VOLUME 76 - ISSUE 9 by Southern Digest

April 27, 2021 . Volume 76 . Issue 9

Southern University System Hosts Virtual Day at the Capitol

Diamond Butler The Southern Digest

of their accomplishments. With SUSLA, they signed a partnership with a company called Avants International, which is in On Tuesday, April 20, Southern Uganda, Africa. As well they had become University held its annual Day at the a regional hub for Apple’s Propel Center. Capitol, where all five campuses are given This allows them to serve individuals the chance to highlight what they have throughout the region when it comes to achieved during the year. Usually, this event coding. The last two accomplishments that would have been held at the Louisiana Dr. Ellis shared were SUSLA becoming a State Capitol in Baton Rouge, but due to small business center from the northwest COVID, this year’s event was held virtually Louisiana region, and being the site for through all Southern University platforms. this year’s Bayou Classic. Since the year’s Day at the Capitol was Through their extension programs, the held virtual, students and faculty members SU Ag Center has a statewide presence in were encouraged to post and share why 34 parishes across Louisiana. One of their they are Southern. This led to videos from extensions On the Go uses their mobile some students, SGA President, Kevin unit, which is a unique traveling classroom Taylor-Jarrell II, 91st Miss Southern, that allows us to our programs and services Jaden Johnson, and Band Director, Mr. to the people. Last month, the Ag Center Kedric Taylor. held their 79th livestock show by using a During this virtual event, the chancellors virtual platform. Chancellor McMeans from SUSLA, SULC, the SU Ag Center states that “The SU Ag Center is the and the main Baton Rouge campus only 1890 institution that still conducts a create and posted videos on the Southern livestock show.”The Ag Center’s Chancellor University System YouTube page to explain also reports on their Southern University what has occurred on their campuses over the year. On the SUSLA campus, See SU DAY page 3 Chancellor Dr. Rodney Ellis shared a few

Courtesy SUBR Media Relations

Finding Yourself; Evolving SU Students Partner with in Entrepreneurship ICARE for Anti-Bullying Expo Debrandin Beown The Southern Digest

Guest speaker Lakita Woodard speaks to students at the the Entrepreneurship event held on Thursday, April 22 inside Royal Cotillion Ballroom. (Terrell Smith/DIGEST)

The students in attendance noted how the information and perspective shared by Woodard helped to expand Spring Fest Week saw its fair share of their expectations of the demands stimulating activities and informationals, associated with the field. For prospective including one centered around aspiring entrepreneurs especially, having a pleasant entrepreneurs and the methods best view of the things that you will need to suited to elevate them to new levels succeed and prosper as a businessperson of productivity. Sponsored by Student from a primary source is crucial. According to one student, getting the Affairs, the night’s informational featured Lakitia Woodard as the night’s guest point of view from someone experienced in speaker who noted the various aspects of entrepreneurship and general organization entrepreneurship and tips on becoming a is something that she believes will be successful entrepreneur. See FINDING YOURSELF page 3 Debraindin Beown The Southern Digest

In partnership with ICare, Southern University took part in an Anti-Bullying Expo at Buchanan Elementary school. ICare is a nonprofit organization that was founded to promote educational opportunities and programs to the youth of the Greater Baton Rouge area over the past 30 years. Consisting of 11 groups of current Southern University students enrolled in CRIN211, or the Principles of Education, the Bully Prevention Expo featured many presentations and activities that were geared towards promoting anti-bullying practices to the students in attendance. The students of Buchanan who had a chance to take part in said activities consisted of the younger age groups. The Southern University students of Dr. Emily Jackson-Osagie, Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, was charged with making presentations and activities that would earn the students’ attention and consisted of a wide range of conversation pieces and talk exercises. “We wanted to make it a fun and informative day for the children,” said Dr. Jackson-Osagie. For some students who would be making presentations, the process of creating a lesson plan that can be effective for the children who would attend the expo was the first issue that many students had to cross.

