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Friday, October 21, 2011
www.southerndigest.com
Volume 57, Issue 9
SU faculty put artworks on display see News, page 3
Jags picked 1st; SWAC hammers SU, UAPB see Sports, page 7
Jukebox tunes up for Jag Fest see Culture, page 9
Stevens takes over as chief
Manuel gives insight James Teague
The Southern Digest
Billy Washington The Southern Digest
Last Thursday, Chancellor James Llorens released an email to the Southern University community detailing changes is leadership. Thus far, 6 positions are filled with existing administrative members, but a new face, retired Baton Rouge City Police Capt. Ronald Stevens, will occupy the SUPD police chief position starting this fall. Ronald Stevens has over 30 years experience in law enforcement including serving the Baton Rouge Police department with the rank of Captain. While with the BRPD, Stevens commanded the operations services bureau. These services included fire arms training, law enforcement, D.A.R.E.
Today
photo by trevor james/digest
Newly appointed Southern University Police Chief Ronald Stevens expresses his disdain for the weapons on campus bill “if you allow weapons on campus then you’re going to need to provide training to properly use them.”
and etcetera. He is currently employed at the Louisiana Department of Justice in the State Attorney’s General’s office as an investigator. Many of the investigations surround Medicaid fraud and abuse. “My main goal is to improve upon the rapport between the student body, staff and
visitors. Let’s throw out this ‘it’s us against them’ mentality because when you enter this university you enter a family community and the compassionate mentality has to be spread across the entire university,” said Capt. Stevens, SUPD Police Chief. According to Capt. Stevens,
Chancellor Llorens has one main expectation from him and that is to create a compassionate and friendly police department that’s always ready and available to answer and serve the student body and See Stevens page 3
Counseling Center promotes alcohol awareness Christie Carral
The Southern Digest
SU Counseling Center hosted ‘Bring Your Own Banana’, ‘Drunk Goggles Day’ and ‘Mocktails’ to raise awareness of alcohol abuse during National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. The first event, “Happy Hour (B.Y.O.B) Bring Your Own Banana and Drunken Goggles Day, were held Wednesday in front of the Union. There were sundaes given out at this event, hence the name. The Student Counseling Center was giving out the sundaes in front of the Union to all students. Mockler Beverage Co. has been a sponsor of the “Drunken Goggles Day” for 10 years at Southern University. Shelle Mockler, Mockler Beverage representative, said that their company believes in the responsible side of these students’ lives. “That’s why we continue to be a part of “Drunken Goggles Day,” says Mockler. The “Drunken Goggles” test involved students wearing goggles that were made with very thick frames to create illusions to make it seem as if they were drunk. The students were given attempts to walk a straight line while wearing the goggles. If students participated in the walking in the drunken goggles, they were registered
photo by evan taylor/digest
Southern University assistant band director Nathan Haymer tries his luck walking the line wearing “drunk goggles” as members of the pep band watch during the Student Counseling Center’s Drunk Goggles Day. The goggles demonstration simulates the impaired reactions a person under the influence has while being evaluated in law enforcement field tests.
to win a $50 gift card to Wal-Mart and also received one of the many Mockler’s nonalcoholic beverages. Students that participated in the Drunken Goggles test were saying that the goggles really impaired their vision and
were making them feel drunk and dizzy. George Neely, Electrical Engineering major, from Tallahassee, Fla. said that See Alcohol page 3
the official student newspaper of southern university and A&m college, baton rouge, louisiana
The Southern University Law Center hosted their annual Law Center Convocation on Wednesday. Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Russell L. Jones introduced the speaker, Todd Manuel, a former SU Law Center student who graduated in 1998 and is now a Diversity Partner for the Taylor Porter Brooks and Phillips L.L.P. Manuel spoke to an eager crowd of Law Center students who were interested into knowing about his come up in his career of Law. “Even though I’ve accomplished a lot in my career, there is a lot more that I need to accomplish,” said Manuel. During the program, he mentioned how it amazed him that out of all the years he was working that the clients he has spoken to have never asked him what law school he went to. He went on to speak about how he first started coming up in the firm world all while being a Southern law student, sending his resumes to different firms and being rejected by each one. He used the rejection as motivation and took the initiative to change his approach on how he could get a job in the firm. “I took all of my job experiences and put then into a tool as to how I made myself desirable for law firms”, he said. Manuel challenged the audience to set the goals to get where they needed to be at with their careers. He also spoke about the “10 questions on what is on law students Minds”. He spoke about applying to firms with no job experience mentioning that firms are interested in those who apply with no job experience because they want to know what life experiences they could bring into their firms. He also mentioned how working at large firms or small firms are seen more as a “personal choice”. Eager law school students continued to ask Manuel questions about such things like starting a personal owned business and what he felt about the work ethics of this current generation of Law School students.
