THE SAME QUESTIONS AND DIGGING FOR ANSWERS!
The Insite is hearing from sources some are digging over at Texas Southern University. Their query? They want to know just how much tv talk show host Tavis Smiley has given of his promised $1 million dollar donation to the school's communications department. The donation was announced back in 2004. As a result the department was named after the generous donor. But now many want to know just how much has Mr. Smiley given of the promised million dollars. The Insite hears from a reliable source he has given 'little bit' of the money. But to get to exact cash amount I must submit a freedom if information request like everyone else. That is being worked on. Not quite sure what brought this to the attention of inquiring minds. But it could have something to do with Smiley's recent clash with the Obama camp...and then again it could be something totally different. What's your feelings on this issue? If Tavis hasn't remained true to his financial commitment should his name be removed from the school of communications or should the university remain patient? The Insite would love to hear your opinion on this issue!
I know for a fact that less than a third of the money was received by TSU. Tavis was not required to give all of the money himself, he could attract corporate friends to do matching or pledges in addition to his own personal giving. The 1/3 figure is inclusive of all of those efforts. The university administration had been in ongoing "nice conversations" with him for some time and had continued to let him host events on the campus as well as a show of their desire to work through the situation. But if you take note of the last year, the last major event he had in the Houston metropolitan area was held at Prairie View. I don't know if he was told that he was "persona non grata" at TSU or if he was miffed because he knew that the university had begun researching all legal avenues to collect the gift due to certain expenses that had been made to the university's detriment based on his legal commitment of a financial gift and him having received a substantial benefit by way of publicity surrounding the naming and the perpetuation of a legacy for him on the campus.
ReplyDeleteMillion dollars is alot of money Isiah, you know we black folk don't carry that kind of money on us.
ReplyDeleteWe gotta put something on it for now.
or maybe pricilla slade spent that money too on her landscaping. Yeah if Tavis just put "sumthin on it" then They should just take his name down because this is not walmart and you just cant put it on lay a way until its all paid up.
I read an article about this in another paper, I cannot remember which one, so I cannot corroborate my memories with the actual article. In what I've read, this investigation began back in 2004, so I think that predates his Obama comments... As I recall it, he was not required to make it all at once. Also, some commented that he had ceased his "payments" until the financial future of TSU was sorted out. In addition, there was a statement that asserted he removed his office furnishings from his office at TSU for a home he was building in Los Angeles. It may be possible that due to the financial troubles of TSU he may want to re-think his commitments. But I was there when those new buildings were built and new equipment for the communications department were purchased based on his pledge. In addition, his commitment was to fund a television station for TSU which may be on hold if the money is not coming in as promised. At any rate, unless there were specific wordings in his contract that stated he could "reassess" his commitment, it would be detrimental to the department for him to pull out now. Deficit spending is alive and well, and I am sure what he promised has already been spent.
ReplyDeleteTavis and Dr. James Ward of TSU need their ass whipped. Ward prolly hiding the money in them big bulldog cheeks of his.
ReplyDeleteWOBBLE WOBBLE
Who in administration is handling it? And why has it taken almost four years?
ReplyDeleteThe paper I read about this in is the New Majority. Figured that out last night at the HCC event.
ReplyDeleteBroken promises and TSU Communications? NOOOO, YOU DON'T SAY...
ReplyDelete