Vol 69 | Number 02
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CAMPUS NEWS
THE TSU HERALD | September 7th, 2016
page 4 MEET MR. AND MISS FRESHMAN
LIFE & STYLE
page 5 RELATIONSHIPS IN COLLEGE
SPORTS page 8
A SPORTS RUNDOWN
POLITICS
page 11 BLACK AND BROWN ORAL HISTORY
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King without Crown Mr. TSU title revoked by SGA
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Cover Story STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION STRIPS ‘MR. TSU’ of TITLE BY: TODD ROGERS
Thursday morning, August 25, 2016 news broke that Texas Southern University (TSU) Student Government Association (SGA) removed senior, Marcel Scruggs from the prestigious position as the 2016-2017 ‘Mr. TSU’ after a scandalous SGA meeting the night before.
that Scruggs received the popular vote.
Scruggs, a Political Science major, originally began campaigning for the ‘Mr. Texas Southern University’ title in late April under his ‘Essence of Men’ initiative – established as a way to promote leadership, education, mentorship, and professional development for young men.
On June 8th, ‘Mr. TSU’ was officially sworn into office along with ‘Miss TSU’ Casandra Cantue and other student government officials like Justin Lee, the 69th TSU SGA President. “We, as SGA are following our constitutional guidelines and making sure that student leaders are upholding their duty, and are qualified for their positions,” Lee said.
President Lee’s F.O.C.U.S. Administration ofAfter a very confusing Spring 2016 elecficially took office tion – due in part to the shortage of qualified this semester admincandidates – the announcement was made istering the constitution during the EDITORIAL STAFF first week of school. Classes took place on MonT h e T S U H e r a l d day and the SGA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF meeting on Tuesday. is MARCUS D. SMITH p u b l i s h e d b y t h e After an investigation and students of look into the application Te x a s S o u t h e r n process, it was determined U n i v e r s i t y. SPORTS WRITERS that Scruggs did not meet AKIL WILLIAMS Opinions exMESHACH SULLIVAN p r e s s e d a r e t h o s e the minimum requirements to hold the title of of the OPINION EDITOR ‘Mr. Texas Southern.’ writer and do NYCOLE HUTCHINS
STAFF WRITERS MAHBUBA MATOVU TATIANA HARISIM MARIEA BOYD NIKKI LUELLEN PHOTOGRAPHER JADE HORTON Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER
not necessarily reflect those of the administration. The newspaper is p r i n t e d b i w e e k l y, except during holidays and examination periods. For additional information, call (713) 313-6710.
Scruggs names Denitra Saunders (Chief Election Commissioner), Emmett ‘Malik’ Earle (SGA Attorney General), and former SGA Advisor, Mr. Elvonte Patton as the responsible party — stating “Attorney General Earle and Saunders were in charge of receding eligibility from the registrar’s office” and “What’s done in the dark, shall come to the light.”
