The Sept. 11 issue of the Southern Digest by Southern Digest

SPORTS

NEWS

SU enters tech pact

VIEWPOINTS

Brown didn’t help himself

A change of scenery

Partnership to help community. PG. 3

Jags set to move into complex. PG. 5

Chris Breezy: Twitter mascot? PG. 7

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009

VOL. 54, ISSUE 4

Martin urges action at SU BY BRIANA BROWNLEE DIGEST CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Syndicated columnist and journalist Roland Martin jumpstarted the 2009-10 Chancellor’s Lecture Series with three words Wednesday. “Playtime is over,” Martin said to a packed audience of students, faculty, staff, and community members at the Smith-Brown Memorial Union’s Royal Cotillion Ballroom. The comment was directed toward African-Americans who relaxed after President Barack Obama was elected in November and took ofﬁce in January. “Ever since Obama won the presidency, the black community has been on a seven-month Mardi Gras picnic,” he said. Yadeal Tamaru, a freshman political science major from Dallas, said he loved the fact that a black person spoke

up about the post-election hangover. “It’s about time we came off our high horse and acknowledge that there is still a lot of work to be done. I also believe he made a good point, saying Black people need to be more accountable for their actions and not just depend on the Black president in office.” Martin, describing his preference to speak how real people speak in real life, told the audience that the community must use their collective voices to help make changes at Southern or in America. “Our silence gives the impression that we do not care,” he said. “Black advancement does not mean we stop fighting, it means we fight harder.” Khyelle Anthony, a senior mass communications and business marketing major from Los Angeles, agreed with Martin’s comments. “Whatever we want to

Student, Academic Affairs merging BY DARRIUS HARRISON EGO MAGAZINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTO BY APRIL BUFFINGTON/DIGEST

Syndicated columnist and journalist Roland Martin speaks to the Southern University community Wednesday as the first speaker of the 2009- 2010 Chancellor’s Lecture Series.

funding for the university to raise a hand during his speech. He counted 19 raised hands. “Nineteen people out of the

accomplish or change in the world starts with us and we work out from there, instead of starting on a larger scale and working down.” Martin asked for anyone that went to the Capitol to ask about

See MARTIN page 3

Vacant SGA spots filled after fall elections Rogers wins Miss Freshman race; Wallace earns Student Senate seat while Taylor falls short BY MARY DAVIS DIGEST STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY WIL NORWOOD/DIGEST

Newly-elected Miss Freshman Erin Rogers gives two thumbs up to a friend taking her picture as she celebrates her victory over Breshatta Davis during Wednesday’s fall Student Government Association elections.

SCATTERED T-STORMS HIGH

83° | 72° LOW

INSIDE S O U T H E R N

On Wednesday, students set aside time to cast their vote for the five vacant SGA senator seats and their favorite candidate for Miss Freshman. For some, Wednesday brought about excitement and enthusiasm, for others devastation. As the Fall 2009 election came to a close, many students, candidates and their supporters anticipated the final tally of votes. Students gathered around Miss Southern Sabrina Whitley as she read the final results. The results came back announcing Erin Rogers Miss Freshman. Rogers garnered 132 votes, 50 votes more than Breshatta Davis’ 82.

Davis may still get a feel of the Miss Freshman experience, as Rogers wishes to work with her and get her input. “The other girl [Davis] ran a great campaign and I would still like to get her input on things,” Rogers said. Rogers said she gives all thanks to God, as she left the turnout of the election in his hands. “I am so, so thankful, I’m so thankful to God, I knew he would allow me to gain this experience,” said Rogers immediately after the results were read. The race to ﬁll the ﬁve vacant senior class seats in the See ELECTION page 3

