Volume 72 - Issue 11

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Keenon Glover

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Volume 72, Issue 11

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HBCU Day at the Capitol

The Southern Digest

Last Wednesday, students, faculty, staff, and alumni from across the Southern University System traveled to the Louisiana State Capitol to observe HBCU Day. “A lot of awareness and advocacy was shown, to not only let Louisiana know, but the entire nation that HBCUs produce the the best and the brightest, and HBCU products are what this country needs to move forward,” is how Southern University’s 76th SGA President-Elect, Donald Dunbar described his experience. The day was filled with acknowledgement and accolades towards HBCUs, with students and faculty from Grambling State University, Dillard University and Xavier University of Louisiana also attending the event.

These HBCUs were part of a series of attendees who represented their schools and organizations at the capitol in order to receive funding and support from the local government. Representatives of the boards of higher education and HBCU Advisory Council came to acknowledge how these schools reinforce the economic

The 89th Miss Southern Alacia Brew and SGA President Donald Dunbar spoke on behalf of Southern University at HBCU Day which took place dowtown at the Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisana on Wednesday, April 24. (Bailie Boyd/DIGEST)

power of Louisiana, in order to defend their state funding.

In preparation for this event, President of Xavier University Reynold Verret spoke with BRProud on what events would occur during the HBCU Day at the Capitol. “This morning

we have a meeting with the Advisory council that works with the superintendent of higher education in Louisiana [...] There are other activities where we are engaging with legislators, many of whom are supporting HBCUs. Others

An Ode to Scotlandville: How SU can help preserve the legacy of its flagship town James Eaglin, Jr.

The Southern Digest

Scotlandville, the home of the main campus representing the only historically black university system in the world, is preparing to receive a historical distinction of its own. The North Baton Rouge Now Blue Ribbon Commission is in the process of registering Scotlandville as a National Historic District through the Louisiana Division of Historical Places.

In order to be considered, prospective areas must meet certain criteria, including having a connection to significant historical local, state, or national events. Plans for the NHD project were discussed roughly two years ago, with the recent few months being dedicated to data collection. Thanks to the work of Southern University alumni and professors, the goal is one step closer to coming into fruition.

want to understand the impact of HBCUs, especially their contributions to the state of Louisiana,”said Verret.

President-Chancellor of Southern University, Dr. Ray Belton expressed the importance of HBCU attendendance at

Dante Davis

One notable alumnus associated with the efforts is Metro Councilwoman Chauna Banks, who was inspired by the opportunity to preserve the historic landscape of the community, while using the

benefits associated with being on the National Register to generate economic development.

“Having heard the stories See SCOTLANDVILLE page 3

See CAPITOL page 3

$25 Million and a New Building: Tech Partnerships Paying dividends for CMPS Department The Southern Digest

Source: Googlemaps

events of these sorts saying, “The state actually needs HBCUs to ramp it up even more in terms of the production of talent here in the state, so we accept that obligation here in the state to do so.” Senator Wesley T. Bishop also elaborated on why HBCUs should stand in unity with each other: “We stand upon the shoulders of people who fought for HBCUs before any of us made this coalition to fight the fight together.”

Various Student Government Association presidents of HBCUs spoke, including incoming president Blair McKee of Dillard and Southern’s current SGA president, Anthony Kenney. The capitol also held visits from Louisiana State University on April 20, as well as organizations such as the Louisiana Future Farmers of America and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated previously.

The traditions of HBCUs were also on full display, with SU’s Human Jukebox and The World Fame band of Grambling State performing for attendees.

Members of the National Pan

The computer science department is a relatively newer program at Southern University, as it just moved into the former architecture building a little over three years ago. Despite this, the department has worked towards the goal of being the “the showcase department” as the department Chair, Dr. Ebrahim Khosravi, puts it. Having improved by great lengths, the department has partnered with two technology companies, X-Corp Solutions and DXC Technology.

The X-Corp partnership

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

is providing the Southern University system with a new facility at the Quantico Corporate Center in Stafford, Virginia. The 30,000 square foot building will specialize in cyber security and will be one of the largest of its kind in Virginia. The facility will offer a variety of different programs for members of the armed forces and other federal employees who are looking to get into the different fields of computer science like cyber security and artificial intelligence. The different programs will offer comprehensive training and will See DIVIDENDS page 3

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Tuesday, April 30, 2019 - Page 3

CANNABIS from page 1 also provide graduates industry standard certifications.

While the actual facility itself is geared more towards professionals looking to relearn and retool, versions of the programs at the Stafford location will be available at Southern University for undergrad and graduate level students. “When we were designing this, we also had the same line of thinking, how could we have our students take advantage of this?

As a result, we are going to open a parallel campus here so that our students here can also get the lectures and certifications here,” said Dr. Khosravi. The Stafford facility along with the parallel programs should both be up and running by Fall of this year.

