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Student Run Since
Volume One
February 4, 2021 | Vol. 66, Iss. 1
In This Issue............
Gator Life............................2
UHD selects next president
By Sheryl Sellers
Following an Dr. Blanchard position as Executive Vice
Continued on Gator Life, Page 2
international acclaim for
News...................................7 exhaustive search and comes to UHD with ex- Chancellor for Academ- student success.
Arts and Entertainment......13 pressing interviews of tensive prior experience in ic and Student Affairs
Opinions............................17 highly qualified candi- leading academic achieve- at CSU, Dr. Blanchard
dates, the Presidential ment and student success. held various academ-
Search Committee selected As the lead of Cal- ic leadership positions
UHD’s next president. ifornia State University’s which included 17 years
The Committee, chaired Graduation Initiative 2025, in leadership at his alma
by UH-Victoria President graduation completion mater, Xavier University.
Robert K. Glenn, Ph.D.,se- rates recognized all-time Among those positions, he
lected Loren J. Blanchard, highs. The program was served as Xavier’s provost
Ph.D., as the seventh designed to ensure student and senior vice president
of Academic Affairs from
Texas Rising stirs president of the university.
Dr. Blanchard was con-
success and produce grad-
uates to lead the state’s 2008-2015. During his
civic participation firmed by the UHS Board future prosperity. time serving at Xavier, Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D., was se-
lected as UHD’s seventh president.
see Gator Life, Page 2 of Regents on Jan. 20. Prior to his current the university received He will take office on March 15.
Solar panels installed on campus
On Jan. 14, the spotlighted Green Moun- who’s “always believed
By Indira Zaldivar
virtually no future career
College of Sciences and tain Energy Sun Club for we needed solar panels on that will not be required
Technology announced the donating the $250,000 sus- campus” said this project to engage in sustainability
finished installation of 75 tainability grant that made was a “large joint effort.” principles,” Morano said.
Gators volunteer for solar panels outside of the the installation possible. Kedrienne Day, asso- “The panels will inspire
UHD students and the
Backpack Buddies Sciences and Technology
Building.
The grant also covered the
purchase of photosynthesis
ciate director corporate
and foundation relations, Houston community that
see Gator Life, Page 3 The STB, which is equipment which faculty helped write and submit we are moving in a more
the first and only gold-cer- and students use for re- the proposal, Tzouanas sustainable direction – that
tified LEED building in search. Dean Akif Uzman, assisted in needed calcu- modern buildings can be
the University of Houston Ph.D., of the College of lations, and facilities and beautiful, functional and
System has just gotten Sciences and Technology, upper administration were good for the environment.
greener. The solar array described the legacy this “instrumental in making it Also, such technology
will power two labs on grant fulfills during the happen.” saves money in the long
the first floor of the STB. celebration. “There will be run.”
However, Vassilios Tzoua- “This iconic piece
“Jabs for Joints” nas, Ph.D., professor of of renewable energy along
rolls out in D.C. computer science and
engineering technology,
with several other engi-
neering features of the
see News, Page 8 has said the array offers STB prominently display
potential to provide elec- and model sustainable
tricity to other facilities. energy and materials used,
The solar array to our local community,”
also advances research Uzman said.
opportunities for faculty “It demonstrates
and students. The data col- UHD’s commitment to
lected on energy capture, pursue sustainability in
its conversion from light urban spaces.”
Wheels in motion: to electricity, and its usage UHD Center for
Testing at standstill is available to students and
faculty in real time.
Urban Agriculture and
Sustainability Director Sciences and Technology Building displays 75 solar panels which power
see Opinions, Page 17 two labs on the first floor of the STB on Jan. 27, 2020. Photo credit: Indira
On Nov. 17, UHD Lisa Morano, Ph.D., Zaldivar.
The University of Houston-Downtown
2 Gator Life February 4, 2021
UHD president (continued)
Dr. Blanchard Xavier University. His State University Health
is a recognized speaker master’s degree in Edu- Sciences Center. He held
THE DATELINE
University of Houston-Downtown
and has published a vast
assortment of scholarly ar-
ticles on teacher education
and education strategies to
cation Administration and
Supervision was earned at
McNeese State University,
followed by his doctorate
positions at the University
of Louisiana System of
Colleges and Universities,
including provost and vice
1 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 provide success for stu- in educational psycholo- president of Academic
Affairs for three years.
Office: S-260 Phone: 713.221.8275 dents of color.
A first-gener-
gy from the University of
Georgia. The Dateline wel-
editordatelinedowntown@gmail.com ation college student,
Dr. Blanchard received
Dr. Blanchard
served as associate vice
comes Dr. Blanchard as
he begins his position as
Spring 2021 Staff his bachelor’s in speech chancellor for Academic UHD’s seventh president
pathology education and a and Multicultural Affairs on March 15.
Editor.............................................................Jaida Doll minor in psychology from and professor at Louisiana
Texas Rising stirs
Assistant Editor......................................Indira Zaldivar
Social Media Manager.............................Jema Pantoga
civic participation
Business Manager....................................Sheryl Sellers
News Section Editor...............................Aansa Usmani
A&E Section Editor..............................Varah Thornton
Opinions Section Editor..........................Briana Garcia By Aansa Usmani
Faculty Advisor................................Joe Sample, Ph.D. sustainability, and olent drug
other pertinent pro- marijuana offenses (N/A).
gressive issues. For this legisla-
The Dateline is the official student newspaper of The first half of the tive cycle, bills regarding
the University of Houston-Downtown. Since its first meeting was dedi- LGBTQ+ issues, racial
issue in 1982, The Dateline is proud to be “Student cated to educating the discrimination, and the
Run since Volume One.” We strive to meet the needs club’s newer members on pandemic are being intro-
of a growing university as well as the growing metro- state legislation, ranging duced. Although official
politan city that surrounds us. On Jan. 28, UHD’s from explanations of the votes do not occur until
civic participation club, bicameral chambers to the March or April, these bills
Submission Policy Texas Rising, held its Texas Legislature’s overall can significantly impact
The Dateline staff consists of students from the first meeting of 2021. Per makeup. many Texans.
