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.

Sex Offender Registration Program

Houston Department of Public Safety creates the Sex Offender Registry Program to keep track of offenders and help Houstonians and students in the third ward area protect themselves.

Inside the 610 loop and southeast of downtown Houston, Third Ward has become center of the African American community. With colleges and schools in the area the community is filled with thousands of students who attend and need protection from the not so obvious dangers surrounding them like sexual predators.

Convicted sex offenders are required to register with local law enforcement in the jurisdiction where they live. That information also is provided to the Department of Public Safety, which maintains a public database of names, crimes and addresses.

Sexual offenses happen at or around colleges and universities more often than reported. When sexually based offenses occur, victims often feel ashamed or embarrassed to relive the traumatizing experience.

A helpful defense in protecting oneself against being a potential victim is knowing your surroundings and utilizing tools to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood.

“ I would tell people to be more aware of their surroundings, watch what they are doing and be careful of the people as they approach Greystone or Frenchy’s or anywhere in the campus area and if they have kids make sure they are protecting their children as well” said Curtis, a Junior attending Texas Southern University

The Texas Sex Offender Registration Program has gone viral and access to registered offenders and their location has been granted by this website.

“I do applaud TSU because they do have the extra security and that’s a start, but they could work a little bit harder use more protection behind the dorms because that is where a lot of the problems are” said university housing senior Kimonesha Thomas .

According to TXDPS, all information on individual registrants is based on registration information submitted by Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Youth Commission, or various local criminal justice agencies.

Using this site requires account set up and is free to use to search registered offenders by name, address, county, nationally, and even by zip code.

“I know that there is a website that you can use , but I am also aware that not all sex offenders are registered” said Victoria Lewis , a art major grad student.

TSORP website also provides you with the Top Ten Most Wanted Sex Offenders and a Subscription Service which is a notification system that allows the public to subscribe to e-mail notifications regarding database changes relating to registered sex offenders.

This site is open to anyone who has an inquiry about their community and information retained should not be used for malicious intent. Doing so can result in criminal prosecution or civil liability.

Texas Southern Founders Day

Texas Southern celebrates first annual Founders Day with political and social commentator Jeff Johnson September 14, 2010

At 10 a.m. students, faculty , and staff gathered in the H& PE arena for the celebration of Founders Day. Separated by the different schools but combined as one university, everyone grew knowledgeable about the history of TSU.

In 1927, segregation was very much alive and African Americans were fighting for their rights to do everything. Work, where to live, where to eat, and even receiving a college level education were only dreams for African Americans.

On September 14, 1927 the Houston Public School Board agreed to fund two junior colleges one for Whites and one for African Americans. “American Dream not yet need be deferred “said Barbara Jordan from the screen displaying the video presentation.

Political and social commentator Jeff Johnson took the stage to articulate to us the legacy of the university. Johnson challenged the students to think about what it was like to be black back in 1927 and what efforts would you have made. He talked about the integrity of the school and students taking initiative to continue invoking the Tiger pride.

“ I am not concerned about if you like what I have to say…. I am wondering how intellectually gangster are you going to be?” said Johnson.

He also talked about being influential in the community and encouraged the students to redefine the letters of TSU and to think about the history of the school. He simply stated that if students were going to have to be just as powerful as those students who came 83 years ago.

T for training S for submit and U to represent unmovable. He then explained the importance of your hands and how you must use them to get what you want.

“What are you going to do with your hands, will you sit on them and ignore the God given talent you have inside of you?... We want to use these hands to life up the founders of TSU” said Johnson.

The Founders Day program ended with the school song sung by the TSU Jazz choir as student and staff headed to the plaza where the celebration continued.

Many gathered in the plaza to enjoy festivities and converse about the first annual Founders’ Day. Even though classes were not cancelled, President Rudley encouraged all professors to

“Jeff Johnson was amazing! I have seen him before on BET but it was long ago. He was very encouraging today and he is very motivating” said Vanya Gamble an Internship Coordinator for the School of Communications.

