How to Survive Homecoming Beto Inspires Students to Vote Opinion:#BeTheException Page 13 Page 16 Page 8
Volume 71, Issue 2
OCTOBER 17TH, 2018
Day of the Dead Ashley Castillo Contributing Writer
Texas Southern University/ EARLIE HUDNALL
A conversation with J. Prince Janaya Britton Entertainment Editor
Texas Southern University opened its doors to 5th Ward Houston native and the CEO and founder of Rap-A-Lot Records, James Prince. The legendary record company is responsible for bringing iconic Southern artists like Bun B, Slim Thug, Pimp C, and more into the music limelight. “I made the transition from the streets to corporate America,” said J. Prince. “I had to adjust to the squares.” J. Prince’s visit was centered around his new book “The Art and Science of Respect”, which focuses on his rise, and trials and tribulations while creating a name in the music industry. TSU gave students the opportunity to sit in and listen to a conversation between James Prince and President Austin Lane to celebrate the book. The visit also served to initiate a series of talks with successful people in different fields for the student body in the upcoming school year. The students in attendance were able to ask their own questions about how to build their careers in the music industry. Topics of discussion ranged from talking about J.Prince’s humble beginnings and oddly enough— a throwback Mercedes. Dr. Lane talked about the style and culture during the beginning of Rap-A-Lot and asked J.Prince about a photograph of Prince’s first luxury car, ( PRINCE, see pg. 3)
Día de los muertos or Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that has grown in popularity around the world in the last few years but has been a traditional Mexican holiday for nearly 3,000 years. The origins of Day of the Dead can be traced back to Mexican tribes like the Aztec, Nahuas, Totonacas and others located in Central and Southern Mexico. It was a time to celebrate the lives of their deceased ancestors through a month long celebration that occurred around August. People celebrated death as part of life and conserved skulls as a trophy that symbolizes rebirth. During this celebration the dead were believed to wake up and have their souls reunite and enjoy food, drinks and parties the world offers with their families. When Spanish colonizers arrived to Mexico they were terrified by the tribes’ pagan practices and while converting them to the Catholic religion, moved their celebration to the first and second day of November to coincide with their Catholic holiday, Día de todos los Santos y Todas las Almas, a holiday that celebrates all Catholic saints that do not have their own holiday in the church calendar. Families get together, cook, and build beautiful, colorful altars that represent the things their loved ones loved while on Earth. La flor de muerto, the cempasuchil flower, is one of the main decorative pieces used in altars since it was believed to preserve the sun’s heat and light up the way back home for the deceased. Pictures of family members and candles crowd the altars as well as some of the person’s favorite things. On November first and second, cemeteries throughout the country light up with candles and host festivities all night long. Cigarettes for the once alive smokers are lit and shot glasses for the drinkers are served while the deceased wake up from their eternal sleep to enjoy the things they once loved.
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Herald Staff
Tamerras Leonard Director of Marketing Niya Spain Director of Digital Content Ryan Nickerson News Editor Terrance Turner News Writer Jazmyn Proctor Opinion Editor Megan Burnett Opinion Writer David Butler Sports Editor Janaya Britton Entertainment Editor
Ollington Smith Playhouse gets new makeover
Whitney Allen Columnist Christian Greene Graphic Designer Jaden Body Photographer Mikol Kindle Jr. Photographer The TSU Herald, the official student Te x a s
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a 1988 500 SEC Mercedes “with the top cut off”. “I saw some west coast guys with these types of cars and never saw people in the South with cars like that so I decided to get one of my own,” said J. Prince. Prince’s upbringing in poverty was a highly discussed topic; He voiced the importance of changing his family’s narrative. “At the age of eight years old, I vowed that I would be the one to break the poverty curse in my family,” said J. Prince. He often gave acknowledgement to his mother and grandmother for pushing him to strive for success and how their financial situation served as a catalyst for him. His transition from the streets to corporate America was a big struggle for him. After the discussion with President Lane, J.Prince held a book signing upstairs at the Student Center and was able to meet and greet with a large crowd of students. “I’m really what one would call ‘not all that’,” said J.Prince Overall, J.Prince is a living embodiment of respect. “What James Prince did, from rap to boxing, was build a movement,” said Drake in the foreword of “Art and Science of Respect”. “And he did it for his city.” Although he is a big name in the Hip-Hop industry, J. Prince emphasized the importance of remembering his roots in the 5th Ward. “I’m grounded and I don’t feel like I’m a person that’s too good because I know where I come from,” said J. Prince. President Lane acknowledges J. Prince’s humility, despite him being a mogul in the Hip-Hop industry. “Prince is very approachable when he is in town,” said President Lane. J.Prince ended the discussion with tips on how to push forward in the music industry. “In order to not backslide, you have to tap into a power that’s greater than you,” said J. Prince. His presence and knowledge was well reciprocated by many of the students in attendance to his panel and book signing.