Mentees from Southern University speak to a student at the Anti-bullying Expo on April 15 at Buchanan Elementary. (Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)

“First, we had to do a lesson plan, and based off that [plan] and goal that we set, we came up with activities for the kids,” said Sydni Simin, a sophomore elementary education major from Lafayette, Louisiana. According to the students in attendance, the presentations themselves were geared towards being entertaining, but also informative so that they served the purpose of making the elementary students aware of the several types of bullying. “Our main objective for this bullying See ANTI-BULLY page 3

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

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NEWS BRIEFS

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Campus Briefs SU Team selected to NBA Innovate the Future 2021

STUDENT MEDIA OFFICE Director........................................................Jermaine Proshee Publications Mgr. ...........................................Devin Hadrick Business/Advertising Mgr. ................ Camelia Jackson CONTACTS (area code 225) Student Media Newsroom........................................ 771.2231 Advertising Office..................................................... 771.5833 Director’s Office ....................................................... 771.5812 Editorial STAFF Editor-in-Chief...........................................Debrandin Brown Managing Editor ................................................. Jayln Garner Multimedia Editor..............................................Jairus Moore Public Relations Editor....................................... Aliya Creecy News Editor ................................................. Diamond Butler Features Editor .............................................. Keenon Glover Photo Editor.............................................. Adriana Trosclair Sports Editor....................................................Evan Funchess Web Editor......................................................... Dante Davis Writer ................................................................Alexis Easton Writer ...........................................................Kynnedi Jackson Writer ...........................................................Teyanah Owems Writer ............................................................ Jalexis Edwards Writer ..................................................................Bianca Jones Writer ............................................................ Destiny Morris Writer ..........................................................Whitney Thomas Writer .................................................................Jaylnn Jacobs Photographer ...................................................... Keith Lewis Photographer ............................................... Isaac Armstrong Photographer ...................................................... Keith Lewis Photographer ................................................. Douglas Taylor Photographer .............................................. Tiffany Williams SUBMISSIONS POLICY The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorials, commentaries, and speakouts on Page 7. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mailed to digest@subr.edu. PUBLICATION ASSOCIATIONS The Southern DIGEST is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), College Media Advisers Association (CMA), Full member of the Associated Press (AP) and the Louisiana Press Association (LPA). The Office of Student Media is a department in the Division of Student Affairs.

Please join us in congratulating our SU students on their recent selection as a Top Five Finalist team in the National Basketball Association “Innovate the Future” program! There were over 100 submissions for the top five spots. The team members include: Rason Irvin (Captain), a junior Computer Science major from Houston, Tx. LeAsya Johnson, a junior Finance major from Denham Springs, La. Ross Tedesco, a senior Management major from New Orleans, La.

publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Ideal applicants are innovative and entrepreneurial minded HBCU student leaders ready to change the world through business and technology. TMCF and the NBA has selected five HBCUs to participate in this event where students will be tasked with solving one of three case studies presented by the NBA. Business competition teams will be comprised of three students from each of the five selected HBCUs. Members of the winning team will receive a merit-based scholarship and other prizes. For more information, see: https://www.tmcf.org/students-alumni/ entrepreneurship/nba-innovate-the-future/

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) Division in partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) are the sponsors of “Innovate the Future 2021.” It is a one-anda-half-day business competition for students attending

Program Dates: Thursday, May 6 – Friday, May 7, 2021

Thanks for a great school year.

Here at Student Media we want to take this time to let you know how much we appreciate you. It is your hardwork and dedication that makes what we do easier. Our hope is that we can continue this partnership for years to come. “Thank You”

Jermaine Proshee, B.S., M.A. Director

Help keep the campus safe! Let’s all commit to wearing a mask at all times and adhering to the safety protocols to keep everyone on campus safe.

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Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | Page 3

ANTI-BULLY from page 1

Sophmore, Family and Consumer Science Major, Kennedi Hall and Junior, English Education Major, Amya Morris have the children of Buchanan Elementary School work on an exercise for anti-bullying, April 15 (Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)

expo was the students would learn three different types of bullying. It includes verbal, physical, and cyber. And they’ll learn the effects that bullying causes to a person, such as self-harm and depression,” said Brandon Horne, a freshman history education major from Monroe, Louisiana. The issue that many presenters were met with on making their lesson plan for the expo was incorporating the things that young kids like. Whether it be pop culture, social media, or video games, the presenters were forced to implement their own, unique method of capturing and keeping the attention of their

