The Whole World was Watching from the Menil

Beginning in the 1940’s the Menil’s began to see the importance and spiritual connection between ancient art and the art of indigenous cultures, and with great pride began to collect art that could tell a story with no words.

The Menils recognized the connection between contemporary works of art and the art of ancient and indigenous cultures. The couple had begun to explore the idea of building a museum to house their collection. Even after John’s death in 1973 , Dominique de Menil is pursuing their dream.

With over 17,000 works of art and still collecting the museum features different rooms and spaces that hold diverse representations of human creativity from the ancient past to the present.

The Whole World Was Watching is a room filled with images of the civil rights era and features the work of many photographers including Bob Adelman , Danny Lyon, and Gene Roberts. Images held here show the reality of what was happening during the peak of the civil rights movement.

“Photographers saw the importance of these photographs for racial politics” said Michelle White, the Menil tour guide . “There are 36 photo’s here , so I had to really select which pieces would tell the story correctly and had the most visual impact.”

In contrast to other museums the Menil focuses on just the images without giving much insight into the background. Against plain white walls and just the photographers name next to the photo, the Menil allows the mind to choose how you see and interpret the image.

Danny Lyon , a contributing photographer was a student at the University of Chicago, a member of the SNCC(student nonviolent coordinating committee)and worked as a photographer for a news paper. Lyon new that the rest of the world needed to know how racially divided the south still was.

“ He knew that these were critical images would be dispersed through newspaper and people in the North could see that the South was still severely segregated area and how Blacks were mistreated by Whites” said Michelle White.

The Whole World Was Watching is filled with images from different points in civil rights, including the March on Washington , police brutality , and the rise of women. Even though there are no words with the photos , you can understand the emotion given in the image.

George Wallace was a contributor to the vivid images of the room. As a photo journalist Wallace would approach people explaining to them how he wanted to white perspective on what was happening in the civil rights movement.

“ He was placed in horrible situations but he played it cool and got some images that supported the liberal biases of the North” White said.

At times photographers were just as active, marching alongside protestors and snapping pictures.

According to Dominique de Menil , the idea of a museum slowly took shape, and she never dreamed of preserving some of the intimacy she enjoyed with the works of art. She knew with the right strategy, the public would have the rare joy of sitting in front of a painting and contemplating it.

Texas Southern students express their concerns

Texas Southern students are expressing their views and concerns about the University and want to know the actions Student Government Association plan to take to make a better TSU now.

Texas Southern is a university that takes pride in the satisfaction of the attending students. There are several facilities that accommodate the education of the students and the recreation for students who are living on and off campus.

The Recreation center is fully staffed with student workers and non student workers. Staff members serve as referees, equipment distributors, and even lifeguards. While schedules are created to be followed some employees are bending the rules.

“ I remember my friends and I wanted to go swimming the other day and even though we were told the pool closed at 9:30, there was no one there when we showed up at 8:15 and we were unable to swim” said Coriean Wilson , a junior and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity at the university

No lifeguards on duty during the permitted hours are not the only issue students are having at Texas Southern. University housing and operations has seemed to stir up a bit of frustration towards freshmen and even returning students from possibly over booking the housing.

TSU has many lodging facilities for students including Greystone, University Courtyard, Tierwester Oaks, and newly added the Savoy apartments which are located just a block over from the university.

“I think they over booked…so I had to stay in a hotel while the Housing department searched for an apartment for me to stay in” said Tynesia Richards a freshman from Dallas. “ It was a nice hotel and the staff made sure we were safe” she added.

Student Government officials are currently working on addressing the concerns of the students and have a clear direction in which they are headed to rectify the frustrations.

“ Residential Life and Housing is working tirelessly to rectify the issues with the Ambling properties. Mark Lambert the Director of Campus Services as well as Joseph Greenwich the Interim Director of Housing met with Executive SGA members and will be issuing a status report for dissemination in the coming weeks. Nonetheless, we do applaud their efforts as we look towards a new and revitalized living community that is conducive towards academic prosperity” said Shekira Dennis External Vice President of SGA.

