Month: July 2020
Urban Alternative Format Brings Hip Hop, R&B, Neo Soul HOUSTON – Texas Southern University’s Division of University Advancement is excited to announce the continued expansion of KTSU 90.9 FM with a new digital station. The Vibe will be the digital and innovative Urban Alternative station, powered by KTSU. The new format will appeal to Millennials and the Generation Z demographic, offering the latest in Hip Hop, R&B and Neo-Soul on the FM dial and through 24-hour online streaming. The Vibe is set to begin broadcasting and streaming this fall. The non-profit Corporation for Public Broadcasting awarded KTSU the grant to start The Vibe in the Houston market after the ratings success and growth of KTSU 90.9 FM, which is one of the top 25 public radio stations in the country and #1 public radio station in the country with African American listenership audience. The Choice, known for its format of jazz, blues, oldies and gospel, has always championed other formats, which makes The Vibe a timely fit. “KTSU 90.9 FM Radio was the first African American station to introduce hip hop to Houston listeners right here on the historic campus of Texas Southern University. How appropriate is it for us to extend our reach in 2020 by going back to the basics by reaching a new generation of listeners,” said Ernest Walker, KTSU General Manager. KTSU Radio pulls out all the stops by selecting an all-star team of professionals to ensure the station’s success. Madd Hatta, a Houston radio legend and former host of 97.9 The Box Madd Hatta Morning Show, joins KTSU The Vibe as its new Content Director, bringing decades of radio expertise and appeal as hometown hero. He is joined by Marketing and Community Engagement Director Holly Charles and News and Digital Media Coordinator Nakia Cooper, a TSU alumna with more than a decade of experience as a Houston television newsroom leader. “The Vibe is yet another platform created at Texas Southern University to celebrate and showcase amazing talent while hiring our alumni and the best of Houston. It all began with The Choice, our legendary station. We recently added KTSU 2 The Voice, our student operated digital operation, and now we are proud to welcome The Vibe. This third outlet will provide even more internship and career opportunities for our students,” said Melinda Spaulding, Vice President for University Advancement. KTSU Radio, 90.9 has had a presence on the public radio spectrum for nearly 50 years and plans to raise its profile by filling a void in the Houston market with not only chart-topping music, but rising local and national artists, live and virtual performances and events, thoughtful programming, community outreach and an urban news perspective. Details concerning information about programming and scheduling for The Vibe will be available on www.ktsuradio.com. ABOUT KTSU RADIO 90.9 KTSU Public Radio is a public variety radio station based on the campus of Texas Southern University which serves the Greater Houston, Texas area. The community-based programs include Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Blues, Oldies, Neo Soul and Hip Hop music. ABOUT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY Texas Southern University is a public Historically Black University established in Houston, TX. As one of the largest HBCUs in the nation, TSU welcomes over 10,000 students to its campus each year with over 100 academic programs.
WASHINGTON – A horse-drawn carriage, the American flag, military salutes and an outpouring of love and support from leaders across the nation, Rep. John Lewis was laid to rest in grand fashion. It’s not that anyone is surprised, but in true Donald Trump fashion, the president of the United States announced he would not be attending memorial services for the late civil rights leader who died July 17 from pancreatic cancer. Lewis was 80 years old. A six-day memorial service was planned for Lewis, who would lie in state at the Capitol. The public would be allowed to pay respects on Monday and Tuesday. “No, I won’t be going, no,” Trump told reporters. Q: “Do you plan on paying your respects to Congressman Lewis either today or tomorrow at the Capitol?” President Trump: “No. I won’t be going. No.” pic.twitter.com/dRYg3uCxpi— CSPAN (@cspan) July 27, 2020 Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence, however, would be in attendance. Former Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden also honored Lewis. Lewis was known for making “Good Trouble.” The civil rights icon served in Congress for more than 30 years and fought against segregation and discrimination against Black Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. He was an organizer of the March on Washington, being the youngest speaker to address the crowd, and was