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Tuesday, March 13, 2012
www.southerndigest.com
Volume 58, Issue 9
Southern celebrates 132nd birthday see Founders’ Day, Page 4
Today
Grambling State sweeps Jaguars see Sports, Page 5
‘Alabama Sky’ addresses taboos see Culture, Page 6
New LED fixtures shed new light on campus Marcus Green
The Southern Digest
With the university already switching to a four-day school week to save money by cutting energy costs, the installation of new LED lights around campus could save even more while assisting with student safety. “The school received a grant to update it’s lighting on campus,” said SGA President Demetrius Sumner. The new light-emitting diodes (LEDs) will replace the incandescent lights that used to be up all over campus. “I lived on campus and I’m glad to see Southern is making a better living environment for its students,” said Chardonnay Spears, a mass communication major from Queens, N.Y. The incandescent lights used 60 watts of electricity an hour, and had a low life span averaging only 1,200 hours. “These lights also upgrade campus scenery because they are
much more modern lights,” said Sumner. The new LED lights are semiconductor devices that convert electricity into light. These bulbs are more efficient than incandescent using only 6-8 watts an hour allowing them an additional ten to twenty days of energy. The scenery isn’t the only thing these LED lights will improve, as they will also enhance campus safety for university students. Brandon Dumas, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs said it is part of his job to ensure the protection of students while they’re at Southern trying to gain an education. With these bulbs lasting up to 50,000 hours using little energy, the university will save money on electricity. The lights have been put up in heavy traffic areas such as the entry part of Harding Boulevard, the student union parking lot, and lining the side of the administration building.
photo by trevor james/digest
Workers complete wiring for a newly installed light fixture just feet from Mayberry Dining Hall and the J.S. Clark Administration Building. Officials said the new LED fixtures could save money while improving student safety.
“Students will be more conscious of their surroundings and thus they will be safer,” said Sumner. Many students have classes
Baton Rouge said, “I have night classes and I’m not always walking with someone, so I would like for these lights to be put up in as many places as possible.”
Meshing teaching, learning styles smoothes transition
Jindal pitches education revamp
Christie Carral
The Southern Digest
Melinda Deslatte The Associated Press
Gov. Bobby Jindal framed his wide-ranging plans to overhaul public education financing and teacher evaluations Monday as a “moral imperative” to improve education, as lawmakers opened their three-month regular session. The Republican governor wants them to shift taxpayer money into a program that would pay for private school tuition, do away with the seniority-based system of teacher pay and make it tougher for teachers to reach the job protection called tenure. “The moral imperative to improve education goes to the heart of the American dream,” Jindal told a joint session of the House and Senate. He added: “For us to continue to provide that American dream for our children, it starts with a great education.” Jindal focused his 25-minute
after 5:30 p.m. and good lighting is essential when they’re walking back and forth on campus. Michelle Yolks, a mass communication major from
photo by GERALD HERBERT/AP PHOTO
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal receives applause from legislators as he addresses the state legislature on the opening session in Baton Rouge, La., Monday. Gov. Bobby Jindal says Louisiana has a “moral imperative” to improve education, telling lawmakers they need to revamp the state’s system of paying teachers and expand a voucher program statewide.
speech on education, which he called his top priority for the session, and a series of changes he’s pushing to the pension plans for thousands of rank-and-file state government employees. Despite an $895 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, Jindal didn’t discuss his budget plans in his address. The governor’s retirement and education agenda, along with the continued budget problems, are the centerpieces of the session, which must end by June 4. Jindal has raised the ire of unions,
traditional public education leaders, government workers and retirees with his suggestions. In turn, the governor has called such critics “the coalition for the status quo.” “The challenges I put in front of you today are not about the next polls. They’re not even about the next elections. They’re really about the next generation. We have a chance to shape the kind of future we leave behind to See Jindal Pitches page 3
Transitioning from high school to college, not all students are capable of learning or understanding completely due to the various learning styles that higher education provides. There are many learning styles in teaching and it is important that each student knows the type of learner they are in order to succeed in their academics. According to a presentation given by Lindsey Wiltz, mentoring seminar instructor and counselor in the Center for Student Success, there are three main learning styles, which are visual, auditory and tactile or kinesthetic. Wiltz said she uses Microsoft PowerPoint presentations for her seminar classes. Each of her students learn the three main types of learning styles and then take a survey of what type of learner they are considered to be. When the students are done with the survey, they
the official student newspaper of southern university and A&m college, baton rouge, louisiana
tally up the information, which classifies them as a type of learner. According to the presentation by Wiltz, 60-65 percent of the population is visual learners, 30 percent are auditory learners and 5-10 percent is tactile learners. “If a student is a visual learner, students are encouraged to sit in front of the class so that student would not be disturbed,” said Wiltz. After students are done with their tallied information, based on the information that classifies them as a specific learner, she gives each student pointers on how they can learn easier. It is important that students know learning styles due to the fact that they can develop strategies, which use the stronger styles and help strengthen the weaker ones. For instance, if a learner does not comprehend spoken instruction well but knows he See Meshing Styles page 3
Campus Life southerndigest.com
Page 2 - Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Classifieds
services are on Wednesdays at noon. The foundation will also be hosting Throwdown HOUSE FOR SALE Thursdays with Wii and xbox House for sale in Melrose competitions, food will be Subdivision. 3 Bedroom, 2 served. Contact the foundation full baths. Call Mr. Jackson for more information. 225.288.5187.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Café Lacumba
www.a13wil.weebly.com
Come join your colleagues and faculty for a delicious and healthy lunch! All items are made fresh and can be enjoyed as you dine in or on the go. Café Lacumba will be serving sandwiches, wraps, salads, snacks and beverages every Wednesday from 11 am- 1:30 pm. Café Lacumba is located in 161 Pinkie Thrift Hall. For more information call 225.771.4660.