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In an effort to retain students until graduation while offering a more productive university experience, Southern University’s Division of Academic Affairs has been merged with the Division of Student Affairs to provide a complete service to students while at college. “Academics and Student Affairs go hand-and-hand,” Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Mwalimu J. Shujaa said. “Students are here to complete an academic program and you don’t separate learning between the two. Learning is not limited to what takes place in the classroom,” The merger is designed to give the students what ofﬁcials call a “better learning environment”. It is set to enhance personal experiences at the university by catering to students’ academic interest and private affairs concerns. Many student concerns that might otherwise be considered student affair issues affect their academic life. “For example, a student comes here and says they have a problem with their meal plan, is that just a student affairs problem, or is that a problem with that student’s life?” Shujaa explains, “(Their problem) is going to affect their studying; if they can’t get this problem resolved, it’s going to impact how well they do in the classroom as well,” Shujaa said. One program the Division of Academic and Student Affairs has already implemented, “Living Learning Communities,” has been endowed to assist in learning outside of the classroom. The program builds teacher-student relationships, provides peer mentoring, and offers an opportunity for students to interact and foster See MERGE page 3

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THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK SATURDAY, SEPT. 12

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13

MONDAY, SEPT. 14

TUESDAY, SEPT. 15

SCATTERED T-STORMS

HI - 84°/ LO - 73° 40% CHANCE OF RAIN

HI - 85° / LO - 70° 40% CHANCE OF RAIN

HI - 85° / LO - 69° 40% CHANCE OF RAIN

HI - 82° / LO - 73° 60% CHANCE OF RAIN

Campus Briefs TODAY “THE BLUFF” ONLINE RADIO STATION

Would you like to enhance your radio skills either on or behind the scenes? The Mass Communications Department is providing the opportunity to all students, regardless of major, to apply to work at their online radio station called “The Bluff.” Some of the positions available include station manager, program director, disc jockey, news reporter and sports reporter. The Bluff will only be accessible on Southern’s campus. Students interested in applying should pick up an application in W.W. Stewart Hall, room 135. For more information about The Bluff, stop by the weekly meetings Thursdays at 3 p.m. in Room 154 Stewart Hall or visit the website at http:// www.subr.edu/thebluff.

INSURANCE LICENSING COURSES

SU’s Division of Continuing Education and College of Business will sponsor insurance licensing courses on the Baton Rouge campus. The courses, which are open to anyone interested in becoming a licensed insurance agent, will include continuing learning classes for those who are already licensed. Registration is ongoing for the classes. The starting date for the class will be determined at the end of registration. For more information about the courses or registration, call 225.771.2613. SEPT. 14 INTRAMURAL SPORTS UPDATE

Registration for men and women intramural flag football league play begins on Monday, Sept. 14. Intramural aerobics is offered each Monday and Thursday in the Moore Auditorium. Class begins at 7 p.m. Aerobics is free to all SU students, faculty and staff.

LACUMBA PLAYERS

The Lacumba Players, SU’s official student drama organization, will meet Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 13 of Frank Hayden Hall (Dramatics and Fine Arts Building). All students are welcome to attend. For more information, see Dr. Aileen Hendricks, in Room 10 of Hayden Hall or call 225.771.3190. SEPT. 21 SPADES TOURNAMENT

The Smith-Brown Memorial Union’s Recreation Area will hold a spades tournament Sept. 23 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Registration is underway until Sept. 21. The registration is for teams only, with a $4 registration fee. SEPT. 24 SU PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MEETING

administrators, faculty, staff, students and/or alumni as well as interested members of the Baton Rouge community an opportunity to voice concerns and/ or offer the committee comments, suggestions and recommendations relating to the presidential search. Speakers will be allowed three to five minutes, with maximum time allocated depending on the number of persons who want to address the body prior to the meeting. Persons desiring to speak should send an e-mail to henrietta_vessel@sus. edu with “SU Presidential Search Open Forum at SUBR” as the subject line for identification purposes. SEPT. 28

SUITE 1064 – T.H.HARRIS HALL P.O. BOX 10180 – BATON ROUGE, LA 70813 225.771.2231 PHONE / 225.771.3253 FAX WWW.SOUTHERNDIGEST.COM ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2008 by The Southern University Office of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College. All articles, photographs and graphics are property of The Southern DIGEST and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the Editor in Chief and Director of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is published bi-weekly (Tuesday & Friday) with a run count of 6,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton Rouge campus fall, spring semesters. The paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every Tuesday & Friday morning on the SUBR campus. The Southern DIGEST student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The offices are located on the first floor of T.H. Harris Hall, Suite 1064. The Southern DIGEST is the official student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. Signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body. PUBLICATION ASSOCIATIONS The Southern DIGEST is a member of the Black College Communications Association (BCCA), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), University - Wire Network (U-Wire), Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), College Media Advisers Association (CMA), Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ), Full member of the Associated Press (AP) and the Louisiana Press Association (LPA).

