NEWS - Texas Southern University

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G EChange is inevitable; progress is intentional.Excellence is the result of our inspiration anddetermination to position Texas Southern University asa premier institution of urban programming in the 21stcentury.We continue to reach new heights that are indicativeof our growth into greatness. To this end, we are proudto publish the summer 2004 edition of Generations ofPride. As in the introductory issue last winter, this volumecovers numerous events and success stories thatcelebrate the rich and remarkable legacy of TSU—alegacy that includes a strong alumni network whoseunwavering support has contributed to the University’sdistinction.Undoubtedly, this distinction was exhibited during Texas SouthernUniversity’s inaugural Black and White Ball in February. More than 600guests commemorated Black History Month and seven extraordinaryindividuals—including TSU’s own professor Arbolina Jennings andRegent Willard Jackson Jr.—who through their service and endeavorselevate multiculturalism in our city and region.New traditions are created as we grow. Our first winter commencement,held December 13, 2003, featured keynote speaker the ReverendWilliam Lawson, pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Continuingour legacy of dynamic orators, the Honorable Harry E. Johnson Sr.,TSU regent and general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.,delivered a moving and inspiring message during the Charter Day 2004service in March.The pinnacle of this year’s observance of the University’s birth wasa news conference sponsored by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee,March 2, who announced TSU’s record receipt of more than $15 millionin grants for the College of Science and Technology and Collegeof Pharmacy and Health Sciences. This funding, as the congresswomandeclared, represents a significant milestone for the University as it is nowofficially integrated into the federal appropriations process.Enjoy this exciting summer release of Generations of Pride; as youwill discover, Texas Southern University’s progress is in full bloom.Priscilla D. Slade, Ph.D.President2 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

CONTENTSVolume 1, Number 2Summer 2004Generations of Pride is a jointpublication of theOffice of Alumni Affairs and theOffice of Communications.Priscilla SladePresidentCharlene EvansExecutive Vice PresidentOffice of Alumni AffairsHannah Hall, Room 1293100 Cleburne St. ~ Houston, Texas77004Voice: (713) 313-6893Fax: (713) 313-6894Web: www.tsu.edu/alumniKevin AdamsAssistant Vice Presidentof Alumni AffairsTanya TircuitCoordinator of Alumni AffairsOffice of CommunicationsHannah Hall, Room 2113100 Cleburne St. ~ Houston, Texas77004Voice: (713) 313-1861Fax: (713) 313-4232Web: www.tsu.edu/mediaBronwen R. TaylorWriter/EditorMarc NewsomeDesign SpecialistEarlie HudnallPhotographerContributing Writers:Ashley ClarkP.C. DouglasLatrissa FlemingTrevor Mitchell45910Reader’s ResponseAlumni Chapter News & Tiger NotesHome AgainAlumni Features10 Agent of Humility: A Talk with TSU Alum Kevin Poston12 Up, Up & Away: NASA’s Debra Johnson Blasts Off14 Defying the Odds: Jacksonville Jaguar Cortez Hankton16202334373840Alumni in the NewsOut & About: Images of Our Alma MaterTSU News23 A Tigerwalk Paved in Gold: Federal Funding for 200424 Remembering Dr. Samuel M. Nabrit, TSU’s 2nd President25 Creating New Traditions with the First Winter Graduation26 TSU’s Life & Legacy: Charter Day 200427 An Affair to Remember: TSU’s Inagural Black&White Ball29 Politics of a New Generation: A Hip-Hop Look at Voting31 The Legacy of Brown vs. Board of Education33 “Thank You TSU”: Law School Grad to Houston Judge33 “Always Ask Questions”: A Visit from Texas’ Ex-GovenorAthletics34 Tiger Tidbits from the Athletics Department36 Tiger Touchdown: TSU & Superbowl XXXVIIIAccoladesNews & NotesCampus Features40 Marcus Garvey or Mahatma Ghandi: Student MissionaryUncovers African Culture41 Take Two & Call Me in the Morning: COPHS Unveils TwoNew Graduate Programs43 In MemoriamGENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 3

Washington-Metropolitan Area ChapterWelcomes Mickey Leland InternsOn March 18, the Washington-Metropolitan Area chapter of the TSUAlumni Association hosted a reception forStephen Payne and Neinka Dowden, twoTSU students participating in the MickeyLeland Congressional Internship Program.The students were in Washington for sixweeks; Payne worked for U.S. Rep. SheilaJackson Lee while Dowden interned in theoffices of U.S. Rep. Gene Green. Joiningthe group was University of Houston studentAjanea Miles. Miles was assigned tothe office of U.S. Rep. Martin Frost.The Mickey Leland CongressionalInternship Program, founded by formerCongressman Mickey Leland in 1978,introduces minority and economically disadvantagedstudents to the inner workingsof the political structure through internships.Participants are given responsibilitiesas varied as preparing legislative briefings,attending constituent meetings and handlingcorrespondence, drafting speeches, researchingresolutions and legislation, and organizingand attending press conferences. Formore information, visit the Mickey LelandCenter on World Hunger and Peace atTexas Southern University at http://www.houstonhungernet.org/mickey/Contributed by Judy Jackson, Washington-Metro AreaAlumni AssociationTexas Southern UniversityMaroon & Gray Club - Alumni ChapterThe Maroon & Gray Club is a non-profit supportgroup for the Texas Southern UniversityStudent Athletic Department. We are a 501 (c)non-profit organization, under the incorporationof the Texas Southern University NationalAlumni Association.The purpose of the club is to provide the athleticdepartment with financial assistance and in– kind support. We are seeking all ex-athletes,men and women, as well as ex-students and anyfriends that LOVE Texas Southern University.We need you as a part of the group! To join,contact Charles N. O’Saw, president:phone: 281-835-0564 • Fax: 281-835-4348e-mail: cnoosaw@aol.comDallas Alumni ChapterThe Dallas alumni chapter recently held its 5thAnnual Scholarship and Awards Banquet, June 26at the Holiday Inn Select. Congratulations to all ofthe honorees! If you reside in the Dallas area, joinyour alumni association today! Meetings are thesecond Monday of each month.THE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM AT TSUpresent:Something All Our Own:THE GRANT HILLCOLLECTIONOF AFRICANAMERICAN ARTon displayJune 27 to Aug. 31, 2004Enjoy nearly 50 works that reflectthe African-American experience,including pieces by Romare Bearden,Phoebe Beasley, Malcolm Brown,Elizabeth Catlett, and four Texasartists.The University Museum is openTuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. &Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.For further information, please call Natasha L. Turnerat 713.313.7120. To reserve a docent-led tour group,please contact Bettie J. Harris at 713.313.7145.6 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITYNational Alumni AssociationLifetime Membership ApplicationName:Date:Address:Daytime Phone:Evening Phone:Email Address:Occupation:Graduation Year:DOB:Degree Type:School Interest/organizations:Please Check the Box for which you are remitting payment:o 1. payment installment o 2. payment installments o 3. payment installmentsExplanation Of Lifetime Membership DuesArticle III Section 2 (E) of the Constitution and Bylaws for TSUNAA states that for:Life Members - Any person who pays the sum of four hundred fifty dollars ($450). This amount is retiredin three (3) consecutive years at a minimum of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) per year. Such persons maychoose to retire the debt in one payment, or in less than the three (3) year maximum.TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITYNational Alumni AssociationMembership ApplicationName:___________________________________Date:____________________________________Address:__________________________________________________________________________Daytime Phone:____________________________Evening Phone:_________________________Email Address:____________________________________________________________________Occupation:_____________________________Dob:_____________________________________Graduation Year:_________________Degree Type:_____________________________________School Interest/organizations:_______________________________________________________Please Check Areas Of Interests:oMembership oPublic Relations oFundraising oCampus AffairsoPublications oSpecial Projects oLegislative oOtherTSU NATIONAL ALUMNI DUES ARE $50 PAID ANNUALLYGENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 7

O n the Move Again:Maroon and Gray Club Reignites8 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDEEarly members of theMaroon and Gray ClubCharles “CP”Windle,Carl Wynne,Willie Hopkins,James Lang, AlHenry, JohnH. Calhoun,Carl Walker Jr.,Waymon Barrett,William “Rock”Glossom, GilbertHicks IV… thosewere just someof the names thatresonated wheneverthe Maroon and Gray Club wasaround. This organization – initially allmen – began in the mid-seventies to supportTexas Southern University TigerFootball. The major fundraiser of theclub was the Annual Maroon and GrayBall, where every Maroon and Grayman arrived in his dapper gray tuxedopants and maroon tails. What an excitingtime for the Texas Southern Universitycommunity! “An Evening with FannieTatum Hawkins,” alumna and authorof Within the Heart of a Woman, wasanother memorable event; the eveningwas highlighted with dinner and thereading of inspirational poetry andromantic lyrics.At any event sponsored by a TSUalumni chapter, a Maroon and Grayclubber could be easily spotted with hismaroon and gray attire, colors wornproudly then and with just as much dignitytoday. Though several of the individualsmentioned are no longer with us,the spirit in which they rendered financialsupport, time and service is still alivewithin the current Maroon and GrayClub. And now, under the presidencyof Charles O’Saw, and with strong contributionsfrom officers Willie Hopkins(vice president), Desiree’ Blackmon (secretary),James Royster (treasurer), andactive members Bert Simmons, WillieAllen, Willie Early, Marie Celestine andChris LeBlanc, the Maroon and GrayClub is on its way!This year began with a gatheringto meet and welcome Steve Wilson asthe new coach of the Tiger footballteam. During a question and answersession, Wilson commented that thegame of football is a science, and thatone must “stay ahead of the game.” Hefurther stated that, because recruitinghas changed, the new key to recruitingis “camps – summer camps.” Wilsonimagines taking his group of youngplayers to where he wants them by“maximizing each day.” He wants tocreate a thirst within them so they cando it on their own – become the footballplayers he knows they can be and playtheir respective positions well.Spring football training began March24 and the club’s Spring Game was heldApril 17. The Maroon and Gray Clubhad an array of activities planned for theday, giving friends of Texas SouthernUniversity, as well as the communityat large, an opportunity to see what ittakes to get the Tiger team ready for itsseason.For additional information on how youcan become a part of the wonderfulgroup, contact the president,Charles O’Saw:Email: CNOOSAW@aol.comMobile: 832-541-5030Home: 281-835-0564-contributed by Yvette Wilson Scales, Class of 1974

Home Again: Alumni at TSUName: Ladonia Randle, professor of communicationsAge: 31Year Graduated: 1999Major: JournalismHometown: Prairie View, TexasWhy did you choose TSU? I wanted to continue my graduate studies atan HBCU.What are your most memorable moments at TSU? Working with thestudents – it picks up my day. It makes me feel good.What made you return to work at TSU? First of all, I was given an opportunity to show I wascapable of doing certain things. Plus, I wanted students to see that not all professors are old andstuffy. Sometimes younger professors are better able to communicate with students. I can be aninstructor in academics and in life.Name: Holly A. Hogrobrooks, professor of communicationsAge: 63Year Graduated: 1963Major: JournalismHometown: HoustonWhy did you choose TSU? My mother made that announcement and Iwasn’t opposed to it. I had been away for 4 years at boarding school andshe said that I could go to school at home.What are your memorable moments at TSU? The sit-ins. March 3, 1960– when we started a movement that ended up desegregating the city of Houston.What made you return to work at TSU? I got a call from a friend that said that Dr. Sawyer waslooking for someone to work in the News and Information Office to develop an alumni publication.Name: Goldy Jackson, Office of RecruitmentAge: 25Year Graduated: 2000Major: Marketing and ManagementHometown: HoustonWhy did you choose TSU? I always wanted to go to a HBCU, and mygrandmother, father and mother went to TSU.What are your most memorable moments at TSU? Graduation; it wasa great 4 years and graduating is the main goal. It’s something that no onecan take away from you.What made you return to work at TSU? I actually love my university…. I saw that there was ajob opening where I could be in recruitment and by being young, I felt that I could still connectwith the students. I can now see my work first hand.GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 9

