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Wednesday, March 8, 2017 • Vol. 44, No. 4 • www.HCCEgalitarian.com • @HCC_Egalitarian
In Today’s Issue
HCC annual Black History Gala Jimmieka Mills The Egalitarian
Maldonado praises college Chancellor Cesar Maldonado shined a spotlight on the college’s improvements
see Community, Page 4
T.J. Watt to be third drafted T.J. Watt is ready to be the third player picked in his family and joining brothers J.J. and Derek in the league.
seec Sports, Page 8
On Saturday, Houston Community College held its 11th annual Black History Scholarship Gala at Hotel Zaza in downtown Houston. The event was hosted by KTRK ABC13 Anchor and host of Crossroads Melanie Lawson and KPRC2 Meteorologist and host of Houston Newsmakers Khambrel Marshall. According to the HCC Black History Committee website, “For the first time in its 11-year history, the HCC scholarship gala takes a decidedly more worldly view of the plight of African Americans, and examines ways in which average citizens and college students can help improve the lives of under served people around the world.” This year’s theme for the annual gala was Thinking Globally Acting Locally. The Honorable Teta V. Banks, Veteran National Chair of the United Nations delivered the keynote address. “We gather here this evening to celebrate the great history of a people that spans the diaspora. Black history is world history, so we celebrate our history and celebrate our faith.” Banks continued, “The blood that runs through our veins is of generations spanning the globe reaching across oceans and eons of time. Ours is the blood of great kingdoms, great kings, great achievements and great dreams. We’ve known rivers, our souls have grown deep like the rivers. Like none other in the history of human kind, the African diaspora has touched every continent and every corner of the world.” Banks along with holding the titles of
Image courtesy of HCC The Honorable Teta V. Banks gives keynote address at HCC Black History Gala Saturday February 25, 2017 at Hotel ZaZa in downtown Houston. writer, civil rights advocate and diplomat is also an English professor at Lone Star College and Prarie View A&M University. She was born in Monrovia, Liberia and raised in Detroit Michigan. Banks who was elected Chair of the United Nations Associations at its annual Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. in July, 2016, is also the first person of African American descent to be elected chair of the UNA in the organization’s 70-year history. Her father Rev. A. A. Banks Jr. and her mother Dr. Victoria Allen Banks were both active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King
Sr., Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Nettie Washington Douglass, the great granddaughter of Booker T. Washington and great great granddaughter of Frederick Douglass was invited by Banks and spoke her great great grandfather’s influence on the celebration of Black History Month. “When Carter G. Woodson came up with the idea of honoring the accomplishments of African Americans and in particular, Frederick Douglass, he chose the second week in Feb which happened to be the
see
Gala, Page 3
Dr. Siddiqi excited for future of college Ana Ramirez
The Egalitarian
‘Hacksaw Ridge’ gripping Hacksaw Ridge takes us on a journey of the story of a real man, that stood up for what he believed in.
see Culture, Page 10
On February 1, Dr. Muddasair Siddiqi took office and became the new Houston Community College Central President. “I strongly believe that our urban centers or these large cities, are a very critical factor of our national competitiveness as a nation and as a whole and our ranking in the world economy because these urban centers are very diverse and they have a significant number of residents who need educational services at affordable cost.” Dr. Siddiqi continued, “I was looking for a structure where I could go and play my small role as one person in collaboration with other people to make change in our offerings or academic
“Community college rescued me in my bad time and since then I have become a patriot of community college.” Dr. Muddasair Siddiqi HCC Central President programming in the best interests of the students.” Dr. Siddiqui came from Morton College in Cicero, Illinois and considered Houston a perfect place to continue his career citing his passion for working in big cities and urban centers. What helped him make the decision of not only moving to Houston but to join Houston Community College was HCC’S #1 ranking in awarding two-
year degrees to minorities and serving more international students than any other community college. “That reflected a lot, and had a lot of meaning to me,” said Dr. Siddiqi. After finding out that information it increased his enthusiasm and enhanced his flair and interest. He was impressed with the way HCC was helping students with their financial need since most students cannot go elsewhere.
The Official Student Newspaper of the Houston Community College System
Dr. Siddiqi says he came to HCC to be a part of the movement of helping students go to college at an affordable cost and then go on to a 4-year university join the workforce or obtain higher pay at their job. This concept is a familiar and personal one to Dr. Siddiqi who faced his own financial hurdles that community college helped see
President, Page 3
On Campus 2 The Beautiful Struggle: Mona Colter-Mosley The Egalitarian
Wednesday March 8, 2017
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Jimmieka Mills The Egalitarian
Reading through the titles and positions Mona Mosley holds will make even the greatest over achievers feel like slackers. “I am the Student Government President for Central and South campus’, Treasurer for the United Student Council, and Special Events chair for the National Society for Leadership and Success.” The Business Administration Major and ordained minister is enrolled not just in HCC but also at AIU in order to pursue her Administration degree. Mosley admits, “I feel flat lined sometimes.” Mosley’s journey through higher education spans over 20 years. “I started out in the 80s at TSU. I ended up getting married and having kids and starting a family. I kept going back and forth between TSU and HCC and I decided when I went back to school this time, two years ago, I was going to stay to finish.” After experiencing a divorce, Mona was forced to rebuild her life, eventually remarrying and gaining not just a spouse but an inspiration to pursue her educational goals and this time, complete them. “My husband was the one who gave me a jolt. He was pursuing a medical degree and had taken classes at a 9month trade school and then signed up for HCC. I saw
“I realized that the only way you can really make things better for yourself and to stop thinking negative thoughts is to put positive thoughts there and that’s when I decided I was going to consume myself with learning and doing better.” Mona Colter-Mosley
him and was motivated. A little over two years ago we enrolled together and we will be walking the stage together.” This is not the only time the pair has tackled education together. Three years ago they both became ordained ministers. The family connection does not end with Mona and her husband, the couple’s son also attends HCC and is active within campus organizations. Mosley was a director at the Boys and Girls club of Greater Houston for 14 years before deciding to go back to school and cites that experience as one that motivated her to consider following her own dreams. “I wanted to make myself better for the kids that I have helped to be better. They have graduated and gone on to live better lives, now I want to be what I’ve pushed them to be.” Although Mosley’s list of duties are
extremely long, her family continues to appreciate and support her sacrifice. “She always puts others first,” said Andre Mosley, Mona’s husband. Those sacrifices though do not go without heavy planning. “I literally have to make my day up and see what’s going to happen in a day. I have to organize and say ‘ok today I’m going to deal with this, this and this. Tomorrow I can’t do this’. Some days I can’t have anything on the schedule so that I can be ready to run for the week. I do a lot of juggling.” This is not to say that Mona doesn’t still get overwhelmed, she has just found a method for the madness which came after she had her own epiphany about life and the way we approach its challenges. “I realized that the only way you can really make things better for yourself and to stop thinking negative thoughts is to put
positive thoughts there and that’s when I decided I was going to consume myself with learning and doing better.” As well as the support from her family, Mona also has a support system of friends, two in particular, which she credits for keeping her going through her toughest times. “Jarma Tarver and Thelma Williams are both my cheerleaders! If it wasn’t for those ladies I think I may have literally lost my mind. You’ve got to have some grounded people in your life to keep you grounded once you go through struggles.” Mosley has gained much more than an education since enrolling at HCC, she has also gained perspective. “Joining HCC has bridged that issue of wondering what I was going to do with my life. It has really helped me.” Mona’s departure from HCC will be bittersweet for her son who has experienced his first year of college with his mother right by his side. “I find it to be an honor to go to school with my mom,” Says Mona’s son, Jeremy Bates. “She has helped me through my first year at HCC and I wish she could stay here with me but she deserves to fly and I want her to do just that.” In May Mona and her husband will celebrate not just their graduation from HCC but their six-year wedding anniversary.
