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Tuesday, September 18, 2012
www.southerndigest.com
Volume 59, Issue 6
Music dept. lab awaiting Title III all clear see News, Page 3
Twitter erupts after Mitchell announcement see Sports, Page 4
Rhetoric means little to students see Culture, page 6
Peterson urges action, involvement Evan Taylor
The Southern Digest
Karen Carter Peterson, Louisiana district 5 senator urged personal and political responsibility at lecture, “Activism through education” in Higgins Hall, Monday. Peterson, a Tulane Law School and Howard school of business graduate serves as Louisiana senator and new chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic party. The Nelson Mandela school of Public Policy and Urban Affairs organized the lecture with Peterson and classes in the school attended. A commitment to lifting as you climb and taking responsibility for your decisions were recurring themes during the lecture. “This country needs our engagement. We live where fears are inflated risks heightened as a means to retain the status quo. If we continue to sit idly by, we will continue to get the same thing. Like the definition of insanity,” Peterson said. Peterson discussed the school system and the mentality where
we turn our children over to be raised by teachers and the system. “Too many of us are blaming others for not raising our children. Too many adults defer to others. Personal responsibility is non-partisan,” Peterson said. Peterson encouraged students to consider a ‘more perfect union’ they can create and those who came before them and sacrificed. “The United States needs you, you are at the age where you can help obtain the more perfect union. Every generation wants something better. Somebody struggled for us. I’m talking about your mothers and grandmothers, it’s not fair to those who fought for you and died for you, those that helped you get here. If that means anything to you, act on it,” Peterson said. Peterson addressed the African American community, especially black males, campaigning and governing. “Our African American males need to be mentored and brought up. We have an obligation to reach back and get those that are in need.
PHOTO BY ariana triggs/digest
Louisiana State Senator Karen Carter Peterson, Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party, speaks to students in Rodney C. Higgins Hall about being better people for the community.
There is a difference between campaigning and governing,” Peterson said. After the conclusion of the lecture, Peterson was asked how her political philosophy differs from Jindal’s and Republicans in general. “Significant difference in what I believe is best for citizens in the state, I try to champion the needs of working class citizens, affordable health care and families,” Peterson said. When asked about student’s ability and direction for fighting the Jindal administration Peterson said, “I think having voices heard by sending e-mails and making phone calls and being present in legislative hearings are important,”
Peterson said. Erickson Brown, a senior, psychology major from Denver said he learned the importance of voting at the lecture with Peterson. “I have gained more tools to engage people in my age group,” Brown said. Chaunceyetta Khosravian, a junior, history major from Baton Rouge said she really enjoyed Peterson’s speech. “Everything she said was powerful. I am going to take initiative to speak on politics more. I learned the importance of being registered to vote and contact politicians to show that we care about the issues,” Khosravian said. Albert Samuels, professor
and chair of political science department said, he hopes that students gained knowledge from the lecture. “I think it was very timely with what is happening nationally. Don’t wait for other people to fix the problems,” Samuels said. Chancellor James Llorens listened to the lecture with Southern University system president Ronald Mason. Llorens said, he hopes the lecture provides incentive for students to get involved because they play a role in politics of the state. “Strong student voter registration impacts the local, state and national government,” Llorens said.
Campus hopefuls voter turnout numbers low Evan Taylor
The Southern Digest
Student voter turnout at Fall Elections was as bleak as the gloomy weather, Monday as the nine seats to fill. According to tallied votes only 744 votes were cast Monday among the freshman, sophomore and junior classes. Every vacancy was filled except Men’s Federation president and Miss Freshman, which will have a run-off election Wednesday, September 19. Run-offs will take place in the Cotillion Ballroom of Smith-Brown Memorial Union between 9a.m. and 5p.m. With senatorial positions vacant in the sophomore and junior classes only 152 votes were tallied between both classes. Junior class senators Isiah EdahDike and Hailey Hudson secured their
positions with a combined total of 24 votes. Dike garnering 14 while Hudson earned 10. Sophomore class senators Trevante Johnson, Erin Prestage and Ricky Robinson gained their seat with 29, 27 and 32 votes in their class respectively. Olivia McCann won Freshman vice president outright with 142 votes to her competitor Kayla Peterson’s 88 votes. Run-off for Miss Freshman candidates is between Mar’Lesha Hollins and JaMya Magee. Hollins, a freshman, biology major from Jackson, La. hopes to utilize her campaign team of nine to get out the vote for the runoff and increase turnout. “I feel I did good in the pre-voting. I think that I need to work just as hard to go out and get the votes again,” Hollins said. JaMya Magee, a freshman nursing major from Bogalusa, La. anticipates to continue her Olympic themed campaign
and wants to bring home the gold. “I feel nervous but, am praying for the best and I hope for the best,” Magee said. Hollins and Magee cited different reasons for why they deserve the position they are vying for. “I truly have a plan for SU and my freshman class,” Hollins said. Magee talked about her previous leadership experiences. “I have been involved in stuff, Student council, NESBE, Beta, and as a cheerleader. As a leader I have a passion for others. I enjoy being able to help,” Magee said. Joshua Freeman, a senior mass communication major from Baton Rouge joins Dmitrius McGruder, a senior, criminal justice major from Atlanta as a contender for Men’s Federation vice president. Freeman reacted, “Honestly I wish I would have found out that I won, and I
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must push harder.” Freeman anticipates to shake more hands and get more face to face time with young men on campus. “I felt pretty good. I was only 1/8 percent from an outright win,” McGruder said. McGruder plans to promote and get the name out and talk to more people. Both hopefuls were asked about why they deserve the position. “I’m really concerned about SU. All my life I grew up without a father figure. As a big brother I’ve got to be a role model to males on campus,” Freeman said. McGruder said his success starting his freshman year was a qualifier for the position. “My status working with SGA started my freshman year. I was in Men’s Fed since freshman year and was successful in continuing the Men’s Fed position,” McGruder said.