ISSUE 8, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2018
The Southern DIGEST www.southerndigest.com ● The sentinel of the enlightened student body at Southern University and A&M College ● Since 1926
Congressional Elections NEWS, PAGE 3
The Second ‘Coming SPORTS, PAGE 4
Alpha Week 2018 A&E, PAGE 8
“Financial Aid: Wyd?” COMMENTARY, PAGE 11
Slight Delays:
Registration now open for Spring 2019
Southern University School of Nursing: What’s Really Spooky? Gabrielle Hutchinson ● DIGEST News Editor
Students wait to meet with their academic advisors to register for 2019 Spring Semester. (Adriana Trosclair/DIGEST)
Leah Williams ● DIGEST Staff Writer
After a week of confusion, registration is finally open for all students. This past week, some students were able to schedule classes, but not all of them. Many students thought that registration was pushed back a week because the Academic Calendar said that registration for the Spring
2019 Semester opened October 22. This was actually the priority registration period, according to Diana Depron, Southern University Registrar. “Registration was not pushed back a week. Open registration starts October 29. October 22 was priority registration for like athletes and students that are have under 36 hours and are still being advised by CUSA,” says Depron.
Some students, like Johnna Johnson, a 21 year old senior mass communication major from Port Allen, Louisiana, were confused and angry to check banner and not be able to register, but classes they needed were almost full. “I’ve been at Southern since 2015 and have never seen registration like this. I’ve never seen it not open see REGISTRATION on page 3
On the assist: SU Office of Financial Aid more in tune with FAFSA Debrandin Brown ● DIGEST Staff Editor
school seniors looking to graduate and receive their diploma.
Partnered with Louisiana Education Loan Authority (LELA), the Office of Financial Aid has been able to assist high school seniors with the completion of their FAFSA during this school year. The emphasis on getting help for students in the completion of their FAFSA became ever more important when the Louisiana Board of Regents made FAFSA completion mandatory for all high
Similarly, LELA has organized a FAFSA completion guide to give to the high schoolers tips and details on how to keep up with their FSA I.D., as well as their Save Key. Once the FAFSA is completed, LELA also offers scholarship opportunities to the students where they can win up to $1,000 in scholarship money through a monthly drawing where two students DIGEST ART www.southerndigest.com
see FASFA on page 3
The month of October is full of creepy Halloween themes and costumes, but the Southern University Student Nurses’ Association is calling attention to what is really spooky: breast cancer and domestic violence. October is not only a month full of free candy. It is a month where women and supporters come together to raise awareness for breast cancer and domestic violence. Last Monday, the SNA held its annual walk to commemorate those who have fought, died, or survived the hardships that many women in the area face. A couple of those include the late Assistant Professor, Kimberly Vincent-McCoy and the late Gabrielle Bessix. “Of course we began the walk by praying,” SNA shared with supporters on it’s Instagram platform. “Mrs. McCoy’s family held the banner and their shirts read, ‘Let’s walk with Kym.’ They come to the Breast Cancer Walk every year and we definitely appreciate them.” Affectionately named “The Cardiac Queen,” McCoy studied on The Yard, earning a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nursing. She went on the return the gift of knowledge to her university by assuming the role of Assistant Professor until her battle with breast cancer ended in the summer of 2015. “In the fall of 2015, I stepped into this role as faculty advisor to the Student Nurses’ Association,” Assistant Professor Juanita Garner explains. “Since then, we’ve really wanted to bring awareness to breast cancer and we’ve wanted to honor Ms. McCoy.” Garner also see SUSON on page 3
2 CAMPUS BRIEFS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY Suite 1064 – T.H.Harris Hall – P.O. Box 10180 – Baton Rouge, LA 70813 225.771.2231 Phone / 225.771.5840 Fax www.southerndigest.com The Southern DIGEST is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College. The Southern DIGEST is published once weekly (Tuesday with a run count of 3,000 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 on the SUBR campus. The Southern DIGEST student offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The offices are located on the first floor of T.H. Harris Hall, Suite 1064. ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2018 by The Southern University Office of Student Media Services. 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 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), Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), College Media Association (CMA), Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), Full member of the Associated Press (AP) and the Louisiana Press Association (LPA). STUDENT MEDIA PROFESSIONAL STAFF Director Heather Freeman Publications/Graphics Manager Jermaine Proshee Advertising/Sales Manager Camelia Jackson CONTACTS (Area Code 225) Advertising/Sales Office- 771.5833 DIGEST Newsroom - 771.2231 The Jaguar Yearbook/Ego Magazine - 771.5812 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.
SUBMISSIONS All submissions must be received by 3p.m. each Friday for Tuesday’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 You my also email: digest@subr.edu
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.
What’s Happening The Southern DIGEST • TUESDAY • OCTOBER 30 • 2018
FALL 2018 STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jacqueline Morgan
SPORTS EDITOR James Eaglin, Jr.
MANAGING EDITOR James Eaglin, Jr.
