VOLUME 70 - ISSUE 8

LADY JAGUARS FALL TO BAMA

HISTORY RETIRES, A LEGACY REMAINS

SU Athletics Aims Towards Academic Success see Sports PG. 4

see News PG. 3

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

SU Honors College Annual Pinning Ceremony

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

NEWS

JAMMIN WITH THE JUKEBOX Top Spring Break Playlist See A&E PG. 8

Exclusive content @

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Volume 70, Issue 8

SGA Debate & Miss SU Revue Candidates Boast Beauty and Brains

BY DEBRANDIN BROWN DIGEST STAFF WRITER

On Friday, March 16th, the annual Delores Spikes Honors College Pinning Ceremony took place in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Ballroom.

The program is dedicated to the students in the Honors College who have been excelling academically over the fall and spring semesters.

This year’s Pinning Ceremony detailed the individual accomplishments of the students, along with featuring the 2017 cohort’s accomplishments in the short time they have been on campus.

With the Royal Cotillion Ballroom at maximum capacity, there was not a single empty seat in the room. The young men dressed in black jackets and white shirts, while the young women wore a sea of white.

Speeches from the likes of Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, Ann A. Smith and SUS distinguished professor of Physics and Honors College Dean, Dr. Diola Bagayoko provided the opportunity for the students to be imbued with special words of wisdom.

When asked about the success of such a historic Southern event, Dr. Bagayoko decided to give credit to the speaker of the night, Dr. Ann A. See HONORS COLLEGE page 3

Student Goverment Assosciation President-Elect, Anthony Kenney gives a motivational speech to the student body during the ‘Miss Southern Revue’ in The F.G. Clark Activity Center on Friday March 15, 2018.

BY GABRIELLE HUTCHINSON

for that moment.

Candidates then introduced themselves to the audience and six This year’s Student Government Association election season was panelists, preaching and making undeniably one for the books. Last promises to which the crowd Wednesday, the candidates faced responded with cheers and cries of the student body in the traditional support.

“Panelists,” the host started, Miss SU Revue and SGA Debates.

The night was an opportunity “get your questions ready. In order for candidates to woo their peers to qualify, all candidates” were through a series of songs, and required to pass a constitution dances including the Gold N Blues, exam, ensuring that they are striking outfits, and rounds of familiar with codes and laws.

Between pageant rounds, passionate debate. were questioned The F.G. Clark Activity center candidates was transformed into a beautiful about how they would apply that catwalk that welcomed four SGA knowledge, their qualifications and presidential candidates, four Miss experience, their intentions for the Southern University candidates, university, and how they would use and several other class and AWS their platforms to best represent the students. representatives.

Candidates were given 90 The ladies took the stage in an opening number to Beyonce’s seconds to answer each question “Deja Vu,” a fitting title seeing that and Vice Presidential candidate, many of the candidates were bred Kelvin Wells fielded the first DIGEST NEWS EDITOR

Micheal Bingham, candidate for Student Government Association President, gives his speech to the student body during the ‘Miss Southern Revue’ in The F.G. Clark Activity Center on Friday March 15, 2018.

question effortlessly. “Say the same thing, Lela,” an audience member yelled, easing some of the tension.

The night was certainly filled with comic relief through quality entertainment and technical difficulties in the following Miss SU talent portion.

However, tension returned when the SGA Presidential candidates took their seats for debate. Although not as physically demanding as the performances the ladies put on, the debate was undoubtedly intense for the young men -- and they were ready for it.

Panelist, Bria Gremillion, asked the candidates about a highly disputed bill on the latest referendum requiring a one year minimum requirement for elected or appointed positions before being allowed to run for SGA President, Vice President, Chief Justice, and Miss Southern.

With quick wit and solid stance, Carldrick Slaughter opened his answer with, “Thank you for your question. I’ve actually been waiting on it,” to which the crowd erupted with laughter.

It was the hard hitting topics like those on the referendum that helped the crowd make their final decisions for election day on March 16.

Sophomore Biology major, Gabrielle Thomas, supported her favorites from the audience, recalling, “I loved the entrance for the candidates for Miss SU and the debate! Overall it was a well put together program, but I knew I wanted to vote for Darby before I attended.”

Her enthusiasm was shared by 41.4 percent of voters, as her fellow See REVUE/DEBATE page 3

JukeBox or JukeBank

Southern University Director of Bands, Nathan Haymer targeted in recent University lawsuit

BY LANIYA SPENCER DIGEST STAFF WRITER

Last week, a report surfaced that a lawsuit was filed against Southern University, its band director, Nathan Haymer, and several other campus officials.

SU’s Board of Supervisors, the SU Foundation, Tracie Woods, M. Christopher Brown, II, and Ronyelle Richard were also named as defendants within the case.

Octagon Media sued the university, asking to be reimbursed after having to pay out refunds when the band allegedly failed to appear at key events.

THE

OF-

The lawsuit specifically states that Miranda White, owner of Octagon Media, claimed she was approached by Nathan Haymer in regards to organizing an event for the purpose of improving Southern’s reputation and luring in prospect students.

Under the impression that Haymer had the authority to contractually bind Southern University with this event, White immediately began planning, in which she arranged for food, beverages, promotional items, ushers, advertising, venues, traffic control, campus police, EMS, and equipment.

2,306 tickets were sold for the ‘Jukefest’, which was to be held on November 5, 2015.

White claimed that on October 25, 2015, ten days before the event was to occur, Nathan Haymer sent text messages expressing his desires to be compensated ten percent of any proceeds from the event.

In addition, he allegedly requested that she hide this percentage charge from her business.

After denying his requests, Haymer immediately began to back out of the already organized ‘Jukefest’, and for the first time admitted that he really had no authority to hold Southern University to the contractual terms.

See HAYMER page 3

FICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER UNIVERSITY ANDCOLLEGE, A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPEROF OF SOUTHERN SOUTHERN UNIVERSIT Y AND A&M BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

Campus Briefs southerndigest.com

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WHAT’S HAPPENING 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 4,000 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.

articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body.

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Director Heather Freeman ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2017

by The Southern University Office of Publications/Graphics Manager Student Media Services.

Jermaine Proshee All articles, photographs and graphics Advertising/Sales Manager are property of The Southern DIGEST Camela Jackson and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the Editor in Chief and CONTACTS (Area Code 225) Advertising/Sales Office- 771.5833 Director of Student Media Services.

