The TSU Herald Issue 71.4 by The TSU Herald

Bomb Threat p.2

Commencement p. 4 Coach McKinney p. 8 Kappa Probate p. 10

December 2018

Library opens fall 2019

Volume 71, Issue 4

Tease #2. XX

Jasmine Gershanov Contributing Writer

Texas Southern University is taking the next step towards the future and advancement of the university Coming Fall 2019 students and community members will be able to walk through the doors of the new state of the art library on campus. “We want it to be a beacon to help bring students and

community members in a place where they can feel welcome and get access to resources,” Wardell Ross Jr, Project Manager for Moody Nolan Architects. “It’s a place that will inspire learning.” Everyone from students, faculty, administration, and members of the community have played a role in bringing the new library into the 21st century. Students will have access to study rooms,

collaborative group rooms, updated technology to help with projects and assignments, and a cafe.

see LIBRARY, page 2

2 • The Herald CAMPUS

Confusion reigns after TSU bomb threat Terrence Turner and Brandon Aninipot Contributing Writers

December 2018

FINAL EXAMINATION SCHEDULE FINAL EXAMINATION Fall 2018SCHEDULE Fall 2018 Examinations for all sections (except evening and weekend sections) of the courses listed below are to be given atfor thealltimes and (except places indicated. Examinations sections evening and weekend sections) of the courses listed below are to be given at the times and places indicated. Courses Course Number Day Date Time Place ACCT 231 SAT 8-Dec-18 10-12 TBA Courses Course Number Day Date Time NOON Place ACCT 232 SAT 8-Dec-18 1-3 PM TBA ACCT 231 SAT 8-Dec-18 10-12 NOON TBA BIOL 131, 132 143 TUE 11-Dec-18 1-3 PM TBA ACCT 232 SAT 8-Dec-18 1-3 PM TBA CHEM 111, 132 112 143 SAT 8-Dec-18 8-10 AM TBA BIOL 131, TUE 11-Dec-18 1-3 PM TBA CHEM 131, 112 132 SAT 8-Dec-18 5-7 PMAM TBA CHEM 111, SAT 8-Dec-18 8-10 TBA ENG 130, 131, 132 MON 10-Dec-18 8-10 AM TBA CHEM 131, 132 SAT 8-Dec-18 5-7 PM TBA HED 233 MON 10-Dec-18 3-5 PM TBA ENG 130, 131, 132 MON 10-Dec-18 8-10 AM TBA HIST 131, 132, 231, 232 MON 10-Dec-18 1-3 PM TBA HED 233 MON 10-Dec-18 3-5 PM TBA MATH 130, 131, 133 TUE 11-Dec-18 8-10 AM TBA HIST 131, 132, 231, 232 MON 10-Dec-18 1-3 PM TBA POLS 235, 236 MON 10-Dec-18 10-12 Noon TBA MATH 130, 131, 133 TUE 11-Dec-18 8-10 AM TBA PSY 131 TUE 11-Dec-18 10-12-Noon TBA POLS 235, 236 MON 10-Dec-18 10-12 Noon TBA SC 135, 136 TUE 11-Dec-18 5-7 PM TBA PSY 131 TUE 11-Dec-18 10-12-Noon TBA SOC 157, 158 MON 10-Dec-18 5-7 PM TBA SC 135, 136 TUE 11-Dec-18 5-7 PM TBA SOC 157, 158 MON 10-Dec-18 5-7 PM TBA The entire campus is to be used by departments scheduled for group examinations at the times listed above. All large rooms such as GH 100, HPE 155, JHJ 113, MLK 104, PAB 104, PAB 106, PAB The entire campus is to be used by departments scheduled for group examinations at the times 108, PAB 114, SB 156, SB 158 will be used. listed above. All large rooms such as GH 100, HPE 155, JHJ 113, MLK 104, PAB 104, PAB 106, PAB 108, PAB 114, SB 156, SB 158 will be used. REGULAR CLASS EXAMINATIONS

REGULAR CLASS EXAMINATIONS Time of First Meeting of Class Time of Date of Examination

Photo Credit: Mikol Kindle, Jr.

Students await instruction at the corner of Sampson and Cleburne At 2:13 pm on November 28, Texas Southern University’s official Twitter account delivered a sobering message: “Due to a threat received from Houston Police Department, classes at Texas Southern University are cancelled and campus is being evacuated.” Twenty minutes later, they reiterated: “Students, faculty and staff of Texas Southern University are urged to evacuate campus due to a threat received from Houston Police Department. All TSU classes are cancelled for the remainder of the day.” An overhead speaker in the Jesse H. Jones School of Business told students and faculty to evacuate until further notice. Nearby, at the Texas Southern University Science Building, a town hall featuring President Austin Lane was taking place. One student present at the event says Dr. Lane was fielding questions from students when he got a phone call. Dr. Lane stepped away for a brief period, then returned and addressed the crowd. “He basically said that there’s been a bomb threat — like, made on the school and whatnot — and he said that we all need to evacuate, like, right now,” the student recalls. “I had grabbed my bag, like, from the LSAT lap and we walked toward Blodgett.” Meanwhile, confusion reigned on the “TSU Turnup or Transfer” GroupMe page, where many students converse about campus events. “Is this real?” asked one student. “Is it the drill?” inquired another. (Many students thought the incident was a drill, given that an active shooter drill had been scheduled for the following day. It was later canceled.) “I thought it was a drill and left EVERYTHING,” another student later lamented. As it turned out, the threat was very real. HPD’s 911 Call Center received a call around 1:30 pm about a possible bomb. The caller mentioned TSU, according to the Houston Chronicle. (Fox 26 News’ website reported that the bomb threat specifically was made toward Mack C. Hannah Hall, an administrative building.) Resident Assistants called students in the dorms to make sure they left the building. Campus police blocked off Cleburne and Blodgett St. According to the Chronicle, nearly 2,000 students, along with

faculty and staff, were evacuated from TSU buildings and dorms. Once they left, however, they landed in a variety of places. Many students were crowded near the East Garage, at the corner of Sampson and Cleburne. Others huddled near the West Garage, near Ennis and Blodgett. Others headed much farther away: Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church opened its doors to displaced students. About 175 students came there, according to Vernon Umstead, Human Relations and Technology Manager at the church. “We opened up the church once we heard of the bomb threat. We went into action to try to figure out a way to assist Texas Southern University,” Umstead said. The church ordered pizzas, Umstead said, “so everybody could be nourished.” At 4:35 pm, TSU tweeted: “TSU Police Department has issued an ‘all clear’ for the TSU campus. All evening classes remain cancelled. The University of Houston basketball game on campus for this evening will be placed as schedule[d]. TSU will have normal operations tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 29.” A letter sent to the student body that day, signed by TSU SGA President Aaron Dallas and Senate Chair Tyler Smith. It read: “With the help of the Texas Southern Police Department and district personnel, the campus was intensively searched, and nothing was found. Subsequently, it was decided by TSU officials that classes and all school activities and practices for the evening would be canceled” — except, interestingly enough, for the basketball game. (The University of Houston was playing games at TSU’s HP&E Arena prior to the completion of their brand-new home, the Fertitta Center.) “The Texas Southern University Counseling Center will be available if any students would like to speak with someone about this event,” the letter continued. It also highlighted the recently opened SGA Serenity Room, located on the 2nd floor of the recreation center. The space is designed for students to relax and decompress. Given that finals are coming up — on the heels of such an alarming event — students will likely welcome the opportunity for some R&R.