Even though there are issues with recreation and housing , students also question the sincere concern of advisors and professors.

Colleges and Universities are supplied with advisors and professors to guide students down the prestigious path of education and serve as a informant of the unknown when it comes to the steps it takes to complete a degree plan.

“I am 2 semesters from graduation and I wish my advisor had more office time because she is a professor as well.” said Charlotte Winters, a junior in the Jesse H. Jones School of business.

Students from every school can actively participate in the advisory week that concentrates on helping students choose the correct path toward a successful graduation date. During advisory week , advisors are available for extra hours to correct transcript issues, untaken classes, and clear paths to graduation.

Texas Southern has issues like all universities and are making great efforts to get them resolved quickly and effectively. Students, staff, and even parents are working together to improve the university and make it a better TSU NOW!

Libyan Professor confident his country will be free again

Years ago Dr. Jaballa Hasan and his family were just subjects to the powerful reign of Gadhafi, but after escaping his power with his family, and rebuilding a better life for them, Dr. Hasan has hopeful possibilities about the future of his country and the release of friends and relatives from a corrupt leader.

Moammar Gadhafi, the leader of Libya, has been earning respect through fear and has ruled as a temperamental leader for almost 42 years. Eliminating anyone who objects to his word , he is one of the longest serving rulers in history.

“The people have been conditioned to a state of fear” said Hasan. Now , the Libyan people have decided to conquer that fear by using all man power to overturn Gadhafi.

Known for oppressing his own people and state sponsored terrorism, Gadhafi has once again resulted to killing his own. Today Libyan residents are calling on the U.S to save them from his way of governing.

As an activist for his country, Hasan spends significant time searching the internet for updates and was among over 200 participants in a Houston protest for Libya sparked by the want for freedom from this terror.

“I called 10 days ago and things are turning in their favor… it’s just a matter of time.” said Hasan.

Born and raised in Libya, Hasan was once amongst the ruling of Gadhafi and a victim of his ways. Seeking answers to Gaddafi’s questionable ruling and what built his hatred toward his people , Hasan studied other countries governing and began teaching in 1989.

As a professor at the University of Benghazi, he refused to teach the lessons of the Greenbook which held ideologies based on Gaddafi’s socialist and nationalist philosophies.

Earning several degrees including a Ph.D in Rhetorical Criticism and Political Communication Hasan found himself being watched by Gadhafi’s men and warned by his family.

“My family told me if I want to stay in this place .. I must keep my mouth shut.” said Hasan.

Under complete surveillance , Dr. Jaballa stopped teaching in 1990 and tried to maintain a low profile. After four years of being watched, Gaddafi’s tolerance ended and was seeking punishment for a potential threat to his power.

“April 7, 1996, I was arrested and put in solitary confinement for 5 days.” Hasan said.

Hasan was forced to stay in complete darkness and silence for he described as an eternity. Under no circumstance was he allowed to leave confinement and after Gadhafi felt he had enough he released Hasan from the mental anguish.

“No one can understand the psychological torture I endured every day, I was just lucky to get out,” said Hasan.

Soon after his release Hasan had to find a way to provide for his family. He opened a small store selling gum and tomato paste to make money . Even though they maintained for a while, Hasan grew weary of his family’s safety.

With the help of some relatives, the Hasan family escaped to Egypt.

Today, Dr. Hasan teaches Speech Communications at Texas Southern Univerisity and is very active in protecting, protesting, and preaching about his country and the help Libya needs from Gadhafi.

“This is the first time the United Nations and an Arab country have come under the UN umbrella to carry out the mission of the United Nations.” Hasan said. “Libya has been defended and freed by the UN before and history always repeats itself.”

