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Vol 68 | Number 02 THE TSU HERALD | August 26, 2015
CAMPUS NEWS page 2
TSU WELCOMES INCOMING FRESHMAN CLASS WITH RENOVATED ORIENTATION PROGRAM
LIFE & STYLE page 10
7 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR DORM A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
OPINION page 11
WHAT HAPPENED TO SANDRA BLAND?
SPORTS page 5
THE YARD VS. THE HILL: LABOR DAY CLASSIC WARMUP
Freshman Rock the House to be Bigger and Better
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Campus News Texas Southern welcomes incoming freshman class with renovated orientation program BY TYLER DOGGETT Staff Writer
An ambience of excitement fills the air as Texas Southern University holds out the red carpet for the highly anticipated class of 2019.
that separation, students are then divided based on their perspective majors and asked to sit amongst others within their majors.
Students herd towards the Sawyer Auditorium to be properly welcomed to the university in freshmen orientation.
Radio personality and communication professor Marcus D. Wiley hosted the event; creating smiles and adding comedic relief.
Jamil Hasin, Executive Director of Enrollment here at the university made some innovative changes to the orientation platform from an array of new informative programs creating an orderly registration protocol.
“There are two people you will need to graduate: God and the Dean of Students Dr. William Saunders,” said Dr. Wiley as he introduced one of the keynote speakers.
Instead of students flooding into the Sawyer Auditorium, there are now 3 checkpoints before being able to get to the orientation. The initial separation begins with the students who have already registered and those who haven’t to get all new students on one accord. After
EDITORIAL STAFF
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LENZI S. CAUSEY CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR AMBER VERNON SPORTS EDITOR JONATHAN DAVIS OPINION EDITOR LINDSAY GARY STAFF WRITER TYLER DOGGETT Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER Advisors SERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER MICHAEL BERRYHILL
The information session briefed incoming freshmen with helpful direction. Some of the speakers included Dr. Colossal Rabb, Linda Ballard, and Brian Armstrong. “It is very expensive to fail, and if a teacher doesn’t show up for that class tell them to give you your money back,” said Dr. James Ward, the University Provost. Another new aspect of the orientation is freshmen will now be assigned a mentor that will be
The T SU Herald is published by the students of Te x a s S o u t h e r n U n i v e r s i t y. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily ref lect 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.
directly hands on with students. “We want to make sure that anybody that wants to graduate, will graduate. I will not let you fail,” said Dean Saunders said as his proclamation to the freshman class. Student leaders spoke upon their own personal experiences and what to expect throughout this academic school year to give further insight to what new Tigers should expect. Welcome Class of 2019!
“It is very expensive to fail, and if a teacher doesn’t show up for that class tell them to give you your money back.” -Dr. James Ward
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Campus News Department of Music Performs at the Meet in Beijing Festival Courtesy of TSU News Texas Southern University’s Heritage of Zion Singers, a group comprised primarily of the university’s opera workshop and university choir students, recently returned from an exciting series of concerts of Negro Spirituals, Black Gospel Music and American Jazz Standards in Beijing, China. The young singers, collaborating with their instructors, Tenor, Jason Oby and Soprano, Summer Haiyan Song produced this concert featuring the best of African American Music Culture. The university singing groups make frequent appearances throughout the US, performing multiple concerts yearly. The Department of Music’s concerts are celebrated for their diversity of styles. The concerts also featured dancer Hindolo Bongay, one of TSU’s talented student pianists who played music in the Ragtime style. The Heritage of Zion Singers, brainchild of tenor, Jason Oby represents an effort to revive the art of diverse historical African American Musical Heritage in all of its diversity.
BY TATYANA NEAL Contributing Writer
Oby and Song have both traveled extensively as performers, lecturers, and clinicians throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and of course the United States. Dr. Jane Perkyns of the TSU piano faculty was the accompanist for the singers In the spirit of cultural exploration and exchange, our students learned and performed a few well-known Chinese folk songs including the most popular Chinese Folk Song, Jasmine Flower. Jason Oby, celebrated was also featured in one of the most well-known Chinese art songs, That is me, the performance of which regularly provoked raucous applause from the audiences. Summer Song was also featured with the students as a soloist in Negro Spirituals. The audiences were delighted! The concerts were presented under the aegis of the Chinese Ministry of Culture as a part of the Meet in Beijing Festival. While in Beijing,
the students and faculty were treated to outings at the Forbidden City, The Great Wall, and Tiananmen Square, among other notable places of local interest. The students were also presented in exchange concerts and activities with Chinese music conservatory students throughout the tour.