Campus Briefs today Retool your school
Continue to vote to see Southern get a facelift. Vote at retoolyourschool.com to help Southern University succeed. Vote everyday because every vote counts. Southern University is currently in 5th place.
Union Fun Fridays
LaCumba’s playpen, Union Bowling Alley and Burger King will be open Fridays until 3pm. LaCumba’s playpen and the bowling alley will offer half price Fridays.
Campus Access
Harding Boulevard will be the sole entrance/exit between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. Vehicles entering the campus during those hours must stop at the Checkpoint prior to entering the campus. On weekends the Mills Avenue entrance will remain closed from 6 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. the following Monday morning. Please contact Lt. Floyd Williams at 771-2770 for more details.
SULC Chancellor honored
Intramural Basketball League
League Play has begun for Intramural Basketball. All games are played on Fridays in Seymour Gym. For more information contact Coach Robinson at 225.771.3212. The St. Joseph Chapel/ MLK Catholic Student Center offers Sunday mass service at 11 am and daily mass at 12:10 Monday thru Friday. Confessions are by appointment. SU Wesley Foundation
The Southern University Wesley Foundation is accepting donations of non-perishable and canned foods for their food drive. They will be accepting donations until April. Worship
Career Services CDs and DVDs
Southern University office of Career Services invites you to come pick up “What can I do with this degree” or “Suit up for Success” DVDs. Both discs will be available while supplies last. Contact Career Services at 225.771.2200 for more information. march 14
march 15 SU Late Night
Southern University Activities board hosts SU Late Night on March 15 from 8 p.m.midnight. Students can come enjoy movies, music, bowling, spades and dominos. There will be free food. Students must have their SU ID to enter.
Center for Student Success
School of Nursing Applications
Residential Life applications available
The department of Residence
Who’s Speaking Out? What do you think is the cause of campus crime?
Darnell Fisher
Kierra Nobles
New Orleans Junior Nursing
New Orleans freshman psychology
“Lack of respect, home training and Fisher acknowledgement that we are at an institution of higher learning.”
“I think the cause of campus crime is students not having enough activites to keep them occupied.”
Nobles
Table Tennis Tournament
Smith Brown Memorial Union presents a table tennis tournament on March 14 from 6-9pm in Lacumba’s Playpen. Awards and Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place. Come out and show off your skills.
SULC Chancellor Freddie Pitcher was named to On Being a Black Lawyer’s “100 Most influential black attorneys in the U.S.” Pitcher was featured in the dean’s section of the list inside the magazine. You can view the special edition at www. obabl.com/special-editions/ The SU CSS offers a free paper service. You can have your paper reviewed for clarity, grammatical errors, sentence structure, etc. CSS will also be offering English workshops every Friday at 10 am. CSS will be offering seminars to assist students with topics such as discovering their learning styles, study skills, to stress management. Contact CSS for more information on any of these programs and for tutoring questions at 225.771.4312 or stop by 107 in Stewart Hall.
MLK Catholic Student Center
Life and Housing announces Summer and Fall 2012 housing applications are available. Go to www.housing.subr.edu; type it, print it, and bring it in by May 1.
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Applications to the School of Nursing for the fall 2012 semester are now available online at www.subr.edu. Click on Academic Affairs and follow the School of Nursing Undergraduate Program link. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2012. All students must meet the following criteria: have been admitted to Southern University-B.R., have a cumulative grade point average of 2.6 or above, submission of ACT/SAT scores and Writing Proficiency and completion of all courses listed in the first three semesters of the nursing curriculum plan with a minimum grade of “C”.
