Tuesday, April 10, 2018
SU Alumna Honored Nationally
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Volume 70, Issue 9
The Return of John B. Cade
BY LEAH WILLIAMS DIGEST STAFF WRITER
Denella Ri’chard, a Southern University alumna, was recently honored by The Network Journal of Black Professionals and Small Business Magazine. Ri’chard was awarded as one of the 25 Influential Black Women in Business. This award luncheon is one of New York City’s most prestigious events. The award honors black women that not only have large professional achievements, but that also have made large contributions to their community. She received her award for her contributions to the international cruise industry and to her community in southern Florida. Ri’chard serves as the Senior Director of Trade Communications and Engagement for the Holland America Line. She is also an active member of the American Society of Travel Agents and an active member of Cruise Lines International Association. In her spare time, she teaches high school students through The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and volunteers and fundraises for Seafarers’ House. Ri’chard is even a former board member of The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis. Her early life was much different. She grew up near Southern University and her father passed in a car accident near their home on Harding Blvd. After his death, her mother, a secretary at Southern See RI’CHARD page 3
After four months of renovations, following January’s extreme weather conditions causing a pipe to burst, the John B. Cade library will be reopened to students today with the majority of it’s resources resuming normal routine. Library officials will continue to strive towards a fully functional facility in the upcoming months.
BY GABRIELLE HUTCHINSON DIGEST NEWS EDITOR
The John B. Cade Library is scheduled to re-open today at 7:30am. As many know, amid inclement weather in January, the John B. Cade library took a dive for the worst when a pipe burst and flushed every floor with an estimated 2-4 inches of water. Library staff members were appalled, but took no time to begin making accommodations for students. “When I came up here that Saturday and saw all that water coming from the ceiling of this library, I was really devastated,” recalled Southern University Dean of Libraries, Ms. Emma BradfordPerry. “Then I said to myself, ‘I cannot stay in devastation mode. I’ve got to figure out something for these students.’” Within a few days, Guarantee
Restoration Services began removing damaged drywall and carpet, and students were provided temporary services located in the library’s student center on the first floor. New carpeting can be found in the student lounge area, the reference desk lounge area, designated walkways, and highuse areas. The library has been restored not only visually, but also functionally. For four months, students maintained limited access to computers, printers, and copiers in the first floor Student Snack Center. “Even though we have been somewhat impacted, the students as a whole probably have not missed anything,” university Archivist Angela Proctor explained. Eventually, the computer labs on the second floor reopened, but all of those resources are being taken out of their temporary set-up and
returned where they belong. Having served as the Southern University Dean of Libraries since 1992, Dean Perry has developed a passion for the students, and with final exams three weeks away, emphasizes their priority in the restoration process. Even parents have expressed concerns about the condition of the library. “I’ve had parents calling me about when we’d be opening back up because her daughter told her she had a special place on the third floor where she liked to study and she hadn’t been able to go up there,” she spoke lightheartedly. As Dean Perry strolled through the halls of the library, she emphasized that its restoration has been no walk in the park. Ordering new equipment and materials can be difficult between ordering, arrival, and receiving approval from the Purchasing Department and State of Louisiana; and the
work does not stop here. There is still a collection of books awaiting appraisal before replacement, and a great deal of bare flooring, as can be seen in the library’s popular study rooms. “A lot of students use these individual study carrels that they could check out, but we can no longer use them.” They are all restricted with caution tape and lacking some drywall and ceiling tiles. Although some areas are unfinished, the first three floors of the library are safe for student use unless marked otherwise. Students are advised to take heed of restrictions for their safety and comfort. “It’s been long waiting process but I think for the fact that we have dean Perry and the managers that have been so instrumental in trying See CADE RETURNS page 3
SGA Elections: All is Fair in Votes and Scores BY DEBRANDIN BROWN DIGEST STAFF EDITOR
Spring SGA elections took place prior to spring break on Southern University’s Baton Rouge campus this year, and with it came scrutiny towards the election process and the integrity of candidates. Much of the scrutiny received in this year’s race was aimed towards the race for Miss Southern. On the day of the election, there were reports from numerous students that Darby Smith, a candidate running for Miss. Southern had unfairly campaigned when she allowed a local radio host to give her a shoutout on their show. There was a large number of students who believed this action to be grounds for disqualification, but Smith went on to win the election, and those in opposition of her campaign attributed her victory to the radio shout-out. On the other hand, there were those who believed that the election was as fair as it could have been, such as Olajuwon George, a junior Psychology major from New Iberia,
Louisiana. “I don’t think she cheated,” George began. “I like Darby. I think she won fair and square.” In speaking to many voters who participated in the election, a fair amount of them shared George’s view on the issue. On the other hand, there are those who feel as though this year’s elections are a prime example as to why regulations and their enforcement should be made more specific. One individual who is a proponent of such change is DeKendrick Johnson, a senior Business Management major from New Orleans, Louisiana. “There should be stricter regulations. Not to say that someone did [break] protocol, but to ensure that there is no second guessing, [more can be done] to eliminate the thought of tampering,” Johnson suggested. Parents of the candidates felt equally as strongly. “The reason I don’t feel like this election was fair was because another candidate, Darby Smith, advertised on the Rickey Smiley show this morning, which is a nationally
syndicated radio show, and it is a clear violation of the election rules,” the mother of a Miss SU candidate, Jolandra Stevenson began. “We reported it at 8 o’clock and the Elections Committee was already aware of it at 8 o’clock.” The mother and daughter did not receive a response for action until 12 noon, when Ms. Smith was sanctioned for the shout-out. With criticism flooding social media after the Spring 2018 election results were announced, both sides of the debate were justified. There were many like Olajuwon George who believed that the election was as honest and fair as a Southern SGA election could get. Likewise, there was a vast number of voters who believed that Smith only won because of the outside interference. Smith’s mother, Xochi Richardson, too, chimed in on the debacle. “I’m assuming people are referring to the national support from Rickey Smiley. [Darby] met him a long time ago. He was impressed and he’s been working with her,” she defended. “He knows Darby personally and what he said on the air was absolutely
Spring 2018 elections voting receipt. Courtesy: Sean Colby Griffin Jr.
true. Him choosing to support her and do it nationally -- we had no control over that.” Jonas Vanderbilt Jr., Director of Student Life at Southern University, was also able See SGA ELECTIONS page 3
THE OFFICIALTHE STUDENT OF SOUTHERN AND A&M COLLEGE, BATONLOUISIANA ROUGE, LOUISIANA OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERNUNIVERSITY UNIVERSIT Y AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE,
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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.