audience. “Most of them are into gaming- Fortnite and Minecraft, [so] we just chose cyber-bullying, because sometimes if they’re losing, they say words that are inappropriate,” said La’Drekia Doucet, a junior elementary education major from Eunice, Louisiana about the connection she has seen between hateful language and the online video game community. Doucet continued by going more in-depth about her method of making the children aware of the cyber-bullying threat that comes along with video gaming. “We just want to encourage them to use positive words and

then they take a pledge—‘No Mean Screen’,” said Doucet. According to La’Drekia, this pledge is meant to remind them to be aware of the language that they use when in front of the internet on live forums and game rooms. Bullying throughout America has reached all-time highs as the internet age has reached its apex in many regards. To combat this in the ways that they can, Southern University, in concert with ICare, will continue to take part in anti-bullying activities and expos for semesters to come.

FINDING YOURSELF from page 1

Associate Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs, Anthony Jackson and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. F. Carl Walton poses for a quick photo with guest speaker Lakita Woodard after the Entrepreneurship event held on Thursday, April 22 inside Royal Cotillion Ballroom. (Terrell Smith/DIGEST)

beneficial to her in the long term. “It was really cool to get insight from someone who’s taken the life path that I did. It’s always good to get that perspective from someone who’s already began the work,” said Mercades Collins, a freshmen finance major from San Diego, California. The event was orchestrated by the newly elected Miss Southern, Jaden D. Johnson, and her cabinet as a means of supplying a source of information for students to partake in on a conversational basis. “Something that I took from it was to take a leap of faith and chase your dreams,” said Jaden when asked what message she got from the guest speaker. “I’m glad that we could have an event like this in person.

It made the entire thing feel more like a conversation than a class meeting [on Zoom],” said Bradyn Matthews, a junior urban forestry major from Houma, Louisiana. Like many events now that Louisiana is in phase three, the events’ entire proceedings were able to take place inside of a live venue in the Cotillion Ballroom. According to those in attendance, the event featured informative conversations and helpful dialogue to those hoping to pursue entrepreneurial career paths. Considering Southern’s history of fostering young entrepreneurs throughout the many programs on campus, this theme of guest speakers is one that we will see again in the future.

NEWS SU DAY from page 1

Cooperative Extension Program where they work with minority and disadvantaged farmers. In this program, the Ag Center collaborates with farmers about their day-to-day operations and provides them with technical aid. The SU Law Center Chancellor Mr. John Pierre, like the other chancellors, stated what his campus has been up to during the year. Over the past year the Law Center, just as other campuses in the system, have effectively transitioned their instructional models from in-person to remote hybrid learning models. Through advancing technology and teamwork, they ensure that their students continue to advance through their courses and receive a quality education. A high point for the Law Center is that they experienced their highest enrollment of 812 law students. The Law Center has also experienced the development of their mixed reality virtual innovation gaming and Esports institute, and the cultivation of partnerships with HP Life, Pharaoh’s Conclave, and more. Chancellor Pierre states that “With the support of our external stakeholders we can continue to live out the mission of the Law Center and mold thriving transformational legal professionals.” When it comes to the main Baton Rouge campus, Ray Belton, the Chancellor of Southern University and A&M College and President of the Southern University System talked about what Southern University has done during its 141 years. Along with being the leading producer of black graduates in Louisiana, Southern University has graduated from top-rated programs like the engineering and award-winning nursing program. President Belton also mentions how the university has produced prolific figures in subjects like public policy and law, and about the university’s showstopping brand ambassadors, the Human Jukebox, and the Fabulous Dancing Dolls. President Belton states that “With exceptional students and alumni from around world, nation and of course this state, we are Southern University.” Even though this year’s SU Day at the Capitol was held virtual, it was still a success. Like the earlier events, this gave an insight to the public, on the five campuses and how they are continuing to strive for the future.

MASKUP JAGUARS!