Jeneé Harris
Jatori Bankhead
New Orleans Freshman Biology
New Orleans Sophomore Mass communication
“The main cause of campus crime is people Harris provoking each other and responses in a less-than-respectable manner.”
ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2008 by The Southern University Office of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College. All articles, photographs and graphics are property of The Southern DIGEST and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the Editor in Chief and Director of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is published twice-weekly (Tuesday & Thursday) with a run count of 5,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton Rouge campus fall, spring semesters. The paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every Tuesday & Friday morning on the SUBR campus. The Southern DIGEST student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The offices are located on the first floor of T.H. Harris Hall, Suite 1064. The Southern DIGEST is the official student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
“I believe it’s because too many people speak when they shouldn’t.”
Bankhead
Articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. Signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body. Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Southern University and A&M College, an Historically Black, 1890 landgrant institution, is to provide opportunities for a diverse student population to achieve a high-quality, global educational experience, to engage in scholarly, research, and creative activities, and to give meaningful public service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world so that Southern University graduates are competent, informed, and productive citizens. Website: www.subr.edu.
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News southerndigest.com
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - Page 3
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
4 parishes declare states of emergency The Associated Press
CARENCRO, La. — Authorities declared a state of emergency Monday in four south Louisiana parishes — Lafayette, Acadia, St. Landry and St. Martin — after floodwaters from heavy overnight thunderstorms inundated dozens of homes. No deaths or injuries were immediately reported. The sheriff’s office in Lafayette Parish, where heavy rains occurred, urged people to leave dozens of homes in and around the community of Carencro. “We had up to 7 feet of water on some streets,” said Capt. Kip Judice, the sheriff’s spokesman. “We had no deaths or injuries but a lot of near calls.” Radar indicated some areas saw up to 19 inches of rain, photo by p.c. piazza/The lafayette daily advertiser/ap photo leaving water waist-deep on some streets, said Jonathan Carencro and Lafayette City workers bring Anaise Guilbeaux, center, out of her flooded neighborhood Brazzelle, a meteorologist with in Carencro, La. by boat Monday. Authorities declared a state of emergency in the area after floodwaters the National Weather Service in from heavy overnight thunderstorms inundated dozens of homes. Lake Charles. in Slidell, north of New Orleans, “There are still several more areas in Carencro, state officials inches of rain. Clie Guidry said parents said a funnel cloud was reported hours yet before they get in the said. “There were reports of at least picked up about half the in St. Charles Parish, near the clear,” he said. Judice said there’s been some three feet of water in numerous children at her Small World town of Des Allemands but it recession, but the rain had not homes in Lafayette Parish Day Care Center in Carencro did not touch the ground. Bob Wagner, a meteorologist before streets flooded Monday stopped. “There’s nowhere for alone,” Brazzelle said. At least one shelter was morning. She got about 15 with that office, said most of the water to go. The ground’s the thunderstorms in the New saturated and the tributaries opened, Carencro Community others to nearby City Hall. Dennis Miller was going door- Orleans area were south of the are packed. It looks like we’ll be Center, which had up to 50 to-door through waist-deep city. people there by early evening. dealing with this for days.” “Some are producing very Louisiana State Police water to escort neighbors to The state Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and also temporarily closed a his house, the only one still dry heavy rain, but there are no Emergency Preparedness stretch of Interstate 49 in the on St. Anne Street. He helped watches or warnings out at this mobilized various resources, region between Lafayette and them carry pets and bundles of time,” he said. “Still, we can’t rule out anything. There’s still belongings. including the Louisiana National Opelousas after the rains. High water flooded Carencro the potential for additional A few miles made a huge Guard. Guard officials provided Catholic School, where water thunderstorms (later Monday).” four high water vehicles to assist difference within that area. Experts said there also could Water was waist-deep in was up to at least an inch in some in search and rescue operations the newspaper classrooms. Students were not be minor flooding in poorly and the state Department of Carencro, Wildlife and Fisheries moved 18 reported. Streets in Grand in school Monday because of a drained parts of Ascension agents and 13 flat bottom and Coteau, seven miles north, teacher in-service day and were and Assumption parishes but shallow water boats to the area were flooded up to 4 feet deep told not to report Tuesday, but nothing on the order of the and a Head Start center asked faculty and staff are expected by Carencro deluge was expected to help first responders. east of the Atchafalaya River, Search-and-rescue teams for sandbags, but no residents 9 a.m. Storm damage was reported meteorologist Danielle Manning responded to about 150 calls reported flooded houses, said in Louisiana said. for help, either from homes or Mayor Henry Pierre. In Church elsewhere In Carencro, Joy Warren including in vehicles, Judice said. Officials Point, 12 miles west-northwest overnight, said 16 middle school students of Carencro, City Clerk Chris Jennings where a tree fell on said a neighbor called about 9 were safely removed from Savoy said, “A few homes have a house. Brazzelle said it has a.m. to warn of rising water in a bus stranded in the water taken on a little water. Nothing yet to be determined whether the street. “Sure enough, about and a daycare center had to major.” Rua said Lafayette, the damage was the result of a 15, 20 minutes later it started seeping into the lower side of be evacuated. Wildlife crews about 10 miles south of tornado. The National Weather Service the house,” she said. rescued 77 people from flooded Carencro, got only two to three
Meshing Styles from page 1 easily understands those that are written, he can ask the teacher to write them on the board. Helping students identify their learning styles gives them tools that can be used in many subjects in school and beyond school. According to Wiltz each student is not tied to one type of learning style. Wiltz said that the seminars that are offered are for all students to attend. Florence Wellons, assistant professor of English and coordinator of communication skills laboratory, says she gives students handouts, uses different teaching styles, has detailed class outline. “Whether they have a different style of learning, I try to reach all my students,” said Wellons.
