Vol 69 | Number 15
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CAMPUS NEWS page 4
I AM A
THE TSU HERALD | April 21st, 2017
page 2
WOMAN SGA CONTROVERSY
CAMPUS NEWS page 6
TIGER STORY BLOG DRAMA
SPORTS page 8
SPORTS RUNDOWN
POLITICS page 10
INTRODUCING TRAMAUNI E. BROCK Our Newly Crowned Miss Texas Southern
RUSSIAN CONNECTION
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Cover Story INTRODUCING TRAMAUNI E. BROCK: 70TH MISS TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY By: Todd T. Rogers Staff Writer
Texas Southern University (TSU) has seen its fair share of campus royalty. From the very first Miss TSU Scholarship Pageant, each campus queen has left a lasting impression on the prestige of our beloved university.
EDITORIAL STAFF
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MARCUS D. SMITH STAFF WRITER(S) MAHBUBA MATOVU TODD ROGERS ALTREMESE BANKS TYLER DOGGETT AKIL WILLIAMS SARA JAMISON Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER JADE HORTON DOMINIQUE MONDAY Follow The TSU Herald on Social Media Instagram: @THETSUHERALD Twitter: @THETSUHERALD
The TSU 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 reflect those of the administration. The newspaper is printed biw e e k l y, except during holidays and examination periods. For additional information, call (713) 313-6710.
This year was no exception. Continuing the long legacy of excellence – the scholarship pageant took place Tuesday, April 11, 2017 in Granville Sawyer Auditorium, where a packed house was introduced to the our 2017-2018 Queen – Miss Tramauni E. Brock hails from Baton Rogue, Louisiana. “When Harlem Was EnVogue” was a magical night for the five contestants vying for the crown, but Miss Brock swept through the competition. On that night, Brock performed “Ain’t I A Woman?” by Sojourner Truth during the talent portion of the pageant. “In the time period that we’re in now — I wanted to do something to speak to women and address women’s rights,” Brock said, “the African-American woman, specifically, because of what we go through — that poem really spoke to the essence of a powerful woman.” Brock’s poise during the spoken word portion and eagerness to improve student life on campus helped to add the title of ‘Miss Texas Southern’ to her long list of accomplishments while enrolled at TSU. A Junior, first year pharmacy student, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, a Thomas F. Freeman Honors scholar, and Student Regent Chair – Brock has excelled in multiple arenas and has actively served the university and surrounding community since her freshman year.
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Cover Story The new queen found spiritual ways to deal with stress over the course of the pageant process — juggling schoolwork, traveling, and acting as Student Regent to finding the perfect gown. Brock says she prayed everyday leading up to her crowning. “There were a lot of sleepless nights,” Brock said. “I spent time really centering and humbling myself — preparing myself to win or lose.”
“I knew I would get on stage and exude royalty,” -- Tramauni E. Brock, 70th Miss Texas Southern She says she was prepared to lose and would advise other young woman to do the same. “Something my mother always instilled in me — You walk in Tramauni Brock and you walk out Tramauni Brock, regardless of what happens,” Brock said.
Graciously accepting her crown in a beautifully caped stark white gown, Brock was not the only focus at the pageant. “At the end of the day, this was something that was out of my control. I knew I would get on stage and exude royalty,” Brock said, “I knew I was going to get up there and show them why I deserved to be Miss Texas Southern.” Deviating from the electoral formula, and returning to its roots – the scholarship pageant was also the debut for Chad Zeno, our 2017-2018 Mr. Texas Southern – a role that has been refined more over recent years. “I am very excited because I’ve been knowing Chad for years,” Brock said. “I think he was a little nervous stepping into the position, but now that he’s had to step up to the plate — I know he will be determined to do right, and do right by the students.”
composure under pressure – both qualities that will aide in his success representing our illustrious Texas Southern University as King. The student body is watching and waiting to see what our new Campus King and Queen will accomplish during their reign. Brock predicts her legacy to be one of empowerment. “A year from now, I want my legacy to be that I spoke well, I did well, and handled my business,” Brock said, “I want to make sure that every single young woman on this campus knows that she is worth it, she is beautiful, and three years ago — I was sitting right where she is.”
Legacy
Being the only male contestant in the pageant, there was no competition for Zeno, who showcased his public speaking ability and
Mr. Texas Southern University Equality Scholarship 2017-2018 Dreams do come true I have finally launched my very own scholarship at TSU. The Moses Mbai Equality Scholarship is an opportunity to support students who identify as LGBT or an ally, and who have demonstrated courage in the face of adversity and discrimination. This scholarship is an effort to further LGBT equality and inspire others to act. Newly crowned Mr. TSU, Chad Zeno and Miss TSU, Tramauni Brock after the pageant.