University of Houston-Downtown who complete all UHD’s guidelines, the An interesting fact HB 73 hopes to
tasks required to produce the newspaper, which serves meeting was entirely virtu- about the Texas Legisla- eradicate the “panic de-
all UHD campuses. The opinions and commentaries al, with members “Zoom- ture is how often it recon- fense,” a bigoted legal tac-
expressed within reflect the views of the contributing ing” in across various parts venes every two years after tic used when prosecuting
writers. No opinions expressed in The Dateline reflect of Houston. an elective cycle. Despite cases regarding LGBTQ+
the viewpoints of the University of Houston-Down- Throughout the the ongoing pandemic, the individuals, believing that
town, its administration, or students. meeting, members dis- legislation continues with a person’s sexual orien-
The Dateline reserves the right to edit or modify cussed the importance of additional social distancing tation or gender identity
submissions for the sake of clarity, content, grammar, government - particularly measures. influences the crimes they
or space limitations. All submissions become property the Texas State Chamber’s Not surprising, may have committed.
of The Dateline and may not be returned. importance. Members also both chambers are ma- Another bill, HB
All paid writers must be currently enrolled stu- discussed how citizens can jority GOP-led and have 38, would add protections
dents at the University of Houston-Downtown. participate in government more conservative lean- for people of color, specif-
Press releases, story ideas, news tips and sugges- while quarantined. Unlike ings aligned with Gov- ically Black people, in the
tions are always welcomed. We encourage all students other civic participation ernor Gregg Abbott and workplace. This bill aims
to contribute. groups, Texas Rising Lieutenant Governor Dan to prohibit job-based dis-
Any student interested in joining The Dateline focuses on state-based leg- Patrick. Despite these crimination on the texture
staff may request more detailed information sending islation and enacted laws, challenges, progressive or color of one’s natural
an email to the editors at editordatelinedowntown@ promoting local and Texan reform legislation has been hair.
gmail.com. civic efficacy. passed by both chambers, These bills gained
After introductory however, its fate ends up widespread traction, and
Follow us on Social Media! ice breakers, the team dove sealed and vetoed at the Texas Rising hopes to
into its agenda, discussing Governor’s desk. further educate students
previous and upcoming In particular, two on the active legislation
Texas legislation. Al- bills would have helped through meetings and so-
though Texas Rising is disenfranchised people of cial media posts.
nonpartisan, its topical color, with one re-eval- Texas Rising meet-
uating the bail system in ings are hosted via Zoom
@the_dateline
discussions lean towards
the liberal side, advocating Texas prisons (HB 2020) every two weeks. Follow
for Black Lives Matter, and the other being re- @texrisinguhd on social
LGBTQ+ equality, climate duced sentences for nonvi- media for more updates.
The University of Houston-Downtown
February 4, 2021 Gator Life 3
UHD Gators volunteer with Backpack Buddy
On Wed. were distribut- weekends. Fam- program aims to
By Natalie Beauchemin
and they distrib- still children who
Jan. 27, the ed to 400 stu- ilies are given solve. uted 2.5 million need to be served
Gator com- dents. Family one box per child, As busi- meals in the 2020 and depend on this
munity came Style Box allowing 137 fam- nesses struggle fiscal year. Kathy program, so Child
prepared with feeds up to ilies to receive the and joblessness Lipman, corporate Hunger Partners
masks and gloves four people boxes. persists through- engagement se- help the Backpack
to distribute food, for two For some out the COVID-19 nior manager with Buddy program in
school supplies, Houston children, pandemic, strug- Houston Food important ways.”
and hygiene bags school is their gling families are Bank highlighted For $2.99,
to K-12 students only source in greater need for the need of the the program can
enrolled in the of break- financial assis- program amid the fill a bag with six
Houston Food fast and tance. In the era pandemic. meals for a child.
Bank’s Backpack lunch. of COVID-19, “Due to If you
Buddy program. But programs like COVID-19, some are interested in
Volunteers where Backpack Buddy school districts do donating or vol-
were in the Daly do these are more import- not allow Back- unteering for the
Street Lot from children find ant than ever. pack Buddy to Backpack Buddy
2 p.m. to 6 p.m. meals when The pro- deliver to their Program, visit
loading supplies school is not in gram distributed district warehouse houstonfoodbank.
into trucks and session? That is 124,835 bags of or the schools org.
backseats. “Fami- Gean Garcia the problem the food between directly,” Lipman
ly Style Boxes” Backpack Buddy March and June, said. “There are
Faculty Senate meeting
The first Faculty diminished by 1.6% from
By Sheryl Sellers
a solution contin-
ues.
Senate meeting of the year 2020 to 2021. UHD Nell Sullivan,
spring semester took place
Senate Updates
recognized the largest Ph.D., Professor of
virtually on Jan. 19. Fac- growth in semester credit English, announced
ulty Senate President Ron hours for that time frame that she has drafted a
Beebe, Ph.D., Professor with a 1.96% increase letter to Interim Presi-
of Educational Research, from the previous year. dent Antonio D. Tillis,
introduced Daniel Villan- Next, Dr. Beebe Ph.D., regarding his
ueva, M.A., Associate Vice request ed follow up from Dr. Sullivan to approach Dr. Tillis
response to the Student
President for Enrollment the teams formed at the Government Associa- regarding his denial of a no-class day
Management who present- end of the fall semester. tion. Dr. Tillis replied
ed a detailed PowerPoint Candace TenBrink, during elections
negatively to the SGA’s
overview of spring enroll- Ph.D., Assistant Professor request for a “non-in-
ment. of Management, stated that structional day” on
Spring 2021 UHD she and Alexander Biela- Nov. 11 of every other
admittance applications kowski, Ph.D., Assistant year so students could Dr. Blanchard to begin as UHD President
were up 1.9% from 2020. Professor of History, met
Most of the increase was with David Bradley, MBA,
involve themselves on March 15
in the voting process
accounted for by applica- Vice President Administra- throughout the commu-
tions from former students. tion and Finance and Isaac nity. She will “tweak”
Enrollment head- Elking, Ph.D., Visiting the letter to include
count at the start of the se- Assistant Professor, on the incoming President Lo- SGA asks students: Do you want more
mester identified first time ongoing parking avail- ren J. Blanchard, Ph.D.,
in college students enroll- ability, or the lack thereof. reading days? Or more coordinated final
with a copy to Provost
ment up by 47.1%. The TenBrink and Bielakowski Eric Carl Link, Ph.D. exam schedules?
second largest demograph- questioned what parking Speaking for
ic increase came from new availability would look the “work from home”
transfer students, which like post COVID-19. The task force, Dr. Elking
was up 5.9% from 2020. hope for a new garage was
Among UHS shattered, as it was deter-
will communicate with S/U option: Helping struggling students
the staff council and
universities, UHD came mined to be too expensive deliver a survey for though a challenging time? Or a means to
second in enrollment num- without a high increase in
bers following UH-Victo- parking rates. That solu-
completion to the facul- manipulate GPA?