Earle, the F.O.C.U.S. Administration’s 20162017 Attorney General called Scruggs’ grades and the administrators of the application process into question. Although, it is the Attorney General’s duty constitutionally to perform grade checks, he was not able to at the time. “I could not get involved because I was also running during the Spring election,” Earle said. Earle also faults Sanders and Patton, stating the latter knew Scruggs was not eligible to run prior being sworn in this summer. “I gave him the benefit of the doubt,” Earle said. The Attorney General says he assumed former SGA Advisor Patton had approved grades during the Spring. He says Scruggs was given “three days to provide proper documentation”. In an official letter released to the student body from the Office of the Attorney General on August 28, 2016 – Earle writes: “Mr. Scruggs was given a lenient extension to provide proper documentation to ensure he remained Mister Texas Southern University.” “There are no personal issues, just grades. A total of five individuals were removed from SGA,” Earle said — leaving empty spots within Student Government Association and a vacant throne at this year’s Coronation Ball. “I’m not sure as to why in this time they felt they needed to investigate. In my opinion, there was never an investigation,” Scruggs said, “In order for there to be an investigation, rules must be broken — I never broke rules.” Scruggs contends that in regards to the Spring 2016 elections — that the process was “conducted in a very appropriate way” and that
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Cover Story “each candidate fought and competed extremely hard”. Tyler Doggett, a former contender for the 2016-2017 ‘Mr. TSU’ title, campaigned alongside Scruggs during the Spring elections; however Doggett used the power of petition to rally students to include his name on the written ballot because he says he was not allowed to run the traditional way. “Honestly, it’s crazy because your leadership is really tested at a time like that,” Doggett said. He raised 500 plus student signatures during campaign season. “I really had an opportunity to just fold, I really had the opportunity to not truly bring this institution, or everything that I believe in, or stand for — to the forefront because I don’t have a ‘a title’, but I really want to inspire students, and push student leaders to let them know that a title means nothing compared to your work ethic,” Doggett said. Doggett, current host of the revamped “KTSU Talk on the Walk” notes that you don’t have to be president, vice-president, star quarterback, or editor-in-chief to make change and do your job. “We have great people here that are going to work then going to class, full-time mothers, students with full-time jobs,” he says, “it’s cool.” The “Talk on the Walk” host says he could have won the election in spite of the obstacles. “When you’re in that type of situation, of course you think — you wouldn’t run if you felt you couldn’t do the job,” Doggett said, “but also being a part of the process — you have to know how to push through.” There are no plans to replace Marcel Scruggs as the current ‘Mr. Texas Southern University’ and Coronation will go on as planned. “Cantue has an escort, Trevin Hooks, as of now,” Earle said, “Its past the deadline.” Following the removal of his title, Scruggs plans to serve the students of Texas Southern University through programming and events.
“I am still the founder of The Essence of Men, so TSU will see a plethora of events not only establishing male leadership on campus, but empowering women to join equal initiatives to help build our men of Texas Southern into the future Black leaders of today’s society,” Scruggs said. ‘Miss TSU’ Casandra Cantue was escorted by Corbin Burton, SGA Internal Vice-President during ‘Freshman Rock the House’ on Friday, August 27, 2016, along with other campus queens and kings. Scruggs’ replacement, Hooks, was absent during the event. Following the first week conspiracy, Marcel Scruggs released the following statement: “To the wonderful Tigers at Texas Southern, In 2014, prior to transferring to Texas Southern University, I had scholarships to go elsewhere. But it was something different about TSU that caused me to ignore those scholarships and to officially become a Tiger. The atmosphere felt uniting, the environment felt accepting, and the students were beyond family oriented. Not long after being accepted into Texas Southern that I felt as if I could contribute more than my academics. I knew it was time for me to contribute my leadership to the students of TSU. But I figured in order to lead and change; I must first change myself first. That’s when I was soon to be known as “the guy in the suit”. Students have always asked, or even whispered to peers, “Why does he dress up so often?” Well students I am finally speaking. Image is absolutely everything. And since our university is so profound and prestigious, we’ll never know who we may run into on any given day. Within the student center elevators, we may be conversing with a Texas state senator who just so happens to be looking for an intern. Hypothetically, we could be sitting in a course and that professor who is lecturing just so happens to be a CEO or President of his/her own company. So why is it again that I became known as “the guy in a suit”? Well because Tigers, I wanted to present opportunity to this university. Opportunity starts off with image. Image creates confidence. And confidence creates less room for error.
Prior to running, I wanted Texas Southern to gain the respect from other prestigious schools such as the Howard’s, the Morehouse’s etc. It was my goal to cultivate more leaders and fewer followers. It was my goal to present a prestigious university to those who may have been watching from afar. I figured being Mr. TSU will enable me to do so. Unfortunately, due undisclosed reasoning, I have realized that a title is never necessary to do the works God called me to do. The title was just a platform. With that being said, effective immediately I have chosen to abdicate my position as Mr. TSU for the 2016-2017 academic school year. I am actively pursuing my educational objective and I look forward to continuing serving the students of TSU.” Thank you, Marcel Cooks-Scruggs
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...I wanted to present opportunity to this university. Opportunity starts off with image. Image creates confidence. And confidence creates less room for error.”