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Campus News Controversy Elevates in Student Government Elections By: Marcus D. Smith Editor-in-Chief there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for a TSU Tiger, that’s just me. Everyone involved knows me and knows I wouldn’t do anything to sabotage another student. I’ve been doing radio almost 10 years for TSU students. I’m just trying to be a service to the students, here I didn’t think,” said Jones, explaining the reasoning behind the emails. The case that sent the student body into a state of hysteria was overruled due to Chief Justice, Jose Cavazos, failing to meet the deadline in which officially approves an overruled court case. The deadline was Wednesday, by 5:00pm. The documents were not posted until approximately 5:30pm. The original results of the SGA elections stand as is with the Elevation ticket assuming the respective positions in SGA office.
It’s been a very confusing, mind boggling past couple of weeks with the new SGA administration and all, but the amount of pettiness that has been going has got to find an endpoint, because at the end of the day everyone is a student leader. There have been many instances where confusion and disarray is brought upon the TSU community (student body) as to who is next in line to lead the university’s student body and run as the 70th Student Government Association Administration of Texas Southern University. The court ruling was made official on April 17th, in which the Elevation ticket would assume their titles and hold position in office for the 2017-18 academic school year. According to a statement released by SGA Attorney General, Malik Earle, regarding SC041017, the court case is invalid, insufficient and failed to meet the deadline stated within the SGA Constitution. Earle stated, “As my official opinion as Attorney General of the student body, The Elevation ticket is reinstated. All parties affected by the nullified judgment are hereby reinstated.” The controversy lies between the candidates on the ballots whom were in running for SGA positions.
Case, SC-041017, Shelton Brown v. SGA, deemed the Elevation ticket disqualified due to the “negligence and inequality” from the Chief Election Commissioner causing multiple violations that were filed against the ticket.
Despite this ruling being made official by constitutional laws and by-standards, the ruling is still under investigation, as the final and ultimate decision is to be made by the dean of student services, Dr. Raphael Moffett.
Brown and others argued that the election was unfair, and biased because of the marketing strategies that were used; yet violated. It was said that an unnamed individual representing the Elevation ticket had promoted their brand electronically through the Texas Southern University Residential Housing email server. Leasing coordinator, Jimmy Jones had allowed Elevation to promote their brand and get students to vote. Jones had no idea that what he was doing was detrimental to the outcome of the election. Jones believed he was attempting to promote the SGA elections as an event on campus, as housing does with all campus events and activities. “Emailing is a common practice in housing to promote student activities and events,” said Jones. Jones apologized and said he didn’t intend to influence the elections in that manner. “Never thought twice about [what I was really doing]. I love TSU and TSU students;
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Campus News SPRING FEST MID-WEEK RUNDOWN UPC PLANS SPRING ACTIVITIES AROUND COLLEGIATE ‘PROM’ AND FREE 2 CHAINZ CONCERT By: Todd T. Rogers, Staff Writer As the week of Texas Southern University (TSU) 2017 Spring Fest continues, students and faculty alike have plenty more to look forward to. The University Programs Council (UPC) has been working for months to ensure that the student body enjoys the festivities leading up to Spring Commencement. Urging all students to leave their dorm rooms and engage in campus-based events, the UPC has planned daytime and night activities on campus, as well as a line up of unofficial afterparties from Sunday, April 16th to Sunday, April 23rd. A full week of events — the Parking Lot Party kicked off Spring Fest on Easter Sunday behind the Sterling Student Life Center. Although the Day Party on Monday at the pavilions coincided with the 37th Intercultural Communications Conference in the MLK — members of UPC teased students with a promise of wet and wild fun at the Pool Party in the Rec. Despite the weather, there was a Powder Puff game scheduled Tuesday night at 5PM on the field, followed by Trap Karaoke in the Tiger Room from 8PM-10PM. Trap Karaoke was a unique take on the traditional singa-long, replacing nostalgic tunes with more urban inspired selections. Wednesday was the White Tee Humpday — a variation of the usual Wednesday gathering in front of the Student Center with an early 2000’s twist. And if you miss out on the daytime activities on the yard — take your bets tonight at Fight Night in the Recreation Center at 7PM. There was also an unveiling for the new Greeks on campus at the Probate in Sawyer. Rounding out the remainder of the week, UPC planned the anticipated Tiger Choice Awards on Thursday night — where class favorites from best dressed to campus organization of the year are given awards based on a student vote.