ADVERTISER MEMBERSHIPS The Southern DIGEST subscribes to the American Passage, Alloy M+M, 360 Youth, Zim2Papers, All Campus Media, Ruxton Group and College Publishers On-Line services. STUDENT MEDIA OFFICE www.subr.edu/studentmedia Director - TBA Assistant Director - TBA Publications Asst. - Fredrick Batiste Advertising Mgr. - Camelia Gardner CONTACTS (Area Code 225) Advertising Office - 771.2230 DIGEST Newsroom - 771.2231 Student Media Services- 771.3004 The Jaguar Yearbook - 771.2464 YEARBOOK Newsroom - 771.4614 EGO Magazine Newsroom - 771.4614 Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Southern University and A&M College, an Historically Black, 1890 land-grant institution, is to provide opportunities for a diverse student population to achieve a high-quality, global educational experience, to engage in scholarly, research, and creative activities, and to give meaningful public service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world so that Southern University graduates are competent, informed, and productive citizens. Website: www.subr.edu.

The Office of Student Media is a Division of Student Affairs.

HONDA CAMPUS ALL-STAR CHALLENGE

Student applications for the 2009 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge’s campus competition are being accepted now until Monday, Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. The campus tournament will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the SmithBrown Memorial Union. Participants in the campus competition are eligible to be selected to represent SU in the 2010 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship Tournament. For more information, contact the Honors College at 771.4845 or go to www. hcasc.com.

Southern University’s Presidential Search Committee, charged with CARTER G. WOODSON conducting a search for the HISTORICAL SOCIETY university’s next system The Carter G. Woodson president, will hold several Historical Society, also SEPT. 15 open meetings over the known as the Black next few weeks/months History Club, will have to receive input from the its first organizational BLOOD DRIVE meeting Wednesday, The JNO G. Lewis Jr. campus communities. The second meeting is Sept. 9 in Room 119 Lodge No. 261 will hold Higgins Hall at 4 p.m. The a blood drive Tuesday, scheduled for Thursday, organization is open to Sept. 15 from 9 a.m.- Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. in all majors and freshmen, 3 p.m. in the Lakefront the Board of Supervisors’ sophomores, juniors Room of the Smith- Meeting Room, located and seniors are strongly Brown Memorial Union. on the second floor of the SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL encouraged to attend. All donors must provide J.S. Clark Administration SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATE Office seats are available, ID and are reminded to Building on the SUBR RESEARCH CONFERENCE join to vote or be elected. eat a good meal prior to campus. The open forum The Department of will allow allow SUBR, Psychology is sponsoring For more information call donating. SULC and SUAREC the 11th Annual Social 337.990.2534. and Behavioral Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference Friday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. Students in the departments of criminal justice, economics, history, political science, psychology, rehabilitation and disability Name: studies, sociology social work and speech pathology Address: are encouraged to submit abstracts. City/State/Zip: The deadline for submissions is Friday, Oct. Daytime Phone: ( ) 9. For more information, contact Dr. Reginald For more information call 225.771.2230 or mail your subscription payment of $40 to: The Southern Digest Subscriptions, PO Box 10180, Baton Rouge, LA 70813. Rackley at 225.771.2990 or Business, cashiers checks and money orders accepted only. No personal checks or e-mail cozetrichard@yahoo. credit card orders accepted. Make all payments to The Southern Digest. com.

