Vol 67 | Number 04
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CAMPUS NEWS page 3
TSU POLICE DEPARTMENT RAISES AWARENESS FOR BREAST CANCER
LIFE & STYLE page 8
Exclusive Interview With TSU Professor and Breast Cancer Survivor,
THE TSU HERALD | October 08, 2014
Serbino Sandifer-Walker
10 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT BREAST CANCER
SPORTS page 9
pageBedia 4 Photo credit: Buck page 5
page 11
Sports Run Down
OPINION page 10
WE ARE CLASSICALLY BEAUTIFUL
SHONDA RHIMES SHINES THREE TIMES ON ABC THURSDAY NIGHTS
POTUS “GETS REAL” AT THE CBC ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
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Campus News Texas Southern students visit D.C. for the 44th annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference BY CAMBRAI ROBINSON Contributing Writer black politics in America, including our very own Texas Southern, have gone to the annual legislative conference in numbers. This year, thousands were in attendance to several issue forums, workshops, a prayer breakfast and other events in the host of political empowerment. Jonathan Davis, Junior Broadcast Journalism major at Texas Southern says, “The knowledge and wisdom I obtained at CBC is unparalleled to any other trip I’ve ever taken. I am forever grateful by this wonderful opportunity provided to me by Texas Southern University.” TSU SGA students attended a host of sessions geared toward the empowerment and development of achievement in our Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Students were also able to meet congressional leaders from various parts of the United States who expressed interest in partnering with SGA for future events. The highlight of the trip for many of the attendees was meeting distinguished, politiThe TSU Herald is published by the cal pioneers including, students of Rev Al. Sharpton, MiTexas Southern University. chael Eric Dyson, and Opinions expressed are those of the reconnecting Houswriter and do not necessarily reflect those of the admin- ton’s own Congressistration. The newspaper is printed woman Sheila Jackson Lee. biweekly, except during holidays and Musical scholars examination periods. MC Lyte, Ledisi, and For additional information, call (713) Rakim were also in 313-6710. attendance and sat on the panel in discussion of the empowerment of our black communities and in extended support of the CBC foundation. The Texas Southern University
Last week, members of the Texas Southern University Student Government Association and Student Board of Regents attended the 44th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. SGA president Terrance Bolton, Executive Vice President Damien Jones, Attorney General Marcus Johnson, Internal Vice President Crystal Owens, Student Regent Marshaun Williams, Senate Pro-Temp Jonathan Davis, Senator of External Affairs Torre Holmes, and Senator of the Gifted & Disabled Richard Roberts were all in attendance, exhibiting supreme behavior, representing the true excellence in achievement that each Texas Southern student embodies. For over 40 years, members of the Congressional Black Caucus have hosted legislative conferences where the eagles of
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MECOLE’ HAYES Managing Editor LENZI CAUSEY Campus News Editor MARIEA BOYD Life & Style Editor KENNETH WARE JR. Sports Editor SIDNIE HOLMES Opinion/Politics Editor LINDSAY GARY Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER Advisors SERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER MICHAEL BERRYHILL
family including Congressman Shelia Jackson Lee, TSU Alumnus Shickerra Davis, and others attended the State of Texas Reception hosted by the Texas League of Young Voters and many other political engagers. Students were able to connect with successful political leaders’ from the city of Houston and it made the trip more magical. The empowering and enlightening experience definitely raised awareness of the development and financial stability of Texas Southern, HBCU’s all over the world, and most importantly surrounding African American communities as a whole. “Every HBCU student must attend the CBC at least once,” SGA President Terrance Bolton said. The ultimate purpose of the Congressional Black Caucus is to help empower, enlighten, and represent our African American political leaders in a positive light. Each forum and workshop covered an array of subjects from the political abuse in our black communities, human trafficking, education, and all around public policy. Student Government members greatly enjoyed their visit to Washington D.C. and picked up several ideas toward the advancement of our university. “The wealth of knowledge gained there was priceless,” President Bolton said. “This year’s 44th annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference was definitely a dynamic leadership conference our university will never forget.”