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Campus News Young Minds, Bright Futures: Meet Mr. and Miss Freshman BY TATIANA HARASIM Campus News Writer
Marcus Nash is the new Mr. Freshman. Nash, a 19-year-old kinesiology major, hopes to make his mark at Texas Southern University through his position by expanding his fellow students’ minds and helping the class of 2020 achieve their goals.
“Partying is last on my list,” Nash said.
“I didn’t run [for Mr. Freshman] to simply have the title,” Nash said, “I want to give back to my classmates.”
A daily phone call to his grandmother, Vicki Oliver – a preacher in Dallas – is also part of Nash’s recipe for success.
Looking out for others has been a way of life for Nash. When he attended Desoto High School in Dallas, Nash was a member of Dress for Success and Mentor for Success. Students dressed in business attire once a week in the Dress for Success program.
“We talk about his future, and plans going forward,” Oliver said, “I am adamant that he continues to choose the right direction.”
“We wanted to show we took ourselves seriously,” Nash said. This concept, although one of his core values to this day – he wore a blazer and slacks to his interview – was not always his way. Nash remembers a turning point in high school with one of his former history teachers and Vice President of Dress for Success, Christopher Hill. Nash came to school sagging and Hill did not approve. “He really got on me and we argued,” Nash said. “He told me that real men don’t do that and that you attract what you are.” This tough love got through to Nash. He not only leads by example in his own attire, but also reaches out to young men who sag. “I don’t try to tell them what to do,” Nash said, “I approach them with respect, you don’t know everyone’s situation.” In the Mentor for Success program, Nash guided and prepared students for the next year. He and other members recruited underclassmen whose dedication to their education was apparent. Education remains a top priority for Nash. He strives to keep his GPA above a 3.5 at all times.
Above all, the most important relationship in his life is the one he consistently builds with God. Nash shared that he began reading the Bible last year and is almost finished.
Faith is a recurring theme for the direction Nash is headed. His parents, who he refers to as his role models, made sure to instill the importance of strong faith from day one. “He was raised to fear God and to keep an open communication with him,” Oliver said. “We are all rooting for Marcus.” Nash hopes to build with this winning formula and land his dream job as a college basketball coach. Nash has played football and basketball throughout his life. While playing basketball in Henderson, Texas, he won offensive player of the year for 2013-2014 in the Amateur Athletics Union (AAU). “Sports taught me to be disciplined and respectful,” Nash said. A 17-year-old, pre-pharmacy major, Sidney Guillory, is the new Miss Freshman and has huge expectations for the 2016-17 academic school year. Guillory hopes to get rid of the usual quiet and reserved freshman demeanor for the class of 2020. She plans to do this with more mixers and already has one in the works with Mr. Freshman, Marcus Nash – a 2K night for the guys, and a karaoke night for the ladies. “I want our class to start networking with upper classmen and seeking out internships,”
Guillory said, “I want us to get more involved with community service and the Third Ward.” Guillory, originally from Port Arthur, is no stranger to giving back. She was the student advisor for The Anchor Club – a club generated out of all female volunteers from two high schools – where she participated in events such as food drives, Beaumont’s Walk and Run for Breast Cancer, and giving art tutorials at The Beaumont Children’s Museum. As student body president of student council her senior year and parliamentarian of the National Honor Society, Guillory left her mark at Central Medical Magnet High School in Beaumont. She was the sophomore secretary when TSU’s Student Government Association president, Justin Lee, was a senior and student body president. “He was like a big brother to me,” Guillory said. This type of relationship is one that is important to Guillory. She mentors young women and leads by example. Guillory was co-captain of her high school drill team senior year and recalls the benefit of working with young women with different personalities, from a number of different backgrounds. “I love being a big sister and helping others,” Guillory said. Guillory’s mother, Tiffany Guillory, has been her greatest inspiration. She instilled the importance of putting God first in everything. “I tell Sidney, that without God, nothing in this world would be possible,” Tiffany Guillory said, “We must go to him for guidance.” Emphasis on how a proper young woman carries herself and personal integrity are two core values Guillory’s mother passed on to her.
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Health/Lifestyle High-risks Investments of the Heart:
Why You Should Avoid a Serious Relationship Your Freshman Year of College BY: MARIEA BOYD Staff Writer Unless you’re the doppelganger of Blair and Chuck from the hit TV show Gossip Girl, you know with billionaire parents who can get you that awesome internship with just a phone call or the one that “kind of ” dies and leaves you an extremely successful company to run; college is the passageway to a good career and a relationship, good or bad, could possibly ruin your chances. If you ask some of the seasoned students at your university about their first relationship in college everyone seems to have a story, either a relationship gone wrong or a terrible hookup. Whether it’s an older student who takes advantage of the freshman naïveté or the case of looking before leaping; relationships can be a minefield. During the first semester be particularly cautious while everyone is still in the hook-up stage. Falling for someone early in your college career who is just looking for some recreational intimacy can be very dangerous. College is a great place to get an STD. According to “Go Ask Alice” between 20 to
25 percent of college students are or have been infected with a sexually transmitted disease. Sleeping with someone who has already shared a bed with the whole first floor can mess up your head, not to mention your grades. You don’t want to end up with a broken heart and a bruised ego. And while being away from your family can be very intimidating and latching on to someone might sound very appealing, but that could also be sense of false intimacy. Not only could you end up sharing your life story in the first 72 hours and he or she tells the whole class of 2020. Being coupled-up could potentially cause you to miss out on the wide-array of experiences that makes up college. Besides there are much worse things that could happen when dating someone you
barely know. Most college campuses aren’t barred from the public, which means youcould be dating someone who is actually not a student at your school. Those types of relationships are particularly the most dangerous, because if something goes wrong there isn’t a record of him or her in the database. Being stalked or raped on a college campus isn’t unheard of and it usually happens with someone you know or who is an every-day resident of the city. Be aware of who you let into your dorm room, especially if you’re in off-campus apartment living. School is hard enough with deadlines, weird roommates, psycho professors, and the confusion of how to wake up in time for your 8AM class and still look presentable. Wait until you’ve been on campus and have built some solid friendships before getting into a romantic relationship. Then if your romance is actually love you’ll have some friends to be happy for you, and if isn’t you’ll have someone there to hand you a Kleenex while you’re crying into your American Literature book.
Five Simple Ways to Fight the Freshman Fifteen MAHBUBA MATOVU Staff Writer College can be a huge adjustment in many ways, from having to move away from your family, to being completely responsible for yourself and the possible changes on your body, like gaining weight.
man) and third (junior) years of college.
Although studies have proven that the “freshman 15,” the common belief that students gain 15 pounds during their freshman year of college, is a myth, multiple studies have shown that students gain an average of 3 to 10 pounds during the first year of college.
Watch out for the all-you-can-eat cafeteria The cafeteria could be your best friend or your worst enemy. Although there are plenty of high-calorie foods, you can also find a wide range of nutritious options. Skip the cheese burger and make your own deli turkey sandwich or opt for the baked chicken instead of fried. The cafeteria also offers a salad bar and daily vegetarian options so you could try Beyonce’s #22DaysVegan challenge.
A study carried in Auburn university that followed up the freshman students for three years also concluded that the greatest gains in body weight and fat occurred in both the first (fresh-
Whether you are or sophomore, junior, or senior, below are five tips that could help you keep your weight in check this fall semester.
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THROUGH THE EYE 4
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ES OF&OUR Life StyleTIGERS 1. Justin Lee, SGA President 2.Students at Chant Night
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3. Ocean of Soul Drum Majors
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4. Ex-NBA player T.J. Ford 5. Self the Poet & Kodak 6. #RatedZoo Party 7. Reverse Hump Day 8. Calon Mask 9. Freshmen ready for FRTH 10. USA Olympian Swimmer 2x Gold Medalist, Simone Manuel 11. Mr. Junior and Miss Senior 12. Texas Southern Cheerleaders 13. FRTH Audience 14. Ocean of Soul 15. Post-HAW
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Photos taken by Jade Horton and David Funchess
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Sports
Sports Rundown BY: MARCUS SMITH & CHARLES KOEN Editor-In-Chief and Contributing Writer Tigers Fall To 0-1, Following 3rd Quarter Collapse For many reasons this game was circled on many schedules as the MUST-WATCH game of the week. Whether it was to see the new-look Tigers and coaching debut of Michael Haywood and staff; or to see how Prairie View would respond after a spectacular 9-2 season in 2015 under first-year head coach Willie Simmons.
The Tigers led at halftime 17-6. Entering the 3rd quarter, the Tigers looked like a different team, well more of the same team that we saw years prior during the Asberry Era.
Let’s not forget that $61 million-dollar stadium that was built this past summer. Texas Southern showed signs of life early in the game by drawing first blood. On a 46-yard pass, quarterback Jay Christophe found an open Derrick Griffin downfield for a touchdown, the first touchdown scored ever at Panther Stadium, to put them ahead 7-3 with a minute and a half left in the game. Griffin finished with six catches on 90 yards. The game was delayed for the next hour due to a weather delay and lightning storm watch. Upon resuming the game and entering the second quarter, the Tigers would increase their lead to 14-6 following a Tylor Cook five-yard touchdown run. Following the touchdown, it seemed as if everything was starting to work in favor of TSU, as Demetrius Johnson would intercept a pass from Prairie View quarterback, Trey Green. Johnson would end the game with two interceptions. Here’s where things started to tip downward for the Maroon and Grey. Christophe had left the game late in the second quarter and did not return with what was reported as a leg injury. Christophe ended the game with five completions on eight attempts and collected 112 yards in the air and 46 yards rushing. Backup quarterback, Averion Hurts, finished the game 8-for-15 and 71 yards. “[Christophe] won’t practice on Tuesday, he’ll just have an MRI and we’ll go from there,” said Texas Southern head coach, Michael Haywood, concerning his starting quarterback’s condition.
Prairie View’s defensive line totally outplayed the Tiger’s offensive line allowing Hurts to hurried and sacked four times (one resulting in a safety) and finished negative in rushing yards, T-minus nine. Texas Southern was held scoreless in the 3rd quarter and gave up great field position, which led to a 16-point quarter for the Panthers. As a result, Prairie View led after three quarters, 2217. “I think from an offensive standpoint, we didn’t come out with the right psychological disposition after halftime. We didn’t come out with that instinct to keep attacking. We went out there and
turned the ball over, we had mistake after mistake and the next thing you know we’re giving up somewhere around 16 points. Offensively gave up 16 points,” said Haywood, following the team’s collapse in the third quarter. The Tigers would regain control of the game in the fourth quarter after a two-yard quarterback sneak by Hurts for a touchdown. After electing to go for the twopoint conversion rather than the extra point field goal, Texas Southern found its way up 25-22 after Hurts found Mario Smalls wide open in the end zone to gain two points. With just under nine minutes left to play in the contest, this was more than enough time for the Panthers to formulate a go-ahead drive. They did just that as Green would go 5-for-6 and throw for 78 yards capping off the drive with a 39-yard touchdown pass to wideout, KhaDarel Hodge, their second connection of the evening. In an attempt to answer back, the Tigers were called for a costly holding penalty for 10-yards on 2nd and five. Eventually, they would go three and out to bring out kicker and punter Eric Medina. On consecutive drives, the Tigers were called for holding penalties, which would set them back. With time going against them, the game would end with a sack for a loss of five yards. Time would eventually run out and Prairie view would claim Bragging Rights for another 365 days. The Tigers (0-1) next matchup will be at Houston Baptist University at 7pm where they look to rebound from Sunday’s loss. DRAKE, OVO SHUTS DOWN H&PE ARENA Sunday, September 4, 2016 at the TSU H&PE Arena celebrities gathered around to enjoy other celebrities and known stars of the Houston area for Houston’s All-Star Weekend hosted by music artist, Drake. (continued on Page 9)
Sports Sports
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FIFTEEN (continued from page 5) Take the stairs Instead of squeezing yourself into the crammed elevator, take the stairs, and do a little sprint up if you can. Over the course of the day, the few calories you burn from each stair climbing will add up. Work out An active lifestyle can help in weight management while in college. The Recreation center offers a wide range of fitness equipment, an aquatics center, a gymnasium and an exercise studio that offers Zumba, yoga and body sculpting classes. Set a time for a fitness activity and take it as seriously as you would take a class. Keep healthier snacks Stock up on healthy snacks in your dorm room that are low in calories and will keep you feeling full longer. Stay away from hot pockets and ramen noodles and stock up on apples, carrots and peanuts. Skip the marshmallow fruit loops and have a warm cup of instant oatmeal with low fat milk. Vending machine options There will be days when you won’t wake up in time for breakfast or stay in the library for hours on end and the vending machine will be your only option for a hunger fix. Vending machines have snacks that can range from 120 to 600 calories. Stay away from the Doritos, cheese crackers and dangerous glazed honey buns and stick to the granola bars, roasted peanuts or reduced fat popcorn. Also, choose the zero calorie water bottle over the minute maid lemonade. For more tips on healthy eating at college, check out MyPlate On Campus at choosemyplate.gov.
OVO (continued from page 8)
Kirko Bangz and many more, including host of the weekend, Mr. OVO himself, Drake. The event drew a fairly large crowd and did not disappoint. Those of the audience were more than entertained consistently throughout the evening. The event was entertaining to a lot of the audience and lasted fairly long as well. They started the show with a 3-point shootout featuring many great 3-point shooters. Bryce Griggs, an attendant of Provision Academy High School ended up taking the 3point shooting trophy home. Next, they had the dunk contest. This contest had a great deal of athleticism being displayed by the participants involved. It ended up coming to a showdown between the reigning champion, Houston’s legend Isaac “Sir Isaac” White and Maxwell Evans, a Vanderbilt commit, who ended up taking home the gold in dramatic fashion. Finally, the game started and things quickly got interesting when Drake’s OVO All-Stars took an early lead against J. Prince’s Rap-A Lot Crew. They ended up making things pretty interesting when they came back to hold the lead almost the entire fourth quarter. Rap-A Lot saw much success behind the passing of ex-Milwaukee Buck TJ Ford and the scoring of Kirko Bangz. In the end the size and inside scoring of the OVO All-Stars proved to be too much. Drake, being the main star was able to draw enough attention for a sell out crowd. The event brought attention to many great things, including the secret behind what HISD plans to do with Texas’s taxpayer money. In all, the show was something a Houstonian did not want to miss that ended with a game that went right down to the wire.
Volleyball falls to Houston in four sets
The Celebrity Basketball All-star game featured (courtesy of www.tsusports.com) many notables in the crowd as well as in the game. There were stars there such as USA gold medalist and Olympian, Simone Manuel, former HOUSTON– Texas Southern came up short NBA player TJ Ford, Houston-native rapper in a four-set match versus Houston during the
Cougar Classic Friday afternoon. The first set was one to forget for the Lady Tigers (2-4), who gave up 16 of the set’s first 21 points. TSU would get no closer than seven in the stanza. Set two was more closely contested, but got away from Texas Southern near the midway point when – with Houston up 15-13 – the Cougars scored eight of the game’s next 10 points to push the set out of reach. Texas Southern eventually got going in set three, coming out of the gate with a 5-2 run. The Lady Tigers pushed their lead to as many as five, but had to hold off several pushes from Houston to win the set. That momentum didn’t carry into set four, as Texas Southern couldn’t maintain another quick start through the period. Texas Southern’s Ellena Torres was one assist shy of a double-double, with 11 digs, nine assists and two aces. Kali Fluke led TSU with eight kills, adding five digs and two blocks.
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Opinion
Why College Graduates are Finding Themselves Unemployed BY NYCOLE HUTCHENS Opinion Columnist Pursuing a college education is the most valued and admirable pursuit in the United States. As more and more students gain book knowledge while fine tuning their skills to prepare for the work force, college graduates are finding themselves lost, anxious and worst, unemployed.
to Graduate School as a “safety net” not having other options according Texas Southern professor Cliff McBean.
According to NewsWeek.com, nearly 2.8 million students graduated from college in the U.S. and hit the workforce with a bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, great news? Not so fast.
Mcbean also emphasized that many students from School of Communications for example, are having unrealistic expectations in addition to not being properly prepared in a field where skill trumps degree.
Studies are showing that many college students are not prepared for the workforce. So what’s the cause behind this unfortunate trend? Many factors are tied into it, but lets’ focus on the college student. Students are placing unrealistic expectations about their post college careers and entry-level jobs.
“Here’s what I’ve noticed. A lot of students have unrealistic expectations about what life is like after college. They’ll say “when I leave college I’m going to do this,” but they never took the steps toward those goals.”
Many students say or think “I am going to do this or that,” being naïve about the economy and their actual level of experience. An online survey revealed that eight out of 10 college graduates in 2015, said they felt their education prepared them well for the workforce. Although more than half of the soon-to-be graduates felt confident that they will secure a job, only 12% had a job lined up. Students are also not utilizing their resources to the best of their ability. For example, many students are encouraged to take on as many internships as possible and network with the right people who can help them elevate to the next step in their careers. This is especially important for HBCU graduates. HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) lack positive public perception. Students who graduate from these institutions have to work three times as hard as their competition from PWI’s (Predominate White Institutions). If students don’t push themselves, and continue to think that obtaining a degree is enough, they are in for a rude awakening. So what are students doing if they are finding lack of job opportunities? Many are returning
“Grad school is a safety net for a lot of students. They jump out there facing real life. Then come back, they run from it.”
It is clear that students must not rely on their degree alone thinking it will get them through the door. It’s also imperative to start applying for jobs three to six months prior to your expected graduation date to get ahead of the game. To ensure you have a better chance of getting ahead of the competition, first pick a major or field that you are passionate about or at least good at. Talk to your advisor and get the help you need to stay on track and be consistent. Gain at least three to five internships in your field and build your resume, find a great mentor and apply to jobs early. While there are no guarantees in life taking these basic steps will help you get on the right track. Photo Credit: http:// graduateplacementproject.co.za
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...GRAD SCHOOL IS A SAFETY NET FOR A LOT OF STUDENTS. THEY JUMP OUT THERE FACING REAL LIFE AND THEN COME BACK. THEY RUN FROM IT...”
---SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION PROFESSOR CLIFF MCBEAN
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Politics Civil Rights in Black and Brown Oral History Project BY Nikki Luellen Political Columnist Historian Carter G. Woodson once said, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography
and history.” When most Black and Brown people look for strength, knowledge of self and encouragement, they often times reflect on the legacy of their ancestors who gave their lives fighting for justice and equality. What happens to a race when the history of their ancestors are hidden or omitted from history? What impact will that hidden or omitted history play upon a society; most importantly, what impact will it have upon people and their future? In 2016, American history remains Eurocentric and most people seem to forget that people of color played a principal role in the making of America. Starting in the summer of 2015, history professor, Max Krochmal, of Texas Christian University, put together a project titled Civil Rights in Black and Brown Oral History Project, which sheds light on the stories of Black and Latino activists during the civil rights movement. According to Professor Krochmal, “While most research on American race relations has utilized a binary analytical lens—examining either “black” vs. “white” or “Anglo” vs. “Mexican”—Civil Rights in Black and Brown: Oral Histories of the Multiracial Freedom Struggles in Texas collects, interprets, and disseminates new oral history interviews with members of all three groups. This project does not exclude any race and provides a platform for activists from different ethnicities and racial origins to share their stories but
the project mainly focuses on black and brown civil rights activists. Texas Southern University History professor, Dr. Esparza was contacted by Professor Krochmal and two UH graduates who worked for the project to help circulate the news to people from TSU to be a part of the project. The flier immediately caught the attention of TSU Theatre professor, Professor Rodriguez and TSU Alumni Erika Walton, who will work alongside Dr. Esparza to expand the project into a theatrical production that will make its debut in 2017. When asked what interested her about the project, Professor Rodriguez expressed, “What interested me was the fact it included Brown voices of the civil rights movement paired up with Black voices and was considered equally important and equally influential. I found online a picture that said “No Mexicans” and I never seen that. I had seen black and white but I had never seen specifically Mexicans...”No Mexicans, No Spanish, Whites Only”...and it hit me, especially what’s happening in society today, in politics today, it’s personal, it’s my children, it’s my family, it’s me. It makes me feel even more connected to the struggle in America with segregation and social injustice and I think it’s important to tell the story of minorities.”