HCC POLICE BLOTTER
(COMPILED FROM HCC POLICE CRIME LOGS) CENTRAL CAMPUS: Offense: Other Police Activity Reported on: March 2 at 4:34 pm Location: Central - Midtown Campus, Fine Arts Center Parking Garage Description: Female instructor reported receiving unsolicited but non-threatening “love letters” from a former male student who is currently in prison. Letters have reportedly been sent for approximately 5 years Offense: Harassment Incident occurred on: March 2 between 1:40–1:50pm Location: Central Midtown Campus, Off Campus Description: Male and female students reported they were verbally harassed by an unknown male who also threatened them with assault as they walked near Central Campus. Case is under investigation Offense: Aggravated Robbery Incident occurred on: March 2 at 7:25pm Location: Central - Mid-
town Campus, Educational Development Center Description: A female student reported she was robbed by a male who held an unknown object against her back and threatened her. Suspect took the victim’s wallet. Offense: Other Police Activity Incident occurred on: Feb 28 at 2:30pm Location: Central - Midtown Campus, Learning Hub Description: Financial Aid employees at Central reported unwanted verbal advances and contact by a known male student. Maxient student conduct report filed. Case under investigation. Offense: Theft Incident occurred on: Feb. 28 between 11am–12:45pm Location: Central - Midtown Campus, Learning Hub Description: Student reported the theft of her cell phone from the Central Learning Hub Library. Offense: Theft
Incident occurred on: Feb 27 between 5:30– 9:30 pm Location: Central - Midtown Campus, Learning Hub Description: Female instructor reported that her personal set of keys were taken from her purse while she taught class Offense: Harassment Incident occurred on: Feb. 24 at 11:30am Location: Central - Midtown Campus, Learning Hub Description: Male student was escorted from the Learning Hub after employees reported ongoing disruptive behavior, including threats made to HCC employees. A criminal trespass warning was issued. Offense: Theft Incident occurred on: Feb 21 Location: Central - Midtown Campus, Learning Hub Description: Student reported theft of a wallet and contents from the Central Learning Hub. Offense: Burglary of Vehicle
NORTHWEST CAMPUSES Offense: Assault Reported on: March 3 at 9 am Location: Katy Campus, 1550 Fox Lake Description: Female employee reported unwanted physical contact (grabbed by wrist) by an unknown female two days earliNORTHEAST CAMPUSES er. Employee did not Offense: Criminal Tres- wish to pursue criminal pass charges. Incident occurred on: Offense: Theft Feb 19 at 1:04 pm Incident occurred Location: Northline on: Feb 28 between Campus, 8001 Fulton 9–9:20am Description: An HCC Police Officer on-viewed Location: Hayes Road Campus, 2811 Hayes a verbal argument Road between two females. Description: Student After separating the involved parties, one of reported the theft of her laptop computer the parties was issued and backpack. a criminal trespass warning. Offense: Theft Incident occurred on: Offense: Other Police Feb. 23 at 11am Activity Location: Spring Branch Incident occurred on: Campus Building Feb 17 at 5:20 pm Description: Student Location: Northline reported that a bag Campus, 8001 Fulton Description: HCC Police containing personal items and cash was assisted the Houston Police Department with taken from the parking a theft offense that oc- lot of the Spring Branch curred near the North- campus after she left line campus. the items unattended in the parking lot. Incident occurred on: Feb 20 between 7:15– 9:45 pm Location: Central - Midtown Campus, Parking Lot 2 Description: Student reported that her vehicle was burglarized at Central College parking lot 2 and a backpack was taken.
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Wednesday March 8, 2017
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HCC sells nineacre plot to city
Image courtesy of HCC Attendees at the Houston Community College annual Black History Gala at the Hotel Zaza on February 25, 2017.
Dave Wilson Alyssa Foley
The Egalitarian Houston Community College’s governing board approved the sale of two properties on Feb. 23. First, the Board of Trustees sold about 9 acres of unimproved land near Highway 288 and MacGregor to the City of Houston for $13.8 million. Second, the board sold three parking spaces at the West Loop campus to the Texas Department of Transportation for $32 thousand. MacGregor Property. The property was originally purchased to be HCC’s medical center campus, but with the development of the Coleman campus, HCC no longer needs this property. The City of Houston will pay HCC $13,850,000 for the property, the same appraised value HCC purchased the land for in 2013. In September 2015, the trustees declared the MacGregor property a surplus and authorized the chancellor to take action to sell the property. HCC has been in negotiations with the City of Houston and the college administration and the mayor have reached an agreement. Seven trustees voted in favor of the sale, Zeph Capo was absent. Trustee Dave Wilson was the only trustee to vote against the sale, stating “The college has a history of making bad land deals, and I have a real bad feeling about this deal and it doesn’t pass the smell test to me. I can see this thing blowing up on us.” West Loop Campus Parcel. The Board of Trustees approved the sale of about 595 square feet located near the far western entrance of the 16 acre West Loop campus for $32 thousand. Due to the Texas Department of Transportation’s reconstruction and improvements to Loop 610 and U.S. 59, TXDot needs the parcel for the placement of a high mass light structure. The college administration believes that the light fixture will not adversely the rest of the West Loop campus, Board Chair Eva Loredo even pointed out that it will add more light to the HCC parking lot. The administration also believes that the loss of three parking spaces is trivial. A new campus parking garage was recently completed. As a state agency, TXDot has the power of eminent domain and acceptance of the $32,384 offer will avoid condemnation proceedings against HCC for the parcel. Trustee Dave Wilson objected to the sale of the parking spaces for $50 per square foot when according to Wilson the adjacent Conn’s property was purchased by HCC for $100 per square foot. However, Chancellor Cesar Mandando clarified that the Conn’s property at the West Loop campus was purchased for about $65 per square foot and subsequently Trustee Wilson voted to approve the sale of the parking spaces. Seven trustees voted in favor of the sale, Zeph Capo and Adriana Tamez were absent.