Need an event covered? Stop by SSLC 221 to pick up an Event Coverage Form!
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Cover Story
Freshman Rock the House to be Bigger and Better BY AMBER VERNON Campus News Editor Each fall semester, the Student Government Association (SGA) hosts Freshman Rock the House for all incoming students. It is an event that officially welcomes new students to the campus and encourages them to get involved. SGA internal vice president Henry Mokoko is one of the organizers putting the event together. Although he said most of the events for Freshman Rock the House are kept secret, he did give insight into what the event is about. “Freshman Rock the House is a showcase of campus organizations for freshman,” Mokoko said. “It allows them to learn about the different organizations we have on campus. At Freshman Rock the House, organizations showcase themselves to the freshmen to get them hyped about getting involved on campus. Freshman Rock the House is basically a way for campus organizations to gain new members by getting people interested. Each organization is going to have a time slot where they can do a presentation or give out information to the freshman. The Greeks will also come out and show the freshman what it is that they are about.” Campus organizations make up a majority of the culture on campus. By showcasing organi-
zations at Freshman Rock the House, SGA will introduce new students to the campus culture.
Embracing TSU’s motto “we are one”, Mokoko said the TSU shuffle will also be showcased to allude to the idea that the student body is like a family. “The TSU shuffle will definitely be incorporat-
ed at Freshman Rock the House,” Mokoko said. “We are going to keep it exciting for the freshman and get them involved.” Mokoko said he thinks this year’s Freshman Rock the House is going to be bigger and better than the last. “We are expecting a big turnout as Freshman Rock the House is the big back to school event of the fall semester,” he said. “Last year we had around 1,800 to 2,100 people come out. This year, I’m expecting to max out the whole Sawyer Auditorium. With my vision, I think it’s going to be better than last year, simply because there’s always room for improvement. I’ve worked diligently with the former internal vice president and the current SGA president and my senator to put some ideas together. I think it’s definitely going to be better than last year, simply because I’ve composed a lot more parts of it than the previous year and have essentially made it into a production. I definitely think it’s going to be a good year because the freshman seem to have a lot of enthusiasm and when you present something to people like that, it’s always going to be a good show.” Freshman Rock the House is scheduled to be on September 4th, the Friday before the Labor Day Classic game. SGA invites everyone to come out to enjoy the event.
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Sports The Yard vs. the Hill: Labor Day Classic Warmup BY JONATHAN DAVIS Sports Editor On Saturday, Sept. 5th, one of the state of Texas’ biggest rivalries will live on as the Prairie View A&M Panthers look to avenge their 37-35 loss last year to the Texas Southern University Tigers in the 30th Labor Day Classic. Conveniently placed at the beginning of the schedule, the Labor Day Classic sets the tone for both teams heading into the meat of the season. “You’re going to have jitters because not only is it the first game of the season but it is the most important game because bragging rights are involved,” former football player and TSU alumnus, Samuel Gordy said. Gordy played 5 years as Line Backer for Texas Southern from 2008-2013. “It’s a very emotional game, win or lose, because of the history of the classic and the school spirit displayed by the current students and alumni.” The series has been in a deadlock the last 4
years with both teams winning 2 games apiece. Prairie View won in 2011 and 2013. TSU won in 2012 and 2014. “As a die-hard Panthers fan, last year’s game was painful to watch, but this year I have full faith that our defense will be able to neutralize the Tiger’s offense and come out with a victory,” said Prairie View Senior and Engineering major Barry Taylor. 1,989 people were in attendance at what was then called Reliant Stadium last year to witness the Tigers redeem themselves for their 37-13 loss in 2013. “I was ecstatic about TSU beating PV after a horrible loss to them the previous year. We showed up with positive mindset and we finished strong. I expect the same thing this year,” said Student Government Association President Crystal Owens. We were able to catch up with Miss Prairie View A&M, Ivy Walls, who had this to say about the 30th Anniversary Labor Day Classic:
“I am excited to attend the Labor Day Classic because it is not only the kick off to PV Nation Football but the beginning of the PV spirit for the PVAMU freshmen. I am also excited to connect with the student leaders of Texas Southern to learn about their goals for the upcoming school year.” One player Tigers fans might want to keep an eye on is tight end, Billy Rosenberg. He’s looking to have a breakout season and make some big plays downfield in the passing game. “As a senior speaking on behalf of the Texas Southern football team, we are asking for the support of the student body, faculty and alumni. With the support of our fans, we can’t be defeated,” Rosenberg said. “Come out and witness the start of a championship season!,” Rosenburg said. The game will kick off at 8pm in NRG Stadium on the 5th.
