who had high hopes for Beto after he spoke at Sawyer Auditorium last fall. “It crushed me when I found out he lost,” said junior Trey Waddy, “he seemed like such a positive voice in the community.” Alongside Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Beto captivated many hearts at Texas Southern as he encouraged students to vote and stand for the greater good in the midterm elections. He inspired hope that Texas could finally have a senator who cares about and understands the power behind HBCUs. His narrow loss cut that dream short. “I think the old money here in Texas backed Cruz and that’s why he lost the Senate race.” said radio, television, and film Professor Bob Willems, “but he gained a national audience because of it.” After the Senate race, Beto remained in the mainstream, using social media and blog posts to keep his audience up to date with what he’s been doing. He immediately took to the road, chronicling the sites, people, and sometimes even his mysterious thoughts. His blogging became a sensation as America got the opportunity to continue their Beto fascination. No other politician blogged about their morning jogs or their dog named Rosie— he knew people cared about him so he gave them what they wanted, and he continues to do so. Now he’s running for President and has raised more money than any other Democratic candidate in twentyfour hours: $6.1 million. Beto officially launched his campaign on March 30 in El Paso, then traveling to Texas Southern and finally Austin, all in the same day. Although Beto was late to Texas Southern’s rally, the crowd and media coverage was considerably larger than Senator Kamala Harris’ rally at Texas Southern a week before. Filled with passion, Beto took the stage in front of the MLK building. “Huge honor for us to be back here in this community that means so much for us personally,” Beto said at the
beginning of his speech. Then he told the story of Thelma White, an African American civil rights activist who, after attending El Paso’s segregated school for Blacks in 1954, she applied to Texas Western College. She was denied entry into the college because of racial discrimination and, with the help of Thurgood Marshall, was able to help pave the way for every other African American to enroll in Texas colleges. This rally would be Beto’s third trip to Texas Southern within the past year. His first visit, while he was campaigning for the Senate, had only a crowd of around
Photo credit: Mikol Kindle Jr.
So far out of all the candidates I feel like he has the strongest voice,” said Espinoza. “He supports a lot of the issues that I care about.” Unlike most politicians, Beto is open about his previous misconduct and takes responsibility for his actions. He came under criticism recently in Iowa about a “hamfisted” joke that he made about the role his wife plays in his household. Beto apologized, saying, “I’ll be much more thoughtful going forward in the way I talk about our marriage.” “I acknowledge the truth of the criticism that I have enjoyed white privilege. Absolutely. Undeniable.” Beto continued, “I have been arrested twice in my life… Those mistakes didn’t end up defining me or narrowing my options in life and it’s not because I’m a great person or I’m a genius or I figured anything out. A lot of it has to do with the fact that I am a white man.” America seems thirsty for politicians who admit their mistakes, have self-awareness and know how to relate to people on a humane level. With his presidential candidacy, he is sure to shake up the Democratic field and continue to make waves across the country. TSU TV presents
fifty people. Now, hundreds of people spill onto the Tiger Walk. Beto went on to talk about reshaping student loan debt (receiving a lot of support from the crowd) and even forgiving student loans for loaners who go into professions that help veterans. He also talked about gun control, climate change, investing in public education, income inequality, prison reform, universal healthcare, women’s reproductive rights, and marijuana legalization. “Out of all the candidates, he seems to have the strongest voice,” said Harris County resident Cesar Espinoza after the rally. “I’m very happy he came to TSU, he talks a lot about issues that plague Houston, and issues that plague the nation.” With the list of Democratic candidates seemingly ever expanding, Beto immediately stands out in the crowd. “I look back to what Obama had done,” said Willems, “and it seems like Beto has new ideas just like him.”
