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Is Texas Southern University in Good Hands?

After the constant changes in leadership, takeover rumors, lack of equitable funding, and other disparate treatment, many in the community really want to know: Is Texas Southern University in good hands? Texas Southern University (TSU) is a prized institution, located in the heart of Houston’s Third Ward community, but with its continued success has also […]
The post Is Texas Southern University in Good Hands? first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 years ago

June 21, 2023

Forward Times Staff

After the constant changes in leadership, takeover rumors, lack of equitable funding, and other disparate treatment, many in the community really want to know:

Is Texas Southern University in good hands?

Texas Southern University (TSU) is a prized institution, located in the heart of Houston’s Third Ward community, but with its continued success has also come many challenges—both internally and externally.

Most recently, Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, who was selected as the 13^th President of TSU in 2021, submitted a letter to the TSU Board of Regents announcing her abrupt departure from the University last month. The surprising resignation announcement came less than two years from the date of her being hired following the publicly controversial termination of former TSU President Dr. Austin Lane by the TSU Board of Regents in 2020.

As of this article, there have been no other specific details given as to why Dr. Crumpton-Young chose to abruptly resign from TSU, but it has caused yet another change at the top of the burgeoning HBCU and historic institution.

After a special called meeting of the TSU Board of Regents on May 26^th, TSU Board Chair Albert Myres released a statement announcing that the TSU Board had “unanimously agreed with the request and the mutually beneficial timing that will ultimately lead to the best outcome for Texas Southern University” and that “a board Transition Oversight Committee, chaired by Dr. Mary Sias” would be formed.

Dr. Mary Evans Sias was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in October 2020, to serve as a member of the TSU Board of Regents.

After that statement was released, there were many calls for an experienced interim president to be appointed by the TSU Board of Regents to ensure there would be a level of stability as they searched for a permanent new leader to lead the University into the future.

In response to those calls to act, the TSU Board of Regents called a special meeting on June 15^th to discuss the matter of leadership and other things in closed executive session.

After roughly six hours, the TSU Board of Regents came out having unanimously appointed Dr. Sias to assume the role of interim president at TSU, effective June 30, 2023.

By taking on this role as interim president, Dr. Sias had to resign from her board role during this interim period. During her time as a member of the TSU Board of Regents, she chaired the Administration and Finance Committee.

Dr. Sias received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Tougaloo College, a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Still, she earned a Master of Business Administration from Abilene Christian University. She was bestowed an honorary Doctor of Public Service from Central Michigan University.

Texas Southern University

According to a statement released by the University, Dr. Sias is nationally recognized as a higher education thought leader, a longtime university president, and an administrator.

“Dr. Sias brings a fresh perspective along with a nationally recognized reputation built on experience, success, and a proven track record of leadership as a chief executive officer and longtime university president,” TSU Board Chair Myres said in the statement. “She is committed to using her wisdom and experience for navigating internal and external opportunities to ensure all our stakeholders: students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community supporters…remain TSU Proud. She has 100 percent support from the board.”

Prior to her appointment to the TSU Board of Regents, Dr. Sias spent more than three decades serving respectively as president of Kentucky State University (2004-2014), senior vice president for student affairs and external relations at the University of Texas Dallas (1995-2004) and chief executive officer of the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas (1984-1995). During her career in academia, Dr. Sias has been an associate provost, associate professor, and assistant professor at both Grambling State University and Southern Methodist University.

Dr. Sias most recently served as the director of the Millennium Leadership Institute (MLI), the premier professional development program for senior higher education leaders who desire to become university presidents and chancellors. Additionally, she served as assistant to the president for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

Dr. Sias brings a broad range of administrative proficiencies on a state and national level. She has served as chairperson of two of the big six national organizations in higher education: the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Additional board experiences include service as chairperson of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAC), the Educational Testing Service Advisory Board for HBCUs and president of both the Tejas Council of Girl Scouts and The Dallas Summit. Dr. Sias has also amassed a range of community engagement competencies serving on the board of directors for the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, the Oaks Bank and Trust Company, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Zoological Society, The Dallas Museum, Children’s Health Services of Texas, Children’s Medical Foundation and Leadership Women.

According to the University, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dakota Doman, will remain in place until the beginning of the interim presidency term on June 30^th.

The decision to appoint Dr. Sias is a much-needed bandaid but concerns still remain as the TSU Board of Regents seeks to hire their 4^th president in less than 10 years.