If five days of festivities weren’t enough, be prepared to spend the day eating from local food trucks, shopping for unique trinkets and t-shirts and daring your friends to go next on carnival rides at the annual Spring Festival on the University Plaza from 11AM to 5PM followed by the 2 Chainz Concert in H&PE Arena. Tickets are FREE for TSU students with a valid Tiger ID, $20 at the door for any college student with a student ID, and $50 General Admission.
For all information regarding the TSU 2017 Spring Fest activities — follow @ tsuupc for updates or contact Patrick Brackens, UPC President.
Saturday night will be filled with glamour and excitement at the TSU Spring Fest Prom — where dress code will be highly informed. UPC official ask that all students come dressed to impress. To end the week, join UPC during A Day of Honor on the TSU field from 1PM to 3PM, where Tigers will support and honor survivors with this Cancer Awareness event.
Tigers enjoying Spring Fest at the pool party.
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Campus News PROFESSOR TERMINATED, ALLEGED CREATOR OF TIGER STORY BLOG By: Marcus D. Smith, Editor-in-Chief
decision. He said he was more hurt for his students who have to finish the semester with an interim professor. One student spoke with the TSU Herald re garding the situation at hand. “Some people just come to TSU to get through the next phase in life, but he was one of the few that had TSU in his heart…I am heartbroken to see someone with so much pride in his students and school to no longer be a part of the community he helped create,” said Ashley Vance, a former student of Patton’s. By now you know of the anonymous internetblogger who decided to create a website defaming the character of a plethora of in dividuals on the campus of Texas Southern University. That blogger called their website the Tiger Story and they told some of the most fabricated tall tales that one could tell about some of the individuals of this campus and at this University. But could those absurd statements concerning those mentioned in the blog be true? Well, that’s neither here nor there. What’s really important is because of that blog, individuals have been obligated to resign from their posi tions and others have seen worse. They have been terminated from their positions. One of those individuals is Elvonte Patton. Patton was not only an Administrative Assistant for Student Services and Judicial Affairs, but also a professor at TSU in the Human Services and Consumers Science Department. In a posted video on his Facebook page, Patton commented on his relief of duties and decided to take the high road and stay positive rather than negative. “I have a goal in mind…to be an HBCU presi dent within the next 10 years and couldn’t do that sitting in the seat I was sitting in [at TSU] so I had to be removed from that seat in order to move forward,” said Patton via his Facebook page. Despite the post, Patton admitted to the TSU Herald he was hurt by the ruling and final
Upon further investigation, it has been discov ered that Mr. Patton had nothing to do with the creation of the blog, nor the publisher of the blog in which many TSU representatives have been defamed and misrepresented in the public eye, and in the TSU community. According to documents provided, Patton was released from his position due to misconduct of work computers and misuse of the Internet, accusing him of surfing through websites such as World Star, In D Mix and Facebook. His release was official as of March 27, 2017 per a release statement issued by William Thomas, Assistant Vice President of the Student Services Division. On the other hand, according to a document issued, Mr. Patton was granted permission to conduct all research via the Office of Research, as of March 24, 2017. Prior to his release, Patton was studying and researching sound frequencies that often gain a major reaction to a specific demographic. By researching music genres, frequently watched videos, etc., Patton was constructing a theory as to why people react to certain sounds they hear on a daily basis and this document issued to him allowed him every right to do so in the name of his research. An email was sent out to the Office of Human Resources regarding the issue, but a response has not been received in return. It is not clear whether HR is avoiding commentary on the events that have occurred. However, they did deny requests to speak with the TSU Herald
in person, continuing to ensure email is the best way of response. Everything is still a blur for the most part because despite getting rid of Patton, there still is no clarification as to who the creator of the blog is. With this anonymous creator still at large, many wonder why Patton is still removed from his position if there weren’t any protocols that were broken. What is unclear is why Patton specifically? TSU has a history of somehow getting rid of the effective leaders during negative moments concerning the university. It happened with Andre Wagner as a result of #TakeBackTSU and now again with Professor Patton with the theatrics of the Tiger Story Blog. When the TSU Herald asked Patton if he had an idea who the creator was, he told us that he did not know who the creator was. Patton did tell the TSU Herald that he received a call from an unknown number in which the caller, in a very polite, but soft-spoken tone proceeded to apologize for causing him to lose his job and that was not her intention. The caller did not reveal her name, but did reveal that she was the creator of the blog. Patton asked her why and she told him she wanted to “shed light on what was really going on around TSU.” As a result of this blog, we can all agree at this, it has opened a light on TSU that many knew, but were not bold enough to speak upon, but on the other hand, it has opened a world to many students in which they were not ready for, nor which they comprehend the significance of what is really going on with the birth of the Tiger Story. The Tiger Story blog has shed light on TSU in a negative setting as to what has been going on within the student body and all involved at TSU. It portrays the university and its indi viduals as persons whom have received their positions through devious avenues in which are frowned upon by ethical and moral stan dards. Are they true? Well, that’s neither here nor there, but if they should be, that informa tion still should not be accessible to the mass student population. (cont. on page 7)
