TSU in Liberia p. 5
TSU Timeline p . 6 - 7 SWAC Champs p. 10
February 2019
Yung Giant p. 8
Volume 71, Issue 5
KTSU launches student-run radio station Tease #2. XX
Texas Southern University President Austin A. Lane (center) posing with KTSU2 student representatives Treyvon Waddy TSU Herald Contributing Writer On Tuesday Feb. 19, 2019, TSU President Dr. Austin Lane had the honor of cutting the ribbon to KTSU2, a successor to it’s 48 year-old sister station, KTSU. Now open to the general public, KTSU2 serves as the campus’ student-run e-radio station, a throwback to KTSU’s humble beginnings as a purely student-run organization. The ceremony itself had many contributors, such as the VP of University Advancement, Melinda Spaulding; Assistant Dean of Communications, Serbino Sandifer-Walker; and General Manager of KTSU, Ernest Walker. The ceremony opened with a speech Melinda
Spaulding and was followed up with speeches by Dr. Lane and Professor Sandifer-Walker, the last of whom was brought to tears by KTSU2’s potential. “Professor Val and I have worked so hard. But it’s only through the wonderful visionary, Austin Lane that this is possible. And I’m so grateful because there’s an opportunity for our students to go out there and make a difference. They’re gonna make a difference, and they’re gonna tell our story. And our story deserves to be told. So I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone,” expressed Walker, towards the end of her speech. Rev. Dr. Robert M. Gilmore, one of the
first contributors to the original KTSU, was also present and shared his feelings on KTSU2. “It feels great. It feels almost as if a father had seen his baby grow up. KTSU has been such a vital part to my development as an individual and as a man, and it makes me appreciate how much we struggled in the early days. To see the huge state-of-the-art facility that we have today with the internet and social media, KTSU2 to me, opens up the door for students to broadcast on a whole new level,” said Rev. Dr. Robert M. Gilmore, when asked about his thoughts about KTSU2. After everyone spoke, the crowd
Photo credit: Earlie Hudnall
convened towards the new radio rooms of KTSU2, where Dr. Lane gleefully cut the ribbon in front of the door, officially opening KTSU2 “The Voice.” After the ceremony, there were tours given by KTSU2’s student contributors, among which was Mateo McKinney, who had this to say: “The goal of KTSU2 is to represent the school and the student body in a way that is new and fresh. We’re bringing back the heyday of KTSU, a station where the students are more involved. We’re bringing it back to us as a unified student body, really. (KTSU2 continued on page 3)
2 • The Herald CAMPUS
$15 million for TSU’s front door Ashley Castillo TSU Herald Contributing Writer
On Feb. 11, 2019, Precinct 1 of Harris County partnered up with Texas Southern University and the Clark Condon engineering firm to host a town hall meeting to inform residents about the proposed changes to Cleburne Street. Granted by \\Commissioner for Precinct 1, Rodney Ellis, the $15 million project is estimated to start May 2019, and will be remodel Cleburne from Ennis Street all the way down to Scott Street, in hopes to improve the street’s quality and aesthetic. These efforts hope to create a “better, safer, and pedestrian friendly street” said Sheila Condon, the meeting’s host and president of Clark Condon. Expected to last 16 months, the project is supposed to widen sidewalks by ten feet in order to make them safer for pedestrians, as well as add additional trees to provide shade and improve the overall aesthetic of the street. TSU will mark their territory by adding banners throughout the street and bus shelters will be dressed in maroon and grey to represent the university. The remodeling project will be divided into two phases: phase one is estimated to last 10 months;
phase two, which construction will stretch from Tierwester to Scott, is expected to last the other estimated six months, from March to August 2020. During the phase two period, Cleburne will be closed from Tierwester to Scott and all traffic will be detoured through Alabama St. $15 million will be spent on the remodeling of the street but residents are afraid they will pay a higher price when they take into account the traffic from turning a four lane street into a two lane street. “When was the decision made to reduce one of the
February 2019
few arteries (streets) that we have for going across?”, asked a concerned resident, “Other than Blodgett, which floods a lot and Alabama which is also a flood swamp, Cleburne has been a little bit higher than both Alabama and Blodgett. Cleburne can hold water sometimes two-thirds of a year so why take down our main artery (street) to two lanes?” Despite the communities concerns the county insures that the improvements will not only beautify the streetscape but will improve drainage and flood mitigation due to a new enhanced pipe. “This was the first town hall meeting the county has put on for residents”, Condon said, “This is the first time we are bringing the concept to the community. The goal is to collect input today and incorporate that to the design as best as possible.” Considered the front door of the university, Cleburne is long overdue for improvements. With the communities’ input in mind, the county is will host another town hall meeting at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday, February 21st at 6pm where they will revisit the concerns of the community and layout future plans.