DXC Technology is an emerging technology company based out of New Orleans. In conjunction with the State of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans, $25 million will be put towards STEM programs in colleges and universities around Louisiana, with Southern being one of the recipient schools. The money would be utilized for improving, modernizing, and advancing all the STEM programs offered at Southern. “This is a wonderful initiative that will benefit our students across our campuses and a great increase to our graduation rate in STEM. STEM drives this country and world, and our students will be able to join the many sectors that those disciplines impact on a larger scale,” the President-Chancellor of Southern University, Dr. Ray L. Belton commented.

DXC Technology has also been aggressively recruiting from Southern University along with offering a variety of different training

SU Media Relations Courtesy

Courtesy | SU Media Relations

programs for faculty and students. Fresh to Louisiana, DXC is looking to fill over 2,000 positions-ranging from I.T. to software and mobile development to business professionals over the next five years. The computer science department is looking to capitalize on this need by creating a funnel for graduates to DXC. DXC is currently offering a course in Cloud Computing for this summer, from July 8-13, that will teach students fundamentals about cloud computing, cyber security, and

CAPITOL from page 1 Hellenic Council also were in the spotlight, holding a stroll off between the various Greek societies present there.

During the day of events, Nursing Professor at Southern University, Dr. Cheryl Taylor, was honored as “Educator of the Year,” having Ashley Torres accept the award in her place. Dunbar, who will be succeeding Kenney as SGA, further expressed his appreciation for the event, “I definitely believe that SU as a whole system was represented very well, and I am excited to see what HBCU Day at the Capitol brings in the future.”

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‘Queen Sugar’ actor Omar J. Dorsey to deliver spring commencement address

other skills. DXC is also currently sponsoring the creation of several new courses in the computer science department by facilitating the training of faculty.

Sophomore computer science major, Taylor Bolton agreed, “This growth provides not only more opportunities, but it also opens the amount of jobs where you can start your career.” The department has also submitted requests for a dedicated cyber security building on Southern’s campus.

SCOTLANDVILLE from page 1

from my parents, and also my grandparents, I was very much familiar with the very rich history of the Scotlandville community,” said Banks. She recalled a time when the area was a booming middle-class community, thriving with high numbers of business owners, educators, and plant workers. “I know that probably anyone that has been here the last 20-25 years had no idea the historical place that Scotlandville had, and its relationship with Southern University.”

Prior to Southern’s arrival in 1912, Scotlandville was known for being the home for recently freed slaves following the Civil War. “Southern and Scotlandville kind of, as I say, ‘grew up together’,” said NBRNow CoLead Researcher Byron Washington. “Of course, Scotlandville existed prior to Southern University, and Southern University existed prior to Scotlandville. But once that marriage came, you really had the community build the university.”

The ability to prevent insensitive alterations or demolitions to the community, along with the potential for financial tax incentives, are a few of the benefits associated with being a National Historic District, according to the LDHP official website.

Washington encourages students to capture the spirit of the project by learning more about the area around them. “Scotlandville was the largest African American town in Louisiana, and its significant role not one in the state of

Louisiana, but in the United States’ story as far as African Americans.”

The hope is that this project can foster communication that can develop into partnerships and continuous collaboration between the SU community and the Scotlandville community. “We should be very involved,” says sophomore Political Science major Regina Allen. “Due to the fact that we are in Scotlandville, those are the people who contribute most to us,” “Some people came to Southern not because its an HBCU,” says Banks, “but because there was so much surrounding Southern that [positively] affected their quality of life.”

Banks commented that Scotlandville’s chances for becoming a NHD are ‘excellent’.

For Junior Architecture major and Scotlandville native Byron Lott, receiving such a distinction would be a welcome addition to the community. “We are finally noticed. We’re not just another city…people actually know about us,” Volunteers can assist in the project in the form of survey photographers, data miners, and historical collectors & organizers.

To inquire more information about the project and sign up to be a volunteer, email ScotlandvilleHD@NBRNow.org.

Any historical information can be emailed to history@nbrnow.org.

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Acclaimed actor Omar J. Dorsey will deliver the spring commencement address at Southern University Baton Rouge on Friday, May 10. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in the Felton G. Clark Activity Center. More than 440 graduates will receive bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees. A number of graduates will also receive their respective commissions to the U.S. Armed Forces.

Dorsey, a classically trained actor, currently stars as Hollywood Desonier in Oprah Winfrey Network’s “Queen Sugar,” a dramatic television series created, directed and executive produced by Ava DuVernay alongside Winfrey.

The series is based on the novel

by Natalie Baszile. Dorsey won a Best Supporting Actor award at the 2018 Black Reel awards for his portrayal.

On stage, Dorsey recently wrapped the west coast version of “Barbecue,” a play from Helen Hayes Award-winner Robert O’Hara and Tony-nominated director Colman Domingo. The play was called “an American classic” by the New Yorker and the ensemble garnered the “Best Cast” award at the NAACP Theatre Awards in 2018.

In film, Dorsey has had roles in the Academy Awardnominated films “Selma,” “Django Unchained,” and “The Blind Side.” On television, he has had roles on the critically acclaimed shows, “Ray Donovan” (Showtime) and “Eastbound and Down” (HBO).