Jasmine Gershanov Managing Editor
at
(PRINCE, continued from page 1)
Brandon Aninipot Editor-in-Chief
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Editorial and business offices are located on the second floor of the Sterling Life Student Center: 3100 Cleburne St., SLSC 219 Houston, TX 77004 Phone: (713) 313-6710 Email: tsu.heraldeditor@gmail.com
Lauren Hudson Contributing Writer Members of the Texas Southern University since it was first built in the 1940’s Ollington theater department eager to start their new Smith. season in the newly renovated Ollington Smith The theater has undergone three renovations, Playhouse. once in 1989, 1998, and 2018. Brandy Casey, Troy Shagiggans, and To start off the season off the drama Anthony August are students in the theater department , also known as the University department who have long Players, performed “When the been awaiting the changes Ancestors Call” by Brown Gillary. “I think that the The show ran from October 4 to the theater. “I think that the new new renovations to October 7. renovations will help raise will help raise the Some players feel the show is the spirits of students perfect one to open up the spirits of students the who saw what the theater new season in the new theater. who saw what the “The play is about growth was before, sort of like theater was before, and rebuilding, and that is a rebirth to the whole sort of like a rebirth exactly what we are doing this department” said August. to the whole semester,” said Shagiggans. The theater is named after the founder, The University Players are department” Ollington Smith, of the hoping to see many new faces - Anthony drama department at TSU, this year and reach a broader August before him there was no audience than they were able to fine arts program at all. in past seasons. Students have expressed in the past how the The new theater features an updated stage, theater before was not in the best conditions new lights, and new comfortable seats for the that helped spark creativity, but theater audience. members worked with what they had. “I just cannot wait for you guys to see what “It was just at a point where our creative all we have in store, this has been a long time space wasn’t creative enough for us,” said August. coming and we are all so excited,” said Casey. Once the renovations kicked off it only took Be sure to go by and check the University the students three short months to get the Players and Ollington Smith Playhouse this theater back up and running. year as they continue to thrive in their journey The theater has previously been remodeled to greatness.
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TSU students attend Forbes summit Ryan Nickerson News Editor
CAMPUS NEWS
Texas Southern University tutoring program for freshman Niya Spain Director of Digital Content Texas Southern University Student Government Association team “The Rebuild” began a weekly freshman tutorial event to help prepare freshmen for midterms. Freshmen and upperclassmen flooded the cafe to begin their studying with designated tutors from each department on campus. Khaniya Burley, a sophomore, at TSU and a senator for SGA teamed up with Campus PALS, Student Academic Support Services (SASS), and Sodexo to make the event educational and fun for the freshmen students.
TSU students (l.-R.) Darlise Goodlow, Natasha Malone, Aaron Dallas, Morgan Payne represent the university during the Forbes Under 30 Summit. Texas Southern University’s very own students sat among investors, celebrities, musicians, sports stars, cultural icons, worldrenowned chefs, political, business leaders and more at Forbes Under 30 Summit in Boston. Aaron Dallas, Morgan Payne, Natasha Malone, and Darlise Goodlow represented TSU at the summit in full force. “Being able to attend the Forbes 30 Under 30 Conference was a blessing for me,” said Payne. “To be able to see so many young people who look like me, also attending HBCUs, opened my eyes to realize that we can do anything we put our minds to.”