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Campus News HER Week Makes A Difference in the Lives of TSU Female Population (cont. from page 6)
By: Valerie Madison, Contributing Writer
Should there have been an issue in past en counters between these individuals; an exclu sive and confidential ventilation session would have been more cordial than the mess that hatched from all of this. At what point is enough actually enough when the innocent become penalized for the action of others. Professors are leaders on campus who can help build this great institution to higher achievements often leave TSU for this kind of unprofessionalism and inappropriateness. What message is being sent if you wrongfully relieve someone of their duties at this university? Let’s simply understand that when there’s negative media going on about the university, it’s imperative to display the necessary individuals who aren’t contributing to the success, nor attempting to contribute. Refrain from attacking the individuals who cherish the university and wish nothing but success for Texas Southern, especially when those select few are not doing anything unethical in their line of work. I think we can all attest that most of our sym pathetic values now lie in the aspect of what happens to the students and their grades now that their professor was wrongfully terminated. All this with just about less than a month left in the semester. Here we thought everyone was going to make it.
Texas Southern’s new organization Helping Eachother Reach, HER TSU, made a huge impact in the lives of female students from its first annual HER Week. It was a week full of events to embrace the female population on levels of confidence, health and wellness, mentorship, networking, financial literacy, job readiness, politics and more. The week kicked off with a mini conference, HER Day in the Tiger Room that featured a PoliChic discussion with TSU Alum, Christina Sanders. The day continued with a fashion seminar, Frugally Fabulous, an inspirational panel, Empower HER led by seven dynamic women that has broken glass ceilings in the fields of education, medicine, oil& gas, journalism and more. “HER Day touched me on many levels with the exercise led by Christina Sanders, I was able to look at life differently and know I have to work hard at making my passion come true,” TSU Graduate Glynn Lewis said. The week continued with a fun, heart-racing, Zumba workout led by TSU Recreation Center’s Shaquira Martin, a financial literacy workshop, and even a resume and job readiness workshop with TSU Career Services to get TSU ladies ready for internship and career preparation. Jasmine Smith, a junior, says her favorite part of HER Week was the pool party in the recreation center. “Many girls came out to embrace one another and our bodies,” Smith said, “I especially loved the confidence strut-off where the girls cheered each other on as we celebrated our bodies’ differences. There was also some great prizes, too!” In observance of Sexual Assault Awareness month, the ladies of HER TSU teamed up with University Counseling Center for a movie night that sparked a great discussion over college students dealing with date rape, sexual consent, and ways to prevent it. For more information on HER TSU, follow their Instagram, @hertxsu. President and founder, senior, Valerie Madison says HER Week was an absolute success. “I can not wait for next year’s and hope to partner with even more organizations to reach even more ladies on campus; bigger and better,” Madison said.
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Sports 2000) and Florida State (1995-97).
Marsh Departs from TSU, Accepts HC Position at AAMU By: Akil Williams Sports Writer A new era of basketball was proclaimed Wednesday when Donnie Marsh was introduced as the Alabama A&M men’s basketball head coach. “A new era of Bulldogs basketball begins today,” Director of Athletics, Bryan Hicks, said at a press conference at the Knight Center on the Alabama A&M campus. “We were looking for
He was head coach at Florida International from 2000-04. A 1979 graduate of Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in history and education, Marsh earned AllAmerican honors and helped the Diplomats to a 27-5 record and NCAA Division III Final Four. After a brief professional playing stint with the Atlanta Hawks, Marsh spent six years as associate director of admissions, assistant basketball coach and head baseball coach at Franklin & Marshall. For one year, Marsh was president of Players in Action Inc., a firm that represents professional athletes. Marsh made his head-coaching debut at Division III Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, where he compiled a 12-13 ledger in 1988-89 before moving on to The College of New Jersey.
Texas Southern Lady Tigers Golf wins first SWAC Title in School History
a developer of men…we found that person.”