Agent of HumilityTrevor N. MitchellKevin Poston“Sports is just a vehicle. Nomatter how good you are, it’sgoing to end.”Growing up in Saginaw, Mich., Kevin Poston had no idea he would end upbecoming a professional sports agent. His lifelong dream was to follow inthe footsteps of his father Charles Poston Jr., an attorney, and he did so for severalyears, quite successfully. In 1985, Postonearned his law degree from Texas SouthernUniversity’s Thurgood Marshall School ofLaw, graduating in the top five percent of hisclass.Poston jumped into the high-energy fieldof real estate law for a few years, becoming apartner at a major Michigan law firm. In1987, he entered into a development deal thatchanged the course of his life. Involved innegotiations for a new basketball arena, Postonfound himself mingling with team executivesand learning key points about the sports industry.An idea began to form and soon after, heand older brother Carl III, also an attorney,began contemplating the idea of walking awayfrom lucrative law careers and forming theirown professional sports agency. In November1989, the Postons did just that when theylaunched PSP – Professional Sports Planning.“We made up some brochures and businesscards when we attended our first NFL [event]in 1989,” Poston recalled. “They were thrown in a lot of trash cans at the time,but we just kept at it. People told me that I was crazy for leaving a job as a partnerin a major law firm to go and deal with fickle athletes.”From its humble beginnings, PSP has grown, currently representing about 50clients. Included on its roster are well-known athletes from an array of sports,such as New England Patriot Ty Law, Oakland Raider Charles Woodson,Rashard Lewis of the Seattle SuperSonics and WNBA standout Sheryl Swoopesof the Houston Comets. Though it has had its requisite growing pains, PSP isnow one of the premiere sports agencies in the nation.From the outside, PSP seems like most other sports agencies; the Postonswork closely with their clients, spending hours negotiating contracts andendorsement deals, and protecting their clients’ rights and image. But what setsthem apart is subtle, powerful, and immediately evident when talking to KevinPoston.“I expect them [athletes] to be men,” Poston explained. “Sports are just avehicle. No matter how good you are, it’s going to end. [But] you still have to bea man.”With that in mind, PSP gives each of its new clients a special documentto sign. Called the ‘PSP Creed’, the manuscript details everything the agency10 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

expects from a PSP client. Though it has very little to do with sports, it haseverything to do with life; issues of trust, integrity, honesty and respect areparamount in life, and the Postons want to make sure their new clients are upto the task.“Whether it’s your mother, sister, or your wife, you still have to deal withwomen. You have to know how to deal with all people in a respectful way.To do that, you have to be humble. Talent is nothing but a gift from God,”Posten explained.The two brothers view their prospective clients as more than customerswho benefit from their services, but as partners and, in many cases, extendedfamily. Striving to assist the athletes in their charge with making sound businessdecisions, the agents not only negotiate favorable contracts and endorsementdeals, but also help with major expenditures such as automobiles andhomes.“When guys make all that money and end up not having a dime, that reallymakes no sense to me,” Poston lamented. “Sometimes you look at a youngathlete with all these muscles and think that he has some experience in life, butthat’s not always the case. I see people take advantage of them all the time,but they don’t always see it. And when they are led astray or get hurt, it hurtsme.”“I could practice law for the rest of my life… but it wouldn’t be as gratifyingas it is for me to help these young black men,” he continued. Thoughit remains to be seen if Poston will ever re-immerse himself in the practice oflaw, he credits his legal education at TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Lawwith instilling in him a unique business savvy.“When I was at TSU, I was editor-in-chief of the law review,” Postonrecalled. “I had a staff for the first time and it required me to perform certainleadership skills so that the publication would be looked upon highly. AsCEO of Professional Sports Planning, I use those same types of leadershipand people skills today. I’ve always loved the place and I’ll always have fondmemories of TSU.”Poston, who resides in Farmington Hills, Mich., a suburb of Detroit, isalso quick to recognize his family for his successes. Barely a moment passeswithout his mentioning how wife Kathy, daughter Alexx (16), and sonsGarrison (13) and Myles (11) have made him the man that he is today. “IfI didn’t have the wife that I have as a support base, I probably wouldn’t benearly successful as I am,” he said. “I measure my success by my family life.I’ll be married 20 years this year… [and] I have three kids who are my realjewels.”Recalling the words of professional baseball legend Jackie Robinson,Poston continued, saying “I try to impact their lives positively everyday, soeven when I’m gone, I’m really still here. To me, that is what life is all about.”With multiple academic degrees, a successful business and a close-knitfamily, one would think Kevin Poston would be riding high. And he is… butnot in the way many others would be. He stays grounded, never allowingluxury cars or grandiose homes to obstruct his view.“I don’t know any Joneses, so I don’t try to keep up with any of them,”he joked. “I’ll always live by humbleness. I’m really just the same guy fromMichigan who went to TSU and wore jeans or khakis everyday. Nothingmuch has ever changed about me. Never will.”GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 11

Up, Up & AwayAlumna Blasts off in Aerospace CareerP C DouglasMore than three decades ago, a young Texas SouthernUniversity coed began a part-time job at NASA’s JohnsonSpace Center (the JSC) that would forever impact her life, heremployer and her country.In late March, two-time alumna Debra L. Johnson made JSChistory when she was promoted to the director within the Officeof Procurement. She is the first woman andAfrican-American to have advanced to oneof the most vital positions in the NationalAeronautics and Space Administration.Of the $17 billion Congress appropriatesannually to NASA, Johnson said heroffice will oversee $4 billion earmarked forcontracting services and equipment to supportthe agency’s missions. In fact, three ofNASA’s largest contracts, providing for theastronaut program, space stations and spaceshuttles, are directed through the local Officeof Procurement.“We have purchased every single shuttle,so it was near and dear to our hearts when[the space shuttle] Columbia [crash] happenedand when [space shuttle] Challenger [crashed],” Johnsonexplained. “We were actually responsible for buying, maintainingand keeping those shuttles upgraded.” Johnson said.Johnson’s unprecedented career path began when she was18 years old and enrolled in a cooperative education program atTSU. The curriculum afforded her the opportunity to take classesevery other semester while working at the Clear Lake-based JSC.Reflecting on her early years at the facility and remembering howshe stood out as one of the few blacks on board, Johnson says herlatest career advancement is especially sweet.Just two years shy of celebrating her 30th anniversary as a fulltimeemployee, the native Houstonian, who also served as deputydirector of procurement, says she’s pleased to have landed her “ultimateposition” – at least for now. “This is a milestone,” Johnsonsaid. “I am very pleased to be the head of the organization and forthe very first time to be included in the senior staff.”Although Johnson said she still has higher aspirations, herplate may be full right now. In addition to her recent promotion,in January, she was appointed to the finance committee of the12 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

Board of Directors for the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation.According to Johnson, the MSFEF helps guide and direct Space CenterHouston, the official visitor’s center of the JSC.Her accomplishments are catching the eye of many, and organizationsare scrambling to recognize her achievements. As Johnson racks upcareer highlights from year to year, she’s especially proud of the Womenof Color Government and Defense Award she received in 2002. Her plan– a screening and selection process for small businesses vying for governmentcontracts – garnered the award for her efforts in corporate responsibility.What was particularly importantabout it, Johnson noted, was that she’dbeen recognized for success in a field outsideof her own.With so much attention surroundingher in the scientific and aerospace community,Johnson is quick to acknowledgeTSU has had and influential place in herlife. Having earned a BBA (‘75) fromTexas Southern, she proudly acknowledgesthe impact that some of her college professorshad on her decisions to attend graduateschool (MBA, ‘78) and subsequently,mentor college graduates at Johnson Space Center.In her new role, Johnson has a clear vision of continuing to mentorothers as she was mentored by Willie Wright, the first black JSC procurementdepartment professional she met in the early 1970s. She creditsWright with providing her with guidance and support, and aspires to helpher employees maximize their skills and reach their potential. By doingso, Johnson ensures that her department doesn’t skip a beat.“Half of my work force has been there over 15 years and the otherhalf… has been there less than five,” she explained. “The only way I’mgoing to bridge that gap, as the first group starts into retirement age, is tomake sure that I have a formalized program set up so I can transfer thatknowledge.”“It was near and dear toour hearts when [the spaceshuttle] Columbia [crash]happened and when[space shuttle] Challenger[crashed].”Debra Johnson isn’t just receiving recognition from her employer.Recently, TSU honored Johnson with the Alumni of the Year Award, bestowed at an annualbanquet sponsored by the Jesse H. Jones School of Business. “I am both humbled and excited by thisaward,” she said in an interview with Kendra Phipps of the Johnson Space Center. “Even though I wasthe one…[who] accepted the award, I am aware that it is because of the many people to who took thetime along the way to mentor me and provide counsel.”Johnson credited the “phenomenal” TSU faculty and staff for encouraging her to pursue a graduatedegree and apply to NASA’s cooperative education program. Without one professor in particular,she explained, she never would’ve realized the value of continuing her education, nor had any idea thatNASA hired “anything other than science and math majors.”GENERATIONS OF PRIDE v Spring 2004 13

FEATURESDefying the OddsTrevor N. MitchellThere is a very short list of players from historically black collegefootball programs that go on to achieve success in the NationalFootball League. However, that number is growing. Legends such asWalter Payton, Doug Williams and Jerry Rice left small black universitiesand found fame, fortune and Super Bowl rings; they also helped pavethe way for today’s black college athlete. Similar to his predecessors,former Texas Southern University standout Cortez Hankton has defiedthe odds, and is intent on creating his own legacy in the NFL as a widereceiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars.The true odyssey of Cortez Hankton’s success onthe football field began at St. Augustine High School inNew Orleans. Playing on a team that liked to spreadthe ball around, the team-oriented receiver posted averagestats and was not recruited heavily coming out ofhigh school. While he did get invited to visit a coupleof universities on official recruiting trips, TSU calledup Hankton a few days before the signing deadline andoffered him a scholarship. And the rest, as they say, ishistory – TSU history.As it turned out, Hankton did not even need anofficial visit to TSU’s campus to make his decision tosuit up for the Tigers. A trip to the TSU Relays as ahigh school junior left a lasting impression that led himto begin his freshman year at TSU in the fall of 1998.“I saw the prestige and the college atmosphere at thatevent,” Hankton recalled. “I remember thinking to myself that I wouldlike to be a part of this institution.”And with that one inkling, a college football star was born. Redshirtedhis first year, Hankton worked hard to prepare for the 1999season. He credits his parents, Cortez Sr. and Sherome, with instillingin him the drive and determination he called upon in order to succeedthat first year away from home. “[During] my freshman year, my eyeswere pretty much wide open after being on my own for the first time,”Hankton revealed. “Once I started making plays in practice though, Iknew I could play on the college level if I continued to stay focused andwork hard. It all begins with hard work… no one is going to give youanything.”Using that as his mantra, Hankton worked hard at every endeavorduring his career at TSU. The student-athlete graduated with a degreein business management in 2002, yet still had a year of eligibility remainingin football. He dedicated that year solely to football, picking up14 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

