Volume 73, Issue 10
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Southern University’s Founders
he was a child of mixed race, growing up he was afforded the same privileges as any other white child, which is why he was sent to study at a private school in Ohio. Though his schooling did not last long, as his father died at the age of twelve. To avoid being put back into slavery by his father’s family, his mother permanently moved them to Cinncinati.
Diamond Butler The Southern Digest
Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College is the only historically black college or university that is a system. The original campus, Southern University of New Orleans, was founded in 1880 and owes its existence to three African American political leaders: P.B.S. Pinchback, T. T. Allain, and Henry Demas. Being the second university for African Americans in Louisiana after Dillard, Southern’s founders laid the foundation for Southern’s success far in the future, “These men were political leaders and they knew that going forward, they needed to put something in law that would long last their tenures in office,” said author and historian, Dr. Charles Vincent, from a WGNO article.
One of the first men to give support to original Southern University was P.B.S. Pinchback. Before becoming one of the founders of Southern University, Pinckney Benton Steward Pinchback was one of the first African Americans to become governor in the United States and served as the 24th Governor
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DIGEST ILLUSTRATION
of Louisiana and is currently the only African American governor to have ever been elected in Louisiana. Pinchback was born
in Macon, Georgia to Eliza Stewart, a freed mulatto slave, and William Pinchback, a white plantation owner. Even though
Pinchback had to drop out of school to help take care of his family, however, he continued to make a better life for himself. In the late 1860s, Pinchback got into politics and served as a Louisiana governor in 1871. Later on, in his political career, he saw that there was a need for a better education system for African Americans, so In 1879, along with Allain and Demas, Pinchback went as a delegate to the Louisiana Constitutional Convention, where he helped gain support for the opening of the college. According to the Louisiana Secretary of State website, Pinchback “...he pushed for the creation of a college for blacks in Louisiana.” This is why along with Allain, Pinchback has a building See SU page 3
The 17th Annual Gala on The Bluff Whitney Thomas The Southern Digest
The 17th Annual “Gala on the Bluff ’, took place on Halloween night at the Belle of Baton Rouge casino. The event, hosted by Southern University’s College of Business, is intended to be an opportunity for business owners and alumni to donate money towards the university.
Chaketa Spears, a Southern alum, expresses her role at the event, and how exciting it is each year. “I’ve been attending this Gala for 4 years. I go around the event throughout the night and sell raffle tickets for the split the pot fundraiser. This is basically going towards the scholarships. We also have door prizes where you can get a two-night weekend stay or some lucky person will win half the money we actually raise. Just knowing that this event is all for a good cause brings so much happiness each year.” The event started off by giving honors to all the people and businesses that donated money to the college of business throughout the year. Contributors this year
Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Donald R. Andrews, presents an award to Gala on the Bluff Honoree, Arthur Signater during the annual Gala on Friday, November 1 at Belle of Baton Rouge Casino. (Jairus Moore/DIGEST)
doors to better opportunities for them and allowed them to further their education, worry free of cost. Courtney Wright, a senior graduating in Business, explains how the scholarship has helped Over the last 17 years over one her and what the event means to million dollars has been raised, her, “I’m actually a scholarship leaving a huge impact on student recipient and have received many Business majors. A mini clip was over the years. It’s left me so worry shown with students expressing free about different expenses. This how the scholarship opened event is so essential because it gave over twenty thousand dollars, while companies such as Entergy and Boeing contributed around five thousand dollars respectively.
gives us a chance to network and show our sponsors where their money is going.”
“If we don’t contribute to the future and education of our kids who do you think will?” A contributor expressed as he shows appreciation for many people working hard and making the See GALA page 3
www.southerndigest.com THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
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SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Jaguar Speakout Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for the latest edition of Jaguar Speakout. Who knows, YOU could be featured on our next episode!
STUDENT MEDIA OFFICE
School of Nursing The SUSON will be holding its annual WIC clinic weekly, Mon - Fri from 9am - 3:30pm in the nursing building. For more information or to set up an appointment, contact the clinic at (225) - 771 - 3324.
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Student Media Newsroom.....................771.2231 Advertising Office.................................. 771.5833 Director’s Office ....................................771.5812
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Editor-in-Chief..........................................Jacqueline Morgan Managing Editor.......................................... James Eaglin, Jr. Commentary Editor.................................... Contara Mayfield A&E Editor................................................Debrandin Brown Multimedia Editor......................Jairus Moore | Aliya Creecy News Editor.........................................................Dante Davis Photo Editor....................................................... Keith Lewis Sports Editor....................................................... Jalyn Garner Staff Writer................................................. Whitney Thomas Staff Writer......................................................Keenon Glover Staff Writer.......................................................... Lealer Sims Staff Writer........................................................... Bailie Boyd Staff Writer.................................................. Jordan Victorian Staff Writer.................................................... Kiyanna Givens Staff Writer.................................................... Logan Williams Staff Writer................................................... Jordan Victorian Staff Writer........................................................... Ti’Ja Taylor Staff Writer...................................................... Evan Funchess Staff Writer................................................... Diamond Butler Staff Writer.................................................... Logan Wiliams Staff Writer...................................................... Sydney Brown Staff Writer.................................................. Garland Johnson Staff Writer........................................................ Jaylnn Jacobs Staff Writer...................................................... MyKayla Reid Staff Writer....................................................Diamond Butler Staff Writer......................................................... Jayla Honore Staff Photographer.......................................... Amari Cannon Staff Photographer........................................... Andrea Parker Staff Photographer........................................... Davon Jackson Staff Photographer...........................................Jodeci Ashford Staff Photographer...................................... Adriana Trosclair Staff Photographer............................................Nesha Jackson Staff Photographer.............................................Kyndall Jones Staff Photographer....................................... Tiffany Williams Staff Photographer.........................................Teyanah Owens Staff Photographer.......................Joseph Delaney-McAllister
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 editorials, commentaries, ans speakouts. 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-mailed to digest@subr.edu.