TSU Theater presents Steel Magnolias Brooke Johnson TSU Herald Contributing Writer From Feb. 14th-17th, the Orlington Smiths Playhouse went back to the 1980’s! The Texas Southern University theater performed Steel Magnolias with a talented all-female cast. “Steel Magnolias” talks about illness, religion, love, and even infertility problems. The TSU version of Steel Magnolias was directed by Timothy Dickson. “Steel Magnolias”, which was written by Robert Harling, was originally a play that premiered on stage in 1987. The movie version of Steel Magnolias, the most well-known version, opened in theaters in 1989 to positive reviews. The movie will also be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Steel Magnolias is a comedy-drama that tells the story about six different southern women. The setting is in a 1980’s hair salon in Louisiana. Shelby, played by Mariah Campbell, is getting married and has a health issue that can ruin her life. M’Lynn, played by Allecia Johnson, is Shelby's mother, who is very protective of Shelby and wants what's best for her daughter. Truvy, played by Brandy Casey, has her own beauty shop and knows everything about everybody. Clairee, played by Maya Critchlow, is a widow who can put a smile on anyone's face.
Annelle, played by Troysha Giggans, is the newbie of the group and is very shy. Last but not least Ouiser, played by LaQuandra Gray, is very wealthy and says whatever is on her mind. These six women stick together through thick and thin. This nostalgic story definitely played with the audience's feelings. One minute the audience laughed
and felt cheerful while Shelby was talking about her wedding colors. Another minute, the audience was feeling broken-hearted hearing about Annelle's love life in the beginning of the story. The 80’s music in the play made the audience want to get up and dance. The actresses in this play really made everybody feel as though they were back in the 80’s. They wore
shoulder pads in their shirts, colorful dresses and high waisted jeans. Even though Steel Magnolias came out 30 years ago, a lot of women (and men) can relate to the characters and stories in this play in 2019. In the programme, director Timothy Dickson wrote, “The events that take place at Truvy’s shop are not extraordinary, nor are they mundane. They are simply the life events that we all share and feel deeply as human beings.” We all know somebody who acts exactly like these characters or has the same story as them. Steel Magnolias shows that women can get along. It shows that women, old and young, can support and learn from each other.
February 2019 CAMPUS
Student Spotlight: Niya Spain Our TSU student highlight for the month is the lovely Niya Spain, our very own executive producer here at the TSU Herald. From Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ms. Spain has definately made Niya Spain her mark here at TSU. Despite her only being a sophomore, she’s not only managed to become our Executive Producer, but has set a grounded foundation for herself in the career of a career in broadcast journalism. She began her freshman journey at TSU during the fall of 2017, taking interest and participating in organizations such as Talk On the Walk, as well as the yearbook, slowly
but surely making her way to The TSU Herald, contributing as a reporter. Niya is able to showcase all of her reporting, hosting, and production talents via our news segment, News in A Flash. Recently, Ms. Spain was accepted into the PR and Branding Twitter Summer Internship Program, making her the first African American female in this program as well as the only intern from an HBCU. “I can’t wait to take on this new journey in life. It’s going to challenge me and that’s exactly what I need right now!” words of excitement expressed by Niya Spain.
STAFF Brandon Aninipot Editor-in-Chief
Ryan Nickerson Managing Editor
Tamerras Leonard Creative Director Contributing Writers Janaya Britton Ashley Castillo Nahab Fahnbulleh Tasha Poullard Pedro Romero Jr. Abreana Smith Treyvon Waddy Brooke Johnson
Kim Landry Web Editor
The Herald •3
KTSU2 continued from cover I myself will serve as the musical director for KTSU2,” according to Mateo McKinney, Musical Director. The ceremony itself was a monumental and historical success, marking a step forward for student body involvement, as well as Texas Southern University as a whole. We here at The TSU Herald personally hope that all of you student readers feel inspired to get involved and contribute to the growth of our historic school.
(L to R) Val Wilson & Serbino Sandifer-Walker speaking at KTSU2 Launch.
Photo credit: Brandon Aninipot
The Herald welcomes new members
Ryan Nickerson
Kim Landry
The TSU Herald has added two members to our staff this spring semester. Former News Editor, Ryan Nickerson will sit as the Managing Editor for the remander of his time at Texas Southern. Nickerson will be graduating with his bachelor’s degree this spring with a degree in Radio TV & Film. Kim Laundry may look familiar as she currently sits as Miss Sophmore for TSU. After a busy fall semester Ms. Laundry has now found her footing as the Web Editor for The Herald. The TSU Herald now has content on their new website thetsuheraldonline.com
Debate team places 2nd at LSU Mardi Gras Swing Tournament
Niya Spain Executive Producer
Photographers Mikol Kindle Jr. Jasmine Adams Faculty Advisor Ladonia Randle
The Herald is the official student newspaper at Texas Southern Editorial and business offices are University and is published located on the monthly, except during second floor of the holidays. Opinions expressed Sterling Life Student Center: are those of the writer and do 3100 Cleburne St., SLSC 221 not necessarily reflect those of Houston, TX 77004 the administration. The Herald Phone: (713) 313-6710 invites Letters to the Editor, Email: tsu.heraldeditor@gmail.com commentaries, and articles on Website: thetsuheraldonline.com any topic. Submission does not guarantee publication.
