VOLUME 75 - ISSUE 6

October 27, 2020 . Volume 75 . Issue 7

A race to the finish: SULC hosts 2020 Mayoral Debate

Dante Davis The Southern Digest

With November 3 fast approaching, the candidates vying for Baton Rouge’s MayorPresidency were invited to attend a virtual town hall debate on Zoom this past Thursday. This event was hosted by the Southern University Law Center Student Bar Association. The town hall featured appearances from five of the seven candidates: Democrat Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, Independent candidate Eric Guirard, Democrat Representative Denise Marcelle, Republican candidate Jordan Piazza, and Republican Councilman Matt Watson.

Debrandin Brown The Southern DIGEST

With the debate being just under 90 minutes long, candidates were given two minutes to answer featured questions submitted by members of the community about three topics: the environmental and health impact of the chemical plants on residents, the lack of businesses, restaurants, and grocery stores in the North Baton Rouge area, and Baton Rouge’s and philosophies, their answers high crime rate and police issues. to the various topics highlighted With the candidates representing Baton Rouge’s unique political a variety of different political ideas

Through mediums such as virtual reality headsets and goggles, the general public has become more and more MELLIEON aware of the capabilities that virtual reality has in a multitude of different fields, especially in education, given the reality that the global pandemic has enforced on educational institutions as a whole.

DIGEST ART

landscape.

candidates present was that there On the topic of crime and policing, needs to be more community the general consensus from the See SULC DEBATE page 3

In-Person Graduation Still On The Table?

university’s efforts. He posted, “Please be patient as we work diligently to finalize logistics, When asked what an in-person as it will have some restrictions commencement would mean to to comply with campus health him, graduating senior and civil guidelines.” To date, Southern engineering major Ryan West could join other schools across only needed one word to respond. the state including Louisiana “Everything.”

Tech Univ., Southeastern Univ., West’s wish of walking across the and the Univ. of Louisiana stage, shared amongst the other at Lafayette in promoting hundreds of students expected formalized plans for the in-person to graduate this Fall, may be event considering challenges granted, as Southern University posed by the COVID-19 global and A & M College has not ruled pandemic. out celebrating commencement Faculty and staff are just as face-to-face, as scheduled for motivated for an in-person Friday, December 18, 2020. commencement as the student “Some people give up a lot in body. A committee including Executive Vice life for a gain in education,” said Interim graduating senior and accounting Chancellor and Senior Associate major Asia Smith. “Physically Vice Chancellor for Academic walking across the stage after Affairs Bijoy Sahoo is expected a long, [hard] fought journey to meet this week to continue deliberations. would feel so exhilarating.”

Three options were described from Sahoo as being on the table. The first option would consist of the university celebrating commencement on

One of the biggest issues that the pandemic has presented to hands-on fields of study such as agricultural science are decreases of in-person visits to rural farms and compost sites as the risk associated with COVID-19 is being observed.

Through the use of virtual reality via the Jag’s Den, students with hands-on majors such as agricultural science will be able to receive “in-person” looks at the types of environments that they will work on in their field.

James Eaglin, Jr. The Southern Digest

On October 16, SGA President Chandler Vidrine took to Twitter to announce the agreement made with the administration, along with updating students on the

Jag’s Den Virtual Reality; New Avenues to Education

“The JAG’s DEN will allow the department to enhance the global competitiveness of our graduates by creating more diverse learning opportunities while they are in the program,” said Dr. Harold Mellieon. He continued on to say, “The JAG’s Den will be used as a reinforcement space to enhance the content in course lectures and labs by supplementing with virtual reality.”

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Pete Richardson Field at A.W. Mumford Stadium, maintaining Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and local compliance with regards to large gatherings. The second option would have each academic college prepare their own smaller version of commencement, with students still able to participate in-person, albeit in smaller capacities

depending on the varying sizes and access of spaces and rooms available. The last alternative is the university streaming a virtual commencement, as it did for the Spring and Summer graduates on August 7.

Some students and faculty members are skeptical of the See GRADUATION page 3

According to Mellieon, the implementation of virtual reality will make studying in fields that may not be safe to visit in person accessible to students whose experience is dictated by visual learning.