PUBLICATION ASSOCIATIONS
The Southern DIGEST is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), College Media Advisers Association (CMA), Full member of the Associated Press (AP) and the Louisiana Press Association (LPA).
The Office of Student Media is a department in the Division of Student Affairs.
College of Business The Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics is offering ten $2,000 scholarships to current freshman and sophomore students to provide support to Finance majors who are pursuing a concentration in risk management and insurance. Contact Ms. Holmes at 225-771-5934 or adela_ holmes@subr.edu for details. Food Pantry SU students are able to visit the Jaguar Eats food pantry located next to the computer lab in the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union every Mon, Wed, and Fri from 4:00pm-8:00pm to receive free food items. Student IDs must be present. Camphor Memorial UMC Wesley Foundation Bible Study, Fellowship, Food and Fun! Join Pastor Elenora M. Cushenberry and Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church every Wednesday at 5:30 pm at the Wesley Foundation. ALL students are welcome! Please call (225) 7754106 for more information! SU One Card If you have completed the registration process and have not received your Southern University ID “SU1 Card”, please follow the attached instructions to obtain your card. Only first time students, transfers and returning students who require an ID at this time should complete the SU1 Card ID Form. The ID office is currently located in J.B. Moore Hall auditorium. Fling Golf Calling all athletes! Harness your competitive spirit while making new friends and learning a new sport. For more information, call Curtis at 225-202-1821.
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Spring 2020 Registration Registration for the Spring 2020 semester is officially underway: Cohort Registration Nov 4 - 8 (btwn. 60-89 credits) Nov 9 - 13 (btwn. 31-59 credits)
Intramural Sports 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for Males and Females November 13-14 from 5pm-9pm.For more information, contact Coach Tanner at 225-7713212. Cheer Clinic Southern University Cheerleading will host its Jaguar Preview 2019 Cheer Clinic on Saturday, November 9, 2019. For more information connect with SU Cheerleading on Instagram @ SOUTHERNU_CHEER Social and Behavioral Sciences The Departments of Psychology is proud to sponsor their 20th annual research conference from 9am - 1pm on November 14. Students are encouraged to submit abstracts by Oct. 27. For more information, contact Dr. Reginald Rackley @ 771-2990. SUPD Jaguars! You can bring any unused medication to the Southern University Police Department for safe disposal. It’s anonymous, and no questions are asked. For additional information or help, dial 225-771-2770 or email Officer Mary Erler at mary_trahan@subr.edu SU ROTC SU ROTC will host a Veteran’s Day FUN RUN 5k on Saturday, November 9. from 7am-9am beginning at the AROTC Building. Football Saturday 11/9 ~ 4pm vs Virginia Univ-Lynchburg A.W. Mumford Stadium Men’s Basketball Wed 11/6 ~ 6:30pm v. Loyola (New Orleans) F.G. Clark Activity Center Sat 11/9 ~ 7pm at Murray State Murray, KY Women’s Basketball Thu 11/7 ~ 6:30pm at Iowa State
Des Moines, IA Mon 11/11 ~ 6pm at Wiley College Wiley, TX Women’s Bowling Fri 11/8 ~ Sun 11/10 at Jackson State Women’s Soccer Thu 11/7 ~ 6pm at Arkansas-Pine Bluff Jackson, MS Women’s Volleyball Sun 11/10 ~ 5pm at Grambling State Grambling, LA SU Votes! Prowl to the Polls The 2019 Initiative is focused on engaging the entirety of the SU System to effectuate growth in the number of registered voters, raise the awareness of issues and boost voter participation. Students are encouraged to ‘Prowl to the Polls’ on Wed Nov 6. Busses will be available to bring students to and from the polls, along with giveaways, free food and music. SUBR English Department Essay Contest Students have the chance to enter an essay. First place receives $50 and publication, and second place receives publication. The deadline for all entries is Nov. 30. Email all submissions and/ or questions to ali_rezaie @ subr.edu. ( Judges have the right not to announce a winner.)
Do you know of any pressing issues on campus affecting students? email us: digest@subr.edu
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! Submit your letter to the Editor Submissions must be sent in by 3PM on Fridays. Email: digest@subr.edu
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Mass Comm. hosts Symposium and Entertainment Panel Robinson.
Garland Johnson The Southern Digest
On Thursday October 27 a Mass Communications Symposium was held at the Smith-Brown Memorial Union in the lake front room for students looking to further their careers in both written and digital media. Students were able to get information from Southern University alumni that have experienced the Mass Communications field and became successful. The panel was broken into two different sections: an informational portion that outlined what types of opportunities are available for mass communication majors after college and an entertainment panel that focused on more nontraditional roles in media and non-traditional routes into high level media roles.
