STATE & NATION
SPORTS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Presidentdiscussesrecovery. pg. 5
Jags gear up for homecoming. pg. 8
Student gallery showcases works. pg. 9
sU not taking FVsU lightly
obama visits new orleans
Visual arts gallery reopens
estABLished in 1928
WWW.SOUTHERNDIGEST.COM
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009
VOL. 54, ISSUE 11
SU putting students first in Radiothon By Billy washington digest staff writer
The 19th annual Southern University Radio-thon will be held today from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at Citadel Broadcasting at 650 Wooddale Boulevard and will be aired live on three stations powered by Citadel Broadcasting. This annual event was designed to raise money for the Jaguar Nation as a whole; however, this year’s focus will be on the students. This year’s theme is entitled “Students First” because the money that’s raised will go towards scholarships and funding academic programs on campus. All proceeds from the 2009 Radio-thon will support the “Scholars of Promise Initiatives,” which will place
‘Students First” in terms of scholarships, assistantships and youth programs. The Scholars of Promise Initiatives is a general scholarship fund governed by an independent advisory board composed of SU faculty and staff. In addition, the SUS Foundation will waive all fees associated with the Radio-thon. “Citadel Broadcasting will allow SU to broadcast live for 12 hours on all urban networks which include 1460 Heaven AM, Max 94.1 FM, and Q106.5” said Katara Williams, SU Director of Media Relations. “The program will highlight different units of the SU community including Southern Laboratory School and our goal is the raise as much money as we can.” Williams continued. According to records, the
Radio-Thon has always been successful. The idea was initially created by Curtis Lee, former director of the Southern University System Foundation, in 1990 and an estimated total of $ 68,000 was raised. The event has continued in success with an increase of donations during the following years. Records show $80,000 was raised in 1991, $125,782 was raised in 1992, and $166,661 was collected in 1996. Last year, a total of $273,824.62 was raised from the event. This year’s hosts will include Valentina Wilson of NBC 33 News, Dana Hackett of WBRZ 2 News, Katara Williams of Southern University, Jackie Nash of Southern University, Robert Renee, Tiffany Lloyd; Alumni of Southern and Miss Black Louisiana, and
the coordinator of the event, Dr. Ernie Hughes, Executive Director of the SU System Foundation. “The Southern University System Foundation is extremely pleased with the support that the community has provided during past Radio-thons, and this year we are taking a slightly different approach,” said Hughes. “We want to make certain that students are first; therefore we will make sure that we are accountable for all proceeds, and that students ultimately receive the benefits”, Hughes added. The homecoming annual Radio-thons agenda will start with an opening session, the See radioThon page 4
Students get laughs in during comedy show By erica s. Johnson digest staff writer
Southern University’s students made the F.G. Clark Activity Center rumble with cheers, laughs, and ironically boos during the 2009 Homecoming Comedy Special held Monday night. Tony King from Max 94 The Wake Up Syndicate was the show’s host. He ushered in and out the comedians for the night, all of whom had performed on BET’s comedy program, Comic View. Comedian Sean Larkins opened the show and quickly had the audience clapping and cheering at his humorous take on SU’s student body. None of the university members were safe from his jokes. Larkins had particular fun poking at the football team, asking the audience “I heard your football
team lost to Devry, how’d that happen?” Devry is a mostly online university and have no sports teams. Larkins was quick to get the student body involved by offering 50 dollars to the “best dancer” who performed on stage. Most students performed to the New Boyz track, “You’re a Jerk”, and a California native took home the prize after a final round with one other male and female competitors. Lavar Williams was the second comedian to grace the stage. His appearance was cut short because many of the students repeatedly booed Williams for his humor-less performance. The highlight of his time on stage included his impersonation of the rapper See comEdy page 3
photo By treVor James/digest
“Big” sean Larkin introduces a contestant to perform any popular dance for his own dance off on stage. the winner which was chosen by audience applause, was awarded $50 from Larkin himself.
West to speak at Southern digest news serviCe
Renowned philosopher, author, critic, pastor, actor and civil rights activist Cornel West, is set to speak at Southern University on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union on the university’s campus. Dr. West is the author of 20 books including the best-selling book, “Race Matters,” which has sold more than a million copies. His most recent books are, “The African-American Century: How Black Americans Have Shaped Our Century,” which he wrote with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and “Cornel West: A Critical Reader.” He has edited 13 texts and co-authored west the books “The Future of American Progressivism,” with Roberto Unger and “The War Against Parents,” with Sylvia Ann Hewlett on public policy issues. West also offers weekly commentary on “The Tavis Smiley Show” on Public Radio International. He was influential in developing the storyline for the “Matrix” movie trilogy and played a recurring role in the final two films. West is a Class of 1943 University Professor of Religion at Princeton University and has won numerous awards, including the American Book Award. He has also received more than 20 honorary degrees. He serves as an honorary chair of the Democratic Socialists of America and has worked with numerous political and See WEST page 3
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THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK SATURDAY, OCT. 17
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Classifieds
Karate Club welcomes all persons interested in training Shotokan Karate. Training is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon at the J.B. Moore Hall Auditorium. For more information, call Edwin Walker at 771.3721 or e-mail edwin_walker@ subr.edu.