“As we move further down the line, virtual reality is going to play a big part. We’re talking about visiting these different places [even though we will be taking some visits], but being able to do that virtually makes See JAG’S DEN page 3

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Tuesday, October 27, 2020 | Page 3

Cease & Desist Lifted For Student Organizations

Terronesha Lubom The Southern Digest

Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Engagement Wilton Anderson recently announced that the cease and desist order placed on campus student organizations has been lifted. In a memo sent to faculty, staff, and students on October 19, University officials approved the lifting, barring programming being resumed under specific guidelines.

Some of the notable guidelines include limiting capacity of events in the Royal Cotillion ballroom and the Event Center to 50%, having sanitation stations and masks available at all events, and prohibiting off campus guests from attending any programs or events.

Before the cease and desist order was used to prevent any campus gatherings as a countermeasure

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for COVID, guidelines were already established for campus organizations to participate as best as possible given the circumstances. However, an early surge in positive COVID testing results inspired Southern officials to pull the plug.

“In response to the COVID-19 medication efforts, ViceChancellor of Student Affairs

Dr. Walton decided to initially place the cease and desist.,” said Anderson. “These were cases that arose not from student organizations but from campus sponsorship groups.”

had to go back with a lot of our event to the drawing board so we can still have a good time but make it virtual compatible.”

After the original order was issued, many organizations on the Southern University campus had to change the plans they had in place. Men’s Federation President, Kayon Johnson, he commented on how the order affected his organization. He states that “Our organization was really affected by the pandemic because we had to scale back a great deal from the events we originally planned to do.” He continues on with “We

Southern University students can look forward to the possibility of in-person organization gatherings. However, all student organizations still need to follow the COVID guidelines until any further notice. For now, administration and student organizations will remain vigilant to developments in COVID cases and numbers to figure out what their next step will be.

When asked about the order Southern University sophomore, Dr. Walton continued “Due Shamaya Goree said “At any to other incidents on campus, point and at any time, the virus the scare came from the numbers can easily increase. But Administration and the result of with the world going back to that made them decide to place normal, I think it’s good that for the cease and temporary desist student organizations, the cease looking at where these cases came and desist has been lifted.” from.”

Now that the order has been lifted,

Mo’ Fo’ Sho’; SU Alumni named Robert Woods Johnson Clinical Scholar

Debrandin Brown The Southern Digest

Named after one of the famous industrialists from the mid19th century who founded the international corporation Johnson and Johnson, the Dr. Sholas Robert Woods J o h n s o n Foundation is a national leadership program that connects a variety of medical minds from around the country in an attempt to share knowledge and address complex health problems.

his goals to become a medical professional as well as his own doubts, considering that he’d be the first in his family to achieve such an accomplishment.

“I knew that I wanted to go to medical school, but the whole process was a bit new to me [because I’m a first-generation graduate],” said Dr. Sholas in regards to his perspective on getting into one of the best medical schools in the world following his graduation at Southern.

recent achievement as a Robert Woods Johnson Clinical Scholar.

The RWJ Clinical Scholar is an honor awarded to the most skilled doctors in their field to denote a leadership role within the medical community.

“It shows that you can do great things for yourself, but it’s also that you can do that while bringing my long time colleague along with you. So in that regard, it’s not just me, but all of us are Clinical Scholars [from my point of view],” said Dr. Sholasin of his Following his time at Harvard, initial feelings on receiving the Sholas received a Ph.D. in honor and what it specifically neuroscience as he began the meant to him as a long time steps to starting his own practice, practitioner in his field. which he would eventually do Sholas mentioned how the Following his stint on the Bluff, in 2005 as he established Sholas’ benefits that come with the Scholarship have Dr. Maurice Sholas attended Medical Consulting in New Clinical Orleans, Louisiana.

According allowed him to hire more black Harvard University and expressed the different perspective that to Sholas, it was all of these professionals while also providing he had of the moment, noting experiences that made his most additional funding for future

graduates a separate opportunity to physically participate in commencement.

“Everything I’ve done throughout my matriculation in college was to one day walk across that stage,” said West, a Baton Rouge native. “…an in-person graduation would mean everything to me and my parents.”