Southern University alumni speaking about their experiences in the mass communications field during the 2019 Homecoming Mass Communication Symposium held inside the Lake Front room on Thursday, October 31. (Kiyanna Givens/DIGEST)
University alumni who work on the entertainment side of media: Joe Anthony, Nalinya Davis, Corey Dennard, Christina Hill, The informational portion of the Douglas Robinson, and Davida event featured key information Smith. These individuals shared on what type of job opportunities their stories of how they got to are available for students whose where they are at, what challenges concentrations are broadcasting, they faced, and they gave students public relations, and print. advice on how to better navigate Students were given deeper the world of media as a person of insight on the traditional jobs color. discussed in the classroom and shown the realities of working in Corey “Mr. Hankey” Dennard media. One of which being that and Joe Anthony aka DJ Marquis several jobs may not pay as well both work on the music side of as desired but give experience and the media industry. Dennard, a fundamental skills that are going former Human Juke Box member to be needed in order to advance and is currently a producer who has worked with some of the most ones career. popular rappers in the game right The entertainment portion of the now such as YFN Lucci and has panel consisted of six Southern helped produced popular tracks
such as “Living My Best Life,” suggested that the best path to success is by just by taking a leap of faith, “there are no rules and steps to success, it’s about seizing the moment of opportunity”. Anthony, a Baton Rouge native, also stressed the importance of remembering where you came from during your journey to success, “I wanted to come back and help inspire people who look like me”. No one gets anywhere alone is a sentiment that both Christina Hill and Douglas Robinson can relate to as they attribute the start of their careers to competitions that a professor encouraged them to enter, “If it weren’t for that professor that believed in me, I don’t know where I’d be,” said
Nalinya Davis and Davida Smith were both able to share their experiences of being an entrepreneur in the media field. Davis, a former volleyball player, currently works for Walt Disney and also runs a business called GladiatorCombine which is designed to empower athletes to self-promote themselves for better opportunities. Smith, a former member of the Southern Digest who has had the opportunity to help manage several celebrities such as Halle Berry and Taraji P. Henson, uses her company, Etcetera and Company, to promote black empowerment and aims at helping promote black women in the entertainment industry. The entertainment industry is in need of mass communication majors as well and these alumni have come back to inspire current Southern University students to pursue their dreams. There are opportunities out there for Mass Communications majors that aren’t just limited to what is in the textbooks. The Symposium was a great event that addressed questions that many Mass Communication majors were concerned about. It also helped clear up confusion and amongst those who were unsure about the path that they would like to take. The advice from former Southern University students helped guide current students to focus on the future to ensure success.
Feature: Mrs. Viola Cyriaque, Student Ombuds/ Student Advocate
Kalvinesha Jackson The Southern Digest
Cyriaque A warm personality with a bright smile, Mrs. Viola Cyriaque serves as the Student Advocate for the Office of Student Ombuds/ Advocate. The office serves to mediate conflicts and/or disagreements between students and/or faculty members about
a variety of topics ranging from grade disagreements to relationship issues.
appeal formal process.
Mrs. Cyriaque is all about Mrs. Cyriaque is the linkage solving problems and helping as between the students and the many people as possible, “I have Located in T.H. Harris Hall Suite administration. She has many established a support system for 1075, The Student Ombuds/ duties to follow as a consultant, the department across campus Student Advocate office provides facilitator, and informal that includes individuals from students with a mentor in which mediator. She recommends Academic Affairs, Title IX, they can sit with and discuss their steps toward problem resolution Finance, Registrar, Student concerns. According to Mrs. and appropriate action based Affairs, Financial Aids, University Cyriaque, “The Student Ombuds/ on research, analysis and data Counseling Center, Disability Advocate office helps identify, gathered for every issue brought Services, The Dean of Students, evaluate and brainstorm options to her office. She consults Colleges and departments across with respect to academic and non- with campus departments and campus. However, the biggest academic issues students may academic units to understand and impact I have as a one person be subject to. . . The office serves resolve complex problems through operation is to personally touch as a neutral party to help solve informal discussions; develops the lives of so many students problems, resolve conflicts and cooperative strategies to prevent and their parents in many cases, work to achieve fair outcomes by future problems and develop and that become frustrated with acting as a mediator.” The Student maintain an ongoing relationship the university because of issues Ombuds/ Student Advocate with campus constituencies to related to University policies and main role is to informally resolve promote the value and process of procedures that they do not fully student conflicts, concern and conflict resolution. Her job is far understand of follow. I consider it challenges; it helps students from easy, it is very complex, and a blessing to have this opportunity resolve academically related she is what she considers “a one- to plant a positive seed in the lives of current and future SUBR challenges before the student person operation.” students.” issues progresses to the student
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SU from page 1 on Southern University named after him.
Theophile T. Allain was raised as a slave on the Australian Plantation in West Baton Rouge. Like most colored children during these times, his father, Sosthene Allain, was the owner of both the plantation and of him and his mother. Even though he was a slave, his father was very affectionate towards him and gave him special privileges like eating at the table with him, traveling to Europe with him, and even ensuring him an education when he was around the age of ten years old. Things started to get better for Allain to the point when he became the owner of his father’s plantation. In 1872, Allain then got into politics and worked alongside P.B.S Pinchback. He served as a state legislator in the 14th district and helped contribute to the opening of Southern University.
The last founder of Southern University is Henry Demas. Demas was the child of slaves in the St. John the Baptist Parish. Throughout his life, he was as a slave, even when he gained the title of corporal in the American Civil War. During the Civil War Demas was allowed to have an education and was eventually freed from slavery.
P.B.S. Pinchback, T.T. Allain, and Henry Demas helped to start the Southern University legacy. Throughout the years the campus has continued growing with a new batch of students every semester to experience the SU Lifestyle. Adrian Dabney, a 25-year-old Music major, said that Southern University, “It has become a much better successful environment to learn and teach students, such as myself.” From 1880 to 2019, Southern University has become a staple in its community and for its students. Carrying on the dream of the SU founders, Southern is one of the top HBCUs in the country. GALA from page 1 event possible. Alexis Anderson a current yearly contributor says she knows for a fact this is helping students in such an impactful way. “I give at least two thousand dollars a year. It aids them [students] in their fees, books, and other things they might need while being in college. I’ve seen how successful they are because of no money worries.”