Light Skinned Vs. Dark Skinned African American Women

 Conflict between dark skin and lighter skinned African American women is an quietly disscussed topic that effects male and female students at Texas Southern Univerisity.

In the African American society it is a rarely discussed topic of the discrimination of African American women who have light skin verses African American women who have dark skin but it is factual. As a unit African Americans have dealt with the color of their skin being so controversial, and for years issues among Black people have risen.

 Back in the slavery days, the man divided the blacks into two parts Light Negro and Dark Negro. The light negro was closer to white, the only thing acceptable for the white man, so they got to work inside. While the light skinned individual worked inside of the plantation, cooking for the master, and  cleaning the master's dirty clothes; the darker skinned slave worked outside in the field, picking cotton, hanging laundry, and helped grow the crops.

“ Back in the day, when you could pass for white it was easier because you looked the part and it was easier for people to look at you and deal with you.” said Whitney Connor, a Curvy Couture model.

It was proven that then the darker person was treated like nothing while the lighter one was treated better and worshiped secretly by the master as she became his secret mistress. Those same ideas about praising light skinned women have continued on today.

“ More attention seems to be focused more on light skin than dark skin women when it comes to men, it seems that beauty is focused more on tall light with a nice shape to get some attention” said Jaterria Brooks a graduate of TSU.

Now today , that same discrimination is being used among African American’s themselves. Even at Universities Sororities and other organizations are being accused of discrimination against women with different shades of skin.

Stereotypes are made about certain organizations that lighter or darker skin women are more likely to join certain organizations.

“ I disagree, I don’t believe things like the paper brown bag test are still effective . Back then it was very much alive, but at this time sororities criteria for membership is strictly by the book” said Jermaine Russell a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

The idea that lighter complexioned black people are smarter, more desirable, or attractive is something that seems to permeate the black community, and still manages to strike many nerves. Conclusions are drawn about your skin tone before even speaking and darker skinned people are less likely to be considered better.

“People make assumptions that just because I am a dark skinned women that I am ghetto and I am being supported by the government” said Connor.

At Texas Southern , women and men are aware of this issue and are taking initiative to address the problem and work out solutions and common ground. Talking about the situation can be beneficial to those dealing with the controversy and inform people that self importance is key.

Hardrick heads to the Elite 2011 Combine

Texas Southern SWAC football champ Matt Hardrick heads to the 2011 Elite Pro Football Combine in hopes of being chose by a team in the National Football League.

The Elite Pro Football Combine serves as a supplement to the NFL’s National Scout and provides players with a comprehensive NFL evaluation and thorough test and other evaluations. The results, combine scores, video, photos are entered into a database accessible by 32 official NFL clubs.

TSU football has made a drastic change in the most recent season by earning the SWAC championship title for the first time in over 40 years in the 2010 season against Alabama State University gaining the respect of many and uplifting the tiger spirit.

March 19, 2011 , Matt Hardrick ,a 6’6  third year offensive lineman for TSU will get an opportunity to showcase his skills at the combine and score big to earn the attention of the National Football League.

“It’s motivating me because now that we have won [SWAC], people can see what this program has turned into and makes me want to come back and continue teaching those skills” said Hardrick

Privileged players chosen from the Regional Elite Pro Football Combine may be considered to go on to the National Elite Pro Football combine which will be held April 15 -16 2011 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis .

“It’s a big privilege to be there because only a certain players can participate ... if you’re not a memorable player they may deny your application.” said Hardrick.  “I am going in  with an agent so hopefully all I have to do is perform well and do my best to make an impression.”

Dedicated to the game for 8 years and now rounding out his last semester at school, Hardrick reflects on  the importance of this opportunity and what it means for him at this point in his career. Many football players know having status before entering into the NFL brings great promise to a football career.

 With great expectations for the next 5 years and anticipation for a “million dollar” contract , Hardrick keeps his eyes on the prize.