The plaza was filled with several booths representing the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, School of Business, the School of Science and Technology and many more schools. There were many educational and informational activities.

There was also free food , drinks, and even a scavenger hunt for a scholarship. TSU police department officers were even in attendance to share their safety precautions they are taking to secure the campus.

“I like what President Rudley is doing with the campus and I believe this was a successful first annual Founders Day” said Ashley Bradford a junior at TSU.

FOR COLORED GIRLS

For Colored Girls is a drama filled, tear jerking, truth telling play turned movie told through a series of poems about women considering suicide when the rainbow isn’t enough.

In this movie you find women who stare down the barrel of life’s shot gun, praying and hoping that issues in their lives would just get better and even go away. Abortion, abuse, rape, and complete chaos will have you reaching for tissue and a bible, to cry for those who have lost all hope and pray for those who have no more strength.

Gilda (Phylicia Rashad) , the mother hen of the complex ,keeps tabs on everyone in her apartment building. Including neighbors Crystal (Kimberly Elise), a mother of two with a vet husband who has a temper and a drinking problem and Tangie ( Thandie Newton) , a promiscuous , self loathing bartender who has a troubled little sister and a born-again abusive mother Alice(Whoopi Goldberg).

Tangie has a feisty attitude and is stubborn about helping out her sister in an all too familiar situation. Social worker Kelly ( Kerry Washington) is in charge of looking after Crystals kids, while struggling to start her own family. Juanita (Loretta Devine)is keeping her fingers crossed while taking one last chance at love. Then, there is Yasmine( Anika Noni Rose) , a dance instructor who has a new man in her life who seems too good to be true. Jo ( Janet Jackson) is the epitome of a boss, while in charge of her own magazine but is quite the contrary in trying to figure out her marriage and just what her insecure, secret keeping husband is up to.

Knowing Tyler Perry’s works , For Colored Girls is an outcome of his colorful, mouth dropping , eye opening portrayal of the truth. Perry losses “Madea” for this film and takes Ntozake Shange’s Obie Award winning play to another level by using familiar faces to tell the truth about real life situations and shines light on making it through those tough times.

With an all star cast, Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls is more than believable. The audience is captured by the real life stories and the real emotions that come from the aftermath of subjects touched on in this movie. The poetry recited was well written and delivered a powerful message to women who are going through these struggles. This movie will touch you directly and indirectly if you know someone going through the triumphs these women face. Of course, tears were expected in this movie, but with secrets, lies, anger, life, and suicide For Colored Girls brings out all emotions.

**A women commits suicide every 90 minutes in the U.S but is estimated that one woman attempts suicide every 78 seconds.**

Down but not out, MY VOTE WILL COUNT!

Tuesday morning November 2, 2010 I proudly exercised my right to vote  at Bethel’s Place in Houston, Texas.

The morning started off great as I left the house at 7:30 a.m. As I coasted down the 610 freeway ,I could hear the radio giving out information on locations for voting. I heard that there was an open voting poll with no line; so I made my way there. I was more than devastated when the precint  judge said that I could vote but it would not count because I was not registered for the area. I thought back and realized I had no idea where to go because I had moved a few times following the elections of 2008.

Back on 610, I was all fired up to vote when suddenly, I received a text message informing me that I could find where I was registered through text message. You could find your precinct by following the instructions and replying back with the word “PLACE”. To further expand my voting poll knowledge I received a link http://pollingplaces.RaiseYourVote.com/pollingplaces/find that was also very useful.

After utilizing all my resources and being turned down from two voting polls, I found my way to Bethel’s Place serving as Precinct 680 at 12525 Fondren . There I was greeted by eager volunteers and was quickly sent on my way to cast my ballot. Smiling ear to ear, I took my exit and released a great sigh of relief.

Exercising your right to vote is very important and if you don’t vote and gain knowledge of politics in your community and the nation, then complaining is not where you should start to help fix issues.  Get registered and become equip with the voting voice!