Digital Art Gallery An opportunity for photographers and artist to showcase their work
For more information contact: bri.adkins96@gmail.com
April 2019 CAMPUS
The Herald • 5
President Lane responds to House bill
Graphic credit: Christian Greene
Terrence Turner TSU Herald Contributing Writer On Feb. 25, State Rep. Harold Dutton (DTX) filed House Bill 2383 “relating to the establishment of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law as an independent public institution of higher education.” HB 2383 would’ve separated the Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL) from TSU. “Effective June 1, 2020, the governance, control, and management of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law are transferred from the Board of Regents of Texas Southern University to the Board of Regents of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law,” states Section 2 of the bill. The nine-member board would be appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott and confirmed by the Senate. HB 2383 also would’ve transferred all TMSL property and funds from TSU’s board of regents to the new TMSL board. The bill would’ve also granted eminent domain to the TMSL board to purchase land in support of the school. Dutton said he filed the bill to prevent TSU from being taken over by another statesupported university system. He denied that he’d planned to break up TSU. Dutton himself is an alumnus of both TSU and TMSL, something he was quick to point out. “I’ve got two degrees from TSU. I have four sisters that graduated from TSU. My mother went to TSU back when it was Texas State [University] for Negroes,” Dutton told the Defender. “Why anybody would ever reasonably think I’d do something negative toward TSU moves beyond ridiculous.” When asked about her opinion on the possible bill, TMSL student Kristiana McGraw said,
“I’m for anything that benefits my HBCU. If separating from TSU keeps the door open for students, I’m for it. If it doesn’t, I’m against it.”
SGA Sophomore Senator Khaniya Burley defended Dutton’s decision: “I feel like the
decision was very much so justified.” She added: “A lot of great people have come out of Thurgood Marshall. We have educated a lot of African Americans — a lot of minorities in general — to go out into the world and become lawyers, and to defend our own people.” But Burley also questioned the idea of joining a system: “Think about it like this,” she said. “I have all this history. I have all this money. I’m continually educating people. I’m continually pouring out into the community, and my purpose as an institution is to educate minorities and African-American people. If that’s the grounds of what I stand on as an institution, why would I want to sell into a predominantly white system? I mean, yes, we’re getting the money, but, I mean, where is the purpose?” Dutton said the bill was a protective measure to help TSU avoid a takeover. Dutton told Fox 26 Houston that, stating, “It’s not what people are making it out to be.” Separating the law school, he said, would make TSU less attractive to anyone planning a takeover. However, TSU President Dr. Austin Lane said he had no knowledge of any takeover. “TSU is unaware of any plans or discussions among state legislators regarding TSU becoming part of a university system, which we understand to be the rationale behind this bill,” Lane wrote in an email to students. “It is important to note that there were no discussions with TSU’s administration or Board of Regents prior to the filing of this bill.” He continued, “TSU is very proud of its history as an independent public university – one of just four in Texas.” On a recent episode of FOX 26’s “The Isiah Factor: Uncensored,” host Isiah Carey spoke with attorneys Oliver Brown and Jeff Wilson, both TMSL graduates. “Look, there [have been] rumors surrounding TSU for decades about TSU getting put into a system,” Brown said. “And so Harold Dutton, who is a respected member of our community, has just filed a precautionary bill in order to protect [a] cornerstone of our community.”
Wilson stated, “I can tell you, as an alumnus: Thurgood Marshall [School of Law] has gone through several troubling moments in the past recent history, and I think there is a clear reason why this particular representative filed this bill. And I think we need to dive into that and look a little bit more closely at the issues the law school is dealing with.” Wilson may be alluding to the fact that only 44.52% of TMSL students who took the Texas Bar examination passed it on the first attempt. Texas Lawyer magazine reported those findings in Nov. 2018, adding that TMSL had the lowest passing rate among the ten law schools in Texas. Dr. Lane added: “The bill filed to separate the law school received no support in House and no companion bill was filed in the Senate by the deadline, so this bill will die.” On April 1, Rep. Dutton’s chief of staff Tamoria Jones confirmed the news via email: “HB 2383 has died in the Higher Education Committee. Therefore there will be no hearings, votes, and/or any further actions on HB 2383.”