Students can check their emails or continue following The Southern Digest for the latest updates.

“Being competitive in this field is a must, and it comes in layers.

[During the application process], there were well over one hundred applicants who were also aiming for the same things,” said Sholas regarding the application process and mindset he maintained as a whole.

According to Sholas, he believes that this award is proof for those still attempting to establish themselves in their field that hard work does pay off, and the results can be whatever you want them to be if you are willing to put in the work.

JAG’S DEN from page 1

GRADUATION from page 1 change to an in-person event due to the lack of information being shared this late in the semester, but Vidrine reassured students as recently as Monday that the agreement has been made.

Outside of falling temperatures, the two main objections for an outdoor commencement are the potential for inclement weather or an increase in positive COVID cases on campus and/ or in the surrounding area. If successful, Sahoo didn’t rule out giving Spring and Summer 2020

projects through his company.

According to Sholas, having the ability to put more black professionals in the medical field is one of the primary goals he had when he began his own practice more than a decade and a half ago.

the financial and logistical issues moot,” said Mellieon in regards to the convenience that virtual reality will be able to present to a classroom setting.

of their grant being approved was largely incidental.

“Once the grant was awarded, we normally have a year to [achieve our goal]. However, in the weeks According to Dr. Harold Mellieon following us being awarded, we Jr, chair of the Department were forced to leave campus of Agricultural Sciences, the due to COVID-19,” said Dr. implementation of virtual Mellieon. Mellieon also noted reality in classroom settings that the vast majority of the grant will definitely be convenient work will be done in the spring to given the current circumstances maximize the time and resources surrounding instruction modes that are going to be available for due to COVID. This being said, the students.

Mellieon noted that the timing

NEWS

SULC DEBATE from page 1 interaction with the police. Every candidate mentioned a need to get officers out of cars and onto the streets, interacting with the community and showing a willingness to work with and for the community.

Soon the candidates were asked for their views concerning the chemical plants. These responses were directly in line with their political affiliation. MayorPresident Broome stated, “We have to move towards making sure that our environmental agenda is holistic for our entire city.” Councilman Watson said, “I moved to [introduce a tax exemption/break for companies who] reduce their emissions beyond what was required of them to do by law.”

As the candidates continued on the views on this topic got significantly more diverse.

Candidate Piazza asserted his view of the subject by stating, “For a long time now, the petroleum chemical industry has been a very big factor in the economy in Baton Rouge…if we don’t give them the support that they need, they will pick and leave to other states.”

Following him, Representative Marcelle spoke her piece, commenting, “We need to hold them accountable for the EPA guidelines currently in place.

We have to make sure people are communicated with [when there is a leak.] …Yes, Exon is a big taxpayer here, but there are citizens who live around there that we must protect as well.” This section of the debate concluded with Candidate Guirard, who stated that “Back in the day, [North Baton Rouge] was a middle-class area and the plants were still there, so we need to transform it back to that.”

The third topic brought strong commitments from all the candidates about transforming the North Baton Rouge area and bringing new business, particularly a grocery store, to the area. The area has suffered from a lack of economic development and is often described as a food desert.

The townhall did suffer from the typical Zoom issues, but the event served as an opportunity for students to get involved. In a year that’s more than likely going to have the single largest voter turnout, especially for younger voters, events like these show that young people are serious about getting involved. The moderator for the night, Bakari Garvey, ended the night with an encouraging message to get involved and vote on November 3, saying “It’s more important than ever to get students and the community involved. Your vote matters, so get out and vote.”

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SPORTS

Page 4 | Tuesday, October 27, 2020

The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body Since 1926

The State of Southern University Sports Medicine Debrandin Brown The Southern DIGEST

The landscape of sports has shifted tremendously over the course of the last year, with many stadiums all over the country being kept at lowered capabilities while some have not let LEIBY spectators into the building at all. For the athletes on the field of play however, avoiding injuries has been this sporting season’s main concern.

With the NFL and active college football teams suffering from injuries at increasingly high rates compared to a normal football season, it’s been up to the team’s medical staff to prepare the student-athletes and their bodies for what will be a grueling season for athletes at all levels while also being mindful that

COVID-19 is still rampant throughout the country.