TimeAM of First Meeting of Class 8:00 Monday 9:00 AM Monday 8:00 AMAM Monday 10:00 Monday 9:00 AMAM Monday 11:00 Monday 10:00 Monday 12:00AM Noon Monday 11:00 AM Monday 1:00 PM Monday 12:00 Noon Monday 2:00 PM Monday 1:00 PM Monday 3:00 PM Monday 2:00 Monday 4:00PM PM Monday 3:00 Monday 8:00PM AM Tuesday 4:00 Monday 9:30PM AM Tuesday 8:00 AMAM Tuesday 11:00 Tuesday 1:00AM PM Tuesday 9:30 Tuesday 2:30 PM Tuesday 11:00 AM Tuesday 4:00PM PM Tuesday 1:00 Tuesday 2:30 PM Tuesday 4:00 PM Tuesday Saturday Classes Classes meeting once per week Classes meeting twice per week Saturday Classes

of Date of Examination 12 noon-2 Time PM Tuesday 11-Dec-18 8-10 AM Wednesday 12-Dec-18 12 noon-2 PM Tuesday 11-Dec-18 10-12 Noon Wednesday 12-Dec-18 8-10PM AM Wednesday 12-Dec-18 3-5 Saturday 8-Dec-18 10-12 Wednesday 12-Dec-18 5-7 PMNoon Wednesday 12-Dec-18 3-5 PM PM Saturday 8-Dec-18 1-3 Wednesday 12-Dec-18 5-7 PM PM Wednesday 12-Dec-18 3-5 Wednesday 12-Dec-18 1-3 PM Wednesday 12-Dec-18 1-3 PM Tuesday 11-Dec-18 3-5 PM Wednesday 12-Dec-18 12-2PM Wednesday 12-Dec-18 1-3 PM Tuesday 11-Dec-18 8-10 AM Thursday 13-Dec-18 12-2PM Wednesday 12-Dec-18 10-12 Noon Thursday 13-Dec-18 8-10PM AM Thursday 13-Dec-18 3-5 Tuesday 11-Dec-18 1-3 PMNoon Thursday 13-Dec-18 10-12 Thursday 13-Dec-18 3-5 Thursday 13-Dec-18 3-5 PM PM Tuesday 11-Dec-18 5-7 Thursday 13-Dec-18 1-3 PM PM Thursday 13-Dec-18 3-5 PM Thursday 13-Dec-18 Weekend and 5-7Evenings PM Thursday 13-Dec-18 Saturday 8-Dec-18 Exam Week Regular Class Time Weekend and Evenings Exam Week Time of First 8-Dec-18 Meeting Saturday

Classes meeting once per week Exam Week Regular Class Time Classes meeting twice per week Exam Week Time of First Meeting Examinations will be held in regular classrooms. Teachers of evening classes are requested to check with the Registrar for possible conflicts with day classes having evening examinations. Please notify the Dean or Registrar of any special classrooms. meeting times of a class listedclasses above, are to schedule a time and Examinations will be held in regular Teachers of not evening requested to check location for final examinations. Day classes meeting more than evening once perexaminations. week at unconventional with the Registrar for possible conflicts with day classes having Please notify times shall test at the same time as for the closest overlapping time slot above (e.g., 12:30 PM, the Dean or Registrar of any special meeting times of a class not listed above, to schedule a time and Tuesday/Thursday classes shall test 1:00 PM and 10:30 Monday/Wednesday classes shall test location for final examinations. Day at classes meeting more AM than once per week at unconventional at 11:00 time). times shallAM test at the same time as for the closest overlapping time slot above (e.g., 12:30 PM,

Tuesday/Thursday classes shall test at 1:00 PM and 10:30 AM Monday/Wednesday classes shall test at 11:00 AM time).

LIBRARY

continued from front page The four story library is designed to be a place to escape, gather your thoughts, or hunker down with no distractions to prepare for that grueling final. “A library is full of things that help with possibilities,” said Ross. The library will have natural lighting with windows made out of electrochromic glass. Also known as “Smart Glass” the windows block UV rays while allowing light to come in. A skylight will open up a four story atrium where a presentation staircase will be located on the first floor with chairs and places to study on the upper floors that look down in the atrium. “Nobody comes to this project without having a lot of passion,” Ross said. The Honor’s College will be located in the new library facility; as well as, the Board of Regents office, IT, a museum, special collections, and multi-purpose rooms. “We hope to show the pride in what TSU has been and what it continues to become and make sure this building supports that,” said Ross. Turner construction paired up with the Moody Nolan Architect Firm to create the library and help bring this vision to life.

The Moody Nolan Architect Firm is the largest known Black owned architect firm in the country and has designed buildings on over 142 college campuses. “We have a very good understanding of what the dynamics of different college campuses are,” said Ross. Moody Nolan also designed the new Jack Yates High School across the street from TSU. The budget for the library is less that Jack Yates High School costing $60 million. In 2016 a vision was put into action. As the questions were asked and the functionality was detailed everyone got to work. As the project is nearing the end many people are excited to unveil the new beacon in the Third Ward community. “A lot of things come to this point,” Ross said, “I’m excited to see how it will be used.” As construction continues and the noise resonates throughout the neighborhood, people will witness a beacon being built.