Gala, From Page 1 birthdate that Frederick Douglass chose for himself, Valentine’s day and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday Feb 12th.” The Joyce M. Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by HCC District IV Trustee Carolyn Evans-Shabazz to Chairman and CEO of ChaseSource Tony Chase and Attorney and former HCC Board of Trustee member Gene L. Locke. Chase has owned several different businesses ranging from radio, telecommunications to his most recent venture his staffing, real estate and construction firm ChaseSource LP. Locke known well for his work within the Houston community, served under former Houston Mayor Bob Lanier as the City Attorney for the City of Houston. The former HCC Board of Trustee member is currently a partner at Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP. Keeping with the gala’s tradition, recipients of the Unstoppable Leadership Awards which are reserved for what the Black History Committee considers, “outstanding
President From Page 1 him to overcome. Before working within the community college system Dr. Siddiqi was employed overseas. He was delivered a crushing blow when he was told that he would need to complete a course that would cost $3,500. He immediately thought about the financial burden it would take on his family. “I was very concerned and scared of the outcomes of not doing it”, he said. While talking to a neighbor he was told that his local community college offered that necessary class for an extremely cheaper price. Once he signed up for it and went through the enrollment process he only had to pay two hundred and thirty-four dollars. “Community college rescued me in my bad time and since then I have become a patriot of community college,” said Dr. Siddiqi. He was promoted in a business corporation that was in a different community college district and was asked to serve in their advising committee for a manufacturing program that tied him with Harper College in Illinois. With the connection of the Harper College he was able to
local individuals who have made significant differences on the front lines of our community, were introduced. These awards are given to visionary leaders who are the best in their fields and are virtually “unstoppable.” They continually overcome obstacles to soar to greater heights.” The class of 2017 Unstoppable Leadership Award recipients included Veteran radio announcer for KMJQ FM Majic 102.1 Kandi Eastman. Eastman is known locally for her efforts towards improving and inspiring the Houston community. Pastor and First Lady of The Fort Bend Church Rev. Byron C. Stevenson and Sonya Taylor Stevenson, also took home Unstoppable Leadership awards. From 300 members in 2004 to 6,000 currently, the church was recognized by Outreach magazine as one of the Top 100 Fastest Growing Churches in America. Taylor Stevenson, created KALEIDOSCOPE, a 501 (c) (3) organization that supports educational and enrichment programs for children and youth through their church. To date, the organization has raised more than $60,000 for college scholarships, trips to local colleges
and summer camp activities for youth and children. Music was provided by Drumgoole & Company. Janet Dokes, Lead soloist and Administrative Coordinator for Pastoral Care Ministries at Lakewood Church led attendees in two moving selections the National Black Anthem and Soon I Will Be Done. “What you are doing tonight is so very important,” said Douglass Washington, “To me, there is nothing more important than providing the opportunity to students who yearn to learn. In them lies so many answers to so many situations, problems, concerns and not just here in our country but globally. I commend you for being here tonight and raising money to give to students who otherwise may not be able to get a higher education.” The Black History Committee raises funds to support scholarships for African-American or students of African heritage at HCC. Recipients receive a $1,000 scholarship to help cover the cost of tuition and books. The application processed opened on January 9, 2017. To find out more about the Black History Scholarship or to apply visit https://www. hccsfoundation.org/Scholarships.
interact with the college and join the other academic advising. He received an offer from a community college to go work there full-time. He knew he would have a huge pay-cut but, to him it didn’t matter, he wanted to work with students. To him, it was like a dream come true. Dr. Siddiqi believes community college creates a pathway for students to go on to universities or to join the workforce. “It’s a beautiful channel for students coming out of high school, well not even high school, adults who left their education years ago and want to come back.” Dr. Siddiqi has a goal to provide the access and technology needed to make students successful on their path to a career. He plans to sit down and connect with students to discuss their experiences are with classes. He wants it to be made clear that he does not want to just sit in his office all the time, he wants to do more for students. “My goal will be to enhance the level of services to our students, to enhance the level of access points to students so they could approach and access these services from multiple
points at Central Campus and also at South Campus.” The father of three boys says he supports them and advises them to start at a community college first then transfer, further proving his commitment to community colleges. He likes what community colleges have to offer and how they help students in their education. He believes in the mission of Community Colleges. “Community Colleges are very important part of the community. You would be surprised to know how many students are now in medical school [from community colleges] and this number has been increasing” Dr. Siddiqi says students are his number one priority and he wants everyone to be successful like the college he knows can be. He wants to give students the best opportunities for scholarships, better financial aid, and bring different recruitments to notice the students at Houston Community College. He would like to have more visitors as speakers to inspire students to succeed. “If I am a president, I am a president because you guys are here, students.”
Community Chancellor praises state of the college 4
The Egalitarian
Wednesday March 8, 2017
Alyssa Foley
The Egalitarian Chancellor Cesar Maldonado shined a spotlight on the college’s improvements and successes at the annual State of the College address. “There are not many institutions in the country, or in fact the world, that have [this] scale, that change the lives of so many,” said Maldonado, “we do it at the scale Houston needs to support its growth.” He addressed a group of Houston Community College administrators, faculty, students and potential donors at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Feb. 27. HCC’s Laurels. According to numbers crunched from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, out of 1,905 community college’s, HCC is number one in awarding associate degrees to all minorities. Breaking down the 2016 graduation numbers, the college had 1,792 African American graduates; 2,249 Hispanic graduates and 834 Asian graduates. Many HCC students come from economically
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disadvantaged backgrounds, roughly 33 percent of all HCC students are Pell Grant recipients. That means 2,929 HCC students benefit from the federal financial aid program for needy students. The HCC Foundation also helps students afford their education by awarding over 2,900 scholarships to students. HCC is also the number one community college for enrolling international students. Last year, 2,555 international students chose to call Houston their home-away-from-home and enrolled at HCC. HCC is helping more than 3,000 local veterans and their dependents with the new Veteran’s Academy helping them earn a degree or workforce certificate faster. Busy students can earn a degree by attending class only on the weekends at HCC’s Weekend College. Students can continue their education after college, HCC has 49 university partnerships to help students transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree. Update on College Transformation. It’s been nearly two years
since the Chancellor unveiled his college transformation plan to transition the college from operating as six separate colleges—Central, Coleman, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest—to one college with 15 centers of excellence. “Transformation is changing our institution from the ground up,” said Maldonado, “we’re well on our way to engage the system-wide resources that we have to increase student success.” Transformation changed how the college operated and eliminated waste on many levels. For example, instead of having six English Department chairs—one for every college except the Coleman College for Health Sciences—now there is only one department chair because their is only one college. Not everything about the college has transformed, at least on the surface. HCC still has six college presidents. The student experience varied greatly depending on which side of town a student enrolls in classes at, the difrence started before a student stepped into a classroom. HCC had no standard new-student orientation. Due
Image courtesy of HCC Photos Chancellor Cesar Maldonado speaks at the annual State of the College address hosted at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Feb. 27. to administration efforts, that is at least starting to change. Application processes are being streamlined and every campus will have a career center to assist with advising. “We are transforming the
way HCC provides the ultimate student experience,” said Maldonado. “Transformation has a beginning,” said Chancellor Maldonado, “but it’s not going to have an end.”