According to Wellons students with learning differences need more time to spend on a task. That is why she says she gives detailed class handouts. Wellons also said with all the things she offers, she still tries to communicate with her students so there is a better understanding of the lesson and she tries to make herself approachable to come and talk during her office hours. In the department of mathematics, Katrina Cunningham, chair of mathematics said the way their department accommodates to students with different learning approaches is by providing office hours, refer students to Center for Student Success, use online learning systems and by tutoring students. “There’s a lot of opportunities but I don’t
know if the students take advantage of them,” said Cunningham. According to Phaedra Wells, adjunct professor in the mathematics department, if students give proper documentation, she allows them more time on tests, allow them to meet in her office to ask questions and allow other students to explain the information to them if necessary. In the department of biology, according to Pushpa Samkutty, chair of Biology, students with learning differences are allowed extra time to test with the Office of Disability in room 246 in Augustus C. Blanks hall. According to Samkutty, Patricia Herbert, director of the Office of Disability, works with every department at this university to help students with learning differences.
Jindal Pitches from page 1 our children and grandchildren,” the governor said. Jindal’s education proposals are on a fast-track, with committee hearings planned this week. Supporters point to data that more than 98 percent of teachers in the state are rated effective in the tenure system, while onethird of public school students are performing below grade level. “We know the union bosses and bureaucrats who fear change will show up in droves and try to make this a fight about adults. But this fight isn’t about them. It is about the children and the future of our state,” said House Education Committee Chairman Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge. Opponents say the governor is moving too fast and lawmakers need more time to review the sweeping policy changes he proposes. They argue Jindal is trying to dismantle public education and could leave the most at-risk children stuck in failing programs. “We cannot allow a war to be waged on public education, our teachers, students and working families,” said Rep. Pat Smith, D-Baton Rouge, chair of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus. Even as lawmakers say they are getting phone calls and emails about the education plans, they say they are bombarded with complaints from people who could see decreased pension benefits from Jindal’s retirement proposals for rank-and-file state employees. The pension proposals would shrink benefits for some workers, increase payments for thousands and push back their retirement age. It would create a cheaper, 401(k)-type of investment account for new state employees, instead of giving them a monthly retirement payment based on their salaries. The changes would help Louisiana rein in the costs of its retirement programs, ensure the state can provide retirement benefits to its employees and keep the price tag from eating into money for critical services, Jindal said. “It’s very important that we get into pension reform. We’re going to bankrupt the state in several years if we don’t get that done,” said Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego. Opponents call the proposals illegal, by breaking contracts made with employees when they were hired, and unfair, by raising costs on only a portion of state employees. “When it comes to state workers and their retirement — the retirement they have paid into, worked hard for and are owed for their service — we cannot and will not change the rules on them,” said Rep. John Bel Edwards, D-Amite, leader of the House’s Democratic caucus.
Founders’ Day southerndigest.com
Page 4 - Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Founders’ Day: needed or not?