December 2018 CAMPUS

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The spectacle and catharsis of Visual Performing Arts Week Tasha Poullard Contributing Writer

It was a spectacle to behold. TSU alumni ascended upon their Alma Mater - sporting Maroon and Gray proudly for a week that served as a special treat for the Dean of the Thomas F. Freeman Honor’s College - Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard. This was the last and final production for Dr. Jemison-Pollard, bringing her illustrious career in theater to a close with “The First Breeze of Summer” (by Leslie Lee) that ran from the 16th to the 18th of November. “The First Breeze of Summer” was her TSU directorial debut 40 years ago in 1978. “This is the production that it all started with for me – and I intend to end on a good note with the same production and reprised roles” Pollard said. Honored for her hard work and dedication to TSU’s theater a brief ceremony prior to the start of the show was held. TSU Theater Alumnus such as Delisa Chatman (Grammar),

Roc Living (Mr. Milton Edwards) and Vascola Stoney (Tom’s Wife) paid tribute to both the playwright and Dr. Jemison-Pollard in reprising their previous roles during this production some 20 years ago. But the fireworks for the week wasn’t just in the Granville Sawyer Theater – The Orlington Smith Playhouse played host to an assorted array of talent that ranged from acting workshops with Houston greats such as John-Michael Manley; a former student of the classic (Greek Tragedian) arts under the tutelage of Dr. Jemison Pollard, who has produced and directed such classic works as Euripides’ Medea and Electra. Manley gave some soul-stirring encouragement and lifechanging key pointers see VPA, page 12

STAFF

Rentable BCycles hit TSU Courtesy of The Office of Marketing and Communications

Houston BCycle has officially come to campus! TSU has five bike share stations at Student Center - East, Student Center - West, Recreational Center, University Courtyard apartments, and University Towers. As a TSU student, faculty or staff member, you can use these bikes to get from station-to-station for just $5 a month. Visit the Houston BCycle website (https://www.houstonbcycle.com/student-memberships) to get your account set up in minutes and start taking unlimited hour-long rides. Nearby stations are at University of Houston, Emancipation Park, and multiple locations in Downtown, Midtown, and the Museum District! Check out all the places you can bike with the full station map (http:// houston.bcycle.com/station-map). Happy riding!

Brandon Aninipot Editor-in-Chief Jasmine Gershanov Managing Editor Niya Spain Digital Content Director Tamerras Leonard Marketing Director Contributing Writers David Butler Ryan Nickerson Tasha Poullard Terrance Turner Treyvon Waddy

Photographers Mikol Kindle Jr. Graphic Designer Christian Greene Faculty Adviser Ladonia Randle

The Herald is the official student newspaper at Texas Southern University and is published monthly, except during holidays. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration. The Herald invites Letters to the Editor, commentaries, and articles on any topic. Submission does not guarantee publication. Editorial and business offices are located on the second floor of the Sterling Life Student Center: 3100 Cleburne St., SLSC 221 Houston, TX 77004 Phone: (713) 313-6710 Email: tsu.heraldeditor@gmail.com

Jasmine Adams Photo Credit:Kiara Chatman

Debate team brings home 62 trophies TSU’s historic debate team brought home a tremendous 62 awards from the Oklahoma City University’s 2018 Christmas Swing Tournament. The TSU staple, under the leadership of Head Coach Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts and Head Coach Emeritus Dr. Thomas F. Freeman brought back 16 first-place trophies and finished first in the Overall Sweepstakes at the competition held November 30 - December 2.

4 • The Herald

THE HONORABLE GEORGE H. W. BUSH

George Herbert Walker Bush, World War II naval aviator, Texas oil pioneer, and 41st President of the United States of America, died November 30, 2018. He was 94 years old and is survived by five children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two siblings. He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Barbara; his second child, Pauline Robinson “Robin” Bush; and his brothers Prescott and “Bucky”. Mr. Bush was elected president on November 8, 1988, sworn in on January 20, 1989, and served until January 20, 1993. During his term in office, a revolution of human liberty swept the globe, emancipating tens of millions of people and unleashing a series of transformative events: freedom prevailed in the Cold War as the Soviet Union imploded; the Berlin Wall “fell” and Germany united within NATO following 45 years of postwar division; and from Eastern Europe to the Baltic states to Latin America to the former Soviet republics, many liberal democracies supplanted totalitarian regimes. During this “historic period of cooperation” as he called it, President Bush worked with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and other key global figures to end the Cold War peacefully and usher in a new geopolitical era marked by political selfdetermination, the spread of market capitalism, and the opening of closed economies. In August of 1990, after Iraqi troops under dictator Saddam Hussein invaded neighboring Kuwait, President Bush forged a coalition of 32 disparate nations to restore Kuwaiti sovereignty and uphold international law. He subsequently used the political capital gained from that decisive victory to convene the Madrid Peace Conference in 1991, bringing Israel and its Arab neighbors together in face-to-face discussions for the first time. President Bush also drastically reduced the threat of nuclear attack by signing Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties (START) in 1991 and 1993, and negotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1992 that President Clinton later signed into law. He ordered military operations in Panama in December of 1989 to restore democracy and bring an international drug trafficker to justice; and in Somalia in December of 1992 to re-open food supply lines shut by feuding warlords that had precipitated a famine. Mr. Bush was the first sitting vice president elected to the presidency since Martin van Buren in 1837, and only the second American president elected to serve a full term without Party control in either chamber of Congress. Nevertheless, on July 26, 1990, President Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act, which among other accomplishments eliminated the barriers to employment, public accommodations, and transportation services for some 43 million citizens with disabilities. Later that same year, he signed the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which guided America’s environmental policy for more than two decades. The education summit Mr. Bush hosted in 1989 with all 50 U.S. governors at the University of Virginia helped to spur a national reform movement. The 1990 budget agreement he signed codified into law real caps on discretionary s