(courtesy of www.tsusports.com)
Marsh has held the assistant head coaching position at Texas Southern for the last two seasons and, in all, has been an assistant coach for the last 13 seasons with stops at Indiana, Alabama-Birmingham, and South Florida. “This is 13 years in the making,” he told a packed audience, “Anything worth having is worth waiting for. This is an incredible honor and I am humbled by the opportunity.” Alabama A&M President Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. said the university is excited and commended the search committee for its work and diligence. “The result today comes after much consideration, a national search and a committee that did a wonderful job,” Hugine Jr. said. Marsh did not disagree with Dr. Hugine.
TSU teammate Jalyn Joseph was awarded the SWAC Women’s Golf Freshman of the Year award after firing a 75-84-159. Amber Kuykendall and Joseph were each named to the All-Conference First Team. Texas Southern head coach Hank Stewart was named the SWAC Women’s Golf Coach of the Year after guiding the Lady Tigers to their championship.
Football Concludes with Annual Spring Scrimmage
By: Marcus D. Smith, Editor-in-Chief Spring training camp concluded with a light but competitive annual spring scrimmage game. Overall the fans and media had an opportunity to catch the Tigers in action. Practicing game-like situations really resonated for the Tigers as many expect to see drastic improvements from last season. “Defense did a really good job today making plays, and offensively we were able to move the ball,” said TSU football head coach Michael Haywood. This season, the Tigers will play eight conference games and the rest non-conference including a matchup with Mid-Eastern Athletic conference (MEAC) powerhouse, Florida A&M University (FAMU). Following that game will be the annual “Labor Day Classic”, this year being in the Tigers home of BBVA Compass Stadium.
ALEXANDRIA, La. – The Texas Southern women’s golf team claimed their first SWAC Women’s Golf Championship in program history by shooting a 307-329-636 to wrap up play on Tuesday at the Links on the Bayou in Alexandria, La. The Lady Tigers broke up a four-year title run by Alabama State, who had also taken the SWAC Women’s Golf Championship in five in the previous six seasons.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be here,” Marsh said, “Forgive me for my bias, but I believe I was the right man, too.”
Jackson State finished as runners up with a 349-338-687 followed by Prairie View A&M in third place (369-351-720) and Alcorn State in fourth (378-370-748).
Marsh’s career as an assistant coach includes stops at South Florida (2013-15), UAB (200612), Indiana (2004-06), Virginia Tech (1997-
TSU’s Amber Kuykendall shot even-underpar 71-73-144 to pace the Lady Tigers.
It has been rumored that the homecoming game against Alabama State will return to Alexander Durley Sports Complex on the campus of Texas Southern University. Plenty of last year’s weapons TSU will not be returning next season, and the question remains as to who will step up next season. One big name that everyone is anticipating on returning is quarterback, Jay Christophe, who was injured in the first game last season and forced to sit out the season after negative MRI scans. After seeing what the Tigers were made going, (record, last year) and even coming close against opponents such as Alcorn, Grambling, the Tigers are expected to make some noise in the SWAC this upcoming fall. Seeing where they will end up will be the true test.
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Sports Athlete of the Week By: Sara Jamison, Sports Writer
When Eric Medina graduates this May, two paths lie ahead of him – NFL kicker or a teacher.
game winning field goal against Alabama A&M that left the football world bragging about his talent.
Medina, a 21-year-old human performance major, is an All-American kicker and 1st Team All SWAC kicker and punter who will graduate in a month. He has been on the Dean’s List since his freshman year of college and is now a certified teacher in Alief ISD.
“I knew he had made it [field goal] as soon as he made the impact,” special teams coach, Robert Hersh said. “I think it was his time to shine. Everything he’s worked for was in that moment.”
“I’ve always loved coaching and helping kids,” said the Laporte native. “So, I always thought teaching and coaching would be my
Eric Medina #32 Special Teams Player
Medina’s love for people and sports can be seen on and off the field. Those who have worked with him believe that he is a special guy -- including head coach Michael Haywood. “He’s an outstanding young man – to the point where my son looks up to him as a role model,” Coach Haywood said. “I sign off on it, because of his integrity, his character, and his Christian values. I think he’s a great ambassador for college football. I support my son looking up to him as his mentor.” Medina is not just an athlete, as some may suppose. He is a man of faith who motivates and inspires those closest to him, including his former teammates. Cory Carter met Medina, on the football field, nearly five years ago at TSU. During the time, Carter was the kicker for the football team – until Medina took his spot which was a “blessing” in Carter’s eyes.