Students, faculty offer suggestions to improve observing SU’s birthday James Teague
The Southern Digest
Southern University celebrated 132 years of history with Founders’ Day events and activities last week. Numerous events were hosted in recognition of progress; the Southern University Laboratory School winter concert, Southern University Law Center founders program, charity basketball game and alumni gala. The theme for this year’s founder day celebration was the “Renaissance Southern University: Strengthening the Gift of a Strong Foundation.” There is a hint of importance for Founders’ Day in remembering what the founders have all done for the students of Southern University and its progress. Darrell Roberson, instructor in mass communication said, “It’s important to recognize the founders because it is important to pay tribute to the people that started this university.” Roberson continued if it wasn’t for the actions of the founders that all students past and present wouldn’t have been able to obtain their college degrees. The question or criticism seems to consider whether Founders’ Day is still considered important. There are some staff and faculty that consider it to be of some importance while some students who don’t
consider Founders’ Day to be of importance. “I believe Founders’ Day for Southern University’s campus is still important. However, I feel that it is not getting the recognition it deserves by the students,” said Brittany Price, a junior mass communications major from Lake Charles. Eddie Hughes, head of Special Collections in John B. Cade Library, believes that Founders’ Day still has a significant importance because we incorporate the birthday of the school. Senior mass communications major March Warren said Founders’ Day is very important to the student body, but it is not recognized as it should be. Students, staff, and administrators think that Founders’ Day can show much more improvement. “We can improve Founders’ Day by educating the constantly growing student body and hosting events around campus that garner attention from the student body,” Warren said. There are different ways to help improve the importance and recognition of Founders’ Day, according to its critics. Hughes believes that in order to attract the student body to Founders’ Day week that they would need associate more events in the name of Founders’ Day. “We are making sure that we incorporate the importance of Founders’ Day with the events
Clockwise from above, Southern University Chancellor James Llorens introduces guest speaker Cleo Fields during the Founders’ Day Convocation. —Arielle Burks/DIGEST Southern University System President Ronald Mason Jr. speaks during the Global Leadership Speaker Series. —Keldric Nash/DIGEST Selected alumni and supporters are honored during the Sixth Annual Founders’ Day Alumni Gala. —Keldric Nash/DIGEST Student Government Association President Demetrius Sumner presides over the Founders’ Day Convocation. —Arielle Burks/DIGEST Irving Matthews, owner and president of the Florida-based Matthews Automotive Group, was one of several alumni honored during the Sixth Annual Founders’ Day Alumni Gala. —Keldric Nash/DIGEST
Above, the Southern University Laboratory School Choir and conductor Diego Pinto performs “Siyahamba,” a South African hymn, during the Founders’ Day Convocation. The song, which became popular in North American churches in the 1990s, means “We are Marching” or “We are Walking” in the Zulu language.
Arielle Burks/DIGEST
At left, former U.S. Congressman and Baton Rouge native Cleo Fields, a 1984 SU mass communication graduate, served as guest speaker during the Founders’ Day Convocation. After finishing at the Southern University Law Center, Fields was elected to the Louisiana State Senate 14th Senatorial District at the age of 24. He became the youngest person ever elected to the State Senate in Louisiana’s history at the time, and the youngest in the nation.
Keldric Nash/DIGEST
that go on with the students,” Hughes said. Chase Fletcher, a senior mass communication major for Laplace, La., hoped to make students more aware of Founders’ Day and the activities
the university is sponsoring. “A way to improve Founders’ Day is to get the students more aware,” said Fletcher. Fletcher urged the need for programs to be interesting and encourage students to attend.
“Creating an event for Founders’ Day that will be able to lure the students to the event and would be not only entertaining, but at the same time informative as well,” said Fletcher.
sPOrts southerndigest.com
the sentinel Of an enlightened student BOdy sinCe 1926
tuesday, MarCh 13, 2012 - Page 5
Grambling State sweeps Jaguars arisTiDe phillips
The Southern Digest
It was a miserable weekend for the Jaguar baseball team, getting swept by any team isn’t a good feeling for anyone, but being swept by archrival Grambling State can leave a mental stain in the mindset of the team. Grambling (10-4 5-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) laid a beat down on the Jaguars 13-5 in the first game Saturday, in the second game of the doubleheader, SU took the lead taking in three runs in the seventh inning but GSU tied the game in the ninth and prevailed in the 13th inning defeating the Jaguars 4-3. The Tigers completed the sweep Sunday with a 7-1 win. “They’re not in a right state of mind right now because they can’t believe they been swept at home,” Jaguars head coach Roger Cador said. In game one, Southern (8-7, 3-3 SWAC) lost the little lead they had up 2-1 before the
Tigers pulled in 5 runs in the sixth inning and pulled away in the last three innings adding seven more runs. Jesse Holliday pitched five innings, giving up seven hits and allowing five runs. Reliever Josh Powell replaced Holliday in the sixth, and allowed eight runs on eight hits. In game two, the Jaguars were down until the bottom of the seventh when third baseman Cameron McGriff came to bat. McGriff drove in two runs on a base hit and later scored as Demario Ellis hit into a fielder’s choice to tie the game at 3-3. GSU was able to score in the top of the 13th inning by a Brain Knuckles double to center field, scoring Elias Todman. “They played harder than we did all day,” said SU outfielder Wilmy Marrero. “They fought, our coaches said. They caught balls that we didn’t, they hit in crucial situations that we didn’t, to sum it up they played harder and did everything that we didn’t.”
