For the first time in its 60-year history, the Sooner Schooner, the University of Oklahoma’s iconic covered wagon mascot, is being driven by a Native American woman. Brianna Howard, a junior at OU and a citizen of the Choctaw Nation, first drove the Schooner onto the field during the football team’s season opener against Illinois State. “I only had a minute to get on the Schooner, get the reins and go,” Howard said Saturday before the Sooners’ game against Missouri in Norman. “I didn’t have enough time to get too nervous. When I went out there, it was amazing. I could not even hear the audience I was so zoned into driving.” Members of the RUF/NEKS and the all-female spirit group Lil’ Sis take care of the Schooner and its ponies, and they take turns driving it during the game. First introduced in 1964, the Sooner Schooner is pulled across the field before the game and after Oklahoma scores by matching white ponies named “Boomer” and “Sooner.” Because the scaled-down Conestoga wagon is reminiscent of those pioneers used while settling Oklahoma Territory in the late 1800s, Howard acknowledged that some see the Schooner mascot as a symbol of oppression against Native people. But she said to her, driving the wagon represents taking ownership of that symbol. “I know that for me, it’s a representation of taking back something that was used to oppress my people and my culture, and now that I’m in charge, it’s giving us the power,” she said. “Not everyone’s going to see it that way, and that’s OK.” Jack Roehm, a senior at OU and president of the RUF/NEKS, drove the Schooner during Saturday’s game against Missouri and described the Sooner Schooner tradition as one of college football’s most unusual. “It’s a historic tradition after every score having the ponies run across the field,” Roehm said. “There’s nothing like it in college football.”.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/first-native-woman-drives-oklahoma-iconic-sooner-schooner-mascot/
Tag: representation
Tether Nominates Executives to Juventus Board After Investment in Club
Tether Seeks Board Control at Juventus Following 10.7% Stake Investment
Tether, the issuer behind the stablecoin USDT, is making a strategic move into the world of football by seeking board control at Juventus FC. Earlier this year, Tether invested a 10.7% stake in the Italian football club and now aims to increase its influence by nominating two executives to join Juventus’ board of directors.
### Strategic Investment and Board Nominations
In February and April 2024, Tether acquired a significant 10.7% share in Juventus, signaling its strong interest in the football industry. Since the investment, the company has actively engaged with fans to gather insights and concerns about the club’s management. Emphasizing the need for improved governance and stronger minority representation, Tether has nominated Zachary Lyons, its Deputy Chief Investment Officer, and Francesco Garino, a medical doctor and Juventus supporter, to join the club’s board.
These nominations are set to be voted on during the Juventus shareholder meeting scheduled for November 7, 2024. With this initiative, Tether aims to influence the future direction and governance of the club.
### Focus on Corporate Governance and Transparency
Tether’s push for enhanced corporate governance at Juventus comes amidst a period of leadership instability. In November 2022, Juventus experienced a major upheaval when its entire board resigned following allegations of financial fraud related to players’ salaries. Several executives, including former chairman Andrea Agnelli, faced legal consequences, prompting significant changes in the club’s leadership.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, highlighted the company’s commitment to bringing “best-in-class corporate governance” to Juventus. By nominating professionals from diverse backgrounds, Tether seeks to strengthen the club’s management and establish better decision-making processes moving forward.
### Expanding Influence Beyond Football
While Tether’s core business centers around stablecoins, the company has been actively diversifying its investments across various industries. Apart from Juventus, Tether has invested $775 million in Rumble, a video-sharing platform. Additionally, the company has shown interest in artificial intelligence by proposing a joint acquisition of Northern Data, a firm specializing in AI infrastructure.
These strategic investments demonstrate Tether’s broader ambition to build a significant presence beyond the cryptocurrency market, expanding its footprint into traditional sectors such as sports and technology.
### The Road Ahead for Juventus and Tether
The upcoming Juventus shareholder meeting will be a pivotal moment for both the club and Tether. Approval of Tether’s board nominations could lead to a considerable shift in Juventus’ governance structure. With Tether’s involvement, the club may see new leadership dynamics aimed at restoring its reputation and ensuring greater transparency after recent scandals.
As Juventus navigates these changes, Tether’s role could become instrumental in shaping the club’s future trajectory both on and off the field.
https://coincentral.com/tether-nominates-executives-to-juventus-board-after-investment-in-club/
‘It’s a dictatorship’: Lawmaker fears future Dems may never be sworn in under Mike Johnson
WASHINGTON Former House Leader Steney Hoyer (D-MD) warned this week that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) could be slow-walking Congress into an era where he refuses to swear in more members of the Democratic caucus. Speaking to Raw Story on Thursday about Johnson’s refusal to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Hoyer said that if Johnson hadn’t already sworn in two Republicans, he might have a valid argument. “It is a dictatorship,” said Hoyer. “You cannot do that. The people of Arizona elected her by a very substantial vote. And he won’t swear her in! This business of not swearing in a member of Congress. What if he decided in the next Congress, he’s an elected Speaker, and then he decides not to swear in 25% of our people?” Raw Story also spoke with Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Jim Banks (R-IN), all of whom dismissed the issue as either unimportant or claimed they don’t know who she is. “Nope,” Graham said simply when asked if he’d heard about Grijalva. “Who?” asked Scott when Raw Story mentioned her name. “They’re not in session.” Raw Story mentioned the two lawmakers from Florida who were also sworn in during a pro-forma session, which is how Grijalva would be sworn in if Johnson chose to. “I don’t know. I can’t imagine there’s any politics involved,” said Scott. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) added her name to the list of furious Democrats. “The people of her district are being denied representation,” Warren said, harkening back to the rallying cry from American colonists protesting British taxes. “The speaker of the House is too frightened to swear her in. That’s not how democracy works. There was an election. The election has been certified. She needs to be sworn in. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) has been one of the outspoken voices from the Arizona delegation demanding that Grijalva be seated. He and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) confronted Johnson in the Capitol last week, demanding answers. Kelly recalled that Johnson had previously said he would swear in the winner of the race as soon as they wished. Now, however, he’s changed his story. He also agreed it was related to the discharge petition that would be approved if Grijalva were sworn in. A discharge petition would mandate a vote on a measure that would require the Justice Department to release the investigation files of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. As it stands, the petition requires one additional vote to bring the legislation to the House floor for a vote. “He should embrace the term rip off the bandaid,” quipped Kelly, noting that Johnson will eventually be forced to swear Grijalva into her seat and that the discharge petition is coming even if he wants to stop it. “Just get it done and over with. But there are a lot of women out there who deserve for there to be some accountability,” said Kelly.
https://www.rawstory.com/raw-investigates/adelita-grijalva-2674206538/