PHOTO EDITOR Keith Lewis
COPY EDITOR Contara Mayfield
DIGEST WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Ella Dodor Michael Patterson, Jr. Paris Duncan Destiny Speaks Devon Fedrick Dante Davis Courtney Jacobs Adriana Trosclair Bailie Boyd Vincent Honey E’Laziah Nickerson Jodeci Ashford Hannah Schlaman Terrance Jones Leah Williams Jordan Victorian
COMMENTARY EDITOR Debrandin Brown NEWS EDITOR Gabrielle Hutchinson LAYOUT EDITOR Caleb Penn MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Devin Hadrick A&E EDITOR Najeri Evans
CAMPUS BRIEFS CUSA Tutoring Services Interested in being a tutor? Stop by Stewart Hall Room 155 to see if you meet the requirements. For more information call 225-7712206 or email brittany_ melancon@subr.edu. Need a tutor? Stop by the tutoring center in Stewart Hall Room 155 or the CSE ISTAR Learning Center on the 1st floor of Pinchback Hall. Jaguar Athletics New season tickets can now be purchased online at Ticketmaster. When you purchase season tickets, you can get baseball and basketball season tickets for an additional $100. SUS employees can now purchase season tickets through Payroll Deduction. Call the Ticket Office at 225-771-3171 for more information. Traffic and Parking Friendly Reminder via the Director of Traffic and Parking: Please ensure all parking tag decals are visible in vehicles, which includes: laying flat on dash or hanging from mirror. If you have more than one tag i.e. commuter decal and handicap, please make sure both are visible. If you are faculty in a reserved spot, please be sure your number matches your parking spot. GAME DAY PARKING On game day, SU Athletics will only acknowledge student vehicles that have validated Commuter or www.southerndigest.com
Residential parking decals. Students are advised to enter the Baton Rouge campus from Mill entrance in the back of campus. Parking attendants will not accept valid student ID as clearance for entrance on game day. Decals must be valid for the 2018-19 academic year. If a valid decal is not present, a $10 General Admission parking tag will be available for purchase. Registration The last day to drop classes for the semester will be on November 2. Today begins the registration period for the Spring 2019 semester. Jaguar Preview Day Southern University Baton Rouge is gearing up for its fall “Jaguar Preview.” The event, which gives high school students and their families an up-close-and-personal Southern experience, will be held Saturday, Nov. 10. Registration is $25 and can be completed at www.subr. edu/jaguarpreview. EBONY HBCU Campus Queens The time has come to show your Jaguar pride and vote for Darby A. Smith, Miss Southern University and A&M College as a Top 10 EBONY HBCU Campus Queen. Vote daily https://www.ebony.com/ campusqueens-2018/ contestant/southernuniversity-baton-rouge until December 31, 2018. Soccer The Lady Jags soccer
team will face off against the Howard Bisons on Thursday, Nov. 1 in Prairie View, Tx at 6:30pm. Volleyball On Thursday, Nov. 1, the Lady Jaguar volleyball team will host the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions in Seymour Gymnasium at 6pm. Lady Jags volleyball team will match up against the Grambling State Tigers on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 5pm in Seymour Gymnasium. Volunteers are needed for both games. Please see TrueBLUE The Southern University System Foundation is now accepting applications for 1880 from Southern University System Campuses. Please contact Robert Easly, Jr. at robert_easly@sus.edu for additional information. Art Exhibition Opening Reception The SUBR Department of Visual Arts is hosting Kindred Spirits in Conversation until November 15 MondayThursday from 10am-4pm. Bowling Women’s bowling will roll their way to Houston, Tx. to participate in the Track Kat Clash tournament from Nov. 2-Nov. 4. Psychology Department The 20th Annual Social and Behavioral Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference will be held November 15 from 9AM5PM in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.
NEWS 3
News The Southern DIGEST • TUESDAY • OCTOBER 30 • 2018
Upcoming Congressional Elections
SUSON from page 1
NOW HIRING We are NOW HIRING Smiling Faces
Paris Duncan● DIGEST Staff Writer
97211 DOTTIE Welcome to Domino’s
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Elections are coming up and after the previous year, it is safe to say this is a vital election. This election is not just important for this nation and city of Baton Rouge, but Africans Americans especially. Historically, voting is a right that has been bled for, yet many still are not motivated to head to the polls. Therefore, to emphasize the importance of voting, elaborating on some background history about how African American suffrage affected the lives of those at that time and still today necessary. The first step towards African American suffrage began with the 15th amendment of the US Constitution, which prohibited states from denying a citizen from the right to vote based on race or condition of servitude. This amendment gave African Americans the right to vote however, African Americans endured acts of violence and mistreatment at the polls. Furthermore, literacy test were created to keep blacks from voting and due to the years of oppression and poverty, most blacks would fail. On March 7, 1965 because of the bravery of Martin Luther Kings and his counterparts to march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 came about. This act encouraged the suffrage of African Americans and gave us a voice in our society. Today, African Americans and other minorities fail to see the importance of this responsibility not only because they feel their vote doesn’t count, but also because they do not know what to look for or where to start. First, as an informed voter, one should evaluate their current elected officials’ voting records to decide if they are passing laws that benefit the needs of the people of this state. Secondly, Amendments are what change the constitution of the state. This determines
how our tax dollars are spent, how our schools and courts are run, and the overall representation of the state of Louisiana. Not only are the Presidential, Congressional, and other top positions’ elections important, but also the amendments that affect the lives of Louisiana’s people. It is vital that not only African Americans but also all minorities who have a voice speak up and demand they be heard by voting. These two amendments that will be in the upcoming election and will have an impact on Louisiananians. Hopefully learning about these will encourage you to get further informed. Amendment 1 This amendment is for the “prohibiting of convicted felons from holding or seeking an “appointment of honor, trust, or profit in this state.” Meaning that convicted felons would not be able to qualify to hold office after serving a sentence and therefore respecting the title of certain offices and preventing corrupt candidates from holding a public office positions. Amendment 2 Unanimous Juries for felony cases This amendment is to remove the current 10 to 12 juror law. This amendment will make it mandatory that all 12 jurors must vote yes for guilty or no for guilty in order for a person to be convicted for a felony. The current law placed directly in conjunction with the 1898 Constitutional Convention States. The mission in mind was to be able to legally convict African Americans of crimes without being unconstitutional. This law affects many minorities today and the choice is yours to choose freedom. For information on voting and the upcoming election check your district and its representatives online and make the best decision for YOUR future.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! Submit your Letter to the Editor digest@subr.edu ATTN: EIC ~ Deadline is Friday’s at 1pm.