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Tight Squeeze: Jaguars top Bulldogs at home Jayln Garner
The Southern Digest
20,344 fans were in attendance at A.W. Mumford Stadium for the annual Homecoming Game. After losing to the Alcorn State Braves last week in Mississippi, the Jaguars still were in control of their own destiny for the SWAC Championship Game in Atlanta. For a game that started off as a defensive battle, it quickly turned into an offensive shoot-out. The Southern Jaguars didn’t waste any time starting the game off. A few plays down the field, and quarterback LaDarius Skelton easily rushed into the endzone for a 27 yard touchdown run. Coach Odums praised Skelton on his performance against A&M saying, “I think offensively LaDarius Skelton probably played one of the more complete games at that position in a long time, I was proud of him to finally see him put it all together again.” Alabama A&M’s offense was aggressive early, going for it on 4th & 6. Good thing the Jaguar defense was just as aggressive, forcing a turnover on downs. In an effort to increase the lead by two touchdowns, the Jags’ 4th down attempt was halted by a host of Bulldogs. The Bulldogs’ defense contained Skelton and the Jaguar offense for the rest of the first quarter. On the next offensive series, the Jaguars switched quarterbacks and Glendon “Bubba” McDaniel took over. After two plays, McDaniel was intercepted. The Bulldogs tied the game up late in the second quarter. With LaDarius Skelton back in the game at quarterback, looking to take back the lead, he used his legs as a
Junior Quarterback Ladarius Skelton,splits defensive backs Trenton McGhee and Amari Holloway in Saturday’s homecoming matchup against Alabama A&M. (Rocelyn Hamilton/DIGEST)
weapon, taking the Jags across midfield. A few plays later, running back Devon Benn rushed the ball into the endzone and the Jags retaken the lead 14-7 before halftime. Only taking three minutes to start the second half of the game, running four plays for 75 yards, the Bulldogs tied the game on a busted coverage that left a man wide open for a touchdown. With the game tied at 14, Skelton connected with tight end Travis Tucker, taking the offense down the field to the red zone. On 3rd and short the Jaguars were stopped. Coach Odums decided again to go for it on 4th and 1 at the 1-yd line,
the Bulldogs once again stuffed the run at the line, making it turnover on downs. On 3rd & 14, Skelton passed the ball to wide receiver Hunter Register, Jaguars retaking the lead for the third time in the game. After a fifteen yard penalty on the Jags defense, Bulldogs quarterback Aqeel Glass threw the ball for a 60 yard touchdown, only taking 39 seconds after running just 3 plays late in the 3rd quarter. The Jaguars were threatening to score to start the 4th quarter, with a few good rushes by Devon Benn. On the very next play, Skelton scored on a quarterback
Coming Full Circle: AD Banks hosts a homecoming edition of Overtime Evan Funchess
The Southern Digest
The week of homecoming for many is a week of remembrance. In this case, Roman Banks looked to do exactly that for many Southern alumni. On Friday night, Banks hosted a special edition of his overtime event to celebrate former athletes and supporters. Attendees were treated to a fun-filled night of recollection and fellowship amongst one another. Banks, whose events typically are for fundraising, decided to give back to those who help when they can. The room was illuminated by RnB music and good cheer to go around. All in attendance were also treated to an open bar and food. “We wanted to give back to our former athletes and also help them to ingratiate the next generation of Southern athletes.”
The goal of the event was to show alumni a great time during the homecoming festivities. Many supporters also came out in full force to celebrate another year of Southern sports. The room was filled with enthusiasm and laughter. Banks addressed the crowd by thanking them for their endless support. He asked guests to enjoy this event to the fullest because it’s all for them. The event was about celebrating the past and but also toasting to the future. As the event was hosted in the A.W Mumford Fieldhouse, guests partied in a room with a grand view of the stadium. As with most events at Southern University, it felt like a family affair. All in all, it was a special event for a special group of people.
keeper. However, Glass would once again keep the Bulldogs in the fight, tying the game in the middle of the fourth quarter 28-28. After the Jaguar offense stalled, a muffed punt gave the Bulldogs good field position right at the 50 yard line. Needing a stop on 3rd & long, the Jags defense got the job done. A&M attempted and converted a 44-yard field goal, giving them a 3 point lead with 4:20 left to play in the game. With just under two minutes left in the game, the Jaguars drove down the See SQUEEZED page 5
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Run It Back: Women’s Basketball Season Preview The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Tuesday, November 5, 2019 - Page 5
field eagerly to win the game in regulation. Having 32 seconds left in regulation with the game on the line, Skelton came in the clutch and threw a dart to wide receiver Hunter Register for the game winning touchdown with only seconds left on the clock. Coach Odums felt positive when reflecting on the game winner. “I thought it was a good heavyweight battle, our guys showed some grit to be able to pull a game out like that.” With just four seconds left in
SQUEEZED from page 4 the game, a huge sack from defensive end Jalen Ivy capped off the homecoming win 3531. Senior linebacker Calvin Lunkins reacted to Jalen Ivy’s sack saying, “That was nothing but God getting that sack to end the game, everybody stormed the field. That was just a blessing.” The Jaguars next opponent is Virginia University at Lynchburg at Mumford Stadium on November 9, 2019 at 4pm. Fans are encouraged to wear navy blue and camo.