Southern University’s own Director of Sports Medicine Brent Leiby spoke at length about the trials that this preseason period has provided as well as some of the factors that he believes will provide challenges to him and his staff throughout the season.

One of the biggest areas of concern for Leiby and all of the coaching departments on campus has been the higher risk of COVID transmission once cold air begins to circulate more consistently through the Southern parts of the country. Leiby noted how he and his staff have prepared the student-athletes as best as possible to make smart decisions regarding COVID, despite some things ultimately being out of their control.

One such thing that Leiby noted as being a factor in the upcoming season is the conditioning of the student athletes coming off of their break. While having subpar stamina and endurance is an easy way to become susceptible to injury,

Coach Leiby noted that the teams still have a fair amount of time to get to where they want to be.

“The athletes weren’t able to do their normal conditioning in the summer that they would normally have. A lot of them haven’t come back in as best of shape as we’ve hoped, and that’s led to some minor strains and sprains because they weren’t able to have their normal summer,” he said.

An issue that Coach Leiby regarded as a potential problem is his short handed staff of four trainers and the multitude of responsibilities that they will have once sports begin in the Spring semester. To reiterate, basketball, football, softball, baseball, and volleyball will all be active in the Spring with a full slate of home and away games. Given the unprecedented territory that this is for all parties involved, Leiby noted that he and his staff will play things by ear, but are expecting it to be a struggle all the same.

“Right now we’re ok, but once we get into the spring with all of the games

going on at the same time; that’s going to provide some problems for us,” said Leiby.

With a staff consisting of four trainers, Leiby noted how they would be spread thin once away games would have to be played.

Despite all of this, Leiby reiterated his excitement at working at an HBCU as acclaimed as Southern University. There’s a big difference between Southern and his previous stop at Centenary University in Shreveport. “Of course, Southern is a D-1 school compared to Centenar, a smaller D-3 school, [but honestly] it’s just been a fun experience being able to be a part of a tradition [like Southern’s],” said Leiby.

While there will definitely be many independent factors at work this spring as far as Jaguar Athletics is concerned, Coach Leiby and his staff have prepared the students to the best of their ability to be able to perform to the best of their abilities.

Right back where we started from: Southern Men’s basketball preview Evan Funchess The Southern Digest

Building off of last season’s successful run, both coaches and players on Southern’s men’s basketball team have expressed their hopes to capture the elusive SWAC championship. Last season the Jags were able to finish their season on a winning streak ending with a win against Prairie View. Their streak notably reached eight straight games as they took the SWAC by storm.

Like the rest of the NCAA m, their season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. This season however, they will look to build upon last season’s foundation of success. Coach Sean Woods spoke to the newfound veterancy of his team, noting that, “We have most of those guys back from last year that understand and have gone through it.”

Coach Woods also mentions that having those players back makes it easier to acclimate the new recruits.

Going into this season, Southern brings back eleven returning players from last season’s roster with an additional five new recruits.

Woods gave a vote of absolute confidence to his latest recruits. “They have an opportunity to really make their mark early.” With the loss of

seniors Amel Kuljuhovic and Darius Williams, the new recruits will have some sizable shoes to fill.

Coach Woods was unfazed by the notion, stating how, “All five of them at their positions, they bring something different to the team that we didn’t have last year.” According to Woods, the pandemic has changed the road for the Jaguars but not the destination.

Many sports were forced to cancel seasons and workouts once the pandemic struck, with Woods pointing out how big of a factor that summer workouts are.

“What makes us successful is summertime workouts and things like that,” Coach Woods commented.

That loss of time left the Jags with very little time to build chemistry and skill. Fortunately, the coach looked at the loss of time from an optimistic point of view, stating that “The good thing is nobody in the SWAC was able to work out and we have more veteran players.”

According to Woods, those returning veterans will have the role to set the tone for the season. The Jaguars will look to start the year off right on November 25 against Iowa State, with an eye toward conference play on January 2 against Prairie View A&M.

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Let’s save lives: Why students should get tested Te’yannah Owens The Southern Digest

The Coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19, has disrupted many aspects of regular life, forcing schools to continue online during the prior Spring semester as well as terminating many physical graduations. This pandemic has altered the norms of society, with those in public spaces being required to wear a mask and stay 6 feet away from others. For students at Southern, if you’re worried about potential exposure to COVID-19, there are resources to get confirmation on your status.

