Homecoming Photo Spread The Wave of Women Page 6
NOVEMBER 2018
Midterm Analysis
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Volume 71, Issue 3
Understanding the Midterm Elections Ryan Nickerson and Treyvon Waddy News Editor and News Writer
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Rentable BCycles hit Texas Southern Brandon Aninipot Editor-in-Chief
Texas Southern University now hosts five Houston BCycle stations at its Third Ward campus. Now located at the Student Center’s east and west wings, Recreation Center, University Towers and University Courtyard Apartments. The five locations on campus make up 51 bike docks in total and are now part of Houston BCycle’s larger, 82-station network across the city. With stations at University of Houston and in nearby neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, East End, and the Museum District, Houston BCycle and TSU hope to encourage use of the bikes in place of single-occupant car trips. Put into action by Student Regent Kenard Jones’ Modernization Plan, the bikes are just one of the many items Jones plans on enacting while holding his governor elected position. Jones believes the bikes will help connect students to the third ward community in a newer, healthier way.
Of the 19 Black female judges who won in Harris County , 8 of them are alumnae from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Dedra Davis, Lori Chambers Grey, Tonya Jones, Eric Hughes, Sharon M. Burney, Ronnisha Bowman, LaTosha Lewis PayneShannon Baldwin, Judge Maria T. (Terri) Jackson, Judge Ramona Franklin, Sandra Peake, Michelle Moore, Germaine Tanner, Cassandra Y. Holleman, Lucia Bates, and Linda Marie Dunson, Toria J. Finch, LaShawn A. Williams, and Angela Graves.
“Third ward is a historic neighborhood here in Houston but a vast majority of our students on campus aren't able to see the community like they should be able to. With these bikes we’re hoping that students will get off campus a little bit and explore the community that their living in but also explore the community that invested so much into our university for all these years.” Jones said.
Students huddled together anxiously awaiting the results of the senate race between Beto O’Rourke and Ted Cruz.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis, a Texas Southern Alumni, was also key in helping bringing the bikes to campus.
“Earlier this morning I woke up and the sun was shining bright,” said Calvin King, a freshman at Texas Southern University. “And it just felt like, yeah alright, [O’Rourke] is gonna do this.”
(CONTINUED on Page 12)
“As a proud alumnus of Texas Southern, I couldn’t be happier about working with Houston BCycle to bring more safe, affordable transportation choices to the TSU community,” said Commissioner Ellis. “For many Houstonians, especially students, owning and maintaining a car can be a hardship. Expanding BCycle to TSU will improve the quality of life for everyone on campus and give more people the freedom to travel throughout the city in an affordable and environmentally conscious way.”
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Houston BCycle offers low-cost membership plans (BCycle continued on page 2)
The “blue wave” energized voter turnout and helped bring a record number of minority women into office. A staggering 121 out of a possible 277 female candidates and over 20 happen to be African-American women were elected. The election results did not exactly reflect what King and many other TSU students were looking for. Below is why this election was actually successful.
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Herald Staff Brandon Aninipot Editor-in-Chief Jasmine Gershanov Managing Editor 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 Treyvon Waddy News Writer Christian Greene Graphic Designer Jaden Body Photographer Mikol Kindle Jr. Photographer The TSU Herald, the official student newspaper at Texas Southern University, is published monthly, except during holidays. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration.
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letters, commentaries, or articles on any topic.
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
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Texas Southern University honors those who serve Teelia Gooden Contributing Writer
Many veterans walk the Tiger Walk and sit in your classrooms every day, yet they go unnoticed. On Veteran’s Day, Texas Southern University honored those who proudly served and sacrificed their lives for our country. “As I look into the audience I see the reflection of who and what America is,” said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. TSU is just one of many universities across the country that observed Veterans Day by celebrating its 14th Annual Veterans Day event by honoring staff, faculty, and students who served in the Armed Forces. Jackson Lee offered a message to those whom unselfishly put on the uniform prior to attending a ceremony of a fallen veteran. “I’m laying this groundwork because I think it is important that the military not be viewed as belonging to one community,” said Jackson Lee. “There are immigrants that have served in the United States military who not only put on the uniform but laid down their lives.” Various veteran organizations at the event surrounded the side and back walls offering various booklets, trinkets, and takeaways for each attendee. Rosalinda Ramirez from Christus Family Health Plan spoke briefly about its involvement in “Freedom Over Texas“, an event which the city of Houston shares a monumental tribute to patriotism. “We will love for the TSU faculty, staff, and students to work along with us at Freedom Over Texas,” Ramirez said. Former Army veteran Andreaus Boise-Fontenot and director of University Career and Professional Development Center gives insight on what her department does for veterans. “My job is to assist all students especially veterans they are dear to my heart since I’m a US Army Veteran,” Fontenot said. From gaining health benefits to securing employment, veterans were able to leave with knowledgeable resources. The event was filled with a plethora of veterans whose story needed to be shared, regardless of how it would be told. To illustrate such bravery, former U.S. Navy veteran Kenneth Morris, the keynote speaker shared his journey.