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up for everybody at the same time. If anything seniors, not freshmen and sophomores should have first dibs at classes because we’re trying to graduate. Also, if this is priority registration, the Academic Calendar should have clarified that,” said Johnson. Deborah Coleman, a 23 year old junior mass communications major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana has a similar feeling about registration. “If registration wasn’t going to be open for everybody,
3266 Plank Rd. • 225-359-6301
REGISTRATION from page 1 they should’ve told us that. They sent an email later but they should’ve either sent that email before or had something about the 29th on the Academic Calendar. It just feels made up because the Academic Calendar doesn’t even have the 29th as an important date at all,” says Coleman. Students have expressed confusion and some mistrust, but rest assured that Spring 2019 registration is now open on banner for all students. FAFSA from page 1
will be chosen from the individual schools. Another issue with completing their FAFSA that many students have noted to be a problem is when they call the Help Desk on the FAFSA website. Not only will LELA help with your FAFSA completion, but if there is anything that the Help Desk would be needed for, LELA officials will also be available to help you navigate conversation with the Help Desk. “I think it makes the whole college process seem a lot less intimidating. Filling out your FAFSA can be confusing for someone who’s never had to do it before especially if the parents didn’t go to college,” said Oriana Broussard, a senior political science major from Carencro, Louisiana. Speaking with Sharmaine Lazard-Talbert, Scholarship Coordinator in Southern University’s Office of Financial Aid, she spoke briefly on some of the things she stresses to the high school students she speaks to through LELA. “Normally,
when
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you
complete the FAFSA, it’ll tell you to contact the school. But also, students receive a Student Aid Report.” said Talbert. The Student Aid Report contains numerous pieces of information such as completed forms, as well as comments highlighting what steps come next in regards to you receiving your Financial Aid package. Whenever a change is made to your FAFSA, that change is documented on your Student Aid Report and can be seen immediately by the student. After your FAFSA is completed, Talbert emphasized the importance of keeping track of the content of the students individual student aid reports. “It’s a great opportunity for high school students to have that transparent, one-on-one conversation with someone who actually knows how the Financial Aid process works.” said Talbert when asked her thoughts on the importance of what the Office of Financial Aid’s partnership with LELA means for future college students.
serves as the advisor to the Student Nurses’ Association and has watched the walk grow each October, but this year’s walk was one for the books. “This year is the first time that not only are we doing the breast cancer awareness walk, but noting that October is also domestic violence awareness month,” Garner said. “Recently, the nursing community lost a nurse, Gabrielle Bessix, who was also a graduate of the School of Nursing. One Monday morning in August, the 27 year old had just finished up a nursing shift. She picked up her young daughter and returned home for the last time. Bessix’s life had been cut short in a murdersuicide committed by a former partner of hers. “It’s kind of quiet out here, we don’t have trouble,” neighbor Elaine Doyle noted in a report by The Advocate about the College Drive neighborhood where Bessix resided. “You very seldom see anything around here.” That is why Southern University and many partnering organizations encourage awareness and the “See something, say something” initiative. Many women suffer domestic violence in silence, so it is the duty of family, friends, and bystanders to look out and speak up for one another. Also in attendance was the Butterfly Society, a local domestic violence advocacy group and support network for victims. Monday’s walk was open to students, faculty, and community members, but that SNA missed one in particular. “Donna Britt from WAFB news has been a part of this and a long-time supporter of Southern University and the School of Nursing. Since our conception of this walk in the fall of ‘15, she participated for the first two years up until last year when she was wheelchair-bound and unable to participate with us. We want to let Mrs. Britt know that we have not forgotten about her and that we appreciate her supporting us for as long as she has.” As October comes to an end, be encouraged to fight the good fight for yourself and your peers not only in October, but yearround. Domestic violence and breast cancer can be haunting, but strength comes in numbers and the SNA will be rallying for years to come. You can catch the SNA at their walk next October or visit their Instagram @SUSONSNA to stay informed.
4 SPORTS
Sports The Southern DIGEST • TUESDAY • OCTOBER 30 • 2018
Streaking Lady Jags Pummel Texas Southern in weekend play Debrandin Brown ● DIGEST Staff Editor
Momentum powers Jags through Jackson State James Eaglin, Jr. ● DIGEST Staff Sports Editor
Prior to September 29, the Southern University Jaguars football team was trending upward in the eyes of many. The team was 2-2 at the time, but undefeated in conference play, after beating Alabama A&M 29-27 in Mobile the week before. Sophomore QB John Lampley was starting to gain control of the offense as the starting QB. Senior defensive back Demerio Houston was named to the Black College Football Player of the Year watch list. Everything was falling right into play. . . then came homecoming. On a rainy September night, in
front of 19,000+, Alcorn State held Southern to only eleven first downs and 139 yards of total offense. A 28yd Martell Fontenot field goal was the only thing preventing Southern from being held scoreless, losing 20-3 to the Braves. Emotions were everywhere, speculations were scattered, and arguments were a-plenty. Many began to question the thought of Southern having a chance of winning a championship. Head coach Dawson Odums was not one of them. “It hurt them losing that game, but I think we’re in the predicament that we’re in because of that hurt.” Odums took advantage of the
following bye week to bring the team together mentally. Since then, they completed their Texas road trip 2-0, outsourcing Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern 59-7. The only road block preventing the Jaguars from finishing the month of October undefeated was Jackson State. If there was ever such a thing as a ‘second homecoming’, it took place last Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium. The Boombox Classic returned to the Bluff for the first time since 2015. Many fans came anticipating the band performances before and after the game, but Odums and the Jaguars see SECOND COMING on page 10
Moving Forward: Men and Women’s Basketball Debrandin Brown ● DIGEST Staff Editor
With both teams coming off of successful seasons, the Southern University men’s and women’s basketball teams held their team previews on October 27, 2018, in the F. G. Clark Activity Center, where fans could come out and meet this year’s teams. The event was sponsored by the Jaguar Geaux Team. When talking to Blake M. Reddick, a member of the Geaux Team, he spoke on exactly what he was looking forward to most this season. “Conference play. Getting the crowd pumped and [creating] some intensity. Where I’m from, the best thing you had were district games. That environment makes the players want to play hard.” said Reddick. The afternoon kicked off with a
multi-song set by the Human Jukebox marching band, which served to energize the crowd. Following some interactive crowd games, the two basketball teams took the floor. Each player was announced coming out of the tunnel in true pregame fashion. As they were introduced, each player threw prizes into the stands. The men’s team finished the event with a high energy scrimmage that included an offense that served to get the crowd out of their seats and electrified. Afterwards, players were available for autograph and picture sessions. Speaking to the Lady Jags head coach, Carlos Funchess, he was able to give insight on his expectations for his girls this season with less than a week before tipoff: “We want to execute, play with effort, and play as a team. That’s what we’re going to have to do to be successful and win a championship
this year.” With the addition of head coach, Sean Woods, expectations have also mounted for the men’s team to start the season. Speaking to Mubashar Ali, a sophomore forward on the team, he had this to say in regards to his excitement level for the season, as well as having a coach such as Sean Woods leading the team now. “I’m very excited. Coach Woods is coming in expecting greatness of the bat. His track record speaks for himself, and he has a better chance at taking us to where we want to go as a team.” said Ali. The Lady Jags’ schedule kicks off versus Milsaps on November 6th. The men’s basketball season kicks off on November 6th at Alabama, with their first home game being against George Mason on November 17.