Campus Life southerndigest.com
Page 2 - Friday, October 21, 2011
Classifieds
Black College Today, Aceat’ Modeling Troupe and Tabasco present “Fame and Fashion apartments for rent Talent Show.” The show will Apt. homes available @ The begin at 7:30 p.m. in F.G. Clark Palisades. 1.866.936.5544. Activity Center on Sunday October 23. $1 admission is a WANT TO BUY WANTED TO BUY 1973 donation to benefit St. Jude’s SU Jazz Band record album. research hospital. Also 1950, 1980 45rpm records. Call 225.687.8076. october 24 Jaguar Spirit Day
Campus Briefs
Wear Blue and Gold and give to SU Student Programs by purchasing a Jaguar Spirit Card. The department that sells the most cards wins an Office party! Contact Student Programs at 225.771.2940 for more information.
today Tag! You’re It! Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
Baton Rouge General’s Pennington Cancer Center has launched a new breast cancer awareness campaign this year called, “Tag! You’re It!” The campaign encourages women to remember the importance of a proper, annual evaluation of their breast health and monthly self breast exams with the help of short message system (SMS) text message reminders. Women interested in registering to receive personalized breast health text message reminders can sign-up at www.brgtagyoureit.org.
Faculty Art Exhibit
The SU Department of Visual Arts presents “Visual Arts Faculty Past and Present Exhibition” featuring the work of Frank Hayden in The visual arts gallery. The exhibit will show the works of current and former faculty opening on October 24 from 6-8 p.m. There will be a reception and artist market. The exhibition will be open from October 25-November 18 (MondayFriday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) For more information at the exhibit, special group visits, etc; contact Robert Cox 225-7714103 or via email at robert_ cox@subr.edu. The exhibit and opening is free and open to the public.
October 22 Jag Fest
Southern University Human Jukebox hosts 2011 Jag Fest featuring CUPID on October 22. Director Lawrence Jackson and the award-winning Human Jukebox will perform a full concert of current pop tunes, standards and oldies with performances by the fabulous Dancing Dolls. JagFest starts @ 6PM in the Minidome Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the SU Ticket Office, from a band member on campus, or at http://www.ticketmaster. com/Human-Jukebox-JagFest-tickets/artist/1639719. All proceeds to benefit the SU Marching Band scholarships and instrument replacement program. october 23
Fright Night
NAACP Presents Fright Night in Seymour Gym from 7-9 p.m. on October 24. Students can get in for $3 or $2 with your voter registration band. Wear your best costume to get a chance to win $100. This event is sponsored by 13th Gate and Tobacco Awareness. october 26 Homecoming On Campus Decorations
Attention Departments and Offices ... You are invited to participate in on
Fame and Fashion Talent show
Southern
University,
campus decorations contest. Decorations will be judged on slogan, theme, color scheme, originality, and creativity. Awards will be given for first, second, and third place winners. The deadline to submit an application to enter is October 26 at 5 p.m. For more information contact Michael Wells at 225.771.2430 or Michael_Wells@subr.edu. BET Black College Tour
The BET Black College Tour will stop on the Southern University and A&M College campus on October 26 at noon on Mayberry Lawn. The tour concert will feature Grammy nominated and ASCAP Award winning songwriter Lil Playy. The tour will also have a video skillz challenge, inflatable games, a career tent, and rap-itup health screenings. Yesterday, Today and Forever, reconnecting through Social Work
The Southern University Department of Social Work is mixing and mingling and invite you to come celebrate with us. All alumni, current undergraduates, field instructors, and anyone desiring to major in the field of social work are welcome. The event will be at “The Grape” (Perkins Rowe) on October 26 from 6-8p.m. The attire is Business Casual and for adults only. For more information, contact Erma Borskey at 225.771.4355.
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Who’s Speaking Out? Is Southern doing better at this point than in August and September? Antoine Coulter
Ashley Hall Bento, La. senior visual arts
New orleans sophomore mass communication
“Basically yes and no because you will not know till futher notice.”
Coulter
“In my opinion, I feel that Southern has Hall long road ahead for recovery. It is too early give credit for progress.”
Carla Buckner
Heather Jackson
Maringouin, La. senior computer science
houston senior business management
“It’s still unknown whether there has been any improvements or if this issue is still lingering.”
Buckner
jackson
november 18 Social and behavioral sciences undergraduate research conference
The Departments of Psychology and Social Work are pleased to sponsor the 13th Annual Social and Behavioral Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on November 18, 2011 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Cotillion Ballroom. The conference will feature oral presentations of students’ empirical and theoretical research papers.
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 & Friday) 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.