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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
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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.
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. ACADEMIC HONORS DAY AWARDS PROGRAM Save the date! The annual Academic Honors Day Awards Program for the Baton Rouge campus will be held on Friday, April 20 in Seymour Gymnasium at 10:15AM. The theme is “A Tradition of Academic Excellence.” Students, parents, faculty and administrators are encouraged to attend this premier recognition ceremony. Honorees range from honor roll designees, to memorial award recipients, to winners of the Faculty Senior Award for Academic Excellence and the Chancellor’s Award. DEPARTMENT OF SPEECH AND THEATRE The department of Speech and Theatre would like to announce the Spring production of An Evening of Scenes and Monologues featuring members of the SU Drama Club. Performance dates are April 13, 14, 20, and 21. All performances will be at 7:30PM in Hayden Hall. WOMEN’S TENNIS The women’s tennis team will be hitting the cages Friday, April 13 in New Orleans, LA to take on Alcorn State at the City Park/Pepsi Center at 9AM. JAGUAR SOFTBALL The Lady Jaguars will be heading south this week, facing Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss today at 6PM, and South Alabama in Mobile, AL Wednesday, April 11 at 5PM. JAGUAR BASEBALL The Jaguars will be at home to face the New Orleans Privateers at Lee-Hines Field on Wednesday, April 11. First pitch is at 6PM SU LAND GRANT The SU Land Grant Campus will be hosting the ‘One Health Symposium’ April 12-13 at the Southern University Law Center. Participants will share and learn about educational strategies, tools, and resources to improve their health,
the health of pets, and the overall health of the environment. SU Land Grant presents The Jaguar Rodeo on The Bluff on April 14, featuring Lil’ Nathan & The Zydeco Bigtimers and Sweet Nay. Come out and enjoy the rodeo, trailride, and zydeco all in one! Tickets are $15 online, and $20 at the door. Kids under 5 have free admission. Contact the SU Land Grant for more info. SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT SUPD is hosting ‘Kickin It With Cops’ on April 17 in the residential circle. Come out and mingle with SUPD while enjoying food, games, and a live DJ. DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS The department of Visual and Performing Arts presents the Spring Invitational Student Art Exhibition. The exhibit will be open until April 19. Gallery hours are Mon. - Thurs. from 10AM - 4PM. 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 cap and gown portrait that will be included in The Jaguar Yearbook. 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.
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 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. APPLY NOW! $500,000 HBCU PRESERVATION GRANT OPPORTUNITY WITH THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE In 2017, Congress appropriated $4 million from the Historic Preservation Fund to rehabilitate historic structures on campuses of HBCUs that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places either individually or as contributing to a National Register historic district. Click here for funding opportunity announcement and more information. Interested in applying? Email sara_martin@subr. edu with your Notice of Intent form
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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.
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Tuesday, April 10, 2018 - Page 3
STEM gets Stumped: Teachers at An All Time Low
CADE RETURNS from page 1 to make other arrangements for the students that I think the students that have used the library during the process haven’t really missed a step,” Ms. Proctor concluded. Be sure to visit the library and be on the lookout for events and other resources.
BY KEITH LEWIS
DIGEST STAFF WRITER
Southern University at New Orleans is projected to receive a $1.2 million grant by way of the National Science Foundation, in an effort to combat its STEM problem. The 2017 -2018 school year was a devastating time for the STEM programs in America. The U.S. Department of Education reported that many districts struggle to fill positions in subjects such as math, the traditional sciences, technical education, health, and computer science, which can be detrimental to our youth and requires immediate action. The $1.2 million Robert Noyce grant will tackle the shortage of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers in high-need public schools. Their plan is to recruit, support, and certify 22 STEM teachers. Their activities will also focus on qualifying SUNO undergraduate STEM students enrolled in the Department of Natural Sciences. Dallas, Texas native, A’Yanna Muigua is a senior Music Education major who proclaims that, “STEM subjects and research is what evolves us as a people into the future and the shortage of such can potentially stunt its forward momentum.” In contrast to the U.S. Department of Education, the United States Department of Labor reports that their findings
are misleading and it’s not that the number of teachers is dwindling, but the number of students has drastically increased. According to The Manufacturers’ Organization, “The number of STEM teachers has remained stagnant since 2015. Despite we’ve seen a huge growth in pupil numbers, from 8.1 million to nearly 8.6 million, which will hit secondary age within the next 2-3 years.” These Economic projections point to a need for approximately 1 million more STEM professionals than the U.S. will produce at the current rate over the next decade. Business Insider decided to debunk the “STEM Shortage” by drawing a basic Economic supply and demand chart. According to them, “Demand for STEM majors to exceed supply one would expect that unemployment statistics for recent STEM graduates would be outstandingly low.” However, this is seldom the case. There is a surplus in STEM graduates, but the problem lies in what they do after graduation. Many do not find jobs within their majors or pursue STEM careers altogether. Business Insider also reports that: 64.5% of computer science majors are working in their major field; 18.7% of computer science majors are not working in the field because of pay, promotion or working conditions; and 11.2%
SGA ELECTIONS from page 1
Source: BusinessInsider.com
of computer science majors are not working in the field because jobs are not available. Producing qualified individuals is always every institution’s goal, and although on the back burner, creating avenues for them to succeed these goals is equally, if not more, important. Southern University Mechanical Engineering major, Javonte Woodson, is well aware of the trend and stressed his worries for his future beyond Southern
Source: BusinessInsider.com
University. “Southern is preparing me to become a well-rounded engineer. I may even go so far to say specialist. The idea of not being able to work in my field is both haunting and irritating,” Woodson sadly admitted. Students are spending thousands of dollars to receive their degrees but we must kick up the production a notch. The youth is hungry and to meet their demands, SUS must exceed its past efforts.