Southwestern Conference all-conference firstteam honors for a phenomenal senior year.Hankton finished his TSU career with 175receptions for 3,400 yards and 30 touchdowns.He sits atop the TSU record books for mostreceiving yards; consequently, Hankton is regularlymentioned in the same breath with TSUlegends Donald Narcisseand Darrell Colbert as arguablythe greatest receiver inthe history of TSU football.With all of the attentionand accolades Hanktongarnered as a TSU standout,his name went uncalled duringthe 2003 NFL draft. “Ireally thought that I had anopportunity to get drafted,but it didn’t turn out thatway,” Hankton said. “SinceI wasn’t drafted, I had togo the free agent route. Itworked out great though,because I was able to look atthe teams and actually pick where I wanted togo.”Hankton selected the Jacksonville Jaguars,who offered him the opportunity to earn a spoton their 2003 roster. While most rookie freeagents have a slim chance at making a NFLteam, Hankton once again proved his abilityto defy the odds. With Jacksonville’s topreceiver Jimmy Smith serving a four-game suspension,the TSU alum seized the moment andworked his way onto the playing field. Aftera consistent performance during the preseason,Hankton earned a spot on Jacksonville’s openingday roster.“Nobody was really expecting me to makethe team, but I got out there and turned someheads,” Hankton recounted. “People reallydidn’t pay me much attention at first becausethey weren’t expecting me to be around. [But]the more plays I made, the more people begantalking to me and telling me that I was prettygood.”While Hankton adjusted to life inJacksonville and worked hard to learn fromevery encounter his rookieseason, the 6’0, 204 poundwide receiver often allowed histhoughts to wander back to hisdays as a college athlete at TexasSouthern. “I wouldn’t tradein my college experience forthe world,” he said. “Playingblack college football, hearingthose bands, and things likeHomecoming Week are reallysomething special. You can’tfind that at every university.”Since embarking on the pathCortez Hankton greets the crowd as marshal of of professional sports, surelyTSU’s 2003 Homecoming Parade.an innumerable number ofthings have changed for CortezHankton. He’d be hard pressed, however, toforget his Houston roots. He returned to ThirdWard and TSU’s campus last fall, riding high asmarshal of the University’s 2003 Homecomingparade. Hankton also generously donated a$1,000 scholarship to TSU Athletics, to rewardstudent-athletes who are also successful in theclassroom.“People tend forget where they came fromand the struggles they had to go through,” heexplained. “For me, it just came down to givingback. TSU gave me an opportunity… andwith that opportunity, I was able to accomplishmany things. I felt that creating a scholarshipwould help the next student-athlete to do thesame thing.”GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 15

ALUMNI IN THE NEWSChicago, May 2004, Ebony Magazine100 Most Influential Black AmericansTSU alums Kase Lawal and Regent HarryJohnson are featured in Ebony Magazine’sMay issue as two of the100 of most influentialblack Americans in the country. Lawal is chairmanand chief executive officer of CAMACHoldings Inc.; Johnson is president of AlphaPhi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and sits on the TSUBoard of Regents.Houston, April 22, 2004, Houston ChronicleStars will shine / Longtime Westbury teacherTappin among honorees at galaTSU alumnus Bobby Tappin was honoredat the “Evening with Westbury Stars” by theFriends of Westbury High School Foundation.Houston, April 14, 2004, Houston Chronicle2004 ELECTION /Walker ousts incumbent inDemocratic constable runoffIn a major upset, former Houston police officerMay Walker knocked off appointed ConstableMichael C. Butler in the only Democraticprimary runoff on the Harris County ballot.Walker earned her BBA from TSU.Houston, April 17, 2004—Dr. Michael Pinonreceived TSHP’s Pharmacy Leadership Awardat the 56th Annual Seminar Awards Luncheonat the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Houston,Saturday, April 17, 2004. Michael is the clinicalcoordinator at Sierra Medical Center in ElPaso and currently serves as president of theEl Paso Society of Health-System Pharmacists.Dr. Michael Pinon earned the B.S. in pharmacyand the Pharm.D. from the TSU College ofPharmacy and Health Sciences.Los Angeles, March 30, 2004Los Angeles TimesDegree of DifficultyTSU alumnus Pius Okafor was mentioned inan article about his son, Emeka Okafor, andthe junior Okafor’s impeccable work ethic, jugglingclasses and playing basketball at UConn.UConn went on to win the NCAA NationalChampionship.16 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDEPeotone, Ill., March 24, 2004Manteno-NewsMental Health Professionals “Changing Livesin Challenging Times”Janice M. Beal, who completed her graduatestudies at Texas Southern University, is clinicaldirector of Beal Counseling Associates andfounder of the Conference on CounselingAfrican-American Families and MulticulturalForum. This year’s conference was held April13-16 and featured keynote speaker Dr. AlvinPoussaint, noted Harvard professor, author,psychiatrist, educator, respected social critic andformer consultant to “The Cosby Show.”Peotone, Ill., March 24, 2004Manteno-NewsEight PSC faculty members receive tenureMohammad R. Salami, who earned a bachelor’sdegree from TSU, successfully completed arigorous three-year process and was grantedtenure at Prairie State College in Peotone, Ill.Salami is an assistant professor of physics at thecollege.Houston, March 24, 2004Houston Forward TimesJ. Paul Johnson, TSU’s chair to be honoredJack’s Apothecaries and MacGregor Publicityhosted a meritorious reception honoring TSUalum J. Paul Johnson, the 16 th chairman of theBoard of Regents at Texas Southern University.Athens, Texas, March 22, 2004, Athens ReviewAthens native happily sings BluesBobby Blackmon’s blues singing career is stillgoing strong.Olympia, Wash., March 15, 2004The OlympianThank you, Mr. Mayor: Lacey residentshonor Clarkson for his effortsin the communityVirgil Clarkson, a 1953 mathematics graduate,was elected mayor of Lacey, Wash., making himthe first African-American to hold the position.A community ceremony was held in hishonor; the Rev. Dale Cockrum, of First UnitedMethodist Church, referred to Clarkson as a“pioneer.”

A L U M N I I N T H E N E W S C O N T D .Milwaukee, Wis., March 1, 2004Milwaukee Journal SentinelCity water, taxes divide 1 st District candidates:Hamilton, Varnado vie for Pratt’s old seatAshanti Hamilton, a 2003 Thurgood MarshallSchool of Law graduate, is running for aldermanin Milwaukee’s 1 st District. Hamilton is anattorney and former legislative aide to the city’sActing Mayor Marvin Pratt.Houston, February 29, 2004, Houston ChronicleKhan tries to unseat DuttonState Rep. Harold Dutton, a 1966 graduate ofTSU, drew an opponent in the Democraticprimary who claimed the legislator was unresponsiveto his district’s needs. Dutton wenton to defeat his opponent Chand Khan in theelection. Dutton also earned his J.D. from TSUin 1991.Houston, February 29, 2004, Houston ChronicleGuzman challenged by OliverIncumbent Justice Eva Guzman was in a contestwith lawyer and TSU alum Lloyd WayneOliver in the Republican primary for Place 9on the Houston-based 14 th Court of Appeals.Oliver earned his J.D. from TSU in 1976.Houston, February 29, 2004, Houston ChronicleAllen challenges WilsonLongtime legislator Ron Wilson was embroiledin a contest with state school board memberand TSU alum Alma A. Allen in the Democraticprimary race to represent Texas House District131. Allen holds a bachelor of science degreeand a master of education degree from TSU.Allen defeated Wilson in the election.Houston, February 21, 2004, Houston ChronicleDebate teams go urban; Grants help toestablish programs across stateShera Carter, once a member of TSU’sacclaimed debate team, was featured in astory about the growing popularity of highschool debate teams. Carter teaches debate atHouston’s Jones High School; she establishedthe squad just two years ago. In that time,however, the 14-member has team won 21 trophies.Houston, February 19, 2004Houston ChronicleIn honor of community service, outreach/Wheeler Baptist women’sguild names Impact award recipientsBillie Joe Johnson was honored with theWheeler Avenue Impact Award for her“impact” on the community.Rosenberg, Texas, February 8, 2004Herald-CoasterSt. John’s UMCTSU alum Vickie Keys presented a studyentitled “Exodus, The Journey to Freedom,”paralleling the Israelites’ slavery in the Bible tothe African-Americans enslaved in the UnitedStates and how African-American Methodistshave dealt with racism in the Methodist familyat the United Methodist Women’s general meeting.Beaumont, Texas, February 4, 2004, KBMT-TV,Channel 12KBMT News @ 6 p.m.TSU alum Rep. Joe Deshotel was the focus ofa Black History Month piece profiling AfricanAmericans in the community.Houston, January 2, 2004, Houston ChronicleRumor has Hall on mayoral staffThis article addressed the rumors that MayorBill White (who, at the time, was mayor-elect)would hold on to city attorney and TSU alumAnthony Hall as a key member of his newadministration. Hall earned a law degree fromTSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Heserved as a state representative from 1973 to1979, as a councilman from 1979 to 1989 and aschairman of the Metropolitan Transit Authorityfrom 1990 to 1992.Buffalo, N.Y., January 8, 2004Lockport Union-Sun & JournalLearn about customer serviceDavid Rosenwasser, a TSU Thurgood MarshallSchool of Law graduate, and president of theNiagara Tourism and Convention Corp. teachesa customer service course at the Kenan Centerin Lockport, N.Y.GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 17

A L U M N I I N T H E N E W S C O N T D .Bangor, Maine, January 17, 2004Bangor Daily NewsOrono man raises funds for earthquakevictimsAli Aghamoosa, who earned a degree in pharmacologyat TSU, raises money for the BamCity Earthquake Relief Fund. The Dec. 26earthquake leveled more than half the housesand a 2,000-year-old citadel in Bam, Iran.Nashville, Tenn., December 22, 2003The City PaperCity Confidential: Kirk Whalum, smoothjazz’s smooth soulGrammy-nominated gospel and jazz musicianKirk Whalum was the subject of a Q&A piece.Whalum currently resides in Nashville with hisfamily.South Tamworth, N.H., December 15,2003, Diversity/Careers in Engineering &InformationGlen J. Hendricks wants to educate the worldThis feature story highlighted Glen Hendricksand his vision of an online global learning environment.Hendricks, a 1987 graduate of TSU,has launched two companies and developed anew type of browser.Chicago, December 14, 2003, N’DigoInfluential Black Chicagoans: A Who’s WhoTSU Alum Janice Corley-Blaney is recognizedas an influential Chicagoan.Austin, Texas, December 12, 2003, The VillagerH-TC names new advancement officerVicki Minor has been named executive directorof Institutional Advancement at Huston-Tillotson College. Minor graduated from TexasSouthern University with a bachelor’s degreein marketing management. She previouslyserved as the development officer for TSU,CEL Regional Library/CEL Regional LibraryFoundation, and Savannah State College whereshe designed and implemented branding, annualfund and capital campaigns.Houston, November 30, 2003Houston ChronicleFormer teacher Pradia challenges incumbentGaines in District IVTSU alum Alice Pradia challenges TSU alumArthur Gaines in Houston Independent SchoolDistrict Board of Trustees District IV runoff.Gaines defeated Pradia in the runoff.Houston, November 30, 2003Houston ChronicleKeller, Green in contest for postRonald Green, who earned his law degree fromTSU, was in a runoff with Bert Keller for theHouston City Council At-Large Position 4.Green defeated Keller in that city council race.Houston, November 30, 2003Houston ChronicleEntrepreneur’s business acumen israzor-sharpEmerson Hall was featured in a story about ashaving gel for men and women he created—TruBody Shave Gel. Hall graduated with honorsfrom TSU in December 1981 with a financedegree and accounting minor. He completedhis studies in 3 1/2 years and graduated first inhis finance class. He was voted president of hisfreshman class and was selected to serve on thestudent body judicial court during his juniorand senior year.Houston, November 18, 2003Houston Forward TimesLocal writer/director/producer doesit his way!This small piece was about communicationsgraduate Mo Roberts, who held a party andpresentation November 21 & 22 at the RoderickPaige Education Building to raise funds for hisFrench language narrative, and an experimentalfilm commemorating Ole’ Glory. Roberts, whoearned a degree in telecommunications, is a pastcaptain of the TSU debate team, and has studiedfilm in Paris, where he produced, wrote, anddirected a film titled Dejeuner du Matin.Houston, November 14, 2003, Law.comThe Power of One1990 Thurgood Marshall graduate David Adlerwas featured in connection with a groundbreakinglawsuit against CIA operative Edwin PaulWilson. Though Wilson was convicted in 198318 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