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2009 FALL DIGEST STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Norman J. Dotson Jr. COPY EDITORS Kenyetta M. Collins Erica S. Johnson SPORTS EDITOR Larry Young Jr. PHOTO EDITOR Wil Norwood LAYOUT EDITOR Darrius Harrison

DIGEST CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Davis Morris Dillard Rosalinda Clay Candace Edwards DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS Norman J.Dotson Wil Norwood April Buffington Trevor James Justin Wooten CARTOONIST Wil Norwood

PAGE 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS & PAID CLASSIFIED INFO CLASSIFIED The Southern DIGEST is not responsible for the contents, promises, nor statements made in any classified and reserve the right to reject any ad request with explanation. No classified ads will be accepted or processed over the telephone and must accept the type font sizes of The DIGEST. ALL CLASSIFIED MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE BY CASHIERS CHECK OR MONEY ORDER. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTED. Students must have proper ID and phone numbers to get student advertising rates. Rates do not apply to students who are representatives & employees of the company. In the event an error is made in a classified ad, immediate claims and notice must be given within 15 days. The DIGEST is only responsible for ONE replacement or run in the next publication. Classified are due ONE WEEK prior to run date. Paid Classified can be ordered by contacting the Student Media Advertising Manager at 225.771.2230.

PAGE 2 / CAMPUS BRIEFS All submissions must be received by 3 p.m. each Friday for Tuesday’s Issue and by 3 p.m. each Wednesday for Friday’s Issue. PAGE 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, Southern University Departments. All briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number. Submit announcements to: The Southern DIGEST - Suite 1064 Harris Hall, Attn: PAGE 2 CORRECTIONS Fact and accuracy is our goal and our job. As the voice of the Southern University student body we are committed to ensuring to most fair, truthful and accurate accounts of our work. In the event of an error we will make all corrections on Page 2. Bring corrections to The Southern DIGEST office located in Suite 1064, Harris Hall.

NEWS

Friday, September 11, 2009 - Page 3

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SU system enters technology partnership BY BREANNA PAUL DIGEST CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Southern University System has partnered with the Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) in an effort to enhance the accessibility of technology for each of the ﬁve campuses. A major initiative of the project is to provide public computer accessibility to the communities surrounding the different campuses of the Southern University system and targeted parishes where the services will be needed. “Today’s declaration represents a signiﬁcant leap forward in our advocacy

of equal access of new technologies to underserved and rural audiences across the nation,” said Alliance for Digital Equality Chairman Julius H. Hollis. “There’s a great strength in partnerships and we could not have selected a better ally to help extended our reach into America’s most needed communities,” Hollis said. The Alliance of Digital Equality is a nonproﬁt advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology to 30 community based centers and almost 200,000 residents that live in underserved and rural communities. The community centers will give clientele accessibility to work with free high-speed

broadband Internet, Microsoft ofﬁce and also help youth in ACT and LEAP testing. These community centers will be funded through the Southern University system but will be dispersed throughout the centers in the speciﬁed underserved and rural areas. “The Alliance of Digital Equality assisted the Southern University System with the money and proposal for the grant,” said Christopher J. Rogers, the director for Technology Services of Agricultural Research and Extension Center. The ADE is aimed at upholding the Southern University System and the Alliance’s mission of empowering, educating and connecting communities.

BRCC surpasses SUBR in enrollment BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Baton Rouge Community College has ofﬁcially surpassed Southern University for the ﬁrst time to become the city’s secondlargest college in terms of enrollment size. According to statistics reported by the schools on Wednesday, Southern’s fall enrollment stands at 7,631 students -- a dip of nearly 40 students -- while BRCC now has 8,104 students, which is up 500 more students than 2008. “I’m excited,” said BRCC Chancellor Myrtle Dorsey of hitting the 8,000-student plateau. “We’re being as creative as we can with our space,” she said, adding that average class sizes are now at about 27 or 28 students. “We’ve made some creative renovations.” Southern’s enrollment has dipped nearly

20 percent the past five years while the 11-year old community college has grown more than 40 percent during the same time frame. BRCC’s enrollment increased 6.5 percent from last fall. Southern Chancellor Kofi Lomotey said he is pleased that the historically black college’s trend of a rapidly declining student body has apparently bottomed out and could reverse course. “We believe, very likely, this is an opportunity to turn the tide,” Lomotey said Wednesday. While some university officials have whispered about competition from community colleges, Lomotey said he does not see things that way. “I see it (BRCC) as being an untapped pipeline,” Lomotey said, noting that he wants more community college students to transfer to Southern.