RI’CHARD from page 1
University, was still able to send Denella and her brother, Jamie Ri’chard, to a catholic school, and later to Southern University. Her mother even went back to school to complete her own degree at Southern University in 2013. Ri’chard’s love for travel was found at Southern University. She graduated in 1995 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. During her last year at Southern, she decided to study abroad in Harare, Zimbabwe, and says that she not only loved it, but has made traveling the world her passion ever since. Chair of the Southern University Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Okoye I.Y. Ahmose, feels that the Mass Communication program at Southern helped to prepare Ri’chard for her success. “Even though we do have three concentrations and she did finish in Broadcast, the courses that we have within that curriculum and within that sequence will fully prepare you for any endeavor that someone can encounter into the real world,” said Ahmose. Ri’chard says that part of her success is through her travel agents and the relationships she builds with them. “My role is all about empowering our travel agents. Travel agents still account for the majority of business booked through cruise lines. My department is responsible for developing deep and broad relationships with travel agents and the trade through innovative technologies, trade communications, marketing, social media and training which contributes to agent’s career professional development and empowers them to grow their cruise business,” said Ri’chard. Krista Tolbert, a junior Broadcast Journalism major from Memphis, Tennessee, feels inspired by Ri’chard’s success. “I think it’s amazing and it really is inspiring to see her success. She studies the same thing that I’m studying right now and of course she chose a different career path than the one I plan on taking but it still motivates me. Plus her being black and a woman, it’s really amazing to see,” said Tolbert. Ri’chard will be profiled in the spring 2018 issue of the Network Journal.
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to provide insight into the voting process that many students have avidly expressed a lack of faith in. Vanderbilt revealed that software accessed through SimpleVoting. com is what is used to tally votes during the election cycle, and has been in use for past two election cycles. “The suggestion came from the state machines no longer being able to be used for an election in the past as they were all in usage and the state had dismantled the special elections department due to budget cuts. I then contacted several of my colleagues at a multitude of institutions and a number of them all used this system and boasted rave reviews and have had no incident,” said Vanderbilt on the decision to change the voting process. The voting system has proven itself popular with voter turnout reaching unprecedented peaks during 2017 and 2018, with 2,038 and 2,181 total votes respectively. However, some students, including Sean Colby Griffin, Jr. have had experiences with the new voting system that may represent cause for pause for many students wondering just how efficient the voting process is. “I have 106 credit hours. It’s my third year but I’m classified as a senior. My major is Rehabilitation Services. I am not [a graduating senior]. I have at least two or three semesters left. Yes, I did [receive the ballot of a graduating senior]. I was not allowed to vote for my class queen or leader. I feel like I was cheated.” Following an Elections Appeal Committee investigation of accusation against candidates, “eight instances where violations occurred,” only two were properly handled and none of the actions were found to be malicious or illintended. The committee resolved to certify the election results revealed on March 16. While the university will be taking no further action against Smith, this year’s controversies are likely to change the way the student body looks at election week and how future candidates will look at prospective campaigns. Moving forward, Alana Stevenson suggests that the whole process tighten up. “Eliminate bias and favoritism, and implement fairness. We didn’t see that this election cycle,” she concluded. In an election process that depends on its candidates’ integrity to maintain its credibility, this year’s election cycle may have damaged hundreds of students’ trust in the election process. With election season approaching in the fall, the shockwaves that this year’s election created will still be felt in SU elections to come.
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Star Southern Univeristy Defensive Back Prepares for NFL Draft BY DEBRANDIN BROWN DIGEST SPORTS WRITER
Projected as an early-5th to mid-6th round pick by NFL.com, former Southern University star defensive back Danny Johnson has catapulted his way onto the radar of numerous National Football League (NFL) teams. Being invited to the annual NFL Combine, held in Indianapolis in February, Johnson created the buzz needed to boost his draft stock. With a 4.44 40-yard dash time and a 35-inch vertical, Johnson has demonstrated his footspeed and overall athleticism to multiple NFL teams. At Southern’s Pro Day last Wednesday, he measured out to be 5’9” and 180 pounds, with a wingspan of 74 ½ inches. Outside of position drills, Johnson opted to cheer on his teammates in lieu of improving his scores. Still, at least 10 teams were at A.W. Mumford Stadium to witness what potential could come out of the Bluff. According to NFL.com’s prospect page, Johnson has earned himself a 5.19 draft grade, which gives him a better-than-average chance to make an NFL roster by the start of training camp in the summer. Media outlets had their first chance to speak to Johnson officially since his combine performance at Pro Day, and as far as Johnson’s overall experience at the combine, he said, “Being at combine was a good experience. It was just a long three days.” Johnson continued on to say this about the See JOHNSON page 5
DIGEST Illustration
Groundbreaking for Jaguars drop two to the Championship Lady Panthers Plaza set for April 10 COURTESY
SOUTHERN .U ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
COURTESY
SOUTHERN U. ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Southern University will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Tony Clayton Championship Plaza on Tuesday, April 10th at 11 a.m. in front of the A.W. Mumford Fieldhouse. Representatives from David Mougeot Architecture and Stewart Construction will join SU system chairwoman Ann Smith, SU System President Dr. Ray Belton, and Athletics Committee chairman Attorney Antonio “Tony” Clayton, who contributed $1.1 million to fund the construction of “Tony Clayton Championship Plaza,” and establish an endowed chair, that will support athletic programming, and benefit the marching band and music department. Located at the main entrance to the Arnett “Ace” Mumford Field House on Swan Avenue,
the Tony Clayton Championship Plaza structure will feature bronze plaques commemorating Southern Jaguar championships and athletes. The bronze plaques will be mounted to eight square cast stone and brick columns beneath a 50-foot diameter stucco ring. The ring and columns will be illuminated by color changing LED lights which can be programmed to display school colors as well as colors celebrating holidays or events. Within the boundaries of the ring, approximately 1,400 concrete pavers will provide opportunities for any person or organization to sponsor a permanent part of the plaza. Column sponsors will be featured on bronze plaques located on the faces of each column. Fans interested in purchasing a paver are asked to contact the SU ticket office at 225-771-3171 for more details.