HCC passes Campus Carry policy Alyssa Foley
The Egalitarian Houston Community College’s governing board approved the campus carry policy fleshing out the details of where weapons are allowed on campus. Passed in 2015, Texas Senate Bill 11 allows handgun license holders to carry a concealed or hidden gun in particular areas on college campuses. The campus carry law went into effect for Texas public four-year institutions on Aug. 1, 2016 and it will go in on the campuses of public twoyear institutions like HCC on Aug. 1 of this year. HCC’s policy passed at the Feb. 23 board meeting with the votes of seven trustees, Adriana Tamez abstained and Zeph Capo was not present for the vote. Now that the college’s governing board has approved it, the policy must be rubber stamped by the state’s Special Legislative Committee. Next, HCC will train employees in the policy. The college administration also plans to host open forums on the policy in March or April. Private colleges were permitted to optout of campus carry. Only one private school in Texas chose to allow guns on campus: Amberton University, a small, nonprofit school for working adults based in Garland. It restricts enrollment to students 21 and older. It’s important to note that campus carry will only allow for concealed carry by handgun license holders. A person must have a state-issued handgun license to carry a firearm on campus and be ready to show their license at the request of campus police. A person is eligible to apply to the state for a handgun license if they are over the
age of 21; have never been convicted of a felony; have not been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor in the past five years; and is fully qualified under federal and state law to purchase a handgun, among other requirements. Applicants must also pass a state gun-safety course to obtain a license. Until Aug. 1, no firearms are allowed at HCC. If you see anyone carrying a firearm on campus, call the HCC Police Department emergency number at 713718-8888. When campus carry goes into effect at HCC, the illegal use, possession or display of any handgun, firearm, illegal knife, club, or other weapon will still be illegal and prohibited. The policy requires that the HCC Police Department maintains a list of handgun-related incidents and will provide quarterly reports. Campus Carry Controversies. The controversy around HCC’s campus carry policy centered on dual-credit students and the trustees themselves. By law, high school or collegiate sporting events are weapon free zones, and so is any area where a K12 schoolsponsored activity occurs. HCC has many high school students on campus through Early College High School like Challenger on the West Loop campus. Currently, these college-high schools are segregated from the general campus area and will be designated as weapons-free zones. However, many high school students are taking college classes at HCC by enrolling in regular courses on campus with other college students. The best campus carry does for these students is mandate that all dual credit student and
their parents receive a copy of the school’s new weapon policy. More controversial, open meeting areas like the Board of Trustees meetings will also be weapon free. HCC’s governing board approved a gun policy that affects everyone but them, but this exception comes directly from Texas penal code. “No one in this room is more important than the students or the community members,” said Trustee Zeph Capo at the Feb. 23 meeting, “Me as an elected official shouldn’t have any more security than any of the students that we represent.” Capo believes this policy creates and maintains a different class of individuals, the trustees. Policy Being Finalized. Additional weapon-free zones must be requested through the College Security Committee and must adhere to established criteria. Areas that can be designated as weapon free under the policy include buildings used exclusively for daycare or child care centers, like the Child Development Lab School at the Central campus; health care facilities used for patient care like at the Colman campus; counseling and mental health service areas; and laboratory areas where dangerous materials and equipment or research animals are present. Also, designated conference areas used for discussion of grievances or disciplinary hearings or meetings can also be designated as weapon-free. Addressing the trustees, United Student Council President Josue Rodriguez noted that “it is imperative to keep students’ interests in mind as we finalize the HCC campus carry policy.” In April 2016, HCC’s Faculty Senate passed a resolution stating their collective
Image courtesy of Steve Snodgrass / Flickr / CC The Board of Trustees approved HCC’s campus carry policy which will go into effect on Aug. 1. opposition to having firearms on campus. The resolution also asked the chancellor to develop compensated training for both legal conceal carry gun licensees and faculty and staff regarding both de-escalation of potentially stressful situations and appropriate expectations of behaviors in classroom situations. Trustee John Hansen said that while he is unhappy with Texas campus carry bill, the college has no choice but to follow the law. “There really is no serious choice on our part, except to adopt the policy as originally proposed in compliance with state law.” Echoing this sediment, Trustee Robert Glaser said that the safety of students is paramount. “I would say that most people at the table here don’t want guns on campus, but we really have no choice.”
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Trustee called out for anti-LGBT rant, again alyssa Foley
The egaliTarian A Houston Community College student called out Trustee Dave Wilson for his anti-LGBT remarks at a board meeting. Before the vote on the resolution reaffirming the college’s support of the Texas Dream Act, Wilson objected to a clause in the resolution restating HCC’s existing anti-discrimination policy, particularly the mention of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Wilson was the only trustee to vote against the measure on Jan. 19. At the following board meeting on Feb. 23, HCC student Josue Rodriguez spoke against the trustee at the citizen’s comment portion of the meeting. The January resolution puts the college on record as supporting the state policy that gives certain non-citizens who graduated high school in Texas in-state tuition rates. Wilson voiced his disagreement with the following portion of the resolution reiterating existing laws and policies, “the Texas Constitution guarantees equality under the law and prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin, and it is the policy of HCC to not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity and gender expression, (Tex. Const. art. I, § 2; HCC Board Policy FA).” Wilson took the opportunity
Image courtacy of HCC Photos HCC student Josue Rodriguez called out Trustee Dave Wilson for his anti-LGBT remarks. Image Courtesy of HCC. to talk about Kim Burrell, the preacher who was uninvited from the Ellen Degeneres Show for her anti-homosexuality sermon that went viral online. Wilson said that, “It’s pretty obvious that the intent of the pro-homosexual movement is not to advance a free and tolerant society, it is to promote a society that accepts and celebrates the homosexual lifestyle and punishes those who do not agree. This is fascism, not freedom.” Rodriguez said that students like himself will not tolerate discrimination against their peers, “Students deserve a public apology from trustees that expressed dehumanizing remarks during the discussion before the vote.” (Board meeting rules prevented Rodriguez from mentioning any particular trustee by name.) “As elected public officials,
HCC trustees have a responsibility to all HCC students,” Rodriguez pointed out, “we need to assure the safety and inclusiveness of all HCC students.” Although Rodriguez is the president of the student body at HCC, he made it clear he is not speaking on behalf of anyone but himself when he condemned Trustee Wilson’s remarks. However, he mentioned that student government officers have received numerous complaints from students about Wilson’s comments. Trustee Zeph Capo used his allotted speaking time before the Jan. 19 vote to also condemn his fellow trustee. “I find it offensive that trustee Wilson would shift the focus of what this is really about—away from students, away from access to higher education for all students—to push an issue that is his personal
vendetta. This has nothing to do with religion,” remarked Capo, who was interrupted by a round of applause from the audience. Capo, who presented the resolution, also spoke on how the resolution was vetted to ensure it was in agreement with HCC’s current anti-discrimination policies. According to the U.S. Department of Education, gay and transgender individuals are protected from discrimination under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Rodriguez is not the first student to call out Trustee Wilson on his anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender stances. Back in September 2015, the president of the LGBT student group also condemned Wilson during the citizen’s comment portion of a board of trustees meeting. At the time, K. Kelly Meine was petitioning for Wilson to quit
his anti-LGBT activism or be removed from office. “We question why this trustee is working against the students he is supposed to represent,” said Meine at the Sept. 17, 2015 board meeting, “we ask that this trustee ceases behaviors that can harm the students, staff and faculty of HCC, as well as the institution itself. Failing that, we ask the board to start removal procedures against this individual.” Trustee Wilson has been outspoken in his opposition to LGBT causes and communities for years. Wilson has petitioned the City of Houston to establish that gender identity is assigned at birth. He also advocated against the now-overturned Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, popularly known as HERO, which among other things gave transgender individuals the choice of what public restroom to use. Wilson has also tried to remove HCC’s participation in the city’s gay pride parade. Trustee Wilson has a streak of controversies long enough for a book, far too many to be mentioned in this article. His streak started before he took office as a trustee. Many believe that Wilson, who is white, led voters to believe he was black to be elected to his position on the board in the largely black District II which covers most of the Northeast and some Northwest portions of Houston. After being elected, he was taken to court to determine if he actually lived indistrict before he could take his seat on HCC’s governing board.