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6 • The Herald SPORTS
April 2019
Lady Tigers stun Prairie View A&M with walkoff win
TSU Softball team celebrating after Lauryn Banks walk off homerun Courtesy of TSU Sports The Lady Tigers of Texas Southern University remained undefeated in Southwestern Athletic Conference play Friday after claiming a thrilling 9-8 win over visiting Prairie View A&M. In a game that was aired on ESPNU, freshman first baseman Lauryn Banks went 3-for-4 with five RBIs to lead the Lady Tigers, none bigger than the tworun, walkoff home run she hit in the bottom of the seventh to win the game for TSU. She also knocked two doubles in the game. With the win, the Lady Tigers (9-19) remain atop the SWAC’s West Division with a 7-0 league record, one game ahead of Prairie View A&M (18-8, 6-1 SWAC). TSU and Prairie View A&M were picked to be co-West Division champions in the preseason SWAC softball poll. Destiny Ricks picked up the win in relief for the Lady Tigers, improving to 3-4 for the season. Ricks scattered four hits and allowed just one earned run while striking out two batters. Lost in the aftermath of Banks’ home run was a great defensive play by TSU leftfielder Tevanae Tate. With two on and one out in the top of the seventh, PVAMU’s Gabrielle Fonseca knocked a long fly ball out to left field. Tate made the grab while falling over the temporary fencing and saved two runs by turning Fonseca’s home run into a sacrifice fly. Because of Tate’s catch, the Lady Panthers only scored one run in the inning, following a four-run sixth in which the visitors erased a 7-3 TSU lead. Banks’ home run capped the second comeback TSU made Friday. After falling behind 3-1 in the top of the third, the Lady Tigers scored four in the bottom half of the inning. Two of those runs came on an RBI double by Banks, and two more came on a home run by Marissa Padron; it was Padron’s second home run of the season. TSU had a total of three home runs in the game. A’Leecia Bell knocked a solo home run in the fifth inning. Ebony Wiltz added an RBI triple in the second inning to score Padron from first. Texas Southern’s starting pitcher Naomi Reyes pitched five and two-thirds innings for the Lady Tigers. She struck out seven batters in the game. The Lady Tigers resume their series with Prairie View A&M with a doubleheader Saturday, April 4. First pitch in Saturday’s opener is scheduled for noon.
Photo credit: Mikol Kindle Jr.
April 2019 SPORTS
The Herald • 7
Tigers bow out of CIT losing to Green Bay 87-86 in overtime
Decovcio Butler (left), Edwin Ewing (center)
Photo credit: Mikol Kindle Jr.
Pedro Romero Jr. Sports Editor Sometimes, good stories don’t always end with a happy ending. One group of guys can fight through various tribulations in the span of a grueling season, but their will to fight can eventually dissolve if the challenge becomes too great to overcome. Regardless of the humbling result, their fans can take in and appreciate the ride they experienced because thanks to them, they were able to live those wonderful events from their deep postseason run. This metaphorical analogy played itself out as the Tigers of Texas Southern fell to the Phoenix of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay 87-86 in overtime on the night of April 2, eliminating them from the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. “Hats go off to Green Bay,” head coach Johnny Jones said as he started his post-game press conference. “They are a very good basketball team that won a hard-fought battle. They played well at the right time of the game and they were able to hit the crucial shot in overtime.” Jeremy Combs, who was named as an AP All-America Honorable Mention earlier in the day, led the way with 21 points on 10 of 16 shooting, eight rebounds, two blocked shots, and one steal. Coach Jones sent some words of praise to his star forward for his contribution to the team after the game. “He really did a great job of helping his basketball team in every way that he could,” coach Jones said. “He also did a tremendous job on the road through non-conference play which