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BATON ROUGE, La. | Southern University fell short versus Praire View A&M, dropping doubleheader 3-2(8) and 8-7, Friday afternoon. In game 1, the Lady Panthers pounced first scoring two runs in the first two innings to take an early 2-0 lead. Prairie View’s starting pitcher Crystal Castillo pitched a gem, holding Southern to one hit till the bottom of the sixth inning when #20 Kiara Suttles crushed a home run to left field, and #22 Lizzie Donaldson got into the fun crushed the next pitch over the left field wall to tie the game 2 apiece. Southern’s #8 Aubry James got the nod in the circle for the Jaguars held the Lady Panthers in check holding PV to one hit after giving up the first two runs to start the game. A costly walk in the eighth inning was the dagger in the eighth inning when PV’s Gabrielle Fonseca smoked a double to centerfield to score the go-ahead run. James allowed three runs (two earned), six hits, and struck out three. PV’s Vanessa Castillo recorded the win, giving up no hits facing 10 batters in relief. In game 2, Prairie View exploded for five runs in the top of the third inning. The Jaguars bats came alive in the bottom of the fourth inning when Sydney Andrews led the inning off beating out the throw. Suttles lined a double to left field. Andrews scored on a Donaldson sacrifice bunt to cut the lead, 5-1. Jazmine Duke knocked a two-RBI double to left-center field. James joined the hit parade recording an RBI double to cut the lead, 5-4. James was thrown out at third trying to extend the play. Alison Walton flew out to end the inning.
Courtesy Southern U. Athletics Media Relations
Suttles tied the game with her second monster home run of the series to left field in the bottom of the fifth inning Duke’s added an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth inning to take a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. James came in the bottom of the third inning and held the Lady Panthers scoreless over the next four innings allowing two hits. The game got away in the top of the seventh allowing three runs on three hits. Southern had a chance in the bottom of the seventh inning after Suttles was intentionally walked but could not capitalize falling to PVAMU 8-7. Suttles went 3-for-5, recording three RBIs, three runs, walked three times one intentionally, two home runs, a solen base. Dukes recorded four hits and three RBIs. James pitched 12.1 innings recording a 2.92 era allowing six runs (4 earned), stricking out five and scattering eleven hits.
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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926 SPORTS COMMENTARY
Stop Cutting Nets, Start Cutting Checks BY DEBRANDIN BROWN DIGEST SPORTS WRITER
128 of men’s college basketball’s most talented seniors, including Southern’s star big man, Jared Sam, were invited to represent their 32 respected conferences at the inaugural Dos Equis 3X3U National Championship, held March 30 to April 1 on the campus of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. Unlike the traditional March Madness tournament, instead of cutting the nets, this event was focused on cutting the checks. The 3-on-3 half court style tournament, created by sports and entertainment company Intersport, featured a $100,000 prize pool. Every game mattered, as $1000 went to the winner of each game. Games were live streamed on Twitter, and the championship was televised on ESPN2. Sam helped Team SWAC play the role of bracket busters, making it to the national semifinals of the event, two wins short of the $50,000 grand prize. Playing against competition from the Big Ten and Big 12, the SWAC proved that it could handle its own against the big league schools. Unlike when Sam was playing under the jurisdiction of the NCAA, this tournament finally allowed a way for him and the other players to (legally) get paid for their work on the court. With all players in attendance being seniors and their eligibility for the NCAA being exhausted, there was nothing stopping the players from participating in the 3X3U, which is not affiliated with the NCAA. The rise of leagues and events striving to providing financial compensation to college athletes sheds more light on the archaic sweatshop known as the NCAA. For decades since the inception of the NCAA, student-athletes have had their talent, likeness, and even their very names exploited by the universities they play ball for without a dime of that money going to the NCAA. The racial undertones that lie within the company’s guidelines and regulations also attribute to this unethical monopoly. The young, financially vulnerable black star athletes whom the NCAA has built its empire on the backs of are left to suffer. The two greatest basketball players of the 2000s, Kobe Bryant and Lebron James, are also two of the wealthiest individuals of their generation of athletes. This fact stands out even more when you take
Courtesy/ Alcorn State Athletics
into consideration that both of these athletes were able to capitalize on their talent and establish their own brand without any middleman, such as the NCAA, being able to benefit them in any way. On the other hand, we have seen scandals in all walks of sports that have forced us to change our definition of what it is to be honest and genuine. Perhaps the deep, dark scandal brewing within the NCAA stretches much further than originally believed. The NCAA has grown into a multibillion dollar empire. In a world where everyone is trying to get paid, I would never wish any person or corporate entity bad for trying to maximize their money making potential. That being said, when the engine behind your company are 18, 19, and 20 year old young adults who are not getting a cent of the money they are generating, it becomes a problem. There have been many current and former collegiate athletes who have come forward and said that there were nights that they were not able to eat after a day of practice, weight training, and classes. This reality is unacceptable, and must be called for what it is, a scam. So, if the NCAA is serious about having the students-athletes best interests at heart, then the only morally sound thing to do is to pay the kids that have built the empire of indulgence that has been so meticulously constructed.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018 - Page 5
JOHNSON from page 4 overall experience Just being there and getting to compete against some of the top guys [was good].” As far as Johnson’s own draft expectations, he has gone on record saying he doesn’t get particularly in loved in the rankings debates or his overall draft projection. “With the draft, I’m not big on where I go or what round I go in. I just want to be on a team and get the opportunity to go there and play. Regardless of what round I go in or what team I go to, I’m just thankful for the opportunity.” With 17 career interceptions over his collegiate career, Johnson’s ability to bolster a secondary is one that many NFL executives will be inspecting heavily over the next couple weeks leading into the draft. While all of Johnson’s intangibles have made him a target for multiple NFL teams, it is his playmaking ability that has made him so coveted among so many NFL teams as a late round pick. Johnson’s leaping, one-handed interception against Alcorn in September of his senior season has shown many NFL executives the type of plays he can make for a secondary. “All of them bring it up,” Johnson said. “That’s the play they say they watched that got their attention. So I just want to continue to make plays that will stick with them.” While Southern alumni have been able to reach the NFL level historically, no player has been drafted from the Bluff since defensive back Lenny Williams went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 7th round of the 2004 NFL Draft. However, a stat to keep in mind is that 28 defensive backs have been drafted from the FCS level since 2010. It is becoming increasingly likely that Johnson will be picked up by an NFL team on Draft Day. The 83rd NFL Draft will be held April 26-28, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