On May 31, Dorsey will be seen on the Netflix limited series, “When They See Us,” directed by Ava DuVernay. The series examines the young men and their families at the center of the Central Park Five trial.

This fall, Dorsey will grace the silver screen opposite Cynthia Erivo and Janelle Monae in the Universal Pictures biopic, “Harriet,” which examines the life of Harriet Tubman. It is directed by veteran filmmaker Kasi Lemmons.

An Atlanta native, Dorsey is a graduate of the Georgia State University theatre program.

Sports southerndigest.com

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Southern Baseball Drops Weekend Series vs Grambling Logan Williams

The Southern Digest

The Southern University baseball team took on their arch rival Grambling State this weekend at R.W.E. Jones Park in Grambling in a 3-game series with the chance to lock up a SWAC Western Conference Division title. The Jaguars came into game one on Friday with a record of 24-17 on the season.

Grambling got started in the first inning with a Drexler Macaay homerun that put them up by 2 runs early. Later in the first, Garrett Smith would hit a homer for Grambling, which would put the Tigers up 5-0. It would be a tough day for the Jaguars at the plate as they would register only 3 hits and would score no runs on the evening.

Southern would lose game one of the series 12-0. Bryan Delgado would be awarded the win in 7 innings pitched, giving him his 6th win of the year.

Southern’s Jerome Bohannon would receive the loss and move his personal Photo John Oubre

See BASEBALL page 5

Feature: Two-time SWAC Equipment Manager of the Year, Derek Price Debrandin Brown

The Southern Digest

The Athletics Department at Southern University has many staffers that contribute to the development of the program itself, including one Derek Price.

Price is the equipment manager for Southern Athletics, and is the man behind new uniform designs and budgeting that equipment for all of the sports teams on campus.

Approaching almost four decades as SU’s equipment manager, there has been no shortage on honors that Price has received throughout his career. Winning back to back SWAC Equipment Manager of the Year awards from 2009-2010, Price has proven time and time again how efficient and effective he is in his position.

Being on the job for so many years, Price lamented on how the years have made his job easier due to versatility in the market of uniform and equipment brands, especially considering throwback uniforms. There are more options now than ever for team uniforms.

“It is a lot easier to pick equipment now because you have so many options. In my earlier years doing equipment, you only had two or three options to pick from.” said Price.

Back when Price first took the position, there were only a handful of choices for uniforms, and so, finding a great design that was unique to your schools team provided Price with an initial challenge.

Price also spoke about his love for the Jags and the pride he gets from seeing the team’s look their best come game day.

“The best part of my job is seeing the joy of the athletes, coaches, and fans when the Jaguars take the field looking like a million dollars. Also, with being a former player and a alum of Southern University, I take pride in having the best and looking the best,” said Price on what he appreciates most about his job.

One of most recent examples of Price’s good eye for style for his players are the new baseball uniforms worn by the Jags this season.

According to Price, he wanted to make sure that the student athletes were

OSM Awards 2019 Jalyn Garner

The Southern Digest

The following awards were picked by the Student Media Sports Staff.

Courtesy: Gojagsports.com

involved in the uniform process, as well Head Coach Kerrick Jackson himself.

“After taking that information, the goal was coming up with something that would not only be eye catching, but it would also say Southern University as soon as you see it.” said Price.

Despite working at Southern for so many years, Price continues to love his job and strive to keep the Jags at number one in all areas of the game, fashion included.

SU OSM Coach of the Year Kerrick Jackson, Baseball Athlete MVP’s of 2019 Ladarius Skelton: Sophomore quarterback from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 217 yards passing, 3 passing touchdowns in 2018 Bayou Classic victory.

Sidney Umude: Senior forward from Fort Lauderdale, Florida 12 PPG 5 Rebounds per game in senior season.

Skylar O’Bear: Senior guard from White Castle, Louisiana 3x SWAC Champion, 9 PPG 3 Rebounds per game

Visit: www.gojagsports.com for all things Southern Athletics.

Hunter David: Junior catcher from Zachary, Louisiana 2x SWAC Hitter of the Week Aubrion James: Junior pitcher from Madison, Alabama Preseason Second-Team All -SWAC DIGEST ART

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Tuesday, April 30, 2019 - Page 5

Hustle & Motivate:

OSM votes Coach Jackson “Coach of the Year”

Jalyn Garner

The Southern Digest

Southern University’s Head Baseball Coach Kerrick Jackson has come into this 2018-2019 baseball season with positivity and grit that he says has lead his young team to a blistering winning season. After leading Southern’s baseball team to a 15-5 record in the SWAC, and 24-19 record overall, Kerrick Jackson has been named the OSM Coach of the Year.

Given how last season ended for the Jags, only winning 9 games, Coach Jackson came into this season with the clear expectation “to be great” and to “play the game the right way.”

“Baseball is a game of discipline, and we wanted to make sure [that] we took the ability we have physically and match that with our level of discipline and mental focus,” said Coach Jackson on what he believed the recipe for success for this team would be when he first took over as coach. He felt that this would allow them to be consistently successful, and as this season has proven, it has.