POSITION: KICKER HEIGHT: 5’11 WEIGHT: 195LBS CLASS: SENIOR HOMETOWN: LAPORTE route – if I didn’t make it to the pros.” But there’s a possibility that the 5-11, 195-pound kicker will indeed make it to the NFL. Last October, Medina made the 51-yard,
“If it wasn’t for him being such a great kicker and taking my spot as a freshman, I would have never been the punter that I am today,” Carter said. “Eric is probably one of the most driven people I know. Whatever he puts his mind to, he accomplishes those goals. He is God-fearing, dedicated, and humble.” Averion Hurts competed against Medina in high school, but later became teammates in college. “My senior year of high school was his junior year and he kicked a 53-yard field goal back then,” Hurts said. “I knew he’d be something special! I loved being around him because he was always so positive and upbeat. He is the kindest teammate you can have. He always put others before himself.”
Medina is the fourth of five boys and grew up in a super competitive household. He and his siblings competed to see who was the best in sports, video games, school, and everything else. If his brothers were on the field practicing, he was not far behind. The competitiveness between the brothers helped to shape him into the man that he is today. “I thank God for blessing me with the brothers I have and for the parents God gave me for putting up with all of us,” said Medina in a mellow tone. Soccer was his first love. Goalkeeper was his position, but football would steal his heart. One day while playing soccer with his brothers, he learned that his kicking skills could help him kick a football. His brother Kevin challenged him to kick the ball above the goal and it would be as if he were kicking a field goal. “I started kicking. I found the concept pretty cool. In soccer, you have to make it inside the goal which is a lot harder. I started kicking and I got the hang of it.” In high school, he was a two-sport athlete playing soccer and football. By sophomore year, he realized it was unlikely he’d receive a soccer scholarship. So, he focused mainly on football. His senior year, he was being recruited by schools across the nation as a kicker and had planned to attend a school in Utah. “I prayed and asked God if that is where he really wanted me to go,” he said humbly. “That same night, the University of Utah calls and tells me they need to use my scholarship for a defensive end. The next day TSU offers me a full ride to kick. I took that as a sign to stay close to home and be with my family.” The All-American kicker will leave quite a legacy at TSU and embark on a potential journey with the NFL after his tryout with the Texans on last Saturday.
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Politics
THE RUSSIAN CONNECTION By: Altremese Banks Political Columnist
highest echelons of Russian society is well known during his tenure at the highest levels of government for nearing twenty years now, as well as his, the Russian President’s, own wealth which has ballooned according to independent estimates.
It is no secret or wild fantasy that the current President of the United States and his connections with the Russian government, Russian business interests and moguls is raising eyebrows. Questions on Capitol Hill and at dinner tables around the country are being asked in reference of the Presidency bought by billionaire Donald J. Trump with the help of the Russians government; incentivizing the easing of sanctions for a hefty stake in what seems to be the only way the president knows how to speak – with his wallet - a tremendous wallet at that. However, the web of connections tracing back years and linking the President with oil executives, high ranking members of the Russian government, and a reluctance to release his tax returns which would show a good deal of where his capital, investments and consequently conflicts of interest lie. However, over a month into his presidency and conflicts of interest, seem to be forgotten, or seldom talked about in the news cycle; and make no mistake, the president and his administration know how to work the news cycle. Stories become nonstories within a matter of days, the public attention jumping and swaying from one scandal to the next, fabricated or otherwise. To understand just how deep the President’s Russian connections extend, it is important to understand that at its core, in all his dealings – the growth of his own wealth and those around him are paramount and take precedent before that of average Americans’, rather they are used as a tool to further advance his own agenda and the plans of those around him. His cabinet is cacophony of
different actors and players all with different hopes and ambitions that they’d like to squeeze out of this American nation. For the President, it’s the growth of his wealth. For the Chief Strategist, Bannon, the deconstruction of the Administrative State; for Chief of Staff, Priebus, the advancement of conservative values – which there are many that have a grounding in logic and are measured in their response to issues facing the country – though that is not how they are employed by so-called conservatives on Capitol Hill. They are beholden to their donors. Not to the American people. Not only must we as American citizens, those not on Capitol Hill, cease looking at ourselves and others as liberals and conservatives, democrats and republicans – things that divide and label – rather we must look at ourselves as the American people, bebeholden to our neighbors, those not on Capitol Hill against the moneyed interests who care not for your families or your well-being – but for the fattening of the pockets and the lining of their inseams.