Since the beginning of August, the university has been offering free COVID-19 testing, as a collaborative effort with local, state and federal officials. This has been taking place at the F.G Clark Activity Center Parking Lot and the Baranco-Hill Student Health Center, initially available every weekday from 9am-6pm, though their hours have been shortened to 9am-4pm due to lack of students utilizing this resource.

Taking 2-5 days for results to be processed, these tests are far more accurate than the rapid tests - which provide results in 24 hours or less - and therefore are less likely to produce false results. The typical method - which involves a cotton swab being inserted up the nostrils - is preferable to other testing methods because it really collects well. Every testing site is different, and therefore experiences with outside testing centers can not be accurately compared to the methods used here at Southern. Workers are allowing the patients to have control and collect what they need from the cotton swabs themselves.

Testing for the COVID-19 is important, as some carriers may be asymptotic - meaning

they do not show symptoms of the virus - and therefore may pass it unknowingly. The virus can also affect carriers differently, depending on the strength of their immune system. Further, the Flu increases in prominence during the winter, and it’s symptoms can be extremely similar to the coronavirus. Let’s just help each other by staying healthy, social distancing, and masking up Jaguars!

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The Final Face Off: Biden vs. Trump

Jalexis Edwards The Southern Digest

On October 22, 2020 President Donald Trump and former Vice-President Joe Biden held their second and final debate of the 2020 presidential election. Debate topics for the night included immigration, COVID-19, foreign interference in the previous presidential election, tax returns, supreme court nominations, Obamacare, minorities, and more.

The debate was much more cohesive than the previous one, where the two candidates often spoke out of term, interrupting each other. This difference can be credited to the decision to mute the candidates microphones when the other candidate is giving their opening three-minute speech, rules agreed upon by both candidates and their campaigns.

The debate was moderated by See DEBATE page 6

FEATURE

An Ochsner worker administers a free COVID-19 test to an SU student at the Horace W. Moody Intramural Sports Complex.

(DIGEST FILE)

What’s New with Student Government (SGA) Courtesy: SGA

Jalexis Edwards The Southern Digest

President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden participate in the final presidential debate at Belmont University, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn.

(Chip Somodevilla/Pool via AP)

Despite having to deal with the boundaries of COVID-19, the Student Government Association (SGA) has put forth effort to ensure students - whether online or in-person - have a successful year. Some of the organization’s primary goals include highlighting the seriousness of COVID-19 and ensuring the SGA had both a ‘Plan A’ (a regular school year

plan) and ‘Plan B’ (a hybrid and in-person plan) for the school year. This agenda includes virtual events for students to participate in.

Simultaneously, the organization has been preparing fourteen different projects that they hope to be completed around campus next semester. Over half

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FEATURE SGA from page 5 of their projects have been “progressing well” according to SGA President Chandler Vidrine. These projects include updating the second floor of Dunn dining hall to be a study area, adding outdoor seating

by Dunn and Mayberry dining halls, providing more mental health awareness/resources, a tuition relief program, a voters campaign, having campus maps, renovations to the hump, improved campus lighting, a ‘Black Lives Matter’ garden, and more. By the end of March, Vidrine expects for 80-90 percent of these projects to be completed and for the rest to be finalized this upcoming summer.

Students can expect to see tables to eat at outside of Dunn dining hall next semester as well as an updated study area on the second floor to include new floors, renovation to the bathrooms, improved lighting, high-bar seating, clear dry erase boards, computers, and more. This is projected to be the most expensive of the fourteen projects.

Campus maps are projected to be three-sided signs posted in several different spots on campus showing new students and guests where they are currently located and how to get to other buildings on campus.

The tuition relief program will be for students in need for the spring semester. The SGA has set aside 18% of their budget for the student relief program.

The hump’s new design is currently under works, and is being revamped to include welcoming banners. This project was originally started by the President’s office before being picked up by the SGA. Vidrine described campus lighting as being a “major [issue] over the last couple of years” and says the SGA took the initiative to reach out to the office of administration and finance to get all of the lighting on campus working properly.