startups, websites, and entrepreneurs, also considered to be disruptors, innovators and shakers. “They were all out there looking for students to fill positions within their companies,” said Goodlow. Each student walked away with opportunities like internships, paid positions, and contacts to use after they graduate. Set in the heart of Boston, students navigated through a variety of different vendors representing industries such as marketing, financing, law, crypto, media, art, and more. Students were guaranteed to gain valuable insight and opportunities. “This is a wonderful “The conference taught me step out of her comfort zone and just say hi,” said Goodlow. opportunity and A lot of the companies were more than you just have to put willing to tell students about their company and what it had to offer. yourself out there “This is a wonderful opportunity and you and just do it” just have to put yourself out there and just do it,” said Goodlow. - Darlise Goodlow. TSU is hoping to be able to send more These four ambitious students flew to Boston students next year. seeking networking opportunities as well as If any students are interested in going in intice companies to come to Texas Southern to following years, Jesse H. Jones School of network. Business will provide information when it is The four students represented TSU and available. HBCUs everywhere in a conference with Students are encouraged to have confidence, more than 7,000 young entrepreneurs and and to not be afraid to step out of his or her visionaries. comfort zone as the 30 Under 30 Conference The students were given a chance to network provides opportunities that should not be with a plethora of companies big and small, missed.
“It’s important that these students get the help that they need from tutors in their field” - Jacqueline Goodwater
With food and soft music, freshman are able to get the help they need with school work while networking with other students in their major. “When I started these weekly tutorials I only had maybe five students show up each week,” said Burley. “Now I’m happy to say I’m close to my goal which is packing out the cafe with eager students ready to work.” Burley began the freshmen tutorials last fall as a promise to bring the retention rate of freshmen students down during her term as freshmen senator. With the help of student leaders of the class of 2021, Burley was able to set the tone and grow this program into something bigger than she imagined. The programs success didn't get to where it is today without the help of SASS director Jacqueline Goodwater. “When Khaniya brought the idea to me to partner with SASS for this program I was instantly on board, it’s important that these students get the help that they need from tutors in their field, that's why we’re here,” said Goodwater. Goodwater explained that students loved the event and will be back next week as midterms slowly, but surely creep up. Freshman tutorials are set for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the freshman cafe every Thursday.
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Vote “DC” Caldwell to work for you!
Pol. adv. pd. for with student financial aid.
Make a difference for the better. “I Strive to Serve the People humbly.” I am “DC” Caldwell, a TSU student running for Harris County Precinct 7 Justice of the Peace, and it is going to take a miracle to win this race, but with divine help, miracles happen. My reasons for running as Justice of the Peace are because I care strongly that the hearts and minds in Precinct 7 should not be given up as lost causes…. I am appalled that the last real general election for Precinct 7 JP was in 1996. I determined to run only if I had to, as a matter of principle. I invite you to read on a JP’s role in protecting individual rights and “policing the police,” and I add what my name means: “God is my Judge.” I try to judge the same--looking for the good. At Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, I am the 3L Class of 2019 Sergeant at Arms, and I will be done with my Juris Doctor degree classroom courses in December. As your servant, I propose taking at least the following steps to improve, starting out: 1. I will treat the office as the full-time profession it is and not merely as a part-time job. 2. I will enhance accessibility of “the People’s Court” by using the state’s e-filing system. 3. I will implement educational technology tools to more easily display information in court. 4. I will literally bring the court closer to the People, moving into vacant ground floor space. These are just a few of many ways to facilitate organization and service to the community. Greater availability reduces delay to those waiting (“justice delayed is justice denied”) too long to have cases heard, comparing to how we now have a judge who regularly leaves early. Providing convenient options to write on a board or present document files on a projector will enable clear communication. Meanwhile, a first floor location will improve the experience for anyone entering. My desires to make a positive difference makes me the better of 2 candidates for judge here. I asked my opponent what she will do different than her mother to improve the court, and she said, quote, “Not a thing.” (Monday, July 9, 2018). Our courts can readily progress with willing judges.
We hope you will SUPPORT & VOTE “DC” for Justice. Voting: Mon., October 22 Fri., November 2, harrisvotes.com/VoterBallotSearch.aspx We ask for your voice and enthusiasm. We just need a few minutes of your time to help spread the word to overcome $140,000+ spent by the “business as usual” establishment. Donations can be made at http://mkt.com/danielcaldwell. To reach DC, email d.caldwell3266@student.tsu.edu or call 281-797-7772 or reach out via social media, twitter.com/dcaldwelltexas or fb.com/dcdanielcaldwell. “DC” Caldwell is the 1st Republican in more than 20 years in the last race on the end of the ballot. Even if you usually plan to vote straight party Democrat, please vote DC Caldwell at the bottom.