DIGEST FILE
Debrandin Brown
The Southern Digest
Last season Southern University women’s basketball team ran through the SWAC with a record of 17-4 that led to a birth in the NCAA Tournament versus Mississippi State in Starkville. Head Coach Carlos Funchess took over the women’s basketball program officially at the start of last season, and after earning an invitation to the SWAC champion into the NCAA Tournament, was recognized as one of the better coaches in the SWAC. At the conclusion of the season, Funchess was named SWAC Coach of the Year after his first season. In Coach Funchess’ sophomore season as the Jaguars women’s basketball head coach, he’s coming into the 2019-2020 season with expectations of repeating his teams success from last season. While this team will see a variety of returning players this season such as Alyric Scott, Brittany Rose, and Cailian Williams looking to repeat as back-to-back SWAC champions, they will also be looking to get contributions from some of their newer players as well. With the losses of senior guards RiShonti Cowart, Skylar O’Bear, and Danayea Charles at the end of last season, the Jaguars will look to
bolster their depth with players such as Genovea Johnson and Cabria Lee picking up the defensive load on the perimeter. As far as guard play goes, Alyric Scott and Brittany Rose will be the Jaguars primary ball handlers going into the season. Rose, who was one of the Jaguars more efficient options from the three point line last season, will look to remain a threat from outside as well as a perimeter defender. As for Alyric Scott who was named SWAC tournament MVP, was recently named preseason 1st All-Team will be looked to have another astonishing season. Similarly, forwards Cailain Williams and CeUndra McGhee will be the returning wings for Southern going into the season. Williams, a former Southern Lab standout, will look to take a step forward in her progression as a scorer, rebounder, and defender in the 2019 season. Some of the notable home games to be on the lookout for include consecutive matchups against Grambling and Jackson State on January 11 and 13 in 2020. The Jaguars will have their first game of the year on November 7 vs Iowa State, but will make their home debut on November 11, 2019 as they take on Wiley College in the FG Clark Activity Center.
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Photos of the week southerndigest.com
Page 6 - Tuesday, November 5, 2019
The newly crowned 89th Miss Southern Alacia Brew, a senior SpeechLanguage Pathology major, and SGA President Donald Dunbar, senior Business Management major during Coronation in the F.G. Clark Activity Center on October 30 (Rocelyn Hamilton/DIGEST).
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Southern University students pass out candy to trick-or-treaters during Boo At SU on October 29.(Kiyanna Givens/DIGEST)
Southern University’s Director of bands, Kedric D. Taylor, enjoying the musical performance of the Human Jukebox during Saturday’s Rally on The Bluff on November 1. (Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)
R&B artist Ari Lennox vibes with the audience during the 2019 Homecoming Concert in the F.G. Clark Activity Center on Thursday, October 31. (Rocelyn Hamilton/DIGEST).
SU Alums and members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. stroll at Southern University’s Homecoming Pep Rally on The Bluff Friday, November 1. (Tiffany Williams/DiGEST)
Students enjoy themseleves during costume party in the University’s Event Center on October 29. (Te’yanah Owens/DIGEST)
Photos of the week southerndigest.com
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and alumni strolling at their tailgate on Greek Rowe on Saturday, November 2. (Andrea Parker/DIGEST)
Rapper Lil Baby turns up with the audience during the 2019 Homecoming Concert on Thursday, October 31 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center (Rocelyn Hamilton/DIGEST).
Junior quarterback Ladarius Skelton, leads teammates out of the tunnel in Saturday’s homecoming matchup against Alabama A&M on November 2. (Rocelyn Hamilton/DIGEST)
Tuesday, November 5, 2019 - Page 7
The 2019-2020 Royal Court waltz during the themed ”Royal Night at Buckingham Palace” Coronation on October 30 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center (Rocelyn Hamilton/DIGEST).
Students and nurses discuss during SU Homecoming Health Fair on Wednesday October 30 in Smith-Brown Memorial Union. (Adriana Trosclair/DIGEST)
89th Miss Southern University, Alacia Brew, strolls with her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. sorors at Southern University’s Homecoming Pep Rally on The Bluff November, 1. (Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)
Arts & Entertainment southerndigest.com
Page 8 - Tuesday, November 5, 2019
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Rhythms, Reigns, and Rhymes: Homecoming 2019 Diamond Butler Sheakearah Winston
The Southern Digest
Homecoming entertainment spews from a variety of events and traditional norms throughout the week. The 2019 Homecoming festivities left the students of Southern University (SU) with memories to last a lifetime, or at least until next year. The coronation of the 89th Miss Southern University and A&M College, Alacia Brew, took place on Wednesday at 7:00pm in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. The minidone was nearly filled to capacity as students, faculty and family witnessed Brew and her court receive their crowns. The theme, “Royal Night at Buckingham Palace,” provided vivid visuals and color schemes that lit the room with vibrant hues. Escorted by Student Government Association President Donald Dunbar, the pair made their debut dance with the rest of the royal court at the climax of the night. The 2019-2020 Queens of Southern University are; Alacia Brew (Miss Southern University and A&M College), Desrael Dumas (Miss Senior), Jaydria Taylor (Miss Junior), Jaden Johnson (Miss Sophomore), and Dominique Taylor (Miss Freshmen). Many supporters, friends, and family were in attendance, including many of the past Miss Southern University and A&M College queens. “Coronation was definitely a highlight of homecoming week! This was my first time attending coronation, and I am happy I got to take part in it as Junior Class President. Alacia and the class
R&B artist and SU Alum, Keith Jacobs seranades the audience as the opener for 2019 Homecoming Concert on Thursday, October 31 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center (Rocelyn Hamilton/DIGEST).
queens looked stunning,” said Kelsey Perine, a junior political science major from Mobile, Alabama. For years, the Thursday of Homecoming has been dedicated to packing the minidome to capacity, and waiting for some of the hottest artists to take the stage. Kicking off this year’s concert was up and coming R&B sensation and two-time graduate of Southern University, Keith See HOMECOMING page 9
The 89th Miss Southern, Alacia Brew, and Southern University System President-Chancellor, Dr. Ray L. Belton share a dance during Coronation on Wednesday, October 30 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center (Rocelyn Hamilton/DIGEST).