The ‘Black Lives Matter’ garden is expected to be placed in between the law center and the counseling center. Vidrine’s hope is that this “will show that we, as a HBCU, stand with the movement.”

Along with these new projects, Vidrine is hopeful that during this upcoming spring semester, that the SGA and other organizations on campus are able to host more of their usual events. SGA events in the spring could possibly include a homecoming and welcome back week.

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Roald Dahl’s The Witches (2020): The Review

This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Anne Hathaway, center, in a scene from “The Witches.” (Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP)

Diamond Butler The Southern Digest

This past Friday, HBO Max released “Roald Dahl’s The Witches” to its streaming platform. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this film is a dark fantasy comedy that was intended to have a theatrical release by Warner Bros. Pictures.

However, due to COVID it was pulled from the calendar and rescheduled for a new release.

This film was created to be a newer version of the original 1990 “The Witches” Which leads to the question of does this version hold up to the original, or is it set to bomb and fail? This movie, while being different from the original, did have some good and bad qualities. Though it does not need to be the perfect movie, with the storytelling and effects it created something that would get a second watch.

The plot of this movie follows the same storyline as the original movie. A young boy who recently loses his parents goes off to live with his grandmother.

Though not everything seems right as the boy learns that there is a group of witches planning to destroy all children. Together he and his grandmother must band to foil these witches’ plans. Even though the plot of both movies there is a noticeable difference between how the story is executed, how the characters are portrayed, and the overall feel of the movie. Now when it comes to how the storylines play out, I would say that both executions are the same. Both play out the storyline in a way that is understandable to everyone. Even though the plot is the same as the 90s version, as you watch you can see the notable differences. Within this newer version, other scenes were not in the original. These extra scenes had their good and bad qualities. Sometimes they help

move the story along, but there were also times where the movie could go on without the scene.

Another difference is that the characters have completely changed. The original had actors like Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher, Anjelica Huston, and Rowan Atkinson playing in the main cast. This version has Octavia Spencer as Agatha Hansen, the grandmother, Jahzir Kadeem Bruno as Charlie Hansen, the grandson, Stanley Tucci as Mr. Stringer, and Anne Hathaway as the Grand High Witch. Watching the movie along with the actors portrayed the character well and seem to be having fun with their role.

However, some roles could have been played by someone else. Like with Anne Hathaway playing as the Grand High Witch, she did an okay job, but you can see her trying too hard to portray this evil person.

Watching her performance was a bit cringy at times because you can tell she is trying too hard.

Besides that, all the cast members did a decent job with what they were given. Also, what helped with some of the performances what the effects. Like when they changed the witch’s true forms and how they move and acted,

I found that entertaining. At some points, it would get a laugh out of me because you would not expect something like this from a character. They’re also the transformation of the children to mice. I prefer the transformation effect over the original because the design of the mice looked more realistic but still had that fantasy element. That they did not look like I was staring at a mouse toy that was just put into a scene as a placeholder.

Overall, I say that this is an okay movie. Even though it’s not the original movie, the uniqueness of its story, characters, scenes, and effects gives the movie its personality.

It did have some scenes that paid homage to the original movie and book. Though it is not going to have certain qualities that will feel nostalgic for fans of the 90s movie. Which is why this comes to do with personal preference.

If you are a fan of the original movie you may not like this version, but that does not mean that this film would not attract its fanbase. Both movies have good and bad qualities that make them their own. So regardless of which one you prefer, I still stay this is a movie that would generate multiple watching.

DEBATE from page 5 Kristen Welker, an NBC News correspondent, who asked each candidate specific questions that caused her to get praised by both candidates for her “fairness.”