Upon finding out that the OSM voted him Coach of the

Year, Jackson admitted initial shock to the announcement, before noting what the honor means for the baseball program as a whole going forward.

“I don’t know if I’m worthy, but I appreciate the honor,” said Jackson. He continued on to comment on what the honor means to the program as a whole.

“Anytime we can bring some positive news to our program and shed positive light, I think it’s a good thing.”

Despite the previous season’s win total, Coach Jackson was still in good spirits about his team. Out of the 33 loses, 15 of them were loses of two runs or less. According to Jackson, he felt that they were still competitive, but just “didn’t have enough bullets in our gun.” Although he believed that his team would improve, he admitted that he wouldn’t have thought it would’ve been as good as it’s been in year two.

With all the success the Jaguars are having, it has garnered them a lot of love over the past week. Black College Nines, an HBCU top ten poll, voted Southern University’s baseball team number one in

DIGEST ART

their latest rankings.

“Anytime you can get any positive accolades it’s always a good thing,” says Coach Jackson on the honor. He emphasized however the importance of staying in the moment as the latter parts of the season

progressed.

Southern University also got some respect on a national level from the National Baseball Writers Association (NBWA) which voted the Jags just outside of the top 30. Coach Jackson felt that its good for the program

and helps the team’s message when recruiting talent saying that “these are the things that we want to get accomplished, getting this type of recognition validates that it’s not just us saying it, other people are saying it too.”

BASEBALL from page 4

record to 3-4 on the season.

In game two of the series on Saturday, the Jaguars looked to bounce back after a blowout loss on the road. Grambling would strike first in the first inning as Kevin Whitaker Jr would hit a two RBI double to left center, giving the Tigers a 2-0 lead early.

Later in the inning, the Tigers would add to their lead with a Jahmoi Percival single giving the Tigers a 3-0 lead to close out the first Southern would get their offensive attack going in the second inning, scoring 3 runs to put them within one of Grambling at a score of 4-3.

In the fifth inning, Grambling’s offense broke out, bringing in 7 runs off of 5 hits and broke out to a 16-5 lead.

Southern’s head baseball coach Kerrick Jackson was ejected in the 8th for arguing with the empire. The Jags allowed 19 hits and lose the game 21-16 in a high scoring game on the road.

Grambling improves to 23-19 on the season while Southern drops to 24-19 on the season. Justin Freeman is given the loss for the Jags and it moves his record to

2-2 on the season. Ryan Evans records the save, which is his 6th of the season.

Southern and Grambling would meet in the 3rd game of the weekend series with Southern looking to stop a 3 game losing streak.

The Jags took an early lead in the first inning with a Tyler LaPorte leadoff home run that would get the day started 1-0. The Jaguars would increase their lead in 2nd with a big 8 run inning that included an Ashanti Wheatley homerun that would a 9-1 lead in the second.

The Jags would increase their lead in the 6th as Willie Ward would homer to left field giving Southern a 13-1 lead. Southern would hold on to win the game 15-3 in seven innings to improve the Jaguars record to 25-19 on the season. Grambling’s record drops to 23-20 on the season.

John Guienze Jr recorded his second win of the season moving his record to 2-1 overall. Ryan Huntington receives the loss for Grambling moving his record to 5-2 on the season. The Jaguars will take on Nicholls at Lee Hines Field at 6pm on Wednesday May 1.

Good Luck on Finals! Remember: Get proper rest

Photos of the week southerndigest.com

Page 6 - Tuesday, April 30, 2019

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Southern University Gospel Choir sings at thier 50th Anniversary Spring Concert on Sunday April, 28. (Kiyanna Givens/DIGEST)

Ladies of The Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, inc. hosted “Red Talk” in Harris Annex on Tuesday April 23. (Sydney Brown/DIGEST)

The SU Police Department host Kickin it with Cops in Shade-Totty Residental Circle on Tuesday, April 23.(Adriana Trosclair/DIGEST)

Members of the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. presents graduating senior, Zion Williams, with a five-hundred dollar check to attend college at their 1st annual Gala on April 26 at Baker Municipal Center. (Aliya Creecy/DIGEST)

Assistant Proffessor of Apparel, Merchandising , and Textiles, Dr. Samii Kennedy Benson, enganges in conversation with Junior Apparel Merchandising, and Textiles Major Danielle Dubriel and Fashion major, Fairy Mixon, at the “AMTX Fashion & The Movies” event in Thrift Hall on April 25. (Aliya Creecy/ DIGEST)

Junior,Derrick Boast, and Southern University Alumnus, Aristide Williams, catering the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 1st annual Gala on April 26 at Baker Municipal Center. (Aliya Creecy/DIGEST)

Residental life staff help prepare food for the studentsat SUPDs Kickin it with cops at ShadeTotty Residental circle on Tuesday, April 23. (Adriana Trosclair/Digest)

Students and sponsors mingling during the 1st annual Black and White Gala, hosted by the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. on April 26 at the Baker Municipal Center.(Aliya Creecy/DIGEST)

Student Media

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Tuesday, April 30, 2019 - Page 7

Thank

you.