Lomotey wants to work on more joint degree programs with BRCC. Also, BRCC can now attend Southern football games for free with their student ID cards. “That’s just one symbolic gesture,” he said. Dorsey agreed, noting that BRCC plans to send more students to Southern, LSU and Southeastern Louisiana University each year. Dorsey said BRCC is giving opportunities to more students who would not go to college at all otherwise, not stealing away from universities. The good enrollment news for Southern, Lomotey said, is that the school only lost a few students from last year, instead of the recent trend of losing about 500 a year. The key is improving the student dropout rate, Lomotey said. Student recruiting is less of an issue.

Woman pleads guilty in Katrina grant scam BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW ORLEANS—A woman has pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal about $600,000 in government funds intended to help elderly residents rebuild or repair homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Shawnzell Venson, 37, of New Orleans, who entered the plea Wednesday in federal court, also faces up to ﬁve years in prison and a $250,000 ﬁne. Sentencing is set for Dec. 2. Prosecutors said bank routing instructions for Road Home grant awards were altered so the money would be wired

into the personal bank accounts of Venson and a co-defendant, Willie Smith. A third defendant, Derrick Beaulieu, worked for an insurance company that prepared closing documentation for recipients of the grant money. Prosecutors said he targeted elderly victims. Federal prosecutors allege that Venson and Smith, her ﬁance, posed as relatives of Road Home applicants and, with the help of Beaulieu, doctored the closing papers so the money would be routed into their bank accounts. Beaulieu, who worked for First American

Title Insurance Co., pleaded guilty last month to the conspiracy charge and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 18. Smith has not entered a plea and is scheduled for trial on Sept. 28. According to court papers, Smith posed as the son of a man who was closing on a $123,950 Road Home grant. Beaulieu admitted serving as a witness for the closing, then changing the routing instructions to cause First American to send the money to Smith’s account. The plan called for the money to be split three ways, prosecutors said.

28 and Wallace with 27. Maria Harmon garnered 26 votes and Brittany Scott tallied 26 to clinch the ﬁnal two spots. Taylor tallied six votes in the race. Scott hopes to put the students on “one accord” and implement things which will bring the senior class together and inform senior’s of their rights, while working closely with White. “My plans are to make sure all the student’s voices are heard and that we take

care of what comes ﬁrst for the students and I think everything else will take it’s place,” Burrell said. Though campaign week is over, the hardest part is far from the end. The elected candidates look to have a a productive year for the university, despite the budget cuts. “My plans are to get in and be productive, wherever I’m needed and whatever I can do for the school; that’s what I want to do,” Green said..

ELECTION from page 1 Student Senate brought much suspense, as two former SGA ofﬁcials vied for another elected student ofﬁce—former SGA President Jamal Taylor and former VicePresident Phillip Wallace. Taylor lost a re-election bid in the spring primary while Wallace reached the run-off before falling to current SGA President Stanley White Jr. Brittany Green tallied the most votes with 29, followed by William Burrell with

MERGE from page 1 university relationships. “This division has always worked in concert with Academic Affairs,” Interim Vice Chancellor of the Division of Student Affairs Julie Wessinger said. On the newly formed strategic partnership, “So far so good,” said Wessinger. In addition to the Department of Academic and Student Affairs’ merger, The School of Architecture and Department of Visual Arts (currently housed within The College of Arts and Humanities) has submitted a proposal, establishing a new entity called “The School of Architecture and Design”. “It would add some versatility and vitality to both programs. We really like the idea,” Shujaa said. Adam Smith, a junior business management major from Baton Rouge, believes that these projects could be successful if and only if Student and Academic Affairs merg. If the administration is planning to merge any other academic departments they “should verify a reason with the students.” Due to the economic decline, having a background in both design and architecture would make graduates more “creative and diverse in their preparation, linking them to a wide range of options professionally,” Shujaa said. “I think students understood that we (are) doing the best that we (can). The budget cuts were not our doing; they were mandated and imposed upon us and we had to respond to them,” Shujaa said. “I am complementing the students (needs) because we know it was difﬁcult to make the number of adjustments that had to be made while we were getting the stafﬁng and scheduling straight,” he said.