A L U M N I I N T H E N E W S C O N T D .of shipping massive quantities of explosives toLibya, his sentence was vacated 16 years laterwhen his attorney, Adler, located a crucial pieceof evidence that shook “…the foundation ofthe DOJ’s case against Wilson and ultimatelyhelp lead U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughesof Houston in October (2003) to overturnWilson’s Texas conviction.”Huntsville, Texas, November 11, 2003Huntsville ItemA Soldier’s StoryTSU alum William “Bill” Butler was the focusof an opinion piece about the Vietnam Warwhere, in his book “My Hurt is Over,” hedescribed the miserable experience of a combatinfantryman.New, York, N.Y., November 2003Black EnterpriseAmerica’s Top Black LawyersFrom corporate law to criminal litigation,A. Martin Wickliff Jr. is among the top lawyersin the country to call to get you the bestdeal, or keep your company out of trouble. Ashareholder with Epstein Becker & Green inHouston, Wickliff received his J.D. from TSU.His power play: He defended Amoco Oil Co.against a racial discrimination claim by a minoritycontractor. The jury returned a defense verdicton all major issues, and the one jury verdictfor the plaintiff was later overturned on appeal.Houston, November 9, 2003Houston DefenderOn To Bigger and BetterHPD Officer Leslie Henderson went to LosAngeles to rub elbows with the entertainmentindustry’s rich and powerful and to pitch hisscript Blindsighted, a supernatural thriller thatplaced third in the Hollywood Film FestivalScreenwriter Awards. Henderson earned abachelor of arts degree in communicationsfrom TSU. The story is loosely based on SanAntonio artist Lisa Fittipaldi, who took uppainting after she started losing her vision.Houston, November 5, 2003,Houston ChroniclePrincipal strives to be ‘role model’A feature piece was written about the accomplishmentsand tenacity of principal Marc Smithof Klein Intermediate School. Smith, who grewup in the Acres Home community in northwestHouston, earned a bachelor’s degree in educationfrom TSU in 1993. He began his teachingcareer at Klein Intermediate after graduatingfrom TSU, and, in 1997, became assistant principal.He was appointed principal five yearslater. Smith is also a former athlete, havingplayed Tiger football and spent two years in theArena Football League.GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 19

12341. Pictured with President Slade (far left) and Provost BobbyWilson (far right) are those honored at the May 11 RetireeReception. Included are (from 2nd l): Dr. Ralph Butler,University Testing; Edmond Angelle Jr., Custodial Services;Everlene Browder, English and Foreign Languages; and Dr.Curtis McDonald, Chemistry.52. Former National Alumni Association President JamesRoyster (l) with President Slade and current NAA PresidentChris LeBlanc.3. Christopher Hanson, a string major, shows his talent as heentertains attendees of the Fine Arts Week awards luncheon.4. Provost Bobby Wilson and President Slade present CongresswomanSheila Jackson Lee with an honorary degree atSpring Commencement, May 15.65. The Houston Chapter of the TSU Alumni Associationreadies its booth for 2004 Springfest.6. Salsa lessons on the Plaza at 2004 Springfest.20 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

7. Anthony Robinson, who enrolled in lawschool after spending 10 years in prison fora crime he did not commit, is hooded at theThurgood Marshall School of Law’s graduationceremony May 14. Robinson saved for threeyears in order to hire an attorney and commissiona DNA test, which proved his innocence.8. Alice Walker, best known for her novel “TheColor Purple,” discusses her new book “Nowis the Time to Open Your Heart” at a reading inSawyer Auditorium May 13.9. Activist Dick Gregory was the featuredspeaker at an April 7 Mini-Health Summit andTown Hall Meeting sponsored by the College ofPharmacy and Health Sciences.10. Ruth Stewart, retired music professorand recipient of the department of fine arts’2004 Living Legend Award, poses with OperaWorkshop leader and 2001 recipient, BernadineOliphint.11. Students in the Opera Workshop perform atHonors Convocation April 6.12. Toddlers prepare for the Center on theFamily’s annual Trike-a-thon, held April 6.7 89101112GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 21

NEWSTigerWalkPaved inGold:From left, Dr. Shirlette Milton, Dr. MitchellAllen, Regent Harry Johnson, PresidentSlade, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr.Polly Tuner and Provost Bobby Wilson.University Receives Over$15 Million in Federal FundsMore than $15 million in federalfunding, including grants andcontracts from the U.S. Departmentof Education, National Institutesof Health and NASA, have beenawarded to TSU thus far for fiscalyear 2004, a notable achievementat what is just the half-way pointfor the year. Included in the record$15.6 million in federal dollars is$1.2 million from a five-year, $6 millionNASA grant. The money willbe used for the Research Center forBiotechnology and EnvironmentalHealth, which will be housed inTSU’s new science building, slatedfor construction beginning in fall2004.The federal funding also includes more than $400,000 in earmarkedcongressional appropriations for programs in the Collegeof Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the College of Science andTechnology.“Texas Southern University is an outstanding institution ofresearch,” said U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in a March 2 press conferenceon the steps of TSU’s Granville Sawyer Auditorium. “It isimportant for both scholars and students to realize that TSU is now aworld-class research institution. You may not feel it now, but this is ahistoric day. There’s no turning back now...TSU is on the move.”Despite a sluggish economy and federal budget tightening, Leeannounced her success in securing two generous appropriations earmarkedfor TSU. One provides $100,000 to the College of Pharmacyand Health Sciences for the establishment of a health professionsprogram; the other supplies $300,000 to the College of Science andTechnology for a minority engineering program.“These funds are helping to ensure the dreams of… deservingstudents to become engineers, scientists or health professionals,” saidPresident Slade. “Most importantly, this funding helps us to increasethe participation and graduation of minorities in health professionsand science, engineering and technology fields.”News conference participants expressed hope that the fundingwould create opportunities for growth and development. MichaelHicks, an electronic engineering major, praised the TSU electronicsprogram and said his scholarship from the minority engineering programhad allowed him to receive money for tuition and books. Healso mentioned that, due to his training at TSU, companies such asHalliburton, ExxonMobil and Texas Instruments had initiated contactwith him. “Everyday, I’m surrounded by outstanding faculty thatreally care about us and want us to succeed in education,” he said. “Itis truly a blessing to be in this position.”FederalFundingHighlightsThe U. S. Department ofEducation awarded $10.2million to the College ofPharmacy and HealthSciences – COPHS – andthe College of ContinuingEducation; this includes$1.7 million to the MinorityScholar/ChampionResearch Training Project.National Institutes ofHealth awarded $1.9 millionawarded to COPHS;this includes $1.3 million tothe Institute for Researchinto Health Issues of theDisadvantaged.NASA awarded $1.7 millionto the College ofScience and Technology;this includes $6 million tothe NASA Research Centerfor Biotechnology andEnvironmental Health.The U.S. Departmentof Transportationawarded $616,241 to theCollege of Science andTechnology; this includes$161,700 to be utilizedby the interagency contractbetween the TexasTransportation Institute andTexas Southern.The U.S. Departmentof Health and HumanServices awarded$771,873 to COPHS; thisincludes $650,00 for scholarshipsfor disadvantagedstudents.The National ScienceFoundation awarded $1million to the HoustonAlliance for MinorityParticipation Project,which is under the umbrellaof the College of Scienceand Technology.GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 23

NEWSRememberinga Great Man:Dr. SamuelNabritDr. Samuel Nabrit.Houston Mayor Bill White andCouncilman Ronald Green, a TSUalum, recognize Dr. Samuel Nabrit.TSU’s second president iscelebrated by the Universityand the City of HoustonTexas Southern celebrated BlackHistory month by recognizing one ofits own. On February 24, the Universitypaid tribute to the late Dr. Samuel Nabrit,TSU’s second president, commemoratinghim with an event on the steps ofCity Hall. Dr. Nabrit, the first African-American to receivea doctorate from Brown University and to be appointed tothe Atomic Energy Commission, served as Texas Southern’spresident for 10 years, from 1955 to 1966. He passed awayin December 2003, leaving a legacy with the University thatone would be hard pressed to forget. To honor that legacy,friends of the University gathered at Houston’s City Hall toenjoy a variety of tributes. The TSU debate team read a historicalperspective on the life and work of Nabrit while thechoir sang the Negro spirituals ‘Ezekiel saw de wheel’ and‘We Shall Overcome;’ the jazz ensemble also performed.Attendees represented the political and educational faceof Houston, with Mayor Bill White reading a proclamationon behalf of the city. Individuals such as TSU educationprofessor Dr. Cherry Gooden, Chairman J. Paul Johnsonand Thurgood Marshall alum Councilman Ronald Greenwere also present.“TSU has contributed great things and great leaders toHouston,” Mayor White told the audience. There has beena lot of change since 1955, when Nabrit assumed the presidency;TSU has since transformed itself into an internationalinstitution of higher education. “On behalf of the two millioncitizens of Houston,” White announced, “I declareFebruary 24 Samuel Milton Nabrit Day.”Regent Johnson encouraged onlookers to recognize thecontributions of African-Americans every day. “Let us not cease to celebrate blackhistory simply because we are at the close of February,” he intoned. CouncilmanGreen shared his sentiments. “Hold up the light not only this month,” he said, “butevery month.”24 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