SU TRACK & FIELD REPORT
McNeese Spring Time Classic Lake Charles, LA April 7, 2018
Nia Williams, 2nd Place, Women’s 100 Faith Estelle, Meters 2nd Place, Women’s Hammer Terralicia Mercadel, st Jamira Russ, 1 Place, Women’s 400 Meters 3rd Place, Women’s Hammer Tessa Toney, Skyler Prol, 2nd Place, Women’s 400m Hurdles 3rd Place, Men’s Shot Put Jeremy Bass, Vashtie Hannah, 1st Place, Women’s Long 1st Place, Men’s Hammer Jump Charles Clark, Tiana Cephers, 2nd Place, Men’s Hammer 2nd Place, Women’s Triple Jump
ADULT LEISURE
Tea Dances
EVERY TUESDAY / 1 – 3 P.M. WOMACK PARK BALLROOM
Photos of the Week THE
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SOUTHERN DIGEST
Incoming high school students gather to sign in for attend College Night in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union on Wednesday, April 4th. (DeJohn Richardson/DIGEST)
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
At the annual Resident Appreciation Week step show, Jones Hall competes against the other dorms on Monday, April 2nd. (Kyndall Jones/DIGEST)
Students getting doused in foam in the Mini Dome on Thursday, April 5, 2018. (Keith Lewis/DIGEST)
Students enjoying the Residential Life & Housing’s “Wet & Wild” day in front of the Intramural Complex on Tuesday, April 3rd. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)
Aliya Creecy, Miss Residential Life contestant, shows her talent during the Miss Residential Life Pageant on April 3rd in the University Event Center. (Contara Mayfield/DIGEST)
New initiate, Cameron Davis, singing during his probate for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity on Thursday, April 5th, in DeBose Music Hall. (Keith Lewis/DIGEST)
Spring 2018 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Tre’von Caesar, during the neophyte presentation on Sunday, April 8th in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. (Contara Mayfield/DIGEST)
The University Apartments step team competing against other dorms during the Annual Resident Appreciation Week step show, on Monday, April 2nd. (Kyndall Jones/DIGEST)
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Photos of the Week
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Tuesday, April 10, 2018 - Page 7
Gradison Hall competes against the other dorms at the Annual Resident Appreciation Week step show on Monday, April 2nd. (Kyndall Jones/DIGEST)
Students “JIG” with one another at the foam party in the Mini Dome Thursday, April 5th. (Keith Lewis/DIGEST)
Southern students at the Residential Life & Housing’s “Wet & Wild” day in front of the Intramural Complex on Tuesday, April 3rd. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)
The crowd awaits the upcoming performance of the 2018 Phi Mu Alpha initiates on Thursday, April, 5th in DeBose Hall. (Keith Lewis/DIGEST)
Winner of the Miss Residential Life pageant, India Price, moves the crowd with a touching liturgical performance at the Miss Residential Life Pageant on Tuesday, April 3rd in the University Event Center. (Contara Mayfield/DIGEST)
DJ Kool Supa Mike rocks the crowd at the Annual SU foam party Thursday, April 5th in the minidome. (Keith Lewis/DIGEST)
Southern students enjoying themselves at the “Wet and Wild” evemt in front of the Intramural Complex on Tuesday, April 3rd. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. welcomes their new members on Sunday, April 8th in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. (Contara Mayfield/DIGEST)
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SOUTHERN DIGEST
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Step It Like I Talk It: The Origin of Stepping BY KEITH LEWIS DIGEST A&E WRITER
Stepping! Defined to some as a way to channel inner aggression, others to demonstrate passion for an organization, and to others a percussive movement which bring joy to viewers and participants alike. Stepping is a form of dance that utilizes the entire body to create art. It’s a collection of rhythms synchronized by an individual or a collective group. The true origin of stepping is actually a blur. It is a mixture of African dance, military drill, and drew some of its contents from early R&B groups such as The Four Tops. According to Step Afrika, “It draws movements from African foot dances, such as Gumboot, originally conceived by miners in South Africa as an alternative to drumming, which was banned by authorities.” On Monday, April 2, 2018, Residential Life and Housing hosted “Battle of the Dorms”, a step show produced by the residents of each hall, and the only rule was for each hall to have a
running time under ten minutes. All participants took the stage with confidence, but Camille Shade Hall rocked the stage, literally. The group of ladies wowed the audience with their Beyoncé and Black Panther themed performance. This brings us to the questions: where did step originate? Who created it? Arnita Blair, one of the contestants from Shade Hall, is a sophomore Criminal Justice major from Dallas, Texas. When asked her opinion, she responded, “Growing up all the influences I have seen pertaining to stepping have been through Greek fraternities a n d sororities. I feel l i k e they play a major role in introducing s t e p , especially
Divine Nine.” The National Pan-Hellenic Council member organization governs Greek organizations and those Greeks give tributes to their historical Greek letter organizations by performing at local and national competitions. Stepping has become popular among the Greek organizations to show spirit and pride in their fraternity or sorority. But is this where it started? Senior Music Performance major Jasmine Baptiste is a New Orleans native, and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority who agrees with Blair about the role Greek life plays in introducing step, but admits, “Stepping did not originate from Greeks. We
adopted it and made it our own, but it was here before us.” It is safe to say that modern day step was developed and perfected by AfricanAmerican fraternities and sororities. These organizations have been competing viciously since the early 1900s, and their competitions have been televised across the country. Adopting its new name, “Greek Shows”, stepping has appeared on countless motion picture films such as Drumline, School Daze, and Stomp the Yard. It is fitting to discuss the importance of this art with the slew of probates and Greek shows Southern University is doused with this Spring 2018. Stepping is a worldwide phenomenon now and has spread to many different areas beyond Greek. In the last thirty years stepping has been displayed on stages as big as the 1996 presidential election, where the Greek fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha performed for former President Bill Clinton, to being a regular art form on ABC’s America’s Best Dance Crew.