DIGEST Newsroom - 771.2231 The Southern DIGEST is the official The Jaguar Yearbook - 771.5812 student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Articles, at Baton Rouge is accredited by features, opinions, speak out and the Commission on Colleges of the editorials do not necessarily reflect Southern Association of Colleges and the views and opinions of the Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, administration and its policies. Signed Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org.

Spring 2018 Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bria Gremillion MANAGING EDITOR Jacqueline Morgan COPY EDITORS -------------NEWS EDITOR Gabrielle Hutchinson MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Devin Hadrick A&E EDITOR Najeri Evans SPORTS EDITOR James Eaglin, Jr. PHOTO EDITOR Caleb Penn (Interim)

DIGEST STAFF WRITERS Araina Akins Chelsea Beardon Devon Fedrick James Eaglin, Jr. Rocelyn Hamilton Vincent Honey Leah Williams Debrandin Brown Keith Lewis Taylor Jean-Lewis Contara Mayfield Stephanie Mbaya Caleb Penn Yasmere Rashada DeJohn Richardson Ace Wheeler Kerry Wilson DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS Olivia Brock Camryn Hawkins Shomari Moore Julian Alvarez Kyndall Jones

WHAT’S HAPPENING 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.

INTRAMURAL COMPLEX The intramural complex would like to invite all students to play on an intramural co-ed soccer team.

Please visit the intramural complex or contact Coach Tanner at 225771-3212 for more information.

CLIMATE SURVEY All Southern University students are enrolled in the Sexual Assault Prevention Ongoing Education Course. The purpose of the survey is to access students’ perception of safety on campus, and it takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.

Please check Moodle to complete the survey if you have not already done so.

JAGUAR BASEBALL Today, the baseball team will be heading to Hattiesburg, Miss. to play the Southern Miss at 6:00 PM. On Sunday, the Jaguars will take on Prairie View in Prairie View, Texas at 1 PM. JAGUAR SOFTBALL This weekend, the Lady Jaguars will be in a weekend series with the Alcorn State Lady Braves in Baton Rouge, LA. WOMEN’S BOWLING Friday, March 23 the Jaguars will be striking out at the 2018 SWAC Bowling Tournament in Dallas, TX. The time is TBA. TRACK AND FIELD Friday, March 23, the track and field team will be competing against Rice in Houston, TX. WOMEN’S TENNIS This weekend, the Lady Jaguars will be getting on the court against Florida A&M in Tallahassee, FL at 11 AM. FINANCIAL AID The 2018 - 2019 priority deadline to complete the FAFSA application is March 31st. For assistance completing your application, visit the Financial Aid Office.

SPRING BREAK CRAWFISH BOIL ACM Presents the Spring Break Crawfish Boil on March 22 from 1 - 5 PM in the Computer Science Courtyard. Tickets are $10, which will include boiled crawfish, turkey necks, shrimp, corn, potatoes, sausage, and drinks.

GRAD PREP The Southern Univeristy Bookstore will be holding Grad Prep Days today and tomorrow, March 20, 10AM-6PM and March 21st 10AM-4PM in the bookstore. Graduates will be able: Order graduation announcements and purchase a cap and gown.

COMMENCEMENT 2018 Spring 2018 commencement exercises will be held Friday, May 11, 2018 beginning at 10 AM. Graduates will be able to order graduation announcements, purchase a cap and gown and take a free formal gap and gown portrait that will be included in The Jaguar Yearbook.

STUDENT ART EXHIBITION There will be an Invitational Student Art Exhibition Opening Reception held Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 6 PM-8 PM at the Visual Arts Gallery in Hayden Hall. Contact Gallery Director, Robert Cox at 225-771-4103 or send him an email at mailto:Robert_cox@ subr.edu for more information SAVE THE DATE SU Day at the Capitol will be Wednesday March 28. Attendees should make plans to wear columbia blue and gold. Details are forthcoming.

JOHN B. CADE LIBRARY SERVICES Students will be able utilize computer labs and copiers in the student union, T.T. Allain, and the SU Law Library.

A quick reference library section in the Student Center on the first floor of the library will also be available for student use.

COLLEGIATE 100 The Collegiate 100 Men of Southern University present “The Tie Drive”.

Stop by the SU barber shop all semester to donate ties for the men of SU. CUSA TUTORING SERVICES The Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement Tutoring Center offers free and friendly academic tutoring to SU students in Math, Chemistry, Biology and Nursing classes Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The Tutoring Center is located in Stewart Hall, Room 155.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY Coca-Cola UNITED Launches Opportunity for HBCU Students: The ‘Pay It Forward’ Internship aims to provide African-American youth with opportunities. Visit cocacolaunited. com for more info. Students can apply February 1 through March 30, 2018.

SCHOOL OF NURSING Call for Standardized Patients. The pay will be $30/hr in the form of a gift card. For more information, call Shena Williams 225-771-5000.

RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL SUBR is participating in The Home Depot: Retool Your School Program.

The prize is a $50,000 campus improvement grant.

We need you to vote EVERYDAY for SUBR! You can vote multiple times a day. Help the university secure these funds to beautify the campus. Cast your votes at: www.retoolyourschool/vote FOAM PARTY The annual Residential Life and Housing Foam Party will be April 5.

Tickets are now on sale for $10. Visit your nearest Residential Hall Office to purchase presales until March 22.

AFRICAN STUDENTS ORGANIZATION The African Students Organizarion presents African Night: “A Night In Wakanda,” featuring music, culture, dance and comedy on April 21 at 6PM. Admission is free. Location is TBA. NATIONAL ACADEMIC SIGNING DAY The Southern University System and Southern University Alumni Federation Chapters across the country invite high school students accepted into the SUS to its National Academic Signing Day on Saturday, April 21.

Location and time are forthcoming.

COLLEGE NIGHT Southern University presents: College Night on the Bluff. Join officials on April 4 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union from 5 PM - 8 PM. Come out for information about admissions, financial aid, student life, and more.

OFFICE OF RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS The office of admissions and recruitment will be hosting Late Document Submission Night on March 28 in T.H. Harris Hall from 5PM 7PM. The night will include on-site admissions, meeting counselors, and submitting missing documents.