ty the following week.
ria with increases of 1.9% tion, therefore, is not via- Task force reports will
and 4.5% respectively. ble. Continued construc- be on the agenda for
UH followed with a 1.8% tion will be an issue with the Feb. 2 meeting. Whitney Barrett
increase and UH-Clear parking, as some space
Lake enrollment numbers will be lost. The quest for Continued on Gator Life, Page 5
The University of Houston-Downtown
4 Gator Life February 4, 2021
UHD engineering alumni revive school garden
Despite ber 2019, the UHD by Flores, Palomo, school closures, ication, and service,
By Angela Ybarra
areas because of the
the pandemic and Department of Com- and Ybarra, as well as unavailability of tools over 650 members mud that would build.
weather challenges puter Science and ACI student organiza- and equipment due of the community, Additionally, outdoor
of spring 2020, an Engineering Technol- tion volunteers Rosa to university closure, students, faculty and learning spaces allow
all-female team of ogy approved their Gomez, Tomas Gon- time restrains that staff, will have an students the opportu-
structural engineer community engage- zalez, Marvin Men- limited workdays to outdoor learning nity to explore nature
graduates of UHD, ment proposal for the dez, Kevin Villa. Sundays only, and space to utilize easier and science in real
designed and led a spring 2020 semester. The final proj- unpredictable flood- access to the play- life. Your completed
grant-funded, com- The project, support- ect involved the con- ing that resulted in ground and blacktop project provides our
munity project en- ed by faculty advisor, struction of a concrete excavated area and from classrooms.” scholars with a space
titled “Hard Hat & Arash Rahmatian, access walkway es- overly saturated soil. Jones con- to observe plant and
Heels” that enhanced Ph.D., contributed sential to connect the Further, there was a tinued, “Before your insect life cycles,
the Neff Early Learn- small but impactful ramp to the blacktop substantial decrease project, students had along with many oth-
ing Center of Houston civic projects, such as surface for wheelchair in volunteers because to trudge through er topics. Thank you
Independent School reviving their butter- accessibility. The of a consistency of muddy terrain on for braving the heat,
District. fly garden. tasks to determine unworkable condi- days after rainy wind, rain, cold, and
The lead- The first the path placement tions. weather to access the darkness to bring this
ers include Julie project consisted of and excavate the area Despite the playground. Students project to life! Your
Flores, past UHD creating concrete were initiated by peer often difficult circum- with wheelchairs had service is greatly
Structural Engineer- stepping-stones for leaders Flores, Palo- stances, the overall an even more difficult appreciated.”
ing Organization the Neff ELC But- mo, and Ybarra with experience provided time accessing these
president and vice terfly Garden. The the assistance of ACI self-growth with
president, Sahi- stepping-stones were student volunteers To- heightened team
ra Palomo, past poured and smoothed mas Gonzalez, Mau- building, problem
UHD American by Flores and Ybarra. ricio Herrera, Marvin solving, maintaining
Concrete Institute Then, they monitored Mendez, Nathalie grit through project
president and vice the letter etching done Sapon, and Brittany completion and the
president, and An- by Neff ELC alumni Zavala. satisfaction of one’s
gela Ybarra, former and colleagues. Completion capabilities under
UHD ACI treasurer, The but- of the project in- unforeseen circum-
and past UHD SEO terfly garden also cluded building the stances. The outcome
president and vice entailed a concrete formwork, pouring, concluded with
president. In addi- pathway, including leveling, smoothing, sincere words of ap-
tion to their former determining the path and finishing the preciation and work
leadership positions, placement, exca- concrete; this was ethic acknowledg-
they each hold ACI vating the area, and accomplished by ment from Neff ELC
certifications: Con- forming the pathway Flores and Ybarra. principal, Santrice
crete Strength Testing by pouring, leveling, Inevitably, challeng- Jones.
Technician and Con- smoothing the edges, es were encountered “This project
crete Field-Testing placing grout and because of the pan- turned out amazing
Technician - Grade I. leveling the area. All demic: inaccessible and because of your UHD alumni and peer leaders of community service project,
In Decem- tasks were completed school site due to time, materials, ded- Hard Hat & Heels. Julie Flores, Sahira Palomo, and Angela
Ybarra. Photo courtesy of Angela Ybarra.
By Jeremy Jones
The University of Houston-Downtown
February 4, 2021 Gator Life 5
Faculty Senate (continued)
Edmund here?” exams rather than re-
suggesting that the
option be revisited
for the spring se-
ing Latin honors and
that students may
game the system by
were face to face
classes, this year they
are all online.
mester. Some students choosing S/U to keep Many senators
Cueva, Ph.D., Pro- A response duce the reading days.
petitioned for the their GPA in place. had strong feelings
fessor of Humanities, was, “He promised Dr. Sullivan
option for the fall There was agreement on the subject, and
reported on the Jan. to be here for a very stated that the times
semester. that some students it was mentioned
20 confirmation of long time.” do not coincide with
Rachael Hud- will manipulate the that offering an S/U
Dr. Blanchard’s ap- SGA presi- class times so those
speth, M.S., Lecturer system to keep their option would change
pointment as UHD’s dent, Alan Mudrow, a students who work
of Biology, comment- GPA in check. the timeline for final
next president. The part of the transition are hurt, noting that
ed that there is much Jerry Johnson, grades, and that put-
announcement will team, commented the schedule is not
disagreement in her Jr., Ph.D., Associate ting the option into
appear in the Feb. 5 that this “will be his the best for working
office on the subject, Vice President for PeopleSoft could be a
issue of UHD Mag- baby.” or parenting students.
noting that “students Faculty, Research and legal, logistic night-
azine. Dr. Blanchard Cueva chimed Tahereh Jafari, M.S.,
are still dealing with Sponsored Programs, mare,
will officially begin in, “It will be a lecturer, mentioned
the pandemic.” She mentioned that from a Mudrow re-
this role on March glorious day for the that she has also be-
continued that not look at 30,000 uni- sponded that students
15, the first day of university.” come aware of similar
offering the S/U op- versities, many are “mostly are over-
spring break. It was Dr. Beebe issues. Nathan Neale,
tion sounds like, “We viewing COVID-19 whelmed with what’s
suggested that the suggested inviting Dr. Ph.D., Assistant Pro-
support you, but....” to be worse now than on their plate.”