NEWSCreatingNewTraditionsTSU Holds its First WinterCommencementThe University introduces three new regentsand awards a local minister with a honorarydoctorateDecember 13th was a day of firsts for TSU as itformally introduced three additions to the Boardof Regents to the public and held its inaugural 2003winter commencement. The rainy morning did littleto dampen the excitement that hovered in the air aseager graduates were introduced and new board membersHarry Johnson, Belinda Griffin and Robert EarlChildress took their places on the stage at H&PEArena.Along with the conferral of degrees, the highlightof the winter ceremony was the hooding and subsequent speech by the Rev. WilliamLawson. Lawson, the pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, was awarded anhonorary degree of humane letters; he was hooded by Provost Bobby Wilson andChief Marshal Dr. Bobbie Henderson.Upon approaching the podium to deliver his address, Lawson’s first word wasbrief, but poignant. “Wow,” he said. He expressed delight over being involved in theUniversity’s first December graduation and awe at its ongoing successes. “TSU in2003 is a far cry from the TSU that Dr. Slade inherited four years ago,” Lawson toldthe graduates.In his speech, he called graduation the beginning of a “lifelong pilgrimage.” Hereviewed the previous four years and some of the drastic events that had occurred: thetragedy of September 11, several major corporate scandals, the rise of a recession andan unsteady job market. Lawson recalled his encounters with high-definition televisionsand camera cell phones, and related a story of a very important trip he once took.Traveling on a Boeing 747, Lawson came to realize that the pilot used basic, oldfashionednavigational tools, including a simple compass. This, he told the audience,intrigued him; it was a very vivid example of using new technology yet retaining basicvalues and principles. “Enjoy new toys, but keep old values, “ Lawson said. “Ourtoys and tools have changed, but not everything is different.”Like the pilot, students must preserve lessons learned in the past. Good morals,values and ethics are essential to success, he advised. “The same values thatdrove TSU’s predecessors, who were denied, should drive you,” Lawson declared.He reminded students that they were role models, even if they were unaware ofit. “Someone is watching you,” the reverend said in closing.” Someone will achievebecause you did.”Provost Bobby Wilson, left, joinsDr. Slade in presenting Rev. WilliamLawson with an honorary degree.GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 25

NEWSRegent Harry Johnson delivers the keynoteaddress at TSU’s 2004 Charter Day.The University Wind Ensemble performsat the Charter Day convocation.Charter Day 2004Reminds Campus of TSU’sLife and Legacyur mission for TSU transcends contracts, bricks and mortar,” Board“Oof Regents member Robert Childress intoned, as individuals were stillsettling into their seats for Charter Day, which was held March 3 at SawyerAuditorium. “As a board, we know where we will lead Texas Southern andteaching and learning will get us there.”The speakers who followed Childress throughout the morningechoed his sentiments loudly, and each encouraged students toaccomplish their goals. Terrick Brown, president of the StudentGovernment Association, spoke, as did newly inaugurated presidentChris LeBlanc of the TSU National Alumni Association. BeverlyCaldwell, director of the Sterling Student Center and student activities,spoke on behalf of TSU staff. The retired faculty of TexasSouthern had a voice via Sybil Allman, who taught at the Universityfor more than three decades. She pushed students to get everythingthey could from TSU and encouraged faculty to “make every classcount.” Education professor Lillian Poats was on hand to speak onbehalf of the current faculty.TSU Regent and alumnus Harry Johnson served as CharterDay speaker; taking the podium, he heaped accolades upon his almamater. “This school allowed me to fulfill my dreams…allowed meto support my family and my fraternity,” he said. “In 1947, we setout to make a difference and, looking back, we’ve made remarkablecontributions.”There is always room for improvement however, Johnson pointedout. He urged faculty and staff – as speakers before him did – togive 100 percent to the students they serve. “When student needsare no longer met, is there any other need for us to exist?” he asked.He continued by saying that students should be treated as customers,not as second-class citizens; he followed, however, by tellingstudents that they must act in a manner deserving such respect.“Don’t walk around acting like an excuse and looking like anaccident,” he boomed. “Your success begins and ends with a madeupmind.” With that, Johnson enumerated specific keys to success,such as maintaining a good character, making one’s word bond andbeing bold, decisive and motivated.Perhaps most importantly, however, Johnson underscored thevalue of investing in oneself and one’s community, yet getting involved in somethingthat brings joy and passion. “Never stop believing and dreaming,” he toldthe audience. Without dreams to keep one afloat, success cannot be achieved.26 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

NEWSAnAffair toRememberDr. Priscilla Slade, Houston Mayor Bill White and TSU alumKase Lawal enjoy the evening.TEXAS SOUTHERN HOSTSINAUGURALBLACK & WHITE BALLUniversity honors local heroes, and celebratesBlack History Month in styleElegance abounded on February 27 when TSUheld its much-anticipated Black & White Ballat the Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel. The galaevent, hosted by KTRK Channel 13 anchor Melanie Lawson, kicked off witha cocktail hour at 7:00 p.m. and continued with an opulent meal an hour later.The ball coupled some of Houston’s most successful businesspeople with civicleaders, corporate executives and local educators for a celebration of black history.The city of Houston did not have an official Black History Month commemoration,explained Nina Wilson Jones, assistant vice president of developmentat TSU. As a “culturally significant educational institution in the city,”it was the duty of Texas Southern to create an event the city could embraceas its own. As the only historically black collegein Houston and the second largest single campusHBCU in the nation, TSU has a vested interest inleading this cultural call-to-arms. “Everyone mustembrace and learn black history,” Jones continued.“Black history is American history. It is Texas’ history,it is Houston’s history, and it is most definitelyTSU’s history.”As attendees dined on filet mignon, sea bass andchocolate mousse, Mayor Bill White was presentedwith a Lifetime Hero Award for his lifelong contributionsto the city of Houston. “He embodies thecommitment of opening doors for all Houstonians,”said Dr. Slade in her introduction. “It is evident byhis first weeks in office that he will… lead this citywith a momentous comprehensive spirit.”“I thank everyone here who have contributed to TSU,” Mayor Whitetold the audience of over 600. “What’s remarkable is not the founding of theUniversity, or what it is today, but how far we’re come as a city, so fast. TSUis a part of that…TSU gives people a ticket to opportunity,” he continued.In addition to White, myriad local community mainstays were recognizedwith Legacy Hero Awards. Algenita Scott Davis, senior vice president andcommunity affairs officer at JPMorgan Chase, was lauded for her positiveGENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 27

influence in community development; TobyMattox, executive director of the Society ofPerforming Arts, for his instrumental rolein bringing over 700 diverse artists and performancetroupes to Houston; TSU RegentWillard L. Jackson Jr., for his leadership infounding and directing Metroplex Core, a civiland environmental engineering firm; TSU professorArbolina Jennings, considered an expertin various aspects of higher education, such asEnglish Fundamentalsfor TASP responsiblestudents; Gasper MirIII, the executive advisorto HISD’s superintendent,for his leadershiprole in publiceducation as a recentgraduate of the BoardFoundation’s UrbanSchool SuperintendentAcademy; and RichardWainerdi, president,CEO and COO of theTexas Medical Centerand adjunct professorat the Baylor Collegeof Medicine.Each recipientwas escorted to theballroom floor by a student host and presentedwith an engraved silver platter. After a whirlwindof activity and music provided by YvonneWashington and the Mix – as well as the TSUJazz Ensemble – Kathy Taylor Brown and theWindsor Village United Methodist ChurchChoir offered a moving tribute to the “TSUHeroes.”Tables at the event were named for a bevyof outstanding individuals affiliated with TexasSouthern, including former U.S. Congressmembers Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland,former Supreme Court Justice ThurgoodMarshall, and Heaman Sweatt, an African-American postal worker whose race-baseddenial-of-entry to the University of TexasSchool of Law was the catalyst for the creationof TSU. The Houston Chronicle and KTRKTV 13 were two major players at the black tieaffair, each securing $50,000 Thurgood Marshallsponsorships. Additionally, representativesfrom Fannie Mae, Halliburton, Wheeler Ave.Baptist Church, ChevronTexaco and MemorialHermann Healthcare were in attendance.Perhaps most noticeable, however, was theglut of support from TSU faculty, staff andadministration. Allnine academic schoolswere represented anddozens of administrativeoffices securedtables as well, suchas Athletics, theOffice of AlumniDevelopment, theOffice of StudentServices and theOffice of EnrollmentManagement. Whilethose charged withacademic enrichmentand individualsresponsible for directingthe UniversityAn overview of the ballroom at the Hilton Americas.came together tocelebrate black history,their donations worked toward a loftiergoal: supporting the Texas Southern UniversityFoundation, which provides scholarships andgeneral University support.“There are real needs of our students thatare not currently being addressed by financialaid or merit scholarships,” Nina WilsonJones said. “We would like to establish greaterresources to meet those needs.”Just before handing the night over to dancing,Mistress of Ceremonies Melanie Lawsonsummed up the evening’s significance with onephrase. “Texas Southern University is a sourceof bright minds for the future and a light ofopportunity for our community.”28 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

NEWSPolitics of a New GenerationHip-Hop Summit HighlightsResponsibility and Voting RightsHip-hop glitterati turned civic activists flooded TSU’s H&PE ArenaSuper Bowl weekend to preach accountability and social consciousness.The Houston Hip-Hop Summit, held January 31, got underway at 11:00 a.m.and carried the theme ‘Taking BackResponsibility: Youth Economic andPolitical Empowerment.’ The event,a concept brought to fruition by theHip-Hop Action Network, featuredopening remarks by network presidentDr. Benjamin Chavis, and aplethora of music and sports figuresadvocating fiscal responsibility, governmentalchange and the power andimportance of exercising the right tovote.The list of panelists reads, perhaps,like a hybrid of The Sourcemagazine and Black Enterprise…multi-million dollar artists, new andold, such as George Clinton, DougE. Fresh and Reverend Run, and rappersDavid Banner and Tigger, shared the stage with activists like Chavis andJesse Jackson. Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Records as well asthe Hip-Hop Action Network, fielded the majority of audience questions,conveying his passion for youth empowerment. Questions covered a rangeof topics, but one that moved the panel to heated discussion was a queryregarding lyrical content and artist accountability.“The language of rap is coded, and sometimes misunderstood,” Simmonstold the audience. Lyrics are a reflection of personal truths, he continued,and “you must choose what’s good in that truth for you.” Rap artist DavidBanner weighed in as well. Kids growing up in the street relate to adults indifferent ways and respond to different stimuli, he said. “We need new ageleaders to talk to these new age kids,” he held.In addition to lyricists and musicians, the stage was also cluttered with anarray of NFL athletes and politicians. State and U.S. Reps. Al Edwards andSheila Jackson Lee, fixtures at many TSU events, were present, along withParticipants in the Hip Hop Summit include, from left, Def Jam Recordsco-founder Russell Simmons, activist Jesse Jackson, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters,R&B artist Beyonce’ and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 29

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), U.S. Rep.Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and U.S. Rep.Danny K. Davis (D-IL). The Congress memberseach made a point to reinforce the importanceof voting rights and the monumentalsignificance of the summit. “I’m delighted thatyou all have come here to break the cycle of ‘Ican’t’,” Lee told the young listeners. “This isyour history... this movement is you. Are youjust going to be a hip-hop listener or be a partof the [hip-hop] movement?”Far more than a style of music, hip-hop hasbecome a cultural revolution of sorts, encompassingfacets as far-reaching as speech, clothingand, much more ubiquitous, attitude. The Hip-Hop Action Network was formed to energizeand educate the generation most involved in thisnational transformation. Founded in 2001, thenetwork, according to its web site, is “dedicatedto harnessing the cultural relevance of hip-hopmusic to serve as a catalyst for education advocacyand other societal concerns...”The panel slowly wound down with a discussionregarding the disputed 2000 presidentialelection. An audience member expressed apathytoward the upcoming 2004 elections, explainingthat he had voted in 2000 for Al Gore andfelt, due to the outcome, his voice had not beenheard. Jesse Jackson responded with a positivemetaphor – “If you had $10,000 and someonestole it, would you give up on money?” Heencouraged the audience to not only register,but to visit the polls in record numbers.Actor Boris Kodjoe, of Showtime’s originalseries Soul Food, added his opinion tothe cacophony of voices. Kodjoe, who is ofGerman and West African descent, praisedAfrican-Americans for struggling and survivingfor over 200 years. But, he said, “Now, strugglingis no longer enough. You have to reach formore.”“We need to stop making excuses,” rap artistDavid Banner continued. “If people don’tinvest in power, people can’t be powerful.”The summit ended with a brief appearancefrom hip-hop artist Beyonce’, with several ofthe attendants being honored for their inspiration,hard work and commitment in assistingthe Hip-Hop Action Network.Scenes from the 2004 Hip Hop Summit30 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