employment
Airport Texaco hiring cashiers for evening, weekdays & weekends shifts full-time. Excellent customer service skills req’d. Very competitive pay. Apply in person to Baton Rouge Metro Airport Texaco.
apartments For rent
Beep meetings
Move-in special: $500 The Southern 1st month for 1bd. $600 University chapter of the 1st month for 2bd. Near Black Executive Exchange campus. Includes H20 & Program meets Tuesdays trash. Call 928.0444 at 11 a.m. in Room 222 of T.T. Allain Hall. BEEP open to all majors Campus Briefs iscampuswide. TODAY Book signing and discUssion
Meet and discuss with author & alumnus J. Thurman about his latest work “The Man-You-All” Friday, Oct. 16 in the SU Bookstore beginning at 1 p.m. co-sponsored by AWS. “It is sure to encourage this generation of black women to question their relationship protocols.” meet the aUthor
Meet Judge D’ Army Bailey author of “The Education of a Black Radical” Friday, Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. in the John B. Cade Library co-sponsored by Southern University’s Law Center. “Moving, powerful, and intensely personal, The Education of a Black Radical offers an inspirational tale of hope and a courageous stand for social change.” sU karate clUB
The Southern University
center For stUdent sUccess
Students peer tutoring is available at the Center for Student Success in Room 107 of W.W. Stewart Hall. Follow the Center for Student Success on twitter to see exciting upcoming events. Twitter. com/Jaguar_Nation insUrance licensing coUrses
SU’s Division of Continuing Education and College of Business will sponsor insurance licensing courses on the Baton Rouge campus. The courses, which are open to anyone interested in becoming a licensed insurance agent, will include continuing learning classes for those who are already licensed. Registration is ongoing for the classes. The starting date for the class will be determined at the end of registration. For more information about the courses or registration,
MONDAY, OCT. 19
TUESDAY, OCT. 20
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mostly sUnny
HI - 70° / LO - 51° 0% CHANCE OF RAIN
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call 225.771.2613. social and BehaVioral sciences UndergradUate research conFerence
The Department of Psychology is sponsoring the 11th Annual Social and Behavioral Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference Friday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. Students in the departments of criminal justice, economics, history, political science, psychology, rehabilitation and disability studies, sociology social work and speech pathology are encouraged to submit abstracts. For more information, contact Dr. Reginald Rackley at 225.771.2990 or e-mail cozetrichard@ yahoo.com.
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Campus BRIEFS
Student applications for the 2009 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge’s campus competition are being accepted now until Monday, Nov. 9 at 5 p.m. The campus tournament has been postponed until Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. Participants in the campus competition are eligible to be selected to represent SU in the 2010 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship Tournament. For more information, contact the Honors College at 771.4845 or go to www. hcasc.com.
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sUite 1064 – t.H.Harris HaLL P.O. BOX 10180 – BatOn rOUge, La 70813 225.771.2231 PHOne / 225.771.3253 faX www.sOUtHerndigest.COM 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 bi-weekly (tuesday & friday) with a run count of 6,000 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. 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. PUBLICATION ASSOCIATIONS the southern digest is a member of the Black College Communications association (BCCa), national association of Black Journalists (naBJ), University - wire network (U-wire), associated Collegiate Press (aCP), College Media advisers association (CMa), society of Professional Journalist (sPJ), full member of the associated Press (aP) and the Louisiana Press association (LPa).
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF norman J. dotson Jr. COPY EDITORS Kenyetta M. Collins erica s. Johnson
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NEWS
Friday, October 16, 2009 - Page 3
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SU homecoming week opens with praise By tremaine sanders digest staff writer
All it took was a simple phrase from Reginald Collins, director of Southern University’s Inter-denominational Gospel Choir, to get the audience abuzz during the 2009 Homecoming Convocation and Gospel Concert. “Somebody give God a praise, ” Collins said, stirring the crowd at the SmithBrown Memorial Union’s Royal Cotillion Ballroom. The SUIGC began the program with two selections. They opened the concert with Great Things, Rickey Dillard’s anthem about the future holding great things in store for each of us. They went on to engage the audience with the timeless classic Total Praise. The popularity of this Richard Smallwood tune gave way to complete audience participation. The energy was high. Artis Fields, a Junior Nursing Major from Shreveport and SUIGC member, stated that, “I felt a strong vibe. Everyone felt what we felt. The anointing.” Darlene Bonner, guest soloist from Houston, Texas, accompanied SUIGC in their final selection, Secret Place. After the invocation Stanley White, SGA President, addressed the audience. In his address his admonished everyone