For a great school year!

Good luck on finals.

We would like to extend many thanks to all of our readers, supporters, advertisers, and student staffers!

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Crawfish in a Pot: A Matt Paige Story

Courtesy Matt Paige

Diamond Butler

The Southern Digest

Beginning with Southern University’s establishment in 1880, students have possessed and displayed a variety of talents.

While at Southern, many are given a chance to focus more on the thing that they love to do the most. This school year, one of the most notable is Matt Paige.

He is a 22-year-old senior from Natchitoches, Louisiana with a degree in marketing.

Known as a rapper, his recent album “Crawfish in a Pot” was released on April 20, 2019. Paige started making music when he was ten years old, freestyling in front of family and friends. At the age of 13 he recorded his first song, wanting to become an artist

Aliya Creecy

like his older cousin, Mike Pay$o.

Soon after, he joined a group named “Enkore Muzik” with his older brother. From there he fell in love with music, learning about the power of words and how therapeutic music can be.

Having performed in his hometown, as well as Baton Rouge, Paige’s enrollment at Southern makes sense. When asked why he decided to come to Southern, Paige said it was because of the Human Jukebox, that “...I couldn’t see myself at any other school....my high school band director also supported my decision in coming here because he marched in the 70s....becoming a Juke solidified in my mind that I could do anything I put my mind to.”

Although many would find trying to balance their school life and passion full-time as stressful, Paige manages to get through it. For him, school wasn’t challenging and creating his music gave him great inspiration. According to Matt, “It does get tiring, and there are nights I don’t sleep because of it, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

In respect to his talents, musical passion runs in the family. His uncle was in a rock band and his grandmother played the church piano for over 50 years. The inspiration for one of the songs in his album “Used to Be,” where he mentions how See PAIGE page 10

Courtesy Matt Paige

SU Gospel Choir sings at 7Th Annual Black Caucus Prayer Breakfast

The Southern Digest

The opportunity to perform at the 7th Annual Black Caucus Prayer Breakfast, presented by the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Inc., knocked on Southern University Gospel Choir’s door. Southern University Gospel Choir took the offer and was privileged to sing at the event on April 23 at the Marriott Hotel in Baton Rouge.

The program began with an opening song performed

by Gospel Artist, Terrance Williams from Alexandria, La. Guests stood, clapped and sang along to the musical selection.

Mistress of Ceremony, State Representative, Denise Marcelle rose to the podium and gave thanks to the sponsors of the event. Marcelle expresses the importance of the help given by saying “Faith without works is dead.”

Afterwards, the choirs were introduced. Grambling State Choir sang first. During this time, breakfast was served. The

SUGC Director, Earnest Bowman, Jr. speaks a few words before Praise & Worship (Kiyanna Givens/DIGEST)

breakfast included plates of grits, eggs, bacon, hash browns and sausage with a side of water or orange juice.

Governor John Bel Edwards

spoke after Southern University Gospel choir sang. He was introduced by the Master of Ceremony, State Representative Randal L. Gains, LLBC

Chairman. Governor Edwards spoke words of togetherness.

“We are all here in the spirit of unity.” He acknowledged that the directors of Southern

University and Grambling State, stood and clapped to the other college’s songs of worship.

Edwards asked the attendees to focus on two words which were “Our father,” as he proceeded to speak about all people being equal in the eyes of God. “We’re all brothers and sisters in Christ.”

He also encouraged everyone who attended to continue to keep moving Louisiana forward and in the right direction.

State Senator, Regina Ashford Barrows, of senate District 13, introduced Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser.

Nungesser was inspired to run for lieutenant governor after his experience with Hurricane Katrina. He was urged to step in and run for the position after seeing that the government was not taking immediate action to help those in need after the hurricane. He was gratefully accepted and has worked ever since.

See SUGCS page 10

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Tuesday, April 30, 2019 - Page 9

Beyoncé’s Homecoming: HBCU Tribute Kennon Glover

The Southern Digest

In the middle of Indio, California, whatever performance an artist brings into the 78 acres of The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is often regarded as one of the most important testaments to their career. On April 14 and 21 of 2018, the festival hosted an important point in its history. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter became the first Black woman to headline the festival. This performance has been regarded by critics loudly, with journalists such as Jon Caramanica expressing that, “there’s not likely to be a more meaningful...performance by an American musician...than Beyoncé’s headlining set.”

The importance of her performance was not simply left as a moment of the past. A year later Beyoncé has released a documentary on Netflix, Homecoming.