also a member of the original Freedom Riders. He risked his life for what he believed in, having been beaten and jailed several times. Lewis made his final journey on Sunday across the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where a 25-year-old Lewis and other unarmed marchers were met by state and local police who attacked them with clubs, fracturing Lewis’ skull in what became known as “Bloody Sunday.” “I gave a little blood on that bridge,” Lewis said about that day. “I thought I was going to die. I thought I saw death.” This time, 55 years later, the bridge was covered with rose petals in Lewis’ honor. John Lewis is carried across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where he helped lead a march for voting rights in 1965, for the last time. The rose petals on the ground represent the blood spilled on Bloody Sunday. pic.twitter.com/EU0KPQo88l — philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 26, 2020 Trump and Lewis were not fans of one another. In 2017, Trump tweeted that Lewis was “all talk … no action or results,” after Lewis announced that he would not attend Trump’s inauguration. “I don’t see this president-elect as a legitimate president,” Lewis told NBC’s “Meet the Press” before the inauguration. “I think the Russians participated in helping this man get elected and they have destroyed the candidacy of Hillary Clinton.” Trump ordered the White House to lower flags to half-staff in honor of Lewis. He also tweeted his condolences. “Saddened to hear the news of civil rights hero John Lewis passing. Melania and I send our prayers to he and his family.” This is not the first funeral that Trump did not attend. He did not attend services for the late GOP Sen. John McCain or Rep. Elijah Cummings, who many say bore a striking resemblance to Lewis. We will forever be grateful to those who fought the good fight for us. No trouble like “Good Trouble.” We will make sure the legacy continues. #RIP
HOUSTON – A Texas Southern University alumna has released a book aiming to remove the negative imagery surrounding African children. Honeymoon Aljabri, an independent Tanzanian American filmmaker, wrote “Amani Wanders in Serengeti,” which follows the “Dora the Explorer” type of journey of a young girl who gets lost in the wild. “Amani is a little curious African girl who goes to the Serengeti with her parents. During her adventures, she gets lost in the jungle, where she ends up meeting new friends,” Aljabri said. Published by Fulton Books, “Amani Wanders in Serengeti” is a delightful story, filled with illustrations and colors, that teaches children the value of kindness and being a good child.” Aljabri also wanted to instill pride in African children, encouraging them to embrace their heritage, as well as expose other races and ethnic groups to the beauty of the continent. “I want the African kids to look at the pictures and feel they can have anything they desire. There are too many stereotypes about African children as having big stomachs and mucus in their eyes,” Aljabri said. “I want them to know they can reach their dreams and be whatever they want to be, while letting their imaginations fly.” Aljabari is publishing a series of Amani’s adventures as she takes us on journeys in Madasgar, Zanzibar and other places in Africa. “I want to connect African diaspora kids, helping them to learn more about each other and the historic and cultural blessings each place has,” Aljabri explained. Aljabri graduated from TSU in 2017 with a Bachelor Degree in Radio, TV and film. After studying at other Houston area colleges, she decided to attend Texas’ largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) because it felt more like home. “I wanted to tell ‘our story’ and TSU was the closest to my culture. I believe if we do not tell our own story, then someone else is going to tell it, and possibly not the right way,” Aljabri said. “Dr. B was really nice, but very tough, and I learned a lot from her. Now when I look at Black films, I look at them from a different perspective. I know if I had gone to a different school, I would have seen things differently.” Aljabri’s films include Forgotten Hero (short film) 2012; Daddy’s Wedding (drama) 2015; Perfectly Oblivious (comedy drama) 2019 and Sechelela (drama) 2020. Aljabri has received numerous awards for her work, including Zanzibar International Film festival (Best Director-2015 ); Houston Community College Movie Award (Best Director – 2012); and World Fest International Film Festival (Gold Remi award -2017, and was nominated for African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (Best Film East Africa- 2016) Her children’s book, “Amani Wanders in Serengeti” can be found at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play or Barnes & Noble.