December 2018

Ocean Tsunami, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, and Hurricane Ike in 2008. In 2005, President Bush accepted an appointment from United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan as Special Envoy or the South Asian Earthquake Disaster following a devastating earthquake in Pakistan that claimed nearly 75,000 lives. He also teamed up with former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama to launch the One America Appeal that raised over $41 million in relief funds after the 2017 hurricane season devastated large swaths of Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On September 1, 1997, the George Bush School of Government and Public Service opened on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, followed two months later – on November 6, 1997 – by the adjoining George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Both institutions thrived with the active involvement of President and Mrs. Bush, who kept an apartment on campus and were regular fixtures at “Aggie” athletic events. Outside his family, President Bush considered the Bush School, which educates and prepares principled leaders for public service, his most important legacy. In 1998, President Bush and his former national security advisor, Gen. Brent Scowcroft, coauthored A World Transformed about the four major foreign policy challenges confronting Bush administration: the Tiananmen Square uprising in China; the collapse Photo Credit: Greg Mathieson/Rex/Shutterstock of the Soviet Union; the reunification of Germany; and the liberation of Kuwait. pending by Congress while cutting the deficit by historic In 1999 and again in 2013, President Bush released All the levels. Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings, As president, Mr. Bush launched his “Points of Light” a collection of letters written throughout his life. In 2008, initiative to promote volunteerism and community service scholar Jeffrey Engel published President Bush’s diary across America, and during his term in office he named written during his time in China under the title, The 1,020 Daily Points of Light hailing from all 50 states. China Diary of George H.W. Bush — The Making of a Long before he entered the political arena, however, he Global President. Mr. Bush and his family also cooperated demonstrated his belief that “there could be no definition fully with his daughter, Doro Bush Koch, on her book of a successful life that does not include service to others.” My Father, My President: A Personal Account of the Life While at Yale, for example, he helped lead an annual of George H. W. Bush. Finally, then-Vice President Bush charity fund drive that benefited the United Negro College published his autobiography, Looking Forward, in 1987 Fund. In 1953, he helped establish the YMCA in Midland, and dedicated it “To my mother and father, whose values Texas and served as chairman of the founding board. The lit the way.” Bushes also started the Bright Star Foundation to support President Bush received numerous honorary degrees cancer research following the death of their three year-old and, after leaving the presidency, was awarded high daughter, Robin, from leukemia on October 12, 1953. honors from such nations as Kuwait, the United Kingdom, After leaving the White House, President Bush chaired the Federal Republic of Germany, Nicaragua, Poland, the Board of Visitors at the University of Texas’ M.D. the Czech Republic and Saudi Arabia. The Central Anderson Cancer Center from 2001 to 2003, as well as the Intelligence Agency headquarters in northern Virginia, National Constitution Center from 2006 to 2008. Together Intercontinental Airport in Houston, and several with his wife, Barbara, Mr. Bush served as honorary elementary and high schools in Texas were named for the cochair of C-Change – a collaborative group of key former president. The USS George H. W. Bush, which is cancer leaders from government, business, and nonprofit the tenth and last of the Navy’s Nimitz-class supercarriers, sectors who are committed to eliminate cancer as a major was commissioned on January 10, 2009 at Norfolk public health problem. He also served as honorary chair Naval Station in Virginia and has deployed around the of the Points of Light Foundation and the World Golf world in support of America’s foreign policy objectives. Foundation’s First Tee program from 1997 to 2011. Finally, on February 15, 2011, President Bush accepted Of special note was his partnership with his successor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack President Bill Clinton, to spearhead public awareness Obama during a White House ceremony. and financial relief efforts for victims of the 2004 Indian

June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018

December 2018 CAMPUS

The Herald • 5

Serenity room opens on campus The Tiger Serenity Room held its Ribbon Cutting with TSU SGA President Aaron Dallas (left) and TSU Recreation and Wellness Center Program Director Iisha Voltz (right) on Wednesday, November 28th, in the Student Recreation Center. This space was created so students could relax and be creative. It is also a place to unplug, meditate, and relax.

Photo Credit: Earlie Hudnall Jr.

The Herald Alumni Highlight: If it wasn’t for you Ryan Nickerson Contributing Writer

Sometimes people come into our lives who are tremendously important to us, but we never have a chance to properly thank them. At a recruiting event for his high school, Principal Crook recognized a familiar face. It was his time to say thank you. Dr. Dameion J. Crook is the principal of the Young Men’s Preparatory Academy in fifth-ward. A proud TSU alumni, Crook is also the Graduate/ Off-campus Advisor for the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. “Ms. Deborah?” Crook said approaching the familiar face. “You may not remember me, but I was a student at TSU.” Deborah Lewis, referred to as Ms. Deborah, was enrolling her great nephew in school. “You probably don’t remember ,” Crook mentioned “but you used to let me go and eat in the cafeteria. For free.” When Dr. Crook was an undergrad at TSU in the 90s, he lived off campus, where life often became financially difficult. Ms. Deborah said she thinks she remembers him, but she still works here at TSU and has seen thousands of faces throughout the years. “If it wasn’t for you, I probably would have starved. I probably would have never been able to graduate.” Crook told Ms. Deborah. Over 20 years has passed since Dr. Crook attended TSU as an undergraduate. For the last

Members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. photographed outside the Sterling Student Life Center in 1995. Left to right: Meredith Campbell (‘96), Kassien Greene (‘96), Jerome Batiste (‘95), Oliver Sutton (‘96), Dameion Crook (‘97)

17, Crook has as well as being a scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America, spent his time as an educator here in Houston. Still active in his community, Crook serves as a board member and educational chair for the Houston Chapter of 100 Black Men. He is also an active member of the Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the American Leadership Forum and several other pro-

fessional and community based organizations. Throughout his success, he has not forgotten the little pieces of generosity and kindness that the TSU faculty is known to give. When Dr. Crook told her that he is now the principal of the school her great nephew was trying to enroll at, Ms. Deborah was blown away. TSU is famous for putting the welfare of their

students before anything else, and now that the roles are reversed, Dr. Crook has a chance to repay the generosity. “This is my school Ms. Deborah. You helped build this. If I didn’t finish school, this would have never happened.” Dr. Crook allowed Ms. Deborah and her nephew to skip the enrollment line, and gave them a personal tour of the school. The whole time Ms.

Deborah kept emphasizing how proud she was of Dr. Crook. Dr. Crook, conscious of the full gravity of how much she helped him through college and how she helped him shape the man he is today, gave the tour with a smile.

6 • The Herald CAMPUS

Preparing for Commencement

The families and guests of our graduates are a key part of Commencement ceremonies at TSU. We welcome you to our campus with open arms. To make your visit as smooth as possible, there are various accessibility-related services you can use, transportation advice and maps to help you get to where you need to be. Congratulations on celebrating your graduate. We hope to see you during Commencement.

December 2018

2018 Winter Co

Guest Information

Guests are encouraged to arrive at the Health & Physical Education (H&PE) Arena early for the ceremony. Guest Tickets are not required and there are no limits to the number of guests a graduate may bring. When the arena reaches its full capacity, all guests will be directed to the campus overflow site.

Accessibility

Our commitment to accessibility applies to all of our Commencement ceremonies. Wheelchair space and seating for mobility-impaired guests are located on the 2nd floor of the arena. Ushers will be available with directions and assistance. Wheelchairs are not available at the arena. Sign language interpreters will be located on the commencement stage.

Students prepare for Commencement

Commencement Rehearsal & Reception Friday, December 14, 2018 11:00 a.m.–2 p.m. Location: H&PE Arena Undergraduate and Graduate Candidates are required to attend. Participants will receive a free one-year membership to the TSU National Alumni Association.