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
Friday, October 21, 2011 - Page 3
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Southern faculty to exhibit art works Evan Taylor The Southern Digest Southern University Visual Arts Department talent to be exhibited at “Visual Arts Faculty: Past and Present” Exhibition. The exhibit opens October 24 at 6p.m. with a reception and artist’s market. The show is free and open to the public. “It’s an opportunity to experience art, learn about art and interact with art. We want everyone to have this memorable experience. Range of subject matter and range of medium I think it’s an outstanding exhibition. Hope people leave inspired and motivated,” said Robert Cox, SU Visual Arts Gallery Director. Cox urges those who have never experienced an art exhibition to make SU Visual Arts gallery’s opening the first you experience. “You will see and experience something in a space unlike any other. The experience will be unlike any other. The environment, the atmosphere will be like no other. If you haven’t seen an opening make this your first and you’ll love it and want to attend others in the future,” Cox said. Art Department founding faculty member Frank Hayden’s works will be in the exhibit in the company of pieces of 6 other former faculty and 4 current faculty members. The opening will honor some of the founding art faculty members.
PHOTO by evan taylor/digest
‘Profiles’ by Frank Hayden will be on display in “Visual Arts Faculty: Past and Present” Exhibition in the visual arts gallery of Frank Hayden Hall. The exhibition features 11 artists; seven former faculty members and four current faculty members. The exhibit opening reception and artist’s market will be on October 24 from 6-8p.m.
“Hayden’s piece ‘The Essay’ is a piece about capital punishment. It was originally exhibited at Baton Rouge gallery. Made of Mahogany wood. Hayden was known for wood sculpture. He started at Southern in 1961 a founding faculty member of the department. This is an example of what he is well known
for as terms of style and subject matter,” Cox said. Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge’s minister Reverend Crump lent the work to the gallery. It is accompanied by ‘Profiles’
a weapon on campus there must be a protection/ security problem. That’s why I’m here and if weapons are needed on campus then we (SUPD) must not be doing our jobs. When asked if he would accept a pay cut due to major budget reductions, Stevens replied, “most certainly. I would do it because I saw other people do it for the right reason. I would definitely do it especially if someone’s job is on the line.” There is currently no contract or set salary in place. “I’m looking forward to the challenge
ahead and I have no doubt the team that’s been put together here will get the job done,” concluded Stevens. Other appointed leaders include Dr. Brandon Dumas, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Janet Rami, Interim Provost and Executive Vice-Chancellor for the Baton Rouge Campus, Dr. Joseph Meyinsse, head of the Science and Mathematics Education Ph.D program, and Dr. Mwalimu Shujaa, Interim Dean of the Southern University Graduate School.
Thursday in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom in the Union, was with the “Mocktails,” with students and also university staff participated, making their own nonalcoholic beverage. There were 11 contestants present and each of their objectives were to make a beverage that was non-alcoholic, with a great taste. Mockler Beverage Co. had represen-
tatives present as judges for best decorated table, best theme and best taste. The awards for best decorated table award went to the “ThrillerChillers,” the most creative theme award went to contestants from the University Apartments and the winner of Best Mocktail went to the Student Government Association.
See Exhibit page 4
Stevens from page 1 faculty of SU. Capt. Stevens plans to have an open house between students and officers to discuss and meet one another like a family. When asked about the increase of weapons arrests in the annual crime report and legalizing weapons, being a firearm expert, Stevens is totally against weapons being on campus. “To have weapons on campus would be a negative drawback for the University. There is a sense of maturity that will be needed also and if you are bringing
Alcohol from page 1 the goggles really make you feel drunk. Neely also said that the goggles test was a great way to make you see how it looks to be walking while drunk. Michael Francis, Mechanical Engineering major, St. James, La., said, “They make you feel drunk, for real.” Francis also stated when he was wearing the goggles, he felt they were confusing him. The second event, which was held
State & Nation southerndigest.com
Page 4 - Friday, October 21, 2011
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi killed in hometown battle Christopher Gillette & Kim Gamel The Associated Press
SIRTE, Libya — Moammar Gadhafi, Libya’s dictator for 42 years until he was ousted in an uprising-turned-civil war, was killed Thursday as revolutionary fighters overwhelmed his hometown of Sirte and captured the last major bastion of resistance two months after his regime fell. Interim government officials said one of Gadhafi’s sons, his former national security adviser Muatassim, was also killed in Sirte and another, one-time heir apparent Seif al-Islam, was wounded and captured. The 69-year-old Gadhafi is the first leader to be killed in the Arab Spring wave of popular uprisings that swept the Middle East, demanding the end of autocratic rulers and the establishment of greater democracy. “We have been waiting for this moment for a long time. Moammar Gadhafi has