John B. Cade Library host Homecoming Poetry Slam 2k19 Keenon Glover
The Southern Digest
As part of the festivities that commemorated the 2019 Homecoming week, the John B. Cade Library held a particularly new Homecoming event. On October 29, the John B. Cade Library hosted a Poetry Slam Contest in the library breezeway at 12:00PM, adjacent to the Food and Vendor Expo in the SmithBrown Memorial Union Courtyard. The poetry slam was attended by students and various alumni, with the judges being a mixture of the two groups themselves. Members of the Southern Soul - a club devoted to self-expression through mediums such as poetry, dance and fine arts - participated in the event as well as its planning. Devon Hicks, a junior Computer Science major from Antioch, CA, expressed the importance of the event as the vice-president of the Southern Soul: “It meant exposure for all of us. It gave us the opportunity to spread our wings and get better at our craft.” He also shared his own personal appreciation for the event as a poet and writer, “It definitely gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and say my poetry in front of people. I’ve never done a slam
before, so it was amazing to share my work with others. Also, it was cool to hear other poets works also.” Numerous participants took the opportunity to share their work, including Dawn Knight, Dean of the John B. Cade Library. The poetry slam was both a chance for artistic expression as well as a contest, with the winners being given two Bayou Classic bunker suite tickets, a Google Home Mini or a Southern University sweatshirt. After 2 rounds of judge deliberations, the final three winners were chosen based on audience reaction, with a sound machine recording cheering following the performances. Elijah Pipersburg, a Southern University Law Student from Oakland, CA, won 3rd place, his entries consisting of a blend of touching spoken word and rap. Jahmea Williams, a Junior from Baton Rouge, LA, was awarded 2nd place, performing heavy-hitting poems that empathized with the audience. Safari Thompson, a Sophomore from Houston, TX, took home the 1st place, winning the audience over through creative and lighthearted pieces. Psychology major Chassity Griffin from Opelousas, LA also participated in the poetry slam, hoping to represent well
1st Place Winner – Safari Thompson, Sophomore. (Courtesy/Dawn Kight)
as the Event Coordinator of the Southern Soul. “As an artist, the poetry slam gave me the opportunity to showcase my talent to other people and to hopefully inspire them to share their talents as well. I feel that because three of our members
of Southern Soul who happen to be on the executive board participated in the poetry slam, it gave us an opportunity to showcase to other people the kinds of things we do in Southern Soul and hopefully get them to join as well.”
Arts & Entertainment southerndigest.com
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Tuesday, November 5, 2019 - Page 9
Welcome Home: Lloyd G. Wade Homecoming Art Exhibition
Ti’Ja Taylor
The Southern Digest
A new exhibit has opened on campus from a Southern University Alum by the name of, Lloyd G. Wade. Wade Retrospective Art Exhibition opened on October 31 in Hayden Hall, and will remain open until November 21. The 11th Annual Homecoming Art Exhibition is Titled: “Lloyd G. Wade Retrospective: A Southern Homecoming.” This exhibit symbolizes the celebration of black people and the union of the people. From his retrospect chronicles of his different experiences in three cities; Baton Rouge, Chicago, Houston. Each piece holds its own powerful specific meaning that the room bore witness to. One notable piece of art featured in the exhibit was “Keep Living Your Dream “ by Wade. According to Wade, the piece was meant to showcase the boldness of black women. The piece was created to mirror an image and manages to be almost a carbon copy of the original. Featuring See WELCOME HOME page 10
In the Visual Arts Gallery ’Jade,’ a 2014 art piece, was placed on display for the 11th Annual Homecoming Art Exhibition on October 31 and was created by Lloyd G. Wade as a part of his wife’s collection. (Diamond Butler/DIGEST)
ARTIST LIL BABY TAKES A JET TO BATON ROUGE TO PERFORM AT THE HOMECOMING CONCERT, DESPITE PREVIOUSLY CANCELLING. THE FABULOUS DANCING DOLLS AND FOREVER DOLLS PERFORM THE 50TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY HALFTIME SHOW. 2019 HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME TAILGATE CREATES A BIGGER BUZZ THAN THE ACTUAL GAME. FANS AND STUDENTS CELEBRATED ALL OVER CAMPUS BEFORE THE GAME, AND SOME EVEN THROUGH THE GAME! ARI LENNOX AND WALE TAKE TO TWITTER TO PROCLAIM SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY TO BE THE BEST HBCU IN THE LAND. NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION LEADER, DEANDRE DEARINGE, GOES VIRAL ON TWITTER AFTER DANCING TO ‘SWAG SURF’ AT THE 2019 HOMECOMING FASHION AND COMEDY SHOW.
‘Delta’s Embrace,’ a artwork by Lloyd G. Wade, was seen by Southern University student, faculty and alumni during the 11th Annual Homecoming Art Exhibition on October 31 in the Visual Arts Gallery (Diamond Butler/DIGEST)
Arts & Entertainment southerndigest.com
Page10 - Tuesday, November 5, 2019
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
HOMECOMING from page 8
The 89th Miss Southern, Alacia Brew, being crowned by the 88th Miss Southern, Darby Smith, during Coronation in the F.G. Clark Activity Center on October 30. (Rocelyn Hamilton/DIGEST).