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FEATURES

Page 4 | Tuesday, April 27, 2021

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Southern Daze Spring Fest 2021: Kicking Back at the Comedy Show Keenon Glover The Southern Digest

As part of Spring Fest tradition, on April 21st, students gathered in the F.G. Clark Activity Center - or Mini Dome - for the annual Comedy Show. With numerous precautions such as social distancing measures as well as masks being required for attendance, this event served as part of the week of celebration here at Southern University. The event was headlined by surprise guest Kountry Wayne, as well as comedians such as “Blaq Ron” and Ronnie Jordan. The audience was thoroughly involved in the show, with numerous skits and competitions going on during the sets. Alana Bush, a Mass Communications major from Lakeland, Florida, raved about her satisfaction with the comedy show: “I felt great overall about the event, It was enjoyable for me as a freshman to even get

Comedian Kountry Wayne showed up and showed out at The Springfest Comdey Show, April 21 (Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)

to experience a comedy show while we’re all in the middle of a pandemic. It was great to get together and have fun while social distancing. I appreciate SGA for doing that for us.” Prior to the comedy show, the Student Choice Awards were held, allowing students to celebrate their classmates in an entertaining way. “First there were the Student Choice Awards,” explained SGA President Chandler Vidrine. “We just wanted to ensure that everyone who needed their flowers got them, that’s something we truly want to continue here at Southern University. We want to be sure that we’re recognizing those students and groups who are doing an awesome job.” Vidrine also expressed the effect he hopes the comedy show had on students, “It’s here to give students a little entertainment and laughter for the week, especially since we’re aware that students are preparing for

Southern Daze Spring Fest 2021: Talent Show  TALEN T SH O

Lealer Sims The Southern Digest

Shekinah McCurthy performs her talent in the Southern Daze Spring Fest 2021 Talent Show in the F.G Clark Activity Center on Wednesday, April 20. (Jalynn Jacobs, DIGEST).

The theme was based off the 1988 film School Daze directed by Spike Lee. “The talent show The first Southern University was amazing and it had so much Talent Show since the onset of talent,” said Natalie Harrison, the pandemic was definitely one a sophomore majoring in Mass for the books, taking place in Communications. Student Rodney Purdy Jr. gave the F.G Clark Event Center on April 20. Talent shows can be his own stand up comedy with seen as a way to help boost self- humorous stories, jokes, and esteem, confidence, and to show one-liners. Mekhi November off students’ special talent, while connected to the crowd through simultaneously entertaining the singing songs that displayed his eccentric vocals.“The talent whole campus community. Containing five contestants, show was pretty lit, it was fun, this year’s talent show showed an and comical,” expressed Joshua array of performances including Gordon, a Criminal Justice major singing, rapping, and comedy. from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Jalynn Jacobs The Southern Digest

“I got first runner up, I feel very glad I got that especially for being my first time. I am relieved, overwhelmed and I appreciate the support from my friends and family,” said first runner up Alana Bush, a Mass Communications major from Lakeland, Florida, Bush moved the crowd by performing an elaborate praise dance. “I’m excited about winning the talent show! I wanted to do last year’s talent show but COVID happened. I’m excited I got a chance to do it this year,” said See TALENT SHOW page 5

1. Kiss Me MoreDoja Cat ft SZA 2. Hellcats & Trackhawks - Lil Durk 3. What’s Next Drake 4. BIG PURR - Coi Leray ft. Pooh Shiesty 5. Top - Fredo Bang ft. Lil Durk 6. Hard for the Next - Moneybagg Yo ft. Future 7. I Ain’t Scared - Youngboy Never Broke Again 8. Real As It Gets - Lil Baby 9. Opp Stoppa - YBN Nahmir ft 21 Savage 10. Heartbreak Anniversary- GIVEON 11. Damage - H.E.R 12. Good Days - SZA

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Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | Page 5

It’s Up!: Hot Air Balloons Touchdown on The Bluff for Springfest Evan Funchess The Southern Digest

On Thursday night, the fourth day of Spring Fest reached its peak as hundreds of students filled the A.W. Mumford Stadium parking lot for a night of thrills. This event marked the last nighttime outing of Springfest, and it looked to leave a lasting impression. With the breakout of COVID this time last year, it had been a while since students were able to truly have a fun outing in a large group setting. As the sun began the set two lines were established and groups of three and four students began to take part in the night’s festivities. Freshman Matthew Clayborn spoke about how impressed he was by the event. “I thought it was a fun thing to do to bring everyone out for the night.” He was not alone in that sentiment either, as over 1500 students also participated in the hot air balloon rides. When asked to describe the ride, Clayborn responded in

Student prepping for the Hot Air Balloon event hosted during springfest on Thursday, April 21 in A.W. Mumford Stadium parking lot. (Kynnedi Jackson/DIGEST).