then put him in the position to win the SWAC Player of the Year award. He really impacted the team in a variety of aspects such as his leadership.” Tyrik Armstrong chipped in with a team-high 23 points, six assists, and seven steals in the game. Devocio Butler generated 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one blocked shot. Eden Ewing finished with 11 points and nine rebounds. Green Bay saw Sandy Cohen III score 23 points, make eight rebounds, commit seven assists, block two shots, and force one steal, whereas Trevian Bell scored 21, made five rebounds, dished out two assists, and blocked three shots as well. The hosting Phoenix won the game with 1.5 seconds left on the clock after Cohen successfully made a midrange jump shot from near the free throw line. TSU’s Butler was there to contest it, but his effort fell short as the ball still went in for the home team, prompting coach Jones to call a timeout and draw up one final play. And in that final play, the ball was laid out to guard John Jones for a heave from their own half, but it went far wide as it hit nothing but air. But just prior to that, with eight seconds remaining in the game, the Tigers momentarily took the lead for an 86-85 score after a missed shot by Divonte Lumpkin allowed Combs to hastily make a layup with a pair of Green Bay players trailing behind him looking to block the shot. However, none of this would have been possible had it not been for the visiting team’s exhibition of sheer
tenacity at the end of regulation. After Green Bay’s P.J. Pipes missed a 1-for-1 free throw, a play was orchestrated that saw Armstrong make a bounce pass in the paint to Combs for a layup resulting in a tie game at 76 points with seven seconds remaining. Immediately after, the Phoenix ran to the other side of the court to surprise the Tigers, attempt the layup, and steal the game all in high-speed succession. Fortunately, one of the Tiger players went up at the same time as the shooter and contested the shot which missed the net, forcing overtime in front of the 2,269-strong crowd. This happened at a time where the home team lead for virtually the entire game (39 minutes and 43 seconds). That fact didn’t dismay the Tigers, for their experience on the road—they won 13 true road games at this point—allowed them to maintain their composure for the entirety of the game. Despite shooting below 40 percent in the first half, the Tigers improved their stroke by double figures to 50 percent in the second, giving them a chance to tie the game which they ultimately did. Elsewhere, TSU was outrebounded by Green Bay by a 46-39 margin with the majority of them coming on the defensive side of the court (31-21). And even though both teams shot an equal amount of three-pointers for the game, it was the Tigers that were greater than the Phoenix in the free throw department by making 57 percent of their attempts (12 of 21) compared to the
latter’s 27 percent (3 of 11). With this result, seven members of the Tigers roster leave for graduation. The list includes Jeremy Combs, Jalyn Patterson, Devocio Butler, Trayvon Reed, Eden Ewing, Derrick Bruce, and Shawn Olden. They bow out after logging 24 wins for the season, the most for Texas Southern since they became a Division I school in 1977. Coach Jones expressed his appreciation to the players who each played a part in making this past season a legendary one. “On our side,” coach Jones began as he talked about his team’s resiliency, “I couldn’t be any prouder of these group of guys. They came together through adversity and left it all out there yet again. I will always cherish this group and the accomplishment of setting the school record for wins in a season is a great feat!” Of course, Coach Jones wasn’t going to leave the fans empty-handed. “We especially appreciate our students and faculty who put together the watch party tonight in the game room on campus as well as those who watched the live stream throughout Tiger Nation. Thank you for your support this season!”