 “I hope to gain a great networking opportunity and have fun, my  college career is over so it’s time for me to go out there and make a name for myself.” said Hardrick.

As a graduating Senior, Matt has been on a non-stop track to perfecting his craft and expanding his education. Being prepared as a athlete and a scholar , he has been continuously training to become even better.

Hardrick knows the importance of being mentally and physically ready to take on the challenges of being a professional football player. Making good decisions on his health for great football performance and mentally staying focused to keep himself on the right path outside of football.

 “I’m graduating in May which is big for me and my family.” said Matt. “I have been working out since the SWAC game. I work out twice a day 4 times a week, and stay around friends who motivate me to stay out of trouble and not ruin my chances for my career.”

Hardrick has planned his next moves carefully and even scored the attention of three Arena Football teams as a backup plan in the event the 2011 Combine doesn’t go as planned.

Reflecting on his past three years at Texas Southern , Matt has had great experience and gained usable knowledge on what it means to be amongst a team and assume responsibilities. Receiving feedback from fellow teammates to fans , Hardrick has used the criticism to fuel his energy.

Board of Regents

Texas Southern Board of Regents holds meeting February 18,2011 and vote in acceptance of the new stadium and changes impacting the university.


The meeting kicked off with a role call and a recall of the agenda and what would be discussed. After a quick overview of the day, Charles McClelland approached the podium to give the proposal for the new TSU/Dynamo Stadium .

With over 22,500 seats, the stadium will hold more eager tiger fans and expand the locker room for the football players. Included in those seats are over 1000 club seats, 360 suites, and even 300 wheelchair spaces to accommodate all game goers. Ticket prices for students will not change and a TSU will keep all revenue from ticket sales.

“TSU keeps 100 percent of all ticket sales which was huge” said McClelland. “We get 100 percent of paraphernalia and sponsor sales.”

Seeking a $1.5 million dollar upfront payment from TSU, McClelland explained to the board about the ticket and broadcasting revenue. Already in collaboration with Comcast, the university has a opportunity to keep 100 percent of Broadcasting Revenue.

The Houston Dynamo will be putting up $60 million toward the project and will receive 100 percent of stadium sponsor ship revenue. Dynamo needed the ability to go out and generate those funds so while the stadium won’t be named after TSU the Tiger presence will be very apparent.

“As you walk in the stadium we will be all maroon and grey and have all our sponsors erect but it will be very clear that this is Texas Southern universities stadium” said McClelland.

The addition of this new stadium will not change student fees and students with valid Tiger One cards are still free to enter the games. With no additional cost to the projected proposal, TSU will also be able to have graduations, concerts, and even soccer games in the stadium.

McClelland also told the board about the exposure this will bring to Texas Southern and may also help recruitment. This will also help TSU Athletics to be self sufficient.

Shortly after 10:00 a.m., Lorence Snowden the Director of Programs for the Barbara Jordan School of Public Affairs took the stand to honor and celebrate what would have been the 75th birthday of Barbara Jordan. The university will be a part of the ongoing celebration and the official unveiling of the Black Heritage Stamp.

“On Monday, even though it’s a holiday for the school we will come back for the “I Barbara Jordan” performance.” said Snowden. “The celebration will continue with the Women for Barbara activities in March which deals with immigration and carry on until the unveiling in September.”

A flower presentation was held during the meeting for Jordan’s sister Rosemary McGowan and she spoke a few words about continuing her sister’s legacy.

The topic of the Academic Village was the next item on the agenda. After debate and “friendly amendment of the proposal , the Board of Regents voted in acceptance of the grant. With this approval the Academic Village will receive a grant for $2.74 million.

Also approved in the Board of Regents meeting was a painting by John Biggers . At a value of $295,000 TSU alumni Gerald Smith made moves toward getting the painting presented to TSU.

“He is not only distinguished himself, but he is giving back to the school.” said Glenn Lewis , a Board of Regents member.