to, “Praise him throughout the week and throughout the rest of our lives.” After this declaration Sabrina Whitney, Miss Southern, acting as the mistress of ceremony, came and announced the order of services. After two selections from Rose Hill Baptist church the Sanctified Soldiers Ministers took center stage. In the second of their two selections the Sanctified Soldiers put a spin on the Body Head Bangerz once popular street anthem “Do It Big.” During the chorus Lady E of the Soldiers chanted, “I used to smoke. I used to drink. But now I’m Holy Ghost filled and I can’t.” The crowd responded favorably to this remix of the secular song. Sir Edward Staten, a junior Education major from Chicago, stated, “The rappers were energetic. Their energy made the crowd feel them.” The last local performance came from Timothy Britten and the Shabach Praise Company. Brian Collins, president of the Men’s Federation, introduced Pastor William Murphy, this year’s special guest. In his introduction Collins quoted Murphy as saying, “Church is what I’ve known all my life. My family is rich in the heritage of gospel, in spoken word ministry as well as music. That was the foundation I grew up on.” After the eruption of applause William
comedy from page 1 T.I. The comedian lip-synched the famous rapper’s lyrics while bouncing his shoulders, which revealed an uncanny resemblance to the artist. Williams’ act was almost verbatim to one that he performed on BET. His lack of fresh, new jokes, and his inability to relate to the audience’s needs left the crowd of students shouting from the stands. Williams spent more than 20 minutes trying to find the yelling students by verbally directing the spot light coordinator through the audience to find the disruption. Williams was unsuccessful in his search and frustrated himself enough to bellow, “I don’t care SU I already got my check!” His outburst didn’t sit well with the observers, and he checked himself off the stage before his time was up. Roland Powell, who goes by the stage name Duvall, rounded up the comedians for the night and left the audience on their feet in ear
bursting shouts with his performance. Playing more to the adult side of the SU audience, Duvall joked about relationships, sexual content, and a regular man versus a real man. Duvall’s style of performance was relaxed and smooth. He joked about everyday relatable incidents like only knowing the chorus to the most popular songs. He announced to the audience early on that he wasn’t on stage to play nice or sugar coat anything. A comment he made after mocking Miss Southern and her court for their jailhouse attire, stating, “Y’all won’t get men looking like that.” The comedy special was a great way to get students in the mood for a week filled with performances and school pride. Homecoming week continues tonight with the Greek Step Show in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.
WEST from page 1 social organizations, including co-chairing the National Parenting Organization’s Task Force on Parent Empowerment. Dr. West was also part of President Clinton’s National Conversation on Race. West graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and earned his MA and Ph.D. from Princeton. West is the second speaker in Southern’s 2009-2010 Chancellor’s Lecture Series. The series, which is in its second year, was created by Southern Chancellor Dr. Kofi Lomotey. It has brought speakers such as actor, director Spike Lee and authors Iyanla Vanzant and Na’im Akbar to the university. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Southern University Media Relations at 225.771.4545.
photo by wil norwood/digest
The Rev. William Murphy performs during Sunday’s Convocation and Gospel Concert.
Murphy took the stage. He addressed the crowd by saying, “I’m gonna sing a little bit tonight. Is that alright?” The crowd answered in the affirmative. Pastor Murphy opened with a cheerful song about the necessity of following one’s dreams. He went on to discuss fighting for the purpose in each of our lives. In true call and response fashion everyone repeated, “I want it all back.” After about an hour of inspiration praise and worship Pastor Murphy concluded his set with the song that made him famous, “Praise is What I Do.” When asked what she enjoyed most about the service Rachelle Green, a senior Mathematics major from Donaldsonville, she responded by saying, “The songs of Pastor Murphy. They were very inspirational.”
This year’s gospel concert was indeed a success and a great start to the week’s homecoming celebration. Jonas Vanderbilt, Coordinator of Student Programs, stated that, “Judging from the response from the audience and the superb job of Pastor William Murphy, I feel that the first event and the official kickoff of homecoming week has set the tone for what is to be spectacular. All the acts were top notch and I on behalf of my department and myself thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the show.” Class of 2006 Southern University alumni, Tonya Hull, shared similar feelings. She said, “My expectations were met. The program made me proud to be both a Southern alumni and a former SUIGC member.”
Page 4 - Friday, October 16, 2009
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ALL HAIL MISS SOUTHERN
photo by kenyetta m. collins/DIGEST Southern University Chancellor Kofi Lomotey bows to Miss Southern Sabrina Whitney as Student Government Association President Stanley White Jr. looks on during Wednesday’s coronation ceremony.
SU nets $285K Project GO grant digest news service
The Institution of International Education, acting as the National Security Education Program has awarded Southern University a Projector GO grant in the amount of $285,000. The Project GO grant will provide funding for African language study, African cultural immersion and study-abroad opportunities to our ROTC population (Navy/Marine Corps, Army and Air Force) at Southern University, LSU, Southeastern Louisiana University and Baton Rouge Community College (through formal
NROTC cross-town enrollment agreements). Led by Dr. Barbara W. Carpenter, Ph.D., Dean of International Education, the program will provide intermediate-level proficiency in African languages and cross-cultural immersion opportunities through study abroad in such countries as Uganda, Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, or South Africa. While abroad, students will be exposed to African languages by participation in community volunteerism activities facilitated by both Southern University and partner university faculty.