Within the 137 minutes of the film, she highlights the inspiration drawn from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in her performance, as well as commentary on her preparation for the event. It features spoken and written word from deceased writers Dr. Maya Angelou and Audre Lorde, as well as HBCU attendees W.E.B. Du Bois, Alice Walker and Toni

This image released by Netflix shows Beyonce in a scene from her documentary “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé.” (Parkwood Entertainment/Netflix via AP)

Morrison. Throughout the documentary, Beyoncé accounts how her pregnancy affected the event, particularly how she was forced to postpone performance to 2018. She also revealed how, at the time she went into labor with her twins Rumi and Sir Carter, she weighed 218 pounds and suffered from preeclampsia.

Following these complications and her labor, she endured 8 months of musical and dance training, while maintaining a

diet made up of virtually nothing but fruit, vegetables and water.

However, Beyoncé’s Homecoming has not been simply recognized for how it explained the coming together of her performance, but mainly for how it highlighted the importance of HBCUs. She references her father exposing her to the culture of HBCUs at a young age, himself being a graduate of Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. The documentary

also featured the clips of the work of Southern alumni and students, such as Kayla Pittman and Youtuber known as Trin.t.

Pittman took to her Instagram to express her appreciation, “The Fabulous Dancing Dolls, The Human Jukebox of Southern University, & Historically Black Colleges/Universities have BEEN etched in history...but it’s always our duty to continue the See BEYONCE page 10

Notable reaction to the death of filmmaker John Singleton

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Notable reaction to the death of “Boyz N the Hood” filmmaker John Singleton: “With His Passion, His Heart, The Way He Talked About His Love For Cinema And Black Folks I Could See John Would Make It Happen. And He Did. From Day One.” — Spike Lee, via Instagram.

“So sad to hear about John. I met him way before he did ‘Boys in the Hood.’ He had more drive then anybody I’ve ever met.” — Chris Rock, via Instagram.

“Thank you for all that you gave to the world the movies the messages the opportunities to so many people like myself to grace the big screen in a major role with major black actors you were and will allways be black excellence love you for life and beyond.” — Snoop Dogg, via Instagram.

“Rest In Power, my friend. One of the greatest to ever do it. Thank you GOD for blessing us with this gift better known as John Singleton.” — “Boyz N the Hood” actor Regina King, via Instagram.

“Mourning the loss of a collaborator & True Friend John Singleton. He blazed the trail for many young film makers, always remaining true to who he was

& where he came from!!! RIP Brother.

Gone Way Too Soon! — “Shaft” actor Samuel L. Jackson, via Twitter.

“RIP John Singleton. So sad to hear. John was a brave artist and a true inspiration. His vision changed everything.” — Jordan Peele via Twitter.

“John is admired for putting a lot of people of color to work throughout his career. Our prayers are with his children and family members. He will be sorely missed.” — Magic Johnson, via Twitter.

“The magnitude and world-wide impact that his ground-breaking film would have for society cannot be measured. Helping to bring awareness of what it takes to come to maturity as a black male in the ‘Hood, or die trying...” — “Boyz N the Hood” actor Morris Chestnut, via Instagram.

“Over the course of his illustrious career, John remained steadfast in telling stories that illuminate the daily challenges faced by African Americans, particularly those living in the inner city.” — John Landgraf, chairman of FX Networks and FX Productions, in a statement.

“John didn’t just make his feature film debut in 1991 with Boyz n the Hood, he exploded into Hollywood, our culture and our consciousness with such a powerful cinematic depiction of life in the inner city.” — Directors Guild of America President Thomas Schlamme, in

FILE - This March 4, 2018 file photo shows John Singleton at the Oscars in Los Angeles.

Oscar-nominated filmmaker John Singleton has died at 51, according to statement from his family, Monday, April 29, 2019. He died Monday after suffering a stroke almost two weeks ago. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

a statement.

“Cruel. Not what I want to say right now. But certainly how I feel. Cruel.

Just... so cruel.” — Barry Jenkins, via Twitter.

“There aren’t many of us out here doing See SINGLETON page 10

Arts & Entertainment southerndigest.com

Page 10 - Tuesday, April 30, 2019

PAIGE from page 8 Michael Jackson was the first person to impact him as a child.

“Crawfish in a Pot,” is composed of several songs about his life and how he got to where he is today. For instance, his song “When Ur Older” is inspired by an actual event that occured in his life.

Matt’s childhood best friend was involved with a murder charge, and the song is meant to put listeners in the shoes of a man with a kid he may never see again.

According to Paige, “... the beginning of the album was inspired by anger and frustration, by the midpoint to the end of the album, the inspiration comes from a more positive place...if you know me personally you may say the album reflects me as a person.”

One of his favorite songs on the tracklist is “Used to Be.” In this song, he talks about how speaking things into existence forced him to get up and make a change to the path he is now traveling.

The album cover depicts an image of cartoon Matt with crawfish boiling in a pot, mimicking “crabs in a bucket.”

Paige’s album stands out from most music produced today.

Many famous rappers talk about the streets, drugs, violence and sex. In comparison, Matt Paige talks about the consequences of living a street lifestyle. For younger generations, Paige wants them to understand that life isn’t like a video game. Following that type of experience, you don’t get a second chance when things go wrong.