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Looking for their fourth win in five games, the Lady Jaguars volleyball team took on the Texas Southern University Lady Tigers in what was their 1st in a string of four home games in a row for the Jags. The game started with the Lady Jags taking an early lead in the first set of play. Although the Lady Tigers of TSU made it close towards at the end, the Lady Jags were able to create distance towards the end of the set through the play of Brianna Hawkins. Unlike the first set, the second was completely dominated by the Lady Jags, as they did not trail in the entirety of the set. Strong play from Paige Hall and Shelby Jolly sparked a strong start for the set, as team blocking down the stretch propelled the Jags to a 25-1-0 set victory. The third set was different from the others in the sense that the energy the Lady Jags played with throughout the first and second sets seemed to be lacking in the third as they fell down early to TSU. The third set saw a lapse in execution from the Lady Jags in their blocking and overall intensity that both coaches and players agree were more mental mistakes by the Jaguars than better execution from the Lady Tigers. “I think they didn’t really do anything. It was more us making mistakes.” said Brianna Hawkins, junior right side from Chandler, Arizona. Hawkins continued on to say that the difference in the fourth set following their 25-14 loss in the third was that the team “fought more and came out with my more energy.” Unlike any other set up to this point, the fourth and final set showcased the Lady Jaguar’s ability to close out close contests. With neither side leading by more than five for the entire set, the fourth set saw the Lady Jags activate their blocking and transitions in a more effect manner than they had in the third. see VOLLEYBALL on page 5
SPORTS 5
Sports The Southern DIGEST • TUESDAY • OCTOBER 30 • 2018
Granger’s Tale: A sit-down with former NFL player /SU football standout Adriana Trosclair ● DIGEST Staff Writer
Charlie Granger was a former Southern University football player. A three-year starter at Southern, Granger was apart of the program that beat Grambling three times through 1958-60. As a two-time All-American and three-year starter for the Jaguars, he won the 1960 Black College National Championship under coach A.W. “Ace’’ Mumford. Portraying how it felt playing under the coach, Granger stated, “It was great playing under him because he was very offensive minded and cautious.” Not only performing in football, he played as an All-American in track and field. Catching on quickly, Granger tossed a discus 147 feet on his first attempt, the summer of his freshman year. This lead him to become one of six members of the 2010 SWAC Hall Of Fame Class. Granger remarked, “I knew that coming into Southern that it would be up to me, and for any athlete looking for an athletic career with Southern you have had to prepare yourself three years earlier before coming.” Throughout the peak of his career, he overcame and accomplished more than most. Entering the NFL, Charlie’s first season was spent between two teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the St. Louis Cardinals. Granger was the first black man to start on the cowboys offensive line. “I didn’t have time to think about it because I knew they had a stop clock on me. I knew that the degree of difficulty would be bad and I was just trying to be the best that I could be and showing how fast I can think, ” Granger reflected on the Cowboys. Granger played in a time when rules and regulations were less restrictive
SECOND COMING from page 4
kept fans entertained throughout the whole game. It started with special teams. After forcing a JSU punt midway through the first quarter, Demario Houston returned the kick 36 yards, giving Southern a short field to work with on offense. 96 seconds later, Ladarius Skelton, in his third week as the new starting QB, found himself in the endzone for the first time of the night, giving the Jaguars a 7-0 lead, Skelton would later find WR Trey Smith for a touchdown through the air before the end of the first quarter, giving the Jags a 14-0 advantage. Skelton finished the game 5/14 for 61 yards passing and 89 rushing yards.
#74 Charlie Granger Photo at the 1961 National Championship (Courtesy/Charlie Granger)
than current. “Now in this time, it’s much easier to say the least because when I was playing we were given four seconds to block the man in front of you. The defensive end which was going to be in front of me is offensive tackle. He was going to hit me at least 5 times. BAM!BAM!BAM!BAM!BAM!” Granger remembers. “ I had sneaky skills. I had speed that nobody knew I had. I could dribble a basketball like a globe trotter and I was strong as an ox,” he bragged. He also mentioned how he felt about black athletes choosing PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions) rather than HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) for athletic careers. “I think black women now-a-days are having kids, and I don’t know where
they are coming from. I’m wondering how these black women have all these kids that are so tall... It’s one of the greatest wonders of the world. We have told our world, the black world, that we are doing one of the most magnificent things . But there were so many of us in football and basketball, they can’t do anything about it now.” Continuing the conversation, Charlie shared his thoughts on Colin Kaepernick’s situation. Discussing how he felt about the boundaries between sports and politics, Granger stated, “The president knew what he was getting when he got Kaepernick.” Charlie Granger will be inducted into the Southern Hall Of on Friday November 2nd.
VOLLEYBALL from page 4
When asked what was different in the fourth set as compared to the third, Paige Hall had this to say, “They were unable to get a pass to the back row, so we were able to utilize the holes [in the back row.]”. Hall, a senior right side from Arlington, Texas, played a major role in the improved blocking seen from the Jags in the concluding set. When asked what she thinks sparked her team’s renewed sense of urgency in the 4th set, Coach Venessa Jacob’s message was clear. “If you want don’t want to go into a fifth [set] and lose, it’s going to have everything to do with how you got out and play your game,” said Coach Jacobs in her message to her team late in the fourth set. The Lady Jags went on to go on a 5-1 run to end the set and win the Senior, Middle Blocker, Paige Hall, deflects a shot from Texas Southern on October 28, 2018 inside game with a score of 3-1. Seymour Gym. (Kyndall Jones/DIGEST)
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Defensively, Odums commented following the game that the unit was showing flashes of the 2013 Jaguar defense, that finished the season hoisting hardware in Houston, TX. Junior linebacker Calvin Lumpkins forced a fumble that Houston was able to return for a touchdown in the second quarter, extending Southern’s lead entering haltime to 21-0. Another takeaway from the game was the number of non-offensive touchdowns. Following JSU’s only touchdown in the second half via a kickoff return, freshman running back Shontega Thomas returned the ensuing kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown, bringing the game to 28-7. Freshman linebacker Jordan Lewis scored the final touchdown of the game after forcing a fumble on special teams, recovering the football, and running into the end zone. Even when the offense was forced to punt, sophomore K Caesar Barajas was able to flip the field all night, averaging 47 yards per punt. Martell Fontenot converted 2 out of 3 field goal attempts. The final score 41-7, in favor of the Jaguars. Coach Odums summarized it best: “When you look at a season, [you have to look at] what was the turning point... We lost homecoming, we sit around for two weeks, and everybody write you off... When we don’t play well, you got a bunch of questions, when we play well, you got to find questions. But in the locker room, we got all the answers,” After going undefeated in the month of October, Southern has secured its sixth straight non-losing season. The team will have a bye week before they face of against Arkansas-Pine Bluff for senior night.