Faculty Senate for- Blanchard to the first fessor in the College
Amy Baird, when it first began. He also assert-
mally welcome Dr. Faculty Senate meet- of Business, also not-
Ph.D., Assistant Chair He noted that it is ed that offering the
Blanchard and set a ing following his ar- ed the constraints on
and Associate Profes- hard to understand S/U option would say
date as soon as pos- rival. Dr. Cueva will students even with a
sor, offered that some this impact on stu- to students that UHD
sible. Additionally, ask if there can be a two-hour exam sched-
students have options dents. is really in it with
updating the faculty formal welcome from ule.
through their degree “Let’s not you.
handbook is in prog- the Faculty Senate. Mudrow will
plans to use P/F (pass/ assume the worst of “Let students
ress. Conversation take the topic to the
fail), but the ongoing students and make know you’re in it with
The Con- moved to the final SGA and poll stu-
conversation pointed sure we make the them,” Modrow said.
versation continued exam schedule with dents to determine
out the difficulty in right choice,” John- The decision
with the talk of an comments from the their thoughts on
pursuing that option son said. to give students the
investiture for Dr. senate that the time reading days.
in PeopleSoft. Oth- Dr. Baird S/U option for spring
Blanchard. is not adequate. Dr. The next
er senate members stated that things are 2021 semester could
Considering Beebe reminded the discussion revolved
suggested that the different now than last be made by April,
the tenure of past senate that the deci- around the student
decision be made on a year; students may This item will be on
presidents, Dr. Sul- sion was made last option of S/U (satis-
department level. have a family mem- the agenda for the
livan conjectured, year to reduce the factory/unsatisfacto-
There was ber that has become Feb. 2 meeting.
“How long will he be schedule for final ry) or a letter grade,
concern about award- sick. Last spring there
UHD Local Business Spotlight something, where
there’s a will there is
Algoo Buenoo
accounting stu-
dent, Ashley Marie a way.”
Jove, opened a The pandem-
smoothie, juice ic has minimized
and coffee bar at By Indira Zaldivar the opportunities for
16314 Stuebner sweet, protein-packed nature drinks such as healthy food alter- much as they pay you direct-contact market-
Airline Rd. on Jan. 2. treats. Savage, “El Tóxico” natives “to make an good and give you ing, so Jove said her
Jove’s business, Al- Each beverage and “La Tóxica” may impact and help other a good retirement business accounts on
goo Buenoo, attracts contains 15 grams of seem intriguing, the people.” package, I believe we Instagram and Face-
health enthusiasts protein. While sig- ingredients appeal “It helped me, deserve more than book draw in most of
who seek to savor to those looking for and I feel it could that.” her customers. She
a nutritious meal help other people,” The 24-year- encouraged Gators to
replacement that Jove said. old said that at the use social media as a
is dairy free, made Her two kids, right time, the oppor- business marketing
with water or almond Bella and one on the tunity just happened. tool. In the end, she
milk. Add ons such way, are what drives As a strong believer said business is about
as toppings and extra her entrepreneurship. in opportunities, she a “personal connec-
scoops of protein are “I want to be asked for and re- tion” with customers.
free of charge. Even able to build some- ceived a small-busi- “If you have some-
whipped cream is fat thing and leave it for ness loan to fulfill thing in the back of
free, with zero calo- her and my future the business idea that your head that you’ve
ries. generations because had been stuck in her been trying to do,
Through her unfortunately you head for two years. just do it, because
business, Jove said can’t pass down a “If you have you never know what
Ashley Marie Jove, UHD student and business owner serves
beverages on Jan. 14. Photo credit: Indira Zaldivar. she aspires to create corporate job. As your heart set to do could happen.”
The University of Houston-Downtown
6 Gator Life February 4, 2021
UHD remembers Cameron Smith, Man of L.E.G.A.C.I.
By Jaida Doll
On Dec. 30, not studying or work- tant Dean at College L.E.G.A.C.I. also of Field Education at “[Smith] was
2020, UHD student, ing with IT, Smith of Public Service And focuses on educating UHD. the key to emancipat-
Cameron Demarques was longboarding, lis- co-founder of Men of mentees on the appa- With only one ing and liberating his
Smith, and family tening to music, creat- L.E.G.A.C.I. ratus of race, how that semester remaining entire family. He was
tragically passed ing art, playing video Described apparatus functions in before his gradua- really important to the
away. Smith perished games, or watching by many as a smart, society and the inter- tion, Smith would future of his commu-
in his home, along anime. talented, and diligent sections of individual have been the first in nity and the future of
with mother, Vicki “Cam always student, Smith spent identity. These les- his family to attain a his family,” said Dr.
Pennington, and sis- had... something much of his time on sons resonated with college degree. Robertson.
ter, Destini Smith. brilliant going on. campus. Smith. “He accepted Funeral ser-
Before his Whether it was a new “School was “He really that part of his life vices for Cameron
death, 21-year-old project, a new recipe a safe space for him. was passionate about as a trailblazer at the Smith, his mother,
Cameron “Skate- to perfect, or just a He really liked com- social justice... It was forefront. He gave Vicki Pennington,
board” Smith worked new game. He was ing [to UHD],” Dr. always important the best of himself and his sister, Destini
in UHD’s IT depart- always busy – always Wallace commented. for him to stand up to his family and his Smith were hosted by
ment, while attaining trying his hardest to Smith was against the smaller friends,” said Dr. Carter-Conley Funer-
his degree. He briefly accomplish the things especially active in ones and push back Robertson. al Home on Jan. 11.
studied graphic de- many deemed im- Men of L.E.G.A.C.I., against unfair treat- Smith was Smith rests
sign, before declaring possible.” said Kayla UHD’s Student ment,” stated Vida an example of dy- peacefully at Rose-
his major in computer Soto, friend of Smith. Success program for Robertson, Ph.D., namic change forged wood Memorial Park,
science. In addition to marginalized men. UHD Associate through passionate where his urn was
Beth Secor, Smith’s ambition and The program mentors Professor of En- and dedicated work. buried in his mother’s
M.F.A., UHD Art dynamism, he is often Black and Latino glish, Director of the “When you casket.
Lecturer met Smith in remembered for his men, providing them Center for Critical look at all of the situ- “Cameron was
her course, “Creating friendly, caring spirit with the re-sources, Race Studies, and ations that he’s come the hope of a commu-
a Graphic Novel.” and light-hearted, opportunities and co-founder of Men of from and his family nity and of a family.