While it is impossible to pin exactly how much the President may be in debt to particular companies or countries there are estimates based off of an ever-complicated tangling web of business interests and projects. Most notably the Bayrock Group – a chief financier of numerous projects headed by the real-estate mogul turned President - a $370 million Trump SoHo Luxury Condo development. Blackstone, a company whose wealth management is linked to Russian business interests, whose owners owe a significant amount of thanks to the Russian President, as the aggregation of wealth to the
It is being debated, though there is little evidence due to the reluctance to release tax returns. President Trump may owe Blackstone and Bayrock – those that have dealt with them in the past have likened them to working alongside organized crime, with owing favors coming in return for financial assurance. Adding to the interesting and compelling story is the President’s work with Felix Sater, a former Russian Mafioso, whose firm is Bayrock. The President has denied being aware of Mr. Saters past. Those that have worked with Sater, including former business associates, have accused him of threatening to kill them and top government officials for information that has led to numerous mob convictions have praised him and national security gains, both large and small, in his home country.
The Russian economy is badly faltering under the weight of its over-dependence on raw materials, which has seen a steep decline these last few years since the implementation of sanctions on the Russian government after its invasion of the Ukraine. Exxon Mobil, under Rex Tillerson, brokered a deal with the Russian Federation in 2013 to lease over 60 million acres of Russian land to pump oil out of and let it be noted as almost five times as much oil as they extract from our country, but all that oil resource would go through pipelines in the Ukraine, who happen to heavily tax the proceeds. At the time Ukraine was applying for admission into NATO - much to the discomfort of the Russian government. For obvious reasons, in a postcold war world, the Russian government views expansion of NATO as a threat to its sovereignty, challenging Russia in Europe and increasingly Asia.
Furthermore, the Russian President subsequently invaded Ukraine in 2014, securing the routes to export the oil tax-free by sea, took control of the port where their Black Sea Naval Fleet is currently based, by taking the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine by force, and through guise – a referendum. Ethnic Russians are being used as a tool to justify an illegal invasion and occupation. Now, after sanctions were imposed on Russia for the invasion, Exxon Mobil could only pump oil from
11
Politics
approximately 3 of those 60+ million acres.
With Tillerson as our current Secretary of State and the President expressing a desire to unilaterally end sanctions – though this seems to be on hold for the time being, given the forthcoming information regarding the deepening of ties between the campaign, and the president and the Russian government – it seems that both the President and Tillerson will profit from such a move. Tillerson received a personal award from President Putin for his business partnership with Russia’s state-owned oil company Rosneft. Rosneft will make half a trillion dollars from that much untapped oil and it is all pumped tax-free through Crimea, forcibly and cunningly taken by the Russian government. Furthermore, Russia can’t affordably get at 80% of its reserves and reduce its per barrel cost to compete with the United States at $45 or Saudi Arabia at $39. With the lifting of sanctions, there is increased competition for the Russian government to compete, pushing it further down the list of lucrative suppliers, thus affecting their revenue. The President has spoken of reemploying Iranian sanctions and ending the nuclear deal – a boon to Russian oil competitiveness, and revenue intake. Going further, ExxonMobil, which is in possession of patented technology that could help the Russian government extract 45% more oil at a significant cost savings to Russia, however this technology is wholly inaccessible now due to American imposed sanctions. Now the question, what does the President of the United States have to gain from a strong Russia? Certainly, “nothing” as his allegiance is to the constitution and to the American people – not so.
It is rumored and this is speculation though with recent dealings between the campaign of the Presidents, advisors within the administration and their meetings over the course of the last few years one can’t help but wonder- it is rumored that the President of Russia offered then candidate Trump a significant stake in the Russian oil company, Rosneft – roughly 20% - if there would be an easing of sanctions, and a de-escalation of rhetoric, as well as significant NATO pullback - so one can’t help but wonder, given both his warm words towards the Russians, inflammatory rhetoric towards a western institution the United States helped to formulate.
After the president’s election – a 19.5% stake in the Russian state-owned oil company was privatized and put into the passion of an unknown holder, a Shell company. The question is who owns this stake? Could it be the President? And with the recent continuing revelations of his and others in his administration’s ties to Russia – the question only becomes more pertinent. His second campaign manager, Paul Manafort, has ties to the Russians. According to Robert Reich, former labor Secretary: Information hacked from Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort’s daughter’s phone refers to “politically-damaging evidence” related to an alleged 2012 meeting between Trump and Serhiy Tulub, a close associate of Ukraine’s former president, the pro-Russian strongman Viktor Yanukovych. The text appears to come from Ukrainian parliamentarian Serhiy Leshchenko. Manafort confirmed the authenticity of the hacked texts from his daughter’s phone and said he had received similar texts to his own phone from the same address appearing to be affiliated with Leshchenko. Two of his three wives come from former East ern Bloc countries, though that could be simply coincidence though it is funny to consider, given the gravity of the situation. His former, National Security Advisor pick (Lt Gen Flynn) has twice appeared on Russia’s RT propaganda news station and was ousted over his alleged ties to the Russian government. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, we now know met twice with the Russian ambassador, lied under oath to Congress regarding the matter.