Exxon plan to spend $20B on Gulf Coast projects DaViD koeniG
aSSOCiaTeD PreSS President Donald Trump and Exxon Mobil Corp. exchanged praise for each other on Monday as the company announced plans to create thousands of jobs by spending $20 billion over 10 years on plants along the Gulf Coast. Exxon’s plan started long before Trump entered the White House, however. It includes investments that began in 2013. Exxon said Monday the work would create 12,000 permanent jobs — the energy giant currently has about 71,000 employees — and 35,000 construction jobs. Exxon announced its plan in a news release in which CEO Darren Woods was quoted as saying that such big investments “require a pro-growth approach and a stable regulatory environment and we appreciate the President’s commitment to both.” A few minutes later, the White House issued its own release about Trump congratulating Exxon. One paragraph in the White House release is nearly identical to a passage in Exxon’s. The president followed up on Twitter, saying that “Buy American & hire American are the principals at the core of my agenda,” although he apparently
meant that those are among his principles. In his third tweet on Exxon, Trump wrote, “45,000 construction & manufacturing jobs in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. $20 billion investment. We are already winning again, America!” In December, Trump plucked Exxon’s then-CEO, Rex Tillerson, to be his secretary of state. Tillerson and Trump met Monday shortly before the Exxon and White House press releases. Woods, the new chairman and CEO, said Monday that Exxon would expand at several current plants and build a new one to create petroleum products for export. Woods said the investment plan responds to the rising supply of natural gas. There has been a boom in production created by techniques such as fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, in shale formations like the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. Exxon recently agreed to buy rights to about 250,000 more acres, doubling its presence in the Permian at a cost of up to $6.6 billion — a huge bet on the hottest oil and gas field in the country. Woods said hydraulic fracturing has “opened up a whole new energy future for the United States ... (that) is turning the U.S. from energy importer to energy exporter.” Exxon announced the spending plan
Richard Drew / Associated Press Exxon Mobil Corporation Chairman & CEO Darren Woods, third from left, joins the applause during opening bell ceremonies at the New York Stock Exchange. at a major energy-industry conference in Houston that draws executives and oil ministers from around the world. The company said it plans 10 expansion projects at refineries and chemical and liquefied natural gas plants around Beaumont and Baytown, Texas, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It also wants to build a new chemicals plant at a location yet to be determined along the Gulf.
The sum of $20 billion would be roughly equal to Exxon’s total capital spending last year. The company announced last week that it plans to increase overall investments to an average of $25 billion a year from 2018 to 2020. Shares of the Irving, Texas-based company rose 37 cents to close at $82.83. They have lost about 8 percent so far this year.
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Sports T.J. Watt seeks to follow J.J. 8
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Arnie Stapleton
Coogs win final game in Hofheinz
Michael Conroy/AP Photo Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Watt runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis Sunday. that’s nonstop. I’m just always going after the ball. I’m always going to give a team everything that I have.” T.J. was a tight end up until 2015, when he converted to linebacker. “Playing offense most of my life, reacting to different plays and dropping into coverage was new to me,” T.J. said. “But at this point in my game I’m pretty good at everything I do.” In his only season as a starter last year, he parlayed a big game against LSU in the opener into an excellent junior year that included 11½ sacks, 15½ tackles for loss, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. That was enough to convince him he was he ready to join his
brothers in the NFL, so he put his education on hold. “I’ve always wanted to play in the NFL, but obviously it wasn’t a realistic option until I played at a high level in college,” T.J. said. “Once that opportunity came, I couldn’t say no.” Scouts project him as a potential first-round pick, maybe not as high as J.J., the 11th overall pick in 2011, but far ahead of Derek, who was the 198th player drafted last year. “To be honest with you, it doesn’t matter where I’m drafted or who I’m drafted to,” T.J. insisted. “Obviously it would be great to be a first-round draft choice, but second, third, fourth, it really doesn’t matter. Wherever I go, I’m going to keep
my mouth shut and just work as hard as I can and play ball.” With his size, it would help for him to go to a team that plays a 3-4 scheme because he’s a good edge rusher and he can set the edge in the ground game. “I’m only scratching the surface,” T.J. said. “I’ve only played defense for 18 or 20 months. If I can do all the things I did this last year, what can I do when I’m under the tutelage of an NFL coach?” Citing his work ethic and bloodlines, he said his relative inexperience shouldn’t be problematic in the pros. He said he certainly held his own against his older brothers growing up in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
McCullers sharp in Astros tuneup Chuck King
Associated Press WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —Houston pitcher Lance McCullers felt strong following Saturday’s simulated game. His next stop could be a Grapefruit League mound, maybe as early as next week. McCullers has been on a tailored throwing program this spring as he works his way back from an elbow strain that shortened his 2016 season. He threw 43 pitches to catcher Evan Gattis on a back field in an outing that simulated three innings, showcasing a fastball that touched 95 mph. “It went well,” the former first round draft choice said. “I’m feeling good. I’m feeling better and better every time I go out as far as my ability to make pitches.” Astros manager A.J. Hinch wanted to wait until he learned how McCullers felt on Sunday before committing to a date for
Sports Briefs
The Associated Press
AP Pro Football Writer INDIANAPOLIS — Most prospects at the NFL combine are hoping to make a name for themselves. Not. T.J. Watt, who is set to join brothers J.J., the Texans superstar defensive end returning from back surgery , and Derek, a Chargers fullback coming off a solid rookie season. Although T.J., 22, is closer to Derek, 24, the former Wisconsin Badgers outside linebacker wants to be just like his biggest brother, who is five years older. “Early on when J.J. first started blowing up, I didn’t know how to handle it, but now definitely I love it,” T.J. said. “My brother is the best defensive player to ever play the game, in my opinion. When you play the sport of football and you have the person as your role model a phone call, a text away, it’s special. And he does it so well and so right. I’m just trying to replicate what he does.” J.J. loaded up T.J. with advice heading into the combine , where Watt showed off his skills Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. “The biggest piece of advice I got from J.J. is just to be yourself, don’t overthink things,” T.J. said. “Just be yourself, relax and you show people who you really are.” At 6-foot-4 and 238 pounds, T.J. gives away an inch and 51 pounds to J.J., but he is bigger than Derek, who is 6-2, 234. Like his brothers, he’s a grinder. “What I bring is just my work ethic,” T.J. said. “I know it’s a cliche, but I do have a motor
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David J. Phillip/AP File Photo Houston Astros’ Lance McCullers, right, tosses a ball as he waits with Dallas Keuchel during a spring training baseball workout in West Palm Beach, Fla. The pressure is on for McCullers and 2015 Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel at the top of the Astros the righty’s first spring start. Walking to the mound under sunny skies and a blustery 20 mph wind, McCullers joked in the direction of Jake Marisnick, Alex Bregman and Juan Centeno — the three batters he’d face in the first inning — that they shouldn’t dig in. “If I hit anybody, I’m sorry,”
he told them. “There’s a lot of wind.” That didn’t turn out to be an issue. Working from both the wind-up and the stretch, McCullers threw all four of his pitches for strikes, including a particularly nasty sinker that drew a swinging strikeout from
Marisnick. McCullers is working to add a changeup to his fastball, sinker, curveball arsenal. On Saturday, that pitch both darted and sank. “Me going out there and throwing change-ups and then being bad isn’t going to be OK with me,” McCullers said. “I’m going to throw it and I’m going to expect it to be good.” McCullers was 6-5 last year with a 3.22 ERA. He also had a 3.22 ERA as a rookie in 2015. Despite the relatively slow start to spring, McCullers says he’s on pace to be ready for the start of the season. “I think I’m on a pretty normal pace, especially for the fact that this was the plan all along and I knew back in January that this was going to be my pace,” McCullers said. “Everything’s been going well so far, so, no, I don’t feel behind. I should get plenty of starts in and as long as I’m feeling healthy I expect to pitch well.”