She said positive demeanor. personal relationships L.E.G.A.C.I. dynamics… if he He was the hope of
of Smith, “Such a “Cameron that are necessary to As a member finished his degree, he our program [Men
wonderful, talented never saw a bad day. navigate an educa- of one of the orig- would have changed of L.E.G.A.C.I.]. He
spirit… I feel hon- He was one of those tional arena system- inal cohorts of the the entire dynamic of was the hope of his
ored to have been his kids who was always atically set against program, Smith was the family…. He was people and we were
instructor.” upbeat,” said Jerry them. always willing to lend almost there,” stated his hope. We continue
When he was Wallace, Ph.D., Assis- Men of his time or a help- Dr. Wallace. to uphold his memory
ing hand to program Smith’s moth- and the legacy he left
mentors and fellow er and sister, who for us,” concluded Dr.
mentees. also perished with Robertson.
“Always him, were inspired by Students are
smiling, always ready Smith’s diligence in encouraged to reach
to assist, a true gift his studies and com- out to UHD Coun-
to the UHD College mitment to improve- seling Services to
of Public Service,” re- ment. They followed process grief relat-
marked Dana Smith, in his footsteps by ing to the passing of
Ph.D., Assistant Pro- pursing their own Cameron Smith.
fessor and Director higher education.
UHD student, Cameron Demarques Smith. Photo courtesy of Carter-Conley Funeral Home.
View Smith’s obituary and tribute wall at www.carterfuneral-houston.com/obituaries.
The University of Houston-Downtown
February 4, 2021 News 7
CNN airs Kamala Harris special report
By Sara Garcia
The report
also gives us a chance
to get to know her
CNN’s Senior to attend Howard ey, the incumbent. nothing significant history,” remarked husband, Doug
Political Correspon- University where Making history again enough to sustain her Phillips. Emhoff, the nation’s
dent Abby Phillip she joined the oldest by becoming the first run. Phillips’ CNN first Second Gentle-
anchored an hour- Black sorority, Alpha Black-Asian woman On Dec. 3, report highlights the man. A clip of Doug
long special report, Kappa Alpha Inc. Her to hold that office. 2019 she announced intricacies and experi- rushing the stage to
Kamala Harris: sorority sister, Jill When her mother the suspension of ences of Harris’ child- save his wife from
Making History, that Louis, explained that was diagnosed with her campaign. Her hood throughout the a protestor who got
aired on Sunday, Jan. the sorority’s culture cancer, Harris took relationship with Civil Rights move- too close exposes his
17 at 10 p.m. ET. The was full of possibili- time to be with her Beau Biden made it ment. The interviews instinct to protect her.
special report takes ties and support. After but continued her easy for Joe Biden paint a picture of a They laughed it about
viewers through the graduating in 1986, fight against mortgage to choose her as his young adult, and later during the interview
history-making life Harris returned to San companies that were running mate. Togeth- as a prosecutor with with Phillips but ad-
of Kamala Harris. Francisco to attend foreclosing on homes er, they went on to a passion for social mitted it was a scary
Abby details the Law School. She during the mortgage defeat Donald Trump equality and justice. time for them.
steps and missteps failed her first attempt crisis. While in nego- in the 2020 presiden- Her sister makes it The CNN
of Harris’ journey to at the bar, but she tiations, she teamed tial election making very clear that their special report gives
breaking barriers and heeded the words of up with other State her the first Black- confidence is rooted viewers a good sense
making history as the her mother, “Get up, Attorneys General Asian woman to hold in their late moth- of who Madam Vice
first black women dust yourself off and like Beau Biden, the office of Vice er. The interviews President Kamala
of Asian descent to keep going.” Harris Delaware’s Attorney President making her are story after story, Harris is and always
make her way to the went on to pass the General. She was husband, the first Sec- firsthand accounts has been. Phillips’
highest office in our exam the second time victorious in her fight ond Gentleman. On that paint the picture report instilled con-
Nation and became and became a Prose- and brought a sig- Nov. 7, 2020 Kamala of a woman born with fidence in Harris, her
the first Madam Vice cutor. nificant relief bill to Harris delivered her a calling to serve her advocacy, and her
President-Elect. As the Dep- Californian’s home- acceptance speech in country and repre- consistent record.
Interviews uty for the City owners. She reformed which she makes a sent those who often Her beliefs are ce-
with her sister, Maya Attorney’s Office, the schools’ truancy promise that although remain unheard. Story mented in the love
Harris, childhood she headed the Fam- problem which was she is the first woman after story of her of her mother. And
friend, Carole Por- ily and Children intended to target so- to hold the office, she advocacy and years of her promise to speak
ter and her moth- Services Division cial inequality howev- would not be the last. hard work to reform up on behalf of those
er’s friend, Lenore and launched a Sex er the law backfired, “The first in the criminal system who are not always
Pomerance, uncover Traffic Task Force. and, in some cases, so many ways and paint the picture of a heard or seen is exact-
the unique childhood Her determination parents were jailed so many times, and woman determined ly what the country
experiences and to work within the and criminally prose- now Kamala Harris, to break all the glass needs.
moments that formed system to make real cuted. once again has made ceilings.
Harris’ beliefs. Grow- change continued to During this
ing up in Berkeley, grow. In 2004 she ran time, her best friend,
California, born right for District Attorney Chrisette Hudlin sets
in the middle of the in San Francisco. her up on a blind date
Civil Rights move- With the help of her with Doug Emhoff, an
ment, Kamala embod- mother, she won the attorney, and single
ied the movement that election, and became father of two. They
gave her the courage the first Black-Asian fall in love and marry
to be proud of who woman to hold that just over a year later.
she was. At the age office. She quickly In 2016,
of seven, her moth- made headlines for Vice President Joe
er Shymala Harris not pursing the death Biden swore in the
divorced her father penalty for the shoot- newly elected Sen-
and became a single er of a police officer, ator again the first
mom of two. Harris stating her office is Black-Asian woman
expressed what it was there to “seek justice, representing Califor-
like to grow up with not vengeance.” She nia. She teamed up
a tight knit family created the “Back on with Republicans to
made up her mother’s Track” initiative that pass reform on the
friends and neighbors, helped young people cash-bail system but
rather than blood re-enter society after failed to pass her An- Connect with a Recruiter to Learn More
siblings. being released from ti-Lynching Bill. In
As a prison. 2019 Kamala Harris
grade-schooler, Seven years announced her candi-
Harris was bussed to later, she ran for dacy for President of
a prominent school Attorney General the United States. Her
an hour away. That of California and campaign had several
education led her defeated Steve Cool- viral moments, but P E AC E C O R P S .G OV/ WO R K
The University of Houston-Downtown
8 News February 4, 2021
Amanda Gorman presents as youngest inaugural
poet in US history
On Jan. 20, inherit, / it’s the past GirlMagic, trending
America in 2036.