On April 23rd, the newest edition of the Mortal Kombat film franchise was released in theaters and on HBO Max. For those who may not know, Mortal Kombat is a fighting video game known for its blood, gore, and creative story. Even though this is the third adaptation of the video game, not counting the two animated adaptations, this film hits all the marks in what it means to be an excellent R-rated movie. Watching this movie, you get the same aspects as you would from the video game series. Unlike other films based on video games, this film focuses on making sure that it stays true to its roots without being too corny. From its amazing and creative fighting scenes to the makeup and costumes, this film version stands above its predecessors. This film was directed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid and produced by James Wan, who is known for his involvement in films like the Conjuring series and “Aquaman.” Together these two individuals have given us amazing visual aspects that leave lasting impressions. Seeing the blood, gore, and violence on the screen gives a profound sense of fantasy while having a coherent plot. In this film, we are following the story of a brand-new character named

TALENT SHOW from page 4 the show’s winner, Shekinah McCurthy, a Jag from Chicago, Illinois majoring in music with a vocal concentration. She used her vocal abilities while performing her own rendition of “Pretty Hurts” by Beyoncé. Although the operation of the talent show was different due to COVID-19, the intellectual ability of all the contestants had made the talent show experience as spectacular as previous years. COMEDY SHOW from page 4 finals. And of course with the ongoing pandemic, we’ve been going through so much, so this gives them something to look forward to.” The crowds waves of laughter seems prove the event served its purpose.

Students wisk away in the evening air during the Hot Air Balloon event hosted during springfest on Thursday, April 21 in A.W. Mumford Stadium parking lot. (Terrell Smith/DIGEST).

a very calm and collected way: “It wasn’t really scary because I’m used to larger-scale things like skydiving.” Many of the students that attended Spring Fest seemed to share similar sentiments coupled with feelings of happiness and feeling of normality. Student Government Association president Chandler Vidrine described the experience of the night via his personal Twitter. “Not going to lie, we were lit.” This event in conjunction with the silent dance party made for a final send-off for some of Southern’s senior students, and made for a more proper introduction to campus activities for new students who weren’t present for pre-

pandemic campus life. Junior Thomas Richardson spoke about his general experience at Spring Fest on Thursday night. “It was cool, I almost forgot what it was like to really like to get together like this.” This year’s Springfest sought to restore a feeling of normalcy to the campus. With the fall semester coming up soon, students and alumni alike will look to Homecoming for their next true Southern University experience. Springfest came to a completion on Friday, with the annual crawfish boil and concert featuring a live band and zydeco music.

Mortal Kombat (2021) is a “Flawless Victory”: Movie Review Diamond Butler The Southern Digest

FEATURES

Cole Young, as he navigates the world of Outworld and Mortal Kombat. Along with its other aspects, this film comes with a great cast choice in acting to martial arts. This cast consists of names like Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Mehcad Brooks, Joe Taslim, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Sisi Stringer. Lewis Tan, who is known for his role as Shatterstar in “Deadpool 2”, gives an amazing performance as Cole Young. Even though his character is not from the actual franchise, his performance gives the impression as if Cole Young is from the video game. Jessica McNamee, who plays Sonya Blade, while watching gave a thorough portrayal of the character’s strength and determination. Actor Mehcad Brooks, known for his roles in “Just Wright”, “Nobody’s Fool”, and “A Fall from Grace”, gave a good portrayal of his character, Jax. When it comes to actors, Joe Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada, these two gentlemen did a beyond amazing job portraying Sub Zero and Scorpion. In their scenes together and apart you get from the first few minutes of the film, you instantly get who they are playing. Finally, there is actress Sisi Stringer, who plays the clone Mileena. Even though she may not look like the original character, she gives a noteworthy performance. With her makeup, costume, and acting she gives the creepy portrayal that makes the character

Courtesy google

so memorable. While watching you get sucked into everything that goes on screen. In every fighting scene, like with visuals from the games, you feel every punch, kick, stab, and limb removal that the characters feel. While highlighting some of the fan’s favorite characters, this film has gained such positive responses with the talk of a potential sequel. As of April 25th, this film has already grossed $22.5 million in the U.S. and with a worldwide total of $50.1 million from box offices. Overall, this is a great representation of the Mortal Kombat franchise and will call for multiple viewings from new and old fans. “Mortal Kombat” will continue to be streamed on HBO Max and in theaters until May 23.