DIGEST illustration
New Breakup Songs: The Weeknd Released an EP About His Latest Breakup BY LEAH WILLIAMS DIGEST A&E WRITER
The Weeknd dropped a surprise EP, My Dear Melancholy, on Thursday, March 30. This EP was much different from his last album, Starboy. Starboy was upbeat with more of a pop than an R&B influence. My Dear Melancholy sounds similar to his older projects like House of Balloons, Thursday, Echoes of Silence, and Kiss Land. This is the sound that many Weeknd fans have been anticipating. Alexis Tiller, a sophomore Business Management major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a big fan of The Weeknd and has been waiting for this kind of project from him. “I really liked Starboy, but it was a completely different sound than his normal sound. I been waiting for him to drop something that sounded like his music on Trilogy,” Tiller said. My Dear Melancholy has only six songs. Of these six songs, only two have features from Gesaffelstein, a French DJ. Much of the album hints to his break up with Selena Gomez. Even the name of the EP hints to him having dealt with a recent depression. It begins with the song “Call Out My Name.” It starts off slow and becomes
slightly more upbeat as it reaches the chorus. One part of the song that hints the most to his break up with Selena Gomez is in the second verse. The Weeknd sang, “I almost cut a piece of myself for your life/ Guess I was just another pit stop/ ‘Til you made up your mind/ You just wasted my time.” Last summer, Selena Gomez had to get a kidney transplant. The line implied that even though he wasn’t her donor, he had considered it. Also, soon after their breakup, there were rumors of Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber rekindling their relationship. The next song on the album is “Try Me.” This was one of the more upbeat R&B songs on the EP, mainly about sleeping with a woman that is already in a relationship. Wasted Times is the third song on the album. Yet another that starts off slow and becomes more upbeat when the chorus
comes in. During the chorus, he questions, “Who do you belong to now? Who you giving love to now?” He also asks, “What he got that I ain’t got?” He even says “I don’t wanna wake up unless you laying next to me.” Audiences assume these words are about Selena Gomez, but they aren’t direct. The fourth song on the EP is I Was Never There, which includes a feature from Gesaffelstein. This song comes in slow and
“I really liked Starboy, but it was a completely different sound than his normal sound . . .” - Alexis Tiller - Sophomore, Business Management Major
keeps that steady pace throughout the whole song. It dives deeper into the details of his possible struggles with depression. He talks about how his happiness is never real and about having mindless sex. He also talks about “poisoning” himself, which many people know that The Weeknd has a history of talking about the drugs he has done within his music. He mentions that he is on the “edge of breaking” because of “you.” No one really knows who the “you” really is, but we can infer. Hurt You is the fifth song, and it also has a feature from Gesaffelstein. During the hook, the song slows back down, then picks back up after the chorus. One of the first lines of the song says that he now knows See THE WEEKND page 10
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ACRIMONY: A Tyler Perry Suspense Thriller BY KERRY WILSON DIGEST A&E WRITER
Tyler Perry is famous for his do-ordie, hell-hath-no-fury-like-a-woman scorned, angry black woman films. Perry produces mainly drama and comedy films. From the likes of I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Why Did I Get Married, The Single Moms Club, with features from infamous, Madea. Notoriously popular among the African-American population, Tyler Perry’s Acrimony was mildly anticipated by members of the target audience. Despite receiving a 25% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film was well received by many viewers. IMDb summarizes the film, “A faithful wife, tired of standing by her devious husband, is enraged when it becomes clear she has been betrayed.” The film opens as a judge orders Melinda G a y l e (Taraji P. Henson), who has violated a restraining order, to undergo counseling. Here, the film’s plot begins as she
Digest Movie Review
starts to tell the story about the man who ruined her life. The audience learns how a younger Melinda (Ajiona Alexus) met Robert (Antonio Madison, and later Lyriq Bent) in college, a handsome chemicalengineering student who turns on the charm to eventually become her boyfriend. However, Robert is no Prince Charming and he later manipulates her into helping him with financial troubles. After catching him with another woman, Diana (Shavon Kirksey, then played by Crystal Stewart), Melinda erupts into a violent, angry rage. Once Robert apologizes, and is forgiven, Melinda is still bound with a feeling of betrayal and disloyalty. Yet and still, she marries him while he continues to drain her financially and emotionally. After some time, his selfish behavior leads Melinda to believe that he has broken her trust again, leading to their divorce. After the divorce Robert finally becomes wealthy, Melinda concludes that she’s made a mistake, and
Black Characters on the Silver Screen BY VINCENT HONEY DIGEST A&E WRITER
Since the beginning of the Marvel Comic Universe in 2008 with the Incredible Hulk and Ironman, comic book culture has made a huge impact on pop culture at large. A few years back, being a nerd had some sort of negative connotation, but today it contributes to how cultured someone is in a positive light. The popularity of comic book movies, meeting with the steady rise of what many call “black love” was the perfect storm for Black Panther to blow up and become as successful as it is right now. Not only did the first solo outing of one of Marvel’s most iconic black characters out perform the first team outing of Marvel Studios, Avengers (2012), but it is set to be the first movie played in theatres in Saudi Arabia since the movie ban that was put in place 35 years ago. Black comic book characters have been making a mark on comic book culture since Black Panther’s first appearance, in which he defeated the entirety of the Fantastic Four just to test his own skills in Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966). He then made it to his own title in Jungle Action #5 (July 1973). Black Panther preceded many other famous black characters by decades, but when they hit the scene many of their heroic endeavours took a very militant,
anti-establishment tone. John Stewart is the third character to have taken up the mantle of Green Lantern (after Guy Gardner got hit by a bus). After seeing the mask his uniform had he threw it away saying, “This black man lets it all hang out! I’ve got nothing to hide!” This theme of black pride is something many hope to see reflected in the first solo DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Green Lantern movie. Freshman computer science major, Delano Matthews is from Atlanta, Georgia, and he had some thoughts on the issues surrounding the handling of the few black characters in the DCEU. “I don’t believe the DCEU is well equipped to handle the legacy of John Stewart. Like Cyborg in Justice League, he was very flat, two dimensional. I doubt that if the DCEU couldn’t handle the story of Cyborg beyond the typical, barebones ‘straight A, superstar athlete” then I definitely wouldn’t want John Stewart being handled by them,” he expressed. Darius Smith, a junior political science major from New Orleans said that not only black superheroes, but black characters in general are “portrayed by adding extra identities to them, as well as other minorities so that everyone is always comfortable. Like, why is the See BLACK CHARACTERS page 10
attempts to rekindle their relationship. Much to her dismay, she discovers his engagement to another women, and a roller coaster of emotions pushes her to insanity, where she begins her crusade to seek revenge against Robert. In this movie Henson’s performance is stupendous. Her narration in the film is sometimes confusing, but it is clear that she becomes a psychopath. In the beginning of the movie the audience is led to feel much sympathy for Henson’s character, but as the movie progresses the sympathy for her diminishes. Like most Tyler Perry movies this movie has received many negative reviews. It’s not terrible, it’s not incredible. It’s great. Yes, there are some problems with it, but there are too many great things in it for me not to recommend it. The actor’s performances are amazing, the plot is consistent, and even though it was shot in only eight days, the movie doesn’t feel rushed. If you want to see a movie with all these things and more, then this is the perfect film for you. Just don’t expect it to be like any other Tyler Perry movie.