Dr. Esparza will use the stories as a teaching tool to create an impact upon his students at TSU, Dr. Esparza explains, “…this is the best way to get students hooked. Once they hear these things…then what they do is become better agents of change in their communities. That’s ultimately why I do what I do,
to get them to impact their own communities…and if they hear the stories of the persons before them they can understand the struggle’s far from over and if they (my ancestors) did it, I can do it too, cause that’s what it’s all about.” This project has already created an impact upon many people and has gained the support of sponsors, community activists, college professors and students. For more information about the project visit the website, professormax.org.
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What’s Happening on campus & around town
Monday - 9/5 LABOR DAY NO CLASSES
Monday - 9/12
Tuesday - 9/6 HIDE & GO SEEK Tiger Walk Edition Hosted By: Cali Club
Tuesday - 9/13
Wednesday - 9/7
Thursday - 9/8
Friday - 9/9
The Weekend 9/10-9/11
HUMP DAY NFL RETURNS-TNF MAROON AND GREY ASA Presents: DAY Campus Organization SAVAGESZN (TBA) WS: TSU @ UNT 7pm Workshop 12p-1:30p FB: TSU @HBU 7pm WVB: Univ. of Incarnate Word Tournament (San Antonio, TX) TBA XCMW: TSU @ Rice (TBA)
Wednesday - 9/14
Thursday - 9/15
First Official General HUMP DAY NAACP Get Hyped Body Meeting- Cali Club 12:15p SC 207A Block Party 10am-1pm
Gun Violence Panel Discussion 6p-9p (Tiger Room)
The Yard
Guest Speaker: Ch. 13 ABC’s Tracy Clemons 11a-1p MLK 104
Friday - 9/16 MAROON AND GREY DAY
The Weekend 9/17-9/18 FB: TSU vs MVSU 7pm BBVA Compass Stadium
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. Are you already tired of class? 2. Who still doesn’t have books in the third week of classes? 3. Did your refund drop yet? 4. Have you spent all of your refund money already? 5. Did you go to PV for the Labor Day Classic? 6. Are you out-of-state students homesick yet? 7. Why don’t we have access to the tools necessary for success? 8. Are you ready for the NFL? 9. The summer is over, have you thought about cuddle season yet? 10. Why aren’t you supposed to wear white after Labor Day? 11. What are the plans for homecoming? 12. Why don’t we tailgate before every game, rather than just HC? 13. How long will it take for you to get tired of the cafe? 14. Which resident housing is the most lit? 15. What’s the best fraternity/sorority on campus? 16. Have you figured out which class you need to drop? 17. Did you go to Beyonce’s concert? 18. Should minority citizens kneel during the anthem? 19. Do you follow “The Herald” on social media? 20. Who’s new album did you listen to and like: Frank Ocean Travis Scott, Isaiah Rashad, other?
#TSU20QUESTIONS
Anonymously submit your 20 questions submissions via Ask.Fm today: TSU20Questions
DISCLAIMER: The questions are submitted by the student body and are not the views of The TSU Herald or Texas Southern University as a whole. Feel free to bring your questions to room 221 of the Student Center. Questions are printed at the discretion of The TSU Herald.