MARTIN from page 1 whole university? If you cannot make the effort to meet at the Capitol, who will?” Martin asked in response. Michael Drew, a sophomore accounting major from Atlanta, said he realized the lack of dedication from Southern students—including himself— during Martin’s speech. “It was a huge eye-opener seeing that only a few students have been to the Capitol to check on our funding. I am guilty for being part of the vast majority who have not been to the Capitol, but Martin has motivated me to use my voice to advocate what I feel is right.” Jared Pennywell, a junior mechanical engineering major from Baton Rouge, said Martin was the type of speaker Southern needed to come address its community. Martin made good points, including the need for alumni to give back more than they currently do to their alma mater.

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SPORTS

Friday, September 11, 2009 - Page 5

SU football ready to move in Mumford Field House By larry younG digest sPORts editOR

Take a walk into Jesse Owens Hall, walk up the stairs and you’ll find Southern University athletic director Greg LaFleur’s office. There you’ll see papers scattered about, books he’s read and old videocassettes. Empty boxes along with several framed posters of him during his days as a tight end with the then-St. Louis Cardinals line the wall. The view from his window: the athletic dorms. If you don’t get the picture, the decrepit interior of Owens Hall is no place to house an athletic department, and that will soon change. “The new facility is completed and we’re very excited to have it,” LaFleur said. “It’s all set for the football team to use this weekend.” Days from now LaFleur, along with the football coaches will be trading their run down work spaces in Owens Hall for the newly constructed (84,000 square-foot, $17.5 million) A.W. Mumford field house in the north end zone, which turns Mumford

finally come to fruition. According to Richardson, this building will be more than just a new weight room and coaches offices. He believes it will give his program a recruiting tool no other team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference has at this time. “It’ll help us out a great deal, especially from a recruiting aspect,” Richardson said. “Most athletes want to take a look at what you have. We were a little shy about that before, but we won’t be now. That’s a big selling point for them.” As for the moving in part, that’s a different story. Since construction started last year, the set date has been Sept. 21— two days after the Tennessee State game. Though the building PHOTO BY WIL NORWOOD/DIGEST is complete, The Lemoine A view of A.w. Mumford stadium from one of the suites in the nearly-completed A.w. Mumford field Company, based out of Lafayette, House on the stadium’s north side. the suites, along with the end zone seats will see its first action is putting the finishing touches saturday as the Jaguars host Central state. on things. “We can move in at any time The team will be able to now, but we are going to do it in Stadium into a horseshoe—less years, all out construction finally use the facility this weekend phases because of the timing of went into swing last year. than 150 yards away. “It has been a while to get it if Richardson gives the OK, it,” LaFleur said. Though ground was originally Some of the finishing touches broken to start construction in completed and we’re excited it is,” LaFleur said. If so, Richardson’s 2004, lack of funding set the said SU coach Pete Richardson. dream of having his Jaguars jog project back. After crawling at “We’re looking forward to having out of the tunnel of their newly See mumford page 6 constructed field house will the pace of a snail for several the opportunity to move in.”

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Jags to face winless Central St. By morris dillard

S AT URDAY

digest SPORTS writer

Heading into their second non-conference game this weekend against Central State, the Southern Jaguars are recovering from a disappointing 42-19 loss to UL-Lafayette last weekend. However, that doesn’t mean SU has lost any confidence. “More than anything else our team played with a lot of confidence in that football game,” said head coach Pete Richardson during a news conference Wednesday afternoon. “They played for a full 60 minutes and hopefully they can play dividends down the road for us.” However, the injuries sustained during last weekend’s game against ULL were certainly more discomforting than the actual score. Richardson plans to head into Saturday’s game without key players, wide receiver Curry Allen could miss the entire year with a shoulder injury and converted strong safety Gary Chatman is also questionable for Saturday’s game. One player SU cannot allow to get injured, quarterback Bryan