From being homeless on the Houston streets, the 5th Ward native shares how he overcame obstacles and became the aviator and mentor he is today. “When I came home to Houston from the Navy I couldn’t find a job,” said Morris. “I was either overqualified for the security jobs or underqualified for the manager jobs, so I became a homeless veteran.” Like most veterans returning from their tour in the military, he found himself lost, searching for a better way.
“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.” - José Narosky. “I was literally sleeping out of my car,” said Morris. He pointed to the various organizations stationed in the back of the room. “I was a homeless veteran and if it weren’t for you guys I would not be where I am at right now,” said Morris. For this purpose, organizations like Service with Integrity, Work life Institute, Affordable Health Insurance Agency, CHRISTUS Family Health Plan, and Division of Student Services were ready to help more veterans as they helped Morris. Mayor Sylvester Turner and The City of Houston made November 12th, 2018 an Annual Veterans Day at TSU to continue to honor the overlooked veterans on campus.
(BCycle continued from page 1) and discounted rates for those working for and pursuing higher education. For $5.00 per month, TSU students and staff will get unlimited rides throughout the entire Houston BCycle system. For members, each ride is covered for up to an hour and overage fees are $3 per 30 minutes. Even for those without access to the student/staff university discount, Houston BCycle is just $9.00 per month, making it the cheapest form of public transit in Houston. Anyone can purchase a membership in minutes at houstonbcycle.com and start improving their commute.
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Page 3 Campus News
Commisioner Rodney Ellis ties together the past and the future Treyvon Waddy News Writer
Texas Southern University / DAVID ELLISON A ribbon cutting ceremony was held by Commissioner Rodney Ellis at the Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ to commemorate the completion of a mural.
Green spoke of Jordan and Leland’s contributions to shaping the civil rights and human rights movements as congresspeople.
The mural was dedicated to recognizing African American activists, Rev. John D. Moore, Christia Adair, Heman Sweatt, Hattie Mae White, Rev. William Lawson, Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland, and Ada Edwards, whose efforts were instrumental to the advancement of voting rights for people of color in Texas.
Rev. Lawson was recognized for his participation in what seemed to be every movement in the city.
“I hope it will inspire others to read about the heroes and sheroes of this mural, but also inspire other people along the Columbia Tap,” said Ellis.
“Clearly what this means is that we’re connecting yesterday as well as the heroes who gave us our liberty and our freedom with today and tomorrow,” said Jackson Lee. “How interesting to have the mural on a hike and bike trail that was funded by federal dollars by myself an African American Congresswoman who stands on their shoulders.”
The ceremony was opened by ABC news anchor and daughter of Lawson, Melanie Lawson, who was followed by several other speakers including HISD President Rhonda-Skillern Jones, Al Green, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Commissioner Rodney Ellis himself.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee discussed how without the work of the people honored on the wall she wouldn’t be able to stand where she is as a Black congresswoman.
ting the mural ribbon, thus ushering in yet another piece of history, both for Texas Southern and the entirety of Third Ward. “All of us I think just felt that we were working on behalf of our people,” said Lawson. “I am deeply sorry that 7 out of 8 of us are no longer here. I know that they would feel honored to know that this was done.” The stained glass inspired mural can be found on the hike and bike trail off Blodgett street on the wall of the Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ.