In Paige’s words, “I want to be that voice that reminds them how strong they can truly be.....I want to remind the generation after me that it’s okay to talk about things like love and emotions and not be too hard for themselves.” He follows this up with saying that “everything isn’t a finesse, everybody isn’t out to get you, and hard work really pays off.” Paige himself said that he wants to be more than a rapper. He wants to further his music career as an artist as well as getting into things like real estate, foreign exchange, stocks, investment, etc.

Speaking on other advice, Paige says that the best thing people can do is fail as much as possible. He admitted to being booed off stages and wanting to give up, but he didn’t. The want of being where he is today was much stronger than his defeat.

“Your parents or even your friends may not support you, but as long as you support you, you can make something happen and change your life forever,” Matt closed.

“Crawfish in a Pot” is on every available platform, Apple Music, Soundcloud, Spotify, Tidal, and iTunes.

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

BEYONCE from page 9

This image released by Netflix shows Beyonce in a scene from her documentary “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé.” (Parkwood Entertainment/Netflix via AP)

legacy...that NOBODY does it better! & that goes for every HBCU student, alum, teacher, admin, or supporter out there!”

Throughout the documentary, there is a glimpse into how the alumni and students brought truth and tradition into her performance, and the necessity of the legacy of HBCUs. Dawn Williams, Dean of Education at Howard University, expressed her own thoughts on this legacy, “This is why HBCUs were so important, because they were formed and opened their doors for those who were sons and daughters of slaves to become educated...We have seen a recent uptick in applications at HBCUs, and this is no coincidence. We have seen today in society that there have been environments that have not been very welcoming for African

American communities.” The film features a band put together by Don P. Roberts, the former Music Coordinator at Southwest DeKalb High School.

Roberts, a graduate of Florida A&M University, was also the executive band consultant for the 2002 film Drumline. He also serves as the CEO of Drumline Live, members of this show also being included in the Coachella set. Drumline live was chosen to bring its own as well as outside musicians trained at HBCUs, such as Slater Thorpe, who played the role of the announcer for the band. He regarded the event as very important for HBCUs saying, “Beychella is going to be the most impactful thing to happen to HBCUs. It’s going to increase...college enrollment. I think she actually made musical history.”

SUGC from page 7 Southern University Gospel Choir Director, Ernest Bowman, elaborated on this experience and how it came into play.

“A call was made to the office of the President/Chancellor requesting us [SUGC]. It was a very great experience to be in the presence of top law makers of the state praising God.” A senior social work major and member of the Southern University Gospel Choir from Baton Rouge, Dejion Hughes said, “The Legislative Black Caucus Prayer Breakfast was phenomenal… the room was filled with men and women of God all gathered on one accord for one purpose.”

Hughes also expressed how important this event and opportunity was for him.

“The opportunity within itself was the biggest honor, this allowed both choirs to gain recognition and pushes them into the mainstream of the ‘Who’s who’ of their college campuses.”

SINGLETON from page 9 this. It’s a small tribe in the grand scheme of things. He was a giant among us. Kind.

Committed. And immensely talented. His films broke ground. His films mattered.

He will be missed. And long remembered. Thank you, John. #RunIntoHisArms” — Ava DuVernay, via Twitter.

“This one cuts deep. You’ll never be forgotten. Cause your work will live on.” — Writerproducer Lena Waithe, via Twitter.

Be Heard.

Do you know of any pressing issues on campus affecting students? email us digest@subr.edu www. southerndigest. com

Commentary southerndigest.com

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Thrive SU, Thrive Bailie Boyd

The Southern Digest

To me, it seems as if nobody can keep Southern’s name out of their mouth, or off their Twitter as you can see. Many people decide to throw shade our way because we are such a great institution founded on great principles. Southern does have the best, and I mean THE BEST band in the land.

You simply can’t go without the Human Jukebox. Our band makes everyone else’s band look below average… including that band Beyoncé invited to LA as a charity event. With our great band comes our great dancers and cheerleaders that many try to imitate, but NEVER can.

As you know Southern is

the only HBCU system in the world. We have 5 different campuses; Southern University at Shreveport, Southern University at New Orleans, Southern University Law Center, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and our Southern University at Baton Rouge. All of our campuses serve a critical purpose in building the education system for HBCUs everywhere.

Now, with me being from California, I really didn’t know much about an HBCU. But, something drew me towards Southern. When I came here, I wasn’t sure if it was meant for me, but the people here are very welcoming and really are

Tuesday, April 30, 2019 - Page 11

family orientated. Students and staff really make sure that you are being the best that you can be. I’ve met great and inspiring people that I can call my mentors. They push me to do things that I didn’t even know I could do. It’s just a very great atmosphere overall.

Southern University has the greatest HBCU nursing program there is. Many people go to universities for sports and all the extra curricular activities, but many come to the Southern for the nursing and engineering programs.

Imagine after a long tiring class, you’re sitting there hungry and wanting to get away from some school work and relax.

Well, as you all know, Southern

is right on the Mississippi River’s bluff. It provides a very beautiful and relaxing scenery.