PHOTO By Keldric nasH/digesT
Southern’s Taylor Roy gets tagged out at third base by Grambling’s Hector Mejias during Saturday’s doubleheader between the rivals. The G-Men took all three games of the weekend series from the Jags.
When Sunday came around one would think the Jaguars would come into Sunday’s game in the right frame of mind and play Jaguar baseball but that wasn’t the case, the Jaguars fell to the Tigers 7-1 completing the sweep. GSU scored the games first run in, Chris Wolfe scored as Darren Farmer grounded into a double play in the top of the
Pugh: PG top need for team arisTiDe phillips
The Southern Digest
The sound of the buzzer in Garland, Texas, at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament marked the end of Southern’s women’s basketball season with a 54-44 loss to Alcorn State, a team Southern defeated twice earlier in the season. This season was not what head coach and Interim Athletic Director Sandy Pugh and her players had in mind. The last two seasons, the Jaguars took the SWAC regular season title and this year the team had three-peat in their eyesight. “Our expectations are higher than anybody else. It was a disappointing season to me all the way around,” said Pugh. High expectations is the motto for the Jaguars, just five days removed from that loss in Texas coach Pugh was holding individual workouts for the team. “Individual workouts are a must focusing them on the details on being tough with the basketball and being fundamentally sound and understanding our expectations in terms of their development,” said Pugh. The Jaguars were strong defensively this season, ranking second in the SWAC in defensive scoring by holding opponents to only 58 points per game. The main problem for Southern this year was a lack of leadership and discipline on the court. The Jaguars averaged 18 turnovers per game this season, which could probably be the story of the Jaguars this season. But that’s old news, so what’s next for the Jaguars. Southern loses two seniors in post player
Jamie Floyd and point guard Carneta Henderson, who was a vital loss to the Jaguars and didn’t play this season due to injury. Floyd and her SWAC-best nine rebounds per game will be missed, but what Southern will be looking for in recruiting will be help at the point guard position. “Number one need is the point guard slot. I think we got to sign a couple of point guards,” said Pugh addressing the needs for the Jaguars next year. Adrian Sanders took the role as a point guard this past season and did a commendable job, but Pugh said that the point guard position isn’t her natural position and she would be most effective at the small forward position. “We want to put her at her natural position next year so she can take advantage of her size,” said Pugh talking about the play of Sanders. “She’s really developed her outside jumper and her mid range game and I look for her to do some great things going into next year.” Guard Kendra Coleman earned SWAC Freshman of the Year honors ranking sixth in the SWAC in scoring (12 points per game). “Kendra showed a lot of promise at the beginning of the year. The knee, the strained MCL really hurt her and slowed her down tremendously,” said Pugh. The Jaguars for next year are stacked returning most of the starters and are in search to put in the missing pieces together to get back to SWAC dominance. “To finish a season at .500 some coaches are happy with that, we’re not,” Pugh said. “Come August, we’ll be ready to do it again.”
third. The Jaguars answered in the bottom of the fifth when Taylor Roy singled to bring in Clint Ourso, tying the game at 1-1. Grambling State pulled away in the seventh scoring four runs and added two more runs in the ninth. “I try not to make too much out of it really, even though I do know there are some issues
that we have to address,” Cador said after the game, “If we had swung the bats better we would have been a lot different.” The Jaguars will try to regroup today as they travel to face the University of Louisiana-Lafayette at 6 p.m. Southern will return home this weekend to face Prairie View A&M at Lee-Hines Field in another weekend series.
Culture southerndigest.com
Page 6 - Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
‘Alabama Sky’ addresses taboos Jessica Sarpy
The Southern Digest
Southern University Theatre program put on a play from February 29 to March 3, “Blues for an Alabama Sky,” directed by speech professor Aileen A. Hendricks. The story takes place in the summer of 1930 in Harlem. Angel Allen (played by Dellarashia Ventress) is a rebellious blues singer who cannot find work. Her friend Guy Jacobs (played by David Sylvester Jr.), a clothing designer, is also out of work but dreams of being hired to design dresses for the well-known singer Josephine Baker, who is living in Paris. Their neighbor Delia Patterson (played by N’Kyia Molten), a social worker, is trying to organize a family planning clinic in Harlem. Their friend Sam Thomas (played by Robert Easly), a doctor, works long hours delivering babies at the Harlem
Hospital. Angel, who is still unemployed, has began to get wooed by Leland Cunningham (played by John White), a very old-fashioned, religious young man from Alabama, who claims he wants to marry her. Meanwhile, Delia, with the help of Sam, is successful in convincing a local church to support her proposal for a family planning clinic. Guy finally receives the longawaited notice from Josephine Baker inviting him to Paris to work for her. Angel, however, has gotten pregnant by Leland and obtains an illegal abortion performed by Sam. Enraged about the abortion, Leland shoots and kills Sam. The play talks about a lot of issues that are still faced today. Unemployment, unplanned parenthood religion and homosexuality. “My character was centered around homosexuality so I hope that it helped open people’s eyes and make the issue a little less
PHOTO By evan taylor/digest
Angel (Dellarashia Ventress) is sad following being notified of her unexpected pregancy while Guy Jacobs (David Sylvester) is excited about his upcoming and long awaited trip to Paris. Jacobs designed dresses for Josephine Baker in the 1930’s Harlem set, “Blues for an Alabama Sky” written by Pearl Cleage.
