Tuesday, June 21, 2016

United By Team! Driven By Passion!

Fans raising "Perilous Fight" scarves in support at the Men's FIFA World Cup
Soccer (English). Fútbol (Spanish). Fußball (German). Футбольный (Russian). 축구 (Korean). Each of these words, in each different language, all share one thing in common. They all describe a game that anyone in the world can play together, regardless of the language barrier. Regardless of familiarity with one another. Soccer, though different in pronunciation and spelling depending on the person, is constant. It is THE world sport. Every country has multiple soccer teams, and one international team. In North America, we are proudly represented by our United States Men's and Women's National Teams. Today in soccer news the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) will be competing in the semi-finals for the Copa America Centenario (Centennial American Cup). This is an international tournament hosted on American soil where 16 international teams come to compete against one another for the beautiful Tournament Cup.
U.S Women's National Team: FIFA World Cup Champions 2015
     The pride each country has in their team is immeasurable. The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup was the most watched sporting event in American history, doubling the amount of viewers who watched the NBA Finals which is the second most viewed in American history. In that particular World Cup performance they added the third star to their team crest signifying the three FIFA World Cup Championship titles they have won (champions in 1991, 1999, and 2015). In essence, the American international soccer teams are so popular because they have the unique ability to represent "the American Way" and the "American Dream" on the international stage. Tonight, the USMNT will take the field and compete against Argentina in the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario. America has not been to this stage of the tournament since 1995. Tonight, Americans everywhere will raise their flags, wear their jerseys, and scream our team's chant, "I Believe That We Will Win!"
U.S Men's Team Celebrate 2-1 World Cup Victory over Ghana
U.S. Women's Team respecting the National Anthem before the game
      As America continues to fight through adversity on the field, and off, it is important to remember how things came to be this way. As the Fourth of July approaches, I challenge you to reflect on your service to America. Many serve in a United States Military uniform. Some serve in the classroom as an educator, and many of you reading this serve as students committed to advancing this great nation of ours through scholastic achievement. Some Americans serve as mothers, and fathers. No matter how you serve, it's important that you serve. As America cheers on its USMNT for its first semi-finals in decades, I hope you will remember every challenge you've ever overcome that has kept you fighting for the goal. Every missed opportunity, every unfair call, and every triumphant victory despite the odds that has brought you to where you are today. You ARE America. Cheers to you for never giving up just like our National teams who both have continued to model this statute for years. Cheers to the strong willed American citizens who have continued to keep this nation alive and strong despite all the challenges we have faced, together.

Fans take over miles and miles of their town to watch the FIFA World Cup on screen together!
     Show your patriotism and pride in your country by watching the USMNT play in the semi-finals tonight, and also make sure you stop by the Simon Schwob Memorial Library and get an early start on celebrating Independence Day by educating yourself on American History. There are countless books on military campaigns, government history, and even local history. Be sure to ask a librarian about the different databases that can be used to locate academic journals and more on America! Enjoy your summer, and long live the Red, White, and Blue!

With Hope,
Branden Printup

Friday, June 17, 2016

Juneteenth: The Day of True Freedom



“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”


           —General Orders, Number 3; Headquarters District of Texas, Galveston, June 19, 1865

Juneteenth Celebration in Austin, Texas on June 19th, 1900



Ashton Villa: Major General Gordon Granger gave General Order Number 3 from the balcony of this home on June 19th, 1985


Artist rendition of a Union soldier delivering the good news to the enslaved Africans in Texas



This Sunday, June 19th, will mark the 150th Anniversary of the "actual" eradication of slavery in the United States of America. On June 19th, 1865 Major General Gordon Granger marched his Union soldiers into Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and the slaves were now free. History states that the slaves of America were freed on January 1st, 1863 through President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, but there were not enough Union troops with strongholds on Confederate territory to enforce the order. Another issue that caused the two year delay was the lack of ability to quickly communicate over long distances. It is often said among celebrators that "the messenger" sent to deliver the message of freedom to the slaves was murdered en route in order to prolong slavery.

Today, many Americans of all races and creeds celebrate Juneteenth as a major victory for humanity in America. To celebrate communities all over the United States have barbeques, parades, music festivals with spoken word, and many other events to remember this holiday recognized by almost every state in America. If not for the efforts of those soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice, many of the liberties African Americans enjoy would not have been possible. Also, many other liberties that exist today would not have had the chance to flourish and exist if a stand against social injustice had never been taken.

How will you celebrate Juneteenth this year? Part of the beauty of being an American citizen is that we are all able to learn and remember our history and appreciating how the voices of a few have radically impacted the lives of multiple millions. Here at the Schwob Memorial Library on Main Campus we have a large collection of resources all pertaining to the Civil War and slavery in America. Come ask us about different databases and texts that we can guide you to for more information on the history of Juneteenth and the Emancipation Proclamation. Also catch a music festival or poetry reading to celebrate as well!

With Hope,
Branden Printup


Thursday, June 9, 2016

Summer Semester Hours

Main Campus Library Summer Hours!


This summer the Simon Schwob Memorial Library on CSU's main campus hours of operation will be as follows:

Monday-Thursday:   8am  to  10pm

Friday:                        8am  to  5pm

Saturday:                   1pm  to  6pm

Sunday:                      2pm  to  10pm

The library WILL BE closed on July 4th in observance of Independence Day!!

Good luck to all students taking classes this summer and hope to see you soon!



Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Farewell to the Greatest Fighter of All Time

Muhammad Ali, three time world heavyweight champion and arguably one of the most revered athletes of his time, passed away last Friday on June 3, 2016. Ali shaped history for African Americans during the Civil Rights era in America. He also impacted the boxing world significantly with unmatched charisma and an unwillingness to be defined by anyone but himself in, and out, of the ring. He was 74 years old.

Ali was both admired and vilified by the public in the 1960s and 1970s for his different political, religious, and social views. He refused to be drafted into the Vietnam War as a conscientious objector. He converted to Islam from Christianity and joined the Lost-Found Nation of Islam. He changed his name to Muhammad Ali because he claimed Cassius Clay, his birth name, was a "slave name." He inspired the world after defeating the undefeated heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman by knockout in the 8th round of their "Rumble in the Jungle" fight in Zaire. This fight has been called the greatest sporting event of the 20th Century.

Aside from his multiple achievements, victories, and comical antics in front of opponents and during news interviews, Ali was also a father. He was a husband. He was a man who believed in his ability, and the ability of the people. As one of the most recognizable faces in all of history, he will be remembered by all who had the opportunity to experience his personality and know his story.

Ali being taped before a fight
Ali with his family
Ali's world renowned knockout victory over Sonny Liston


Here in the Schwob Memorial Library there are a number of books that detail the life and accomplishments of Muhammad Ali! In addition to Ali's autobiography The Greatest, My Own Story, the McNauhton Collection in the library also has an incredibly gripping non-fiction piece on Ali and his friendship with Malcom X entitled Blood Brothers: the Fatal Friendship between Muhammad Ali and Malcom X. Both books cover the political ties, boxing achievements, and history of the champ. There's no greater way to remember his life and legacy than learning about him through literature! Stop by the library to check out our resources on his life soon!
With Hope,
Branden Printup

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