Covid-19 Causes School Closure

Coronavirus Causes School Closures

Governors in the United States have ordered that statewide school closures continue for the rest of the academic year to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. “The team of doctors advising us have determined it would be unsafe to allow students to gather at schools for the foreseeable future,” Gov. Greg Abbot said. The massive spread of the coronavirus has shocked the nation and has led to many changes in order to help keep people safe. Businesses and schools are amongst the massive closures of the world. Social distancing is suggested to lessen the risk of catching the deadly virus.

School campuses are shut down but classes are set to continue online. For students who do not have access to online sources packets are made available for pick for some schools. Free school lunches are being offered at different locations for pick up for those in need.

Teachers may return to campuses under controlled conditions to conduct remote instruction and perform administrative duties. Parents now have to homeschool their children to the best of their ability. Teachers are making themselves readily available for phone conversations as well as video chat. It is encouraged by the school district for students, parents, and teachers to actively communicate for an effective learning experience. Structure is key to a conducive environment in the home. Most parents are creating a routine for their children to keep them on pace with their schoolwork.

College classes are resuming solely online with the assistance of their professors. Video sessions are replacing the classroom and communication is mostly through email. Leaders have sent out emails to update the students on changes and latest news. Graduation ceremonies are being pushed back and alternative celebration options are in the making due to the coronavirus. While in person contact may be preferred, everyone is making the best out of the virtual world.

Conversing with the Professionals

Students gathered into the Sawyer auditorium at Texas Southern University on October 24, 2019. Everyone came to the listen a panel combined of professors and alumni. They were there to share knowledge on what is needed to succeed in the field of communications.

The beauty of my Hbcu is that there is always an event for the students benefit. As student I want to feel important to my leaders and that my future matters to them. Therefore providing the opportunity and space outside of the classroom for students to gain knowledge is appreciated.

Everyone's journey is different but the goal is common. A panel of six professionals shared their views and personal experience on how they became successful in the music and communication field.

The importance of prioritizing and studying all angles of your career choice was heavily expressed by Professor Williams. Knowing the science behind the business will lead to preventing the need to have someone else do the work for you. Williams shared how he studied law and music. Gaining degrees in multiple fields allowed him be top choice of his prospects because he offers the full package.

There was plenty of valuable advice to take away from this event. As a college student it is a challenge to balance finances. Investing in yourself is just as important as doing the work. Having better equipment to get better results is beneficial to the big picture. As well as spending a little extra to get things done the right way. Networking within all departments related to your career of choice will aid in the subjects not included in your curriculum. When trying to succeed in a field where today it is required to be a triple threat learning something new everyday should be a goal.

Robert Darden visits TSU

Founder of the Black Gospel Music Restoration visits Texas Southern University

Baylor journalism professor and former Billboard music editor Robert Darden visited campus on October 31, 2019 to share his story and journey on restoring black gospel music.

Darden is the founder of The Black Gospel Music Restoration Project. He and a team of engineers have digitized and preserved over 14,000 vinyl records.

Since a young child Darden fell in love with the soulful sound of black music after listening to sound of black music after listening to Mahalia Jackson.

Music from the Civil Rights era is hard to come by nor in good condition. Darden created a way to digitize, catalog and make that music available. His work is so remarkable it is a part of the National African American History and Culture Museum which opened in Washington D.C.

“Sweet low sweet chariot was actually used as a song for the Underground Railroad… Gospel spirituals had a second meaning,” said Darden. The music he restores is a part of history.

If you have any music you want to donate click the link http://bit.ly/BGRMP_endowment.

Pictured Left :Professor Robert Gilmore, Pictured middle : Professor Berryhill, Pictured Right Darden