6 PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Contestants for the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Miss Black and Gold Pageant present themselves in their evening wear on October 24, in the event center. (Kyndall Jones/DIGEST)
Join Student Media The Southern DIGEST • TUESDAY • OCTOBER 30 • 2018
Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. stroll during the Jackson State versus Southern Pre-game tailgating on Saturday, October 27. (Adriana Trosclair/DIGEST)
Sophomore, forward, Mubashar Ali goes up for the dunk during the dunking contest at the Basketball Pandemonium October 27 at the F.G Clark Activity Center. (E’Laziah Nickerson/DIGEST)
Southern University nursing students distributing candy to children at the Boo @ SU event presented by Student Affairs and Enrollment Management on Fisher Hall Lawn on October 28. (A’Yanna Muigua/DIGEST)
The Volleyball team cheers on their fellow teammates as they get their match point against TSU on Sunday, October 28 in Seymour Gym. (Kyndall Jones/DIGEST)
Members of the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi stroll as the Dj plays some tunes at the Boombox Classic Pep rally on Friday, October 26 in the Event Center. (Kennedy Madison-Abney/DIGEST)
Southern University students dressed as Scooby-Doo and a ghost entertain children near the “Think Smart, Be Safe, Live Great” display table at the Boo @ SU event presented by Student Affairs and Enrollment Management on Fisher Hall Lawn on October 28. (A’Yanna Muigua/DIGEST)
Southern Univeristy students participating in the “Train Like an Alpha” held on October 25 in Seymour Gym. (Bailie Boyd/DIGEST)
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VOTER EDUCATION 7
Advertisement The Southern DIGEST • TUESDAY • OCTOBER 30 • 2018
ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 6, 2018
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2018 LOUISIANA CONSTITUTIONAL BALLOT AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT 1 Prohibit felon from public office
AMENDMENT 5 Extend eligibility for tax exemptions
To prohibit convicted felons from seeking or holding public office or appointment within five years of completion of their sentence unless they are pardoned.
To extend eligibility for the following special property tax treatments to property in trust: the special assessment level for property tax valuation, the property tax exemption for property of a disabled veteran, and the property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a person who died while performing their duties as a first responder, active duty member of the military, or law enforcement or fire protection officer.
AMENDMENT 2 Unanimous jury for noncapital felonies
AMENDMENT 6 Reappraisal of residential property
To require a unanimous jury verdict in all noncapital felony cases for offenses committed on or after Jan. 1, 2019.
To require that any reappraisal of the value of residential property by more than 50 percent, resulting in an increase in property taxes, be phased in over four years, during which time no additional reappraisal can occur and that the decrease in the total property tax collected as a result of the phase-in of assessed valuation be absorbed by the taxing authority and not allocated to the other taxpayers.
AMENDMENT 3 Permit donations from political subdivisions To permit the donation of the use of public equipment and personnel by one political subdivision to another political subdivision for authorized activities or functions.
State-Wide Ballot item: The Louisiana Fantasy Sports Contests Act
AMENDMENT 4 Transportation Trust Fund
Although not a constitutional amendment, this item will appear on all ballots statewide on November 6.
To remove authority to appropriate or dedicate monies in the Transportation Trust Fund to State Police for traffic control purposes.
For more information, go to:
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www.sus.edu/vote #SUvotes #WhenWeAllVote
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8 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Arts & Entertainment The Southern DIGEST • TUESDAY • OCTOBER 30 • 2018
PHORBES: Alpha Week 2018 Leah Williams ● DIGEST Staff Writer
Last week, the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosted their annual Alpha Week. The theme this year was Phorbes Magazine. The fraternity hosted an event almost every day of the week. They kicked off their week on Monday, October 22 with “A Tribute to the Black Woman.” The event was held in the Cotillion Ballroom in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. The men partnered with the women of the Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,Inc. for this event. Following this event, they hosted a professional development event called “Secure the Bag.” They partnered with the women of the Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for this event. On Tuesday morning, they went to talk to high school students at Southern University Laboratory School about going to college. Later that evening, they hosted a domestic violence seminar, called “My Black is Gold,” in TT Allain. On Wednesday, they were supposed to have “Ice Cold Pretty Wednesday” with the Deltas outside of the union. Many students showed up, but there was no DJ. Some students pulled their cars up in front of the union and blasted music so they could still have something to dance to. Several Alphas and Deltas
Jordan Ezell, a 21 year old nursing major from Mobile, Alabama gets crowned as the 2018-19 Miss Black and Gold by Miss Black and Gold 2017-18 Alana Stevenson, on October 24, 2018 in the event center. (Kyndall Jones/DIGEST)
were inside taking their graduation pictures and supporting their friends inside of the Cotillion Ballroom during the Pretty Wednesday time. That evening, they held their annual Miss Black and Gold Pageant. The theme was “Phorbes Woman,
Self-Made Majesty: My Black is Gold” Miss Black and Gold. Ty’ra Mack, a in the Event Center. Jordan Ezell, 20 year old accounting major from a 21-year-old nursing major from Lake Charles, Louisiana did not win, Mobile, Alabama was crowned the but she still enjoyed her experience. Beta Sigma Chapter’s 2018-2019 “Miss Black and Gold Pageant was Miss Black and Gold. She will go on to compete in the district level see ALPHA WEEK on page 10
“Sex Me”: Confessions of Daddy’s Little Freak (Book Review) Najeri Evans ● DIGEST A&E Editor
Ella Dodor ● DIGEST Staff Writer
An anonymous confessional was recently published surrounding specific details of American singer, songwriter, producer, R. Kelly’s recurring allegations of sexual misbehavior.