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Tuesday, March 20, 2018 - Page 3

History Retires, a Legacy Remains

BY JACQUELINE MORGAN DIGEST MANAGING EDITOR

Thursday, the Baton Rouge campus of Southern University and A&M College and SUS President-Chancellor Ray Belton bid a farewell to two faculty members who served the university for over 80 years collectively; Horticulturist, James Newton, and Carpenter Foreman, Anthony Clarke.

They are newest retirees of the Physical Plant.

Both men have taken part in making history at the university, and have their own unique recollection of events during their stint.

Newton began his tenure at Southern University in 1968, as a groundskeeper, and has taken pride in being a helping hand and solidifying an aesthetically pleasing campus since.

Clarke joined him 17 years later, beginning his journey at SU as a cabinet maker, and eventually earning the title, Carpenter Foreman.

“I was the first cabinet maker hired at Southern University, and the first master carpenter to be hired as well,” Clarke gleamed.

Over the course of his 50 years at the university, Newton was able to assist in building T.T. Allain, maintaining the upkeep of the football field, and watch several buildings transform, or be built altogether.

Comparably, Clarke led the first remodeling of the President’s House, and took part in transforming the Chapel into what is now the Southern University Museum of Art. On a final tour of the campus, both Newton and Clarke shared firsthand accounts of the making of Southern’s history, primarily focusing on the Smith-Brown Memorial Union, the Southern University Museum of Art, and some of the artifacts in the library.

Stopping at SUMA first on the tour, Newton recalled his 1972 experience during the events leading to the the murder of Leonard Brown and Denver Smith.

“The day the students were gathering, I looked up and I didn’t see nothing but red lights coming. I saw helicopters landing on the practice field,” he described, “They sent us back

On his final tour of the campus, James Newton points to the spot where he remembers Leonard Brown and Denver Smith being gunned down in 1972. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

the next morning to clean up the mess, and the tear gas was so strong... when I went upstairs and looked through the window I saw a big bullet hole. I could stick my finger right through it,” Newton reminisced.

At the time, Dr. G. Leon Netterville was the President.

While visiting the John B. Cade library, Newton showcased one of his greatest accomplishments while working for the university.

Stored there is a large piece of the trunk of a tree, which Newton cut himself and brought to campus from Scott’s Bluff. He deemed it as a historical artifact, after finding several dated messages from SU students on its’ face.

On the tour, Clarke and Newton also shone a light on the numerous grassy fields and lots around campus that were once pathways and

buildings. Remnants of these structures remain until this day.

Students on campus were not shy to express their gratitude and respect for Newton, Clarke, and others who have witnessed SU history.

Junior Political Science major, Darius Smith is a New Orleans native with a rich family history at Southern University.

“I’ve grown up at Southern all my life, so to see these two guys sharing their wisdom and history about [Southern] makes me feel lucky.

I’m lucky to be watching history and learning about it too,” Smith shared.

Upon leaving SU, Clarke plans to return home to the Barbados after being in Louisiana for over forty years. Newton has plans to take his daughters on a cruise, and enjoy his retirement.

Both vowed to keep Southern in their hearts.

HONORS COLLEGE from page 1

Distinguished Professor of Physics and Dean of the Delores Spikes Honors College, Dr. Diola Bagayoko, introduces the guest speaker at the annual pinning ceremony in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom on March 16th. (Julian Alvarez/DIGEST)

Smith.

When asked what he hoped this event would instill in the youth in attendance, he simply said, “To give back to the community.”

Many of the students who were honored had plenty to express about what this form of recognition felt like.

For freshman civil engineering major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, A’Lasiah Floyd, this honor only strengthened her resolve to work towards the future.

“An accomplishment like this provokes me to move forward…basically to do better, keep doing what I’m doing, maintaining a great GPA,

keep focusing on what I need to do, and proceed to graduate at the top with an engineering degree,” Floyd asserted.

Similarly, Mechanical Engineering major from St. Francisville, Louisiana, Melvin Emory III, felt inspired enough to admit it.

“Events like this encourage us to do more, to do better, and to give back, just as Dr. Bagayoko said and to give a good return on the investment that our parents have made,” he expressed.

The students were at the peak of what the Honors College of Southern University has to offer.

As mentioned by Dr. Bagayoko, there were numerous students in attendance who had managed to maintain 4.0 GPAs while juggling extracurricular activities, such as SGA, sports, and many other organizations.

The message of the night was echoed by all of the guest speakers in attendance: “giving back to the community.”

As stated by Emory III, the students being honored were not only serving to be symbols in and of themselves, but also serving the importance of the sacrifices made by their parents and themselves to put them in the position they are currently in.

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REVUE/DEBATE from page 1 Shreveport, Louisiana native, Darby Smith, took the crown.

Newly-elected SGA President Anthony Kenney’s efforts also proved fruitful at the end of it all.

“We had to put our minds to it.

Other teams were campaigning hard, but we had to go harder,” freshman Music Education major of Winnsboro, Louisiana, Cameron Garrett shared about helping Kenney to the top.

Kenney’s campaign team consisted of about 80 students who showed up and showed out, front and center in the audience Wednesday night.

Southern University sophomore and Mechanical Engineering major, Jordan Piper was just as proud, saying, “We shot multiple promotion videos, held a lot of late night and early morning meetings, and prayed together. A team that prays together stays together and we did it for A. Kenney.”

HAYMER from page 1 He also posted cancellation notices on social media.

When asked about the accusations made against him, Haymer was very cooperative, stating that due to personal problems, he was not in attendance, but the band and his assistants were at the event.

He also mentioned that this lawsuit is only backlash from a certain woman pursuing interest in him, but the feelings were not mutual, which is why this 2015 incident is now re-emerging in 2018.

He also denied ever sending the text messages to White. He then concluded his statement saying, “When you’re in a high profile position, you’ll be targeted, and I’m being targeted behind personal stuff … I want the students to know that I’m a transparent and stand up guy. I’m very blunt. I’m very hard on my students. I’m not the nicest all the time, but I am not dishonest.

We were supposed to make at best $6000 at the fundraiser, so if I’m asking for 10 percent, text messages I didn’t send, that’s $600 dollars.”

“I hope this doesn’t lead to a negative of the band because I have faith in the Juke,” freshman Biology major Jera’Nae Donald of Miami, Florida confided.

Haymer has resolved to keep a confident and optimistic outlook on the situation.

“How do I fight this? Change the narrative,” he said, “Just keep moving on, just keep posting on my social media, stay positive.”