About the Commencement Speaker: Houston City Council member and Texas Southern University alumnus (‘94, Jesse H. Jones School of Business), Dwight A. Boykins, will address graduates at TSU’s Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 15, 2018. “Coming home here to TSU is always exciting, but being asked to serve as this year’s Winter Commencement speaker is a distinct privilege that I shall always cherish,” Boykins said. Councilman Boykins, whose district includes Texas Southern University, currently serves as Chairman of the Ethics, Dwight A. Bo Elections and Council Governance Committee. He also sits on the Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee, and the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. In addition, Mr. Boykins served on the Houston Rebuild Oversight Committee, which helped to create Rebuild Houston, the city’s initiative

Guest Tips Guests should avoid loud cheering & other distractions to allow families of other candidates to hear their name read.

Guests & Candidates should coordinate a place & time to meet after the ceremony.

Guests are asked to refrain from bringing signs & other large items that may block the view of other guests.

Guests should not block the venue entrances/ exits doors.

December 2018 CAMPUS

ommencement

The Herald • 7

Parking & Shuttle Service

Designated parking lots will be available for graduates, faculty/staff, & guests.

Parking For Faculty & Staff Parking is available in Lot A & Lot B Faculty & Staff will need to display their parking decal and/or TSU ID

Venue Parking Information 1.

2. 3. 4. Photo Credit: Earlie Hudnall Jr.

to improve the quality of life and mobility for residents by enhancing Houston’s drainage and street infrastructure. Boykins cares deeply about senior citizens and supports them through creating a non-profit organization that makes minor home repairs at no cost in District D. He is passionate about giving non-violent convicted felons a second chance by holding a 2nd Chance Job Fair, providing work opport,unities to those who might otherwise be overlooked. Boykins is committed to creating pathways of success for students and each year welcomes them to participate in his internship program. Former oykins interns include TSU student Kennard Jones, who serves as a Student Regent on TSU’s Board of Regents, and Andre Wagner, who has achieved success helping to n run local and national political campaigns. n

Commencement Day Saturday, December 15, 2018 6. 9:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. Candidates arrival time 7:00 a.m. Commencement Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Location: H&PEArena

7. 8. 9. 10.

Free parking is available in parking areas on campus. Shuttle service will be provided (free of charge) from campus parking locations to the H&PE Arena. Shuttles will run every 10 to 15 minutes to and from the H&PE Arena. The West Parking Garage is located at the corner of Ennis & Blodgett Street. The East Parking Garage is located at the corner of Cleburne & Tierwester. Entrance to the East Garage is located on Sampson Street. Parking will also be available in Lot S-1 and S-4. Elderly guests and person(s) with disabilities can be dropped off in front of the H&PE Arena. However, the driver will still have to park in one of the University parking lots designated for guests. Please pay attention to traffic alerts, parking lot availability, options, & closures. Please do not text and drive. Please be aware of pedestrians. Streets surrounding the University area has restricted parking regulations. The City of Houston enforces ticketing and towing.

Guests are restricted from entering the arena floor to mingle with the candidates during the ceremony.

Guests will not be permitted on the arena floor to snap pictures during the ceremony.

Flowers, balloons & other celebratory items are restricted on the floor during the ceremony.

The use of bullhorns, air horns, & other disruptive devices are prohibited in the arena.

8 • The Herald SPORTS

December 2018

McKinney returns to Houston as TSU head football coach

compiled a 30-8 record at Yates, and he received several accolades, including being named a 2006 Gordon Wood McKinney, who has served 4A Coach of the Year Finalist. as associate head coach and McKinney also served as an running backs coach at the assistant football coach at North University of Arizona in 2018, Shore High School (2003-05) has an extensive history in the and Booker T. Washington High Houston and Third Ward area. School (1997-2003) where he He was an award-winning was named the 2003 Houston head coach at Jack Yates High Coaches Association Assistant School prior to joining Kevin Coach of the Year. Under his Sumlin’s staff at the University leadership as head and assistant of Houston in 2008. coach, McKinney helped many “We are beyond excited young men receive college to bring in someone with scholarships and pursue their the experience and success football dreams. that Clarence McKinney has McKinney played football achieved at the highest levels for three seasons at Montana of the collegiate ranks,” Kevin State, before transferring Granger said, TSU’s interim Photo Credit: Houston Business Journal to University of Mary (ND) vice president of intercollegiate TSU Head Coach Clarence McKinney where he received his degree in athletics. “His coaching talent, elementary education. He later his emphasis on developing the In addition to his running McKinney said. “I am looking into a program. I’d also like to earned a master’s in educational complete student-athlete, as well backs coach duties, McKinney forward to partnering with Dr. congratulate Kevin Granger and administration from Prairie as his ability to recruit locally, served as the Aggies’ offensive Lane and the administration, the athletic department staff on View A&M in 2002. regionally and nationally, gives coordinator and play-caller for staff, student-athletes, alumni a successful search that resulted TSU a distinct advantage as we the 2013 Cotton Bowl and the and fans to build the type of in Coach McKinney joining our move our program to the next 2013 regular season. Under program we can all be proud university.” level.” his leadership, the Aggies led of. I appreciate Dr. Lane and During his years coaching McKinney coached running the SEC in passing, scoring Kevin Granger presenting me high school football, McKinney backs for four seasons under and total offense, while setting with the opportunity to lead this Coach Sumlin at the University school records for passing yards, program.” of Houston and also served as touchdowns and completion “Coach McKinney comes to recruiting coordinator. He then percentage. TSU with incredible connections joined Sumlin at Texas A&M, “I am happy to be returning to the high school coaches in where he was the running to my hometown and former Houston and across the state,” backs coach for six years. In neighborhood to lead and said TSU President Dr. Austin A. TSU Sports 2016, the Aggies produced one develop the student- athletes also recruited future NBA Lane. “He has a unique ability to of its greatest rushing seasons players Tim Quarterman, in the football program at recognize and recruit top talent Texas Southern Univerunder McKinney’s direction. Johnny O’Bryant, Jordan Texas Southern University,” sity announced the hiring Mickey and Jarrell Martin. of Johnny Jones as its head Among those he helped recruit men’s basketball coach on to LSU in his assistant days June 25, 2018. Prior to arriDavid Butler and Brandon Aninipot ving at TSU, Jones served as were NBA superstar and NaisContributing Writers the Nevada Wolf Pack’s asso- mith Hall of Famer, Shaquille ciate head coach. Jones came O’Neal. He also was involved behind finishing with 41 solo Coming off a disappointing and touchdownswould lead to Nevada after five seasons as in the recruiting of two-time 2-9 season the previous year, the SWAC with 56 receptions tackles, 51 assist, and four All-American for 1,020 yards and seven interceptions with a total of 92 the head coathe Tigers arrived in 2018 to Chris Jackson ch at LSU. overall sacks. Defensive back avenge themselves and earn a touchdowns through only (now Mahmoud Jones won eight games due to his injury. Joshua Murray would also winning record which hasn’t Abdul-Rauf) 90 games break the top ten defensive been done in over seven years. Dickson would follow his and national in his five teammate finishing in second leaders in the SWAC finishing Sadly, things didn’t go as high school years as the fifth with nine pass breakups place in the SWAC with 46 planned for the Tigers finish player of the head coach and one interception. the regular season with a 2-9 receptions for 815 yards and year (and an at LSU, the After finishing with an record once again, losing 60- six touchdowns through 11 assistant coach most of any 8-25 record through three games. Senior running back 14 in the final game against under Jones), head coach years as TSU’s head football Prairie View A&M. The Tigers Brad Woodard would finish Randy Livingsat LSU in the season 13th in the SWAC coach, Michael Haywood only wins were against UTton. their first rushing for 469 yards and four resigned from his position on Permian Basin in the season Jones was five years. November 27. In less than a opener and Mississippi Valley touchdowns. Johnny Jones also a head coaHe was the full week later, the Tigers were Defense didn’t disappoint State Univrtsity in our first ch at North Texas fourth-winninset to introduce Tigerland to Homecoming victory in seven either. Defensive back for 11 seasons from 2001-12. gest coach in LSU history. The a new head football coach, Sean Jones and Linebacker seasons. He led the Mean Green to two DeRidder, La. native led the Third Ward native, Clarence Julian Marcantel went third Despite only winning two NCAA tournaments berths LSU Tigers to two postseason McKinney. and fourth as the leading games this season, wide and five top-three conference appearances, an NIT and tacklers in the SWAC. Jones receivers Bobby Hartzog, Jr. finishes. Overall, Jones has 33 NCAA tournament bid, and and Tren’Davian Dickson lead would finish the season with years of Division I coaching excoached the 2016 No. 1 overall 58 solo tackles, 40 assist, the SWAC (South Western perience, including 17 seasons pick in the NBA draft Ben and 1.5 sacks for a total 98 Athletic Conference in as a head coach. Simmons. overall. Marcantel wasn’t far receptions, yards receiving , While at LSU, Coach Jones Office of Marketing and Communications

Jones named TSU head men’s basketball coach

2018 football season recap

December 2018

Student-athlete passes educator exam

TSU Commencement Word Search

Answers to puzzle are below

D E S Y H P O S O L I H P H I D G A O T G H T D R Q A B S U K O L D N H O O U N I S S T L D W U A E N N N O R C E I A M O N T I D A O O R N R T W A K C M A H I L R A P T A R S T F T H T E S I S E A R E T Y D A O H O R E L K T G G E D L C C R O R B R V I F I R L A A Z T A M I U P O O T S P B S C J U T G A H N E D E B J I O H V Z E W N E L E M E D U C A T I O N J L O B E E R Y L I M A F G V S T T L N G G H T H E S I S S S A E E A N E R A N V O F A V Y M A J O R D C M V G U T E X A S S O U T H E R N F

TSU Men’s Track & Field Student-Athlete and All SWAC Athlete Mykele YoungSanders recently passed both of his Educator Certification Examinations with flying colors. Mykele Young-Sanders

It’s a hard rock life: Jez Dior Janaya Britton Contributing Writer

inspire. “If I can’t make that impact on them [the youth], [fame] doesn’t really matter to me…I don’t do it just for some overnight success.” Dior expressed. As the upcoming rapper begins to rise to fame, he confidently draws the line between being an artist and being in the music industry while never limiting how much he can grow. “The music industry is trash, but I love making music, so I wanted to get my music out to the world.” Dior stated. Never failing to keep his career and himself dynamic; he stresses the importance of never limiting himself as an artist. “I never wanted to have to put myself in a box. I feel like I can do multiple things when it comes to making music.”. Maintaining your mental health as an artist can be a common struggle; when asked about his personal definition of self-love, Dior calmingly said, “I think that most artists will say the same thing if they’re being honest that we’re all sad. Self-esteem comes and goes in waves and I think that for me, it’s dependent on what’s going on in my life.” Whether you’re a musician or creative, Dior simply advises the youth to be themselves. “My biggest success has been in writing true things about myself and my story. I think whether you believe it or not, people can relate to the things that are going on in your life.” says Dior.

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26-year-old music artist, Jez Dior, recently performed at the White Oak Music Hall on November 8. Dior has been on tour since October as an opening act for rap artist, Azizi Gibson. Born and raised in Thousand Oaks, California, Dior’s interest in music blossomed through listening to rapper, Eminem. “The reason why I make music is to really touch the people and touch the youth and be able to do what Eminem did for me when I was young.” said the musician. Aside from being inspired by Eminem, Dior’s biggest push towards music was when his father left him when he was 13 years old. The artist used songwriting as “a form of therapy.” “I had always loved music before he left, but it wasn’t until he left that actually inspired me to write.” stated Dior. His father, Steve Dior, happens to be a famous musician, who has worked with members of the Sex Pistols and the New York Dolls. In regards to feeling pressure on trying to start a career while having a rockstar parent, Dior says “He had already been done with his thing by the time I was born. It never put pressure on me, but it definitely inspired me.” With his “eclectic and cohesive sound” as Dior describes, his music has literally captivated millions. The young creative has made huge strides in his music career, but his only focus is to

The Herald • 9

10 • The Herald

December 2018

Sargent honored by National Black Public Relations Society Courtesy LA Sentinel

The National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS) is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and, in recognition, the Los Angeles Chapter honored 20 trailblazers in communications and culture. Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles (BPRS-LA) hosted the 20th Anniversary Awards Celebration on Friday, November 16 at 6 p.m. at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, Calif. During the special event, the organization awarded executives from across film, television, sports, music, fashion and technology. Hosted by Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier, honorees included Erika Bennett, global head of digital marketing, YouTube Originals and YouTube TV; Cheryl Boone Isaacs, immediate past president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Michael Lewellen, APR, vice president of corporate communications and

public engagement, Portland Trail Blazers; Ellene V. Miles, senior vice president of intersectional marketing, Sony Pictures Entertainment; Shawn Smith, BPRS-LA copresident and senior communications executive with Warner Bros. Consumer Products; Lindsay Wagner, vice president, Ketchum; and Tosha Whitten-Griggs, senior vice president of public relations for TV One. Other notable honorees include Nina Parker, co-host of E!’s “Nightly Pop;” Beverly White, general assignment reporter for NBC 4; Kristin Robinson, vice president of brand marketing and communications for Shondaland; Leshelle V. Sargent, director of publicity, Warner Bros. Worldwide Television; Tre’vell Anderson, director of culture and entertainment, Out Magazine; Everette Taylor, founder and CEO of ET Enterprises; Melissa Mills,