REMEMBER TO WASH YOUR HANDS!

 COMEDY SHOW

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SPORTS

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Odums Resigns from Southern following sizable Bayou Classic Victory Debrandin Brown The Southern Digest

Following the Jaguar April 17 victory over Grambling in the Bayou Classic, the general atmosphere throughout the Bluff was one of levity, as well as festivity due to the Spring Fest events that were being held. It was on Tuesday of Spring Fest week that the resignation of long-time Southern University head football coach Dawson Odums began circulating media socials. “We’re going to miss him. He’s the coach we grew up watching on TV, so it’s crazy to be here and he’s not,” said Brandon Sikes, a freshman biology major from Atlanta, Georgia. Having been over Southern’s football program since the 2012-13 season following the troubled final stretch of troubled seasons by his predecessor, former Southern Coach Lyvonia “Stump” Mitchell. Since then, Odums have compiled a record of 58-31, won four Bayou Classics, and won a SWAC championship in 2013. According to footballscoop. com, Odums is expected to receive a six-year deal at his new position as head football coach of Norfolk State University that will pay him $225,000 per year, compared to the 210k he would have made at Southern next season on the final year of his current deal. In the statement made by the university, Athletics Director

Roman Banks notes the many ways that Odums will be missed, the most prominent one mentioned being his impact on his student athletes and their performance in the classroom. “We appreciate him for developing young people and bringing us back to the top of the SWAC with our championship runs. While we are certainly disappointed to see Dawson and his family leave our program, we are excited for their new endeavors,” said Banks. According to Director Banks, the search for a new head coach is underway and is

considered to be ‘nationwide’. In regards to his somewhat sudden departure, Odums noted in his introductory press conference at Norfolk that he believes the players understand the situation and are capable of coming out a good football team next year due to the talent present on this year’s Jaguar roster. “These guys understand it. No matter who comes in here, (the players) can adapt and adjust. It’s a mindset. They have to get those guys to believe in them. I don’t know what direction (they will go in), but

DIGEST ART it’s a good football team left behind and some good young men,” said Odums. While there is no clear evidence to the university leaning in any particular direction, it’s been made clear by the university that they will take their time throughout the interview process and find the best candidate to serve as the successor to Coach Odums. The Jags will go into the offseason nationally ranked in the top 25 for the first time ever.

Softball falls short to the Lady Panthers in weekend play Kynnedi Jackson The Southern Digest

The Southern University Lady Jaguars took on the Prairie View A&M Lady Panthers Softball team. The two teams have been going at it consecutively for years in this storied SWAC rivalry. During this week’s matchup however, both teams had full intentions on securing the victory. The weekend started to look up for the Lady Jags with a win on Saturday with a final score of 9-1. During the first inning, the Lady Jags took a 4-0 lead. This was a hard task for the Lady Panthers to overcome, but during the second inning, the Panthers were able to break through with a RBI single, giving

them one point on the board. Unfortunately for them however, this was the only time the Panthers were able to score on the Jags. With one victory from the day before on their backs, the Lady Jags were aiming to get another victory, but Prairie View had other plans as the tables were flipped. The final score for the first game that took place on Sunday was 2-15 in favor of the Panthers. Southern University’s L. Parks scores an RBI, putting Southern on the score board first. However, Prairie View came right behind and scored also. Once that initial string of scores took place, it was hard for the Lady Jags to find their mojo again. It was not until the fourth inning that the Lady Jags were able to score again,

bringing the score to 2-10. Unfortunately, this was the last time the team was able to score for this game. By the time the third game of this series begun, both teams had a win under their belt. This game would ultimately become the tie breaker between the two teams. In the end, the Lady Panthers came out on top. The final score for the final game was 2-7. The game was tied 1-1 all the way up until the 6th inning where Prairie View eventually took the lead. After this score, the Lady Panthers had no remorse, scoring back-to-back on the Lady Jags. The score was 1-7 until M. Sandoval scored an RBI for the team. However, it was too little too late for the Jags to make a comeback.

(SPRING 2021) FAREWELL SU

Are you a graduate from Spring 2021 and want to leave a farewell note to be printed in the graduate issue on May 11 and the 2021 Yearbook? Send us a quick email to studentmedia@subr. edu before Friday, May 7. (50-75 words) with a photo. Please put your name,hometown, and major.