DIGEST RATING:
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MLK honored as thousands march to ‘keep the dream going’
THE WEEKND from page 8 relationships are his enemies. The song throws many shots that seem to also be about Selena Gomez. Gomez has admitted to having a mental illness, which is relevant because he talks about all the nights he spent dying her eyes. Lastly is the song “Privilege.” This is another song that stays slow and steady throughout the entire song. He tells her, who seems to be Selena Gomez again, to go live her privileged life. He also says they might as well end it, the relationship, with a smile, and that he’ll use sex, alcohol, and pills to get through the pain, so he’ll be okay. My Dear Melancholy is expected to debut in the number one spot on April 14th Billboard 200. BLACK CHARACTERS from page 9
People hold signs resembling the signs carried by striking sanitation workers in 1968 as they join in events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, in Memphis, Tenn. King was assassinated April 4, 1968, while in Memphis supporting striking sanitation workers. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
BY ERRIN HAINES WHACK, ADRIAN SAINZ AND KATE BRUMBACK ASSOCIATED PRESS
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — With thoughts on the past and eyes to the future, thousands marched and sang civil rights songs Wednesday to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the “apostle of nonviolence” silenced by an assassin 50 years ago. At events ranging from a jubilant concert to a solemn wreath-laying, admirers across the country took time to both reflect on King’s legacy and discuss how his example can apply to racial and economic divides still plaguing society. Among the largest gatherings was a march through the Mississippi River city where the civil rights leader was shot dead on a motel balcony in 1968. Memphis police estimated a crowd of about 10,000. The Rev. James Lawson, who invited King to Memphis 50 years ago to assist with a strike by underpaid sanitation workers, helped lead the march and said more progress is needed toward King’s goal of equality for all. “I’m still anxious and frustrated,” said Lawson, his black hair turned gray. “The task is unfinished.” Speaking in King’s hometown of Atlanta, the Rev. Bernice King recalled her father as a great orator whose message of peaceful protest was still vital decades later. “We decided to start this day remembering the apostle of nonviolence,” she said during a ceremony to award a prize named for her father. As painful as losing her father was, she said she wouldn’t change history.
“Actually, I’m glad that everything happened the way that it happened because I can’t imagine the world that we live in without the contributions of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King and the sacrifice that they made,” she said. Before the Memphis march, the rapper Common and pop singer Sheila E had the crowd dancing and bobbing their heads. Then, as the march began, people locked arms or held signs as they chanted and sang songs such as “We Shall Overcome.” “We know what he worked hard for, we know what he died for, so we just want to keep the dream going,” said Dixie Spencer, who came to the march from nearby Hardeman County, where she’s an NAACP leader. “We just want to make sure that we don’t lose the gains that we have made.” Martin Luther King III addressed marchers at the end of their route, focusing on the triple evils of poverty, racism and war. “There’s something wrong in our nation where a minimum of 48 million people are living in poverty. That’s unacceptable. We must do better. America should be embarrassed about having people living in poverty.” In the evening, ringing bells marked the moment King was gunned down at age 39. Members of King’s family pulled a rope together to ring a bell 39 times at the pool surrounding the Atlanta crypt of King and his wife. The family then laid a wreath of multicolored flowers in front of the crypt. The crowd gathered outside Memphis’ old Lorraine Motel fell silent as the bell began to ring there. A red and white wreath was placed on the balcony
where King had been standing when he was shot. Small-time criminal James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to the killing and quickly recanted, claiming he was set up. The conviction stood, and Ray died in prison in 1998. Marking the anniversary of the assassination, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation in honor of the slain leader, saying: “In remembrance of his profound and inspirational virtues, we look to do as Dr. King did while this world was privileged enough to still have him.” The president has been the target of veiled criticism by some speakers at King commemorations in recent days as they complained of fraught race relations and other divisions since he was elected. Observances marking King’s death were planned coast-to-coast. In New York, the Dance Theatre of Harlem planned an evening performance in his honor. Another march was scheduled in Yakima, Washington. In Montgomery, Alabama, where King first gained notice leading a boycott against segregated city buses, a commemorative event brought a symbol of transformation: The daughter of King’s one-time nemesis, segregationist Gov. George C. Wallace, paid tribute to the slain civil rights leader. Shirley Mason was a young woman living in Detroit when King was killed. Now 70, she said she came to Memphis not only to honor King’s legacy but to call for his work to be continued. “(King) went through the struggle and gave up his life,” she said. “Why not get out ourselves and do some sacrificing?”
black always mixed in some way?” In many ways black characters being mixed in with some other minority isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Zazie Beetz is playing Domino, a historically whiteskinned character in X-Force comics. Her acting in the trailer and on shows such as Atlanta give many fans more faith in her, not that fans didn’t already have faith in the creators behind Deadpool after its wildly successful first film of the franchise. Hopefully black characters continue on this path of excellent representation on the silver screen.