TSU’s World Renowed Debate Team; Photo Credit: Jasmine Adams
man, Head Coach Dr. Gloria
Nahab Fahnbulleh Batiste-Roberts, Assistant CoaTSU Herald Contributing Writer The Texas Southern University Debate team traveled to Baton Rouge, LA, to compete in the LSU Mardi Gras Swing Tournament from Feb. 1-3, 2019. The team traveled with Head Coach Emeritus Dr. Thomas F. Free-
ch Wendell King II, Assistant Coach Shekia Rodger and Assistant Coach Sondera Malry. TSU brought back a combined total of forty-six awards, including the 2nd place overall Sweepstakes award. Of all awards there was a total of 16 individual first
place awards. Amongst those trophies were in Novice Debate, Novice Poetry, Novice Critical Analysis, Advanced Poetry, Dramatic Interpretation (2), Duo Interpretation (6), Programmed Oral Interpretation, Pentathlon, Top Speaker, and Top Novice to name a few.
4 • The Herald
February 2019
February 2019 CAMPUS
No Excuses By Any Means Ryan Nickerson TSU Managing Editor
The ability to travel to the other side of the world doesn’t come often, especially for students who attend an HBCU. That’s why, in the summer, when Adonis Warren received the text: “Do you want to come to Africa?” His first reaction was, “Of course!”. Before he knew it, Warren, along with Marcus Nash, Trey Pope, and with 19 other students from across the nation, were hustling through a Liberian airport with foreign smells, unusual accents Trey Pope, Marcus Nash, Adonis Warren pose with students in Liberia and men holding M16s. mugging you, hoping you would try Their journey began with the dean students got their travel visas and something,” said Marcus, “and when of students, Dr. Mophett, in the embarked on a journey to Africa an we got to Liberia, the baggage claim summer of 2018. Adonis was filling experience they would never be able was so crazy. People would steal out paperwork in Mophett’s office to fully prepare for. your luggage. It’s not like America when he fellowshipped with two at all’’. Adonis even recounted how Morehouse graduates, Isaac Taggart THE TRIP he almost fought someone for his and Matthew Wulukau, who just Their first plane was from luggage. Sure enough, traveling was so happened to be in Dr. Mophett’s Houston to D.C., then from D.C. to not the most enjoyable part of their office at the time. They bonded over Casablanca, Africa, an eight hour trip but it showed them the luxuries the book “The Miseducation of the trip that immediately proved to be a of traveling in America. Negro by Carter G. Woodson” and culture shock for the students. Stuck “I was ready to get back to the a few weeks later, Adonis received a on an additional eight-hour layover, American airlines. Period.” Said text from Isaac asking if he wanted to the students found themselves Marcus. come to Africa. immersed in an Arabic culture far Taggart and Wulukau are the from their own. THE EXPERIENCE creators of Planting A Seed “It’s very different. The students got International, an organization Everything over there to Monrovia, the that hosts The Liberia West Africa is fast. People drive capital of Liberia, on Fellowship Program that enables fast with no patience Sunday, Dec. 16th, students to go to Liberia and really”, Adonis 2018, where they volunteer for nine days. The students remembers. The were immediately “experience cultural immersion, live students remember a immersed in near the communities they serve, racial/social disparity Liberian history experience customs and deepen their in the country: and culture. Among connections to the land as well as the walking into places many attractions, people”, as their website states. The and immediately the group visited students come from universities from being able to sense the Providence Island, across the country. That’s why when tension in the room. the place where the Adonis asked his friend Marcus if he “You can walk in first enslaved Africans were forced to wanted to go with him, there wasn’t a room and they really wouldn’t embark on the journey to America. any doubt about it. acknowledge you. But if you see “I still reminisce about being there. “Nobody in my family has been to someone with their skin tone and There was something about that vibe Africa”, Marcus explained. “Nobody speaking their language- they’ll be that made you feel... Like damn..”, I knew has ever been to Africa. This happy”, Marcus explained. Adonis recalled. was a once in a lifetime opportunity, “We were in an airport twice”, said It made them happy to experience so why not take advantage of it?” Adonis, “Marcus and I would walk up President Lane, Ms. Heidi Smith, to security and an Arabic guy runs in a different culture. They were embraced by the locals and it Ms. Erica Robinson, “who in fact”, front of us. He looks back and starts caused them to be self-aware of the Adonis explained, “if it was wasn’t laughing and he goes right through privileges they have in America. for her, [he] wouldn’t have received TSA.” Marcus remembered how the locals his Liberian visa,” played a giant part Security was also starkly different enjoyed being in the photos and in helping the students raise money for the students. videos he would take of them. to go on the trip. “They would walk around the “They don’t have cell phone and Through faith and a little luck the airport with big M16s… they’re
“This trip overall humbled me and made me realize there is not an excuse for anything.”