been killed,” Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril told a news conference in the capital Tripoli. His death decisively ends a regime that had turned Libya into an international pariah and ran the oil-rich nation by the whim and brutality of its notoriously eccentric leader. Libya stands on the cusp of a new era, but its turmoil may not be over. The former rebels who now rule are disorganized and face rebuilding a country virtually without institutions by Gadhafi’s design. They have already shown signs of infighting, with divisions between geographical areas and Islamist and more secular ideologies. Libya’s new leaders had said they would declare the country’s “liberation” after the fall of Sirte. President Obama said Gadhafi’s death “marks the end of a long and painful chapter” for Libya. Vice President Joe Biden said the Libyan people had rid themselves of a dictator and have now “got a chance” with Gadhafi gone. Footage aired on Arab TV networks
showed Gadhafi was captured wounded but alive in Sirte. The goateed, balding Gadhafi is seen in a blood-soaked shirt, and his face bloodied. Standing upright, he is shoved along by a crowd of fighters on a Sirte roadside, chanting “God is great.” Gadhafi appears to struggle against them, stumbling and shouting as the fighters push him onto the hood of a pickup truck. “We want him alive. We want him alive,” one man shouts before Gadhafi is dragged away, some fighters pulling his hair, toward an ambulance. Later footage showed fighters rolling Gadhafi’s lifeless body over on the pavement, stripped to the waist and a pool of blood under his head. Amnesty International called on Libyan revolutionary fighters to make public the full facts of how Gadhafi died, saying all members of the former regime should be treated humanely. The London-based rights group said it was essential to conduct “a full, independent and impartial
inquiry to establish the circumstances of Col. Gadhafi’s death.” Out of initial confusion, a clearer picture began to emerge of Gadhafi’s last hours, though there were still contradictions. Most accounts agreed Gadhafi had been holed up with heavily armed supporters in the last few buildings held by regime loyalists in his Mediterranean coastal hometown of Sirte, furiously battling advancing revolutionary fighters. At one point, a convoy tried to flee and was hit by NATO airstrikes, carried out by French warplanes. France’s Defense Minister Gerard Longuet said the 80-vehicle convoy was carrying Gadhafi and was trying to escape the city. The strikes stopped the convoy but did not destroy it, and then revolutionary fighters moved in on the vehicle carrying Gadhafi himself. Fathi Bashaga, spokesman for the Misrata military council, whose forces were involved in the Sirte siege, said fighters encircled the convoy and exchanged fire with several of the vehicles.
Exhibit from page 3 another Hayden work lent to the gallery by his daughter. Cox was “Very pleased” that artists, their families, and elders lent pieces that they felt were important to be in the show. “‘Profiles’ has the male and female component, that balance and that unity. Shows the unity amongst man amongst humanity. I am very proud to have it and appreciative of Miss Hayden to allow us to show this piece. Gives a little insight of how diverse he was as an artist,” Cox said. Cox discussed how Hayden was diverse as an artist in his work and choices of materials to use to present his message. “Hayden was very diverse in work, medium, material and subject matter. Usually his work had to do with religion and people. He took his belief
seriously and always created works that were meaningful and had significance and substance,” Cox said. The diversity is evident in the medium, styles, and subject matter of the works present in the exhibition. “Most paintings are acrylic on canvas, but we also have digital printing, mixed media, drawing with pastel and chalk, body casting, motif elements, and relief elements. Subject matter varies. A very interesting exhibit visually. 11 artists; seven former faculty members and four current faculty members. Three were from the 1960’s; Frank Hayden, Jean Paul Hubbard, and Harold G. Cureau,” Cox said. Jean Paul Hubbard was an early member of the art department. Huel Perkins lent
Hubbard’s work to the gallery. “Hubbard taught painting. Did a lot of local scenes of people fishing, shotgun houses and typical geographical scenes from this region. I’m really happy to have a work by him in the show I didn’t want to do it without him,” Cox said. The exhibit opening will feature a reception with refreshments for attendees to enjoy donated by local sponsors. “We have things for people to purchase in the artist’s market from prints to jewelry to drawings, etc. Proceeds are for the benefit of the students and the gallery. Food provided by our sponsors so people don’t leave because they need something to eat,” Cox said. Due to the efforts to acquire works through artist’s, their families, friends, and a artist
discretion selection process Cox has confidence that this will be a networking and connecting opportunity for past and future alumni of the department. “We will expect for a lot of them (artists, alumni and their families) to come out and see what’s going on in the department that they probably haven’t seen and continue that bond of connectivity between it’s alumni, the community, and it’s support,” Cox said. Most of the artists are expected to be at the opening to discuss their works with attendees. Current Faculty Chair Addie Dawson-Euba, Robert Cox, Randell Henry, Anne Bigger, and returning adjunct Cheryl McKay Dixon are exhibiting work at the exhibit. “The creativity and genius of artists to take something
and transform it and give it new meaning. Visual art is about expressing yourself visually individuals express themselves with different visual expressions,” Cox said. Cox shows his creativity in his own complementary works exhibited in the show. ‘The Universe within me: Male’ and ‘The Universe within in me: Female.’ Cox describes the art in this exhibition as “memorable” and “exciting.” “Our program is a gem and we want everyone to know we are here. Think of it like a good book. Sometimes you have to read it more than once to get the real gist of it. Gives you an idea of the talent that comes through Southern University art department,” Cox said.