By Ann Margaret Lummus Even hinted at this
within her inaugural
in literature and on
the stage carries the
tone of the late Maya
recited poem at the
president’s 46 inaugu-
ration. Her book can
former Youth Poet we step into / and across social media speech. Angelou, whom Gor- be found on theaman-
Laurate and Harvard how we repair it.” platforms, and fig- “We the suc- man idols wearing a dagorman.com and
graduate Amanda Gorman ap- ures such as Oprah cessors of a country ring of a caged bird other participating
Gorman, 22, took to peared with a bright and former President and a time where a honoring Angelou at retailers. Copies may
the podium as the smile and often for Barack Obama noted skinny Black girl de- the inauguration. be pre-ordered now
youngest inaugural interviews and the “a young woman scended from slaves Gorman fol- until available Sept.
poet in U.S. history. inauguration she wore to rise” and “a mo- and raised by a single lows the frontlines of 21. In recent news,
Her poetry perfor- signature colors red ment for the history mother can dream of history through social Gorman announced
mance of “The Hill and yellow. During books”. In the fol- becoming president.” media accounts on the next time we will
We Climb” has ignit- an interview with lowing days, Gorman A confi- Twitter, Facebook, see her perform “The
ed her platform. PBS Houston Public has star struck the na- dence which seems and Instagram. Pub- Hill We Climb” will
A resonating Media, she shared tion, people are eager to threaten people, lishing with Penguin be during Super Bowl
new voice for, civil her preparation for to know who Gorman she shared that some Random House LVI preshow Feb.
rights activist, Black the inauguration, “I is. classmate during a Gorman’s poetry 7 as the first poet to
women, and Gen- Z. was around halfway Gorman is on workshop suggested collection “The Hill perform at the Super
According to the As- through, we had the the same platform her work was too We Climb and Other Bowl.
sociated Press, “Gor- insurrection at the of current women in confident. Gorman Poems” includes her
man says the inaugu- Capitol. And I don’t activism like Alexan- responded, “Too con-
ral officials told her want to say that my dria Ocasio-Cortez. fident is code for I’m
she had been recom- poem took a drastic Specifically, a leading not comfortable for a
mended by the in- left turn, because it example in the rising Black woman who is
coming first lady, Jill was already going waves of Generation using her voice with
Biden.” Biden, Ph.D., towards a location, Z and its ambition to a pen to be existing in
made a contrasting but those events just make change. Gor- the same classroom”.
decision to pick Gor- solidified for me how man has stated “I Gorman is
man since President important it was to love as we call it Gen humble towards her
Biden’s plan of unity have a poem about Z because they’re experience, encour-
for the U.S. resonates unity and the new relentless and they’re aging that there are
in Gorman’s poem. chapter of America in highly critical”. many other activist
“The hill we this inauguration.” Gorman’s statement voices in her genera-
climb / If only we In response, does not heed astray tion. But, for African
dare / It’s because Madam Vice Presi- in her own ambition American youth, Gor-
Amanda Gorman at recites her original poem entitled “The
being American is dent Kamala Harris to be president of man is one to keep an Hill We Climb” as President Biden watches from the behind.
more than a pride we tweeted #Black- the United States of eye on. Her influence Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
D.C. encourages vaccination with “Jabs for Joints”
By Salvador Hernandez
The goal to bring to take it. The begin in centers will open cannabis should United States.”
pandemic an incentive initiative has been March, as throughout D.C. be consumed This
has affected to skeptics in coined “Joints that is when In an interview safely and initiative has
individuals the form of a for Jabs,” vaccine with Forbes, responsibly, and been replicated
through a complementary and it will Nikolas the pandemic in Michigan with
number of ways bag of Schiller, has made this the cannabis
be it mentally, marijuana with co-founder incredibly difficult dispensary
physically or their vaccine of DC for many adults Greenhouse of
work-wise. shot. Marijuana to share their Walled Lake in
However, a Marijuana Justice, homegrown collaboration with
light at the end activist, Adam commented on cannabis. When UBaked Cannabis
of the tunnel Eidinger, and his the groups goal to enough adults are Company offering
can be seen as organization, stop the spread of inoculated with pre-rolled joints
vaccines roll out DC the pandemic and the coronavirus to those who get
to various parts Marijuana elaborated vaccine, it vaccinated.
of the country. Justice, have on the will be time to
Many have been spearheaded groups advocacy celebrate – not
skeptical of the the initiative to to change local just the end of the
vaccine, however, bring attention and nationwide pandemic, but the
marijuana activists and encourage Whitney marijuana policy. beginning of the
in D.C. have individuals weary Barrett “DCMJ end of cannabis
made it their of the vaccine believes that prohibition in the
The University of Houston-Downtown
February 4, 2021 News 9
FBI investigates HPD officer involved in Capitol riot
By Brittney Dizzine
On Jan. 13, videos of Pham inside to me by]... .a mem- cers that was there... vidual will be charged the siege as they lead
Houston Police Chief, the Capitol. ber of this commu- everyone has a First with federal charges, the massive investi-
Art Acevedo, stated The agents nity...showing the Amendment right.... and rightfully so.” gation. Local federal
that Houston Police explained to Pham officer...with a Trump But I still wanted to Washington agencies are provid-
officer Tam Dinh that making false and flag, face covered and make sure that they D.C. will release ing support in the
Pham attended infa- fraudulent statements the first thing I did, I didn’t pass beyond...I potential criminal investigative process.
mous Trump rally in to a represetative went to that person’s can tell you that charges involving
Washington, D.C. on of the federal gov- Facebook confirmed there’s a high proba- Pham and other in-
his personal time. Af- ernment is a crime, it was one of our offi- bility that this indi- dividuals engaged in
ter further investiga- leading the disgraced
tion, law enforcement officer to admit to fol-
found that Pham, an lowing the rioters to
18-year service vet- the Capitol Rotunda.
eran with the depart- Pham briefly spoke
ment, traveled alone to the media when he
to the nation’s Capitol arrived home Thurs-
and participated in the day afternoon.