taboo and a little more human,” said Sylvester. The set was very well done thanks to Southern University’s very own Advanced stage craft class, and clothing were very realistic thanks to Brenda Harris. They portrayed the 1930’s perfectly. Harris definitely has an eye for authentic 30’s fashion. It transports you into the 1930’s. When asked, the cast members
shared some of the wisdom they’ve learned while playing these wayward characters. “Love, you never know when it will show up, don’t pass it up.” said Easly. The play was very powerful and full of emotion. “I learned that I am very much like my character. A little selfish and stubborn at times, I don’t want kids or relationships, but on
Robertson: Pot should be legal Michael Felberbaum The Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. — Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson says marijuana should be legalized and treated like alcohol because the government’s war on drugs has failed. The outspoken evangelical Christian and host of “The 700 Club” on the Virginia Beach-based Christian Broadcasting Network he founded said the war on drugs is costing taxpayers billions of dollars. He said people should not be sent to prison for marijuana possession. The 81-year-old first became a self-proclaimed “hero of the hippie culture” in 2010 when he called for ending mandatory prison sentences for marijuana possession convictions. “I just think it’s shocking how many of these young people wind up in prison and they get turned into hardcore criminals because they had a possession of a very small amount of a controlled substance,” Robertson said on his show March 1. “The whole thing is crazy. We’ve said, ‘Well, we’re conservatives, we’re tough on crime.’ That’s baloney.” Robertson’s support for legalizing pot appeared in a New York Times story published Thursday. His spokesman confirmed to The
PHOTO By clem britt/ap photo
In this Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 file photo, Rev. Pat Robertson, center, talks to attendees at a prayer breakfast at the Capitol in Richmond, Va. The religious broadcaster says marijuana should be legalized and treated like alcohol because the government’s war on drugs has failed. The outspoken evangelical Christian and host of “The 700 Club” on the Virginia Beachbased Christian Broadcasting Network he founded said the war on drugs is costing taxpayers billions of dollars. He said people should not be sent to prison for marijuana possession.
Associated Press that Robertson supports legalization with regulation. Robertson was not made available for an interview. “I really believe we should treat marijuana the way we treat beverage alcohol,” Robertson was quoted by the newspaper as saying. “If people can go into a liquor store and buy a bottle of alcohol and drink it at home legally, then why do we say that the use of this other substance is somehow criminal?” Robertson said he “absolutely” supports ballot measures in Colorado and Washington state that would allow people older than 21 to possess a small amount of marijuana and allow for commercial pot sales. Both measures, if passed by voters, would
place the states at odds with federal law, which bans marijuana use of all kinds. While he supports the measures, Robertson said he would not campaign for them and was “not encouraging people to use narcotics in any way, shape or form.” “I’m not a crusader,” he said. “I’ve never used marijuana and I don’t intend to, but it’s just one of those things that I think: this war on drugs just hasn’t succeeded.” In a statement Thursday, Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, said Robertson’s “clearly stated and wellreasoned comments throw a curve ball into the growing debate over legalizing marijuana.”
the bright side I am very mature, very experienced. She knows what she wants, and knows how to get It.” said Ventress. The play also emphasizes the importance of having a strong emotional foundation. “A lot of people go through dramatic events in their lives, so it is important to have a strong foundation and support system.” said White.