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Friday, October 21, 2011 - Page 5
Page 6 - Friday, October 21, 2011
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Sports southerndigest.com
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Familiar place
SU atop SWAC preseason poll; Floyd named to first team Morris Dillard III The Southern Digest
The sight of opposing players pressuring the ball in the backcourt and held scoreless in the closing minutes of the game frustrated the women’s basketball team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament championship en route to a 48-44 defeat against Prairie View last season. This year, both teams’ share the top spot ranking order to finish at the end of the regular season, predicted by the league’s 10 coaches. “It’s a preseason thing,” assistant head coach Carlos Funchess said during Wednesday’s SWAC coaches teleconference. Funchess answered the call, filling in for head coach and interim athletics director Sandy Pugh, who enters her 12th year at Southern. “What we’re trying to do is come in and work extremely hard everyday,” Funchess said. Both teams received four first-place votes. Pugh said Thursday that as the team goes forward, the potential of the team is exciting. Pugh replaces four seniors that she feels was a big part of the success over past few years — a group that won the SWAC championship in 2009 and was predicted to repeat as defending champs last spring. Pugh replaces Hannah Kador, the 2009 SWAC Tournament Most Valuable Player, and Freda Allen, last season’s SWAC defensive player of the
Friday, October 21, 2011 - Page 7
2011 SWAC WOMEN’S PRESASON HONORS First Team
Guard Guard Forward Forward Center
Whiquitta Tobar Kiara Ruffin Sharnika Breedlove Latia Williams Jamie Floyd
Guard Guard Forward Forward Center
Kaneshia Smith Rachel Jones Alia Frank Ayanna Hardy-Fuller Gabrielle Williams
Second Team
Alabama A&M Alcorn State Alcorn State Prairie View Southern Miss. Valley St. Jackson State Miss. Valley St. Jackson State Alabama A&M
Preseason Players of the Year Tobar, AAMU; Ruffin, Alcorn Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Smith, Miss. Valley
Predicted Order of Finish
1. 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
(First-place votes in parantheses) Southern (4) 88 Prairie View (4) 88 Alcorn State 84 Mississippi Valley State 68 Alabama A&M (2) 64 Grambling State 53 Alabama State 39 Jackson State 26 Texas Southern 24 Arkansas-Pine Bluff 16
year. “Those players were a huge part of our success over the last few years,” Pugh said. “They definitely laid the foundation for future successes. That’s a lot of experience to replace.” photo by norman j. dotson jr./digest files Pugh believes the newcomers are an exceptional Southern’s Jamie Floyd shoots over Alcorn State defenders during last talent that the team can grow from. See Familiar Place page 8
SWAC punishes Jaguars, UAPB
Banks, SU begin rebuilding Morris Dillard III The Southern Digest
The Hall of Fame enshrinement festival last Saturday at Northwestern State, which included speeches by the inductees, turned out to be something special. One speech, presented by first-year Southern head coach Roman Banks, was misplaced. “Before I left here I wrote a speech to say thank you,” Banks said. “Saturday morning when I got up at the hotel to go over my speech, I had a practice plan.” The moment was short lived because Banks was eager for practice with his new team. Saturday was the first day of practice for the Jaguars, who are coming off a 4-26 finish in 2010 and are projected to finish last in the conference this season. Banks laughed when he told the story, but in reality, there’s not much to giggle about. The NCAA has put the
season’s game at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. The senior center was named to the All-SWAC Preseason first team while the league’s coaches predicted the Jaguars to finish atop the conference standings.
Digest News Service
photo by david k clark iii/digest
Frederick Coleman (31) and Madut Bol fight for the rebound during practice Thursday. The Jaguars open the 2011-12 season at home Nov. 11 against Dillard.
Jaguars on notice to improve in the classrooms or face tougher penalties. Southern became the first school to face postseason
bans in two programs — men’s basketball and football See Rebuilding page 8
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Sixteen Southern football players face suspensions, following the brawl that ensued after the Jaguars’ 22-21 loss at Arkansas-Pine Bluff Oct. 15, the Southwestern Athletic Conference announced Thursday. The conference suspended 41 total players the two schools, including handing out two-game suspensions to eight players who the SWAC said used “excessive force” during the fight. Southern and UAPB have also been fined an undisclosed amount by the SWAC. The suspensions and fines came after conference officials reviewed available video footage. Three of those eight benched for the next two Southern games are freshman defensive back LaMarkius Pettaway, junior running back/kick returner Byron Williams and senior linebacker Jamie Payton. “What took place following Saturday’s Southern/UAPB game has no place in college football,” SWAC Commissioner
One-game Suspensions (Oct. 29)
SOUTHERN: Lee Doss, Jaleel Richardson, William Waddel, Terrell Alex, Levi Jackson, Marlon Smith, Kaelan Mayfield, Anthony Balancier, Franchot West, Kenneth Hill Jr., Corry Roy, LaQuentin Evans, Daniel Brown UAPB: Cordara Frazier, Ryan Shaw, Moze Frazier, Joe Dalton, Kevin Rucker Jr., Justin Billings, Charles Williams, Kendrick Gray, Antonio Richmond, Torrence Shelton Jr., Jherron Harris, Derrick Timber, Brandon Fulton, Devonne Tingle, K.J. Smith, Jamaal Philips, Colton Jones, Donnie Scott, Eric Thomas, Damien Lee
Two-game suspensions (Oct. 29 & Nov. 5)
SOUTHERN: LaMarkius Pettaway, Byron Williams, Jamie Payton UAPB: Dezmond Beverly, Stephen Jones, Chukwaso Oputa, Lyron McClenney, Devontaa Bryant
Duer Sharp said. “The conference is taking this action because of the nature and seriousness of the situation.” Sharp said SU and UAPB officials cooperated with the SWAC in addressing the issue, and the suspensions send a clear message that conference officials will not tolerate behavior such as the post-game melee. The suspensions are effective for each team’s next two games. Southern’s next two games are an Oct. 29 homecoming game against Alcorn State and a Nov. 5 road game at Texas Southern. UAPB’s next two contests are home tilts against Grambling State Oct. 29 and Alabama State Nov. 5.