public relations manager, Cartoon Network; Kenya Friend-Daniel, national director of public relations, Trader Joe’s; Brandon I. Brooks, managing editor of Los Angeles Sentinel and L.A. Watts Times Newspapers; Imani Greene, senior corporate communications manager, LinkedIn; Kevin Stuckey, manager of original film publicity, Netflix; Kiki Ayers, founder of Ayers Publicity, and Karen Civil, entrepreneur and host of “Good Looking Out” on LaShelle Sargent (former Miss Texas Southern University 2005-2006) Complex. received her undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism from the “We celebrate the School of Communication. legacy of NBPRS, exemplify excellence and individuals, and we are and its ongoing inspired every day by their efforts to champion diversity their impact goes beyond communications to shape achievements.” and advocate on behalf of our culture and world. We diverse professionals,” said are excited to honor such Shawn Smith, co-president an accomplished group of BPRS-LA. “Our honorees

After four years in the dark, the Kappas come to light Terrance Turner Contributing Writer

Darkness blanketed the Sawyer Auditorium on Nov. 20. A standing-room-only crowd had gathered for the probate an official presentation of newly initiated fraternity members. At around 7:20 pm, nearly everyone in the audience rose. The darkened room was illuminated by a slew of phone flashlights as spectators began to record. The newest members of the Beta Upsilon chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., entered the room. Uniformly attired in white dress shirts, red ties, black pants and matching vests, they strolled down the rightmost aisle. Each one of them wore a white mask that obscured his face. Cheers and applause ensued as the audience welcomed the new Kappas. A total of 18 new members, or “Neos”, made their debut at the probate. DiCarlo Warren, a member of SGA, referred to the Neos as a “resurrection

line,” since the chapter had been dormant for quite some time. “The chapter was dead before,” he tells the Herald. The Kappas had been absent from campus for four years, he said, due to “a situation that went wrong.” Once onstage, all 18 Kappas linked arms with another, all with knees akimbo in a locked pose. One Kappa led a chant, initially unaccompanied. The new members of the fraternity then broke out into a rapid-fire, unison chant, shouting words that some audience members

Photo Credit: Tamerras Leonard

found hard to understand. Soon, the only light in the auditorium was onstage, behind each newcomer to the Kappas. Each one came forward, dancing to a different R&B or hip-hop song. As the clip ended, each Kappa would crouch low to the ground,

unmask himself, and finish with a shimmy. The crowd cheered when they recognized each face. A combination of group and individual numbers followed. Kappas would break into song a cappella, sometimes joined by their line brothers. One

standout routine occurred near the end of the one-hour show. Each Kappa, holding staffs painted to resemble candy canes, did a choreographed routine to R&B/funk group Cameo’s 1986 hit “Candy”. The line strolled offstage and up the same aisle they’d strolled down earlier. It looked as if they were headed out of Sawyer Auditorium. But it turned out to be a clever fakeout: as soon as they heard a siren, the Kappas abruptly changed course. They rushed back onstage for a group dance/hype session before the show ended. When asked about how it was coming out on stage Warren explained, “It was live,” “I had a great time. It was very, very, very high-energy.” More energy and fun may be in store next year. “There’s a lot planned for the spring,” Warren says, adding that events and initiatives will be announced in the coming months.

December 2018 OPINIONS

The Herald • 11

Lens of the people A community-based column from The Forward Times Treyvon Waddy Contributing Writer Good Afternoon, readers! Lens of The People, a column dedicated to the capture of the real-life scenarios and events of the local Houston area whilst also giving the thoughts and opinions of the Houston community itself. This week my focus is on how certain classic holidays have aged and adapted to today’s cultural and social climate. For example, many Americans have started to completely shun the idea of Columbus Day in favor of the name “Indigenous People’s Day” to honor the natives that were killed and pillaged upon Christopher Columbus’ arrival to America. Naturally this sparked controversy over the web as people who have been celebrating Columbus

for so long simply don’t feel the need for change. This got me thinking of other holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween. All of these are much more mainstream and more widely celebrated, but even still I would imagine some differences in how they’re celebrated from person to person because of each holiday’s respective origins. That all being said, my question to the public this week w you feel certas: How do you feel certain other holidays could be redefined in a similar fashion as Columbus Day to make them fit better with today’s social and cultural climate?

Fragile Masculinity Tasha Poullard Contributing Writer On the 4th of November – 2018 a brother by the name of Kevin Virgo (27) was shot and killed. He wasn’t involved in organized crime, or engaged in confrontation with law enforcement. He made the decision to be boldly brave enough to stand in defense of a waitress being harassed while doing her job. Prior to his death he was seen arguing with at least three men who felt their harassment of a female waitress shouldn’t have been checked. The confrontation got heated and Virgo knocked one of the suspects out with one punch when they refused to stop the harassment. Employees at the club expressed that Virgo voiced concerns over the men seeking revenge – in which it’s believed they did. Two weeks following the incident, a man lured Virgo around the corner of the Atlantic Boat Club in Prospect Heights - where another man was waiting. A gun was pulled on Virgo outside the establishment followed by three shots. When the smoke cleared, Virgo was left lying on the ground with bullet wounds to the chest, stomach and upper right thigh. He was later pronounced dead

at Brooklyn Hospital. Virgo lost his life over this incident that happened two weeks prior to his death. Virgo was not only a hard working man that never got into any trouble, but he was a good father to a 9-year-old daughter, and loved son. Why is it difficult of us (as a people) to address the toxic (and deadly) aspects of fragile Black masculinity? When we attempt to have a conversation about such incidents it’s immediately labeled “man-bashing” and man-hating feminist speech. Yet, we find that our people (men and women) are dying as a result of a weak individual’s feelings being hurt. This doesn’t mean that women don’t carry on in such a mannersuch behavior is mistakenly believed to be a feminine trait. But why is it difficult for the Black community address the emotional and psychotically dysfunction of Brothers who feel its ok to put their hands on people, become belligerent, verbally and physically aggressive towards women – then feel some type of way the second they believe they are being disrespected or corrected for their foolishness? We watch video upon video of boys fighting girls and hear lyrics of men “pimp slapping” women, and no one bats and eye to it. Then, we blame the women by asking

“I like Indigenous People’s Day. I think it’s dope that we unofficially celebrate indigenous people. If I could change Thanksgiving I’d make it a day where we honor and recognize native people on their history and how it was torn down. I think it’s ridiculous that we still recognize Thanksgiving and Columbus Day. It just shows how white supremacy and capitalism work together and feed off of each other. The holidays we celebrate today are solely for profit.” -Brandon Aninipot

“What where they wearing?”, “What did she say?” and making baseless assumptions like “well you know Black women can’t control their mouths”; when we die at the hands of our abusers. Or worse, our men are killed defending our honor from other cowards. We have a bad habit of coddling bad masculine behavior in our community. We tend to turn our heads and close our eyes to domestic violence. We won’t speak out against sexual harassment (because the second you do you are accused of bashing Black men). And still can’t figure out why as a people we can’t get along. Some may say these men are emotionally unstable because they were raised by single mothers that have demonstrated the same behavior. Some even go so far as to attribute it to absent fathers (no one showing them how to be a man), while others say it’s as a result of social programming. Regardless of what direction the finger points in, when will we honestly tackle the social psychological dysfunction of men who think it’s ok to cause harm when their feelings are hurt? Email me at DJNoyota@gmail.com or hit me up at DJNoyota on Instagram to keep the conversation going.