As a message to the students, Haymer says, “The band is standing tall and strong... the best is truly yet to come. Don’t focus on the negative, focus on all the positive press … we’re going to continue to make our student body, our alumni, faculty, staff, and administration proud,” Haymer concluded.

As of now, there have been no further updates on this matter, but Haymer insisted students can rest assured that the band will play on.

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Lady Jags Fall to Crimson Tide in Women’s National Invitational

BY CAMERON FONTENOT DIGEST SPORTS WRITER

The Southern University Lady Jaguars (17-14) traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide (18-13) in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT).

After trailing 15-8 in the first quarter and forcing four Alabama turnovers, the Lady Jags made a pair of three pointers to cut the lead to 15-14.

Following the timeout by Alabama, the Tide went on a 6-0 run as they extended their lead to 21-15.

Though the Lady Jags were able to hit a couple of threes and knocked down a lastsecond buzzer beater, the y trailed 33-30 while shooting 32.4 percent from the field and 50 percent from the 3-point line while the Crimson Tide shot 46.2 percent from the field, but were only able to knock down one three pointer of ten attempts.

The Lady Jaguar defense forced 9 turnovers at halftime while the Tide only forced 2 turnovers.

Going into the half, sophomore guard, Jaden Towner led the team in scoring with 12 points, all of which were beyond the arc.

Freshman, guard Alyric Scott, was right behind Towner with 8 points on 75 percent shooting, including two 3-pointers.

The Lady Jags began the second half slowly as they allowed the Tide to go on a 7-0 run.

But the Lady Jags came right back as they scored 6 unanswered points to cut the lead

to 4. As the Lady Jaguars began to struggle offensively, the Crimson Tide started hitting from all cylinders, as they went on an 11-0 run.

Now down 15, the Lady Jaguars went on a 6-0 to close the third. After shooting 50 percent from the three-point line in the first half, the Lady Jaguars shot 2-7 from the arc as they trail the Crimson Tide, 51-42.

In the beginning of the 4th, the Lady Jags quickly cut the lead to 6.

Down the stretch, the Crimson Tide was able to draw a couple of fouls in order to increase their lead back to 10.

The Lady Jaguars have struggled to get themselves back into the ball game as they traded baskets for most of the fourth quarter.

Due to the crucial 11-0 run from the Tide in the middle of the third, the Lady Jaguars end their triumphant season in a 69-56 defeat.

Most of the production came off the bench as Jaden Towner led the team in scoring with 16 points and Alyric Scott followed with 15 points.

A notable stat was that the Lady Jaguars were outrebounded 50-26.

In response to the Jags being outrebounded, Head Coach, Sandy Pugh, replied, “Well they are so much bigger than us. I mean they are getting it up top, you know when it first comes off the rim, and we’re waiting for it to come down, being undersized. I expected them to outrebound us.”

Sophomore guard, Jaden Towner, posted 16 points along with 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and knocked down 5 of 9 three pointers. “Well, I

DIGEST ART just knew that no matter what, I just had to play hard. That’s just what I did, and it just happened to be my night,” Towner stated in regards to her stand out performance.

The Lady Jags ended their season being

regular season champions, along with the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year in senior forward Briana Green, and also with the SWAC Coach of the Year, Coach Sandy Pugh.

SU Athletics Department Aim Towards Academic Success!

BY DEJOHN RICHARDSON DIGEST SPORTS WRITER

Recently, over 150 student athletes amongst various sport teams were honored during high school Senior Night as the SU Jaguar basketball team competed against Texas Southern on March 1st, on the campus of Southern University A&M College.

Things seem to be looking up in a major way over the last few semesters for the sports and athletics department, under the meticulous leadership and direction of Athletic Director, Roman Banks.

Over 160 of the current 290 student athletes have prevailed, being nine women and six males, amongst the 15 present sports teams that are all provided to students by the university’s athletics department.

As recently as Fall 2017, there are student athletes remaining above 50 percent for football and above the 75-percentile marking for soccer student rankings in terms of the Dean’s List average.

The Student-Athlete Academic Counseling Center is where academic achievement can be nurtured daily in the lives of student athletes on SU’s campus.

The Academic Counseling Center is located on the first floor of the F.G. Clark Activity Center and is open daily during normal school hours from 8 am to 5 pm.

The counseling center is always ready and available to all student athletes, a place where they can go to unwind and work on the computers or do some homework or study course material in a quiet, settled

Several student athletes with 3.0 or higher GPAs honored during halftime of the March 6th basketball game vs. Jackson State in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. (via Roman Banks @CoachBanks_SU) environment.

The academic center is a place where the students can feel comfortable and not pressured by their peers or the public administration members.

Some of the services offered by the Academic Advisors each semester include registering for classes, determining player eligibility based on NCAA rules, random class checks, meeting with the different coaching staff members, as well as various day-to-day functions when dealing with each sports team and each athlete on an individual basis.

“The athletes have a special responsibility to the institution, so we would like to be the

support unit for the athletes, to give them every opportunity to be successful athletes but also successful members of Southern University as a whole,” stated Director of Athletics, Phillip Pinkston.

“We are the bridge between the athletic department and our academic side of campus.

We try to be that bridge for all of our student athletes,” conveyed Pinkston. He is one of the main people in charge of helping steer the students on a steady path for success and academic development. Pinkston continues to blaze the trail of athletic achievement by offering an open-door policy to the students and coaches all hours during regular school days.

The academic center is currently located in a space on the first floor of the Mini Dome.

However, very soon thanks to a recent land grant received by the NCAA, there will be more space located on SU’s campus that will be provided in place of the current academic center. It will be A place where the student athletes can call their own, geared towards structured academic performance.

“In addition to academic things we do seminars each semester that we try to bring in for our student athletes by partnering with the Center for Undergrad Student Achievement Center to make sure that our students are See SUCCESS page 5

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What’s the Word: A conversation with Director of Sports Medicine, William Word

BY DEBRANDIN BROWN DIGEST SPORTS WRITER

March is recognized as National Athletic Trainers Month. To get a better idea of how important team doctors are as it pertains to the health of student-athletes, Southern University Athletic Director of Sports Medicine, William Word, was able to provide context on a variety of issues in the world of sports medicine.

Word began his tenure on the Bluff last August. As the head athletics trainer, Word oversees ‘all matters related to the health and medical welfare of SU’s student-athletes,’ according to the Department of Athletics Policies and Procedures Manual.