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The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - Page 7
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We make decisions for ourselves every day, what to eat, what to drink, when to go to work, when to sleep and even when to relax. We choose whether or not to care or get involved. We choose where to go and who to be with when we are there. How often do we make decisions for the common or greater good? Do you choose to turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth instead of running water? Time yourself in the shower, to conserve water or even recycle your water bottles and soda cans? Think about others when you make your decisions every day. Consideration is key. When making decisions, choices and advocating for causes be considerate of all aspects and perspectives. This brings me to Kony 2012, I’m pretty sure the 73,000,000 plus people who viewed the 30 minute Youtube movie were in shock and awe. I was as well. The first question that popped in my head was what was the purpose of this video because throughout the video it contradicted itself. Was the purpose of the video to educate about Kony? To get funds to advocate for Invisible Children? Or to make people aware of Kony’s illegal activity? I was bombarded with information from the international most wanted list, to crimes against nature, Ugandan history and even how to explain to a child your vocation. At the end of the video, I was still questioning the validity of the movement, whether it would work, or
Evan Taylor even it’s assumptions. In April I will see how popular or famous Kony is beyond Youtube, Twitter and Facebook. To all the Kony fans and those posting Kony 2012 everywhere please consider whether your concerns are valid to this cause. I’m not saying that Ugandan children aren’t important but, I am saying you can’t answer all of Uganda’s problems after 30 minutes. Foreign policy is a lot more complicated than we think and the so is the history of Uganda. Moving on to House Bill 927, There has been a lot of discussion of the validity and motivations behind dismantling the Southern University System. I believe that it is important to consider why we have a separate system and understand what makes our system operate. Those are our defenses when discussing saving our Southern. We cannot just show up at the capitol expecting a miracle from the same people who are trying to get rid of us. Our plan has to be educated, calculated and strategic. The system
wasn’t formulated over night and will not be spared over night. Exercise those fingers that you use to tweet #HB927 to write your posters, type your flyers, sign petitions, and formulate plans to educate your fellow Southern students, alumni and the community. Southern University is not an island and doesn’t not exist on it’s own it takes the concerns and efforts of those in Southern’s corner everywhere. No effort or amount is too small or ineffective. Lastly, CATS reform. I was appalled by the amount per capita designated to Capitol Area Transit System. I know a lot of you would like to say you are too cool to ride CATS, but when it rains will pack on the bus like a pack of sardines. Consider the many people including yourself if your car is broke, you can’t afford gas, or need to get to work will not have a way to get around because of CATS being discontinued. Consider that Baton Rouge will be a capitol city with five routes to serve the whole city. Those who need access the most will be eliminated from service areas. Among these times we need to consider the information we are absorbing and not take everything at face value. Look beyond the surface and be critical thinkers about not only ourselves, our fellow students, alumni, community members and citizens. Be considerate of the terms, who defines them, who benefits, who suffers, validity, why and reach. Social problems aren’t grown overnight and are not quick to fix.
‘If-then’ does not apply to faculty
If someone just randomly walked up and started urinating on your shoes and called it rain, what would you do? Well I don’t know about you, but the average person would smack the (insert appropriate expletive) out of the random shoe-wetter in question, but not Southern students. We sit back idly as the faculty constantly gives us golden showers. I don’t know about you, but I’m so tired of catching golden raindrops. It’s not that I don’t love my school. I do. However, I get more than a little upset when my school is seemingly short-changing me. I know for a fact that if I do not attend my classes, then I run the risk of failing my classes due to my poor attendance. If I do not study, then my grades will reflect that. One thing that I learned in my college career is “if-then” consequences. In a way, this is a principle that our very society runs on. I don’t understand why this does not apply to Southern University’s faculty. For example: If an instructor in the “underwater basket weaving” department does not attend the classes they were hired to teach, then … Not a darn thing. One of my instructors did not attend any of their classes at all last week, and let’s not forget that midterms were last
Jessica Sarpy week. Not to mention countless days before that since the semester began. I understand if an instructor suffers from an illness. However, if it is a chronic illness that is preventing you from giving me what I paid for — an education — then maybe its time for you to hang it up. It infuriates me that I am going into debt to purchase an education to better myself, to better my future and I am getting nothing in return. If I paid for a class, then I expect to learn. As of right now, I‘m being robbed. I am giving the university something for nothing. I’m getting ski-mask-and-getaway-carred out of the education that I am paying for. I expect this kind of treatment from my wireless provider, not my university.
Students, why aren’t you upset that your only getting half of what you’re paying for? Why is it okay that you spend at least four years in an institution but other than a degree don’t have anything to show for it? Do you like signing those loan papers? Do you like portraying the ignorant role? This is what you’re showing the administration. Your actions show administrators that knowledge isn’t that important to you. Faculty, what are you teaching us by neglecting your responsibilities? That it is fine to just get by? That it is okay to renege on a deal? That you just want my money, and couldn’t care less about me? This is the message that you are conveying to me, to your students and future alumni. As a student I feel like some of the faculty don’t care about the students. Like we’re just stupid, lazy so-andso’s who don’t really care if they’re educated, as long as they have that good ole degree. Where are the “if-then” consequences for faculty? If an instructor is constantly neglecting their students’ education, then what?
Page 8 - Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926