Texas Southern University Excellence in Achievement
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THROUGH THE EYE
ES OF&OUR Life StyleTIGERS
Photos Courtesy of Dominique Monday
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Sports
Cowboys and Texans Ready for Football as NFL Preseason Starts BY JONATHAN DAVIS Sports Editor
2015 Texas Southern Soccer Schedule
The Texans and Cowboys both come into the 2015-2016 season looking to make a deep playoff run and possible Super Bowl appearance in their respective conferences.
Fri 7 pm
Aug 14
Sam Houston (exhibition game)
Huntsville, TX
Fri 7 pm
Aug 21
Houston Baptist University
Houston, TX
The Cowboys have a huge question mark at RB after letting 2014 NFL Rushing champ Demarco Murray sign with their NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles. They still have Lance Dunbar and Joseph Randle on the roster along with newly acquired running back, Darren McFadden, who last played for the Oakland Raiders. Dallas lost their first preseason game 17-7 to the San Diego Chargers after managing only 70 yards in the rushing game and turning the ball over two times. The Cowboys play again on the August 29th when they face off against Minnesota Vikings at AT&T stadium.
Sun Aug 23 St. Thomas Houston, TX 7 pm
The Texans are looking to build on a 9-7 rebuilding year and have a legitimate opportunity to challenge the Indianapolis Colts for the AFC South Championship. The Texans first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Jadaveon Clowney, is back from a season-ending injury and ready to cause havoc on the defensive line. Lined up on the other side of Clowney will be All-Pro Defensive End J.J. Watt. The Texans were able to pull out a 23-10 win against the San Francisco 49ers in their preseason opener. The game was played on the Texans home field. Houston was able to gain 400 yards of total offense and dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 40:06 seconds. The Texans play again on the 30th in New Orleans against the Saints. The Texans and Cowboys both open up their regular seasons at home on Sunday Sept 13th. The Cowboys play the New York Giants, while the Texans play the Kansas City Chiefs.
Fri Aug 28 Lamar University Beaumont, TX TBA Sun Aug 30 SMU Dallas, TX TBA Fri Sep 4 Huston-Tillotson Houston, TX 7pm Sun Sep 6 Texas A&M Texarkana Texarkana, TX TBA Fri TBA
Sep 11
University of Louisiana- Alexandria
Alexandria, LA
Sun Sep 13 Southeastern University Hammond, LA TBA Wed Sep 16 UTPA Edinburg, TX TBA Fri Sep 25 Grambling State Houston, TX 7pm Sun Sep 27 Arkansas Pine Bluff Houston, TX 7 pm Fri Oct 2 Alcorn Houston, TX 7 pm Sun Oct 4 Mississippi Valley Houston, TX 1 pm Fri Oct 9 Howard Birmingham, AL 7 pm Fri Oct 16 Southern Baton Rouge, LA TBA Sun Oct 18 Jackson State Jackson, MS 1 pm Fri
Oct 23
Alabama State University
Montgomery, AL 7 pm
Sun Oct 25 Alabama A&M Huntsville, AL 1 pm Fri Oct 30 Prairie View A&M Houston, TX 7 pm Thur Nov 6-9 SWAC Championship TBA TBA
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Life & Style What NOT to Wear: Tiger Walk BY TYLER DOGGETT Staff Writer
FIVE Tips on How to SURVIVE College from Your Editor-In-Chief Although college is just starting for some of you, it is wise to stay ahead of the curve and take full advantage of what is in store for you. I hope these tips help you in your very near future in ways you can’t even imagine!