Jan. 6 insurrection on “Please, just
the Capitol Building. give my family priva-
“As investi- cy,” Pham said. “It’s a
gations continue, I challenging time.”
am highly confident As of Jan. 14, Pham
that the officer will be has resigned from the
facing federal crimi- HPD.
nal charges,” Acevedo Acevedo said
said. after the resignation,
According to “There is no excuse
the documents, Pham for criminal activity,
admitted to being in especially from a
Washington for “busi- police officer.
ness reasons” but “I can’t tell
denied going to the you the anger I feel
Capitol. FBI agents at the thought of a
received Pham’s con- police officer and
sent to review photos other[s]... thinking
on his cellphone and they get to storm
noticed no photos the Capitol...our
from his Washington commitment here in
trip. According to the Houston area is
the affidavit, agents always to the rule of
checked the folder of law...It saddens me to
deleted photos, and report that we have
found photos and that one officer...[sent Whitney Barrett
NAACP calls for city council member to resign
The City of nia Trump. Travis her qualifications. meeting will educate suggestions on what
By Priscila Batres
Ph.D., who is leading
Houston City Council commented on the Travis continued, the council members type of disciplinary this meeting and a
and Council Ethics post by questioning bringing Vice Presi- and members of the actions to take against member of the city
Chair called for a Michelle Obama’s dent Kamala Harris public about the type Travis. council expressed the
meeting to review intellect and insinuat- into the conversa- of free speech poli- Travis re- importance of this
free speech policies ing that she attended tion, implying she cies that apply to city sponded to the actions meeting.
after Republican Harvard University attained her position council members. An taken against him “We’ve seen
Council Member through affirmative through inappropriate additional team and and stands by his at our nation’s Cap-
Greg Travis shared a action. Travis also romantic affairs. The ethics commission comments. “I don’t itol what words can
controversial Face- commented that post gained so much will review Travis’s mind Democrats. I do to incite fear and
book post and subse- former Secretary of negative attention that comments and deter- just don’t like ex- destruction and what
quent comments in State Hillary Clinton the Houston chapter mine if he violated treme liberalism. The responsibility means.”
December 2020. attained her political of NAACP and Black any of these policies. comments made had
he post com- position because of Lives Matter Hous- If the team deter- nothing to do with
pared the two former her husband, former ton called for Travis’ mines a violation, the gender or race, just
first ladies, Michelle President Bill Clin- resignation. council will ask the extreme liberalism.”
Obama and Mela- ton, rather than with The council ethics committee for Letitia Plumer,
The University of Houston-Downtown
10 News February 4, 2021
Biden and Harris attend national COVID-19 memorial
By Lauren Anderson
On Jan. 19, mother or grandfather imagine new possibil- Boston also “My father spent the He also said that he
cities all over the who was our whole ities, and to open our had many sites light last week of his life understands the grief
United States took world, a parent, hearts just a little bit up in amber. The in a hospital three of losing loved ones
part in a memorial partner, sibling, or more to one another.” Grant AME Church blocks away from since he has lost his
service to remember friend who we still Other cities also put up ribbons us, and we couldn’t first wife, daughter,
the over 400,000 peo- cannot accept is no take part in the me- outside the church to be with him,” Jersey and son in the past.
ple that lost their lives longer here. And for morial in their own represent the thou- City resident Sabila Biden stated at
to COVID-19 in the many months, we ways. The mayor of sands who had died Khan told CBS2. the memorial service
U.S. Before his inau- have grieved by our- New York City and during a brief memo- “Remember the faces in Washington D.C.
guration, then-Presi- selves,” Harris said his wife spoke at the rial service. behind the numbers that, “To heal, we
dent-elect Joe Biden, during her speech at Statue of Liberty, In Chicago, to remember that they must remember. It’s
along with Vice Pres- the memorial service. and the Empire State other than illumi- had names. They had hard sometimes to
ident-elect Kamala She continued, Building lit up in red nating buildings in lives. They loved. remember, but that’s
Harris, also took part “Tonight, we grieve to remember those amber, city officials They had families how we heal. It’s
in the memorial at the and begin healing lost. asked residents and that they’ve now important to do that
Reflecting Pool near together. Though we Buildings in small business owners left behind, and they as a nation. That’s
Lincoln Memorial in may be physically San Fransisco, such to shut off their lights died horrible, lonely why we’re here today.
Washington, D.C. separated, we, the as City Hall and Coit and set out a candle deaths. That’s what I Between sundown
Hundreds of American people, are Tower, and buildings in their driveway or want the country to and dusk, let us shine
luminaries lined the united in spirit, and in San Diego, such balcony, also with a remember.” the lights in the dark-
edge of the Reflecting my abiding hope, my as California Tower moment of silence. President ness, along the sacred
Pool. An art display abiding prayer, is that and Spreckels Organ In Jersey City, Biden stated that pool of reflection, and
created by the Pres- we emerge from this Pavilion, were illu- family members held honoring the misfor- remember all whom
idential Inaugural ordeal with a new minated by an amber photos of their loved tune of the past year we lost.”
Committee shone 56 wisdom, to cherish light for the memori- ones as they mourned would be the center
pillars of blue light simple moments, to al. in front of City Hall. of his administration.
from the National
Mall to represent
America’s states and
territories. A bell at
National Cathedral
also rang 400 times,
each ring signify-
ing 1,000 victims of
COVID-19.
“We gather
tonight, a nation in
mourning, to pay
Representative Katherine M. Clark of Massachusetts, House Speaker Nancy
tribute to the lives we President Biden speaks during the COVID-19 memorial on Jan. 19. Photo cour-
Pelosi, and House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer. Photo courtesy of Erik S.
tesy of Salwan Georges/The Washington Post.
have lost, a grand- Lesser/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock.
Biden signs executive orders
President Joe Accord, which he It is also important
By Priscila Batres
helps teachers pay off
Customs Enforcement
and Border Patrol,
and stopping con-
the pandemic, send-
ing another round
of stimulus checks,
Biden and Vice Pres- did hours after his to highlight that his their student loans. struction of the U.S. rebuilding the econo-
ident Kamala Harris inauguration. The administration has For immigra- Southern border wall. my, safely re-opening
recently assumed Biden Administra- committed not to tion, Biden plans to The Biden ad- schools, and vacci-
office, and many tion’s plans in fight- accept contributions roll back all Trump ministration has many nating at least 100
campaign policies are ing climate change from big oil and gas Administration’s plans for his term, million people by
going to be followed include pressuring corporations. policies. Biden’s and they range from summer. Controlling
in the first 100 days. Congress to pass Regarding executive orders supporting essential the pandemic is the
Some of the plans the legislation that will education, the Biden signed on his first workers, ending the top priority, and as
Biden administration invest in clean energy, Administration wants day of presidency opioid crisis, to in- president, Biden has
hopes to achieve climate research, and to help educators— include implement- vesting in infrastruc- already signed multi-
range from climate innovation. Further alongside first lady, ing comprehensive ture. For more details ple executive orders
awareness to immi- incentives include the Dr. Jill Biden, who immigration reform of these followings that have gained
gration reform poli- rapid deployment of has been a teacher for for the 11 million un- plans or any other, it positive press. Time
cies, but what exactly clean energy inno- over thirty years. The documented people, can be found on his will tell how the rest
are those plans? vations across the Biden Administration giving a pathway to website joebiden. of these goals will be
Biden’s first economy focusing on plans to raise teacher citizenship for DACA com. met.