The ceremony was closed out by Rev. Lawson cut-
Lawson introduced the mural “Sacred Struggle, Vibrant Justice”, a collaborative effort of two months worth of work put forth by artist Reginald Adams, students from Workshop Houston, and the artistic talents of some of TSU’s own students. Ellis voiced his personal thoughts and hopes for the mural for both Houston and Texas Southern University. “Hopefully it will inspire people in the neighborhood to take pride and interest in their community,” said Ellis. “And I hope it encourages people to get the hell out and vote!” Congressman Al Green showed his passion for honoring community activists and shining light on their lives. “We often hear history, HIS-story, but our story’s not always included.,” said Green. “And I’m not sure the persons on these walls would get the acclaim they have richly earned on history. So we have to help history by supplementing and making sure our story is there.”
Texas Southern University / DAVID ELLISON
Page 4 Campus News
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A journey of finding identity through magic and allyship Ryan Nickerson News Editor
When you think about what it must be like being black and gay, hearing a black gay person talk is probably the best way to go about it. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hosted Harrison Guy, the chair of Mayor Turner’s LGBTQ advisory board, to speak to students. “The black community would like us to believe that black gay men just recently popped up, like we came out of nowhere” said Guy. “But I’m really glad I know better than that”. Even though Guy grew up with a supportive family, he was heavily involved in church, and the trials of growing up black and gay did not evade him. “I often get asked in [the LGBTQ] community where my perspective comes from and how did I get to this place of being so comfortable with who I am,” said Guy. “And the answer is, ‘I was raised by magic’.”
Guy explained how black people are almost expected to have traumatic coming out stories, but he had a family that accepted him for who he was. Guy faced hardship outside his household. “I would be at home and just queen out and be myself, but I would go to school and there was a sort of dissonance, because that wasn’t the way the other boys were acting,” said Guy. Starting in elementary school, Guy had discipline problems because he would act out as a way to distract people from the fact that he didn’t fit in. “I think you are acting this way because you are embarrassed about who you are at home, and you are trying to figure out how you can also be that person at school and still be safe,” said an elementary school teacher.
That same teacher then wrote a play with Guy being the lead character. He had a chance to dance and sing on stage and his peers started to see him for who he is. That teacher was Guy’s first ally. He had other teachers who challenged him to be himself, like his sister who was nothing like Guy, but still stood up for him in front of his high school bullies. “I don’t know that I have completely figured it out, but I come to you still pretty broken,” said Guy. “But if I’m being honest with you, I’m not sure if I want to be fixed because I like the way I am.” Guy brought the audience a story of self-love and acceptance, challenging others to do the same. A person doesn’t have to be part of the LGBTQ community to be inspired by Guy’s story about fitting in and finding one’s self in the midst of difficult circumstances.
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Page 5 Campus News
Texas Southern University / BRANDON ANINIPOT
Texas Southern University’s history is finally documented Jasmine Gershanov Managing Editor
Texas Southern University history has now been researched and documented thanks to Merline Pitre. Pitre set out seven years ago to bring light to the extensive and impactful history of TSU. Pitre highlights and encompasses the struggles, pains, and triumphs of the school. As a result, Born To Serve: A History of Texas Southern University was written. “As I looked around there was nothing on the Texas Southern history,” said Pitre. “Nothing was written about TSU and TSU played a prominent role in the city Houston and the state of Texas and throughout the world.” Pitre has been at TSU since 1976 and has been driven by the disappointment of no history captured on TSU. She began to sift through the Heartmann Collection and gathered information on TSU. Warren Williams was present at a discussion and book signing to celebrate the completion of the book. Williams earned two degrees in Biology from TSU and returned to TSU after receiving his Doctorate from another school. He has worked and served TSU for over 44 years where he started working for TSU in 1974. “It finally tells the story,” said Williams. “It’s something for people to have at their hands for them to read something about the foundations
of TSU, the history of TSU, and how it is still connected to today’s progress, intent, and mission.”
Overtime the school evolved to become a Texas State for Negroes on Mar 3, 1947.
Going back to the history of the Texas education system, Pitre highlights the need for a place of higher learning for Blacks in the state of Texas. In
“This school is a blessing and the story will never be told how much of a blessing it was to people, especially me,” said Llayron Clarkson.
“TSU played a prominent role in the city of Houston and the state of Texas and throughout the world” - Merline Pitre 1828, a Texas Constitution provision states a school should be created. After many years the provision became effective. In 1927 HISD created a colored junior college and white junior college.