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Campus News TSU Police Department raises awareness for Breast Cancer BY MARIEA BOYD Campus News Editor The Texas Southern University police department takes on the initiative of supporting the cause for breast cancer awareness month by wearing pink badges and offering pamphlets with breast cancer information. “I think it is a positive thing we’re doing and people need to be aware, “ Sergeant Tina Dorsey said. During the month of October officers in the TSU police department will be trading in their usual sliver badges for pink ones in effort to draw attention to the effect that breast cancer has on women in the community and all over the world. The badges were purchased by the officers themselves and all proceeds will go to many different breast cancer organizations, such as Flight Against Breast Cancer and other organizations. Flight Against Cancer is sponsored by a Houston based Harley motorcycle club by the name of Harleys Angles. They’re raising awareness by celebrating life with music and fighting breast cancer together with Harley’s Angels - CRUZIN TO CURE.
Flight against Cancer will be hosting and sponsoring concerts, and auctions in efforts to raise money to put towards breast cancer. The song “Today Is The Day” as performed by The Shake Russell Trio inspired the Flight Against Breast Cancer Benefit. “I chose to celebrate my late sister’s life rather than mourn her loss. While I do mourn her loss, I take great joy in what has been created in her memory,” the founder of Flight Against Breast Cancer said. Another way the TSU police department force is raising awareness is by selling pink and white “Give Cancer The Boot” boot pins for three dollars each. For each pin sold, the proceeds will be gathered in a gigantic pink check that will be made out to campus organizations to put towards their event on breast cancer awareness. “Raising awareness is important to this team because of the many affiliations when have connected to the disease and community service,” Lieutenant Deneen Ford said. Recently, former employee of the TSU police department Sonja Jackson passed away
from breast cancer. After many years of fighting this disease Jackson lost her life a little over a month ago. The police department wears their badges with pride in remembrance of their late co-worker. Another member of the TSU police department also happens to have very close ties to a breast cancer survivor. Gaynell Mcafee’s mother is a 1992 breast cancer survivor, having to have her left breast removed in the fight of this deadly disease. “My mother was affected from breast cancer so this is very personal for me,” Gaynell Mcafee said. Until the end of the month you can stop by the police department to pick up one of the flyers with breast cancer information and tips. Inside the flyer it includes information on the stages of breast cancer and how to be aware of these stages. Visit the TSU police department for more information.
TSU Student and Faculty Members Share Two Facts They’ve Learned About Breast Cancer
Victoria Donias, Sophomore “I’ve learned that breast cancer can cause one to lose energy and that after treatment patients may begin to experience abnormal bleeding.”
Damien Thaddeus, Senior “I’ve learned that the average age for African American women who are diagnosed with breast cancer is 51 and that African American women have low survival rates.”
Allison Pryor, Junior “I’ve learned that men can get breast cancer as well and that breast cancer can move to different parts of the body such as the hip and brain.”
Marvin Huff Jr. , Staff “I’ve learned that triple negative breast cancer is the worst type of breast cancer and that breast cancer is not painful.”
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Cover Story
Exclusive interview with TSU professor and Breast Cancer survivor, Serbino Sandifer-Walker BY LENZI CAUSEY Managing Editor In October of 2013, a professor many TSU students hold dear to them, Serbino Sandifer-Walker, was diagnosed with a vicious form of breast cancer. Here is her story through her journey and experiences. In the first week of October last year, as Walker was up for her next mammogram and was advocating Breast Cancer Awareness Month as she has for many years, she performed a monthly self breast test for herself. “I pressed gently on my breasts”, Walker said. “I’ve been taking mammograms for the past ten years, every year-- RELIGIOUSLY, so when I felt this spongy, but smooth lump on my right side, I thought ‘What’s going on? I need to get this checked out.’” She described finding the lump that alarmed her as something like pressing a filled water balloon. Soon after, she scheduled to meet with a doctor, and he did not diagnose her. In fact, he told her nothing was wrong. “The first doctor was laughing and jolly, and told me, ‘Oh, it’s nothing! Don’t worry about it!’, so I wasn’t worried.” After some thought, she went to see a specialist and radiologist to get the lump further examined and for a second opinion. “That doctor actually took a biopsy of the tumor, and in that room it was very hard. In that room it all kind of came over me. I had this warm sensation, and it was at that moment I knew something was really, really wrong,” Walker said. Within three weeks, Professor Walker found out that she had Breast Cancer. There was a 2.1 centimeter tumor in her right breast, and it was then she really started to worry whilst in an state of disbelief. “On the right side of my brain I was thinking something is just not right. It can’t be me! I was certified in cardio kickboxing, I was a perfect size six, I exercised everyday, I was a