radiothon from page 1 history of the Radio-thon, and words from the Alumni Association. Following the opening, at 8 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Southern University Laboratory School and Lab School Foundation will give a few words of encouragement. From 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. The SU Band and Alumni Members will broadcast live followed by Southern University Baton Rouge Colleges of Business, Leadership, Agricultural and Consumer Sciences. From 10 a.m.-noon, the SU Law Center will give words of motivation followed by the Arts and Humanities department, the Athletic Department, and Education Department. From noon-5 p.m. The SU Honors College will open followed by the Engineering Department, the Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the Nursing Department, the J.B. Cade Library, the Science Department, the Architecture Department, the Alumni Association, and English Department. The Closing Segment, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. will include members of the Sixth Man Club and the Quarterback Club, Southern University Friends and Supports, and the closing remarks by the Board and the SU System Foundation. “We encourage for all students to make a donation and challenge other students to contribute. Students are welcome to come with their department and give a few words of motivation during the broadcast as well” said Williams. “We will accept all forms of payment, no matter how big or small the donation.” For those who want to contribute and give a few words of encouragement, a passenger van will leave from the student union every hour on the hour traveling to the radio station and departing from the radio station 20 minutes before the hour. Online donations can be made by logging on to www.sus.edu and clicking on the secure SU Foundation link. Live streaming of the Radio-thon will be accessible via internet at www.q106dot5. com, www.max94one.com, www.heaven1460. com. For more information, contact the SU System Foundation Office at 225.771.3911.
STATE & NATION
Friday, October 16, 2009 - Page 5
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Obama defends himself against critics state briefs By eileen sUlliVan
assOCiated Press writer
NEW ORLEANS—President Barack Obama defended himself Thursday against complaints from residents of New Orleans and the rest of the Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast who feel recovery help has not come soon enough from his administration. Making his first stop as president in the region devastated by Hurricane Katrina more than four years ago, Obama appeared at a town hall gathering to hear residents’ concerns in person. One man asked why federal damage reimbursements are coming so slowly and in amounts far less than needed. “I expected as much from the Bush administration, but why are we still being nickeled and dimed in our recovery?” the man said. The president replied that his administration was “working as hard as we can, as quickly as we can.” “I know since a lot of these problems have been going on since Katrina, people understandably feel impatient,” Obama said, addressing hundreds of people who won tickets in an Internet lottery to attend. “On the other hand, a lot of these things are not going to be fixed tomorrow.” The storm killed some 1,600 people in Louisiana and Mississippi — and damage has been estimated at roughly $40 billion. The damage is still starkly visible in New Orleans, in the blighted neighborhoods of creaky houses, boardedup businesses, structure after structure awaiting demolition
BY tHe assOCiated Press
Longtime Zulu grand marshal dies
photo By gerald herBert/ap photo
President Barack Obama visits the dr. Martin Luther King Charter school in the Lower 9th ward of new Orleans thursday.
and critical recovery work not yet commenced. Katrina was a natural disaster that also turned into a political one for former President George W. Bush. His administration was widely criticized for a slow initial response to the crisis. Local officials complained that the recovery didn’t go much better later on, with the Bush administration often refusing to pay for work they felt should have qualified for federal aid. Obama, who once accused Bush of standing by “while a major American city drowns,” claimed progress since he entered the White House in January. He cited reconstruction projects that have moved forward after stalling due to
disagreements over whether the state or federal government would foot the bill, with officials working “around the clock to clean up red tape.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency said that of the 120 Louisiana reconstruction projects that were stuck at the beginning of Obama’s presidency, 76 have been resolved. This has sent more than $1.4 billion in additional federal aid to Louisiana. Obama said officials from his administration have made 35 trips to the Gulf Coast since March — and “not just to make appearances, but to listen and to learn and help you move forward.” The town hall took place after Obama stopped by a local
school that he said was “doing much better” than four years ago. Still, in opening remarks before a boisterous crowd at the University of New Orleans, the president acknowledged residents’ frustration about the pace of recovery from the longago storm. Among the evidence: Across from the school Obama highlighted, firefighters work from a trailer, and a stormshuttered community center awaits demolition. “It’s clear how far we have to go before we can call this recovery a success,” Obama said, noting sewers and roads that still need repair, houses and hospitals that are still vacant and schools and neighborhoods still waiting to thrive.