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CAMPUS NEWS
A one-of-a-kind program is taught at Texas Southern University Jasmine Gershanov Managing Editor
Men and women have come together at Texas Southern University to help reform the criminal justice system. Seven men and women have been selected to participate in the Anthony Graves Smart Justice Speakers Bureau to learn how to speak in front of lawmakers, the press, and TV Shows. “We have to go back to our winning attitude, our winning nature,” said Dino Sandifer, a college professor, as he encouraged the scholars. Once the course is completed the second chance citizens will go to Austin in January 2019 to address the Texas Legislation and tell their experiences with the criminal justice system. The Anthony Graves Smart Justice Speakers Bureau is the brainchild of Anthony Graves, a man wrongfully convicted for a crime he did not commit and spent 18 years in prison, 12 of which he was on death row. Graves partnered with the ACLU and TSU’s Urban Research and Resource Center to create
the speaker’s bureau with the goal to reduce mass incarceration by 50% and recidivism. “I should not be the exception, I should be the rule,” said Reggie Smith, a policy analyst, “you are a human, you are a citizen of this country, you are a citizen of this world, you deserve to reach your full potential.” The students will be using their personal experiences to impact different aspects of the criminal justice system. “Coming out I thought I would come out to an embracing society,” said Sybil Sybille, a student for the Anthony Graves Smart Justice Speakers Bureau, “after 23 years I have been out, but I still carry that brand.” Sybille is a role model citizen who speaks in the prisons, is a community health worker, veteran, and peer support specialist who disqualifies for work because of her actions 23 years ago. The class has so far focused on writing ele-
Texas Southern University/ EARLIE HUDNALL
Criminal justice reform is discussed at Thurgood Marshall School of Law Brandon Aninipot Editor-in-Chief Kim Ogg, Harris County District Attorney, and Lawrence “Larry” Krasner, Philadelphia’s District Attorney, spoke at Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall’s School of Law to discuss changing the criminal justice system from within. Krasner a self described “Progressive
Prosecutor” is a former civil rights attorney, who has a history of defending civil rights activists, laughed when reflecting on how himself and Ogg’s destinies continue to be foraged as he is often the attorney who is usually going after the people Ogg hires, police chiefs. The discussion began with Lydia Johnson,
vator pitches for when encountering law makers in the capital, building up confidence and self-love, and journaling. Professor Serbino Sandifer-Walker and Professor Marcia Johnson have created the curriculum that will last for 12 weeks. With the assistance of the TSU debate coach, Wendell King, and other guest speakers the second chance citizens will receive guidance and positive advice on how to better their speech, writing, and presentation. “I’m grateful to be here and be a part of this because I think the legislation needs to understand the impact of over sentencing people and the effect it has on the family,” said Steven Holloway, a scholar in the Anthony Graves Smart Justice Speakers Bureau. In a short amount of time the students have showed progression and will continue to grow as January approaches in order to be a voice for those lost in the system. the event moderator, asking the two district attorneys to explain Restorative Justice and the benefits of it in a criminal system where the overall objective is to punish. “Restorative Justice is a holistic approach to criminal justice,” said Krasner. “In Oakland, Ca. Restorative Justice has been a much more effective form of justice for juveniles.” Oakland Restorative Justice program allows the detained to confess their crimes and reach a resolution through an organized mediation. The goal is to negotiate for a resolution to the satisfaction of all participants between the victim and the offender, and sometimes with representatives of a wider community as well. Krasner spoke on the difficulties of the criminal justice system at large adopting this new progressive ideology. “It’s a sort of change of guards between the ‘lock em up and throw away the key’ mantra and the new progressive holistic approach,” said Krasner. Ogg and Krasner both harped on the importance of voting, especially on the local level. “The average age for voters in Harris County is 67 years old,” said Ogg. Students and faculty in attendance were challenged to think about who is elected as judges, district attorneys. They are the people who sentence and set the bail for the youth. It is the community’s job to do the research and elect transparent officials because, they often times hold the fate of individuals.