The Greater Baton Rouge state fair is an annual event that occurs usually around the month of October in Baton Rouge Louisiana. This year, it is an eleven-day event, from October 25th to the 4th of November at the BREC Airline Highway Park Fairgrounds.
“Sex Me is the story of an around the way girl from the south side of Chicago, who connects with her celebrity crush and finds herself living out her fantasies with a sick twist. She unmasks the man she’s admired for decades, only to find demons within.”
According to the Greater Baton Rouge fair official website, “The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair began in 1965 when two existing Baton Rouge Jaycee Projects - a Trade Show and a Carnival - were combined.” Since then, the location has varied, going from the old downtown airport, to a vacant land near the Cortana mall, to finally, the BREC Airline Highway Park/ Fairgrounds.
Beginning the book with an open letter, the author writes to ‘Daddy’. “Me telling this story is ultimately apart of my healing. It makes me feel good to know that there may be someone out there who can relate to my feelings and experiences, understand our struggle and make better decisions because of it.” From the age of four, the author describes the undying passion she felt for the superstar. Together with her cousin, at age 16, she creates a plan to find R. Kelly, and make him fall in love with her. With success, the author gains the celebrity’s attention at a show, where they make plans to
Greater Baton Rouge State Fair
meet again. Upon one of their first encounters, he coerces the young girl, “Ok babygirl, but do me a favor. Always call me daddy.” They grow closer as the author
discusses both the joy and turmoil the relationship brings to to her. “Confessions of sex, obsession, manipulation, control, betrayal, see R KELLY on page 10
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Maintaining the fair has proven to be difficult as over the years the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair Foundation ran into numerous problems like weather, loosing rights over the fairground which have been sold to repay debts and many more. In fact, the fair has been cancelled in 2005 for weather reasons. “In 2005, weather once see GBR FAIR on page 10
Arts & Entertainment The Southern DIGEST • TUESDAY • OCTOBER 30 • 2018
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 9
Southern’s Declassified Halloween Survival Guide Diamond Butler ● DIGEST Staff Writer
Halloween is the one day of the year where everyone goes full out with dressing up, throwing parties, and having fun. Across the country, adults and children dress up into costumes for trick-or-treating or for Halloween costume parties. Aneisha Tyson, a 23-yearold, Mass Communication sophomore, says that her favorite thing about Halloween is “the different costume ideas people would come up with.” Halloween is celebrated every year on October 31st. The history of Halloween goes back around 2,000 years ago. It was first called All Hallows’ Eve. This day was an ancient Celtic festival to celebrate Samhain, which is a festival to mark the end
not using substances that will irritate your skin or is not too bulky. Don’t have weapons that would have someone fear that you may harm them and that it’s easy for someone to get the reference. Overall, if you remember these tips you will have a horrifying costume that everyone will love.
of the harvesting season. On that day people would light candles on the graves and make bonfires. They’d go to church services and wear costumes to ward off spirits. Now, Halloween is a holiday for fun and games. Most of the activities center around creating jack-o-lanterns for decorations, playing pranks, telling scary ghost stories, going to haunted attractions and watching horror films. college, Halloween is when sororities and fraternities throw the best parties. Throughout campus, you will see people walking around dressed up as their favorite characters, icons or something from their imagination. Southern University senior, Lionel Lee Jr., states that in his opinion “the best type of Halloween costume are the Internet meme costumes.” However,
DIGEST ART
In
when it comes to picking Halloween costumes, there are certain things you should and should not do. When putting together your outfit make sure that it is something that you will be comfortable in, make you look good and BE CREATIVE!! There are also things that you should not do when making your costume.
Do not wear anything unflattering for your body type, do not wear anything offensive to anyone or any specific culture. Most of all don’t have a basic costume or limit yourself. It’s Halloween it is a time for you to go all out and sometimes out of your comfort zone. When creating your costume make sure you’re
It is very important to ensure that you are in a safe environment for Halloween. Festivities are fun, but there can be moments that leave you vulnerable and in danger. Here are a few essential tips to remember, not just for Halloween, but in general to ensure your safety. First of all, keep your phone on and make sure it’s charged, so if your feeling like you’re in any danger, you can call the campus police or local authorities to come and make sure things are alright. Keep emergency cash on hand, so if you need a ride home, you can call an Uber to come and pick you up. Travel with friends. A predator is less likely to see HALLOWEEN on page 10
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Returning to Southern University by Sonja Bell My name is SONJA BELL. I’m a nontraditional student. I returned to Southern University after 28 years, to pursue a degree in music. I must admit the thought of returning was somewhat intimidating. I knew there would be challenges I would face academically, socially, and due to a prior accident,
physically. However, Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” so I said yes to the challenges. It was surreal walking into Harris Hall and seeing Ms. Marvel Hughes, Academic Advisor of the Center for Student Success. Ms. Hughes was my academic advisor 30 years ago and I did work study in her office in Stewart Hall. She is the same loving, supportive, and motivating person that she was then - telling me I could do it. That I could succeed in achieving my college degree. My first semester returning to Southern University was the Spring of 2018. That experience helped to dispel each of the challenges that I previously feared. The Southern University administration, faculty, and student body have been embracing and welcoming. The courtesy and extension of support and help has been amazing. Various faculty members have extended
help to me during their office hours for additional support and instruction. The student body is second to none. The young men and ladies alike have been so respectful -holding doors open, responding with “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am”, carrying my backpack, and even inviting me to study sessions. I never imagined I’d be so welcomed and at home or that I’d find myself enjoying studying in the library and Southern Grind with students younger than my own children. I’d thought to myself they would not embrace me because no student wants to go to school and see their mom across the classroom. However, I’ve never been more accepted. I feel honored to be a part of this outstanding student body. The staff is also befriending, pleasant, and warm. Southern University is a family and has a very nurturing environment.
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It’s wonderful to see that 30 years have gone by and our society has changed so much, yet SU still has an old-school at-home persona. My experiences at SU are most memorable. The other day a student, Carlos, brought my book bag up two flights of stairs in T.T. Alain. I have a back and leg injury so managing my book bag is sometimes a challenge. However, help from a passing students has become commonplace, and this is just a taste of the compassion and acts of kindness I see each week. The experience has been so wonderful that I was motivated to go on. God is faithful. I’ve done better academically than I did 28 years ago. Southern University is a thriving well-oiled machine, providing optimum educational opportunities to all. It’s never too late to come back to school and complete your degree or to just get started.