Panel won’t consider La. college consolidation By melinda deslatte assOCiated Press writer
A panel charged with making $800 million in cost-cutting suggestions to Gov. Bobby Jindal and state lawmakers refused Tuesday to wade into the politically tricky debate over college board consolidation. The Commission on Streamlining Government decided it won’t consider Treasurer John Kennedy’s recommendation to abolish the governing boards of the LSU, University of Louisiana and Southern University systems. Kennedy wants all public four-year universities in Louisiana governed by the state Board of Regents without independent oversight boards. The commission voted 8-1 against debating the consolidation idea. All the members but Kennedy sided with commission chairman, Sen. Jack
Donahue, who argued a separate higher education panel was the appropriate place for such a discussion. Donahue, R-Covington, said his bill to create the streamlining commission excluded higher education from the panel’s review. He said he told lawmakers that decisions about cost-cutting at public colleges would be left to another commission specifically charged with that task. “It was my agreement with my fellow legislators that higher education would not be part of this (streamlining commission) process,” he said. “To me, it’s a matter of honor.” Kennedy said the streamlining panel was reviewing government employment levels, stateowned vehicles and other areas that affect the college systems as well as state agencies. He said he didn’t understand why
campus governing boards would be excluded from the discussion, and he suggested his recommendation was being scrapped because it was too controversial. “I have a great deal of respect for the chairman. I just think he’s wrong,” Kennedy said. The decision against debating college board consolidation came as the streamlining commission began receiving suggestions from its advisory panels. Jindal and lawmakers created the commission to offer ideas on slashing state government spending amid years of projected budget shortfalls. Donahue said the panel will start meeting weekly and will begin voting on individual recommendations Oct. 27. The panel must pull together its report by Dec. 15. Lawmakers will consider the proposals in
the regular legislative session that begins in March. Among the ideas suggested so far: cutting the number of state-owned vehicles, requiring prisoners to get a high school equivalency degree before they are eligible for probation or parole, revamping the state’s construction budgeting process, privatizing food services at state prisons and eliminating thousands of state jobs. Without giving examples, Donahue said he’ll ask the commission to dismiss ideas that stray from financial issues and don’t generate quantifiable savings. “I am going to try to get rid of things that don’t impact the state heavily,” he said. ——— On the Net: Streamlining Government Commission: www.senate.legis.state.la.us/ streamline
NEW ORLEANS —Harold Dudley, who imparted a somber grandeur to the funeral processions he led for three decades as grand marshal of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, has died. He was 80. Dudley held was the Zulu grand marshal from 1974 until his retirement 30 years later. Zulu historian Clarence Becnel says Dudley — wearing his sash, Zulu blazer and white gloves, with a black straw hat in his hand -- led the funeral processions with a special aptitude. Becnel says that as grand marshal, Dudley also visited sick Zulu members, comforting their families and, when the time came, making funeral arrangements. A spokeswoman at Rhodes Funeral Home said on Thursday that Dudley will be buried on Saturday. She say he will have a jazz funeral.
Winn-Dixie to fill some flu prescriptions free
NEW YORK—Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. said some of its grocery stores will offer free flu drug prescriptions to patients with little or no prescription drug coverage. The Jacksonville, Fla., company said 119 of its pharmacies in Florida, Louisiana and Alabama will fill Tamiflu and Relenza prescriptions for free, or for only the cost of a stateregulated fee. The fees will be waived for patients who cannot afford to pay them. The company said 80 stores in Florida, 28 in Alabama and 11 in Louisiana will participate. Winn-Dixie said it is offering the drugs through an initiative with the U.S. Department of Health. The company has a total of 401 pharmacy locations.
State Education Dept. to cut 50 jobs
State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek says he plans to offer financial incentives to trim the work force at the state Department of Education. Pastorek said Wednesday employee ranks at the 650-member agency will be reduced by 50 workers in the next six months, in part through retirement incentives for classified employees and possibly layoffs. Pastorek said the reduction plan will save up to $3 million per year for the department, which has an annual budget of about $60 million. Under the plan, education department employees who are retirement eligible will be offered one-time payments if they call it quits.
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Friday, October 16, 2009 - Page 7
HOMECOMING 2009 Photos by DIGEST Photo Staff
The Southern University student body and community joined as one to celebrate a 2009 Homecoming themed toward a united SU while celebrating family, community and culture. Several events during homecoming week centered around that theme of community togetherness. Clockwise from bottom right, Ashli Savoy recieves an eye exam from Shelby Gray of Cortana Wal-Mart as part of the homecoming health fair Tuesday at the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. At bottom center, members of the Southern University football team look on as the Dancing Dolls perform during Thursday’s pep rally at Seymour Gymnasium. At bottom left, Miss Southern Sabrina Whitney shows off her scepter and crown during Wednesday’s coronation ceremony at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Whitney is the 79th person to hold the title of Miss Southern. At left, members of the Southern University Interdenominational Gospel Choir harmonize during Sunday’s homecoming convocation and gospel concert at the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the SmithBrown Memorial Union. Above, Roland “Lil’ Duval” Powell performs at the comedy show in front of the students in attendance Monday at the Clark Center.
sports Page 8 - Friday, October 16, 2009
SU not looking past Fort Valley By LARRY YOUNG digest SPORTS EDITOR
Pete Richardson didn’t want to talk about running the football. After all, he’s had two long weeks to stew over his team’s offensive shortcomings in its 2214 loss to Jackson State. Those inabilities—mainly its 16 runs for a total of 20 yards—in large part were due to the Southern offensive line being beaten off the ball. On Saturday, SU gets its first chance to correct the problem. “We have to handle up front,” Richardson said. “We have to stick to our blocks to move the football.” Translation: Richardson wants to see improvement from his offensive line. In its last outing SU was onefor-nine on third down, despite driving the ball into Jackson State territory seven times. Of those seven drives, SU scored 14 points. “We have to be consistent
on both sides of the football,” Richardson said. “Any time you have those numbers on third down, you’re not moving it offensively.” Fort Valley State (5-2) should be energized after starting the season 1-2, before stringing together four wins. “This is not a game we can take lightly,” Richardson said. “It’s going to be a challenge.” The Wildcats are ranked sixth in the latest Division II football rankings. However, what Richardson has seen on film is what bothers him most. FVSU attacks opponents with a duel QB offense featuring Nathaniel Samas and Terrance Ransom. One passes right handed, the other lefty. The Wildcats also have a stable of receivers led by An’thon Harris. Harris, averaging 13.9 yards per catch, leads the team with 361 yards and five scores. The Wildcats also do a solid job pressuring opposing quarterbacks without blitzing. So far they’ve totaled 25 sacks,
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FVSU wary of Jaguars
SWAC STANDINGS EASTERN DIVISION
Alabama A&M Alcorn St. Jackson St. Miss. Valley Alabama St.