Word made it clear that there is nothing more important to him and his staff than the health of over 350 student athletes under his care.

“I think that one of the main things that I see is that a lot of student athletes have to learn is how to take care of their body.

One thing I have tried to implement since I have gotten here this past August was just how [an athlete is supposed] to take care of their body.”

Word went on to place emphasis on some of the daily things student-athletes under his care do in order to take care of their bodies. “Nutritional habits, stretching, and ice baths; different things like that will help with the longevity of a career.”

With sports being considered a popular component of Southern University by most, many students also have strong thoughts on the topic of player health.

A freshman Civil Engineering major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Kedrick James, added to the discussion when asked what he thinks college athletes actually do to stay healthy. “The most serious athletes [have] healthy diets and food balance to keep their bodies fit and in shape,” James shared.

Word shared similar sentiments by adding that a healthy focus on nutrition coupled along with working out regularly are all integral parts of maintaining longevity in the world of sports.

As a collective, the Southwestern Athletic Conference is not highly regarded when it comes to sports medicine.

WORD

a bigger institution.”

Now representing the opposing sideline, Word made sure to give SU’s coaching staff credit for believing in the programs he has in place. “That’s one thing we are blessed with at Southern; a lot of phenomenal coaches that trust us. I made sure that as I got here, the first month or so, to sit down with every Head Coach here and sit down and let them know what my vision was.”

The rest of the Sports Medicine staff at Southern University is comprised of Assistant Director of Sports Medicine Ben Huver and Sports Medicine Intern Mirtho Phanor.

Southern University Sports Medicine recently released a Twitter post stating that they are currently seeking more intern athletic trainers for the 2018-19 season.

Applicants are asked to send a cover letter, resume and list of three professional references to william_word@subr.edu.

To keep alert on all things SU Sports Medicine, follow them on Twitter, @SUSportsMed1.

SPORTS COMMENTARY

Is an HBCU Playoff feasible?

BY DEBRANDIN BROWN DIGEST SPORTS WRITER

Since the inception of the college football playoffs in 2013, there has been much debate about college playoff systems and their implementation in other regions of the game, such as the HBCU football conferences.

When you think about the current HBCUleague format it was made for an era of a wild west, any given Saturday-type of atmosphere.

In 2018, the emphasis on analytics and statistics has demanded a more sure-fire and unquestionable championship determinator.

HBCU football is separated into four conferences, including our own SWAC, the MEAC, the CIAA, and the SIAC. With many HBCUs in these different conferences being thrown around the three division classes in the NCAA, the Division 1 College Football Playoff is an impossibility for many schools who many share the same conference as a potential playoff teams but don’t have the student population or funding to compete on a higher-Division level.

With the postseason being constructed the way that it is now, many of the historically bad schools have lost motivation to even attempt to work towards the postseason.

If you aren’t undeniably great or if you don’t have a big name, such as the Southern Universities of the world, then you are eliminated from playoff contention all together. This culture has to stop.

It is no secret that many people of color have went on to become some of the greatest athletes to ever play almost any sport in existence.

To that point, HBCUs have historically presented the world of sports with some of the best athletes in the world who get little recognition for their talent because of the lack

Word was able to gather a perspective of SWAC sports medicine back in 2015. “I got my Master’s Degree from Louisiana Tech University, and Southern came up to play us in football, and we didn’t know if there was going to be an athletic trainer, students, or doctors coming whatsoever. So I knew there was a bad reputation for athletic trainers in the SWAC because of what I had seen from the outside looking in from

of opportunity that comes with playing for a smaller market university.

A college football playoff system is something that takes many different people with many different backgrounds working in synch to create.

Even in the upper-echelon known as the FBS, it took decades in order for the college football leadership to come together and come to the general consensus to fix the game. In the case of HBCUs, this fact is even more prevalent when you consider the lack of funds and resources available to HBCUs and their individual sports programs.

All of this being said, the world of college football owes this change to their studentathletes if no one else.

The student athlete puts his body at risk year in and year out working towards the goal of college football immortality.

To have a format where some of the best athletes in the world don’t even get the opportunity to showcase their talents in what they are best at it is a shortsighted flaw in the college football system.

The four aforementioned conferences that represent HBCU sports also have some of the greatest athletes in the world developing and dominating with not a single camera on them.

Those kids who attend HBCUs work hard every summer to have the chance to call themselves the best.

In the current postseason format, HBCU football conferences are working with, however, the aspect of a true, undisputed champion is a pipe dream.

If the leadership of the NCAA, along with these four conferences coming together however, the idea of a true, undisputed champion can in fact be a genuine possibility one day in the world of HBCU football.

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Tuesday, March 20, 2018 - Page 5

SUCCESS from page 4 aware of things going on campus,” also shared Pinkston.

Each advisor that is found in the academic success center is responsible for their individual athletic teams and manages their own sport. All academic advisors branch off with their respective teams and manage their own sport team.

“Giving back to the students is what I enjoy most,” stated football & SU alum, Jonathon Wilson, who is the current Academic Advisor for track and field, cross country, as well as the women’s bowling teams.

SU Academic Services has cultivated a plan in which there are high hopes to execute as well as continuing to push toward academic excellence for SUBR. To provide the necessary tools possible for students to graduate and be successful, the job is never done, as the coaches and athletic directors work hand in hand in continuing their efforts to push forward and press the mark towards achieving academic success evenly across the board for all incoming and current athletes.

“So long we struggled in academics just whether it be through rules and education, through not adhering the policy, so we struggled for so long with the academic progress rate, so we were able quickly to solve those issues by setting the expectation, formulating some policies, formulating some procedures,” recalls Executive Associate Athletic Director, Trayvean D. Scott.

The athletic department went one year another from three teams being eligible, to ten post season teams, to now all fifteen being eligible and structured evenly.

“The goal was to set expectations, manage them, and provide the resources for student athletes coming into the program,” stated Scott.

The SU athletic department has certainly turned things around and persevered by setting new rules and standards in place to advance the growth rate amongst various sports teams at Southern, as well as the student athletes and their individual athletic abilities, whether in the classroom or outside on the playing field.