10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT such a great experience,” said Mack.
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HalloWednesday Wednesday, October 31 12:30-2 p.m.
Smith-Brown Union Cotillion Ballroom Special Guests- Food- Costume Contest- Photo Booth-DJ Neff #SUvotes #WhenWeAllVote
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Like most of the pageants on campus, the crowd was full, with not only Southern students being in the crowd. Deandre Louis, a 21-yearold student from BRCC says he enjoys pageants at Southern. “It was cool, pageants at Southern are always lit, especially between events when they’re in the back changing and the DJ is playing music,” said Louis. Thursday was “Train like an Alpha,” were female students teamed up and battled against each other
Arts & Entertainment The Southern DIGEST • TUESDAY • OCTOBER 30 • 2018 ALPHA WEEK from page 8 with strolls taught to them by the Alphas. Alexis Jones, a 19-year-old sophomore nursing major competed in the event. She says it was a great and memorable experience. “It was exhilarating. I came out of my comfort zone and I met a lot of new people. We put in a lot of hard work and it was great to see how it all paid off in the end. It was definitely an experience I will remember,” said Jones.
Saturday, they hosted a tailgate around the Alpha tree before the Jackson State game. R KELLY from page 8
abuse, and survival; an erotic, skin-chilling look into what it was really like surviving ‘Daddy’.” Throughout her journey, the author learns of other girls with a relationship similar to hers with the star. Warned of human trafficking rings, addiction, and abuse of power among other things, the author becomes weary. Over time, the relationship shifts. Once her perfect image of a man, she tells of severe beatings given by the artist, often a result of drug abuse. Continuing to spiral with the star, enough becomes enough when she flees home. Releasing herself from him for good, she is left brokenhearted and mournful. Prior to the publication of this story, R. Kelly was
infamous for various misconducts, including urinating on a minor, and falsifying a birth certificate to marry deceased singer, Aaliyah, a minor who was 15-years-old. As allegations continued to rise, movement #MuteRKelly was started in an effort to mute, “R&B singer, Robert “R” Kelly, due to his 25 year history of sexual, physical and emotional abuse allegations. While he hasn’t been found guilty in a court of law, the evidence is overwhelming that he has created an uninterrupted pattern of sexual violence in the African American community that must be stopped. If the court system is unable t protect our young black women and girls, we must step forward to do so ourselves.” HALLOWEEN from page 9
attack a group. Finally, if you’re alone is to trust your instincts. On Halloween night, most people are in costumes and masks, so you don’t know who you’re near or who is watching. If your gut is telling you something is wrong, then the best option is to listen to it and to get yourself to a safe place. Now, these tips do not just apply to a person alone they also use to those in a group and going to a costume party. Though groups on Halloween night still have to obey the laws and regulations, have a buddy system, and that they know who they are around. While you’re at a party you need to know your limits, watch what your drinking and to most of all keep track of your possessions. Do not
use this night to drink too much. Southern University Professor Antoinette McDonald-Ellis advises students to “stay together in groups and to have a designated driver.” Though while your partying you may not always be fully aware, but it’s an excellent choice to keep these other tips in the back of your head, so you’re prepared continuously. Now you got the rules of making your costume, and you know the safety tips for when you’re out on Halloween night. Now it is time for you to go out there and have some fun, take some selfies to remember this moment with your friends and maybe eat some candy. So be safe, don’t drink and drive and have an ever amazingly spooky Halloween!
GBR FAIR from page 8
again played an important part in our fair’s history. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita visited south Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, virtually demolishing everything south of I-10 from Texas all the way east to the Alabama/Florida border. FEMA requested the use of the fairgrounds as a staging area for their equipment used in relief areas.” This year, on Thursday October 25 2018, the remnants, Louisiana’s premier ‘60s experience will be going on from 6:008:00pm. On Friday, Clay Parker & Jodi James, and strange theories will be providing entertainment followed by Old Dawgs, cold grits, Burnhouse, David St Romain on the next day. There will be a scholarship presentation by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, followed by performances by : Tomplay, Steam Wheel, Naydja CoJoe & the Lagniappe section on Sunday; there will be a karaoke contest on Monday; Doc Hearl one horse band will be performing on Tuesday. Entertainment on the next days are as followed: Rae & the line on Wednesday; Cumberland county on Thursday; Justin McGain project and Micah Lipsmeyer & the Gunslingers on Friday; Studio4, the Anteeks, Sara Collins, Nashville south on Saturday; and to finish, Paul & Pete Band with Special Guest Randy Albarez , Richard Lebouef & two step and chubby carrier on the last day Sunday November 4, 2018. The attractions each day will be provided by: Magician Tim Spinosa, Mitchell brothers’ amusements, Noah’s way exotic petting zoo, pages globe of death, Swifty swine racing pigs, and washboard Willy. Many students on Southern’s campus plan to attend or already attended the fair, like Kiyanna Givens a sophomore, mass communication major, from Baton Rouge Louisiana. She elaborates by saying: “I haven’t been to the fair yet, but I want to go”. On the other hand some students, more precisely who are not from the Baton Rouge area, are not aware of the fair. Taija StonnerHarris, a senior majoring in chemistry, from Rock Island, IL, states “I did not even know it was going on” when asked the question: “will you be attending the fair this year?”
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COMMENTARY 11
Commentary The Southern DIGEST • TUESDAY • OCTOBER 30 • 2018
JAGUAR SPEAKOUT Q: What would you do if you won the lottery? (Adriana Trosclair/DIGEST)
Jalecia Millier Major: Mechanical Engineering Classification: Freshman “If i won the mega million i would pay church tithes and also give back to people who truly need and want to do somthing with their lives. Motivating and also helping peple do the right thing as well.” Anston Broadway Major: Accounting Classification: Freshman “If i were to win the mega million, I would use it to assist my aspirations of being a music artist and invest in projects that i feel would benefit my community.”