The Herald • 5
internet and clothes and shoes and stuff. I took off my Jordans and gave a dude my shoes. I gave clothes away and it was just a good feeling.” said Marcus. Seeing people who had jobs, everyday people of every age, having to sleep outside or sit on rocks had a visceral effect on him, a feeling he will never forget. They will also not forget the danger they were in. They recount being escorted by presidential security throughout the trip, being told to wear their backpacks from the front to avoid pickpockets. If the locals even looked at them wrong, security would confront them. Or if there was a suspicion the students were getting ripped off, security would threaten an arrest. The group went on to volunteer at a local school, teaching students hygiene and helping them build benches and teaching them games. They saw how the children were just like them: they love dzto have fun and dance. They just don’t have the resources to connect with the rest of the world like they do. Helping children humbled the students like nothing before. I remember I was on a bus”, Marcus said, “I looked to the right and there was a dude on a motorcycle, with a dude on the back of the bike with a mattress on his head. On a highway. A queen sized mattress! That’s ‘no excuses’ by any means.” One of the most profound experiences the group had was in a place called Firestone County, a town owned and operated by the American tire and rubber company, Firestone. Described as a “plantation”, Adonis remembers the adverse conditions the workers went through. Having to work for eight dollars a day (which the workers thought of as a privilege because the minimum wage is six dollars a day), the workers sometimes go days without pay. They can’t stop working because Firestone pays for their children’s school and they have to feed their family, but they work in adverse conditions tapping rubber from trees. The trip proved to be an experience the group will never forget. The students felt like they are better people because of it. “It’s made me look at life different, especially when I got back to America.” Adonis reflects, “It’s like, what am I going to do now? It made me want to take the steps to better myself and spread the knowledge around to help people understand what I saw. I feel like I’m going on a better path. I feel like I have some direction”.
CAMPUS
6 • The Herald
February 2019
Black history spotlight: Te It’s easy for students to walk around campus without any formal knowledge about Texas Southern’s long and detailed history. Whether it be student, teacher, faculty or visitor, each individual is met by the traditions and culture that embody the spirit of our college. Most importantly, the history of Texas Southern shows the true purpose of the school- embracing diversity. With Texas Southern educating students from a variety of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, the school succeeds with its original purpose. With the help of the distinguished professor James. A Douglas, The Herald has put together a brief timeline of Texas Southern University’s history. Texas Southern University traces its beginnings back to the fall of 1925, when Wiley College, located in Marshall, Texas, created extension classes in Houston, Texas. The first meeting was held on September 11, 1925 at Trinity Methodist Church. The first year of classes during 1925-26 were held at the “old Colored High School” on San Felipe (San Felipe Street was later changed to West Dallas).
1925
1926-1927 During its second year (1926-27), the school was moved to the new Jack Yates High School on Elgin Street due to a growth in enrollment. In 1927, the Houston Public School Board agreed to fund the development of two junior colleges, one for whites and one for African Americans. With a loan from the Houston Public School Board of $2,800, the Colored Junior College was born in the summer of 1927 under the supervision of the Houston School District. The initial enrollment for the first summer was 300. The Junior College progressed so fast that by 1931, it became a member of the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges.
1934
1943-
The college operated as a four year institution formally added a graduate program. In 1944 , Vocational School of the Houston Coll This provided an opportunity for trade infrast High School graduates and undergraduates, reg In spring of 1945, the Houston Independent Sc Houston College for Negroes and, thereafter, al Separate Board of Regents. By 1946, the College which until this time had an enrollment of approximately 1,400 .
February 2019
CAMPUS
The Herald • 7
Texas Southern University
With support from two large donors, Mrs. T. M. Fairchild, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Dupree, and the African American community, the college raised enough money to construct its first building on the new 53 acre campus. In the fall of 1946 the college moved from Jack Yates High School to its first building, the new T. M. Fairchild Building which still operates as an active building in the University’s, facilities inventory. In February of 1946, with support from the NAACP, Herman Marion Sweatt, an African American Houston mail carrier, filed a suit against the University of Texas and the State of Texas because of the denial of admission at the
In the summer of 1934, the Houston School Board changed the junior college to a four year college and the name to Houston College for Negroes. In 1936, sixty-three individuals became members of the first graduating class of the new college.
-1946 until the summer of 1943 when the college
lege opened at 1227 Dart Street. tructure for World War I Veterans who were gardless of their grade. chool District severed its relationship with ll management of the college was vested in a
d operated in Yates High School, had grown to
1946-1947
university. In answer to the Sweatt lawsuit, the Texas Legislature, on March 3, 1947, passed Senate Bill 140, providing for the establishment of a Negro law school in Houston and the creation of a university to surround the law school. This bill was complemented by House Bill 788, which approved $2,000,000 to purchase a site near Houston to house this new college and support its operation. On June 14, 1947, they decided to use the site of Houston College for Negroes, with its new campus at the center of a large and fast growing black population. Thus was born a new law school for Negroes of Texas and Texas State University for Negroes.
1951-PRESENT
Under the separate but equal concept, Senate Bill 140 and House Bill 788 were intended to create a new university for Negroes in Houston that would become the equivalent of the University of Texas in Austin. On June 1, 1951 the name of this new university for Negroes was changed from Texas State University for Negroes to Texas Southern University after students petitioned the state legislature to remove the phrase “for Negroes.” Currently, Texas Southern University is staffed by approximately 1,000 faculty members and support personnel. More than 9,500 students, representing ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds, are currently enrolled at the University.