Submit your letter to the Editor today! Let Your Voice be Heard! All submissions should be 300 words or less. email: digest@subr.edu
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The N-Word: Let’s Talk BY DEBRANDIN BROWN/JULIAN ALVAREZ / LEAH WILLIAMS / KYNDALL JONES DIGEST STAFF WRITER
When it comes to the culture, the “N-word” is a part of ours, and by ours, I mean the African American community. From our music, to our sports, all the way down to our poets and actors, the “Almighty N-Word” has been described by many of our elders as a tool used to control us with a slave mentality. I disagree with that sentiment. Anyone can hold on to the past and the monsters that it has birthed and demonize them as the root of the issue. It takes a certain amount of daring, however, to do what we have done with one of our own monsters and strip it of its power. What was once a word derived from hate and ignorance has become one of the numerous things we, as a race, have flipped into a positive. However, it is a piece of our culture, and our culture only, and we refuse to let it be taken again. The use of the “N-Word” is one of the most
controversial topics today. Since black people have stripped the word of its original context, other races and ethnic groups have felt more comfortable with using the word as well. Black people changed the context of the word with each other, but the context did not change when white people use it. We are still looked at as inferior and much less important, so when the word is coming from a white person, it is not “just a word.” White Americans try to use the argument that if we don’t want other people to say it then we shouldn’t call ourselves that, which is an extremely invalid argument. For hundreds of years, white Americans have used this word to belittle the entire race. In America today, black people are still a huge minority and many still face racism and discrimination on a daily basis. So, coming from any ethnic group besides Black people it is offensive, but it is the most offensive coming from a White American. Given the historical use of the word, why would any other ethnic group, especially
the group that gave the word its derogatory meaning, want to use it? As an African American woman with the knowledge of my ancestors and their history, I know very well how the word n*gga came about. Being as though the word was intended to offend African Americans I believe it should not be used by anyone except African Americans. Now let’s talk about Asians. Although they are recognized as people of color to most, y’all still can’t say it. If you’re not black just don’t say it, it’s better if you don’t. I don’t care how close you may think we are, but y’all are not the same. Asians have their own history and their own kind of struggle, and y’all don’t need to be included in ours. It’s no shade, but y’all didn’t have 200+ years of slavery, then segregation, and now are currently being murdered on almost a daily basis by law enforcement. It’s all love over here, though. Just don’t say it. On that note, just tread lightly guys. Don’t go around throwing out words that don’t reflect your culture.
JAGUAR SPEAKOUT
Do you think we should tear down the library and rebuild it or fix the old one? BY: KERRY WILSON DIGEST STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER/WRITER
EVAN POWELL MASS COMMUNICATIONS SOPHMORE CHICAGO, IL
“Fix it, mainly due to the phrase,”If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”
POWELL DOMINIQUE DANJA CRMINAL JUSTICE JUNIOR LAKE CHARLES
Fornite Versus PUGB: A Gamer’s Playground BY JULIAN ALVAREZ DIGEST STAFF WRITER
The gaming industry is changing each year with new trends being set in entertainment realm. From 2010 until Grand Theft Auto Five emerged with the first person shooter feature; it became the rave. Well, now the hot topic in gaming is the battle royale style gaming. The two biggest influencers are Player Unknown Battlegrounds, or PUBG, and Fortnite. Fortnite is older and more popular than PUBG, so I’ll give the analysis of that first. Fortnite was first released in 2011, but was popularized late 2017 by the battle royale feature, which allows 100 online users to spawn on a large sandbox-style map. When you hear about Fortnite it is safe to think that you are playing Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games. You first start off at a non-violent base with weapons scarcely scattered until you are loaded on the bus and parachuted onto the map. From there it is everyman for himself with no respawning. Out of 100, only one can win and it is survival of the fittest. Those with the best weapons and resources might prevail. Players are also allowed to build things out of materials gathered from their surroundings such as wood, metal, and store to build structures to gain a height and cover advantage against attacking enemies. This makes the game less repetitive unlike the Call of Duty series. It’s a little more spontaneous than Grand Theft Auto’s online feature, granted you are surrounded by complete chaos with 100 players that you are fighting against. I have no experience in PUBG, but looking at it makes me believe it’s less chaotic than
DANJA
“We should [build] a new library because technology advances each year and the college should be up to date.”
JAZMINE O’NEAL
CRIMINAL JUSTICE JUNIOR DALLAS, TEXAS
O’NEAL
“Yes we should get a new library so that we can have new up to date technology and more space.”
BRANDON LINDSEY Tyler Hayes/Digest Illustration
Fortnite and focuses on strategy. Unlike Fortnite’s forest-like surroundings that looks beautiful and cartoonish, and are meant for foolishness, PUBG drops their players in a desolate apocalyptic-like land with gun classes in the start menu, and a first person view. While it is in no way like the Call of Duty franchise since it is military based, it has some similarities in terms of the type of feel it gives to the players. When players immerse themselves into a game, they have a feeling that is unique to the game. In PUBG you feel more serious and less silly, losing doesn’t call for laughing and starting a new game like with Fortnite.
The objective is different in both games. Fortnite has no objective, you are dropped and you are to fend for yourself or your team. In PUBG, you are dropped on rough terrain and paranoia is not even the half of what you’re feeling, considering the map is way bigger which calls for surprise long distance attacks. Your objective is pretty much the same as Fortnite, but to a more serious extent because you actually have to use your head and plan out your moves. The only way Fortnite can get more serious is if you are a career gamer and your livelihood depends on your team winning the check.
The Office Of Student Media Says
CONGRATS!
to the Southern University Office of Career Services for being featured in Black Enterprise Magazine’s article: “Hey, Students: Don’t Blow Off Your College Career Fair Just Yet.” Check out the article: http://www.blackenterprise.com/southernuniversity-career-fairs-prepare-studentsworkforce/
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT FRESHMAN NEW ORLEANS
“I am expecting a change in the student life and the enviroment of the school.”
LINDSEY 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.
EGO Magazine Page 12 - Tuesday, April 10, 2018
THE
SOUTHERN DIGEST
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926