The Tiger Walk has a legacy for many things; from laying the foundation that would build into this illustrious institution to a registered landmark in Houston, Texas. However, one thing that always stands out about it is it’s undeniable ability to bring out the inner Tyra Bank’s Top Models and Jidenna’s Classic Men out of the students on campus. The infamous “Tiger Cat Walk” has seen its share of college dropouts and business professionals but with these simple steps, you can avoid looking like the class clown. 1.) Wanna Go Night-Night Oversleeping is a common occurrence in college; whether because of pulling an all-nighter preparing for your final or just got back from a night full of people, music and festivities, Pajamas are never acceptable on campus. Its shows a sense of unprofessionalism and shows professors that your time management skills are terrible. No matter what time you wake up, you always have enough time to put on some jeans and a TSU shirt and rush to school prepared to learn. 2.) Limelight Attire Although your closet is probably filled with the latest designer dresses that stop at the top of the thighs and show off all of your beautiful curves that you’ve been working on all summer to obtain, these particular outfits are never acceptable on campus. Ultimately, college is about balance and young ladies must learn
to separate their night life from their school one Nothing is wrong with owning pieces like these or having heels that exceed 5 ins. But, to build a professional profile you have to accept that the unevenly laid brick pavement isn’t the place for that particular look. 3.) Campus Treason Nothing is more disrespectful than walking to your class, taught by a Texas Southern alumnus, with a Prairie View T- Shirt and baseball cap on. You should take pride in your own university than to advertise another university. You are or will be an amazing product of this illustrious institution so adversities that this successful business professional was a product of Texas Southern. 4.) Freakum Dress So when waking up in the morning, getting ready for a progressive and positive day, remember the beautiful words of Bianca Frazier: “Dress how you would like to be addressed.” In the society we live in today, your image is everything and that image you create for yourself will remain infamous long after you’ve departed. It is never tolerable to wear anything that degrades you as a woman. Stay away from high cut shorts, see- through bottoms and tops whose only difference from an actual bra is the department they were purchased in. These items turn a respectable lady into a target of ridicule amongst her peers.
1. Use Your ID To Its Full Potential. Get those discounts! Not only can you get into our home games free, but many restaurants and retail stores give discounts for college students. It never hurts to ask! 2. Branch Out! Your roommate does not have to be your best friend. Go to events, be observant in your classes and find friends you know have things in common with you. 3. Don’t Stress Relationships. Only 28% of married people tie the knot with their college sweethearts. Choose who you devote your time to wisely, even if it is just YOURSELF. 4. Take a Step Back from Social Media. Enjoy college outside of a lens! Research says that our generation is much less vocal/social than those before us, all because of social media. We live in a day and age when information travels so fast, we no longer feel the need to actually communicate with those around us. Share conversations with others, and blossom in how you speak and carry yourself. 5. Re-Invent Yourself College is the perfect opportunity to revamp who you are, if need be. You don’t have to stay the person you were in high school, none of us do. Take this time to build a better you!
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Life & Style
7 Ways to Make Your Dorm Room a Home Away from Home Courtesy of bobvila.com 4. Personalize Your Walls Create an accent wall with framed photographs of family and friends. “Collect an assortment of inexpensive frames from thrift stores and yard sales, then unify the look by spray painting them all in your favorite color. A gallery wall like this is a great way to add color to the room while making it feel more like you.”
5. Don’t Ignore the Floor
Dorm Room Ideas In her book, Speed Decorating, interior decorator Jill Vegas offers tips and tricks for anyone interested in putting together a beautiful space—quickly. Low fuss is always a plus, but for college students in particular, the concept of fast-pace design holds special appeal. While undergraduates want to live in fun and functional surroundings, their favorite dorm room ideas are usually those requiring the least time to implement. “The beginning of the academic year is the perfect time to create an ideal living environment,” says Vegas. “College is about following your dreams, so why not live in a dream room?” Read on for expert advice aimed at helping you transform the blank canvas of your dorm room into a personalized home away from home, custom-tailored to your daily needs and sense of style.
1. Pare Down to Essentials According to Vegas, “The best way to make a space inviting is to include only items that
A small accent can make a large impact on your level of comfort. you love.” Instead of packing up every miscel“You’ll definitely want a cozy rug laneous knick knack from your bedroom back by your bed,” Vegas says. “I like a plush sheephome, Vegas recommends that you “carefully skin or a similar style that feels like you’re stepedit your essentials, so you don’t clutter your ping on a cloud. It can also function as a throw dorm room with stuff.” if you’d like to put it over your desk chair for an extra layer of comfort.” 6. Keep It Neat 2. Begin with the Bed The focal point in most dorm rooms, the bed is the best place to direct your initial burst of decorating zeal. ”Ideally, the bed should be able to pull double duty as a place not only to sleep, but also to read, study, and lounge,” says Vegas. “In addition to bedding, choose three to seven accent pillows to finish the look.”
Liberate your dorm room from attention-stealing disorder by placing your possessions out of sight and into trunks or storage boxes. “Make sure everything has a place,” Vegas urges. “I prefer clear boxes that allow you to see what you have.” Save floor space by situating storage containers under the bed or in the closet.
7. Involve Your Roommate 3. Color Coordinate Your Desk
“Share your design ideas with your roomie and listen to his or her ideas, too,” Vegas concludes. “It’s a great way to learn how to collaborate and to create a space that is a celebration of your new adventure at school.”