He has since recused himself from the possibility of an investigation into these ties. We know the President did not take well to this, based on leaks from the White House, as he left for Mar-a-lago last weekend. Mar-a-lago, another source of contention, due to the rising security costs that the United States government is paying to the Trump Organization for protection both at the resort and at his tower in Columbus Circle.
The three Mar-a-Lago getaways, combined with the hundreds of thousands of public dollars spent on Secret Service protection during two inter-
national trips that Trump’s adult sons have taken to promote their father’s business, cost taxpayers about $11.3 million over the first months of his presidency, according to the UK-based Independent. Curiously, the CEO of Blackstone has ridden on Air Force One with the President and heads his Business Advisory Council – the same Blackstone that it is rumored he owes hundreds of millions to. Looping back to Rosneft. Rosemont was mentioned in former MI6 spy Christopher Steele’s dossier on the President, which many focused on the highly disturbing but personal preferences of the President in regards to his sexual deviances, however, that to me, pales in comparison to the con job that seems to be at play at the highest levels of our government and others, as well as businesses who seem to have no allegiance to our country, a god or anything but their own wallets – solely for the sake of profit. Steele maintained that Presidential advisor, Carter Page, brokered a deal in which 19% of Rosneft would be transferred to the President if he successfully won the presidency and reduced or eliminated sanctions against the Russian federation. Carter Page was brought onto the administrations and campaigns team by Jeff Sessions, now Attorney general. Page is presently under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The President has shown a propensity for avoiding scandal and deflecting it quite masterfully – from the release of his tax returns, to the conflicts of interest that were ‘resolved’ by transferring control of the organization to his two sons, hardly the recommended actions by the Office of Government Ethics, though the President has used that concept loosely. To insinuate that he would put his own wealth and interests of his family over that of countries is not a far stretch – he has shown that loyalty and family mean a great deal to him. Yet he has no qualms about tossing aside members of his American family - his countrymen. The question of whether or not the actions of the President are in pursuit of greater monetary gain, at the cost of American security and influence abroad is a question of real concern. Not only is he destabilizing the international community, but also he is eroding trust in our institutions and if this is due to the influence and coercion of a foreign power, then there needs be answers to these questions.
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What’s Happening on campus & around town
Monday - 4/17
Tuesday - 4/18
Comm Week Kick-Off Powder Puff Game TSU Field @5PM ERM Showcase MLK 1PM-5PM Trap Karaoke Sawyer 8PM-10PM UPC Pool Party REC Center @6PM
Monday - 4/24 University Counseling Center “Clothesline Project” 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (CST) SSLC LOB 1A
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Probate @ Sawyer
SPRING FEST 2017
Tuesday - 4/25
Wednesday - 4/26
Thursday - 4/27
Residential Life and Housing Unpacking
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Thurgood Marshall Law Training
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (CST) SSLC 300
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Friday - 4/29
SGA “Tigerettes and Tea” 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CST) SSLC 300
The Weekend 4/22 & 4/23 Saturday TSU Prom Cafeteria 7PM-11PM Sunday A Day of Honor TSU Field 1PM The Weekend 4/30 & 5/1 Collegiate 100 “100 Ways” 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (CST) SSLC 207 A
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20 Questions
Are you ready for 2 Chainz? Kendrick Lamar’s new album, what would you rate it 1-10? Did you actually swim during the pool party? Should SGA have political parties? Instead of Republican (Red) and Democrat (Blue), would identify Maroon or Grey? What’s going on with SGA elections? Why are TSU Politics so corrupt? Did you attend Communications Week? What did you think of the ERM Showcase? Who had the livest probate? What about that Sigma Lean? What are the qualifications for the Mr. TSU Scholarship? Are you ready for a BLUE yard? Have you started thinking of your gifts for Spring 2017 Graduates? Was the pageant rigged? Who was your favorite contestant? Can we get some more food options on campus? When are they going to start selling ice cream at Chick-fil-a? Who would run the yard if all D9 was on campus? What Greeks are running the yard now?
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