Corrie Williams, President of Texas Southern University National Alumni Association, addressed the TSU Board of Regents at the special called meeting, regarding some of the TSU alumni’s pressing concerns and demands, which include:

Having one person or one department designated to answer questions from incoming freshman students, so that those students don’t have to call multiple departments and oftentimes wait on hold for extended periods of time to have their questions answered.

Wanting the TSU Board of Regents to have the University put out a statement to clear up current housing miscommunications with students and parents and work on securing and/or building additional on-campus housing.

Hiring adequate faculty and staff to improve customer service and student services in all capacities of the University.

Not having too many staff members serving in multiple roles because they are stretched too thinly and unable to give 100% to the role they were hired to do.

Requesting that each college at the University be fully staffed with deans by the end of the 2023-2024 academic year, and not continue to have as many interim deans as the University currently has.

Guaranteeing that TSU traditions will remain intact regardless of who the TSU Board chooses to hire as the next president.

Keeping an adequate number of alumni on the TSU Presidential Search Committee.

Allowing any presidential finalists to meet with TSU students and TSU alumni prior to being chosen as president.

Ensuring a well-planned, well-executed, and well-funded Homecoming celebration every year, for the purpose of reconnecting and reengaging TSU alumni, so that they can return and give back to the University and its students.

An interim president (as stated earlier in the article, the TSU Board made that decision on the same day of the special called meeting).

Refusing and protesting any plan by the TSU Board of Regents to place TSU under a system by the state of Texas.

It is no secret that there have long been discussions among state legislators in Texas, and other key players across the state of Texas, regarding Texas Southern University (TSU) being potentially taken over and becoming part of a state university system.

There are currently 38 public colleges and universities in the state of Texas, and out of those, only TSU remains as the only independent public university that is not a part of one of the seven (7) state university systems. Prairie View A&M University, the only other public HBCU in Texas, is currently under the Texas A&M University system.

This proposed idea has always been balked against by TSU alumni, faculty members, previous administrations at the University, as well as community stakeholders and education advocates. However, year after year, those conversations continue to bubble and cause the community to rise up and come to TSU’s defense to remain the independent institution it was founded as.

These concerns became even more intense after Texas State Senator Borris L. Miles (D) issued a statement about TSU remaining an independent HBCU on June 15^th. The statement read:

“Last month, members of the Texas Southern University (TSU) Board of Regents met with members and leadership of the Texas House of Representatives to discuss the possibility of TSU joining one of the state’s university systems. I was not aware of the meeting until after it took place. I cannot support TSU joining a system now and I will not support TSU joining a system in the future. TSU was founded to be an independent Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for African American students. Putting TSU under the flag of another university system would go against the very reason this university was created. More importantly, under the leadership of another university system, TSU would be subjected to another system’s priorities that might not be in tune with this HBCU’s unique mission or its priorities. It is crucial that TSU maintain its independence in order for the school and more importantly, its diverse student body, to grow and thrive. I am committed to making TSU a great, independent HBCU, that is fully funded with the resources to ensure its success. Keep the Faith, Keep the Fight!”

In response to the outcry from many stakeholders, the following statement was sent to the Forward Times from the TSU Board of Regents:

“The Texas Southern University Board of Regents has shared publicly on multiple occasions the expressed desire for our great institution to remain an independent, public university. The board believes the unique history, talent incubation for a diverse Texas, and growing research and academic offerings are just some of the reasons to support the case for independence for TSU. We recognize that no actions on the state level take place without the consent and approval of our esteemed elected officials,” the statement continues. “We look forward to joining our state legislators to ensure the continued and collaborative path of independent success for Texas Southern University.”

Founded in 1927, TSU has a tremendous historical significance, as well as the distinction of being designated a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. TSU was birthed during a time in American history, where the racist and segregationist challenges that African Americans were facing in Texas, made it difficult for Blacks to further their education.

Since its founding, TSU has not only become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas, but TSU has provided higher education access to many underserved communities with academic and research programs that address critical urban issues and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society.

It is important that this important, historic, and independent HBCU be protected and preserved at all costs, and that everyone is assured that the question regarding whether TSU is in good hands is a resounding…. YES!

The post Is Texas Southern University in Good Hands? appeared first on Forward Times.

The post Is Texas Southern University in Good Hands? first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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2026 Lucid Air Grand Touring Review — Is This $136K EV Sedan Worth It?