Page 8 - Friday, October 21, 2011
Rebuilding from page 7 — because of academics. “I think some people were looking for something fresh,” Banks said. “They understand where the program is at today. I think all they’re looking for is a product that can get on the floor and competes.” Banks inherits a program that, in its past three years under former coach Rob Spivery, produced a 17-74 record and the three worst seasons in program history. So far, Banks’ approach has been simple: keep coaching and put the fans in the stands. “It’s a lot of work to do,” Banks said. “We building for the future of the program. We’re going to take that fresh air and use it to be our energy.” The Jaguars’ season begins Nov. 11 with a home game against Dillard. After that, the Jaguars play 11 straight games on the road. Banks has welcomed seven newcomers into the program, including Javan Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 transfer from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Despite losing its leading scorers from a season ago, Banks said that on paper, this isn’t a very good team returning. “Guys are going to be evaluated like practice,” Banks said. “We don’t do nothing in practice different than we’re going to do in the game.”
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Lady Jags seek win vs. Valley
Familiar Place from page 7
Morris Dillard III The Southern Digest
Momentum has been on Southern women’s soccer team since its conference opening loss at home. The Lady Jaguars (3-7, 1-1) host East Division leader Mississippi Valley State (5-6, 2-0) tonight inside Mumford Stadium in attempt to regain momentum in conference play. The schools met once last season when the Delta Devils escaped 2-1 in Mississippi. The Lady Jaguars will go for their second conference win in their fourth home game this season. The Jaguars are 1-3 in home games, with losses to Texas Southern and Jackson State, who defeated the Jaguars Friday 1-0 during fall break. SU coach John Knighten said the team knew what to expect against the Tigers but execution was the deciding factor. “They just did not jell as a unit,” Knighten said. “It’s like we had 11 different individuals on the field at the time.” The Jaguars have won three of its last four games,
photo by keldric nash/digest
Southern’s Rekia Gallien (15) tries to poke the ball away from Texas Southern’s Nailah Johnson during SWAC play. The Lady Jaguars host Eastern Division leader Mississippi Valley today.
surpassing last season’s win total with wins over wins over Prairie View, Alabama State and Alabama A&M. Jackson took control early in the second period then held off the Jaguars attempt to comeback. It was the fourth time this season the Jaguars were shutout by a total of 14 goals. “We didn’t even discuss that game,” Knighten said. “As far as we’re concerned, that’s a one time deal. We’re just moving on and start looking forward for
SWAC games that we have left.” During their win streak, the Jaguars have outscored opponents 7-2, all in the month of October. “The big weekend is when we go to Pine Bluff, Ark., and Grambling,” Knighten said. “They’re ready.” The Golden Lions (9-4-1, 1-0) have been on an eight game win streak that started Sept 13, including one tie. The West Division leader last defeated Alabama State 3-0 last weekend.
“It’s going to be a huge learning process for these kids to try and adapt to the rigorous of Division I games.” Pugh’s defense finished second in scoring defense, which allowed 57 points per game and second in blocked shots (32). “We do have several players who have played a lot, some started,” Funchess said. Funchess pointed out that senior point guard Carneta Henderson, who played in 17 games last year after suffering an ACL injury that ended her season. “She’s going to be key for us,” Funchess said. “We need her back on the court. She has a lot of game experience and knows how to win basketball games.” Also, Southern returns fifthyear senior Jamie Floyd, who was named to the preseason AllSWAC first team at center. “Jamie has evolved into one of the best players in the conference,” Funchess said. “She’s worked extremely hard on her game.” Floyd, a native of Magee, Miss., led the conference in field-goal percentage last season (49.9 percent) and ranked fifth in rebounding last season (6.8 per game). The unit returns seven players from last year’s squad and welcome six freshmen, who Pugh anticipates will provide valuable minutes this fall. The Jaguars open the season at home Nov. 11 against Dillard.