LookingBack toMoveForwardCheryl Brown Henderson delivers her keynotespeech at the African-American History Forum.She is the daughter of Oliver L. Brown, lead plaintiffin Brown v. Board of Education.Law School Hosts Forum on MilestoneBrown vs. Board of Education CaseIn May 1954, the court case Oliver L. Brown et al v. TopekaBoard of Education et al became a watershed moment forthe American public education system… or did it? Whilethe Supreme Court ruling that separate schools for black andwhite children were inherently unequal and thus, unconstitutional,was a landmark decision, questions have been raisedas to whether or not, 50 years later, enough has changed.The Thurgood Marshall School of Law arranged the AfricanAmerican History Forum to explore such issues. HeldFebruary 9 in the Jesse H. Jones Business Auditorium, several TSUfaculty were on-hand to discuss the historical, sociological, educationaland legal implications of the groundbreaking decision. Cheryl BrownHenderson and Linda Brown, daughters of plaintiffOliver L. Brown, were guest speakers.Dr. Merline Pitre, dean of the College of LiberalArts and Behavioral Sciences, took to the podium todiscuss some of the historically significant events surroundingthe court ruling. She addressed the creation ofrace codes and she touched on the historic 1896 Plessy v.Ferguson case, which ruled that separate but equal facilitieswere constitutional. She also discussed the climateof the country during the 1930s and 1940s, when theNAACP began to tackle public school segregation ata national level and referenced the 1946 case of HemanSweatt, whose denial of entry into the University ofTexas Law School was the catalyst for the creation ofTexas Southern University. “By itself, Brown didn’tsolve the problems of racial disparities,” Pitre told theaudience, “but it removed a major barrier.”Dr. Franklin Jones, from the Barbara Jordan-MickeyLeland School of Public Affairs, followed with thesociological effects of Brown, from both a personal andtheoretical view. He was in the second grade when thedecision was finally announced, he explained, and had,in fact, been one of the first African-American childrento attend an all-white school in his community. The casewas the first wherein sociological measures were weighed along withlegal arguments. The notion that separating children on the basis of racewould stunt social progress and demoralize African-American studentswas examined and used by the Supreme Court to arrive at its decision.College of Education professor Dr. Cherry Gooden held, however,that “to integrate is to accept, [but] to desegregate is to tolerate.” Shefelt that, while it was a momentous decision in the history of Americanjurisprudence, it has had very little real impact on the educationalsystem. “Educationally, it didn’t bring acceptance,” she continued.GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 31

Statistics showed that, in 2000, 40 percent ofblack students nationwide attended schoolswith populations that are over 80 percent black.That, she maintained, did not indicate success.“Brown gave us legal access, acceptance andachievement, but lawcannot legislate heart,”she concluded.Law professor Dr.John Brittain arguedthat poverty, notrace, is a more prominentbarrier to equaleducation. It servesas a proxy for poorperformance, he toldthe audience; “thereis a greater correlationbetween povertyand achievement thanParticipants are, from left (seated): Cheryl Brown Henderson,Linda Brown, Dean McKen Carrington; (standing, from l)professor John Brittain, Dr. Merline Pitre, Dr. Franklin Jones,Dr. Cherry Gooden, professor James Douglas and AssociateDean Carroll Robinson.race and achievement,” he said. Fifty years afterthe Brown decision, the country has re-trendedtoward segregation and integration is no longerpursued. Brittain stressed that the fiscal strugglebetween urban and suburban schools representsthe new color line.Sisters Cheryl Brown Henderson and LindaBrown then addressed the crowd of mostlyThurgood Marshall law students, delving intothe personal history of the case and its positiveand negative ramifications. Brown, who wasthe child refused entry to an all-white school,discussed the climate of Topeka, Kan. at thetime of the lawsuit was filed. It was not a fightregarding the quality of black schools, but rathera reaction to the inaccessibility that African-American children had to their neighborhoodschools. While black families were not segregatedto certain Topeka neighborhoods, theirchildren were oftentimes bussed several milesfrom their homes to attend school, rather thanbe allowed to walk only a few blocks to attendclasses with white children. Brown v. Board ofEducation also fractured the black communityof Topeka, Brown said, as many black teacherswere threatened with the loss of their jobs.They were only promised jobs for the followingschool year if the decision upheld separateschooling; it was thought that, were the schoolsto integrate, white parents would not want theirchildren taught by black teachers.“Neither my parents nor I realized how farreaching this suit would become,” Brown toldthe audience. Over 300 suits were consolidatedunder the umbrella of Brown; the SupremeCourt did not decide ituntil three years after theinitial grievance was filed.“Brown was 105 yearsin the making,” Hendersonasserted, citing a list ofsimilar cases. In Kansasalone, 11 prior school segregationcases had beenfiled before Brown in 1951.The case stemmed from aconcerted effort on behalfof the NAACP to test localsegregation laws; the associationorganized groups ofAfrican-Americans to attempt to register theirchildren at the nearest white school to theirhome and report the result. Oliver L. Brownwas the tenth individual in the last experimentalgroup. Though her father’s role was significant,Henderson praised everyone involved. “It isthe ‘et al’ we really want to commemorate,” shetold listeners.Henderson then listed an array of benefitsof the Brown decision, not the least of whichwas the overturning of Plessy v. Ferguson andthe toppling of similar school segregation lawsin 21 states. Additionally, it defended humanrights. Conversely, however, the decisionresulted in countless African-American schools– many excellent – around the country beingclosed as well as a scarcity of African-Americanteachers, as many of them could no longer findemployment with majority school districts.Moreover, the ensuing years since the rulinghave seen the rise of bussing as a means to integrate,resources being withheld from schools inhigh minority and/or high poverty areas, andthe proliferation of private and magnet schools,which are often times inaccessible or unaffordableto black students. Though Henderson feltthat “we are absolutely, positively better offthan we were pre-Brown,” an important questionmust be broached, she said. “Does justicefor all mean anything?”32 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

“ Thank You TSU”Gov. Rick Perry, right, swears inMarc Carter as new judge of the 228thCriminal Court. Carter's wife Roswitha(2nd l) and his two daughterslook on.“ Always Ask Questions,”Former Texas governorMark White.On January19, politicosand legalpundits fromaround Houstongathered in thePaige EducationBuilding to notonly rememberthe legacy of Dr.Martin LutherKing Jr., butto pay their respect to Marc Carter, who wasinstalled as judge of the 228th Criminal Court.Texas Gov. Rick Perry swore Carter in as over200 people applauded his distinguished legalcareer.The program included remarks from thegovernor as well as Dr. Slade, University ofHouston Regent Lynden Rose and Judge MikeFields of the County Criminal Court at LawFormer Texas Gov.Mark White visitedcampus March 10,and brought with himan uncomplicated, yetimportant request forThurgood Marshall lawstudents: always questionyour surroundings. Thistheme was interspersedthroughout his address onhomeland security, whichwas concise, but dynamic.He explained the pivotal function the aspiringattorneys will undoubtedly play in the future ofAmerica, as well as the vital role they will havein the “successes we enjoy in this country.”Yet, White urged the audience to be vigilant.Don’t feel overly secure simply because twoyears have passed since the World Trade Centerattack, he said. He recalled the initial WTCThurgood Marshall Alum AppointedCriminal Court Judge#4. Carter’s wife, Roswitha, had the honor ofrobing her husband immediately after he wassworn in.Carter thanked TSU, where he earnedhis law degree in 1993, for continued supportthroughout the years. As grateful as he was forthe support from friends and colleagues, he heldthe lion’s share of praise for his parents. Herevealed the struggles of his father, a decorated,career member of a then-segregated military.Courage and passion were words indicative ofhim, Carter said, and he learned from him to“never think of anything in life as a barrier.”My heroes didn’t wear Nikes, they worecombat boots and camouflage,” he declared.Carter paralleled his new court district with arenowned Army installation, saying, “The 228this now the 82nd Airborne of courtrooms inTexas.” The 82nd Airborne is recognized as thelargest military parachute squad in the world.Ex-Governor TellsLaw Studentsbombing, noting that a decade passed betweenit and the September 11 tragedy. In the wakeof such a resounding incident, it is especiallycrucial that individuals ask questions. “Analyzeyour case,” he told the future lawyers. Askingquestions as both attorneys and as private citizensis important, and one must “be careful notto confuse your government with your country.Our country is great,” he continued, “but ourgovernment needs watching.”White commended the audience for its collectiveachievements in law school, but challengedthe students to become contributingmembers of society, not simply successful litigators.He reminded them to give back after graduation,to both their university and their community.Above all, he said, they should continueto hope and continue to dream, for thosetwo things are what make America unique. “Ifwe ever fail to dream,” he said, “that will be thebeginning of the end of this country.”GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 33

Tiger Tidbitsfrom the Department of AthleticsThe Maroon & Gray Club hosted a poolsidemeet & greet for new head football coach SteveWilson and his staff; Maroon & Gray PresidentCharles O’Saw and fellow Tiger alums rolledout the red carpet for them. Familiar faces inthe crowd included TSU Associate Provost andcoach Robert Moreland; Ocean of Soul directorRichard Lee; TSU Athletics academic advisorRenea Steward; National Alumni PresidentChris LeBlanc; assistant athletic director RickHolden; Rosalind Thomas, assistant to theathletic director; and head athletic trainer JohnHarvey. TSU audio technician Lonzo Gileswas also in attendance, as well as bowlinghead coach Robert Powell, and NFL momsMary Taylor and Cleotha Aldridge, mothers toPhiladelphia Eagle Bobby Taylor and retiredHouston Texan Allen Aldridge, respectively.Athletic director Alois Blackwell introducedhead coach Steve Wilson and encouraged guestsand alumni to come out to the Spring Game andsee the new Tiger football team in action.The Maroon & Gray Spring Game, sponsoredby Bayway Lincoln-Mercury, was an enjoyableocassion. The game featured an end-zonepicnic, an automotive showcase and a footballtoss, the winner of which received 300 gallonsof free gasoline courtesy of Fred Hoyer and theBayway Lincoln-Mercury. Ralph Cooper andWoody Campbell of KCOH Radio 1430 providedcommentary on the team’s new pro styleoffense and defense; the Ocean of Soul’s drumline provided entertainment for the Tiger fans inattendance.Congratulations to head baseball coach CandyRobinson, assistant coach Brian White and theentire baseball team for clinching its first-everSouthwestern Conference title in May 2004, ina decisive 18-1 win over the Mississippi ValleyState Devils. Sophomore pitcher Jesus Guerrapitched nine innings, giving up only nine hitsfor one run and striking out six of 33 Devilsat bat. Candy Robinson was named Coach ofthe Year and Mario DeLeon was named MostValuable Player. The upset earned the Tigers aberth in the NCAA regional playoffs, held June4 and 5. The Tigers faced the 2003 defendingNCAA champs, the Rice Owls, beating them4-3 in the opener at Reckling Park. Despite astrong first day showing, the Tigers were bestedin the round robin tournament.Coach Candy Robinson and images of the Tigers’ 4-3 victory.TSU President Priscilla Slade hosted the AnnualAthletic Luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel inHouston. Congratulations go out to AnasthasiaJones, who, with a 3.90 GPA, was the winnerof the Spirit of Excellence Presidential Award.Julio Alvarez (3.69 GPA) and Orlena Evans(3.41 GPA) were recipients of the Above &Beyond the Rest Award.Scenes from the Annual Athletic LuncheonThe 2004 Texas Southern cheerleading squadbrought home first place honors from the 2004Southwestern Athletic Conference CheerleadingCompetition, held in Birmingham, Ala. March10-13. The tournamentwin, in the collegecoed category, grantedthe squad an automaticberth to the HBCUNational Cheerleading Championships inNashville, Tenn., March 20. In Tenn., the TigerCheerleaders placed second overall, narrowlyedged out by Langston University.34 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