Clarkson was one of the first individuals to attend Texas Southern University and earn a degree. He, like Pitre, continues to serve and support the school. TSU has impacted generations, and this was evident at the book signing and discussion. Alumni and family members who continue to serve TSU were present. “I feel we have amazing students here and feel we still don’t tell our story well enough,” said Alvia Wardlow. “There’s so many things we’re doing at Texas Southern that doesn’t get recognized beyond Blodgett and Cleburne.” Texas Southern University was created initially to accommodate an increase of black and white people in Houston. As a result eventually TSU became a beacon of change and hope for the future of African Americans. As Pitre’s book signing came to a close the people gathered to celebrate the moment left with positive reviews and talk of a better future for TSU, it’s students, and Houston.
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Homecoming Week 2018
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Photos by: Mikol Kindle @mikolkindle & Toluwa Sikuade @theletter_t
Page 7 Feature
Page 8 Sports
Men's Cross Country claims 6th place finish at SWAC Championships TSUSports
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Howard edges Texas Southern in SWAC Semifinals TSUSports
The Texas Southern Lady Tigers soccer team lost to the Howard Bison in the 2018 SWAC Soccer Tournament semifinals on Friday losing on penalty kicks 4-1.
New quarterback leads Tigers to sweet success at Homecoming David Butler Sports Editor
After playing to a scoreless tie at the end of regulation and two overtime periods the Bison were able to get by TSU on penalty kicks marking the second consecutive season in which Texas Southern lost in the semifinals round of the tournament in that manner. The Texas Southern Lady Tigers tallied 16 total shots (10 shots on goal) while Howard accounted for 14 total shots (7 shots on goal). Texas Southern concludes the season with a 7-8-3 overall record.
TSU closes out SWAC play with 3-1 win over UAPB TSUSports
Missippi / Coach Xavier Martinez The Texas Southern Men’s Cross Country team competed at the SWAC Cross Country Championship claiming a sixth place finish. Freshman Hillary Maiyo placed 2nd overall in the race with a time of 25:20.91, narrowly missing at 1st place finish. Junior Jorge Martinez completed the race with a time of 26:36.17, coming in 6th place rounding out the Tigers that finished in the top ten. Freshman Luis Delreal completed the race, finishing with a time of 28:26.28 in 30th place and 3rd for the Tigers program overall. Junior Terrance Mayes finished in 4th for the Tigers and 40th place with a time of 29:36.27. Senior Jacob Price placed 44th overall with a time of 30:15.35. Freshman Marcus Caldwell completed the race with a time 39:24.28, finishing in 57th place overall. On the women’s end, student-athlete Mariah Stewart claimed 4th place at the 2018 SWAC Championships.
BBVA Stadium / Mikol Kindle The Texas Southern University Tigers won its first homecoming game in seven years, beating Mississippi Valley State 42-14.
of the ball in the first half. Patrick Howells 80-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown secured a tigers 21-0 lead going into the half.
In his first start as a Tiger, sophomore The Texas Southern Lady Tigers Quarterback Devin Williams puts the volleyball team completed conference team on his back, completing 14 out of 25 regular season play on Sunday as they passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns. defeated Arkansas Pine Bluff 3-1 at home. The match was also tabbed as Senior Night as TSU recognized four senior student-athletes with the program. Alexis Austin provided the Lady Tigers offense with 16 kills while teammate Eboni Mitchell finished the night with 12. Austin also led the defensive front with 15 digs during four sets of play.
The Tigers defense lead by Linebacker Sean Jones, the team’s leading tackler, finished with 11 tackles, 10 solo and one assist, and a forced fumble as the they limit Also contributing to the Tigers victory Mississippi Valley to only 14 points was star wide receiver and Tigers Co- in the second half. Athlete of the Week Bobby Hartzog, who finished with 148 receiving yards Tigers running back Brad Woodard and two touchdowns. 69-yard touchdown run put the icing on the cake for the Tigers securing yet another 21-point half making it 42-14 at the end of regulation.
“We can do a lot more with a quarterback on that move.” - Michael Haywood
The Lady Tigers will finish out their home schedule and regular season play with a non-conference match against The Tigers had total control the University of the Incarnate Word throughout the entire game and on Tuesday, November 6th at 6:30 pm showed their dominance on both sides at the HPE Arena.
Head coach Michael Haywood praised the Blinn College transfer Williams for an outstanding job during his first start at quarterback. “He’s a really sharp youngman,” said Haywood. “We can do a lot more with a quarterback on the move because he’s so athletuic and throws a good ball. He’s not going to get hit and when things go bad he has a calm demeanor, it doesn’t really affect him and he moves onto the next play. I think that’s one of the positive things about him.”
“When things go bad he has a calm demeanor.” - Michael Haywood HP&E Arena / Mikol Kinde
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Page 9 Opinion
The Wave of Women Tasha Pollard Opinion Writer
Now, let’s get down to business about this past election. What I want you all to understand about this past mid-term election cycle is that even though it looks like we’ve lost big time, please note that the Republicans are being backed by old money. They are nothing more than the ancestors of plantation owners who built the system we’re trying to desperately to destroy, and are still in command via their great grandchildren and so on. This isn’t a political battle, this is a battle against years of systemic racism, sexism, xenophobia, bigotry, homophobia and supremacy. It will not be won over night, much less with one Presidential or midterm election cycle. What’s really scary for many on the far reaching right is that they’re starting to see the shift in tone for the population once easily manipulated and controlled. Trust me when I say they are more scared now than the minorities, immigrants, women, and LGBT communities are because they are pulling out all the stops to stay in power. Keep in mind our candidates were dealing with voter suppression, slow and questionable electronic voter systems, and even faulty paper ballots that swelled with humility and was unrecognizable by the machines reading them. None of that was by happenstance. When we see “our” people losing these elections it shouldn’t discourage you, that’s what they want you to do. If anything it should light a fire under you to get more involved in politics so that you not only better understand what changes these people are about to make and how they affect you personally, but to help those elected officials who oppose their power which are currently seated democrats, independents and Green Party members, to stop the legislation they’re about to start pushing forward. What I really find interesting about all of this is how it was the women, as always, who showed up and showed out. Women have and always will be leaders of change, and these are the new faces of congress. The problem with many of “us” is that we think voting is all the change we need. We think that after you vote your responsibility to your people, your community, and your nation stops when you post your “I voted” sticker to FaceBook. Hopefully, these election results will show so many of “us” that it’s not just the voting that needs to happen, it’s also the actions behind it. The community volunteer work that needs to transpire. The sitting in and becoming active during city council meetings. Becoming active members in your child’s school board meeting and knowing who your
elected officials are, and what they stand fo. This is nothing but a wakeup call for those who’ve done very little to nothing to protect their communities best interest. So, for all of you talking about “that’s why I don’t get involved in politics”, shut the (insert explicit language here) up. Here’s your answer in regards to why you should! All these losses have done is show all of us how important it is to wake up and become more educated and invoked to engage in our nation’s politics.
We’ve been “sleep” for too long! The Nationalists are counting on us to stay discouraged enough to never wake up from watching reality T.V. programming, following Kanye (which was all a distraction) and beefing with one another over the stuff that was never important , but used as tools to keep us divided and blinded to their actions behind the scenes.
Page 10 Opinion
Written and Drawn by: Megan Burnett
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Page 11 Feature
TSU Spotlight: Alexis Brooks de Vita, TSU English Professor Ryan Nickerson News Editor
Friendship doesn’t come often with professors. Usually we send our professors away after struggling through their course, hoping not to bump into them in the hallway. But if you’re an ambitious student who made it through her class, Dr. Alexis Brooks De Vita can not only be a friend, but someone you’ve felt like you needed your entire life. “You may have very strong feelings about things that differ from what I tried to teach you. But if you become articulate and proactive, then I did what I owed you as your professor.” This teaching philosophy is a reflection of her experience as a writer, mother, and a child born into a world of upheaval and self reliance. She moved from Mississippi to “Mudtown” as a young girl, a couple of years before the Watts riots in California. “There was a stretch near Watts called Mudtown,” said Dr. Brooks. “It was called that because there where a lot of African Americans from Mississippi, ‘Mississippi Mud’.” Not long after she moved to California, her mother moved the family to Uganda for a project that provided teachers to schools and teacher training colleges in East Africa. Once they arrived in Uganda, they faced culture shocks and even denials by Ugandans that African Americans existed. “Even educated Africans, they often have not
Texas Southern University / RYAN NICKERSON
heard of or did not believe in the existence of African American, as if they were an urban myth,” said Dr. Brooks.
education that is usually reserved for the privileged.