Culture southerndigest.com
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Friday, October 21, 2011 - Page 9
Jag Fest nears for band, fans Saturday’s fundraising concert first-ever for Human Jukebox Sam Ross
The Southern Digest
The Southern University Marching Band is set to entertain fans this weekend with some of today’s top pop tunes, oldies, and standards alongside the Southern University Dancing Dolls for its first ever Jag Fest. The festivities, featuring R&B star Cupid, will kick off at 6 p.m. in the Felton G. Clark Activity Center. Tickets for Jag Fest are available for $15 in the Cashier’s Office, the SU Ticket Office, any Ticketmaster, or from any current member of the band. The Southern University Marching Band is debatably one of the greatest show-style marching bands of all-time. From their high-stepping, precision drills to their ability to wow a vast array of demographics around the
globe, the Human Jukebox is easily one of the most entertaining marching bands in the world. The SU Marching Band has performed on local, national, and international stages since its formation. Some noteworthy performances include US presidential inaugurations, Super Bowl appearances, Sugar Bowl appearances as well as a sixweek stint performance at the world-famed Radio City Music Hall. Recently, M’hammed Boughalia, Algerian National Band director who visited the university as part of a delegation of musicians and music officials from Algeria who were traveling about the country to be exposed to different forms of music were left “in awe” of the sounds of the Jukebox. According to Boughalia, he
photo by trevor james/digest
The Southern University Marching Band performs during the Jackson State game. The Jag Fest fundraiser for the band will feature music and performers from different genres.
hopes his North African home county of Algeria can “bring a model band like [the SU Marching Band]” to educate music students. Earlier this year, HBCU Digest, an online magazine, ranked the Human Jukebox as the top marching band among America’s historically black
Bounce becoming another New Orleans export Sam Ross
The Southern Digest
From its world-famous Mardi Gras celebrations to its signature style of creating unique dishes to it being the home of jazz music, it comes as no surprise that New Orleans is one of the most creative and influential cities in the world. New Orleans is a standout city in the Southern region of the United States and can hold its own weight when compared to larger cities such as San Diego or even New York. Attractions such as the worldrenowned Bourbon Street and the French Quarter attract visitors from all over the world. Moreover, the feel-good, family atmosphere of the city is second to none. John R. Kemp, author and former staff writer of the Times-Picayune, refers to the Crescent City as the “northernmost Caribbean city.” Like the culture of New Orleans, Caribbean culture is known for its elaborative festivals and distinct musical styles. The state of Louisiana is the home of many musical styles that include Cajun music, Zydeco music, and Delta blues. And as aforementioned, New Orleans is the home of jazz music and over the past decade or so, the Bounce musical style has emerged and solidified its place in New Orleans culture. According to southernspaces.org, New Orleans hip hop music (bounce) started as early as the late 1980s, but took prevalence in the latter part of the 1990s. The popularity of the party-ready music
has helped it spread across the majority of the southern region of the US. The bounce genre’s first mainstream exposure occurred when the Cash Money Records produced such artists as the Hot Boys and Big Tymers. Though their style was predominantly gangster rap, some bounce elements could still be heard in their music. Generally, bounce music mixes current popular or old school songs on top of an energetic, catchy beat sampling “Drag Rap” by the Showboys, “Brown Beats” by Cameron Paul, and “Rock the Beat” by Derek B, some of the pioneers of the movement. Southern University alum David Banner sampled a chopped-and-screwed version of the ever-used “Triggerman” bounce beat in his 2003 hit “Like a Pimp.” A signature formula many bounce artists use is call and response as demonstrated in DJ Jubilee’s “Get Ready, Ready.” Call and response is a dynamic borrowed from Mardi Gras Indian chants. Some of the most well-known bounce artists include DJ Jubilee, Choppa, the late Magnolia Shorty, and “sissy bounce” performers such as Sissy Nobby, Big Freedia, and Katey Red. While the term “homosexual rapper” may appear to be an oxymoron to most, it is common in New Orleans. Some popular bounce artists are extremely flamboyant and even dress in drag. An article for the New York Times stated, “There have been…several prominent, strongly voiced bounce rappers who are women.”
colleges and universities. The SU Marching Band bested the likes of Florida A&M University’s Marching 100 and Boombox Classic rival, Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South. Director of Bands, Lawrence Jackson, said being considered the best band in the county is a
tribute to the hard work of the staff and student musicians. “To be considered the best is an awesome payoff for the hours of sacrifice invested by our young men and women,” said Jackson. See JagFest page 10
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Page 10 - Friday, October 21, 2011
Stardom a bumpy road for Johnson
JagFest from page 9
Jonathan Landrum Jr. The Associated Press
ATLANTA — When Le’Andria Johnson won BET’s “Sundays Best” two years ago, the gospel singer wasn’t quite ready to live the gospel life. She earned a recording contract after her victory, performed on the network’s “Celebration of Gospel” and was on her way to gospel stardom, but Johnson still didn’t want to swear off worldly habits such as going out to the nightclub, drinking alcohol or smoking. At one point, she felt like she couldn’t live up to the standards expected for an inspirational singer. “I didn’t want to be disrespectful to God,” Johnson said. “I wanted to cool out for the moment and do me, go out or do anything. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t do it. Going out to the club — I couldn’t. Drinking — I just couldn’t do it.” She found that the party lifestyle wasn’t for her anymore, but she didn’t give up everything from the secular world. She learned how to enjoy herself at functions with others who might be drinking alcohol, and still be true to her faith at the same time: “It’s hard trying to please people, but not anymore.” So far, her approach has worked. Johnson’s debut album, “The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson,” which was released in mid-September, has topped Billboard’s top Gospel Album chart for the fourth time
Photo by music world gospel/ap photo
In this undated image released by Music World Gospel, gospel singer Le’Andria Johnson is shown. Johnson’s debut album is titled, “ The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson.”