AUTONETWORK ON BLACKPRESSUSA — Finished in Stellar White Metallic with the Tahoe Grand Touring interior, this Lucid makes a strong first impression. The shape is sleek and low, but it still feels elegant instead of trying too hard. Features like soft-close doors, powered illuminated door handles, 20-inch Aero Lite wheels, and the Glass Canopy Roof help the car feel expensive before you even start it.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 3, 2026

Oakland Post

The 2026 Lucid Air Grand Touring is the kind of luxury EV that makes people stop and ask a simple question: Is this really better than a Tesla Model S, Mercedes EQS, or BMW i7? At $136,150, it has to do more than look futuristic. It has to feel special every time you get in it.

Finished in Stellar White Metallic with the Tahoe Grand Touring interior, this Lucid makes a strong first impression. The shape is sleek and low, yet it still feels elegant rather than trying too hard. Features like soft-close doors, powered illuminated door handles, 20-inch Aero Lite wheels, and the Glass Canopy Roof help the car feel expensive before you even start it.

Inside is where the Air Grand Touring really makes its case. The 34-inch Glass Cockpit Display and retractable Pilot Panel screen give the cabin a clean, modern look that still feels different from other EVs. The Tahoe Extended Leather and Lucid Black Alcantara headliner lifts the sense of occasion, and the front seats are a highlight. They are 20-way power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and include massage. That matters because luxury buyers at this price expect comfort first.

Rear passengers are not ignored either. You get 5-zone heated rear seating, a rear center console display, and power rear and rear side window sunshades. Add in the Surreal Sound Pro system with 21 speakers, and the Air feels like a true long-distance luxury sedan.

Lucid also gives this car serious EV hardware. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, 900V+ charging architecture, and Wunderbox onboard charger are big talking points. Buyers in this segment care about range, charging speed, and everyday ease, not just raw performance. That is where the Lucid continues to stand out.

On the technology side, the Air Grand Touring includes DreamDrive Premium, with 3D Surround View Monitoring, Blind Spot Warning, Automatic Park In and Out, Automatic Emergency Braking, and a Driver Monitoring System with distracted and drowsy driver alerts. This one also has DreamDrive Pro, which adds future-capable ADAS hardware.

There are still some real-world annoyances. Based on your notes, the windshield wiper control is hard to find and use, and that matters more than people think in a high-tech car. When controls become less intuitive, even a beautiful interior can feel frustrating.

Still, the 2026 Lucid Air Grand Touring succeeds where it matters most. It feels luxurious, advanced, comfortable, and thoughtfully engineered. For buyers who want an EV sedan that feels truly premium and less common than the usual choices, this Lucid makes a very strong case.

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Snoop Dogg Celebrates 10 Til’ Midnight at the Compound

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL — The album is paired with a film that stars Snoop Dogg, Hitta J3, G Perico, and Ray Vaughn, and one of the strongest elements of the whole project is that the production stayed rooted right here in Los Angeles.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 3, 2026

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Snoop Dogg celebrated the premiere of 10 Til’ Midnight at his Inglewood recording studio & multipurpose facility, The Compound, but the night felt like much more than an album release. It felt like Los Angeles. It felt like legacy. And it felt like another major move from one of the city’s greatest cultural architects as he continues to prove that he is not just dropping music — he is building moments, shaping narratives, and pushing the culture forward in real time.

What made the event so powerful was the clarity behind the vision. During a panel conversation with DJ Hed, Snoop opened up about the heart behind 10 Til’ Midnight, explaining that the project was created to help bridge older and younger generations while also speaking to the long-standing divisions between Bloods and Crips in a unique way through film. That alone gave the project a different kind of weight. This was not just about songs. This was about using creativity as a tool for connection. This was about taking a story rooted in Los Angeles and telling it in a way that could bring people together.

Snoop Congratulated By Rapper & Fellow 10 Til Midnight Cast Member G Perico (CreativeLB/KreativeKapturez)

The album is paired with a film that stars Snoop Dogg, Hitta J3, G Perico, and Ray Vaughn, and one of the strongest elements of the whole project is that the production stayed rooted right here in Los Angeles. The film was shot in the city, including at WePlay Studios in Inglewood, which gave the entire project an even deeper hometown feel. It was not just a West Coast story in content — it was a Los Angeles-made production from the ground up.

That matters because, in a city like this, authenticity still carries weight. Snoop understands how to make sure that what he creates does not just represent Los Angeles on the surface, but actually comes from it.

What also makes 10 Til’ Midnight significant is that it represents another major step in Snoop’s evolution as both an artist and executive. Public reporting around the project identifies it as his 22nd studio album, but the bigger story is what it represents in this season of his life. This is one of several consecutive moves he has made in his 50s that show he is still building, still expanding, and still finding new ways to reinvent what the next chapter looks like.