8 • The Herald OPINIONS
A Big ‘Ol Plate For a (Yung) Giant Janaya Britton TSU Herald Contributing Writer
I recently had the honor and privilege of interviewing a rising star in Houston rap, Yung Giant. The upcoming rapper hails from Houston’s 5th Ward or as he kindly liked to put it “The Hood”. At the beginning of his rise to the top, he remains humble and juggles his talents while being a student at Texas Southern. Yung Giant’s passion for music began at a young age. He started doing freestyles in elementary school, but did not begin taking rap seriously until he was 13 years old. “At 13, something just hit me” said Giant. Throughout the interview, he constantly gave props to his parents for inspiring him to pursue a career in music. “In the industry, they created something very great. They created me. Every piece of game they have, they gave it to me.” said Giant. Both of Yung Giant’s parents have pursued careers in the music industry and are testimonies of black excellence. His mother, Darlene “Koffey” Smith, is a legendary billboard-charting Houston singer who was the first female to come out of Rap-A-Lot Records, the first female voice that the iconic DJ Screw chopped and screwed before his death, and the first female from Houston to be featured on BET and MTV in 1995. Koffey has also worked with famous acts like the 5th Ward Boyz, 5th Ward Juvenilez, The G Group, and The Dove Shack (Warren G’s musical group). His father, Arthur “Art” Smith, managed the 5th Ward Boyz and the 5th Ward Juvenilez and has worked alongside J. Prince at Rap-A-Lot Records. With his interesting perspective, Giant dropped multiple gem-like statements. As far as how he keeps his cool in the music industry, he had to lose himself in order to find himself. The artist struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts around the time he became serious about music.
February 2019
“For a person that’s going through depression, the first thing a person can expect is that maybe they may feel that they’re not having enough love or they’re not being cared for, but that’s not always the case” he contued by saying “What interests you is not your solution, it is just your escape..if you were to kill yourself, you would be trapped in a hell of regret”. In regards to his single “College Life” feat Koffey, we discussed the rapper’s own college life here at TSU. One of his favorite lines from his new single is: “From the outside looking in, it’s a different world. College life, don’t think twice All the boys and girls.” Giant proceeds to explain that he received inspiration for the line from the classic Cosby spin-off “A Different World”. “I watched ‘A Different World’ growing up...it wasn’t until I got older that I was (L to R) The TSU Herald Editor-in-Cheif Brandon Aninipot, Recording Artist Yung Giant, and like ‘okay, they got a bunch of The TSU Herald Entertainment Writer Janaya Britton HBCUs in there, so let me do some research’” exclaimed Giant. When I asked him how TSU has changed him, he responded by expect Giant stated “boldness, expression, and roll until I graduated”. saying, something that you’ve NEVER heard before”. Yung Giant has received high recognition “When I visited TSU, I felt something from our very own President Dr. Austin Lane. spiritual. It’s like stepping onto an HBCU and You can find Yung Giant on his Instagram He also received acknowledgment from Bill putting on a pair of goggles and you can see (@yunggiant4god720), Cosby, who called on P.Diddy and Snoop Dogg everything that has gone on years ago...after Twitter (@YungGiant4God), to mentor him. coming back from that trip, I made the honor on Soundcloud, Spotify, and YouTube. When asked what his future listeners should
Cuffing Season: Vrai ou faux?
Abreana Smith TSU Herald Contributing Writer
When you hear the words “cuffing season”, what do you think of? The general masses thinks of the cold, winter, rain, relationships, having somebody, etc. When I think of cuffing season, I think of short-term relationships, seasonal depression, insecurities, (horrible) coping mechanisms; but most importantly, why the need/want for a relationship. Cuffing season is basically a time period where a person seeks companionship. After their season is over, they’re back to enjoying the single life. I asked people on TSU’s campus, family, friends, and social media a series of questions to help me understand why cuffing season is a big deal for people. My first question was, when does cuffing season start and end? Before I could ask for a specific month, the majority said “it starts when it’s cold, and ends when it’s hot.” Only
1% of the 40+ people I asked said something other than that (literally one person). Knowing our generation, there had to be some type of pressure to have a relationship or be with somebody during cuffing season. When I asked people, surprisingly, social media wasn’t a popular answer. Some people said the holidays/cold and the need for gifts, other people said it came from their peers. The most interesting answer I got was envy and the fear of missing out. People envy others in relationships and the love/ attention they get from their partner. People fear missing out on the “taken life” and the endless opportunities out there. After a series of questions like, “would you bring your cuffing season partner home?”, “Can relationships last longer than cuffing season?” With the final question, “do you think cuffing season is catered towards having one companion or multiple companions?” This question was a toss up because
I know people can have a roster or they can be the romantic type. The answers were 50/50. People actually want a roster to entertain multiple people but they also just want one person to cuddle up with for a season. Hearing the same answers over and over again made me wonder if there was something psychological that made people feel a certain way during cuffing season so I sought out help from my psychology professor: Zamaria John, Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern. “There was a study that was published that indicated that changes in season can cause changes in our DNA. Our genetics are not the same year-round; about 5,000 of these genes are affected when season change. These genes change in production and expression and that impacts our hormones, which changes our sex drive” Professor Johnson stated. “You can also crave cuddling. Society can tell you that it’s cuddling season, so you cuddle a few times to try it out. Oxytocin is a hormone
that is released in response to interactions.” Professor Johnson continued, “This hormone can be released during cuddling and it can begin to be something positive that you crave, which can cause you to want to cuddle more. This also works for dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter released when we are doing something we love. So if it’s commonly released during fall times, you may be more inclined to engage in loving activities, like finding a significant other and cuddling during the fall.” So there you have it, folks. cuffing season gives us an accurate feeling that most of us feel based off our emotions and not just everybody around us. All in all, I still do believe cuffing season is unnecessary, but I was wrong to believe that people were crazy to want somebody when it’s cold and drop them when it’s hot. I want to know your thoughts! Do you believe cuffing season is a thing? Is it stupid? Helpful? Let me know! @unicornbob on Instagram for your thoughts on cuffing season.
February 2019 OPINIONS
The Herald • 9
Saying I’m A Woman Before I’m Black Is not an Insult to Black Advocacy Tashandra Poullard TSU Herald Contributing Writer As we embark upon highlighting some of the most influential African Americans in Black History Month, one can’t help but reflect upon the many great African American contributions to society at large. Our go-too reflections most always lead to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X. These men are nothing short of social agents for change that embodied self-determination, anti-enslavement, antiAfrican apartheid and civil disobedience tactics that we still incorporate into modern day advocacy. But the more “woke” I become - I realized that the raised Black fist of resistance throughout the global African diasporas pay little to no attention to the intersectional struggles of Black womanhood. This includes the intersecting cross-roads of gender specific advocacy, civil rights and Black empowerment for Black women. In my honest opinion – the idea of empowering Black women and girls is somehow incorrectly lumped into malebashing and contradictory white feminism that many in the Black community reject feminine advocacy for Black women and girls, believing that its congruent with White suffrage: As one woman put it, “the struggle between the White woman and her man”. As a result, we lack an understanding of how race, classist biases, education and sexual/gender politics has left many a woke Black women like myself at a crossroads of standing for the wellbeing and personal rights of Black women and girls, vs. fighting the system in the name of Black empowerment. Many of “us” mistakenly believe that you can’t fight for women’s empowerment and Black power simultaneously. Yet these same people will stand firm in fighting for the lives of
Corretta Scott King speaking in at the Houston Civic Center (1977)
Photo From: No Country for Ignorance about Black Feminism
We (Black people) mistaken fighting for Black women and girls to be “bashing” in the same fashion that White people mistaken fighting for the well-being of Black people to be racist. I can fight for Black women and girls and still fight for my people. There’s no restriction to advocacy for Black lives that matter - Tashandra Poullard, TSU Herald Contributing Writer
Black men (or Black male advocacy) as a means of uplifting Black people. We attach Blackness and Black pride to how well are men are being treated., while the concern for nurturing the Black feminine spirit is left void of love, support and encouragement. During the Memphis sanitation strikes of 1968, Black men took to the streets with picket signs that read “I am a Man”; and I had a brother tell me that in his struggle for equality, he demands the world to know and respect that he’s A Man first, then Black. When Black Women speak for and advocate on the behalf of Black women and girls, we’re reminded that we must acknowledge our Blackness first, demanding that our personhood be linked to being African and acknowledging
the struggles of being a woman later. Once we fully eradicate the woes of being Black in America (as it pertains to the treatment of Black men) – then we can move to “pull the pot” of Black female suffrage from
the backburner on the stove top of social oppression in the name of Black advocacy. This is where the term “intersectionality” comes into a hazy focus – a term coined by Black legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in her insightful 1989 essay, “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics.” Crenshaw states, “If you’re standing in the path of multiple forms of exclusion (i.e being both a woman and being black) you’re more than likely to be hit by both.” The concept of intersectionality is a description of the way
multiple forms oppressions are experienced by Black women. As a community, we still don’t understand how these various prescriptions of oppressive ideals cause more harm to Black women than racism alone. These social cocktails of abuse, aggression, and discriminatory thought, cause Black women to not only fight a system of racial biases, but to also deal with oppressive ideas like gender biases as well. This phenomenon explains why it’s difficult for the Black community to speak up for female victims of rape/sexually assault (i.e. tackling the social issues that surround rape culture), childhood sexual trauma, domestic violence and intercultural racism (i.e Black men who refuse to date/marry Black women or prefer a lighter complexion of Black woman over a darker one). The question is, when will we start fighting for the empowerment and well-being of Black women and girls with the same tenacity that we fight for the empowerment and wellbeing of Black men and boys?
10 • The Herald SPORTS
February 2019
Men and Women Tigers take fourth place at the SWAC indoor championship meet Brandon Aninipot Editor-in-Chief
with Mariah Stewart, Ashlonia John, from fifth to first place in the 60 In the running events, the Lady and Nikole Haroon. meter dash. Turner took the gold Tigers had a pair of second-place Eleven hours. That’s how long it took with a time of 6.73 seconds. Both men and women will begin finishes – in the 200-meter dash and our Flying T’s to travel by bus from their outdoor season this March With both men and women taking 4x400-meter relay. Alexis Gray took Houston to Birmingham, Alabama. under the leadership of Head Coaches fourth place out of the 10 teams second-place in the 200-meter dash The preperation however, started long at the 2019 Southwestern Athletic Clyde Duncan Sr. and Pauline Banks . with a time of 23.83 seconds. before then. Conference indoor track and field Gray was also part of the relay For many, the two day Indoor SWAC championship, the women finished team that took silver with a time of 3 Championship was a first, including just four and a half points behind minutes, 46.9 seconds. Gray teamed Assistant Coach George Clare and Southern for third, while the men Hillary Maiyo. were just 10 points behind third-place For others, veterans like Roman finisher Arkansas–Pine Bluff. Turner, Jorge Martinez, Alexis Gray Alabama State would sweep the and Taylor Levine, there was an SWAC championship with the men obvious target on their backs. tallying up 165 team points and the “Everyone knew I was the champion women with 188.5 team points. in the 3k last year,”said Martinez, “I Freshman Hillary Maiyo would visit felt like I had to prove that I was still podium twice. He won an individual number one.” medal with his second-place finish in Coming into the championshipsthe 5,000-meter run; Maiyo’s time Gray, Turner and Levine were all in the event was 15 minutes, 45.25 ranked first in the SWAC. seconds. Quintella Johnson however supriised Maiyo was also part of the distance everyone but herself friday when medley team that claimed third place she tied a SWAC record en route with a time of 10:34.69. TSU’s team to winning the high jump event. also consisted of Jorge Martinez, Johnson’s best jump of 1.79 meters (5 Bronshaye Bolden, and Jacob Price. Roman Turner (right) crosses the finish line in the 60 meter dash claiming his feet, 10.5 inches) tied the record for Price was also a finalist in the gold metal with a time of 6.73 the event set last year. 800-meter run, taking fifth place Having come off a silver medal last with a time of 1:57.12. year in the same event, Johnson said In Friday’s field events, Taylor that she felt she deserved to win. Levine was TSU’s top performer, “I felt like I beat myself last taking fourth place in the long jump. year,”remembered Johnson, “This Taylor’s best jump was recorded at year I have more confidence and have seven meters (22 feet, 11.75 inches). been speaking up.” Our women competed In the shot put Also turning their performance event, with TSU’s Christelle Nintcheu around was sophomore Roman taking fifth place with a 13.16 meter Turner, who in one years time went throw (43 feet, 2.25 inches).
Quintella Johnson leaps her way into first place in the high jump. Johnson tied the SWAC record with a jump of 1.79 meters (5 feet, 10.5 inches)
Jorge Martinez leading the pack in the mile.
February 2019 SPORTS
The Herald • 11
Undefeated no more: TSU upsets PV 95-90 Pedro Romero, Jr. TSU Herald Contributing Writer
There’s nothing quite like a rivalry game. The air gets thicker, anxiety reaches an all-time high and bragging rights become a bit more important. A simple game of basketball is amplified when two in-state rivals come face to face in the midst of a gridlock for first place in any given conference. Only few occasions can match these prerequisites, and when it comes to fruition whatever setting it happens, one can be sure an epic game would transpire as a result of the hyåpe. This is exactly what happened in the game between Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M on Saturday night. In a contest filled with plenty of twists and turns, including a 21-point comeback, the Tigers came out on top to defeat the Panthers 95-90. Jeremy Combs, the reigning SWAC Player of the Week, led the way as he notched a double-double, which accounts for an already stellar stat line of 22 points, 14 rebounds, 4 steals, one assist, and one block. Looking into the rest of the cast, Tyrik Armstrong scored 19 points while also giving four assists and committing three steals. Moreover, Devocio Butler, Eden Ewing, and Derrick Bruce rounded out the team as they each put up double-digit points in their own right, galvanizing the team to eventual victory.
Tyrik Armstrong finished with 19-points, four steals and three assists in victory against PV
Photo credit: Mikol Kindle Jr.
Conversely, Prairie View’s Devonte Patterson led the team in scoring for this game with 21 points while Chancellor Ellis chipped in with 20. The game started out as a shootout as both teams exchanged shots left and right. Prairie View made seven out of their first nine shots while Texas Southern was nearly perfect from beyond the arc by making three out of four 3-point attempts. In fact, TSU held a five-point lead near the middle of the first half. However, by its end, PV conducted
a 13-2 run for the lead, giving them a 53-45 score at the break. It looked that the visitor’s offensive powers were going to ensure them the win as their lead soon walloped to 21 points seven minutes into the second half. The crowd, watching the events happen before them, looked shell shocked. Silence governed the arena and the only sound that could be heard came from the visiting crowd. But it’s at that point where the tides began to turn for the Tigers.
A succession of turnovers on the part of PV—most of them being bad passes—gave TSU some hope, and they made use of their many opportunities. The Tigers made a 18-8 scoring run which cut the lead down to eight with six minutes remaining in the game. As the game neared its end, PV’s lead dwindled further and further, going from eight to five to three and finally to one. Eventually, after Armstrong made a layup with three minutes to go in the game, TSU took the lead, prompting the crowd
lose their rational minds. Texas Southern continued to pound on the Panthers with their momentum, but the latter stayed firm. This transpired for nearly a couple minutes, leaving the game clock to only a single minute. With the score 90-89 in favor of PV, Combs drived for a layup, his mind hopeful for the ball to go in. Fortunately, it did go in; but before that happened, the referee whistled for a defensive foul, signaling an extra free throw. After making the free throw, PV was given the ball to create a shot and respond to the Tigers’ attack. Nothing was materialized. PV soon committed another turnover and the Tigers were given a new pair of free throws, locking up the win for the home team. Cheers rounded out the court as the clock expired. Happiness reigned down Texas Southern’s home arena. Their rivals, vanquished in defeat, languished to their locker room, signaling their surrender to the victors. It’s the first the loss the Panthers received in the Southwestern Athletic Conference this season, leaving them at a record of 9-1 and 11-12 overall. On the other hand, the result leaps Texas Southern to second place in the league’s standings, with their record improving to 7-3 and 12-11 overall in the process.