very healthy eater… I did all the right things,” Walker said. “Now the left side of my brain said ‘Move! Take action!’, and thats exactly what I did.” The next step she took was to visit MD Anderson, where a brilliant team of physicians helped her in her process. They diagnosed her with Triple Negative breast cancer, a very aggressive strain that targets young women, African-American women and those who have a mutation of the BRCA1 gene. Her doctor instructed her to have a mastectomy, or the removal of the breast. After she went through with the mastectomy, Walker had to go through chemotherapy starting in December 2013, and radiation this August. Due to the harsh effects those processes have on the body, steroids are prescribed to patients undergoing it. Therefore, Walker gained weight and the chemotherapy had an adverse effect on her hair in February. So along with having such harsh processes being performed on her body, the physical changes can bring about emotional strain in adjusting. “I just had to pull myself together and take care of myself. When I would share this with people, everybody would break down and cry. That made it hard for me, but what I decided to do was try to remain positive,” Walker said. She has still been active through her journey doing cycling and Zumba aerobics, and to this day has not missed a single class teaching here at the university. “It was a tough journey for me, but it was one I could make it through because I have God in my life, a wonderful family, an excellent medical staff, and a great church family to get me through. I come from a family of women who grit their teeth in adversity,
and we do our best to make it. I am just grateful to be here.” In the near-future, Walker is planning to make a documentary and release stories based on an intimate journal of her testimony. If she could say anything to those in this process to get them through she would say, “I want people to know it could happen to anybody! Early detection saves lives. Don’t wait to take action!”
Professor and Breast Cancer Survivor, Serbino Sandifer-Walker during her interview with Managing Editor, Lenzi Causey
Professor and Breast Cancer Survivor, Serbino Sandifer-Walker continues to motivate and encourage her students after her battle with cancer.
Life & Style
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Shonda Rhimes shines three times on ABC Thursday nights BY MARIEA BOYD Campus News Editor Award, Critics’ Choice Award, Directors Guild son Wright, who is played by Columbus Short If you have tuned in to the medical of America Awards, Humanities Prize, Golden who has been dealing with problems outside drama Grey’s Anatomy, the political thriller Globe Award, and many more. of the show. Scandal, or the newly premiered legal drama In 2007 the series won the Golden When asked by TVLine.com about the series How to get away with murder, you have Globe Award for Best Television Series and possibility of a new “Gladiator” Rhimes joked, witnessed first hand, some of Shonda Rhimes’ earlier this year ABC renewed the series for an “When we left [off in Season 3 finale], were work. there any gladiaNow tors?” every Thursday, Just you catch when we her trio of thought shows on she’d ABC as pulled they air out all back-tothe stops, back. Rhimes surprised Fans all viewover the ers with couna new try are show praising that she’s Thursday producnights and ing, How have beTo Get gan using Away the hash With tag #TGIT Murder, short for, which Thank had a God It’s Rhimes with the cast of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal killer Thursday. eleventh series. debut with 14.3 million total viewers and a 3.9 “It’s someone else’s job to program “Right now, as long as I am still interdemo rating. the night”, Rhimes says. “I’m just focusing ested in what happens next, I am not thinking The show is centered on a law profeson making great shows,” she said during her about that,” Rhimes said when asked about a sor who is played by Viola Davis, and her interview with People’s Magazine. students, who suddenly become intertwined in Rhimes began her career as the creator possible end date for Grey’s Anatomy during her interview with TVline.com. a murder-plot. of the television series Grey’s Anatomy that Scandal is another hit show written and When asked about her success with her aired in March of 2005. trio of successful shows Rhimes responded, “I The series focuses on the fictional lives produced by Rhimes. The show debuted in April of 2012 don’t think there is any sort of formula to it, of surgical interns and residents as they gradu- I just try to make something I would love to ally evolve into seasoned doctors, while trying with Kerry Washington as the fictional Judy Smith, Olivia Pope. watch.” to maintain personal lives and relationships. The show focuses on the life of Olivia Rhimes is a native of University Park, Grey’s Anatomy is the highest-rated Pope as she tries to handle heavy political Illinois, and received her B.A. from Dartmouth drama in the key 18-49 demographic. scandals along with her messy personal life. College in English literature and creative It was once the among the top-ten Last month, the show aired its 4th sea- writing. rated shows in the United States receiving a son on ABC with the shocking death of Harrinumber of rewards such as: Peoples Choice
Texas Southern University Excellence in Achievement
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YES OF OUR TIGERS
As the weeks go by here at Texas Southern University, our photographers have captured all of the moments and current events.