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Yung Giant is a Houston artist
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coming out with Black Ain’t Black No Mo. & Dear Our President His music is on Apple Music, Tidal, and Spotify
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CAMPUS NEWS
Texas Southern University/ MIKOL KINDLE, JR.
O’Rourke poses with First Lady Loren Lane, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and 2018-2019 SGA Senate Chair Tyler Smith, during voting rally for TSU students.
Beto O’Rourke inspires students to vote in midterm elections Jasmine Gershanov Managing Editor
Beto O’Rourke held a rally to encourage the
youth to vote and stand for the greater good in the midterm elections. “This humanity that we’re willing to show one another at a time when our country has never been more divided, more polarized, so much of the national conversation dominated by pettiness, smallness, name calling; for people to be kind and good that’s what this country is looking for right now,” said O’Rourke in his opening remarks towards President Austin Lane. Students and people from the Houston community gathered in Sawyer Auditorium on Texas Southern University cheering in support for O’Rourke. Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Congresswoman, and Kendrick Sampson, actor from Insecure, started off the rally speaking highly of Beto O’Rourke and set the stage for the important conversation of getting involved. “We must love and support one another,” said Sampson. “We have nothing to lose but our chance.” Sampson lead chants of unity and hope that seemed to empower the crowd. “Make sure we hold these people accountable,” said Sampson. Jackson Lee informed the crowd of work occurring on Capitol Hill at that very moment. “This morning news account says folks like you will not go out and vote and will just walk on by,” said Jackson Lee. As O’Rourke took the stage the crowd cheered, hollered, and celebrated O’Rourkes non stop effort to reach people in all parts of Texas.
O’Rourke has spent the past 20 months traveling from county to county holding town hall meetings to listen to the voice and concerns of every Texas citizen.
“We can decide as a country or a community that we will take care of you, we can decide if we will invest in you so you can take care of yourself and your family and those around you” - Beto O’Rourke At the beginning of the year, TSU welcomed O’Rourke for a town hall meeting for the first time, and on the last day of voter registration it opened its doors to O’Rourke once more. “You have welcomed me back,” said O’Rourke. “We were first here to listen to you, learn from you, to understand your experiences, to receive the benefit of your wisdom and expertise.” O’Rourke discussed topics such as higher education, immigration, primary education, and health care.
In a state that ranks 50th in voter turnout, O’Rourke showed how political involvement can benefit students, parents, families, the working class, and impoverished. The crowd cheered at O’Rourke hit hot topics that burden people within the Houston community. “We can decide as a country or a community that we will take care of you, we can decide if we will invest in you so you can take care of yourself and your family and those around you,” said O’Rourke. “I want to make those kind of investments. I want to make sure that we refinance your outstanding student loan debts at lower rates so you can focus on the next investment.” O’Rourke told the audience in order to care for one another and invest in ourselves people have to get involved. In order to prevent working three jobs, increase quality of education, or rid of the school to prison pipeline. “In that same kindergarten classroom that child depending on her race will be five times more likely to be disciplined or suspended or expelled, five years old,” said O’Rourke. “That child, she is African American, 25% chance she has a parent that has been involved in the criminal justice system. If that child is white, 4%.” O’Rourke spoke as an advocate for all people, rich, poor, white, black, hispanic, young and old. All speakers challenged those sitting in the auditorium with one common question, will you vote for the change you want to see?
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EARLY VOTING: October 22nd - November 2nd ELECTION DAY: November 6, 2018
VOTE TANYA FOR JUDGE OF THE 157TH 18 Year Trial Attorney - Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization Shareholder at Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber P.C. Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists Named Woodrow B. Seals Outstanding Young Lawyer and Past President of Houston Young Lawyers Association Endorsed by All 4 Harris County Non-Partisan Endorsing Bar Associations: Mexican American Bar Association, Pasadena Bar Association, Association of Women Attorneys, and Houston Lawyers Association Endorsed by Houston Black American Democrats, Tejano Democrats, and Area 5 Democrats Endorsed by AFL-CIO, GLBT Caucus, and Baptist Ministers Association Pd. Political Ad by Tanya Garrison Campaign, in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, Anissa Farrar, Treasurer
SPORTS
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TSU Cross Country competes at Texas A&M Taylor York TSU Sports
COLLEGE STATION, TexasThis past weekend the Texas Southern Men’s Cross Country team competed at the Texas A&M Dale Watts Cross Country event. It was the team’s first 8k of the season and the Tigers were successful when they crossed the finish line. Hillary Maiyo finished in 27th place wzth a time of 25:30. Jorge Martinez finished in second place for the Tigers and set a new personal best by 31 seconds with a time of 26:39. With the new record under Martinez’s belt, he finished in 67th place out of 118 participants.