SWAC Overall 1 1 4 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 4 1 2 2 3 0 2 3 2
WESTERN DIVISION
Prairie View Ark.-Pine Bluff Southern Grambling St. Tex. Southern
SWAC 3 0 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 1
Overall 3 1 3 2 3 2 3 3 1 4
nine interceptions and 13 forced fumbles. “They’re athletic up front and create pressure with their down four people,” Richardson said. “That increases their chances of getting turnovers because it allows them to drop seven people and clog up the passing lanes.” To negate the FVSU defensive surge, Richardson is aware is team has to sustain drives and run more than 47 offensive plays. The key to SUs offense lies in the hands of its offensive linemen. “It’s important that you control the tempo of the football game,” Richardson said. “You do that by establishing some consistency. That’s our problem.”
By morris dillard digest SPORTS writer
It could unhappy trip for first-year Fort Valley State head coach Donald Pittman and his Wildcat team as they travel to take on Southern Saturday in the Jaguars’ homecoming game. He will board the team bus and cruise through traffic en route to A.W. Mumford Stadium. When he arrives at the campus, Southern fans will be barbequing and playing music down the strip just like usual. Pittman said he already has concerns regarding his Wildcats (5-2) heading into Mumford against a Southern (3-2) team looking to get back on the winning path after a bye week. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. “Southern is a really good team,” said Pittman. “In my first year as coach, we’re just not ready for them. We’re trying to talk positive to them. As far them playing football, just compete.” After a 1-2 start, FVSU
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reeled off four-straight wins and are looking to use an upset over Southern to provide a spark later in the season. The Wildcats are in the thick of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference race, entering this weekend third behind Albany State and Tuskegee. FVSU also enters Saturday with the SIAC’s top offensive and defensive units. “Our defense has played well,” Pittman said. We’ve been fortunate enough to make big plays and win games.” FVSU ranks first in the SIAC in total offense, gaining an average of 372.5 yards per game. FVSU is also atop of the SIAC in multiple offensive categories, including pass offense (239.1 ypg), and scoring offense (32.5 points per game). The biggest surprise, however, might be FVSU’s relentless defense. FVSU ranks amongst the top in the SIAC in total defense (234 ypg) and scoring defense (17.5 ppg).
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arts & entertainment
Friday, October 16, 2009 - Page 9
Gallery grand opening draws large crowd By breanna paul digest staff writer
Southern University’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts held the “Gallery Grand Opening” on Monday in the Visual Arts Gallery of Frank Hayden Hall as a part of the 2009 Homecoming Celebration. Gallery Director Robert Cox welcomed the students, faculty, parents, and community members to the event. Cox noted all of the time the students have been putting in the opening of the Art Gallery, which has been closed for six years. “They’ve been working really hard for the last couple of months,” said Cox about the students’ hard work. After, Cox welcomed everyone the event, sisters Shenell and Shontrell Johnson unveiled the Gallery Mural. The mural is based on what the students learned in the art history classes. “The African-American culture is composited into design and this is what we came up with,” Shontrell Johnson said of the mural she painted with her sister. “It took us about three weeks to paint it but with Mr. Cox’s help, we did it. I also enjoyed spending time with my sister,” Shenell Johnson said of the mural. After the unveiling of the mural, Chancellor Kofi Lomotey cut the ribbon to the Gallery. Once Lomotey cut the ribbon to the gallery, everyone in attendance walked around and viewed the different
“We are going to sing a song about love, poetry and art,” Etienne said about their performance. Cox called all majors in the Visual Arts Department to the center of the gallery to announce the winners of the “Best of Show” content. “The ‘Best of Show’ winners were judged by Lloyd G. Wade, a 2000 graduate of Southern University,” Cox said of the contest. “He had a very hard time judging the art and pondered for a while,” Cox said of the tough decision Wade had to make. Seniors Heather Holliday and Shenell Johnson received honorable mentions for their artwork and also received a $25 cash prize. Sophomore Ethan Tran won third place for his sculpture and was photo by wil norwood/digest awards with a $100 cash prize. Senior The Visual Arts Gallery at Frank Hayden Hall reopened Monday. The gallery, closed for Christopher Russell came in second six years before its reopening, will remain open this semester until Nov. 25. place with is computer graphics artwork and was awarded a $150 cash prize. After everyone visited the different Senior Brian Cain won first place with his paintings, sculptures, and sketches completed by students in the Visual Arts works of art in the Visual Arts Student artwork and received a $200 cash prize. “My art piece is called ‘Il Adore’ which Department. Oni Burrell, a sophomore Exhibition, they gathered in the Gallery nursing major from Dallas, attended the for acknowledgments. Senior Heather means ‘he loves’ in French. I was inspired opening of the Art Gallery to broaden her Holliday acknowledged Chancellor by the election Barack Obama,” Cain said Lomotey for coming out and Title III was of first-place artwork. horizons. For entertainment, Dr. Ava Turner’s “I really enjoyed coming to the Art also acknowledged for providing all of Gallery. I wanted to see what the students the funds needed to re-open the Gallery acting class performed a skit titled, “Art were bringing to campus. I really as well as the Dean of the Visual Arts is…” “I wanted the skit to embrace the enjoyed the sculpture, “Cowrie Love” Department Joyce O’Rourke and other grand opening,” Turner said of the skit done by Shenell Jackson,” Burrell said faculty in the department. Recent graduate Leon McManus she wrote for her Tuesday and Thursday of the experience. “This is my first time attending an Art Gallery, but now that I and senior Ebone’ Etienne sang their acting class. “It was a wonderful experience working have been to one, I would like to go visit rendition of “Come Close” by recording with my students,” Turner said. artist Common. more,” Burrell continued.