Rob Gray scored 24 points and went over 1,000 for his career and Houston defeated East Carolina 73-51 on Sunday. Houston (21-9, 12-6) claimed the third seed and a bye into the quarterfinals at the American Athletic Conference Tournament in Hartford, Connecticut. East Carolina (14-17, 6-12) is the ninth seed and plays eighth seed Temple on Thursday, the tournament’s opening day. Jeremy Sheppard scored 12 points for the Pirates. Andre Washington blocked three shots, setting an ECU single-season record with 92. Houston competed for the final time in Hofheinz Pavilion and will play off campus next season while the venue undergoes a $60 million renovation to re-emerge as Fertitta Center for 2018-19.
US to open CONCACAF Gold Cup against Panama
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The United States will open the CONCACAF Gold Cup on July 8 at Nashville, Tennessee, against Panama, which beat the Americans on penalty kicks in the 2015 third-place match. The U.S. plays Martinique on July 12 at Tampa, Florida, and closes group play against Haiti or Nicaragua on July 15 at Cleveland. If the Americans win Group B or finish second, they would advance to a quarterfinal doubleheader on July 19 in Philadelphia. The other quarterfinals are the following day at Glendale, Arizona. The Philadelphia quarterfinal winners meet July 22 at Arlington, Texas, and the Glendale winners the next day at Pasadena, California. The final is July 26 at Santa Clara, California. Group A includes Canada, Costa Rica, French Guyana and Honduras, and matches are at Harrison, New Jersey; Houston; and Frisco, Texas. Canada meets French Guyana on July 7 at New Jersey in the tournament opener.
UNT fires Benford
DENTON, Texas — North Texas has fired basketball coach Tony Benford after he failed to have a winning season in his five years. The school announced the move Sunday night, a day after the Mean Green lost 106-104 at Marshall to finish 8-22. They were 2-16 in Conference USA play and failed to qualify for the league tournament. Athletic director Wren Baker said he spent this season evaluating the program and determined that a change in leadership was necessary. Benford was 62-95 at North Texas, his first head coaching job after 20 years as an assistant at New Mexico, Arizona State, Nebraska and Marquette.
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Monk named top SEC player Paul Newberry AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA — Kentucky freshman Malik Monk was picked as both player and newcomer of the year, while Florida’s Mike White claimed the coaching award on the All-Southeastern Conference men’s basketball team announced Tuesday by The Associated Press. Monk, a 6-foot-3, guard, is leading the SEC in scoring at 21.2 points a game. The latest stellar freshman for the Wildcats , he burst to national prominence in his 11th college game when he scored 47 points to lead the Wildcats past North Carolina 103-100 in Las Vegas. Monk edged South Carolina senior guard Sindarius Thornwell for player of the year and was an overwhelming choice as the top newcomer. In his second year filling the big shoes of Billy Donovan, White beat out Kentucky’s John Calipari for coach of the year after guiding the No. 12 Gators to a 24-7 mark, including 14-4 in the SEC. Monk made eight 3-pointers in his breakout game against North Carolina, the last with 16.7 seconds remaining to put Kentucky up for good. He set a school record for scoring by a freshman with the Wildcats’ best individual performance since Jodie Meeks scored 54 at Tennessee in 2009. But Monk was far from a one-game wonder. He scored 37 points in an overtime victory over Georgia, put up 34 on Ole Miss and had 33 in a victory over Florida . In addition, he had at least 20 points in 13 other games, leading the No. 9 Wildcats (26-5, 16-2 SEC) to the league’s regular-season title and top seed in the conference tournament , which begins Wednesday in Nashville. Thornwell bounced back from a six-game suspension in December for what was termed
Jim Vertuno
AUSTIN, Texas — At his first team meeting, new Texas coach Tom Herman asked the room an easy but painful question: How many of his players been on a Longhorns team that had a winning record? “Three hands went up,” Herman said Monday. “That’s a little bit shocking.” It also explains exactly where the Texas program is these days and what kind of rebuilding job Herman faces. Texas’ last winning season was an 8-5 finish in 2013 that got Mack Brown fired. Since then, the Longhorns have only gotten worse, with three consecutive seven-loss seasons that led to the firing of Charlie Strong. Texas hasn’t won the Big 12 since 2009. “I think our guys are embarrassed, and they understand that change is necessary in order to achieve some results,” Herman said. Herman got a five-year contract worth a minimum of $25 million .
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Special teams free agents loom large Rob Maaddi
AP Pro Football Writer
James Crisp/AP Photo Kentucky’s Malik Monk shoots against Arkansas during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Lexington, Ky. Kentucky freshman Malik Monk was picked as both player and newcomer of the year, while Florida’s Mike White claimed the coaching award on the All-Southeastern Conference men’s basketball team announced Tuesday by The Associated Press. a violation of athletic department policy. The school never specified the nature of his offense or whether it was related to an arrest last spring on charges of possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended license. The Gamecocks went 3-3 during his absence, a slump that motivated Thornwell when he returned to the court for the start of SEC play . He has averaged a career-best 21.2 points a
game, just a fraction behind Monk on the league scoring list , while topping the SEC in steals (2.2) and ranking sixth in rebounding (7.3). Monk and Thornwell were unanimous choices to the first team, which also included another Kentucky freshman, guard De’Aaron Fox, along with a pair of seniors, Georgia guard J.J. Frazier and Mississippi forward Sebastian Saiz.
Herman begins rebuilding Horns AP Sports Writer
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Turning Texas into a winner again starts Tuesday when the Longhorns begin 15 days of spring practice ahead of the season opener Sept. 2 against Maryland. Some things to watch for this spring from the Longhorns: ——— QUARTERBACK Under normal circumstances, a returning starting quarterback who put up one of the best passing seasons in school history would seem a sure bet to remain No. 1. But Shane Buechele’s 5-7 record and Herman’s insistence that no job is safe puts even this position on edge. Freshman Sam Ehlinger, who Herman has described as an “alpha male,” is already enrolled and competing for the job. DEFENSIVE LINE This group took a beating on the field in 2016 and took another from Herman on Monday as he called them out for being “fat” and showing poor effort in off-season conditioning. The Longhorns return three linemen that had at least seven starts but the unit
Ricardo Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP Texas coach Tom Herman speaks during a news conference in Austin, Texas. Herman’s rebuilding project is about to begin. Turning Texas into a winner again started Tuesday when the Longhorns began 15 days of spring practice ahead of the season opener Sept. 2 against Maryland. was regularly pushed around in one of the worst defensive season in program history. “I’m worried about that group,” Herman said. “We’ve got some guys that are 360, 350 pounds. I don’t know how you move at that weight.” RUNNING BACK The offense must replace 2,000-yard rusher D’Onta Foreman but it shouldn’t be hard. Chris Warren is a 255-pound bruiser who was splitting time with Foreman
last season before a leg injury knocked him out after four games. Warren averaged 91 yards and 5.9 per carry when he played. Herman said he told Warren: “You’re going to make a lot of money someday playing this position if you put your pads down and run through somebody.” “I think our challenge to him is to prove that toughness and durability this spring,” Herman said.