Texas Southern University/ Coach Xavier Martinez
Student-Athlete Spotlight: Hillary Maiyo Men’s Cross Country TSU Sports HOUSTON- When the Texas Southern Men’s Cross Country started the 2018 campaign the team had one common goal in their minds which was to compete for a SWAC Championship. With the addition of Kenyan native Hillary Maiyo the team has drastically changed the makeup of their roster by adding a strong intelligent student-athlete that should be in the running for the individual league title while also boasting the Tigers’ chance of capturing a team championship. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Men’s Cross Country program here at Texas Southern University,” said Maiyo. “My major is Civil Engineering, which also one of the main reasons I wanted to attend TSU,” added Maiyo. “Running and Civil Engineering are my passions which makes Texas Southern University a great fit. Since arriving here the coaching staff and my teammates have truly embraced me and their support along with that of my family back home has helped lead me through this period of transition.”
Texas Southern University/ TSU Sports
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Interested Writers must attend Writers Workshop October 29, 2018 2p.m.-4 p.m. Herald Office Student Center 221
SPORTS
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Texas Southern University Falls to Grambling State 34-21 David Butler Sports Editor
There’s nothing like a good cat fight as the battle of the top cat in the SWAC, Grambling State University Tigers face the off against the Tigers of Texas Southern University. TSU receives the ball first to begin the battle, but both defenses were the story of the first quarter. In the opening minutes of the second quarter the battle of momentum begins as GSU’s Devante Davis blocked punt is returned for a score to make it 7-0. Texas Southern University/ MIKOL KINDLE, JR. Momentum swings back around to TSU as the Tigers defense answers with an interception and the offense capitalizes off of it with a 1 yard touchdown run by Taylor Cook to tie the game at seven. You can feel the electricity in the air as both Tigers fans are yelling and cheering and the bands are playing their hearts out as the intensity rises on the field. The GSU offense capitalize off a fumble with a 28-yard touchdown pass going up 14-7 to end the second quarter. GSU begins the second half of the “Rumble in the Jungle” with a 34-yard field goal to make it 17-7. TSU bounces back with a 75-yard touchdown bomb from Jay Christophe to Bobby Hartzog to make it 17-14. The G men (Grambling) played their best football end the third quarter with the score 31-14. Entering the fourth quarter the TSU Tigers continue to fight to the end as they find the end zone and pull within 10 points on an 8-yard pass to make it 21-31. Defense was key in this game as Grambling’s defense steps up one last time with an interception which would lead to a field goal ending the game with a score of 34-21. The TSU Tigers sadly fall to 1-5 overall and 0-2 in the SWAC.
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OPINION
The power of voting
What is #Himtoo?
Ryan Nickerson News Editor
Tashandra Poullard
in today’s media landscape, are all American citizens have the important, and they are all worth choice to live informed or willing- having an opinion about. ly oblivious to the world around them. No matter what that opinion is, Some people are even inclined it is important to go out and vote to think that if they put their heads to express that opinion. down, look the other way and If one doesn’t, one’s opinions only focus on what’s immediately are at risk of being decided for important to them, their life will them; a violation of one of the be okay. And the scary part is, it main principles of being a free probably will be. American citizen. The freedom to vote for repre“Midterm elections are a way sentation on the matters that affect for us to express our views on the the most people is a freedom that direction of our nation and State,” isn’t granted to everyone around the said Dr. Michael O’Adams, chair globe. of Political Science at TSU. “Only 40% of the world’s coun- “Historically, it’s been thought of tries hold free and open elections, as a referendum on the President. 24% are only partly free and 36% This is the opportunity we have percent are not free,” said the to have our voices heard. StuFreedom House’s 2106 Freedom dents and people of color haven’t
“I vote because I understand that there once was a time when we had to fight for it.” - Denzel Cammon of the World report. There are people who live in impoverished countries or under dictator rule that pay close attention to worldly matters, but are effectively powerless in expressing themselves. American citizens should not take this privilege for granted. The things that politicians argue about actually have far greater consequences then one would initially think. “I vote because I understand that there once was a time when we had to fight for it,” said Denzel Cammon, a senior at TSU. “So now, really because it’s right there in front of us, we should take advantage of what is part of our liberties here in America and ultimately effect change locally and on the state level, and not so much just on the national level.” Matters such as abortion, same sex marriage, affirmative action, prison reform, marijuana legalization, and any topic that are present
participated at levels on par with older Anglo voters, and the result has been policies we don’t always agree with. If you want to see the direction of our country change, you have to vote.” According to the United States Census Bureau, 66.2% of African Americans voted in the 2012 elections, but only 59.4% voted in 2016. This decline goes against the efforts of African Americans that fought for their right to vote, and because of that fight, HBCUs have an even bigger duty to get students to vote. Will you exercise your right as an American citizen on November 6, 2018?