Tyiah Davis Major: Biology Classification: Junior “If i would have won the mega million I would pay off student loans and pay for med school. Then i would also give my family members 6 million each and travel the world.” Obajawon Santinac Major: Criminal Justice Classification: Freshman “If I won the mega million I would make sure my grandma got the car she wants, take her on all the trips she wants, make sure my famliy straight, make sure i’m straight, and make sure all my dogs eat fasho.” EDITORIAL 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 Commentary pages (Including Sports Commentaries). 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 emailed to digest@subr.edu
Financial Aid: Wyd? Rocelyn Hamilton ● DIGEST Staff Writer
article though.)
This past week, our financial aid department went out to help students in high schools with the FAFSA process and to learn more about financial aid. Simply filling out and completing your FAFSA application is a very crucial, and important step in getting financial aid for college, and it is very easy for things to go wrong VERY quickly. You also want to make sure that you take advantage and fill out your FAFSA early, especially since it now opens October 1st and not in January. (Which means, that you should probably either go fill out or renew your FAFSA like ASAP, no Rocky. After you finish reading this
It’s cute that our people in financial aid are going out and helping high school students, because I remember how confusing it was when I was applying for financial aid, and having that help definitely would have made a difference. However, I just find it funny how...they can’t help the students who are already here. Like...what about us? We still exist too. And we’re still struggling too. The few times I have been in financial aid, I’ve been able to actually get the help I need and not have to cuss anyone out, but of course that doesn’t happen to everyone. Still, absolutely nobody wants to have to deal with financial aid because we already know, it’s going to be this extra long drawn
out process that we have to mentally prepare for, when in all reality, it shouldn’t be. Why is it that we as students have to jump through hoops for even the smallest bit of information? We have to go all around campus, or perhaps play phone tag with three different people, when nine times out ten, they (people in financial aid) have the answers sitting in front of them or they know exactly who we need to go to. Make it make sense, please. Honestly, a lot of students would be nicer or wouldn’t be as hostile if our financial aid department was more helpful or more understanding to whatever our situation may be at the time. Like a lot of the times, we come in there trying
to fix something because we weren’t told the right information about it and they look us like we’re the dumb ones. Uhm..weren’t you the ones who gave us this information in the first place? There’s nothing wrong with them going out and helping these students because they’ll honestly need it. Like I said before, I wish I was able to get more help when I was filling out my FAFSA, and just more help understanding how everything would work. As an out-of-state student especially, things tend to get confusing and miscommunicated faster than I would like. But just as fast as things can go wrong, I need financial to be a little bit faster and help us here back at home too.
Let’s Talk About Greatness Debrandin Brown ● Commentary Editor
Greatness can be observed and admired from a myriad of sources in art, competition, and culture. In terms of college marching bands however, the greatness that has been put on display by our own Human Jukebox isn’t only redundantly obvious, but overwhelming unprecedented. In terms of HBCUs, and colleges in general, there have always been great marching bands. From Prairie View to Jackson State, there are numerous bands who have their own claim to the crown, but when you speak about the Human Jukebox, the conversation needs to be different.
Through a change in band directors, to having to replace senior talent on a yearly basis, the excellence that the Jukebox has been known for around the SWAC has never faltered and has never came short of being great. Through all of the adversity that has come onto our band and university, the standard of greatness that Southern holds its marching band too has stayed consistent. What it ultimately comes down to is that we have had our fair share of adversity as a school, and many things beyond our control are seemingly taking place during every waking moment of campus life. Year in and year out though, whether it be with seniors or
crabs, we have been great. If sustainability is as big a part in being great as I believe it to be, then this alone should put us in a class of our own. It’s not only the sustainability though, but our name itself that gives us the edge over anyone else. When you’re in the stadium and the football team is down at halftime, most stadiums would be emptying out into the concession stands and restrooms to await the third quarter. When the announcer comes on and says that the Jukebox is performing however, every ear that can listen stands at attention. That isn’t just respect for the latest rendition of “Just a Friend”;, that’s respect for the name, “The Human Jukebox”.
The Human Jukebox has been the standard of excellence that college bands have sought to achieve since the turn of the century, and still in 2018, we are the standard that bands from all around attempt to emulate in hopes of replicating the greatness seen from our band on a day-in and day-our basis. In the case of our Human Jukebox, the fashion in which we have dominated performances over the years speaks for itself. These days though, there are far too many who claim to be our equals. Just as things have always been in the hierarchy of college bands however, we are still ahead by a mile, and no, it isn’t even close.
The Importance of Fine Arts Hannah Schlanman ● DIGEST Staff Writer
Fines arts are the fundamentals of creativity through the mind, body, and soul. Fine arts programs over the years could argue that they have been significantly beneficial and is one of those subjects that doesn’t take much definition in regards to how it is to be done. The arts can be categorized as theater performance, poetry, painting, drawing, sculpting, and of course the most universally relatable, music. Being a diversified musician, I have grown to appreciate the arts other than just the musical proportion. These six categories of the arts have been around since history has been able to acknowledge their existence. These are also some of the things that were around and established parts of culture before words and text really made their own significance into the world. What I think is most valuable about the arts is that they are a form of progressive and developed history
which gives them various forms which define various significant eras and events. Painting styles of modernism, impressionism, expressionism, abstract, cubism, and surrealism were main western styles that defined multiple centuries. Drawing and sculpting revolved around those concepts during whichever time they were prevalent. While poets like Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe were significant writers of theater performance and textual poetry, I feel that music as a whole is the most predominantly relevant fine art. Music to me is something that is humanely irresistible. Music takes shape in so many forms that it is truly amazing how universal it is, even though the world is so diverse. Music is one of those things that is just good for the soul. Physical art, theater, or poetry might not always be someone’s cup of tea, but music can always be somehow in some way be found relatable. The versatility of music is another reason why I think it’s so important. Country, Rap, R&B, Jazz, Classical,
Reggae, Electronic, Latin, Rock, and Pop all define different genres of this idea of music, but what they all have in common is they make the people and community feel an emotion that is unexplainable. A individual doesn’t have to be good at music to listen to it, or really even fully understand it to interpret their own translation or perception of it. Making music truly a unique power. Fine arts are ultimately one of the most important aspects to individual growth in society, communities, and especially within education. It provides opportunities to be expressive and give expression which is something that I think is a major issue within our society today; that being kids and teens who are subjected to the oppression of certain emotions. Some fine arts take time to progress and develop with technique, some art is more audible with the ability to define a perception from what one hears. I hope to see continual progression of the fine arts, and that they are continually being redefined differently to each different individual.
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