The best signings in free agency are usually unheralded players. Quarterbacks and skill position players get the most money. High-profile defensive guys get plenty of attention. Special teams players fly under the radar but can make the most impact. The Philadelphia Eagles signed safety Chris Maragos and linebacker Bryan Braman in 2014 to bolster their special teams. They did just that. The Eagles have had one of the best special teams units in the NFL the past three seasons. “Part of the messaging to the team from my standpoint is we have three aspects of our team: You’ve got offense, defense, special teams. And, special teams is so important to the success of your team,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said. Maragos was lured away from the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks three years ago and signed a contract extension last fall. Braman will become an unrestricted free agent and should get a nice contract from a team looking to improve its coverage units. Here’s a look at some of the NFL’s top special teams players who were signed as free agents: JOSH MARTIN: The linebacker was signed off the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad and led the Jets with 14 special teams tackles in 2016. Martin will be an unrestricted free agent this week. He drew Bill Belichick’s attention before the Jets played the Patriots. “In the kicking game, Martin is the guy to stop,” Belichick said. “I mean, he’s one of the top players in the league (on special teams). He’s done a great job for them.” ERIC WEEMS: The Falcons signed the wide receiver to a two-year deal after a successful first stint with the team before he went to Chicago. He finished fourth with 17 special teams tackles and will be an unrestricted free agent. BRYNDEN TRAWICK: The Raiders signed the safety away from Baltimore last March and he finished with 15 special teams tackles. Oakland has a tough decision to make on WR Andre Holmes, a core special teams guy who will be an unrestricted free agent. DWAYNE HARRIS: The Cowboys’ special teams haven’t been the same since they let the wide receiver sign with division rival New York Giants in 2015. Harris had 14 special tackles last season and returned one punt and one kickoff for TDs in 2015.
Culture ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ delivers Doss’ story 10
Wednesday March 8, 2017
Erik Calderon The Egalitarian
The moment Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) set eyes on Dorothy Schutte (Teresa Palmer) he was completely and utterly lost. He had just saved the life of a friend by rushing him to the hospital after a car fell on his leg and punctured an artery. He saw Teresa, walked over to her and fumbled over what to say. Dorothy was the nurse in charge of blood donations. Not knowing what he was getting himself into, Doss quickly volunteered to give blood. Dorothy ordered him to get in line and wait his turn. The very next day, Desmond was back at the hospital, but this time, he intended to ask Dorothy out. He had rehearsed his lines all night long. He walked up to Dorothy and said that he was there to give blood again. Dorothy told him that he can’t give blood two days in a row. “That’s good,” he said, “cause I came to get mine back.” Startled, Dorothy didn’t know how to respond. Desmond repeated, “My blood, give it back.” “It don’t work like that, we can’t just give it back to you,” she responded with a shocked look on her face. “Well, you got to,” he proceeded to tell her, “because ever since you stuck me
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with that needle, my heart’s been beating real fast. Every time I think about you it beats faster still. “Dorothy sighed and told him how corny that sounded, and with that he scored a date with his future wife, even though she didn’t know it at the time. Hacksaw Ridge, directed by Mel Gibson, starring Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, and Luke Bracey, is about the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector during World War II that went on to receive the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of over 75 men in one battle single handedly. The film is rated R, runs 2 hours and 19 minutes and was shot on digital cameras in Australia. With a budget of $40 million, the film grossed over $66 million on the big screen. Now, out on DVD, the film is available for rent or purchase. The film starts off introducing us to the character of Desmond Doss, growing up, getting in trouble and a few events that really shaped his character and faith. From an early age, he decided to never touch a gun in his life. The film develops this over two scenes, which in fact are two of three scenes that never happened to the real Desmond Doss the way they were presented to us on the big screen. In the film Desmond strikes his brother with a brick, which almost kills
Niko Tavernise/Lionsgate via AP This image released by Lionsgate shows Keanu Reeves, left, and Common in a scene from, “John Wick: Chapter 2.” him, and then his dad threatens to shoot his mother right in front of him. Although the truth is somewhat different, we still get an amazing introduction to the forces that shaped Desmond and made him into a conscientious objector, someone that refuses to take a life, but still enlists to
serve his/her country. Desmond, though was a bit more extreme in the fact that he refused to touch a weapon and he refused to work on the Sabbath day. This film is about faith, guts and glory. Anyone looking to be inspired will thoroughly enjoy this film. It takes us on a journey
of the story of a real man, that stood up for what he believed in, even in the threat of facing prison time, and in the end gaining the respect and admiration of his entire platoon and his country. Out on DVD, rent or purchase it for a wonderfully entertaining movie.
30th SxSW set to begin in Austin
Baldwin unlikely to play Trump at WHCA
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Ryan Pearson
AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES — Alec Baldwin doesn’t expect to take his impression of President Trump from “Saturday Night Live” to the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner next month. Trump announced on Twitter last month that he wouldn’t be attending the fundraiser for college scholarships and venue for reporting awards, and a host hasn’t yet been named. That’s led to speculation that Baldwin could host the April 29 event in character — but the 58-year-old actor doesn’t see it happening. “I think the White House Correspondents’ people will probably not ask me to do Trump if I had to bet,” he told The Associated Press on Monday. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they determined that me doing that there is not in their interests. Maybe him not coming — if he doesn’t come — the idea is let’s send him up, but let’s not send him up in effigy and have some
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Will Heath/AP File Photo Alec Baldwin doesn’t expect to take his impression of President Donald Trump from “Saturday Night Live” to the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Trump announced on Twitter last month that he wouldn’t be attending the fundraiser for college scholarships and venue for reporting awards, and a host hasn’t yet been named. That’s led to speculation that Baldwin could host the April 29 event in character -- but the 58-year-old actor doesn’t see it happening. impostor come.” WHCA President Jeff Mason said Tuesday that the organization had no comment on the Baldwin’s remarks and no update on who might host the dinner. Baldwin, who was promoting his role voicing the titular character in the animated “The Boss Baby,” also said he was concerned about the impact of his much-discussed impression. “Doing the Trump character — it’s not that it’s not fun, but ... behind it and underneath there’s a constant sense of — are we sending this up and are we making something funny to the detriment of a serious
conversation about what’s going on in the country?” he said. The WHCA dinner mixes politicians, journalists and celebrities and is typically attended by the president and first lady. Remarks by a comedian, often roasting the president, and a humorous address by the president himself, often roasting the press and political opponents, have highlighted the event, which C-SPAN has carried live. Separately, Baldwin told “Extra” that he said he may stop doing the impression on “SNL” as well. “I’m not going to do it much longer, the impersonation, I don’t know how much more people can take it,” Baldwin told the show.
A group of people, sworn to secrecy in a meeting at the offices of the Austin Chronicle in 1986 founded the South by Southwest conference and festival. It all started as they talked about the future of entertainment and media. The main idea was to discover all the talent in Austin, share ideas, grow and network. The first conference was initially had 150 registrants, which on opening day quickly grew to over 700. The first SXSW conference was held in 1987 with 177 Showcasing Artists, 15 Panels, Workshops & Sessions located at 15 Venues & Stages. Last year, SXSW had 68,000 registrants, 2,224 Showcasing Artists,378 Panels, Workshops & Sessions, located at 103 Venues & Stages. Initially, the SXSW festival was geared towards performing artists, but in 1994 the interactive and film festivals were introduced. This year during the nine days of SXSW 125 features will be shown, this will include 51 films from first-time filmmakers, 85 World Premieres, 11 North American Premieres and 5 U.S. Premieres. A
total of 7,651 films were submitted this year. Feature films in the SXSW lineup screen in 12 sections: Narrative Feature Competition, Documentary Feature Competition, Headliners, Narrative Spotlight, Documentary Spotlight, Visions, Midnighters, Episodic, 24 Beats Per Second, Global, Festival Favorites, and Special Events. New this year is the Virtual Reality Programing. “This year we have expanded our Virtual Reality programming, launching the Virtual Cinema and elevating the medium to its own category in the SXSW Film Festival,” said Blake Kammerdiener, VR Programmer. “We not only put an emphasis on storytelling and ingenuity but also showcase how other industries are embracing VR. With collaboration at the core of SXSW, this year’s Virtual Cinema includes industry leaders and independent creators who have come together with projects from the health, fashion, music industries and more. From March 10th to the 19th will be 9 days, 24 hours a day, of music, film, interactions, workshops, conferences, meetups, networking, and more.