Off the top of my head I can think of five women and two men who have not only battled with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) following a sexual assault, but they've disclosed to me the battles they have with the painful memories of being sexually assaulted. Some are military veterans who were assaulted by higher ranking officials, some were "down range" during combative maneuvering in war zones. Some I can recall happened when were kids, and some simply woke up to a man on top of and inside of them following a blackout. Either way, these women and men are forced to live with the residual effects of having someone violate their personal space, their mental and emotional state to dilute their levels of trust. When they tell their stories to me in confidence they panic that I'll share the details. One man broke down into tears because he thought that I had him on speaker phone. It took me 30 mins to convince him that I was by myself and no one else was around to hear the conversation. This is how scary it is to be a victim. And this fear isn't anything new - it’s been this way for decades. We're just now (socially) admiring that is a problem and trying to do something about it. But the thing that really chaps my hide is when I hear people playing this tune of reverse victimization - claiming that the population that in most instances encompass what I personally would guesstimate are at least 80% of the perpetrators are somehow the "victim". Show host Trevor Noah said it best when he stated If you can convince men that they're the victims of the #Metoo movement, you can convince them to band together and stand against the victims telling their stories. When you think of the numbers of men who've been falsely accused of sexual assault vs the women who've been actual victims of this crime, the numbers of women who've suffered would be greater than those who've been accused (but never really convicted)" It’s impossible to go from being counted amongst the portion of the populace that wheels the power in society to becoming the victim overnight. But when you can convince people who're in power that they're the victims of the actions from the people they're oppressing, you have the most powerful tool of manipulation that serves as nothing more than a danger and threat to justice for the victimized. #Himtoo makes a mockery of the women and men who’ve actually been victims of both sexual assault and facing false accusations when being accused of it (i.e. the many brothers who’ve spent a lifetime behind bars as a result). Honestly, where were these people when all these Black men were being falsely accused of rape and spending a lifetime of shame in prison? Women stepping forward and telling their story of sexual trauma has nothing to do with false accusations towards men, unless the men they are accusing are being falsely accused. In which the physical evidence, the testimonies (that must be corroborated) and results of the investigation must all lead to a conclusion of the crime having been committed. And this is not to say that every man that’s been accused of this heinous crime is innocent. There are plenty of men who've actually carried out these crimes and have never seen a day in jail or face any legal litigation that carries responsibility for their actions. Thus, please spare us the victimhood - there are women and men who’re being made a mockery of after telling their stories of survival. And I say survivors because some victims (male and female) are no longer alive to tell their stories.