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Spring Fest’s Best? Debrandin Brown The Southern Digest

In the face of everything else that we’ve all collectively had to deal with over the last year, many people, including myself, weren’t hopeful about the likelihood of Southern University having an in-person lineup of events this year. To say that we were mistaken would be an understatement. Consisting of a wide assortment of events and activities, this year’s

Spring Fest served as the reemergence of not only the university, but the city of Baton Rouge amidst what some would consider to be the aftermath of COVID-19. While I wouldn’t go that far, it’s clear that we’ve come a long way safety wise as a state in order for events such as the ones that took place last week to occur. That being said, all events aren’t created equal, and in my opinion, one took the cake out of all the others. The event that I’m referring to took place on Thursday of Springfest,

but it wasn’t necessarily the hot air balloons. For me, the Silent Party was probably the best event of the night. It features a certain amount of social activity that it feels like we’ve been deprived of over the last year. In many instances, I’ve even seen people scared to even be in close proximity to one another due to fears about COVID. So for us to be able to be in a group setting and socialize with our peers like the world of old, it was almost surreal.

OPINION

To boom, the music aspect of the Silent Party cannot be underrated either. The silent aspect of the Silent Party is due to how music is played, which is through colored headphones that were provided with tickets. Depending on the color headphone that you had, different music would be playing and you’d be somewhat forced to interact with the people hearing the same music as you. As someone nearing the end of his journey on the Bluff, being able to experience the moments

that instances like these bring is unparalleled because the last year had shown us that these things aren’t promised. The same could be said regarding any of the events that took place over the week of Springfest. So while all of the events during the week were interesting and fun in their own ways, the Silent Party was personally the experience that was most enjoyable. It included music, socializing, and good energy that we haven’t had the opportunity to indulge in for too long.

The Departure of Odums: Debrandin Brown The Southern Digest

This year’s Bayou Classic was one for the books for a myriad of reasons. It was the first BC played in the Spring, it was the first Bayou Classic played outside of the Superdome in decades, and it began in the midst of the global pandemic brought about by COVID-19. When the clock struck zero following the brutal beating of the Grambling Tigers and a new day came on the Bluff, the preceding events would only be an afterthought throughout the SWAC landscape as the news struck.

In many instances, greatness is something that we as individuals take for granted in the mix of daily life and our own personal experiences and struggles. That being said, there’s something to be said for greatness on a consistent basis when compared to your peers and your predecessors, regardless of profession. When it comes to the great ones in the pantheon of SWAC legends however, it’s only now at the end are we faced with something different from the greatness we’ve grown accustomed to with the departure of Coach Odums. Setting off for Norfolk

University following his resignation last week, the reality is that things have changed not only in the football locker room of Southern University, but on the Bluff as a whole. This isn’t to say that our Jaguars will plummet from a nationally ranked top 25 team to conference fodder, but ultimately, coaching does matter, and that coach in particular will be missed. When Dawson Odums is spoken about at Southern, it’s the SWAC Championship titles and multiple Bayou Classic victories that are remembered first, but if you were to ask his colleagues,

players, and people close to him, the first thing that they’d point to is his character. Throughout my lifetime in Baton Rouge, I’ve seen individuals in numerous positions of power and authority carry the SU name with honor, and without it, with varying results and conclusions to their individual stories. And yet, to have been the face of the university for almost a decade without having your name dragged through the mud once, without a scandal isn’t appreciated enough. To be a person that could claim such esteem from your peers

and contemporaries alike while still completing the mission of winning games consistently is something that very few schools, SWAC or otherwise can lay claim to. So while it is true that Coach Odums will be missed dearly here on the Bluff as a coach, he will be missed even more as an individual and leader of men to the players that he has helped to develop and grow throughout the years

It’s no breaking news what 4/20 represents to many people within the United States, and as it relates to escapism, there’s perhaps no greater example of the lengths that we go to in order to maintain peace in the face of adversity. On that day as the usual festivities take place across the country, Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three counts of murder in the case of George Floyd. In any other instance, that day at that moment in time should have been escapism made flesh as celebrations for ‘justice’ and the likes erupted through the country. As another Black child was shot down in cold blood not even hours before the verdict was announced however, all I could feel was fatigue.