“I would change Christmas because it’s become so material. For one Christmas is very questionable in its Christian roots. So people keep saying ‘keep Christ in Christmas’ but then go broke buying presents and getting upset that they don’t get certain things that they want. And for me personally if you want to make it Christian it should be a day or season of going out of your way and serving others. It shouldn’t be about presents. It should be about love and care.” -Jasmine Gershanov

“I think nowadays a lot of our holidays are a lot more commercial, and I think that has a lot to do with the taking away of their original contexts and traditions and westernizing them to make them more profitable. I think for a lot of the holidays like Christmas or Halloween I feel we should just make people more aware of their history. I think that if they were taught in schools or even advertised it would move us forward as a country and as a nation.” -Kareah Keith

“I don’t think it should be called Columbus Day because the pilgrims didn’t really find the land. They stole it and by creating a day for them it takes the identity away from the people who really lived there before. I don’t think Columbus Day should be celebrated period but if we have to we should change the meaning and at least give knowledge. Because in a lot of books even today don’t talk about how they acquired the land. Because I didn’t even know about it until middle school. But I think holidays overall are what you make of it and how you’re brought up to view the holiday.” -Amara Eze

“I’d probably make Valentine’s Day more centered around self-love. The reason why everyone hates it is because it’s solely focused on romantic relationships. We should all be able to enjoy it in our own special way. 4th of July and Thanksgiving? I just want the founding fathers to be called out on their BS. I’d rather focus on the people and values that really make this country great, like by highlighting minority communities more and the value of freedom. Basically the same concept as Columbus Day now. Black History Month needs to be highly celebrated, especially on HBCU campuses. I don’t think it should be just a regular month. The same goes for other cultural celebrations, like Dia De Los Muertos.” -Janaya Britton

12 • The Herald

VPA Continued from page 3 to students during his Acting is Believing lecture. He featured actors from his acting troupe New Era Theater - a production company he founded in efforts to inspire, innovate, create and produce cuttingedge theatrical productions in an effort to entertain all communities. From there we were treated to the ins and outs of Theatrical Make-up by Jessica Rodriguez (Tuesday, Nov 13), who’s jawdropping shading and special effects left students amazed when discovering the power of character make-up for stage and theater lighting. She gave insightful tips on the process of aging a character and enhancing natural features with blending, finding the best stage make-up brand and contouring theater foundations. Follow a short break, Theater, Radio/TV and Film student’s alike paid close attention to The Life Of An Actress in H-Town lecture given by Main Stage Theater Representative Shannon Emerick. Emerick’s presentation made many of the students reconsider their career goals, the direction they’re choosing to take with their education and even lead to establishing some key connections within the film and theater industry here in Houston. But the Visual and Performing Arts Week would not be as dazzling as mentioned if some star power didn’t sparkle. The My Life In Hollywood Lecture was given to star-struck students by heart-throb Roland Buck

III (Wednesday, Nov 14). Roland is a 29 year old Texas Native based known for his recurring role on NBC’s Chicago Med as Dr. Noah Sexton. Roland relived his childhood in the suburbs outside of Dallas, TX – explaining how his secret passion for acting became apparent when he finally found the courage to step out of faith and live his dream of becoming an actor. Roland was followed by Eileen Morris of The Ensemble Theater with her The Art of Show-Biz workshop. Her no-nonsense, in your face approach to the business of acting for theater and T.V. was a reality check for all in attendance. Key pointers were given to sharpen one’s performance abilities during a cold read audition, and even reconsider one’s approach to character analysis. The outgoing personality of TSU Alumni Steve Scott during his “Acting for the Camera” workshop was nothing short of splendid (Thursday Nov 15). Students learned to understand how different it is to act on screen vs. on a theatre stage in relation to the utilization of space, body movement and timing for camera focus. The awkwardness of acting for the camera was overcome by students past and present – most of which was confirmed by students who are currently working in the profession of stage and film acting (Roc Living, Anthony August and Tashandra Poullard). “I can feel the difference in body composition and facial expressiveness when acting for the camera vs. theater” said Kody Felix – who recently played the role of “Louis Edwards” in “The First Breeze of Summer”. Laura Brown

closed the day out with her “Grad School Application Process” lecture that left many students reconsidering their career goals, their current career track and how to reach their main objective of – Graduation. But the week came to a somber, bittersweet end in celebration of Alumni Day – with a short film presentation by the industry established Brandi Nicole (Friday Nov. 16). Students shed tears during the viewing of her short film Muted – staring Houston native Chandra Wilson (“Dr. Miranda Bailey” on Grey’s Anatomy) and Emmy-nominated actor/ director Malcolm-Jamal Warner (“Theo Huxtable” of The Cosby Show). Muted features the story of the Gladwells, a middle class Black family struggling to gain the support of the media and law enforcement when their teenage daughter disappears. It demonstrates the lackadaisical attitudes taken by society when women and young girls of color are reported missing. The feature presentation was followed by published author Shakita Prejean – author of the hit children’s book My Big Dream. A piece of literary genus that encourages leadership for children of all ages and promotes positive influences and imagery to young minds. Later closed out by Adrian Goodin in his presentation Backstage Prep for Children’s Theater. Adrian gave us a behind the scenes look at all the preparation that goes into preparing our feature thespians for stage production and acting.

December 2018

RJT library holiday hours In observance of Christmas & New Year’s the Robert J. Terry Library hours will be: Open 12/14/2018 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Closed 12/15-12/16, 2018 Open 12/17-12/21, 2018 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Closed 12/22/2018-01/01/2019 Open 01/02-01-20, 2019 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Closed for MLK Day 01/21/2019 Will resume normal business hours 01/22/2019