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OPINION
Why #BeTheException is Respectable Bullsh*t Darryl McNary and Dummerick Ross
Following the celebration of 71 years as a historical Black university located in the heart of the American south, Texas Southern University unveiled its most recent marketing strategy: #BeTheException. However, this hashtag did not resonate well with student thought leaders on campus as the message suggests that students should distinguish themselves from the masses of Black people they should always strive to serve. Since the legislative end of chattel slavery, thought leaders of the Black community struggled to define what our individual existence might mean in the context of the American experiment. In this sense, the University’s marketing strategy cannot be separated from its historical relation to W.E.B DuBois’ talented tenth ideology which posited that: DuBois furthered, that education in the Black community should be focused on educating the best of the race in hopes that they may lead the masses away from the worst of the race. Being the exception follows this self-hating train of thought which fails to critique the larger system that disenfranchises so many African Americans via inadequate educational resources, underfunded schools, housing discrimination, de facto segregation, job and economic inequality, mass incarceration, state sanctioned violence, and a myriad of other oppressive ailments that stem from what scholar bell hooks identifies as a white supremacist, capitalist, patriarchal society. The quote “#BeTheException” has no beneficial impact for African Americans because its suggestive language not only disconnects, but, alleviates those who have gained access to places of social mobility and educational or economical privilege from the responsibility of fighting and advancing the causes of African Americans who are collectively marginalized as a result of both historical and contemporary forms of structural racism. Thus, with such a strong emphasis on “Being The Exception”, we see that those who are
less privileged are symbolically demoralized and indicted while the societal structures that cause the oppressed to be classified as “The Rule”, and those who are privileged as “The Exception”, are allowed to remain intact without critique. The victims of predatory practices of the nation suddenly become the problems to which the only plausible solution provided is to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” even if one lacks the very boots and straps necessary to complete such tasks. Time and time again when the power structure seeks affirmation for the current function of the system, they round up those that can serve as tokens within the community, better known as boot licking buck dancing negroes or Uncle Tom's as classified by the Black proletariat and put them front stage and center as
human capital that supports their case for why the system in fact works. Those that are “The Exception” are used as props of proof. Socioeconomic privilege is sometimes the reaped reward for being used in the hands of the powerful. In an era where the spirit of individualism and its capitalistic gospel is preached, we must remain vigilant. Being labeled “The Exception” solidifies the acceptance of well to do Blacks as “Respectable” and worthy of being assimilated into mainstream society. Many well to do Blacks who have obtained a degree of economic and educational privilege that allows them to navigate and minimally divert the direct and myriad abuses and
racist assaults that less privileged Blacks who are “The Rule” are the recipients of, often take on a cynical, paternalistic, and demoralizing interaction with the less privileged in their community. No matter the initial intention, this is historically what “Being The Exception” has panned out to be within our community. Which is why Dr. W.E.B. Dubois who coined the talented tenth term later denounced the ideas of being Black and exceptional himself because he finally realized in the United States there was no such thing. Elitism has prevailed in our thinking as educated Black people and has done us a great disservice because in a white supremacist capitalist patriarchal society such as the United States, it is always in the best interest of Black people to subscribe to an ethos of communitarianism and not liberal individualism. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. echoes students’ dissent when he says, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” We have to be sensitive of the quotes, slogans, and words that we choose to employ as a historically Black educational institution. It matters not the intention, in fact intentions are extremely fluid and expendable when faced with controversy. The very mentioning of a Black populated student body “Being The Exception”, allows us to understand the secret ideology being subscribed to because of the respectable undertone of such phrase. A dog whistle is seldom heard by anyone other than the actual dog being physically tormented. We can use this analogy metaphorically to explain how things that appear to be constructive, are sometimes detrimental to the progress and overall ethos of African Americans in its applicability because of the unique delicateness of our social circumstances here in America. Therefore you and neither am I an “exception” and as long as predatory practices that do not allow all African Americans the ability to access places of social mobility continue, we should completely forsake the employment of this term all together. Let's Stand UNITED.
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The TSU Herald
How to SURVIVE Homecoming Week Homecoming Week is upon us and each year is more mind-blowing than the last. With this year’s events coming directly after midterm exams, it’s important to stay alert and involved. Here are a few tips to get you in the right mindset for a Texas Southern Homecoming:
#1
Do your homework in advance.
If you happen to have homework, PLEASE do it in advance! Don’t let your procrastination hold you back from having fun!
#2
Be safe! Be careful and cautious at during on and off campus events! Assign your designated driver or take their role as a designated driver seriously. Drink responsibly and don’t set your cup down.
#3
Connect with alumni We are the future, but there’s nothing wrong with talking to someone that has been in your shoes and LIVED the full Texas Southern experience. Networking is important, so give our alumni a warm
#4
Participate & have fun!
Go to as many events as possible! Create new memories and make new friends. Use your time here wisely and seize the entire week.