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SOUTHERN DIGEST

Elijah Preely, a ten-year-old physics major, responds to Dr. Billy William’s question during his seminar in T.T. Allain on March 13th. (Julian Alvarez/DIGEST)

SU jams out with rapper, Remy Ma in the Mini Dome during the Jammin with the JukeBox Concert in the Mini Dome on March 18th. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Senior Marketing Major and candidate for Miss Southern University, Darby Smith, hands out a campaign t-shirt to Micheal Foster in front of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union on March 13th.

(Julian Alvarez/DIGEST)

SGA President-Elect, Anthony Kenney, celebrates with students outside the Smith-Brown Memorial Union after the Spring 2018 election results were announced on Friday, March 16th. (DeJohn Richardson/DIGEST)

The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Southern University officials, community leaders, alumni and supporters gather at the site of The Valrdy Center for Philanthropy on Friday, March 16 to participate in the ground breaking ceremony. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Students arrive at the SU Honor’s College Pinning Ceremony in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom on March 16th. (Julian Alvarez/DIGEST)

Candidate for Student Government Association President, Micheal Bingham, reaches out to potential voters in front of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union on March 13th. (Julian Alvarez/DIGEST)

MSNBC correspondent, guest speaker and SULC alum, Yodit Tewolde, Esq. along with student Ikeecia Colenberg speaking to students and fellow alumni members during a panel discussion on Law & Media, Thursday, March 15th in the SU Law Center.

(DeJohn Richardson/DIGEST)

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Photos of the Week

SOUTHERN DIGEST

Tuesday, March 20, 2018 - Page 7

My Sister’s Keeper put on a “Know No” public demonstration in front of Higgins Hall on March 13th. (Julian Alvarez/DIGEST)

Honors college freshman, class scholar, and Ambassador Chad Jones, performs a solo selection at the commencement of the Pinning Ceremony in the Ballroom on March 16th.

(Julian Alvarez/DIGEST)

Students gather around to pet animals, sponsored by Morgan Malone, candidate for Miss Southern University, during election week on March 14th.

(Contara Mayfield/DIGEST)

President of Inspire a Nation Business Mentoring Services., Dr. Billy Williams, speaks to students on the importance of insurance and ways to succeed in T.T. Allain on March 13th. (Julian Alvarez/DIGEST)

Miss Junior-Elect, Alacia Brew, is all smiles after her victory in front of the SmithBrown Memorial Union on March 16th. (Contara Mayfield/DIGEST)

Miss Senior-Elect, Kaelyn Evans, celebrates after her victory in front of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union on March 16th. (Contara Mayfield/DIGEST)

Students enjoy music in front of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union during Pretty Wednesday on March 15th. (Contara Mayfield/DIGEST)

Arts & Entertainment Page 8 - Tuesday, March 20, 2018

The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Top 10 Apple Music & OSM Playlist Featuring lyrics, “I get racks to go outside and I split it with the guys,” the song has a cool, and regional hip hop As spring break approaches, the need sound for parties both on and off the for perfect playlists is at an all time high. beach for students this spring break.

With subscription music services such Following, XXXTENTACION as Tidal and Apple Music on the rise, occupies the third and fourth spot on the the music topping their charts serve as charts, with songs SAD! and Moonlight. an ideal platform to search for songs For drunk nights alone, or sad rainy to compose your 2018 Spring Break days inside, SAD! may be a good song playlist. for the occasion, but a better choice Topping the charts, Drake’s “God’s would be Moonlight for chill nights by Plan” video was this year’s most the beach with a few friends this break. charitable music video by far.

Psycho by Post Malone ft. Ty Dolla Matching the sentiment, and the $ign, at number five is a crazy and “chill” Canadian born rapper’s original sound, song. the video featured scenes of the artist “Had so many bottles, gave ugly girl handing out just under $1 million dollars. a sip/ Out the window of the Benzo, we Number two on the list, is Memphis could send in the rent,” a track that may native BlocBoy JB’s hit song “Look be the memory for those in Miami for Alive” with renowned rapper, Drake.

Spring Break ‘18.

BY NAJERI EVANS DIGEST A&E EDITOR

DIGEST ART

Stir Fry by Migos sits comfortably at number six on Apple’s top charts.

The song is definitely one for those on break anywhere this spring. A song that can grace both dance clubs and parking lots alike, this pick will be sure to send the audience into craze.

The remedy for a broken heart by XXXTENTACION is number seven.

With the sad and slow tempo, number seven may not be a great song to play this spring break, however, for the weeks spent after returning to a weekly routine, it could be the perfect fit.

Number eight is Lil Dicky’s creative spin on Disney original movie, Freaky Friday. Except in the music video featuring Chris Brown, Lil Dicky and Chris Brown trade lives. The song quickly climbed the charts, and is bound

to be heard this break.

On the charts, song number nine is infinity (888) by XXXTENTACION ft.

Joey Bada$$. A song different from most gracing the top 10, this track may not be played on break, however maybe more fitting for the car ride to the beach or the airport.

Ric Flair Drip is number 10, by Offset and Metro Boomin. A great song for those spring-breakers that no longer have spring break. Ric Flair Drip will complement Instagram and Twitter captions all vacation long.

While the top 10 songs on Apple Music should make way for playlist’s this break, the Office of Student Media (OSM) has compiled a list of other songs to check out post-midterms.

DIGEST ART

A Wrinkle in Time: The Review

BY ACE WHEELER DIGEST A&E WRITER

A Wrinkle in Time is an adaptation film directed by Ava DuVernay, from Madeleine Engle’s original book in 1962.

The film was released on March 9, and grossed $33 million its opening weekend. It features big time actors like Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and rising star Storm Reid in her first leading role.

The story is about a pragmatic teenager named Meg Murry, who comes from a family of astrophysicists. Her close relationship with her father gives her a love of science, which comes in handy later in the film. After her father’s mysterious disappearance, she transitions from a thriving household to a grieving existence.

She, along with her genius younger brother, school crush, and three mystical beings set out on a journey to find her missing father, but he can only be reached through ‘a wrinkle in time’, another realm within Earth and space.

The film’s target audience is older adolescents and preteens, as some scenes may be too intense

for younger children. In addition, the quantum physics lingo may go over the majority of the viewer’s heads.

Purist book readers may hate the film, as it deviates greatly from its original source. However, a good chunk of the script came from the story’s original dialogue.

Modern slang was thrown to keep up with this generation, and a few chuckles from the audience confirmed its success. The book’s Christian overtones were replaced with New Age philosophy.

