Monthly Archives: August 2024

African American History, Education, Entertainment, Front, News

Local artist, Floyd Newsum, mourned

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The University of Houston-Downtown Mourns the Loss of Visionary Art Professor Floyd Newsum
 A person standing in front of a paintingDescription automatically generated HOUSTON (Aug. 20, 2024) – The news of the unexpected passing of Art Professor Floyd Newsum on Wednesday, Aug. 14, sent a shockwave throughout the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) community. Through 48 years of service to the university, Professor Newsum touched thousands of lives, not only as an exceptional art teacher, but also as a mentor, colleague, friend, and tremendous supporter of the university beyond the classroom and into almost every aspect of the life of the greater community.

“Professor Newsum was more than an artist, more than a teacher,” said UHD President Loren J. Blanchard. “He was a connector, a motivating force who worked to touch lives every day and who brought people together in remarkable ways. His art was intricately linked with his desire to nurture young artists and invest in the next generation of change agents, not only here at UHD but also in the historic Third Ward of Houston and even in communities he visited when his art was on view.”

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Professor Newsum graduated from Memphis College of Art with a BFA in 1973 and from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with an MFA in 1975. He joined the UHD faculty in 1976, and over the years taught a variety of courses, including drawing, painting, printmaking and art appreciation, among others, in addition to coordinating the studio sections for UHD’s Art Department. In 2003, Professor Newsum received UHD’s Scholarship/Creativity Award in recognition of his contributions to visual art across a variety of media and thematic investigations. During his tenure at UHD, Professor Newsum created a wide range of work as a major local artist with a profound impact on the national contemporary visual arts scene.

His work is part of permanent collections at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.His numerous public art commissions include two Houston Metro Light Rail Station art designs, seven sculptures for Houston’s Main Street Square Station, four paintings in the UHD Commerce Street Building, a suspended sculpture for the lobby of the Acres Home Multi-Service Center in Houston, a relief sculpture in the Cathedral Atrium at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston and five suspended sculptures for the lobby of the Hazel Harvey Peace Building in Fort Worth, Texas.

His work has been displayed in more than 100 exhibitions across the United States, including the University of Maryland College Park, Taft Museum in Cincinnati, the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Professor Newsum was one of seven visionary African American artists who founded Project Row Houses (PRH) in the Third Ward in 1993. PRH is the nationally known nonprofit organization originally comprised of 22 Row Houses that “succeeds as a social sculpture when Black art, culture, and community are protected, promoted, elevated, and celebrated in new and vibrant ways.”As a co-founder of PRH, Professor Newsum worked with James Bettison, Bert Long Jr., Jesse Lott, Rick Lowe, Bert Samples, and George Smith to build an integral part of the arts community in the Third Ward, using row houses that were once modest homes for a rising affluent Black community. The co-founders established programs that not only supported Black art and culture but also built community.

Professor Newsum’s dedication to community engagement remained a central part of his personal mission throughout his career.From May through October 2023, Professor Newsum received his first large-scale retrospective, “Evolution of Sight,” at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art in Madison, Wisconsin. The exhibition was organized by guest curators Dr. Lauren Cross, Gail-Oxford Associate Curator of American Decorative Arts at The Huntington in San Marino, California, and Mark Cervenka, UHD Professor of Art and O’Kane Gallery Director.

“Evolution of Sight” reflected on the artist’s entire practice, including paintings and models of public art commissions such as sculptures and relief installations, with each work transmitting the deeply personal history of the artist including symbolic references and often family photographs—all veiled by richly layered color and textures that create tactile surfaces. Newsum explained: “My career covers 50-plus years of creating works of art that are exploring color, marks, and surfaces in various mediums. I call my evolution in creativity a problem-solving event of expression of the soul.”UHD is planning a number of tributes in his memory, including an endowed scholarship: the Floyd Newsum Visionary Artist and Humanitarian Scholarship with a focus on art and social justice that will be available to students pursuing Art or Social Work degrees. Contributions for this scholarship may be made at https://giving.uh.edu/UHD/Newsum-Scholarship.