As a young man myself, that reality is that regardless of my own feelings on the struggle that our people have continuously faced, the thought of life at war and never seeing a conclusion, yet alone victory, weighs on me. Credit it to the short-attention spans associated with this generation, but in a fight where there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, doesn’t the fight itself begin to lose its appeal after a while? So as the death of 15-year old Ma’Khia Bryant circulated Twitter around the time the Chauvin verdict was announced, I allowed myself to feel satisfaction for ‘justice’, and yet, it still felt as though we’d taken another loss. I’m not here to mimic Nancy

Pelosi and thank the murdered for sacrificing their lives for the ‘greater good’, because ultimately, these deaths could have all been prevented. Instead, when I feel the sorrow growing in my heart for the fallen who share skin tones similar to my own, I’m reinvigorated to continue the fight. It’s difficult, because in this war, there’s no one bad guy hiding in the lair with his finger to the doomsday weapon, but rather, it’s the system itself; the same system that has systematically imprisoned and killed our sons and daughters for centuries. So to answer my own question: Yes, I’m tired of the fight and the struggle, but I’m also tired of seeing the same story on the news every night, and to

that end, I continue moving forward. Escapism can be a beautiful thing, and a necessary tool to keep your head cool when the world is one fire, but no matter how far you go, you’ll eventually have to return home to the reality of the situation. We all have our escapes; whether it be media, our phones, and even the occasional herb intake, but the revolution has been, and will forever be, taking place on the streets. For as long as black blood continues to be spilt unjustly by bigots and state sponsored thugs, the fight will continue, and regardless of how many wins or losses we must endure, we owe it to those who haven’t seen the dawn to at least try to make it through the night.

Escapism Gone Wrong; Aftermath of Chauvin Trial Debrandin Brown The Southern Digest

In the modern era, the term escapism is used to describe the coping mechanisms used by people who are unable to deal with the everyday rigor of life, which is described as mentally retreating to a place outside of reality whether voluntarily or otherwise. Examples of this can be seen in social media, movies, video games, etc. For Black people especially, it can be argued that escapism is sometimes needed to distract from the multitudes of different entities that exist that have proven to be harmful to Black people. On April 20, 2021 however, there was no way to escape our shared demons.

911, Why Do You Keep Killing Us? Diamond Butler The Southern Digest

Every time I turn on the news or look through social media, I see a new article with a police officer, someone who is supposed to uphold the law, killing another black person. I want to know why some police officers think that just because you have a badge and a gun, you are above the law. Recently through news and social media, there has been the news story of an Ohio police officer shooting a 15-year-old black girl named Ma’Khia Bryant, after she called the police for help.

After he shot her dead, this f****** a****** had the nerve to shout out “Blue Lives Matter.” Dude what the f*** is wrong with you?!?! You just killed an innocent young girl who was coming to you for help when her wellbeing was in danger. Then you have the nerve to say, “Blue Lives Matter.” Well last time I checked, it’s not “Blue Lives” getting racially profiled every day. It is not “Blue Lives” who are denied basic serves and are still being treated like they are not human beings. What the heck is wrong with the police? Growing up, one of the main

things I was told is that if I am somewhere and I do not feel safe to go to a police officer and they will protect you. Though in 2021, can we still hold that stand? Look at the past cases of Christian Taylor, Walter Scott, Eric Garner, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Daunte Wright, and so many others who others are still trying to get justice for. In this modern day, can we still trust the police to do what they are sworn to do? A lot of these police officers carry a badge, yet they are out here committing more crimes than the average man.

Now I am not saying that everyone who works in the police department is a crooked police officer. I have seen plenty who actually do what they are sworn to do, but when you have so many literal bad police officers it is hard to find the good ones. The reason for that is because no one is holding those crooked police officers accountable for what they did. Heck if it were not for all the video footage and witness testimonies, they would have let Derek Chauvin get away with what he did. Like I am sick of seeing these news stories. I am sick and tired of seeing police

officers getting a slap on the wrist for breaking the law and taking another innocent life. It is f****** 2021: where are the police reform officials are claiming to have done or are doing? Where is the accountability? Where is the proof that shows that whether you are in law offices you still have the same expectations to follow the law like regular citizens do? Something must change, and it must change NOW.

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