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1. Kyle Drayton using one of two new charging stations inside the Sterling Student Life Center. 2. The check from the TSU Police Department that will be donated to Harleys Angels in efforts to help the fight against breast cancer. 3. The TSU Police Department prepared gift bags for those who attended the unveiling of the check being presented to Harleys Angels. 4. The Tiger Football team takes another win against Mississippi Valley. 5. Director of Student Services, Birtenna Bennett and other faculty members enjoying the Women’s Resource Center’s Woosah Wednesday. 6. Faculty members enjoying a massage during Woosah Wednesday. 7. Texas Southern students inquiring about job opportunities during the Career Fair. 8.Cameron Martin and Trevor Jones picking up fashion tips during the Career Fair.
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9. Students pack out the cafeteria for the UPC’s Glow Party. 10. The Xi Gamma chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity, Incorporated serves hand-made tacos to students during the International Pot Luck Festival. 11. The TSU chapters of Collegiate 100 Men and Women serve Tuscani Pasta to students during the Internatinoal Pot Luck Festival.
Photos courtesy of: Cameron Butler, Joedicy Simms and Kurt Brinson
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Life & Style 10 things you didn’t know about Breast Cancer BY TONY MONK Contributing Writer Since 1985, the month of October has been dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness, where we pay respects to the brave individuals who have battled the disease as well as educating others on how to protect themselves from it. Here are 10 things that you probably didn’t know about Breast Cancer that could possibly save yours, or someone you know life. 1. African American Women are more likely to die from the disease Breast Cancer does indeed affect women of all ages and races, but a lesser known fact about the disease does show that AfricanAmerican women under the age of 45 are not only more likely to become diagnosed, but are also more susceptible to die from the disease. Experts aren’t sure whether it is genetic or cultural occurrence but it is encouraged that African-American women be diligent in detecting and being aware of changes in their breast. 2. Your friends can act as a powerful anticancer drug to fight against breast cancer Here is something that you ladies will really love. The next time your girlfriends ask to go out somewhere, you may want to accept their invitation. Researchers from the University of Chicago reported that lonely women are at a greater risk of breast cancer. It is said that the stress and anxiety can have the power to increase the growth of tumors in the breast. 3. Every 13 minutes, breast cancer takes a woman’s life Not the most encouraging statistic, the most recent data from 2006, show that 191,410 were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,820 died from it. List eight women you love and admire. According to the statistics one of these women will develop the disease within their lifetime.
4. Early detection gives a 96% survival rate Do not be fully discouraged about breast cancer; experts say that early detection and the right treatment is the key to beating the disease. By estimate, 96 percent of the women who detect the cancer early enough will be free from it within 5 years. 5. Eating right can help ward off cancer Eating the right foods, such as: salads, fruits, and vegetables of course is believed to help repair cell damage, which in turn helps ward off cancer. 6. Fitness regimens can reduce the recurrence of breast cancer Working out is the best defense to any type of problem. Doctors used to restrict exercise during and after breast cancer treatment, but according a study by Harvard University, women who exercise are 50 percent more likely to survive breast cancer than those who don’t. 7. Breast cancer doesn’t always appear as a lump For another statistic, 10 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no lumps that are detected, 80 to 85 percent on the other hand do. 8. Breast Cancer survival rate is increasing There are approximately 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. The increased survival of breast cancer has increased since the early 90’s. 9. Family history doesn’t mean you will get breast cancer Only about 20 to 30 percent of women who get breast cancer are due to family history of the disease. Though genetics do play a role, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are destined to get cancer because a member family has or had it. 10. Alcohol consumption The use of alcohol is known to be an
increased risk of breast cancer Women who consume 1 alcoholic drink a day have a small increased risk. Those who have 2 to 5 daily sit at 1 and a half. Excessive consumption is also known to increase the risk.