The Southwestern Athletic Conference has announced the postponement of all scheduled fall contests along with SWAC championships due to continuing concerns related to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The fall sports impacted include men’s and women’s cross country, football, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. The conference has started the process of formalizing plans to conduct a competitive schedule for the fall sports during the 2021 spring semester. “The safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, fans and faculty/staff are our top priority,” said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Kevin Granger. “The decision by the conference provides more time for the department and our external sources to closely monitor and fine-tune the ongoing circumstances surrounding COVID-19 as we all know it changes daily. This also allows us an opportunity to ensure our student-athletes and staff are placed in the best position possible medically and physically when they return to campus.” Specifically, in the sport of football the plan includes a seven-game conference schedule beginning with an eight-week training period in January 2021. Each member institution will play a total of six conference games (four divisional/two non-divisional) with the option to play one non-conference game. Additional details regarding scheduling for women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country along with the Cricket Wireless SWAC Football Championship game will be released at a later date. Fall sports teams and student-athletes will have the opportunity to attend classes and practices in preparation for a spring 2021 competitive schedule upon return to campus. Student-athletes will have the ability to participate in conditioning, strength training and practices in all sports provided all required local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines are met. There have been no final decisions made regarding competitive schedules for the league’s winter sports at this time. The SWAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors felt this action was necessary out of growing concern for the health, safety and well-being both mentally and physically of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, team staff, campus faculty, fans and supporters. The continued increase of COVID-19 cases across many portions of the league’s geographic footprint and Southern regions of the country played a significant role in the council’s decision, along with data that suggests African-American communities have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SWAC shares in the disappointment that will undoubtedly be felt by student-athletes, fans, and supporters impacted by the postponement of fall sports competition. The league will continue to review appropriate measures to ensure the health, safety and well-being of student-athletes, coaches, administrators and the local community which continues to be the primary responsibility of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and its member institutions.
One word is all it took and the Barbs went wild. #Preggers. Hip hop rap sensation Nicki Minaj showed off her pumps and a cute baby bump and the internet was set afire.
“I have admired the work of Congressman John Lewis for many years. His life’s work has truly inspired me to fight for what I believe in and social equality,” KTSU General Manager Ernest Walker said.
Youtube celebrity and Socialite Mink Lash owner Ariell Ash is finding ways to help boost your confidence during the COVID epidemic by sharing free makeup tutorials on her Youtube channel.
There may be a break in the case surrounding the recent shooting of Houston and Texas Southern University’s own “Megan Thee Stallion,” according to TMZ.com. The internet was abuzz with conspiracy theories after Megan was shot twice in the foot on July 15. Afterward, we know how it is, Black Twitter let the memes fly. That was hurtful to Megan, and the “Hot Girl Summer” rapper let everyone know how she felt. “Black women are so unprotected & we hold so many things in to protect the feelings of others w/o considering our own,” she tweeted. “It might be funny to y’all on the internet and just another messy topic for you to talk about but this is my real life and I’m real life hurt and traumatized.” Black women are so unprotected & we hold so many things in to protect the feelings of others w/o considering our own. It might be funny to y’all on the internet and just another messy topic for you to talk about but this is my real life and I’m real life hurt and traumatized.— HOT GIRL MEG (@theestallion) July 17, 2020 Megan was clear from the start that what happened to her was intentional, without naming anyone. “On Sunday morning, I suffered gunshot wounds, as a result of a crime that was committed against me and done with the intention to physically harm me,” she announced publicly. “I was never arrested, the police officers drove me to the hospital where I underwent surgery to remove the bullets. I’m incredibly grateful to be alive and that I’m expected to make a full recovery, but it was important for me to clarify the details about this traumatic night.” TMZ reported that fellow rapper Torey Lanez shot Megan after a dispute. Things can surely turn sour fast because shortly before the incident, both Megan and Lanez were on Instagram Live with Kylie Jenner poolside in the Hollywood Hills. Lanez was charged after police found a gun in his SUV, but he has not been charged in the shooting. Although Megan says she is expected to fully recover physically, to be frank, the psychological effects could be longlasting. We hope everyone can get it together, because it seems everyone is falling apart!!!
Is this a desperately sad case of art attempting to imitate life, because if it is, someone needs to tell “Empire” star Bryshere Gray what “real” world he is living in. In case he doesn’t know, domestic violence is intolerable, violence against women is intolerable and just being a Black man in America comes with a bullseye on the back.
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