At the time of the “Evolution of Sight” exhibition, co-curator Mark Cervenka stated, “A comprehensive museum exhibition of Floyd Newsum’s art is long overdue. With a career emerging from the heart of the Civil Rights Movement in Memphis in the 1960s, Newsum’s layered works have consistently included both overt and subtle responses to civil rights issues. Newsum’s father, one of the first African American firefighters in the South, set an example and provided the impetus for one of Newsum’s primary symbols in the form of a ladder.”

“A bold often intensely colored palette, sometimes offset with collaged elements,” continued Cervenka, “provides a foundation both for works addressing broad cultural observations and those seeking the more intimate focus of spiritual awareness and a profound recognition of love and family.”In keeping with that description of his artistic vision, Professor Newsum will be best remembered by his colleagues, friends and students at the University of Houston-Downtown for his deep spirituality, sense of joyful purpose, and the love that he unselfishly shared with all who knew him.  For more information, please visit uhd.edu.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWNCelebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard.UHD educates approximately 12,000 students annually, boasts more than 67,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions:  No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. TheStockWatcher.com called UHD a “notable institution providing high-quality online MBA programs. … UHD ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to succeed in their chosen career paths.”The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu. 
Floyd Newsum and UHD art student AAliyah Norfleet, Photo Credit Mitchell LoperThird photo: Floyd Newsum, Photo Courtesy of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art 


News

Texas Southern Professor Named Fulbright Scholar, Heads to Rwanda for Prestigious Program

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Houston, TX – August 22, 2024—Dr. Lucy Ojode, CPA(K), a distinguished professor in the Texas Southern University Jesse H. Jones School of Business’s Department of Business Administration has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award. As part of this esteemed international exchange program, Dr. Ojode will spend the 2024-25 academic year in Rwanda training entrepreneurs who are seeking their Executive MBA. 

“I am honored and deeply grateful to receive this Fulbright award,” said Dr. Ojode. “I truly appreciate the support from my colleagues and students. This year marks my 20th year at Texas Southern University, and it has been a wonderful journey since 2004. I have thoroughly enjoyed my classes, students, and colleagues, and it has always been a joy to be part of this academic community. I am excited to embark upon this opportunity to build connections between TSU-trained entrepreneurs and the burgeoning markets that exist in Africa.”

Dr. Ojode’s selection as a Fulbright Scholar underscores her commitment to academic excellence and her dedication to fostering global understanding. As she heads to Rwanda, she will be part of a broader effort by Fulbright Scholars to make meaningful contributions to communities abroad and at home, enriching both their host institutions and their home institutions with their experiences and insights.

“Texas Southern University is a proud partner to the Fulbright Program,” said President Jim Crawford. “The U.S. Department of State has named the University as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for four consecutive years in recognition of our support for Fulbright exchange participants and our promotion of Fulbright program opportunities on campus. The presence and contributions of those visiting scholars and our international students over the years add to TSU’s culturally rich environment in myriad ways. Likewise, we are delighted to share Dr. Ojode with the world through this tremendous honor. We look forward to the new knowledge she will create and share, which she will bring back from Rwanda.”

The Fulbright Scholar Program, one of the most prestigious academic exchange initiatives worldwide, annually awards more than 1,700 fellowships to college and university faculty, administrators, researchers, artists, and professionals. This program facilitates cross-cultural collaboration and provides scholars with the opportunity to build their skills, expand their global networks, and gain invaluable international insights.

Active in over 3,500 countries, not only does the Fulbright Scholar program enhance the professional and personal growth of its participants, but it also fosters a global network of accomplished alumni who serve as leaders and educators worldwide.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Carl Goodman, praised this achievement, stating, “Dr. Ojode’s selection as a Fulbright Scholar is a testament to her exceptional contributions to academia and her unwavering dedication to her students and colleagues. We are proud to see her represent Texas Southern University on this global stage and look forward to the valuable perspectives she will bring back to our institution and community.”