Brooks held on to her African American roots. With Black Panther cousins in the states and Ebony magazine delivered to her doorstep, she tug on her afro with ivory picks as she debated with classmates and professors alike. But soon, Idi Amin gained power and Uganda
After it became too dangerous to stay in Uganda, her mom took her and her brother back to West LA. With the Watts riots and the elimination of the Black Panthers, West LA was a different place from the one she left when she was 10. And with her mom taking classes at UCLA, 14 year old Brooks was left to invent herself.
“If you become articulate and proactive, then I did what I owed you as your professor.” - Brooks de Vita
Years later, after getting married, having children, getting out of a marriage, and settling down in Houston, she reflects on her experiences.
became a dangerous place. Her brother was sent to school in Kenya while she was sent all the way to an elite boarding school in Switzerland. “I was around a bunch of elitist Euro-Americans, in a boarding school in Switzerland, 24 hours a day, and I'm wearing an afro, and I'm talking about Ugandan politics and The Panthers and pro Angela Davis,” said Dr. Brooks. Even though she often felt alienated because of the color of her skin, she kept fighting for what she believed in, all while getting an elite, Westernized
“A lot of people need an opportunity to see things differently,” said Brooks de Vita. “To get away from the script. In that way, if they agree with me or not isn't what's important. What's important is: did I teach them to find out what they really think and to develop that? And then to take a stand.” Because of the experiences she went through, and her complicated past, she views it as her duty to help students invent themselves, just as much as she had to invent herself. But there’s always an underlying feeling that she could’ve done more to help a student. Even though having to push through can sometimes be painful, but it’s what keeps her going as she couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
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MIDTERM BREAKDOWN N A T I O N A L
Democrats take the House; Republicans retain the Senate. The Democratic Party needed 218 seats to hold the majority of the House of Representatives, an almost purely Republican House for 2 years and were projected to win by 225 seats. The current amount of seats held by the Democratic Party sits at 225 versus the Republican Party’s 200 seats, seemingly bringing the Democrats back from the Republicans’ Senate winnings. The Republicans maintained their majority over the Senate, and even getting an extra 2 seats over the Democrats, bringing their seats down to 44 while theirs rises to 51.
> Houston comes out in support of firefighters and votes to protect against future floods On a community-wide level, Houstonians were also given the opportunity to vote on Houston Propositions A and B.
L O C A L
Proposition A included the promise for better drainage systems to better protect from future floods, and Proposition B included the promise to raise the salaries of Houston firefighters in order to make them on par with police. Houstonians showed significant support for both, allowing both to pass by a significant margin. In Houston’s very own Harris county, 19 African American Female judges were up for election, and every single one of them won, creating a never seen before change of racial balance. Named the Houston 19 by proud Houstonians, these newly elected judges will show forth an underrepresented, yet very real perspective of both Harris County and the greater Houston area.
>
? Beto comes up short; Helps flip two House seats. Texas remained red after America watched Cruz retain his seat in the Senate. It was a tight race, and even though O’Rourke won Texas’ most populated areas, it still wasn’t enough to take the Senate.
S T A T E
The republican party also retained their seats in the Governorship, Lieutenant Governor, Land Commissioner, Agriculture Commissioner, Attorney General, Comptroller, and Railroad Commissioner, as well as keeping all their seats on the Texas Supreme Court. The Texas Democratic Party did find victory flipping two House seats with wins by Congresswoman-elect Lizzie Fletcher, and Congressman-elect Colin Allred.
? This midterm election was a time for women of color to shine January will mark the beginning of the largest congressional female population in history with several women of color, such as Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Jahana Hayes of Connecticut, both set to become the first black women to represent their respective states in Congress. In Minnesota, Ilhan Omar became the first Somali-American woman in Congress. From an inspiring beginning as a refugee, she moves along with all the other women of color and proves that there is still progress to be made and boundaries to be broken.
W O M E N
Finally, there’s Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York’s 14th Congressional District, who is now currently the youngest elected congresswoman ever elected to the House Representatives at 29 years old.
AFTERMATH Spirits are still high in Harris County. O’Rourke’s loss reminded people that Texas has a plurality of views and is still a sign of change in Texas culture. “I am immensely conflicted, hopeful, and fearful at the same time during this polarizing era of politics,” said King.