NEWSTiger Touchdown!Texas Southern wins with Superbowl XXXVIII InvolvementScenes from the joint band training camp for TSUand UH.TSU’s Ocean of Soul, in conjunction with Universityof Houston’s Spirit of Houston Cougar MarchingBand, participated in the halftime performance with JanetJackson at Super Bowl XXXVIII, February 1. Together,the two schools united Super Bowl fans throughout theentire city. Band directors Richard Lee and David Bertmanof University of Houston partnered on every aspect ofthe routine, going so far as to fly to Los Angeles to meetand discuss ideas with Janet Jackson. Moreover, UH’sKevin Erickson and TSU graduate student Brian Pierrecollaborated on the music for the drum feature, and TSU’spercussion section designed the dance movements for theshow.Ann Lundy, director of TSU’s orchestra, led Houston’s Scott JoplinChamber Orchestra during Grammy award winning artist Beyonce’s renditionof the Star Spangled Banner. The orchestra is comprised of bothcommunity members and TSU students.The Super Bowl XXXVIII Committee utilized TSU’s campus for a number ofrehearsals in the month leading up to the bowl game. Rehersals ofpre-game and post-game events were completed on the University’s field,as well as in the Wellness and Recreation Center. The procession of allpre-game procedures was also practiced, including the national anthem,player introduction and a tribute to the fallen Columbia astronauts.In late January, the College of Continuing Education was awarded a$10,000 check from the National Football League, on behalf of the SuperBowl XXXVIII Committee. The funds, which were presented to Dean IrvineEpps by NFL special events manager Clayton Judge III and communityaffairs manager David Krichavsky, will serve the college’s YouthEnrichment Program.Just prior to Super Bowl Sunday, TSU hosted one of three local panel discussions on professionalsports careers for students and community members. Former Houston Oiler AllenPinkett facilitated the session, and panel members included Jamey Rootes, vice president of salesand marketing for the Houston Texans; CBS sports anchor and former Houston Oiler SpencerTillman, sports attorney Adolfo Birch; public relations executive Lara Potter and former HoustonRocket Clyde Drexler.36 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

A C C O L A D E STSU’s didactic program in dietetics wasrecently re-accredited by the Commission onAccreditation for Dietetics Education, a part ofthe American Dietetic Association. The accreditationis through 2006. TSU’s dietetics programis designed for students interested in becomingregistered dietitians and/or nutritionists.In its final competition of the fall semester, thedebate team captured a first place overall victoryat the 38 th Annual Forensic Tournament,held December 4-6 at the University ofWisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wis. Theteam also won first place in four other categories:Duo-Dramatic Interpretation, ProseInterpretation, Poetry and Pentathlon.The Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland Schoolof Public Affairs has added two visiting assistantprofessors to its spring 2004 faculty: ElyciaHarris and Octevia Evangelista. Both will beteaching administration of justice courses.The College of Science and Technology hassigned a memorandum of understandingwith Eastern Cape Technikon, which utilizes agranted awarded by the United Negro CollegeFund and the U.S. Agency for InternationalDevelopment. The Tertiary Education LinkageProjects developed an academic associationprogram for the South African university, toenhance curriculum development and researchskills for academic personnel and developopportunities for staff and student exchanges.The department of English and foreign languagesannounces the upcoming TSU PoetryDay, to be held October 1, 2004. The programwill feature poetry readings (both original andpublished), and recitations of short stories andexcerpts from longer works. There will also bemusic and artwork by artist Earnest Snell on display.Contributions from faculty and staff arewelcome.TSU’s debate team brought home five firstplace honors from a forensic meet held atthe U.S. Air Force Academy in ColoradoSpring, Colo., January 16-18. Debaterswon first place in the following categories:Open Dramatic Duo Interpretation, OpenProgrammed Interpretation, Junior ProgrammedInterpretation, Junior Dramatic Interpretationand Junior Poetry Interpretation. TSU wasthe only HBCU in competition and outrankedthe three other Texas schools in contention– University of Houston, Rice and Texas Tech.TSU’s industrial technology program, offeredby the College of Science and Technology,was recently re-accredited by the NationalAssociation of Industrial Technology. Theaccreditation is through November 2005. TSU’sindustrial technologies program is designed toprepare students as management-oriented technicalprofessionals in manufacturing, construction,and industrial communication fields.TSU’s 4th Annual Fine Arts Week commencedMarch 31 with An Evening of Art, a program atthe University Museum that featured the WoodwindEnsemble, the Chamber Music Quartet, theUniversity Choir, and performances by membersof the University’s Opera Workshop andthe University Players. The week totaled eightdays of student performances in arts, music andtheatre, along with a playwriting symposium,the dedication of jazz archives and a scholarshipaward luncheon at which retired TSU facultymember Ruth C. Stewart was presented with thedepartment’s Living Legend Award.GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 37

N E W S & N O T E SOi-Yee Ivy Chui, assistant professor of pharmacypractice, recently earned the designationof board certified pharmacotherapy specialistfrom the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties.This certification is the highest credential in thepractice of pharmacotherapy.Howard Harris, associate professor anddirector of jazz studies, lead a select group ofstudents from the TSU jazz ensemble to theInternational Association for Jazz Educationconference in New York City, January 21-25. Two of these students – alto saxophonistDaniel O’Neal and pianist Bernard Pierre– were selected from more than 50 interestedindividuals to play with the conference’sHBCU All-Star Band. The band is comprisedof 20 players, and members are chosen througha blind audition process. Harris is an originalmember of the committee that organizes andconducts the HBCU All-Star band.Dr. Juluette Bartlett-Pack, assistant professorof English and foreign languages, presented apaper titled “The Struggle Continues: ModernWomen Revolt in Tess Onwueme’s What MamaSaid! at the Hawaii International Conference onArts and Humanities in Honolulu, January 8-11. She also presented at the African YorubaConference at the University of Texas at Austin,March 25-26. Moreover, Bartlett-Pack has writtena chapter of the text Middle Passages andConflicting Modernities: Migration and Identityin Black Women’s Literature. Her contribution,“Recovering the Past: Migration toNavigate Between Modernity and Tradition inTess Onwueme’s Legacies and the Missing Face,will be published later this year.Dr. Michael Sollars, assistant professor ofEnglish and foreign languages, contributedthree chapters to a multi-volume publicationon 19 th century British dramatists. Sollars wrotebiographies of playwrights Joseph StirlingCoyne, John Westland Marston and ThomasW. Robertson. This collection on Victorianeradramatists is the first comprehensive publicationof its kind. In addition, Sollars hasalso has his satiric essay, titled “I, Too, HaveLong Digressed,” accepted for publication byLISA, a French literary journal. The essay is amodern parody of Jonathan Swift’s “A ModestProposal.”Dr. J. Jonathan Lewis, associate professorof industrial technologies and director ofTSU’s Community Development LeadershipProgram, was recently presented with a meritaward for his work in promoting the SpaceAlliance Technology Outreach Program, aNASA program designed to provide engineeringassistance to the private sector. Among allSATOP economic development organizations,TSU generated the second highest number oftechnical assistance requests in the state duringthe second quarter of 2003. Both Lewisand TSU’s community leadership programwere featured in the October/December 2003issue of 3-2-1 SATOP, an industry magazinepublished by the Bay Area Houston EconomicPartnership.Dean Jay Cummings and Associate DeanJames Johnson, of the College of Education,presented a session on educational leadershipand advanced study options at TSU atthe annual Texas Alliance of Black SchoolEducators conference. TABSE presented DeanCummings with a President’s Award in recognitionof his role as founder and leader in thedevelopment of the Research Institute for theorganization.Dr. Daniel Adams, professor of musicand chairperson of the Faculty Assembly,authored an article titled “The Drum Setas a Solo Multiple Percussion PerformanceMedium.” The piece appeared in VolumeLII, Number 4 (Spring 2004) of the Journalof the National Association of College Windand Percussion Instructors. Adams also presenteda paper titled “Rhythm and Timbre asInterdependent Structural Elements in AskellMasson’s Compositions for Snare Drum” at theSouth Central Chapter meeting of the CollegeMusic Society, held March 11-13 at Henderson38 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

N E W S & N O T E S C O N T D .State University in Arkadelphia, Ark.Moreover, he served on the panel “Given ThreeWishes, What Would You Change About YourRole as a Musician/Teacher in Academe, inYour Community, and in American Society?”,which was presented at the meeting.Dr. Oscar Criner, professor of computerscience and physics, delivered a series of lecturesMarch 3-4 as part of the Cordell HullSpeaker’s Forum at the Cumberland Schoolof Law at Samford University in Birmingham,Ala. Criner’s keynote speech, an analysis of thejudicial process from a juror’s perspective, wastitled “Who is Proving What to Whom?”Drs. Yuanjian Deng and John Sapp, professorsof chemistry, took a group of TSU scienceand math students to the 107 th annual meetingof the Texas Academy of Science, held March4-6 at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas.At the conference, 20 science students and fourmathematics students presented their researchto more than 400 attendees.Dr. Nathaniel Dean, professor of mathematics,gave a talk on data mining March 4 atTrinity University in San Antonio. His lecture,titled “Data Mining and Visualization for Life,”presented an overview of data mining and visualizationand the tools necessary for analyzinginformation.Dr. Merline Pitre, dean of the College ofLiberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences, presidedover a meeting to discuss African-Americanwomen of Texas at the Texas State HistoricalAssociation, March 5. Five days later, she presenteda lecture on Lulu White, a teacher andcivil rights activist, at Texas A&M University atGalveston.Thomas V. Green Jr., an employee fromNASA headquarters in Washington, D. C.,arrived on campus at the end of February andwill take up residence on campus through mid-August 2004 to facilitate expanding TSU primeand subcontracting opportunities with NASAand other federal government agencies. Greenhas 30 years of diverse government experiencein procurement and contracting, having spentthe preceding 10 years as the special assistantfor procurement in NASA’s Office of Small andDisadvantaged Business Utilization.On campus February 26 as part of TexasSouthern’s NASA Awareness Day, astronautLeland Nelson addressed students from Xavier,Southern, Southern-New Orleans, PrairieView A&M and Jackson State University, allof whom had descended on TSU’s campusFebruary 25-27 to explore career, education andresearch prospects at the premiere aeronauticsand space foundation. The group – which wascomprised mostly of engineering, math, scienceand pharmacy majors – proved eager to hearabout opportunities at Johnson Space Center.The event continued after lunch with a studentposter session in the University Museum. Thefollowing day focused on NASA employmentvacancies and internships, and featured a seriesof simultaneous roundtable discussions on topicssuch as the transition from grant to contractopportunities and fellowship opportunities forstudents and faculty.Against the backdrop of two recognizedexhibits – Spider Martin’s “Selma toMontgomery, A March for the Right toVote,” and Alonzo Jordan’s “Images ofJasper: 1943-1983” – the University Museumhosted a roundtable discussion March 3 to discussthe Civil Rights Movement. Dr. MerlinePitre, dean of the College of Liberal Arts andBehavioral Sciences; TSU history professor Dr.Cary Wintz; Frank Torry, KTSU commentatorand community historian; and Dr. HowardJones, history professor at Prairie View A&M,participated; Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, director ofthe University Museum, moderated the discussion.Panelists remembered the atrocities ofMarch 7, 1965, when Alabama state troopersmet civil rights demonstrators with beatingsand teargas just after they crossed the EdmundPettus Bridge out of Selma, and discussed thecountry’s reaction to what became knownas “Bloody Sunday.” The roundtable endedwith questions from audience members and adialogue on the importance of the civil rightsstruggle to younger generations.GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 39