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. Notable Fulbrighters include 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Fellows, 41 heads of state or government, and thousands of leaders across the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

News

Sylvester Turner gets CD 18 nod for November election

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Dorris Ellis

The Houston Sun

With decent and in order as the standard, Harris County Precinct Chair Linda Bell Robinson and 79 of the 240 – 18th Congressional District Precinct Chairs (PCs) gathered in Third Ward at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church facilities.  Their purpose was to accept the names of the six candidates who were vying for a two-year term for Congressional District 18 seat. Until the July 19 death of 14-term Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 74, who had won the right to be on the November 5th ballot, did this vacancy occur. Congresswoman Jackson Lee had received the vote of the constituents during the Primary to be on the November 5 General Election ballot. Since Jackson Lee’s death, the CD 18 Precinct Chairs had work to do which they completed in about two hours.

Texas law requires the same person who could not seek the unexpired term of six month be the same person seeking a full two-year term for Congressional District 18. Jackson-Lee’s daughter, Erica Lee Carter placed her name in nomination to filled the unexpired term left by her mother. Hence, the Precinct Chairs of the CD 18 duty was to find a nominee to be placed on the General Election November 5th ballot. Candidates who put their names in nomination received three minutes to tell the Precinct Chairs why they should vote for them. Following the speeches, votes were cast, and results were tallied.  Votes received on the first ballot were: Amanda Edwards 34 votes, Jarvis Johnson, 2 votes, Christina Morales, 3 votes, Leticia Plummer, 5 votes, Robert Slater, 0 votes, and Sylvester Turner, 35 votes. 

With no one receiving a majority of votes pursuant to the Texas Democratic Rules, a run-off was required between the two top candidates, Edwards and Turner.  In the run-off a one-minute time limit was given to Edwards and Turner each to address the body a second time for an immediate run-off.

Turner, 69, a bone cancer survivor, who in 2022 shared that he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in his jaw. He thereafter had surgery and received six weeks of radiation treatment. While speaking, he stated that he had received the best health care available and believed that others likewise deserved it. He spoke about Experience, Education and Houston Independent School District take-over, Health Care, infrastructure, Climate change, Affordable housing, Economic development and working to continue the work that Jackson-Lee had started. He pledged to seek the position for two terms and that he is a bridge to the next generation. He said that every neighborhood deserves a voice and Congresspersons are to bring resources to the District. He said that experience matters and with his booths on the ground, he had knowledge to share.

Edwards, 42 spoke of Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath, Commitment to constituents, small and women-owned businesses, and Systems, Bold ideas that work for people. The public finance attorney spoke of equity and noted her experience as a city-wide city council member with new ideas and to build upon ideas presented by Jackson Lee, and Infrastructure. She ended with, “This is about you” as she alluded to allowing for younger representation.

Chairwoman Robinson called for the Standing Division of the House Vote for the run-off. Voters swapped chairs to cast their runoff vote for the last two competing candidates in the run-off election. There were only 10 votes for the candidates to capture from the other four candidates now out of the running. 

One observer was provided by each camp along with the vote counters.  The results announced revealed that Turner had captured 41 votes and Edwards had earned 37 votes. With excitement and signs the venue became a rally for Turner to kick-off his 84-day campaign for 18th Congressional District.

If elected, he would be the second man to represent the highly gerrymandered Democratic district that was carved out in Houston to serve African Americans following the Civil rights movement. It has been represented by Barbara Jordan, (1973-1979); George “Mickey” Leland, (1979-1988); Craig Washington, (1989-1995); and Sheila Jackson Lee (1995-2024). Washington is the only living former legislator who has represented the District. Replacing the late Sheila Jackson Lee on the November ballot is former Houston Mayor and State Representative,  Sylvester Turner. If elected, he would be the fifth person to represent the 18th Congressional District. He has a Republican opponent in the November election.

Thanks to the volunteers, the sergeants-at-arms, and all who assisted in the special election meeting to select a Democratic nominee. Special appreciation was given to Dr. Linda Bell Robinson by Mike Doyle, Harris County Democratic Party Chairman. Doyle told the PCs and the audience that they had 84 days to show what the Party can do up and down the ballot.