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8 • The Herald Opinion
April 2019
Solange pays homage to Third Ward with visual performance in “When I Get Home”
Solange celebrates new album at S.H.A.P.E. Community Center Jasmine Adams Tracks like Jerrod, Exiting Scott, and the TSU Herald Contributing Writer standout tracks Almeda and Binz, all pay tribute Ever since humans transitioned from nomadic to to the neighborhood that also produced Debbie sedentary societies, the sentimental value behind Allen and Phylicia Rashad. The interlude, S McGregor, the street the home spans across all cultures around the globe. Knowles family lived on, features a snippet of Life has the ability to take people far away from a poem that was read by Allen and Rashad, familiar places and faces, causing anxieties and speaking on the power of leaving home: “I woes that home can help heal. boarded a train/Kissed all goodbye/And now my On March 3, the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center heart knows no delight.” on Almeda was packed to the brim, watching To better share the sentiments of her Grammy award-winning singer Solange’s thirtyhome, Solange held a viewing party at nine three minute visual that accompanied her new different locations that were important to album, “When I Get Home”. her in Third Ward. The album was released two days prior to the Unity National Bank (the only black-owned bank event, equally exciting and surprising many in Texas), Project Row Houses, Ensemble Theater, fans. With themes of Black cowboy culture, and the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center were along with traditional Houston and Third just a few locations that hosted a viewing of the Ward culture, the album deeply resonated with accompanying visual along with a live stream of many Texas listeners. Solange discussing her album and artistic vision. The tracklist for “When I Get Home” features In the discussion, curated by art critic Antwaun many street names in Third Ward, a homage to Sargent, Solange shared her temporary move Solange’s upbringing in the historically black to the house on Wichita that facilitated her neighborhood in Houston.
Views from a nontraditional student Tomei Richard TSU Herald Contributing Writer
When I transferred to Texas Southern University last fall, I wondered how I would fit in as a nontraditional student. By nontraditional I mean I do not live on campus and I am a little older. My first semester, I did not leave the MLK building until I got comfortable enough to, and even then I only left to get food from the second floor of the student center. On my way back to the MLK building I noticed flyers posted near the stairs and on the bulletin boards around campus. The flyers were all very interesting and some I saw just after the event had passed. I couldn’t help but wonder why the events were not advertised sooner. I started to follow a few of TSU’s social media accounts just to make sure I wouldn’t miss out. A few weeks ago I was browsing through a classmate’s Instagram story and saw there was a talent show that
took place on campus. I didn’t recall seeing any posters on the wall, flyers on Instagram, or being randomly airdropped a graphic. I don’t recall anyone talking about the event, but from the looks of Snapchat, the event was lit! Again, I couldn’t help but wonder about other events that other nontraditional students may have missed. I asked around and it seemed to be a TSU norm to not know about activities, or finding out about helpful events minutes before the start time. Learning that information helped me stop feeling alone and in the dark, however, being left in the dark with my schoolmates has to change. I mean, after all, we are all Tigers and should all have access to the same information in a timely manner, regardless of what happens outside of campus. I propose that all of us reading this, myself included, should come together to become the nose of everything happening at TSU, not limited to just the School of Communication, but the entire student body.
Photo credit: Jasmine Adams
inspiration for the album.” “When I Get Home” is sonically nothing like her previous album, “A Seat At The Table”, as Solange accredits this to “having a lot to feel” on “When I Get Home” versus “Having a Lot To Say” on “A Seat At The Table”. When I Get Home is full of Solange being in the comfort of her own home, without the worries of how her art will be taken. Her energy coupled with her comfortability is felt on the album as she effortlessly conveys the idea that home, Third Ward, is where she belongs.
Movie Review: “Us”
Jada Newsome TSU Herald Contributing Writer Director and Academy Award® winner Jordan Peele, now helmed as the new “Master of Horror” has done it again. Grossing $128.4 million worldwide, Us is the number one horror film in the world. In its first week, Us crushed the competition, making over $70 million in its opening weekend. The film stars Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke, both of which played roles in the hit movie, Black Panther, as well as Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex, and Elisabeth Moss. Us, inspired by The Twilight Zone episode, Mirror Image, is an original story about The Willson’s, a family on summer vacation that meets another family who are doppelgangers. This film shocked the world with its mind-twisting plot and symbolism. During the entirety of this film, the presence of rabbits, brass scissors, red jumpsuits, and the bible verse Jeremiah 11:11 were heavily featured, helping to create an underlying message that left many scratching their heads. Jordan Peele has created a universe with leading black characters in light of the ongoing conflicts in our country such as race, class, and privilege.