Marcus Garveyor Mahatma Ghandi?Student Missionary Uncovers African CultureAshley ClarkSince the launch of television infomercialsand grand prize giveaways, people haveheard about “once in a life time opportunities.”Twenty-one-year old junior John Bullock however,can honestly say that he has fully capitalizedon just such a chance. An art graphics majorat Texas Southern University, Bullock recentlytook advantage of an opportunity to take abreak from classes and become a young missionaryto Zambia, Africa.“I went with the Baptist Student MinistryGroup in order to promote the True Love Waitsprogram, which is geared toward teenagers andpreteens. It teaches them about abstinence,” saidBullock. “We went to Africa… because of theHIV/AIDS problem.”Bullock traveled with other African-American students and Sister Betty Vaughn, amember of the Baptist General Mission of Texas,arranged the journey. The organization trainedthe soon-to-be missionaries because mostAfricans are used to seeing white missionariescome to talk to them. The BGM wanted youngAfrican-Americans to get the chance to witnessto people that resemble them.“Once we were selected I received numerouse-mails that told me about the country wewere going to visit,” Bullock continued. “Wehad to become familiar with the area, the peopleand the language.” The challenges of studyingwere of no consequence to an eager Bullock,though, who was determined to make a difference– no matter how small – when it cameto addressing the AIDS epidemic ravaging theAfrican continent.While in Zambia, he easily adapted tothe culture and began to bond with theteenagers with whom he worked. He alsofound an unexpected ally halfway acrossthe globe: the Bible. Much to the missionaries’surprise, they found many Zambiansalready following the teachings they werethere to provide. “We learned that Zambiais a Christian nation, which a lot of people donot believe,” Bullock relayed. “[It] is a Godfearingnation.”Bullock brought along his camera tocapture the beauty of the African nation; he wasunaware, however, that later on those personalphotos would garner him a national award.When Bullock came back to TSU, he allowedThe Herald, the student-run newspaper, to publisha photo essay chronicling his journey. Itcaught the eye of journalism professor SerbinoSandifer-Walker and soon after, she suggestedthat Bullock submit his photos to the MA’ATAwards, which is sponsored by the NationalAssociation of Black Journalists.“I found out that I won the award the nightof the ceremony,” Bullock said. “I’d forgottenthat it was taking place, [but] someone called meand informed me that I won the award for bestphoto essay.” The three photos that won theNABJ award are now on display at the TexasSouthern University Museum.Taking advantage of a mission that was trulya once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Bullock woundup gaining notoriety not only for his missionarywork, but for his photography as well.Moreover, he brought some important lessonsback to Houston.“I learned that stereotypes are false, especiallywhen it comes to Americans because we stereotypeall of the time,” he explained. “Africanculture is welcoming and friendly. They like tohave fun and they like to laugh just like us.”40 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

Anfor Excellence:College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences LaunchesTwo New Graduate ProgramsKeeping pace with the ever-evolving healthcare industry, Texas Southern’s Collegeof Pharmacy and Health Sciences has matured,having added its first ever graduate degree plan– a master’s in health care administration – justtwo years ago, and soon, complementing itwith another. The much-anticipated graduateprogram in pharmaceutical sciences is set tolaunch in fall 2004.The master’s of science in health careadministration is structured so that studentscan complete it with 52 credit hours. It offersthe opportunity for those enrolled to studythe concepts and practices relative to publicand private sector health care administration.The four-person faculty is interdisciplinaryand drawn from several health sciences fields:health care administration, public affairs, businessadministration and education.Having authored the initial proposal forthe master’s program, its director Dr. PollyTurner is hopeful for its future. “There wereonly three or four master’s programs in healthcare administration in Texas. We have thelargest medical center in the world, right herein Houston. It’s time we took advantage of that.”Describing the program as “accessible and ready,” Dr. Turnerspoke of her team’s enrollment strategies. “We target TSU students,”she said. “And all of our classes are in the evening, which makes itvery convenient for people with full-time careers.”Having worked for many years in a variety of health care sectors,the passionate program director also feels that such a program is longoverdue. “I’ve been at many levels in this industry, and there’s a lackof people who look like us in the higher levels of decision making…we need minorities at the highest levels of administration in order toGENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 41

ensure access and equal, quality care for everyone.”COPHS’ new graduate program in pharmaceutical sciences is expected to beunveiled at the launch of the new fall semester. The new plan – just the secondgraduate program offered by the college – will offer a broad-based education in drugdiscovery, drug development and pharmacogenomics, which is the study of how anindividual’s genetic inheritance affects the body’s response to drugs. With the optionfor a master’s or a doctorate, students in the program can prepare for careers in”We have the largestmedical center in theworld, right here inHouston. It’s time wetook advantage ofthat.”Dr. Polly Turnerresearch, academia, the pharmaceutical industry or, aless obvious avenue to some, in government.The graduate faculty for the new program is asdiverse in their research interests as the program itself;professors will draw on a variety of fields, includingneuroscience, biopharmaceutics, drug delivery systems,physical pharmacy, molecular and biochemicalpharmacology, and pharmaceutical chemistry.The goal of both graduate programs is to recruit,prepare and graduate quality health care professionals;the hope is that many of the students trained willremain close to home, opting to contribute to the vasthospital network that comprises the Texas Medical Center. The health of a society,Dr. Turner related, is dependent on the health of its children. “If its children aresick, then where does that leave us?”Currently serving over800 pre-professionaland professional healthprofession students,the Texas SouthernUniversity Collegeof Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS)has the distinction of being one of thenation’s leading producers of minority healthprofessionals. For the past half-century, theCollege has distinguished itself by graduatingalmost one-third of the black pharmacistspracticing nationwide. TSU has also been aleading producer of African-American medicaltechnologists and respiratory therapists.• Of all African-American students enrolledin pharmacy degree programs in Texas,86 percent are a member of COPHS.Nearly a tenth of all African-Americanstudents enrolled in pharmacy programsnationwide attend TSU; 13.2 percent of firstprofessional degrees awarded in the fieldnationwide were earned at TSU.• 8 percent of the minority pharmacy studentsnationwide are educated at TSU.FACTS ABOUT COPHS• TSU is the only university in the UnitedStates to offer a doctorate in environmentaltoxicology, a program offered viaCOPHS and the College of Science andTechnology. TSU awarded its first Ph.D inEnvironmental Toxicology in 1998.• Approximately 17 percent of TSU’senrollment is in the College of Pharmacyand Health Sciences.• The College sponsors four major researchcenters: the Institute for Research intoHealth Issues of the Disadvantaged, whichprovides core research facilities in molecularbiopharmacology and environmentaltoxicology; the Center for CardiovascularDiseases, which is designed to expandresearch into improving the cardiovascularhealth status of all Americans, especiallyAfrican-Americans; the Minority Centerfor Toxicological Research, which enhancesexisting research capabilities in toxicologyand increases the pool of minority scientistsengaged in toxicological research; and theHIV Prevention Center, which coordinatesHIV/AIDS research and education.42 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE

IN MEMORIAMMarquita Anderson, 56 - Former Houstonlibrarian and director of special collections forTSU’s Barbara Jordan Collection passed awayFebruary 18, 2004 of colon cancer. A native ofMacon, Ga., she began her career as a librarianfor the political science department at AtlantaUniversity. She received a bachelor’s degree inhistory from Knoxville College in Tennesseeand later received master’s degrees in libraryscience and history from Atlanta University in1974. She met her future husband – TSU politicalscience professor Sanders Anderson – thereand they were married in 1971. Andersonworked for the Houston Public Library for 15years, serving as head librarian at the Dixon,Vinson and Smith branches; in 1991, shesecured what she later called her “dream job”:archivist for the Jordan Collection at the RobertJ. Terry Library. Anderson is by a survived byher husband, a son, a daughter, and her fatherandmother-in-law.John Fonteno Jr., 77 – Business, educatorand “Mr. Black Republican” John Fonteno Jr.passes away March 8, 2004, after a long-termillness. A co-founder of SHAPE CommunityCenter, Fonteno earned his bachelor’s fromTSU in 1957 and his master’s in 1964; bothdegrees were in industrial education. He wenton to develop the plumbing program at TSU,and served as a technology professor for 40years. In 1974, he also founded John Fonteno& Associates, a real estate consulting andappraisal company. A native of Houston’sFourth Ward, Fonteno served as a consultantfor the Republican National Committee andwas a GOP precinct chairman for more thanfive decades. He is survived by a sister, a sonand a daughter.Norma Johnson, 64 – Succumbing to cancer,former TSU student Norma Johnson passedaway March 22, 2004. A native and residentof Ft. Worth, Texas, Johnson was a mainstayin her community, having helped found theMitchell Boulevard Neighborhood Associationand being recognized by the Fort WorthCommission on the Status of Women as their1997 Outstanding Woman of the Year in thehealth fields. More, she was the driving forforce behind the I.M. Terrell alumni association.I.M. Terrell, once the region’s only black highschool, was closed in 1973 after being desegregatedand eventually falling into disrepair.Johnson, a 1955 graduate of Terrell, lobbiedvigorously, and with her help, the school wasre-opened in 1998 as I.M. Terrell ElementarySchool. Johnson encouraged each alumniclass to adopt an individual elementary class,and organized the association’s annual historymarker luncheon, which celebrated the school’s1986 designation as a historical landmark. Sheis survived by one daughter, one sister, threebrothers, two grandchildren and a host of relativesand friends.Roxie White, 83 – Dr. White passed awayNovember 19, 2003, of apparent heart failure.White was raised by his uncle in Houston’sFifth Ward neighborhood from the age of six;he graduated from Phyllis Wheatley HighSchool and, in 1940, entered the Army. Fiveyears later, he returned to Houston and enteredthe Houston College for Negroes, the predecessorto Texas Southern University. White wenton to earn his undergraduate degree from TSUand, in 1952, was a member of the first graduatingpharmacy school class. After graduation,he worked at Wooten Pharmacy in the ThirdWard and later purchased Wooten’s Fifth Wardlocation. He renamed it White’s Pharmacyand for 30 years, acted as a beacon to the FifthWard and to TSU pharmacy students whom hementored. He closed the store in the 1980s andtook a position at Ben Taub Hospital for sevenyears until his retirement in 1995. He is survivedby his wife and son.GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 43

Generations of PrideOffice of CommunicationsTexas Southern UniversityHannah Hall 2113100 CleburneHouston, TX 77004NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGEP A I DPERMIT NO 11932HOUSTON, TX