“Start with a fabulous desk lamp,” Vegas suggests. “You’ll want something stylish and very functional for late-night reading.” After that, move on to the accessories. “Pick one accent Photo Courtesy of huufpost.com color and purchase your desk items in that color. If you prefer a neutral palette, stick with natural tones like ivory or white.”
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Opinion What Happened to Sandra Bland? BY LINDSAY GARY Opinion Editor
What happened to Sandra Bland?
are, you are black and you are a target!
On July 13, 2015, Waller County police announced that the 28-year-old Prairie View A&M University alumna had hanged herself with a plastic garbage bag.
Police brutality prevails because historical civil rights legislation, progressive laws, social welfare programs, expansion of a black middle class, and even electing a black president do not directly address the ideology and system of racism, which foster an America that allows police officers to use deadly force against black people two times per week.
But what really happened to Sandra Bland? What happened to Sandra Bland is another tragic and disturbing example of police brutality that is protected by America’s systemic racism. Police brutality continues to steal security, peace of mind, and lives from the black community, oftentimes without penalty or even recognition of oppression. Some details of the traffic stop and her time in jail may be a mystery, but two things are clear: the police camera reveals she was unfairly brutalized as slamming her head to the ground for failure to signal is not justified; and it is nearly impossible for any full-grown adult to successfully hang herself with a plastic garbage bag. The circumstances articulated by Waller County police surrounding her death are beyond suspect. They are outright unbelievable. What happened to Sandra Bland can happen to you, like it happened to Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and hundreds of others. No matter how great of an education you receive from your HBCU, how proper your speech is, how successful you are, how well-dressed you may be, or how much of a law-abiding citizen you
These tokens, while necessary, are only battling the offspring rather than proactively fighting the war against America’s founding father— racism. Black lives will forever be disposable, and police brutality will persist until this country, and all of its citizens, candidly address and take intentional, proactive, and permanent action against this illness. What can you do to end police brutality? • Stop making excuses for it! Challenging a police officer or having a bad attitude doesn’t justify death. It’s racism. Period. • Know your rights. (More below) • Report all instances of racial profiling and police brutality and utilize your resources to make sure action is taken against the culprits. • Organize community events with police officers to advocate for policies that increase diversity training for police officers, implement stress and racism tests for officers,
develop tougher consequences for racial profiling and brutality, and increase diversity in positions of power within police departments. • Push for police officers to live in the neighborhoods they work in. What should you do if you’re racially profiled and/or brutalized by the police? (Source: Lawyer Jolanda Jones) • Only give your identification card or driver’s license and car insurance information if you are stopped by police while driving. Don’t open your doors or trunk at home or in your car unless the officer has a warrant. • Secure windows and lock doors if you’re asked to step out of your vehicle. • You do not have to answer any questions. Be sure to say “I exercise my Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and I want to speak with my lawyer.” • Turn on your recording device (audio/visual) as soon as you’re pulled over. The Supreme Court upheld the right of citizens to film the police on public property (and sometimes private). It is illegal for a police officer to intimate you from filming a public stop or arrest. • Never sign a consent to search. • Get officers name, badge number, and license plate number. • Remain as calm as possible. Photo Courtesy of The Guardian
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What’s Happening on campus & around town
Monday - 8/24
Tuesday - 8/25
Wednesday - 8/26
Thursday - 8/27
Friday - 8/28
Tuesday - 9/01
Wednesday - 9/02
Thursday - 9/03
Friday - 9/04
President’s Council Meeting
Campus Organization Workshop
The Weekend 8/29 & 8/30
Fall Classes Resume Campus Org. Registration Packets Available in SSLC 215
Monday - 8/31
General Practice for FRTH
Freshman Rock the House Sawyer Auditorium 7:00 pm
The Weekend 9/05 & 9/06 Labor Day Classic BBVA 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.
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20 Questions
Why did you choose TSU? Why are so many people without housing? When will the new dorms be built? Will FRTH be live? Will there be any Greeks at FRTH? Are Timbs the new Jordans? Where did all the freshmen get their bundles from? Will the Tiger Walk be dead this year? Why do the University Courtyard swipe keys get deactivated every five seconds? How many people will have four roommates instead of three? When will the Bell Building have air conditioning? How long will the Bell Building be packed? Will everyone pass their classes this semester? Do you know not to skip before the 12th class day? When will we get our yearbooks? Did you know home games are free? Who’s going to the Labor Day Classic? Will the football team have a winning season? When will we start supporting all of our athletic teams? Who are Miss & Mr. TSU?
Anonymously submit your questions 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.
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