hbcu news Page 10 - Friday, October 16, 2009
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A&T pulls name from HC concert By dexter r. Mullins black college wire
After all of the controversy regarding rapper Gucci Mane performing at the homecoming concert, North Carolina A&T has decided to take its name off of the concert in the best interests of the image of the university. In a statement released this week, Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. stated that the university made the decision to detach itself from the Oct. 31 concert because the artists performing were in direct conflict with the values and principles of the University. “The headliners booked for our concert have generated dissonance among our student leaders and our constituents,” Martin said. “This dissonance has provoked internal discussion and policy reviews which are both necessary and welcomed and which will undoubtedly make us better as a university.” As a part of this measure to separate A&T from the stipulations surrounding the homecoming concert, the University Ticket Office is also no longer selling tickets for the event. Students who are
still interested in purchasing a ticket for the concert will now have to go to the Greensboro Coliseum or ticketmaster.com to purchase them. Over 6,000 tickets have already been sold. While the decision was made in an effort to protect the image of the university, not all students agreed with the action taken. Saidah Green, a sophomore electrical engineering major from San Diego, was not aware that A&T had removed itself from the concert, but when she found out she made it clear that she didn’t agree with the decision. “I think it’s kind of awkward because it kind of takes away from our homecoming event,” Green said. “I think it should have been our concert, so if our individuals on the campus wanted certain artists off we should have removed them but if not then it should still be our homecoming because it is supposed to be.” Green was not the only person who disagreed. Delissa Riddick, a senior public relations major from New Jersey, said that she didn’t necessarily think that removing A&T’s name from the concert was the only solution, but she understood why those actions were taken.
Morehouse College enacts new dress code By ashlei williams the maroon tiger/morehouse college
The Morehouse College admin-istration recently enacted its new “Appropriate Attire Policy”. Based on Morehouse president Robert Franklin Jr.’s expectations of the “welldressed” man of Morehouse, the policy will set a campus-wide standard for student’s attire. The policy outlines 11 expectations pertaining to what students should not wear while on campus. Instead of requiring certain articles of clothing, as a typical dress code would, the policy details those articles of clothing deemed unacceptable for students. Some of the expectations discussed in the policy include to prohibit wearing “sagging” pants, women’s clothing, and headwear. The policy will be distributed to students electronically through Tigernet and the school website. The policy will also be outlined in the student handbook and discussed in Crown Forums for students. While some students disagree
with the policy, other students agree with purpose behind the policy. “I would say that about 95 percent of the students on this campus feel that appearance matters to them,” Dr. William Bynum, Vice-President of the Office of Student Services, said. “We are not trying to isolate anyone that falls under a category, you can just look at it like it’s one out of eleven things being addressed.” Dr. Bynum explained that students began voicing concerns to administration about attire on campus this semester. In turn administration partnered with the SGA to work with the student body on an attire policy. Some students feel that the anticipated policy lacks proper planning and investigation. Safe Space, a gay/straight alliance student campus organization has been vocal about the issue. Co-president Michael Edwards said, “Creating this policy was easy and quick. But the energy and effort put into something determines the greater result.”
FAMU headliner cancels By kikora mason black college wire
photo by john bazemore/ap photo
Rapper Gucci Mane performs during the taping of the BET Hip Hop Awards last weekend in Atlanta.
“It is very unfortunate but sometimes things have to be done to protect the schools image and the different students that go to the school. Things happen,” Riddick said. “I don’t think it was right because the concert is one of our biggest money makers. Removing our name from the tickets doesn’t remove us from the situation. It’s not going to change anything. “I think that a lot of people aren’t really going to realize that this is not A&T’s homecoming concert, regardless of the statement that Chancellor Martin released. The artists are still who they are and they are
still going to pull in their fans, and the community takes up most of the seats of who actually attends the event, so the only difference is the money we are not going to make.” Homecoming is a very lucrative production, not just for the university, but also for the city of Greensboro. According to the university, on average, the homecoming festivities generate millions of dollars in revenue for the city of Greensboro over the course of just a few days. ——— Dexter R. Mullins is editor in chief of The Register, the North Carolina A&T University student newspaper.
