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.