vs. 6 p.m. A.W. Mumford Stadium

SOUTHERN (0-1) Lee, who threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns, both to All-American wide receiver Juamorris Stewart. “Our quarterback Lee had an outstanding game, knowing where to go with the football and directing the offense, Coach Orlando done a great job getting him ready for the game,” said Richardson. After squaring off against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent, SU patiently awaits something of a breather. SU (0-1) plays host to Division II Central State (0-2), a historically black college that has yet to score a touchdown this season. Playing SU raises the eyebrows of E.J. Junior, head coach of Central State Marauders, who played 13 seasons in the NFL

get online @

Central State (0-2) with the St. Louis Cardinals teaming with SU Athletic Director Greg LaFleur. “That’s the one thing about it with a new outlook, there are new challenges,” head coach E.J. Junior said. “It’s a great challenge to hit the road and play against one of the betterknown HBCUs. I’ve been keeping up with them when I was a kid and their battles with Tennessee State, Grambling and FAMU. We’re trying to expose them to a bigger level, especially those Division I-AA programs. Hopefully we can move this program forward to their level in the future and challenge bigger programs.” Statistically, this is the type of game where everyone on the SU roster will see playing time and

manage to put up numbers. Scoreless the first two games of the season, what obstacles does your team have to have a chance at winning? “We’ve got to be fundamentally sound,” said Junior. “I was at Southwest Baptist, and we played Southeast Missouri and beat them twice. Talent is talent, that’s why Appalachian State beat Michigan a couple of years ago. You can’t make penalties like we had last week. You can’t have stupid mistakes like we had last week. We’re going to go back to fundamental football, recognize their formations and tendencies and run what we do best.” Both teams previously met in the 1949 and 1950 football seasons. SU won both meetings and look to regain momentum as they seek to extend their winning streak at three games. The Jaguars might remember the record crowd of 41,357 at Cajun Field and how lively it seemed for the first two quarters. Now it’s time to bring that same anticipation and excitement back to A.W. Mumford Stadium. The game kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m.

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Lady Lions down SU DIGEST NEWS SERVICE

Taylor Buckner posted her first career double-double with 11 kills and 10 digs as the Southeastern Louisiana posted 25-15, 25-20, 25-16 wins over Southern Tuesday night. Southern (0-1) was unable to get anything going in either game totaling 20 kills while SLU recorded 37.22 attack errors and seven reception mistakes didn’t help their cause, either. “First game jitters really do a number on you,” said head coach Nathaniel Denu. “The ladies were nervous as first but came around in the third game. Unfortunately, Southeastern already had a two-game lead and was not interested in playing a fourth or a fifth.”

mumford from page 5 include remodeling LaFleur’s second floor office—originally set up to be a media room designed for news conferences and interviews—which overlooks the nursing college. Also, bronze letters were ordered to spell “A.W. Mumford Field House” on the outside of the facility. As of Wednesday, the building’s largest suite, on the third floor, still served as the Lemoine Company’s office. That suite along with the others, and the end zone seats will be occupied on Saturday, LaFleur said.

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SU TRAFFIC POLICIES “I think its ludicrous that there’s a separate fine for each box checked on the ticket! SU wants to make more $$$$...(as if late fees and livetext isn’t enough)”

Sandy Grey “Thanks for clearing up the confusion. We all know that this parking issue is absolutely another way for Southern to receive funds, in other words, the SU Traffic Dept. is nothing but another hustle. Very informative article.” Billy Washington students feel pinch from cuts “Not only are classes being affected by the budget cuts, so are activities for students. When I first arrived on campus, I thought there weren’t many activities for students. After a while I ran across the Intramural Sports department. I became an avid player in the flag football league on campus. We have a very good flag football team and we are well known in the collegiate flag football world. We have won many tournaments and we made a name for Southern in our respective leagues. Now with the budget cuts, rumors are going around that the department wont have funds to travel and compete in various tournaments. Sure, this is only sports. It isn’t as important as academic, but sports are a good way to keep some students involved in positive things and keep them out of trouble. Personally, I would look forward to every fall semester so I can get a team and compete with various teams on campus and pick the best players and travel to the state, regional, and national flag football tournaments. Students need activities on campus to keep us involved. Without an interesting intramural sports program, some students might explore other areas of life that aren’t positive. I understand that we are in a recession and things are tight, but some highly paid administrators should have taken pay cuts instead of cutting activities that students participate in. All I am asking is for someone to read this and give the intramural sports department more funds or find us a sponsor so we are able to travel and compete in tournaments like we have been doing for the past years. We need support from someone because as you all know, COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE BROKE and we cant pay for this ourselves!”