in the last five weeks. She co-wrote most of the songs on her album, which also debuted at No. 1 on the Top Christian/Gospel album chart. “When you see that mic in my hand, I’m giving you what happened to me last week or last month,” Johnson said. “Good or bad, I’m giving you my story. My music is my reality show.” Most of Johnson’s “reality show” has been a rough ride. The 29-year-old single mother of three has been divorced twice and struggled to financially stay afloat. She fell so behind on home payments that she lost her house to foreclosure a few days before the final “Sunday Best” audition.
Initially, Johnson did not want to make the 10-hour drive from her residence in Orlando, Fla., to New Orleans for auditions, but her family and friends persuaded her to compete. She made the drive and showed up just before her audition, wearing flip-flops and gym socks. Johnson remembered the stares from some of the contestants, and hearing others criticize her appearance. But her vocal ability overshadowed her clothing at an audition where mostly everyone else wore semiformal attire. “The whole time, some were like ‘Oh, what does she have on? Or why does she dress like that?” she recalled.
Being a part of any organization takes a considerable amount of time and effort. But, being a successful member of the Human Jukebox requires unwavering dedication and time management. “The only way anyone [in the band] can successfully manage such a hectic schedule is through careful time preparation and planning,” said William Tucker, Senior Therapeutic Recreation major and trumpet section leader from Columbus, Ga. In 2006, on the heels of Hurricane Katrina devastation, the Jukebox entertained a crowd of more than 70,000 in the, now, Mercedez-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. The co-ed marching band was also the first band in the country to ever be featured on ABC’s Nightline back in 2004. Also noteworthy, the band’s clean-cut, signature uniforms caught the eye of a highprofile fashion magazine and the band was deemed “Best Dressed Band” back in 2008. The Human Jukebox has ultimately redefined and set the standard for college bands the world over. This explains why they are “often imitated, but never duplicated.”
Commentary southerndigest.com
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Friday, October 21, 2011 - Page 11
Constant talk, but little action SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SUITE 1064 T.H. HARRIS HALL POST OFFICE BOX 10180 BATON ROUGE, LA 70813 PHONE: 225.771.2231 FAX: 225.771.5840 ONLINE @ www.southerndigest.com
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Talking is the first step. You must admit you have a problem before you can address it. Understandable. But, what about once you have identified the problem, strategically found a solution, but, have failed to execute. What good did identifying the problem do without solving it? Even more important, if you have a solution why not resolve the problem for good? As a society, country, community we continue to perpetuate the stereotypes we don’t appreciate. Speak the way people make fun of us speaking. Write the way jokes have portrayed our writing. Express ourselves with anger or drama despite the situation. And exhibit the qualities of a people who are stagnant and not progressing. We do not live in a post-racial society. We have not solved all of the disparities in educational attainment, healthcare, or internet access. We have not established a unified perspective to approach our fellow citizens. We have yet to follow through representing or standing up for each other or even attempting to reach others on our journey to the top as a
Evan Taylor whole. We continue to complain about how we are portrayed and perceived but, have yet to teach our children how to avoid the stereotypical perceptions. We continue to complain about how others have not helped but, hurt us yet we have not done anything united to help ourselves. We continue to refuse to participate in the electoral process but, wonder why we do not have major party representatives with our issues in mind. We continue to discuss making difference but, are not willing to sacrifice our personal lifestyle for
the prosperity of future generations. Every social movement has started with a problem. Social activists identify that problem and formulate a plan to address the issue. They exhaust all options to solve their problems within their own limitations and beliefs. Activists join forces with those who are willing to work towards their common goal with the guidance of the activists. Together the movement is successful because of progressive solutions to stagnant problems. We continue to discuss without taking action. We continue to complain but, are failing to educate about the truth behind the issues. We continue to be treated unfairly, remain statistics, and be misunderstood; without fighting to be understood. It all starts in the home, the family unit; where generations grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Once the unit of growth breaks down the stagnation becomes regression. It’s time to identify our problems and find effective ways to solve them. Move in the right direction expeditiously.
Page 12 - Friday, October 21, 2011
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926