Welker began the debate by asking President Trump about the White House’s response to COVID-19, which began the debate’s potentially most memorable moments. President Trump responded by saying that his administration’s response was good, and that he, himself, had COVID-19 and is immune. He, however, could not verify the timeline of a vaccine when asked later in the debate. Later, Trump would go on to question Biden about his role as vice-president under the Obama administration, and their response in certain crises. Trump was also eager to question Biden about his son, Hunter’s, overseas affairs, to which Biden fired back against by inquiring about Trump’s overseas bank account in China. Biden followed this by questioning Trump about his tax returns, asking Trump “What are you hiding?”, to which Trump responded saying he had “prepaid” his taxes and gets treated “very badly by the IRS.” The last memorable moment of the night was Trump referring to himself as the “least racist person in the room” to which Biden responded saying, “This guy is a dog whistle about as big as a foghorn.” Trump then said, “Not since Abraham Lincoln has anyone done what I’ve done for the black community.” causing Biden to sarcastically refer to him as Abraham Lincoln and call him “one of the most racist presidents.” The debate had interesting moments, and for the candidates, it was their last time to nationally persuade voters before the November 3rd election.

YEARBOOK PHOTOS We want to see your face in the 2019-2020 yearbook! Spring and Summer 2020 Graduates, send in your photos!

The deadline to submit a photo is November 1st. Send it to studentmedia@ subr.edu ASAP! Congratulations Jags!

DIGEST ART

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Tuesday, October 27, 2020 | Page 7

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It Ain’t Over Yet, Folks Diamond Butler The Southern Digest

I know by now that a lot of you are tired of hearing about COVID, wearing masks, and having to social distance and that you’re ready to go back to how things were before, where you could go out with friends or your boyfriend or girlfriend and have fun without worrying about getting sick. At this point in the pandemic where we can now go out, no one is stopping you from living your life. All we are asking is that you still think responsibly because someone is out here thinking that COVID is gone. While going through social media almost every day I am seeing people I know out in large

gatherings with no masks and no social distancing, without a care in the world for their safety.

Look, I am not here to be a killjoy and tell you how to run your life. I’m just here as a reminder that until we are giving an effective and safe vaccine for the virus, you still have to think about what you are doing to keep up your health. Right now, in Louisiana, the number of COVID cases has reached 182 thousand cases with over fifteen thousand of those cases being here in Baton Rouge. People even though we’re in phase three, this is still a matter you need to take seriously. By this date October 23, Louisiana has experienced 5,799 deaths with the numbers still rising. The statistics have shown

that a lot of these deaths are coming from the 18 to 27-yearold age range, our age range. Now before some of you all go to your social media talking about how I do not know what I am talking about, let it be clear that I am not here to play parent, I am here stating what I am seeing every day from people who continue to refuse to take COVID seriously.

Just because scientists say that they are working on a vaccine does not mean it is here yet.

To those who are reading this right now, like me, you are a grown adult and can make your own decisions. You do not have to listen to what I am saying.

All I am asking is that while you still go and hang out with family and friends, you still take the

Is Halloween Worth Celebrating?

Lealer Sims The Southern Digest

Halloween is the time of year that people buy tons of candy, get creative with their costumes, carve pumpkins, and decorate their homes. I personally have never been a big Halloween fan, but that is only because when I was a kid, my parents called it the “devil’s holiday.” This year, things are extremely different.

We are still fighting the COVID-19 pandemic with cases rising every day. Is it really worth it to be celebrating Halloween under these circumstances?

Spending money on a costume and party to risk catching the coronavirus? I do not think so.

However, although we still have a deadly disease going around, people are still going to

celebrate the holiday. To that end, I have a few ideas to celebrate Halloween while still following CDC guidelines.

The first one is throwing a virtual costume contest. People could log in on Zoom and the best costume could win a virtual gift card or something of that nature. My second idea is having a small scary movie night with less than ten people. You and your friends could play spooky games and watch horror movies in the comfort of someone’s home.

Pumpkin carving is also super fun and you can get creative with it.

If you must throw a party, you can throw an outdoor Halloween party and require people to wear masks that go with their costumes. These are just a few ideas to help people celebrate while staying safe.

My Hair, My Way! Aliya Creecy The Southern Digest

Why do I, a curly haired black woman, have to wear my hair “down” every day for work in 2020? My hair is my crown, my hair is my confidence.

If my hair makes you uncomfortable, it’s because you’re intimidated by the power it holds. I’m sorry, were you insulting me? I couldn’t hear you through the thickness of my coils and curls.

Still, in 2020 we face discrimination in the work place. Months ago I took my blackness and my brilliance and

started working at a place where the women must be pretty. The women must be clean, polished, and attractive.