Houston goes pink for breast cancer awareness BY MARIEA BOYD Campus News Editor On Friday, October 3, 2014, Houston began to glow pink in honor of October, breast cancer awareness month. City officials urged Houstonians to wear pink and post pictures using the hash tag #PinkOutDay. It began in late September when ABC News went pink for their second consecutive year. Throughout the month, ABC news will presenting information you need to spot the signs, know your risks and protect yourself. They will also bring you stories from real women who have experienced the disease and all that comes with it. Exciting stories like, a patient blogger who chose to participate in a clinical trial, and also woman who had to navigate sex during treatment. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can’t miss it as you ride along the North Freeway you will notice a change in some of the buildings along the way. One of those buildings is Mainstream America. The project took eight crews of painters, scaffolding, power lifts and construction lighting to fully turn the building oink in time for October. Many other companies will raise awareness in t heir own way throughout the month. Be sure to take a picture wearing pink using the official hash tag #PinkOut
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Sports Sports run down BY SIDNIE HOLMES Sports Editor Tiger Football In the first drive for the Tigers, running back, Daveonn Porter rushes for 23 yards to place impact on the rushing game that led to the Tigers 20-16 victory on Saturday. “Daveonn Porter has been a great leader, on and off the football field this season,” Coach Asberry said. With a total of 169 net rushing yards for the Tigers, Daveonn Porter, who was actually suffering with an illness, put up 106 of those yards. Keeping the ball on the ground seems to be effective for the Tigers with other players such as Quarterbacks Jamall Small and Jay Christophe who have combined rushing yards for a total of 65. This does not mean the ball cannot be thrown being that Jay Christophe completed eight passes for a 62 total yard gain. Stev Carpenter was able to capitalize with two receptions for a total 30 yards. The Tigers longest possessions, both ended with field goals, making the red zone chances three for three. Kicker Eric Medina was two for two in field goals. He kicked a total of six times for 272 yards averaging 45.3 yards per kickoff, also
averaging 42.2 yards per punt. “We needed this win, to show that we are a great football team. Its always great when the team responds to adversity,” Asberry said. The Tigers are in their bye week and using this time to heal and review tapes to make great changes and efforts to continue the winning season as we they are set to take on Alcorn State next week. Tiger Soccer The Women’s Soccer team is on a three game winning streak. Ysamar Alonso with the assist from Maya Turner scored only one goal throughout the match against the Grambling Tigers on Sunday. The Lady Tigers won big against Arkansas Pine-Bluff scoring a total of four goals. Valerie Cortez scored two of the goals with the assists being credited to Maryln Campa and Maya Turner. Tiana Humphrey assisted both Kaylah Valdry and Ysamar Alonso in their goal attempts. Rebecca Hajny had four saves in that game to keep Arkansas Pine-Bluff from scor-
ing. The women’s soccer team travels to Mississippi Valley State this Friday in efforts to keep the streak alive. Tiger Volleyball The Lady Tigers Volleyball team has also been on a winning streak and has won the last five games in conference play. The Lady Tigers beat both Grambling and Prairie View 3 matches straight. Kali Fluke had 6 kills in the Grambling match and 9 kills for MoKeysha Shanklin against Prairie View. Saturday’s match against Arkansas Pine-Bluff went four matches when the Lady Tigers went down 27-25 in the second match. Robyn Shannon ended the match with 22 kills and Kali fluke followed suit with 14 of her own. Nonetheless, Ashlee Markey set a tone with 21 digs. Sarah Wooten led the assist board with 25, followed by Mallory Ozuna with 15. The Lady Tiger Volleyball team has a match at Southern University on October 15 and will participate in the Southern University invitational over the weekend and return home on the 20th to face Huston-Tillotson.
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Opinion We are classically beautiful BY LINDSAY GARY Opinion and Politics Editor
“You are intelligent. You are fierce. And you are sexy,” Rosie Perez, Host of The View, told Viola Davis in a recent interview. Davis responded, “I see myself as those things in my life.” These words from Viola Davis during her recent interview on “The View” are quintessentially what many women wish they were. Ironically however, the two time Academy Award-nominated actress has very rarely been cast in a role like this. Sure, playing something so drastically different from oneself is a challenge that many actors thrive on, but not when this is the only role people like to see you in; not when society refuses to let go of its affinity for the grotesque, downtrodden, and simplistic image of the black woman; not when your new role is protested because it is too close to your true character, too complex, too real, and too human. It is not a caricature but it is the kind of role on screen and the kind of real life black woman that can make both a white man and a white woman uncomfortable in real life. Just when black women began celebrating their dignified and complex portrayal in Shonda Rhimes’s newest hit television series on ABC, “How to Get Away with Murder,” New York Times journalist Alessandra Stanley revealed her ignorance and possibly her discomfort. Not only does she begin her ill-written article with a suggestion that Rhimes should entitle her autobiography “How to Get Away With Being an Angry Black Woman,” playing into a very hurtful, intractable stereotype, but she goes on to undermine Davis as well when she states “Ms. Rhimes chose a performer who is older, darker-skinned and less classically beautiful than Ms. (Kerry) Washington.” It appears as though she is attempting to give a compliment, but an underhanded one, like the “you are pretty for a dark girl” kind. For all the potentially positive and valid points she made such as how Hollywood
has narrow beauty standards for black women, the ignorant ones invalidated them. Her article is completely contradictory and especially offensive, not just to Rhimes and Davis but to all black women. Is Stanley just confused? Perhaps just a poor writer whose lede is both justified and contradicted throughout the article’s entirety? Or did she prefer to see Davis in her typical role? Was her role as Annalise Keating too much of a dynamic character? Although she acknowledges the wrong in boxing black women in Hollywood, she imitates this by attempting to simplify Davis’s character by putting her into the “angry black woman” box, but she would not fit. Her character is not angry, she is assertive and powerful; she is not promiscuous, she is sexual and torn. She is not dumb, she is intelligent and educated. She is not a jobless baby mama on welfare, she is a wife and a professional woman. Would coverage of the stereotypical black woman have made Stanley’s job easier, her writing clearer? And what does “classically beautiful” even mean? If she is referring to having more European features, that is not the standard in which Davis defines herself nor is it the standard to which any black woman should. People in Africa were defining beauty long before Europeans even had civilizations or anything remotely close to classical. And most importantly, it is time we as black women move beyond basing our worth solely on something as superficial, fleet-
ing, and subjective as beauty. Shonda Rhimes understands this as does her character Annalise. As Davis stated during her interview, Stanley’s comments and others she has heard her entire life are “a fancy way of saying ugly” and are an attempt to denounce and erase you. But these are unsuccessful attempts. People like Stanley do not have the credibility to define us and we should not allow them to minimize us with their simplistic ideas of who we should be, how we should act, and how we should look. We have to define ourselves, love ourselves, and own ourselves.
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Politics Potus “Gets Real” at the CBC Annual Legislative Conference BY LINDSAY GARY Opinion and Politics Editor President Obama seemed to be filled with joy and comfort as he delivered the keynote address during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 44th Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner, held on September 27, 2014 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. The night’s attendees included members of the Congressional Black Caucus, activists, educators, business leaders, journalists, and emerging leaders from around the nation. Contrasted with the man who has appeared quite stressed and serious during recent public addresses, the president appeared to be right at home amongst the audience members—telling jokes, even going off script, but most notably, speaking quite candidly on issues affecting his fellow black Americans. In lieu of Attorney General Eric Holder’s fresh and disappointing resignation, POTUS began by thanking Holder for his faithful servitude in the fight for equal justice. He read the minds of the room when he stated, “[W]e will miss him badly.” He used this however to transition into more hopeful and reassuring matters, particularly how his administration is leading efforts to combat Ebola, Russian aggression in Ukraine, and the terrorist group ISIS. But it was domestic policy that resonated most with attendees. He reminded viewers of his domestic efforts, listing the 30% decline in uninsured African Americans due to the Affordable Care Act; the increase in high school graduation rates; and the decrease in crime, incarceration, unemployment, and poverty as unsung victories, victories that are especially important to the advancement of the African American community. Between applauses and laughter from the audience, he made light of the dialogue being had by the misinformed and hopeless by adding, “I just list these things just so if you have a discussion with one of your friends and they’re confused.” Alluding to the harsh criticisms and
rhetoric of his Republican and often economically well-off opposition, he argued, “that the folks who are doing the best, they’re the ones who complain the most.” He went off script when he added “[I] t’s easy to take a stand when you’ve got health insurance,” referencing those who specifically target the Affordable Care Act, which has saved $800 billion in Medicare. Other important initiatives include My Brother’s Keeper and the White House Council for Women and Girls, which have been and will continue implementing comprehensive plans to ensure that young men have the tools necessary to achieve their full potential and to ensure young women have the same opportunities as their male peers, respectively. Even with these achievements though he recognized and admitted there is still a lot of work to do. He highlighted racial injustice as a primary contribution to some of the nation’s worst ailments including African American
unemployment rates, which are twice as high as white unemployment. In addition to this, he acknowledged the family members of Michael Brown who were in attendance, and listed racial disparities in the justice system as a source of mistrust between communities of color and law enforcement. According to President Obama, these improvements can be achieved by in-
vesting in areas that create new jobs; investing in early education; working to make college more affordable; and by continuing Holder’s efforts in making the criminal justice system smarter, more effective, and equal. In his concluding remarks, POTUS urged the audience to help him in his efforts by voting in the upcoming midterm elections. “We need more than prayer. We need to vote,” rang loudly. He maintained that regardless of the work of his administration and all the resulting benefits, voting, although it would not relieve him of the gray hairs he has developed during his stressful time as America’s first black president, would help him pass some bills and most importantly, lead to a more perfect union.
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What’s Happening on campus & around town
Monday - 10/6
Tuesday - 10/7
Wednesday - 10/8
Thursday - 10/9
Friday - 10/10
Collegiate 100 Women presents: 3rd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Balloon Release 12 p.m. SSLC
Monday - 10/13
Tuesday - 10/14
Wednesday - 10/15
Women’s Bowling Time TBA Hunstville, Tx.
Thursday - 10/16
Friday - 10/17
The Root presents: Free Lunch & Bible Study 12 p.m. Room 237 SSLC Delta Theta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha presents: The Clothing Drive 11-2 p.m. SLLC
The Weekend 10/11 & 10/12 10/12: Women’s Soccer 1 p.m. Lorman, Miss.
The Weekend 10/18 & 10/19
UPC Presents: Fun Bus to Alcorn State
Our calendar is reserved for the advertisement of on and off campus events. If you are interested in having your event placed on our calendar, then please stop by room 221 of the Student Center or call us at (713) 313-6710.
20 Questions
1. Is the government trying to kill us off with Ebola? Anonymously 2. First Atlanta, then Dallas, now Cypress? submit your 3. Does anyone else think this is a conspiracy? 4. No really, what happened to the seating in the student center? questions via 5. Are students just suppose to stand around? Ask.Fm 6. Why are people all of a sudden interested in running for senator positions? 7. Are they actually going to do work or just wear the polo? today 8. Can anyone vouch for your services if you’ve never been in SGA? 9. How many people aren’t able to go on the fun bus because they don’t have the GPA? 10. Is anyone going? DISCLAIMER: The questions are 11. Does anyone have a 2.5? submitted by the student body and 12. Where are the Kappa’s? are not the views of The TSU 13. And the Aka’s? Herald or Texas Southern University 14. ....and SGRho’s? as a whole. Feel free to bring your 15. Have people stopped caring at this point? questions to room 221 of the Student 16. Since it’s getting cold, will girls actually start putting clothes on? Center. Questions are printed at the 17. Or have club dresses and too little shorts become the norm at TSU? discretion of The TSU Herald. 18. What happened to all of the scholarships? 19. Why don’t we have money for scholarships but new buildings are popping up all over the place? 20. Why is the tea so good this week on campus?
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