The acting was on Disney Channel level, which is good or bad depending on one’s personal taste.

Overall beautiful cinematography; much of the movie’s scenes were filmed in New Zealand. It certainly has the potential to be awarded in costume design. There were plenty of otherworldly clothes full of vibrant colors, which will definitely catch the eye of children.

The movie was a bit pretentious at times, but left the audience with a beautiful message of selfSee WRINKLE page 9

Source: Youtube.com

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SOUTHERN DIGEST

JAMMIN’ WITH THE JUKEBOX

BY LANIYA SPENCER DIGEST A&E WRITER

Southern University’s renowned marching band, The Human Jukebox, held their inaugural “Jammin with the Jukebox” concert on Sunday, March 18th.

Fans of all ages flooded the Mini Dome as the band prepared to take the stage with their fabulous cohorts, The Dancing Dolls.

After the Human Jukebox made their grand entrance, church overflowed into Sunday’s event, with tear jerking, opening performances by both local and mainstream artists including; Tangela Sherman, Nancy ArmstrongHolmes, James Fortune & FIYA, and Grammy award winning, PJ Morton.

Afterwards, was a performance by the Super Seven, which consisted of several band members showcasing their dance moves as the rest of the band roared their instruments.

The break is what sparked the concert and made fans get on their feet, which turned the event into a family gathering.

From energetic toddlers to Southern alumni, fans took to the floor during intermission as the DJ played music for all ages to enjoy.

The entire crowd danced as radio personalities from Max 94.1 spotlighted couples and families in the crowd, whom quickly created dance routines to each

song.

The Louisiana pride was definitely present in the building when he played classic rap songs by Lil Boosie, NBA Youngboy, WNC Whop Beezy, and other Baton Rouge natives.

Cupid, native of Lafayette, LA then brought it back to the family reunion with his old hit single “Cupid Shuffle,” and “Do It With Your Boots.”

Although the audience wasn’t as enthusiastic for the next upcoming artist, Devvon Terrell, he still gave a very energetic performance and debuted a few of his new songs.

The audience was well rested for the main acts of the concert.

DJ Luke Nasty woke the crowd up with his popular singles “Might Be” and “OTW.” Representing New York, rap veteran, Remy Ma took to the stage lastly performing her features on songs such as Fat Joe’s “All the Way Up” and her latest single with Chris Brown, “Melanin Magic.”

Most impressively, the band actually played the live instrumentals for majority of the artists to perform their songs to, reiterating how they got their name as The Human Jukebox.

Furthermore, a portion of the proceeds from this concert will go towards scholarships for the Jukebox members.

Not only was this a charitable event, but a fun filled, family experience for fans in the community.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018 - Page 9

Southern’s Super Seven performing on stage at the Mini Dome during the Jammin’ with the Jukebox Concert on March 18. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Southern University Human Jukebox performing at the Mini Dome during the Jammin’ with the Jukebox Concert on March 18. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Radio Personality, Boo Milton, on the mic at the Mini Rapper, Remy Ma on the stage at the Mini Dome during the Jammin’ with the Jukebox Concert in F.G. Dome during the Jammin with the Jukebox Concert on March 18. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST) Acivity Center on March 18. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

WRINKLE from page 8 confidence and the display of magnanimous love.

After the show, a few customers were asked their opinion on the film.

Justin Smith, age 11, responded, “I loved it. I give it 5 stars. Meg is my favorite character.”

Ashley Willis said, “It was a good movie for kids. I give it 5 stars.” The two children with her, Juliyah and Kandy, gave it 4 stars.

Kandy even considered reading the book.

Another thing that makes this film unique is its racially diverse cast. It includes an interracial marriage, something that is becoming more common in recent films.

Southern University student, Ajada Talleg from Houma, Louisiana was asked her opinion on the interracial couple.

She commented, “I feel it will cause an uproar somewhere, but I’m down for it.”

Some also feel the movie will not appeal to an older audience.

This will not stop Lisa Glasper, Biology major, who replied, “I like sci-fi so why not.”

Overall it proves to be a good family film.

It would be a great weekend event and a chance to momentarily escape reality. One guarantee is that you will utter the phrase, “Charles Wallace” at least once before bedtime.

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Tuesday, March 20, 2018 - Page 11

Retool Your School: A Good Start, But Not Enough

BY LEAH WILLIAMS DIGEST STAFF WRITER

For the past nine years, Home Depot has sponsored the “Retool Your School” social media contest for HBCUs. Voters can vote for their HBCU online or on social media, and the winning HBCU gets a $50,000 grant, 2nd place gets a $40,000 grant and 3rd place gets a $30,000 grant.

The $50,000 would be great for Southern, but the school needs a lot more money to see some major changes on campus.

Stewart Hall has no locks in the restrooms, missing ceiling tiles, mildew on some ceiling tiles and on some of the walls, and usually has an odor downstairs.

The elevator doesn’t work and hasn’t worked all semester, so anyone with classes on the 2nd and 3rd floor can get a good leg work out every day. Anyone unable to take the hike up the stairs might not want to think about majoring

in Mass Communications or Education.

The library already had the 4th floor “closed for renovations” before the pipe rupture at the beginning of the semester. The elevator had also been out of order for over a year. Now the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors are in desperate need of renovation, and the elevator still doesn’t work. Good luck to the students who are die hard studiers.

Boley Hall, Bethune Hall, White Hall, Grandison Hall, and Reed Hall are old and need to be renovated. It’s amazing that students can comfortably live in those residential halls.

William James Hall is old and needs to be renovated. The heating systems either aren’t always turned on or don’t always work. Anyone who took a biology lecture on a cold day knows.

Underneath Fisher Hall, cats and dogs have been seen coming in and out. There are plenty ofpet lovers on campus, but who wants

them living under a building where classes are held? We are Jaguars, but this isn’t the zoo.

Anyone who has ever been on Southern’s campus knows about the ridiculous amount of potholes around campus.

Even the newly renovated parking lot next to the football stadium is starting to tear apart, and it’s NEW. Any faculty member or student who has parked in the T.T. Allain parking lot has had the pleasure of trying to get around the ginormous craters and potholes. It’s like playing tetris with your car.

Southern University is an amazing school, but there is so much work to be done. Fiftythousand dollars sounds like a lot of money, but when it comes to renovating Southern, it’s not at all. It’s a great start, but it won’t go very far.