Members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc., Tyruss Turead, Jr. and Malik Meggs, pose during their homecoming step show routine on Friday, November 1 inside F.G. Clark Activity Center. (Isaac Armstrong/DIGEST)
Rapper Young Dolph performs his most popular hits during the 2019 Homecoming Concert on Thursday, October 31 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center (Rocelyn Hamilton/DIGEST).
Jacobs. Jacobs performed some of his latest hits like “Thirsty” and “Saucy,” to get the crowd hype enough for the long night of artists ahead. Fans can listen to Jacobs’ music here in Baton Rouge on radio stations 94.1FM and 106.5FM. His music is streaming on all digital platforms, including Tidal, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Through the night, artists amongst the likes Jay Lewis, B. Will, DeeMic, Ari Lennox, Young Dolph, Young Nudy, Sherwood Marty, and Boosie Badazz took the stage as scheduled and planned by the Student Government Association. Originally performing was artist Lil Baby, who cancelled almost one week prior to the concert due to ‘personal reasons.’ The recording artist then still came to Baton Rouge to perform for the concert on his own dime. Students and artists alike were impressed, to say the least. After the concert, Ari Lennox took to Twitter saying, “Southern University was so fucking fire. I only want to perform for y’all for the rest of my life…” One of the most anticipated events during Homecoming Week, besides the football game, is the annual Greek Show. This year’s Greek Show took place on Friday, November 1 in the F. G. Clark Activity Center, and it did not disappoint. Not only did the SU fans and the student body receive thorough performances from the fraternities and sororities participating, but they also were able to see generations of Greek families strolling, reconnecting with long-time friends and show years of dedication to being a Greek. Starting off the event, the audience was given a stellar opening performance as the Gold N’ Bluez dance team took the stage, and shortly after that, the real battle had begun. This year, there were eight groups who competed for the first and second place prize of a $1500 and $3000 check.
The event itself was energetic, with each performance showcasing creativity and turning out better than the one before. However, in the end, it came down a few stand out performances with the runner ups being the Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. The first place winners of the 2019 Southern University Greek show were the Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the threetime champions of the Southern University Greek Show, the Beta Sigma Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha. “It definitely had its own vibe about it that was different than what they normally got going on. I think everybody did their thing though.” said Devin Raby, a junior mechanical engineering major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In this event, two donations were presented by former Greeks and students of Southern University. The Fall 2009 chapter of AKA donated $1500 to the current chapter, and representatives of the 2009 freshman class gave $1000 scholarships to two 2019 freshmen, Taylor Hayes and Keyon Jenkins. This event gave an amazing turn out which leaves fans and students wondering how they are going to top things next year.
WELCOME HOME from page 9 an African- American women, standing in front of a flag with a huge stick in her hand that is inscribed with the words “Keep Living Your Dream”, the piece is meant to exemplifies what all black women stand for, power and dignity. Wade expressed that this piece of art, “celebrates the black women.” Lloyd G. Wade mentioned that this exhibit is the “glorification of loving yourself”, and the viewing audience voiced their own appreciation for what his stated motivations for the piece were. “Strange Fruit” was a dark form of Adam with a cross on his chest holding a green apple. According to Wade’s description, the apple represents; knowledge, immortality, and sin. This piece featured an emphasis on spirituality and the essence of the subject. According to Ashton Norwood, a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Baker, La., the exhibit was “profoundly unique and showcased Adam from the Holy Bible with so much masculinity,” Wade chronologized his journey through life through three pieces: “Neo Soul,” and “The Kiss,” “Classic Man.” The pieces symbolize his life journey that molded him into the successful man he is today that coincides with the three cities that he has lived in. In Baton Rouge, Wade says that he was a “Neo Soul”, in Chicago, he received “The Kiss”, and in Houston, he became a “Classic Man”. A piece lavished in color, “Mr. Winter Spring” by Wade makes a powerful statement as the piece is centred sololey on a black man in a suit with a cigar in his mouth, “The black man is so masculine, and, in this piece, he embodies power, braveness, and spunk,” said Cayla McKenzie a junior biology major, from Dubberly, La. This homecoming art exhibit brings Lloyd Wade back home to where his journey first began at Southern University. As the saying goes, no place feels quite like home, “It feels good to be back home, “said Lloyd Wade.
Got News? Do you know of any pressing issues on campus affecting students? email us: digest@subr.edu
Rapper Young Bleu performs during the 2019 Homecoming Concert on Thursday, October 31 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center (Rocelyn Hamilton/DIGEST).
Commentary southerndigest.com
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
It’s Time to Shake Back Jags Kiyanna Givens
The Southern Digest
Hello Jags ! The festivities have ended and it’s time to get back to the grind so you can finish the semester strong. I know for a fact that classes were looking a little bleak and empty last week due to all the events taking place during homecoming. Assignments were stashed to the side and forgotten about for a little while. Teachers were bored due to the lack of students in their classrooms. Whether it was the concert, the game (Shoutout to the football team for that last minute touchdown), the comedy show, Lizzo or Kanye singing at Bethany, I’m sure we have made few academic sacrifices to make these events that took place last week. Most of you have worked hard all semester
to keep it together and secure a decent grade for midterms so the relaxation and partying was a necessity. If you know for certain you missed a few assignments here and there during homecoming just do your best to check in with all your professors. It’s better safe than sorry Jags. Most professors here on campus are Southern University alumni; They will understand more than anyone that you wanted to enjoy homecoming. Of course, this isn’t every teacher. There are definitely some professors who are very strict with deadlines and priorities. I’m sure you thought of one of them when you read the last sentence. Even if the teacher is strict, you should still try to communicate with them and be grown about it...they might be willing to hear you out and help
you out a little. You should also check your email, Moodle, and Live Text to see if any teachers may have extended or set any deadlines for this week instead of last week. Don’t just sit around and wait to see an F pop up later on. If you know you academically checked out last week just be proactive about it and set goals from here on out to shake back and maintain your grade point average. At the end of the day, don’t forget that college is not cheap and you should be getting your money’s worth. You got a pass last week, but now it’s time to kick it into high gear and get this work done Jags. The fun has now ended and it’s time to hustle to the finish line of the semester.