Snoop Dogg at the Premiere of 10 Til Midnight (CreativeLB/KreativeKapturez)

Now, as the head of Death Row Records and the newly aligned leader of Death Row Pictures, he is taking the brand into a new dimension. That is what made this moment feel bigger than music. Snoop is not just protecting the legacy of Death Row — he is stretching it. He is expanding it beyond records and into film, visual storytelling, and larger creative worlds that can continue carrying the label’s impact forward. Public reporting has noted that this project arrives as part of that broader cinematic push.

That is a major Los Angeles move because the city has always been built on the intersection of music, film, neighborhood identity, and cultural storytelling. With 10 Til’ Midnight, Snoop is leaning all the way into that intersection.

The room at The Compound reflected that. It felt like a private premiere, but it also felt like a statement — a reminder that Snoop Dogg’s staying power has never been based only on nostalgia. It comes from his ability to remain connected, remain visionary, and remain in tune with how to move the culture without losing the essence of who he is.

That is why this premiere mattered. It was not just about celebrating another album. It was about witnessing a Los Angeles legend continue to evolve, continue to unify, and continue to use art to tell stories that hit deeper than entertainment alone.

In that sense, 10 Til’ Midnight became more than a project launch. It became another example of how Snoop Dogg is still taking Los Angeles to the next level — using music, film, and legacy together to build something bigger than a moment.

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OP-ED: Small Businesses Need Minnesota to Act on Pass-Through Tax Policy

MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN RECORDER — A Twin Cities immigrant entrepreneur who built several businesses including grocery stores in underserved neighborhoods is calling on Minnesota lawmakers to extend the Pass-Through Entity tax option before it expires, warning that its loss would hit small businesses already recovering from Operation Metro Surge with higher federal tax bills.

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2 weeks ago

May 3, 2026

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A Twin Cities Small Business Owner Is Urging Minnesota to Extend a Tax Policy That Could Save Thousands of Businesses

By Daniel Hernandez | Minnesota Spokesman Recorder

I came to the United States as a teenager with a clear goal: to build something meaningful through hard work. I put in long days in construction, restaurants, and landscaping; doing whatever it took to learn, save, and eventually start my own business.

Over time, I built and ran several successful ventures, including an event photography company, a magazine, a tax and accounting firm, and now grocery stores serving neighborhoods across the Twin Cities where other retailers chose not to invest. I’ve created jobs, supported families, and committed to communities that deserve stability and opportunity.

That’s why I’m speaking out now.

Small business owners in Minneapolis and the communities we serve are recovering from serious disruptions, including the impacts of Operation Metro Surge. That event hit immigrant communities especially hard. In my own case, I lost nearly half of my 60 employees and saw revenue drop by about 85%. While I worked to provide competitive wages, health benefits, and paid time off, the real hardship fell on the people who lost their jobs and income.

Even as we rebuild, small businesses are facing another challenge. The Minnesota Legislature is considering letting an important tax policy expire: the Pass-Through Entity tax option.

Here’s what that means in plain terms.

Many small businesses, including mine, are pass-through businesses. That means the business itself doesn’t pay income tax. Instead, the owners report the income on their personal tax returns. But under current federal rules, there’s a limit on how much state tax we can deduct. That often leads to higher federal tax bills.

The Pass-Through Entity option fixes that. It allows the business to pay the state tax directly, which means the business can fully deduct those taxes on its federal return and lower the total amount of income taxed federally. The result is straightforward: small business owners pay less in federal taxes, without reducing what the state collects.

This policy is not new or controversial. Thirty-six states already offer it. It doesn’t cost Minnesota anything, it’s revenue neutral. And it benefits more than 66,000 businesses across the state.

In a state where the cost of doing business is already high, it’s hard to understand why we wouldn’t offer the same basic tax treatment as states like California and Illinois.

Small businesses have carried a heavy load in recent years, through a pandemic, rising costs and public safety disruptions. We’ve adapted, reinvested and stayed committed to our communities. What we need now are practical policies that support that work, not make it harder.

If the Minnesota House does not act soon, many businesses will face significantly higher federal tax bills. That’s money that could otherwise be used to hire workers, raise wages or reinvest in local neighborhoods.

I urge Gov. Tim Walz and members of the House Tax Committee to pass House File 3127 and extend the Pass-Through Entity election.

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. We’ve proven our resilience. Now we need our state leaders to show the same commitment to us.

Daniel Hernandez is the owner of Colonial Market located at 2100 E. Lake St.

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