To put it in perspective, a few years ago Southern requested about $22 million from the state

for repairs and maintenance, and only received $4.8 million. There are still plenty of those repairs needed from that report that still have yet to be made.

Since the $50,000 would be a great start though, every student, alumni, and faculty member needs to continue to vote so we can get

DIGEST STAFF WRITER

It is that time of the semester… midterms!

This is the time when students are able to see how well they are doing in their classes, and it’s the time when they are able to decide if they are going to drop any classes or not.

Before you drop those classes, I want to share a few tips on preparing for midterms.

Know that all midterms are not the same. Some professors will give a midterm on everything you have covered so far in the semester, while some midterms will be on whatever you are currently on.

First of all, do not procrastinate.

We have all done this a time or two, and maybe even three. If you know what materials your midterm will cover, start looking at those materials a week or two in advance. This will

help you actually learn the material and not just memorize it for a short period of time.

My second tip: start a study group with students from your class. Just because you do not understand the material does not mean that the entire class does not. If the entire class does not understand what is going on, enlist the help of your professor.

Third, change where you study.

If you are used to studying in your room, it may be better for you to try the library. Libraries are really quiet.

This will help you focus better. Other nice places to study are parks, coffee shops, and a friend’s home.

Tip number four is asking your professors for help. They can assist you with questions that you have about different sections and chapters, because after all, it is their job. It is not best that you wait until the last minute to ask for this help. Go to them

in advance so they are able to see that you are serious about them helping you, and about your grades.

Once you have met with your professors, they may be able to tell you what chapters or sections to focus on. With this information, you will be able to make a study guide.

Another great tip is studying your quizzes and tests that have already been taken.

Enlisting in the help of tutors is also a great way to prepare for midterms.

Do not wait until the last minute to do this either. Tutors are usually students of the university, and it may be easier to receive information from your peers rather than your professors. This way, they can also help you better under the subject by relating it real life situations.

Pulling all-nighters is what college students are known for, but that is not always the best way. Everyone

DIGEST STAFF WRITER

This past week was campaign for 2018 spring elections and it was definitely interesting to say the least.

All the top tier positions were up for grabs like SGA President and Miss Southern, and they were definitely snatched. Were they snatched by the wrong people? Who’s to say?

This campaign (keep in mind that this is my very first spring elections experience) reminded me of how back in high school they would have elections and campaigns where all the popular people would run and say everything that sounded nice so everyone voted for them. And those who did not win were ultimately crushed and heartbroken. That’s what this election felt like for me.

I already knew this election was going to be tight and intense. I already knew who the “real competition” was

when it came to SGA President and Miss Southern. It was almost like a no brainer, but me being a freshman and it being my first election experience, I still wanted to see how everything played out.

Do I feel like it was a popularity contest? For the most part, yes I do feel that way. Why? Because what else would you expect when you see a lot of big name people around campus vying to hold a top spot? Sure you may be known around campus, or have that clout, but is that clout going to get my concerns voiced? Is that clout going to get my problems fixed? Is that clout going to pay my tuition and these fees including the $15 SGA fee that I could be spending on an eight piece and bbq ranch fries at Empire? I didn’t think so.

The reading of the results did not make it any better. For starters, because people don’t like to listen or

comprehend. I am not mad at anyone who won. I’m not mad about the people who I voted for that did not win. But I do feel like some tomfoolery went on behind the scenes.

I have heard and saw some people say that in the election code that you are not supposed to do outside campaigning and one of the candidates received a shoutout from an outside source. That candidate, acknowledged the shout out that was done, and that therefore should’ve resulted in disqualification but of course they weren’t and ultimately won. Meanwhile, someone else got sanctioned for something very simple.

WHERE IS THE LOGIC??

If you’re gonna have these rules, then enforce them equally for EVERYONE and not just play nice because you know them or “have it easy” with whoever who runs the elections. Why do you have these

BY: LEAH WILLIAMS DIGEST STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER/WRITER

NOEL HAYNES, II

MASS COMMUNICATIONS JUNIOR BAKER, LOUISIANA

“I’m not really sure what to expect. I’m just focusing on my school work.”

JALYN SMITH BIOLOGY FRESHMAN BATON ROUGE

the Southern University and A&M College to the 1st place spot.

To vote, add #SouthernU_R YS18 to all of your social media posts or visit www. retoolyourschool.com/vote.

Voting ends Sunday, April 15th.

should receive an appropriate amount of sleep, especially the night before his or her big tests. You should never study for long periods of time; it’s not good for your brain and it isn’t effective. Study for twenty or thirty minutes and take a ten-minute break. With this method, you are not overwhelming your brain materials and it is also easier to retain what you are reading.

My last tip is staying positive.

A positive mentality will make test taking more comfortable, and optimism is the key to success.

Good luck!

“I expect nothing less than greatness.

I truly believe that whoever wins will seek to do everything SMITH they said they were going to do, and that they will not let their supporters and students down.”

ALEXIS TILLERY

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SOPHOMORE BATON ROUGE

“I am expecting for them to be able to represent the student body as a whole. They TILLERY are our voice and we demand that we are to be heard.

Without the students of Southern University, there is no Southern University.”

BRITTANY LEE-TILLERY ANIMAL SCIENCE FRESHMAN BATON ROUGE

LEE-TILLERY

“I am expecting a change in the student life and the enviroment of the school.”

JALON JONES MASS COMMUNICATIONS SOPHOMORE BATON ROUGE

Spring Campaigns: What’s Really Good?

BY ROCELYN HAMILTON

What are you expecting from your newly elected student leaders?

HAYNES, II

Midterm Madness: Survival of the Fittest

BY CONTARA MAYFIELD

JAGUAR SPEAKOUT

rules in place if you’re basically just gonna give the person you want to win a free pass and drop it in their hands?

Of course I was on Twitter after the results and of course it was shambles and I understand why I do agree with them. Just like me, they have Southern’s best interest at heart and want to have people in office who have Southern’s best interest at heart. But unfortunately, that is never the case. You had someone who had a genuinely inclusive platform that was made for all of the students and they chose someone who pushed back their- nevermind. That’s not to say that everyone wasn’t genuine. But that’s none of my business.

Next week is about to be very interesting with our newly elected officials. I’ll just sip my tea and watch from the sidelines. If they start acting funny, remember who you voted for.

“More action and less talk.”

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

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

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SOUTHERN DIGEST

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