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Commentary
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New documentary makes Baldwin’s words prophetic Egal•i•tar•i•an (adjective) aiming for equal wealth, status, etc., for all people 3517 Austin; 303 Fine Arts Center; Houston TX 77004 Phone: 713.718.6016; Fax: 713.718.6601 Adviser: Fredrick Batiste
SPRING 2017 EGALITARIAN STAFF Editor-in-Chief............................................Jimmieka Mills News Editor................................................... Alyssa Foley Sports Editor..............................................John Cañamar Culture Editor.............................................. Erik Calderon Photo Editor............................................................... TBA Social Media Mgr....................................................... TBA Staff Writer............................................................ Zain Ali Staff Writer................................................... Fabian Brims Staff Writer.................................................... Ana Ramirez Staff Writer................................................................. TBA Staff Writer................................................................. TBA Staff Photographer..................................................... TBA ——— The Egalitarian has been the official student newspaper of the Houston Community College System since September 1974. The Egalitarian is published bi-monthly, every other Wednesday except during holiday breaks. Print circulation is 8,000 copies per issue and distributed to selected HCC campuses in the Houston, Spring Branch, Alief, Katy, North Forest and Fort Bend areas. Comments and contributions are always welcome. Deadlines for contributions and advertisements are one week before the issue print date. The Egalitarian is written and edited by students of Houston Community College. This publication does not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, interests, attitudes and tastes of the Board of Trustees, HCC administration, faculty, staff or students. Opinions and editorial content of The Egalitarian that are unsigned do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Egalitarian staff or adviser. The Egalitarian reserves the right to edit any submitted material for grammatical errors, offensive language, libelous materials and space constraints. It may also refuse any advertising that does not adhere to the HCC mission.
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B
eing raised in Oakland, California — home of the Black Panthers — one might be safe to assume that I’ve always been black and proud. Truthfully though, becoming comfortable within my own skin and the use of my own voice has been a learned process. I was not allowed to watch movies like “The Lion King” as a child. My mother was concerned that for the first time in my young life, an animated movie had been made about Africa only to have all of its characters portrayed as animals. I was always aware that film and media have a way of pushing an idea whether good or bad onto the viewing public. As I grew older (and enrolled in an amazing interpersonal communications course) I realized that the way viewers interpreted what they were seeing was based on their own frame of reference. Just as my mother had been opposed to the viewing of a cartoon film essentially depicting Africans as animals, there were others who felt that the film would increase awareness of the beauty of Africa and an understanding of the circle of life that is critical to the survival of our planet. “I Am Not Your Negro” will not have the same double context. “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time,” said novelist and social critic James Baldwin. Police brutality has always been an issue within the black community. Growing up there was an agreement throughout my own community that If you see the police stop anyone, you yourself were to stop and ask if that person was safe, and if there was anyone they would like you to call to make them aware of the situation. The reality was that although I was a child of the 1990s, these practices which had been put in place during the 1960s were still necessary and this fact most certainly impacted my outlook and perspective of the treatment of blacks in America. Directed by Raoul Peck, “I Am Not Your Negro” is based on a 30-page manuscript written by Baldwin and depicted through a series of historical videos, movies, commercials and public speeches. The film, based based on an unfinished Baldwin book called “Remember This House”, is partially a memoir of the author’s recollections of Civil Rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. — all killed before the age of 40. To me, the film stands more as a premonition to the future of the plight of blacks in America. Baldwin’s words, though meant to be descriptive of the American climate in the 60s and 70s speak poignantly to the struggles of
Jimmieka Mills today. There are no “talking heads” as movie buffs refer to on camera interviews, which further drives home the point that America’s past is our present. Had it not been for the black-andwhite vs. color images chosen by Peck, one would not know that the footage of protesters being held at bay by police dogs and officers clad in riot gear ranged from the 60s to Ferguson protests of 2014. In our current time, we have experienced victories such as the election of our first AfricanAmerican President Barack Obama. Yet, the November 2016 murder of close friend and wellknown musician Will Sims by three white men in the California Bay Area (not featured in the documentary) can be easily mistaken for a story from the Civil Rights era. The only difference between the offenses (which we now know to be false) of Emmett Till and Will Sims is that Till was believed to have committed the sin in the Jim Crow south of speaking to a white woman while Sims’ was simply being a black man in the aftermath of a racist, sexist and xenophobic presidential election. “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced,” Baldwin said. As much as we may like to think that America has changed and that the issues we have been fighting against have been addressed the reality is, had this been true, would we really have a need for movements like Black Lives Matter? Would we even have to discuss the deaths of Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, Philando Castile and Oscar Grant? “People finally say to you, in an attempt to dismiss the social reality: ‘But you’re so bitter.’ Well, I may or may not be bitter. But if I were, I would have good reasons for it, chief among them that American blindness or cowardice which allows us to pretend that life presents no reasons for being bitter,” Baldwin said. When we look at the great strides that have been made in regards to the black struggle, the laws passed nearly half a century ago that assisted blacks such as
the Fair Housing Act of 1968 may stand as proof to many white Americans that unfair treatment of blacks have improved. It may even lead them to wonder why blacks still seem so “bitter”? Blacks however are reminded of unfair housing practices of a not too distant past as they grapple currently with gentrification causing many blacks to be once again uprooted from the only homes they have ever known. “I Am Not Your Negro” speaks to these truths without having to literally speak them. The film tackles the social injustices of the past and present with many images we are familiar with woven together to reassert the film’s title. Although as a collective the history of the black experience in America may fall under the general category of horrendous, “I Am Not Your Negro” shows the diversity of reactions to that experience providing historical context to not just the movements that helped to push blacks in America forward but provide context to the men that led those movements. Martin’s nonviolent fight for civil rights, Malcolm’s “By Any Means Necessary” approach and Medgar’s demands for the advancement of black people were all made even more clear through a montage of news reels and other rare footage. Viewers will definitely walk away with clearer perspective of what life was like for blacks in the 1960s fighting for Civil Rights as well as today, still facing police brutality and the weight of racial oppression. What then happens if no one views it at all? If a political and socially conscious Baldwin film plays in a theater, but there is no one there to view it, does the consciousness transcend? I urge anyone reading this to, if you have not already, go and view this film. Encourage others to as well. Not because it received an Academy Award nomination along with countless other honors. Not because Samuel L. Jackson narrated it, but because there is clearly a disconnect between black and white America especially in terms of the struggles we both face which the documentary makes painfully clear. The dialogue of race is a sensitive one but one that desperately needs to be addressed. Barriers faced by blacks as depicted in the film are not figurative, these barriers are literal and history has shown them to have been intentional. “What white people have to do, is try and figure out in their own hearts why it was necessary to have a nigger in the first place, because I’m not a nigger, I’m a man, but if you think I’m a nigger, it means you need it,” Baldwin said.
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