Lady Tigers Spoil PV’s Hopes of Revenge, Winning 73-67 Darrion Gray TSU Herald Contributing Writer
“The revenge game!!!… [lady Panthers] are focused on revenge!” These words come directly from Prairie View’s pregame handouts. Clearly the cliche of ‘just another game’ wasn’t applicable. Coming into the game, the Lady Panthers were riding a four game winning streak and sitting at the top of the SWAC. Even with their current success, Prairie View still had a bad taste in their mouth from the previous matchup with TSU, that game going to the Lady Tigers with a score of 52 to 44. This, however, was not the night that revenge would be captured for PV. In a game that could have went either way, it was Texas Southern on top once again when the clock hit triple zeros with a score of 73-67. In the 4th quarter, the game fully epitomized what this rivalry means: These two teams don’t like each
Olivia Cunningham & Catherine other. Through the last 10 minutes, the disdain the players had was on full display. The play that seemingly started it all was a vicious block attempt by Catherine Okwilagwe on the Lady Panther’s Shala Dobbins.
Though it appeared to be accident, it was taken as a declaration looking back at it. The game only got chippier from there with Niya Mitchell being at the center of it all. The next altercation came in a loose ball situation where Mitchell stepped on Jhyrah Cobbs chest while trying to get up. This was the first time the teams had to be separated. Mitchell was not ejected but it wasn’t the last time Photo credit: Mikol Kindle Jr. trouble came her way. Okwilagwe Up six points with less than a miOn what could have been a regular nute left in the game TSU’s Alaysia play, Okwilagwe followed throuReady drove down the court with gh after connecting with the ball victory in sight. Instead of going and connected with Dobbins’ face. for the regular intentional foul, Dobbins dropped to the ground and Dobbins sprinted towards Ready Okwilagwe was charged with a foul. and tackled her to the ground. The
response was Dobbins getting her second technical and promptly being ejected from the game. An ejection was inevitable, and it had been trending that way since the beginning of the 4th quarter. If you mix together the game hype, the stakes involved, and the rivalry itself, tensions were bound to boil over. The chippiness was sarcastically described by Cunningham as “mess talking and friendly play.” Though it’s always great to score a victory over the hated lady Panthers, most importantly it shows that the lady Tigers can compete with the top teams in the SWAC. Cunningham ended with 19-points and some clutch scores in the 4th. These late buckets helped the team sustain their lead on the way to victory. After the hard fought win, the team now has a week off before traveling to face Grambling State. Tempers should have cooled by then since Grambling isn’t a heated rival.
12 • The Herald
February 2019
TSU celebrates the legacy of Trayvon Martin
Jada Newsome TSU Herald Contributing Writer
With what would have been his 24th birthday on the 5th of February, it has turned into a day of mourning and reflection. The nation is remembering the life and tragic death of Trayvon Martin, a death that sparked controversy and forced Americans to ask the question: have times really changed? This horrific event took place in 2012 and has set the tone for mass distrust of the criminal justice system. In celebration of Martin, TSU’s Student Life, Beta Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., and the University Program Council presented “Take Back the Mic”. Hosted by nationally ranked Self the Poet, the event went spectacularly. The energy was intense as students were thoroughly entertained by some of TSU’s best talent, along with various vendors being recognized for their up and coming businesses in hair and fashion. As soon as the elevator doors opened, tunes from the latest artists were blaring out into the hallway, heavy music pulsating the room. With only a handful of occupants in the area, there was still a lively atmosphere as the DJ, hosts, guests, and vendors prepared for the night. Many broke out in dance and freestyled till their hearts desired. Exactly 15 minutes after eight o’clock, a crowd of students stepped in and the energy in the room skyrocketed. As I sat to the side, I realized quickly that the turnout will surpass my previous expectations. As 30 minutes past, a steady flow of people began to fill the seats as the show started. Beginning on a high note, Self the Poet introduced the audience to
the importance of this day: the birth of Trayvon Martin and his memory. He stated, “The country is in dire need of black people to get together.” He then performed for us his own poem surrounding the inappropriate use of the word “nigga” by Caucasians. His spoken word sparked quite a few other poets in the room to share their poetry on police brutality, social injustice, and racism. A few poets strayed and talked about love and relationships. Inbetween those performances, we enjoyed popular throwback hits of the 80’s and 90’s, putting the audience in a jovial mood. Later, inspired by obstacles in her life, a female student graced us with praise dance and towards the end we were serenaded by an original song by DJKew, which caused quite the hysteria amongst the crowd. Minutes before the clock struck ten, the celebration continued on with more dancing, rapping, and the intertwining of students of all ages and class ranks. Let’s not forget this event was more than just a merriment of black people gathering togetherit was about celebrating a life who could no longer celebrate himself. A life that was unjustly taken. “Another black boy becomes an ancestor”, as one poet expressed- a black boy who became part of our history. Let us remember Trayvon Martin and the many others who have been unjustly murdered and remember their life and legacy because they are our black history.
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