and see brutal videos of murders. We have watched police shoot innocent victims. We have seen the aftermath of school shootings with dead bodies on the ground. We have seen all of these things so much on repeat that we no longer feel hurt or saddened by these events. We no longer have time to mourn the loss of these people because the very next day there’s a new massacre that occurred. The repeated exposure to violence in the media and in our community has had such a negative impact on adults and sadly, our kids. Keenon Preyor, a junior criminal justice major from Hattiesburg, MS stated that growing up, yes you would see the killings but it didn’t cause such a numbness at the same rate that social media caused. The more something is shown to you the less effect it has on you. Social media has made it a point to present more and more killings on their platforms from all over the world. Way more killings that you would see in person, just in your own community. It has definitely caused us to become
more desensitized to it. Violence. It’s normalized. It’s socialized. It’s publicized. Everyone can see it. Caleb Penn, a senior mass communication major from Folsom, LA stated that, “Our surroundings have a lot to do with what we call our ‘’culture”. Unfortunately, in many areas it’s “gun culture”. For example, we refer to cities as the “murder capital” or even with “Chiraq”. We push a culture of violence to our people that shouldn’t be normal. Are we really desensitized or are we purposely numbing the pain? We already were becoming more and more numb to violence in our neighborhoods. Too many rappers and artists speak about numbing their pain from lost loved ones through drugs and alcohol abuse. Have we made it a point to purposely numb our pain? Or is it social media doing the desensitizing? I think it’s a factor of both. Killings in our communities were already normalized. Now, we see that, yes, it is everywhere and we all feel nothing.
Desensitized Violence
Shakearah Winston
The Southern Digest
Do you believe that the Black community has become desensitized to violence? From police brutality, to school shootings, and even black on black crime, it seems like we all continue to drop like flies. I spoke to a few students from different areas to get their point of view on feeling numb to killings or just death in general in our community. Jayla Smalls, a freshman marketing major from Detroit Michigan stated that, “Not one victim deserves the “It’s happened again?” question from his/her community. Being desensitized from the killings and deaths in my city, it’s a scary norm that shouldn’t exist. Never felt safe, but I’m not afraid either. There’s no code anymore when it comes to justice because people are playing executioner as if they’re God, and over the silliest things. People have lost their mindset of morals.” It has become so common to open up our social media accounts
Tuesday, November 5, 2019 - Page 11
Balancing Act: The Issue of Unfairness in HBCUs Keenon Glover
The Southern Digest
At an HBCU, your matriculation may be the most colorful experience you can ever have, as the culture of HBCUs is truly incomparable. Schools like Southern are a mecca of Blackness, and act as a shining example of how far the Black experience has come. However, many students cannot see this, as they fixate on comparing HBCUs to PWIs. These comparisons may seem valid, especially to someone who has no knowledge of the history of these regions. However, without recognizing the history of institutionalized racism in these areas, there is a great disservice being done to these schools. HBCUs do not only deserve acknowledgement because of their existence, but because of how strongly our predecessors fought to bring them to life For the majority of American history, African Americans (and all Black people) were barred from attending universities in the South. This was particularly implemented in order to justify that education was “separate but equal”, though HBCUs were still not given the same resources as their White counterparts. The first HBCU is recognized as the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia, later renamed Cheyney University. The institution was posthumously founded by Richard Humphreys, a Black Quaker who was shocked by the experiences of African Americans after relocating from the Virgin Islands. He left a fraction of his will to create institutions that served, “to instruct the descendants of the African Race in school learning, in the various branches
of the mechanic Arts, trades and Agriculture, in order to prepare and fit and qualify them to act as teachers.” With those $10,000, Humphreys ensured that the Black experience would be changed from then on. However, even these institutions were not immune to the terrors of a racist American, such as the illustrious Wilberforce University in Ohio. Though it is the oldest private HBCU as well as the oldest educational institution to be operated and by African Americans, even Wilberforce was forced to close its doors during the height of the Civil War. Even after being reopened and refurbished by Bishop Daniel Payne of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the school was burned to a crisp as an act of arson. These difficulties plagued the lives of students at HBCUs, and the issues have not subsided. Here at Southern University, it is virtually impossible to ignore the institutionalized racism that surrounds us. The area of Scotlandville is a food desert that is also as a testing grounds for environmentally hazardous materials, showing exactly what our lives mean to the leaders of Baton Rouge. While it is fair to hold the administration of Southern responsible for what they fail to do, it is extremely unfair to blame them for those things outside of their control. When you fix your mouth to compare Southern to LSU, fix your brain to acknowledge what part LSU plays in our disadvantage. Also, fix yourself to head to the polls, contact your senators and all the other ways you can help your community. We can only stay behind if we never think forward, just ask Mr. Humphreys.
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 in submissions, editorials, opinions and commentary pieces. It is the sole opinion of the writer and does not reflect the views of any professional faculty, staff or administrator of the University. 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-mailed to digest@ subr.edu.
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