Dwayne Norman

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Interview was not good for Brown Where should I begin about the Chris Brown interview on Larry King Live? Let’s begin with Chris Brown wearing a baby blue sweater and bowtie looking like the Twitter mascot. Seriously though, Brown looked nervous and uncomfortable, but more importantly he portrayed himself as an illiterate celebrity in desperate need of good public relations. As Brown sat between his mother and lawyer, he continuously looked down as he answered, or didn’t answer, Larry King’s questions. This was Brown’s chance to gain some redemption for his atrocious acts, but instead he seemed as if he was putting on a façade to be apologetic. When King asked about the incidents that occurred, Brown’s repeated responses were, “I don’t know” or “Out of respect for her [Rihanna] and myself, I don’t want to discuss that.” But the response that tickled my feather the most was, “I don’t remember.” Really? You don’t remember beating Rihanna to oblivion, while you were driving? You don’t remember busting her upside the head and threatening to kill her? When did you get amnesia? If you can’t remember that, either you were high on Rick James’ cocaine

MARLON WILLIAMS BL ACK COLLEGE W IRE

or you’re bipolar. King was very amiable, but took no pity on Brown. He asked the hard questions and Brown refused to answer. King continuously referred to the police affidavit to jog Brown’s memory, but Brown couldn’t answer anything because he had a case of amnesia. King asked Brown about controlling his anger. Brown said he is young and learning. He also said, “Nobody wrote a book on how to control our anger and emotions.” So, you need a book to tell you how to do that? No, you need some home training. By the way, there are many books about anger management, but by listening to him speak, I don’t think he does much reading. Eventually, Brown seemed to get frustrated with King’s questions, and I’m sure King felt Brown was wasting his time. Brown reminded me of a fourth-grader at a parent-teacher conference because he barely spoke for

himself. Brown’s lawyer and mother, who was dressed as if she just left Wednesday night church service, constantly spoke up for him. If he was prepped on anything, it was to not say much, which from a PR perspective is a bad move; silence will only hurt you. Honestly, I think Chris should make a deal to have a reality show about anger management counseling on Vh1. What better way to boost his career back into gear? He should do a reality show or a sex tape. That seems to be the trend anyway. What may be over is Chris Brown’s career. That interview was simply wretched. This was his time to shine, but instead he sank deeper into the abyss of shame. I’m not saying that people should forgive him or hate him for his hideous act, but I do know he should work on his interviewing skills. I really wish Brown the best in recovery of his amnesia. Thanks, Chris, for the best time I ever had on Twitter. ——— Marlon Williams writes for The Famuan, the Florida A&M University student newspaper, which originally published this article.

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SPEAK OUT What did you take from the Hip-Hop Doc’s speech at freshman convocation?

BY robert w. florida jr. Digest Photographer

coy houston los angeles freshman pyschology

“He [The HipHop Doc] said not everyone has houston someone when they come to college. But all you need is determination and you can achieve anything.”

elizabeth varise baton rouge freshman pyschology

“The “Hip-Hop Doc” described how we should varise stay focused, keep determined attitudes, [and use] all the resources our campus has to offer. ”

tony butler monroe freshman biology

“He [The HipHop Doc]... lets us know that it doesn’t butler matter where you come from, as you started somewhere. This speech he gave should inspire many and push them to reach their goals.”

vera smith monroe freshman

“Not everyone has someone of guidance to them. So, it was good smith for him to tell us his story and let us know that just like him we can make it at an HBCU.” SUBMISSIONS POLICY

The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mail to digest@subr.com.

Editorial policy

Staff editorials represent the opinions of the author and the majority opinion of the Southern DIGEST Student Editorial Board, which is comprised of the student staff of editors and columnists. The Southern DIGEST provides an open forum to educate, inform and enlighten the students, faculty and staff at Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.

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