Not to mention, administrators here truly do care about mental health, and physical health when it comes to the students. The campus itself has many resources including the Health Center where they provide you with the medicine if you sick and regular check ups. Right next door is the Counseling Center where students can get FREE therapy.

In addition to this, Greek life, non-Greek organizations and athletics are THRIVING right now at the Baton Rouge campus.

If you thought that was all, you’re wrong. Southern recently opened up a food pantry called “Jaguar Eats.” Here, students

can pick up food and other goods all for free. It was established to help provide for students who aren’t always able to get the things they need.

Now, some may say, “Oh, Southern isn’t fun. Or, Southern doesn’t have this and that.” Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but if you got a problem with that you can take your narrow self somewhere else with all that complaining. Southern is here to help you grow and thrive as a scholar. That’s their primary job, and they do it well. I salute most (not all, but MOST) professors for believing in the students. They help us and guide us through these difficult courses. Southern University, I appreciate you.

someone’s church home and just as important as the Notre Dame.

Thankfully, they were able to raise some funds, but if they had not, who would have helped?

Obviously not the United States.

Once again, this can be brought back to how HBCUs don’t get the same distribution of money as any other college would receive. HBCUs have always been the underdog. But, you have to wonder how much more of an advantage they would have if they had received more funding. Like, at this point do I need to start a GoFundMe to ensure that our roads and buildings can be fixed?

I may get told that I don’t

understand how the government works, but I do know that there should be a fair distribution of funds. Just because something may be grand, that doesn’t mean it is more important than the smaller things. If you can give millions to one thing, you can quickly provide that same amount to schools and organizations that can truly benefit from it. What one person may not be considered necessary, can be very important to an entire community. That minor thing can be what helps better someone’s life, so it deserves help and proper funding too.

What About Us, America?

Diamond Butler

The Southern Digest

The Notre Dame Cathedral burned down due to a possible short circuit in the building.

When this event was in the news, people from all over the world sent money to help with the Cathedral’s repairs. Millions of those dollars came from the United States. Now, I’m not saying that is a bad thing, but why when specific structures outside the United States are destroyed money is instantly sent out without a second thought, but when it comes to situations that are currently in dire need of cash here, particular requirements

have to be fulfilled? When it comes to HBCUs having to rely on money from the government to help with repairs or to get books and supplies, the process of getting a grant is rigorous.

During the waiting process, people soon get tired of the wait and try to raise money to fix the problems themselves.

From the start, HBCUs, never had the same resources as the non-historical black colleges.

In the United States upper class, non-HBCU supporters don’t get it. They don’t understand the complaint and why this is such a big deal. Now, this is nothing new, the United States is always willing to help send out money

for countries, but reluctant to help those who are less fortunate in their own country.

This specific event has opened up a bunch of controversy on how the cash should be distributed and spent. Some say it should be used for its original purpose which is to make the repairs on the Cathedral. Others say since the donations are more than enough, most of that money should also be used to help with community and organizations that help provide food, shelter, and clothing to those who cannot afford these necessities.

But, what about the three churches that were set on fire in St. Landry Parish? They are also

Don’t Sleep on Anime...PERIODT Kiyanna Givens

The Southern Digest

Most people are looking at this title and wondering, “What is she about to talk about anime for?” or,“What the hell is that?”

That’s exactly my point. The average person probably isn’t interested in watching anime at all, but what they fail to realize is that anime actually is quite interesting. It has many benefits too.

I’ll start off with what anime is. Anime is NOT Chinese cartoons and it isn’t Japanese

cartoons either. Anime is a Japanese animated SERIES that is usually based off of manga (which are graphic novels created in the Japanese language).

Majority of them have English translations available though.

I’ll go ahead and break this down, the difference between anime and a cartoon is that anime not only has a plot, but it also has character development, a central idea, and a positive message most of the time.

There’s even different types of genres which include comedy, romance, adventure, dystopian

society, horror, action, and much more.

Anime is not really for kids... other than the obvious Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh. Aside from those, most anime include curse words, sexual references, and sad life stories just like adult television series do. Some might say the story is weird but these shows get messy...like hood messy.

The benefits of anime include motivation and positive messages. In addition, anime teaches you things you never knew since there are so many genres about different cultures.

Furthermore, these series often help people to see the good in situations instead of dwelling on the bad. Imagine having a HORRIBLE day and you come home upset. I 100% guarantee that if you put on some anime, it won’t even matter 5 minutes later. You will have laughed, or cried and forgotten all about that negativity that was repressed in your heart. So, anime is in fact very beneficial!

To wrap this up, don’t be so close minded! Allow yourself to grow and be open to new things.

Become a little more cultured

and TRY WATCHING ANIME. If you want to give anime a try, I suggest you start with these: Naruto and Naruto Shippuden (on Netflix, Hulu and kissanime.com), Inuyasha (on Netflix and Hulu), FullMetal Alchemist Brotherhood (on Netflix). All streaming services have an anime section so you can find your cup of tea and see which kind you like most. STOP sleeping on anime...PERIODT.

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