order was for the communities which wages, and funding of recipients and TPS Biden’s top
United States to re- have been affected Title I, which focuses holders, and moni- priorities for his first
join the Paris Climate by climate change. on school funding and toring Immigration 100 days are: curbing
The University of Houston-DowntownFebruary 4, 2021 News 11
Kamala Harris makes ‘herstory’
Former Cali- 1986, she attended the first person of color to as vice president, her
ris were elected failed to show evi-
By Savannah Mims the next pres-
ident and vice
dence of this claim.
On Dec. 14,
president of the 2020, the Electoral
fornia Senator Kama- University of Califor- ever hold the position. husband became the United States, though College confirmed the
la Harris made history nia, Hastings College In another first, Harris first second gentle- official counting of Biden-Harris ticket
as the first ever Black, of the Law in 1989. was the first woman, man in American the popular vote did did win the Novem-
Asian American, and After her Black, and South history. not end until a week ber 2020 election. De-
woman to take the of- admittance to the Asian American to be In 2016, Har- and a half later. spite a protest turned
fice of vice president California Bar, she elected to the position ris was elected to the This kicked riot at the United
on Jan. 20. Harris worked in the District of attorney general United States Senate off a flurry of lawsuits States Capitol on Jan.
began her eagerly Attorney’s Office in of California in 2011. as the junior senator by then incumbent 6, lawmakers count-
awaited term as vice Alameda County, While working as from California. In President Donald J. ed the state certified
president alongside California. She was attorney general, Har- January 2019, Kama- Trump, who believed electors, clearing a
the newly elected later appointed to the ris worked focused la Harris announced there were voting final hurdle for Pres-
President Joseph R. Unemployment Insur- on LGBTQ+ rights, her candidacy for irregularities resulting ident Joe Biden and
Biden, Jr. ance Medical Board criminal justice the president of the in the election being Madame Vice Pres-
Her journey to and the California reform, and public United States. In “rigged” and “stolen.” ident Kamala Harris
vice presidency began Medical Assistance safety. December 2019, she The courts deter- to be sworn in on Jan.
when she attended Commission before Kamala withdrew her candi- mined his lawsuits 20.
Howard University becoming Assistant Harris met her future dacy due to lack of
in 1981 as a political district attorney in husband, Douglas fundraising. In March
science and eco- San Francisco. Af- Emhoff, an entertain- 2020, she endorsed
nomics major. While terwards, she began ment lawyer, through Joe Biden for presi-
at Howard, Harris working for the San a blind date, though dent.
interned in the mail- Francisco City Attor- she did admit, “to In August
room to then Cali- ney and began run- Googling him first.” 2020, Biden an-
fornia Senator Alan ning the Family and The couple married in nounced Harris as
Cranston. Additional- Children’s Services 2014 resulting in her his running mate,
ly, she led the debate Division. becoming a stepmoth- making her the third
team and joined the In 2002, er to Emhoff’s two woman nominated for
Alpha Kappa Alpha Harris was elected as children from a previ- the position of vice Kamala Harris was sworn in as the 49th vice president of the
sorority. After gradu- the district attorney ous marriage. Upon president. On Nov. 3, U.S. at the inauguration on Jan. 20. Photo courtesy of Saul
ating from Howard in of San Francisco, the Harris’s inauguration 2020, Biden and Har- Loeb/Pool via AP.
Biden reverses Trump’s Georgia elects Democrat
trans military ban
By Sergio Presa Jr.
senators The 2020
By Madiha Hussain
elections due to Sen. Harris (D) will serve
On Jan. 25, of the promise Biden researches and ad- presidential election Johnny Isakson’s (R) as a tie-breaker. As a
President Biden made during the vocates for LGBTQ results were remark- retirement in 2019, result, it will be eas-
rolled back the previ- campaign trail, along causes said, “This is able, especially for leaving both sena- ier to bring Demo-
ous administration’s with many other the triumph of evi- those in Georgia. tor seats available. cratic-led legislation
ban on transgendered reversals of Trump dence-based policy The 2020 elective The regular run-off to the Senate floor.
individuals serving policies. over discrimination.” cycle was the first election was between With Vice
in the United States The order After signing time in 28 years that David Perdue (R) President Harris’
military. stated that both the the order, the pres- Georgia voted for a and Jon Ossoff (D). inauguration, the top-
Biden’s Departments of De- ident stated, “What Democratic presi- The special run-off ic of representation
reversal of the ban fense and Homeland I’m doing is enabling dential candidate. In election was between in politics has be-
put into place by Security need to re- all qualified Amer- addition, it was the Kelly Loeffler (R) come commonplace.
the Trump Admin- examine the service icans to serve their first time in 15 years and Rev. Raphael Ossoff and Warnock
istration allows any members’ records country in uniform.” that the state held a Warnock (D). will become the first
American who is fit who were unable to Human rights Democrat Senator. Ossoff and Jewish and Black
to serve, the opportu- re-enlist or who were organizations have The run-off Warnock both won senators from Geor-
nity to do so, regard- discharged. Aaron applauded the ban’s elections that oc- their respective gia, respectively.
less of their gender Belkin, the execu- reversal. The White curred in Georgia on positions, meaning The results of
identity. This move tive director of the House said, “Presi- Jan. 5, 2021, were that the Democrats the Georgia elec-
comes as a reminder Palm Center, which dent Biden believes significant for sev- now have control tions will drastically
that gender identity eral reasons. Under over the Senate. change the Senate’s
should not be a bar normal circumstanc- The Democrats and productivity in the
to military service, es, only one run-off Republicans both years to come.
and that America’s election would have share half the seats in
strength is found in taken place. Instead, the Senate, but Vice
its diversity.” there were two President Kamala
Image courtesy of Media Matters for America.
The University of Houston-DowntownYou can also read