Southern rapper and CEO of So Icy Entertainment, Radric “Gucci Mane” Davis, will not be headlining this year’s annual Florida A&M University homecoming concert. Instead, he will be replaced by rapper Plies. According to concert promoter and disc jockey Willie “Will tha Thrill” McKenzie, Gucci Mane is unable to make the concert due to reasons beyond the university’s control. “Gucci was booked and paid to come. I got a call last week [from Gucci Mane’s lawyer] saying his court date had been pushed to the Monday after the show and the judge would have to approve him to leave the state [of Georgia],” McKenzie said. Gucci Mane is no stranger to the federal court system. He was arrested on a charge of murder the day before his debut album, “Back to the Trap House” dropped in 2007. Most recently, he is due to appear in court for violating his probation.
VIEWPOINTS
Friday, October 16, 2009 - Page 11
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It’s just jokes, seriously! I’M JUST ASKING STATEMENT
I’M JUST ASKING is for entertainment purposes only. These remarks do not represent the opinions of the DIGEST staff, Southern University or the Office of Student Media Services.
1. Who got their face painted? 2. What design did you get? 3. Who thought of this stuff? 4. What’s next? Hopscotch on the Strip? Red light, green light at the union anyone? 5. How many people didn’t get a homecoming t-shirt? 6. Why was the Gold Power Ranger at the Student Choice Awards? 7. Or was that Michael Jackson from the Victory Tour? 8. Did the outfit make you break out into “Can You feel It?” 9. Why did he win the “Best Swag” award? 10. Who’s going to be confused at the game because SU and Fort Valley have the same colors? 11. Did anybody get on the BCFx bus? 12. Wasn’t the game supposed to be out months ago? 13. Why do even black video games go off CP Time? 14. How many students used seeing Obama in New Orleans as an excuse for skipping class? 15. How many SU officials used Obama as a reason to skip out? 16. Is this home game really gonna be in Mumford? No…for real? 17. Do you wish Plies was back at the concert this year? 18. Would pulling a Kanye cause a fight on campus? 19. What’s funnier? The Questions or the Comedy Show? 20. Who’s gonna complain about the DIGEST this week?
The DIGEST received a few comments on the content of its Viewpoints section, specifically the “I’m Just Asking” section, in recent days. Some comments commended us for witty satire while others scolded the staff by calling them immature, demeaning and even cowardly. The disclaimer, which is located at the top of this section, states that “I’m Just Asking” is for entertainment purposes only and does not represent the opinions of the DIGEST staff, the university or the Office of Student Media Services. In other words, it means that these are just jokes. No DIGEST staff member goes out of his or her way to demean anyone discussed in the questions, and the jokes are strictly all in the name good fun with no malicious intent. Comedians poke fun at everyone from the president to the people in their audience, but people understand that comedians poke fun in order to entertain. Why should these questions be treated any differently? Besides, it was the second time “I’m Just
NORMAN DOTSON JR. Asking” appeared in Viewpoints this school year. Is it because maybe some people choose to ignore the disclaimer? Is it because they have their own insecurities to deal with? If so, please do not take that out on the DIGEST. The staff only wishes to educate, enlighten and entertain readers. It seems that a small percentage only read the DIGEST for “I’m Just Asking” and overlook the other work that the staff toils over for hours on end. The Viewpoints section is top-notch in this state, better yet, the nation and it is insulting when all of the hard work is overshadowed by what is barely a quarter of one page. Here is a question: Have you read the entire Viewpoints section? One might have noticed a letter to the editor sent in by a
concerned student or you could have caught a glimpse of an editorial dedicated to a lost friend if you had continued reading (those two pieces took up majority of that page). The DIGEST’s Viewpoints section has always stimulating opinions of college students either on our campus or of other HBCU campuses nationwide that are always relevant to the lives of college students. Members of the staff do not take negative opinions personally and understand the readers are entitled to their individual opinions. The DIGEST does, however, take offense when the character of this publication and its staff is being attacked. This staff is a first-rate group of dedicated students who diligently work hard to protect the rights of the student body we serve and should be judged by the quality of the news produced week after week. In the future, hopefully, everyone would take the “I’m Just Asking” section a little less seriously and actually read the DIGEST in its entirety.
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SPEAK OUT
What’s your opinion on Morehouse’s “Appropriate Attire Policy?”
BY wil norwood
Digest photo editor
breannaka mccray zachary freshman civil engineering
mccray
“That’s unnecessary, we’re in college. We should have the freedom to express ourselves through the way we dress.”
jared crawford lake charles graduate student public administration
“I believe that the attire policy is a bit crawford strong. But since you are attending school to enter the business world, your attire and character should mirror your goals and interest.”
tromel willis new orleans junior biology
“I think people should be able to wear what they want and how they willis want whenever they want. Our rights as Americans say that we can.”
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The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mail to digest@subr.edu.
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Staff editorials represent the opinions of the author and the majority opinion of the Southern DIGEST Student Editorial Board, which is comprised of the student staff of editors and columnists. The Southern DIGEST provides an open forum to educate, inform and enlighten the students, faculty and staff at Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.
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