I accepted the required hairstyle when I was hired, but now my eyes have quite a different view. I was okay until I saw my “not so colorful” co-workers wearing their hair in ponytails and half up half down styles.

As the new girl on the block, I thought maybe I missed something in training. I thought to myself, “I didn’t know we could wear our hair up.” Turns out I wasn’t so included

OPINION

necessary precautions to remain safe. Like everyone else I have loved ones who I do not want to see get sick and die from COVID, and they feel the same about me. I want to see the COVID numbers go down just and get my normal life back just like you.

But if you are constantly going out without a mask or keeping a six feet distance you can bet that the decrease in numbers is not going to happen anytime soon.

So, I am asking you please if you are going out, think smart, and make a responsible decision.

When you are making these safe decisions regarding COVID you are helping to lower the numbers, and you are helping everyone move one step closer to returning to a life before COVID.

The reason why I feel as if Halloween is not worth celebrating is because it is a commercialized holiday. It is a capitalist scheme to get consumers to purchase candy, costumes, and decorations.

Americans spend millions of dollars on this Holiday every year.

Why? Halloween candy is the same as regular candy, just with different wrapping.

People buy costumes to wear once and more than likely never use again, because they will want a new one next year. The decorations are just a waste of money that could be used towards something more practical.

Although Halloween parties are fun, they are the same as regular parties. Plus with all of the craziness going on in this world in 2020, I would be afraid to go trick or treating, because people

can tamper with the candy meant for children.

Halloween does not really celebrate anything, and people do not get the day off from work and school. It is just another way people waste their hard-earned money.

My suggestion to those that choose to go out in big crowds on Halloween is to make sure you wear a mask and wash your hands.

Try not to go around anyone that is high-risk for a while after the big parties. Make sure you go out with people you trust, because crazy people come out on this night. Do not drink and drive, and if you must drink, you should have a designated driver. Do not eat too much candy because it is bad for your teeth and your overall health.

in “we.” I asked my manager if my puff was an acceptable style and was told “no.” As long as I was a server inside of the building my hair had to be down, but only by serving on the restaurant patio would I be able to wear my hair in a ponytail.

This requirement seemed fair until I realized that I wouldn’t know what section of tables I would be serving until the moment my shift started.

Therefore, I must wear my hair down everyday, just in case I don’t get a patio section.

Besides dsicrimination in management, the customers can also

be quite rude. I pretend to smile as I observe the disappointment in their faces when they notice that a black curly haired girl will be serving them. They try to be nice but I can always tell when the kindness is not authentic. However, it’s cool! I won’t allow their discomfort to knock me down. Like I said, my presence holds power!

My hair holds weight, my hair is loud, and my hair is big. My hair is mine, so I should be able to wear it my way. Discrimination in 2020 is lame. Don’t be lame.

SUBMISSIONS & OPINION POLICY The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy.

This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed in submissions, editorials, opinions and commentary pieces, including sports commentaries. It is the sole opinion of the writer and does not reflect the views of any professional faculty, staff or administrator of the University.

The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else.

All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number.

Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813.

Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mailed to digest@subr. edu.

NOVOTE,NO VOICE! #SUVOTES #HBCUVOTES #WHENWEALLVOTE

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VOTE

Page 8 | Tuesday, October 27, 2020

The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body Since 1926

Hey, Jags! What’s your voting plan?

TODAY, OCTOBER 27, is the last day to VOTE EARLY if you’re registered in Louisiana.

Make sure you: ✔ Review the ballot. ✔ Study the candidates. ✔ Study the amendments. ✔ Mask up and bring hand sanitizer.

If you don’t vote early, make sure you can VOTE IN PERSON on ELECTION DAY — TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3: ✔ Check your precinct location. ✔ Bring a current state-issued photo ID. ✔ Mask up and bring hand sanitizer.

If you requested a MAIL-IN BALLOT, be sure to check deadlines to have your ballot returned.

Don’t let long lines discourage you. Make YOUR voice count! Also, CONNECT with your family and friends to encourage them to make their voices count, too!

For voter info, deadlines, amendment explanations and more, go to sus.edu/vote

#SUvotes THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA