October 21, 2014 Issue by Southern Digest

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

SU ﬁrst HBCU in Louisiana to be named a “Tree Campus” Plants a Legacy for the Next Generation of Jaguars BY LAQUENCIA PARKER

NEWS EDITOR

On October 16, Southern University was formally recognized by Tree Campus USA as an official “Tree Campus,” Students, faculty, administration, and representatives from Baton Rouge Green and the United States Department of Agriculture were in attendance at the ceremony, which took place in the Magnolia room of Mayberry Dining Hall. Tree Campus USA is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota, which recognizes college campuses that manage oncampus trees, engage the student population and community with forestry efforts, and connect with the off-campus community to encourage healthy urban forests. In order for a campus to earn the title “Tree Campus,” they must meet the five requirements set by the organization, which include: a Campus Tree Advisory Committee, a campus tree care plan, a campus tree program with dedicated annual expenditures, an Arbor Day observance, and a service learning project. Southern is now one of five historically black colleges in the nation to have received the title of “Tree Campus,” and the first HBCU in the state of Louisiana to be selected. “The designation is the result of hard work by our Urban Forestry program,” said acting Chancellor Flandus McClinton, “along with our strong collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service to inspire our students to understand the significance of a green environment,” finished McClinton. After the ceremonious induction, an educational panel presented those in attendance

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“A new Era Begins” Haymer ofﬁcially takes his post as Director of Bands SU Board of Directors drops interim title.

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Board of Supervisors ﬁnd resolutions to faculty concerns BY LAUREN JOHNSON

MANAGING EDITOR

The Southern University system held its meeting Friday, October 17 at the J.S Clark Administration Building on the Second floor at nine a.m. There were 15 members present and one absent. Rev. Samuel C. Tolbert began the meeting with a prayer, which was followed by attendance. During the meeting there were a total of 6 subjects on the agenda. The first area of discussion was the Southern University Law Center and other different matters to be taken care of, before the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation in February. There was a request for the board to adopt the Associate of Design and Process Technology Program. Majority of the board agreed upon the matter and plan to take it into consideration. Next there was a letter from the SACS office confirming the receipt of the unsolicited information sent in regards to the ongoing compliance with the Principles of Accreditation. The letter informed McClinton and the university for there will be no additional follow up required by the institution. Following item 3, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Brandon K. Dumas, presented a video to the board. The video gave an update on the current

enrollment, recruitment, current positions and the purpose and success of the Spirit Bus. According to Dumas the department recently hired a new recruiter, and are looking to hire two more admission counselors, before the end of the semester. “ I am proud to say that we have done a tremendous job in recruiting,” said Dumas. “ We currently have increased our number of admission applications by 130 percent with 683 applications compared to 200 last semester,” Finished Dumas. Before leaving the stand the board had questions in regards to scheduling, and language of the department. One of the board members questioned if there was a completed schedule, so that the board can be aware of the different events, in hopes of attending them, also it was asked that the events be promoted in a more advance manner. Dumas agreed to have and present the schedule to the board members in a timely fashion. When asked about the language of the department Dumas stressed how the department has changed the language and matter of the acceptance letter. “We have changed the wording so that the students can understand the difference between being accepted, and actually completing the admission process.” Following up on the last board meeting Faculity and Senate President Thomas Miller took the floor with a continued argument in regards to pay

raises for faculty and staff. “ We are asking for a comprehensive plan that has in view, the old members of this community such as staff faculty and administration,” said Miller. Miller went on to say, “ One of the main issues is that the faculty and staff seem to not be of view at all in regards to adequate compensation.” Giving supporting information to the argument Miler mentioned the Reorganizational Chart, created in 2013 by the Board, which was a combination of colleges, and now requires deans to oversee multiple colleges instead of one. “They are being paid the same amount, but doing more work,” finished Miller. He also went on to remind the board that the university workers have not received a raise since 2008. Following Miller, Mr. Brown, from the Physical Plant took the stand, and began by mentioning that he came alone the first time, but this time he had a group, (A Force), in which he referred to other employees, with intentions of “making a point.” “We are at the same status we were before, we want to know where we stand,” said Brown. Brown went on to say “to my knowledge we are the Flagship school, and as the Flagship we are sinking, while our tug boats (referring to SUNO, SUSLA,) are floating,” said Brown. “We don’t have anything good to say, we want to know why is it that no one is doing anything or concerned

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Students Acknowledge Domestic Violence on campus BY MEAGAN L. WILLIAMS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is one of the most overlooked awareness initiatives. In the center of it all is Twahna P. Harris, an advocate and lending ear to women and men around the world. In her most recent project, she jumpstarted a non-profit domestic violence organization called, “The Butterfly Society.” The activist and

Southern alum partnered with Southern University’s Domestic Violence Against Women Program to host its annual “Take Back the Night” march and candle light vigil on Monday afternoon. DVAWP also partnered with the HIV/AIDS Prevention Organization on campus. In tradition, the group, which consisted of students, faculty, and staff marched from the Southern University Museum of Art at 6:30 p.m. to the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union Courtyard.

Among the group was Sharnet Nixon, a junior dietetics major from Baton Rouge who said that although she wasn’t a victim, she believes that it’s important to find someone to confide in. “My mom often tells me stories about my grandmother who was a domestic violence victim and how she had an outlet. I felt the need to come out and support those who have been

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OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

Campus Briefs southerndigest.com

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RECITAL SU will host a Joao Paula Casarotti Piano Recital Oc. 21 at 3:30 in the Stewart Hall auditorium. Michael Gurt will assist Paula 2014 Centennial Jaguar YEARBOOK Yearbooks are now available in The Office of Student Media. Stop by 1064 T.H. Harris Hall. MURDER MYSTERY Students are invited to solve the murder mystery Oct 21 in the lobby of Shade Hall at 7:30 p.m. ALL BLACK MIXER SU Students are invited to Mix and Mingle in the Multi-purpose room of T.H. Harris on Oct. 22 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Students are asked to wear all black. The Best dressed male and female will receive cash prize. Students can either pay $1 or bring a canned good to enter. Proceeds assist a family for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. NATURAL VS. PERM Southern University’s natural hair club presents natural vs perm hair to

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be held in the Mocha room of the Smith-Brown Memorial union this evening at 7pm. SU ANNUAL HAUNTED EXPERIENCE: THE CRAZY HOUSE Miss SU, COPS and Residential Life presents the Annual SU Haunted House Oct. 29. The SU crazy house will be held at the old Jones Hall from 7p.m. -11p.m. Participants must be 13 or older and tickets are $5 in advance and $7 dollars at the door. Participants must sign a waiver before entrance. SU Contest Students can enter a contest for the chance of winning a $25 Subway gift card weekly. Participants are asked to download the PicFuture App on their cell phones and upload a picture. The app is simple and makes your friends wait a day to see your pic. Go to picfuture.com.college for more details. BOO AT SU SU invites all children to the Annual Boo at SU on Friday Oct. 31 from 5p.m.-7:30 p.m., between Fisher and Hayden Hall. There is free admission for

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children 10 and under and there will be available parking at the stadium. SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH CONFERENCE The Department of Psychology is pleased to sponsor the 16th Annual Social and Behavioral Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on November 13 in the SmithBrown Memorial Union Cotillion Ballroom. The conference will feature oral presentations of students’ empirical and theoretical research papers Students from the College of Social and Behavioral Science are encouraged to submit abstracts by October 24. For more information contact Dr. Reginald Rackley (7712990) or (771-2313) @subr.edu or (771-4676) SPADE TOURNAMENT The Spade tournament will be held in the Smith-Brown Memorial union on October 29th from 5:00PM8:00PM. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place teams.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF OFFICE OF STUDENT MEDIA Director........................................Heather Freeman Director of Advertising ............ Camelia Jackson Publications Manager ............. Jermaine Proshee

OFFICE CONTACTS (area code 225)

Student Media Front Desk.....................771.2231 Student Media Newsroom.....................771.5829 Advertising Office...................................771.5833 Student Media Services......................... 771.5819

JAGUARS SpeakOut How do you feel about the overall safety on campus?

Katlyn McZeal Nursing Senior Lake Charles “I feel that the overall safety on campus can improve.”

Raimone Bingham Electrical Engineering Sophomore Winnsboro “I feel like it’s about as safe as it can get, no one wants to harm anyone at Southern.”

FALL 2014 STUDENT MEDIA STAFF Editor-in-Chief........................ Meagan L. WIliams Managing Editor...........................Lauren Johnson News Editor ............................... Laquencia Parker Layout Editor ................................. Marcus Tomlin Photo Editor ..................................Joshua Mckight Sports Editor......................... Felix Cunningham III Copy Editor.............................. Samantha Johnson Multimedia Editor ...........................Alliyah Moore Staff Writer ............................ Aisiriuwa Egharevba Staff Writer ......................................... Kayla Foster Staff Writer ............................. Marchandrea Seals Staff Writer ....................................Lavarius Cotton Staff Writer ..........................................Sharita Sims Staff Writer ................................. Laquencia Parker Staff Writer ..................................... Sage Edgerson Staff Writer .................................... Keyaira Franklin Staff Writer ..................................Torrance Latham Staff Writer .................................. Joshua Slyvester Staff Photographer ........................ Alliyah Moore Staff Photographer ....................Astavven Cotton Staff Photographer ...............................Nia Becnel Staff Photographer .........................Tyra Brownlee Staff Photographer .....................Courtney Jacobs

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

Colby Smith Liberal Arts Senior Berkley, California “It has gotten better since my freshman year. Improvements are always welcomed though.”

Jovon Domango Mass Communications Sophomore New Orleans “I feel like the Southern police do a good job in ensuring our safety although I do feel too many people who don’t attend Southern roam all day.”

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4Board Members From P. 1 about us on this campus, something ain’t right.” said Brown. Explaining the importance of their positions to the SU campus Brown gave the following scenario. “Take two chancellors or dean out for two or three days, and everything will flow smooth, but take two or three of the air, building or maintenance department, and just see how many calls and problems will go wrong,” finished Brown with a small laugh. After the previous comments the board went on to discuss this item, which was number 6 on the agenda. Board member Ann Smith suggested to put this issue on hold, but rather considered and decided the current Band Director Nathan Haymer, should receive a raise. Being a controversial topic board member Rev. Joe Grant Jr. immediately made a response. “ Now we just need to stop playing with these peoples money, we have put this item on hold too long, and it wouldn’t be fair to vote and give the band director a raise and just let the other employees be.” Smith interrupted saying “But it is an important time for the band, and they should be at there best, its marching season.” Grant continued saying “I agree but, we need to go ahead and vote this matter up or down and get past it, if we put this to the side for

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next month, there’s going to be another excuse. I don’t understand people, how can we keep slapping people cut in the cut; we can applaud them (employees), but not pay them.” Grant went on to say “How can we say we gone pay, the band director, because it’s in the budget. The money is in the budget for the other positions. We need to explain to them that it is not that the board doesn’t see you, and your work or value, but when money is coming, you have to work with what you have,” finished Grant. The board decided to increase the salary of 10 persons of administration. Of the 10 there were only two professors, Catrice Tolbert at $68,683 and Zhengmao Ye at $81,790, two Associate professors: Mathieu Kourouma at $76,500, and Dr. Joshua A. Joseph at $85,000 and others that included Dumas receiving a salary adjustment at $140,000, McClinton at $200,000, Haymer at $76,500, Assistant Chancellor for Student Affairs and Director of Admissions and Recruitment Anthony Jackson at $90,000, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Raymond Clarke at $92,500 and newly hired Director of Center for Student Success Latrina Collins at $60,000. The meeting ended with final discussions, comments and a role call.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014 - Page 3 4Domestic Violence rom P. 1 in domestic violence situations because it is not something that should be taken lightly.” After singing Kirk Franklin’s “Love,” Harris was introduced. As Harris stood in a circle of students, she began the testimonial of her experience in a domestic violence relationship while in college. As she talked about how her abuser took control of her mind, body, and soul, students began to raise their posters in support. Posters reading “stop the violence” and “real men don’t hit” shadowed the vigil as Harris spoke. “The reason I’m here tonight is because I’m a survivor; I felt that it was the right thing to do; which was to share my story with the students here on campus.” Domestic violence is often categorized by being physical, but as Twahna clarified, it can by physical, emotional, mental, or even financial. Of the three, “Mental abuse is the most aggressive. Physical you can heal; but mentally it’s draining and it tears you down.”

Although Harris’ story may seem more relatable to women than men, men are often abused, but reported less. “Both men and women were encouraged to support tonight’s event,” said Mary Joseph, Coordinator for Stop the Violence Against Women at Southern. “We do this event every October for domestic violence awareness. We know that domestic violence happens on campus, but oftentimes students just don’t report the happenings. Consequently students have to go through the pain and suffering by themselves. We want them to know that we have resources on campus.” If you or someone you know is currently involved in an abusive relationship, marriage, or friendship, visit 212 A in Higgins Hall for more information or call the Iris Domestic Violence Center at their 24-hour crisis hotline at (225) 389-3001.

4Tree Campus from P. 1 with the topic of how trees can be a part of addressing environmental issues. SU students responded with ideas, such as planting trees that bear fruit to provide communities with fresh and healthy food. Students also brought to attention the environmental benefits of clean air and clean water. “We all deserve to go to a school and work in a place that

has a sustainable ecosystem. Having tree plantings on campus helps aid in that progress.” said Robert Chambers, a doctoral student in Southern’s Urban Forestry Program. Volunteers organized by the Office of Student Affairs gathered on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River to take part in planting a “Centennial Tree”. The tree marks the special occasion,

and the yearlong celebration of the centennial year of the campus at the Baton Rouge location. The tree itself is an 8-foot Oak, and planted near the first building built on campus after the school’s relocation in 1914. “The significance of the location of the Centennial Tree is very important,” said professor of Urban Forestry, Dr. Kamran Abdollahi. Abdollahi is also the

leader of the Urban Forestry Program on SU’s campus, which, along with the College of Sciences and Agriculture, contributed greatly to Southern being chosen for the Tree Campus recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation. Volunteers in attendance contributed to the total by planting over a dozen trees on the campus that morning. Along with the Centennial Tree, a total

of 100 trees will be planted on the University’s campus over the next few months. U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell gave his approval on Southern receiving the “Tree Campus” title, saying, “The Forest Service is proud to help support Southern University’s urban forestry training program, and I know this recognition is well deserved.”

JAGUAR SPORTS southerndigest.com

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Bayou Classic introduces a new foe BY FELIIX CUNNING HAM III

SPORTS EDITOR

While the Southern Jaguars rest from their last conquest against Alabama A&M in Huntsville, Alabama, which resulted in a win for one of the top teams of the Wild, Wild, West Division in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, there’s another team that awaits around the corner. They were the underdogs of last season due to unfair treatment at their university. This team is Grambling University (5-0, 5-3), the true rival of Southern, and they will kick off their rivalry at the Bayou Classic on Saturday, November 29. In recent years, the Bayou Classic has enacted a traditional crowd like no other. It was usually for people to enjoy themselves in the crescent city of New Orleans, tour the beautiful scenery of Bourbon Street, or to see the Battle of the Bands and the National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek show on Friday. These fans or proud alumnus team of each, then watch the football game at the MercedesBenz Superdome or view it on the NBC network. Last year the Jaguars pulled off an offensive victory. Fans stood on their feet as the soon to be SWAC Champions beat their foes in the “dome”. Former quarterback, Dray Joseph, threw for three touchdowns and Lee Doss captivated through three touchdowns with the score of 40-17. Grambling, in defeat of their unreliable season with one win and eleven losses, stood in the woodworks until now. Rumors surrounded the students at Southern University at the beginning of the football season having their eyes on the leaders of the east, Alcorn State while the young Southern team played into their non-conference games. Soon into SWAC play, Grambling held off Jackson State 40-35. This was an impressive victory against SWAC Championship finalists. Last year Grambling forfeited to Jackson State and introduced them to a style of heckling, but the win quieted that. Last entering the SWAC tournament, JSU had an 4see Grambling on P. 5

SWAC RECORD ( 3-1)

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The streak has ended:

Texas Southern takes the ﬁfth set BY FELIIX CUNNING HAM III

SPORTS EDITOR

The fifth set has been inclusive to the Southern University women’s volleyball team due to their back-to-back miraculous victories on their home field at Clifford Seymour Gym in the recent weeks against conference opponents. Usually home is where the heart is but to Southern, this has became their first conference loss at home against first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the undefeated Texas Southern. “I don’t know why we have such a momentum shift and drag it to the fifth set, but I guess it depends on the girls and the style of competition,” said sophomore setter Phalen Clark. Southern started their usual stance on their home court when they lost the first set and was overwhelmed in such a set (18-25). Southern almost turned around their effort in the second set. They tried to hi-tail their way to a winning set when they picked up their trials from their six-point deficit at the beginning of the set. Outside hitter, Robyn Shannon, from TSU captured five points after Nicole Robinson scored with a lead of (7-13.) Furthermore, Southern waged war to increase their lead after an attack error by Erica Lewis and Shannon when the set was soon to end (15-19). Southern cleaned up their errors but still relinquished the set to TSU after senior middle blocker Marisol Macias’s error ending in a waged battle (23-25). The game picked up when Southern calculated the third set and proposed a contingency plan

DERAILED BY FELIX CUNNINGHAM III

SPORTS EDITOR

Albeit last week’s game against top player in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Howard University (6-1), which resulted into a 1-0 win, Southern University’s women’s soccer team trickles down to the remaining games of their season to cap a progressive record so far. Southern (4-1-2) undoubtedly is not focusing on the ineligibility of Southern University but more so on the conditions of their players. So far three players are injured which calls for no substitutions in the forthcoming games. This began on October 17 in A.W. Mumford Stadium against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs. One of the leaders of the team, junior forward Jami Blackston, was carried off of the field after being re-instated in the game, which resulted into a basic knee injury. Suffering from cartilage defect, Christen Blair, teammate and friend to Blackston said, “That’s my heart and my twin and she wears the number 10 band on her. It hurts to have seen her being carried off of the field, but

VS. PRAIRIE VIEW 34-24 (W)

to win and by a large margin. They banded together and took a continuous lead with five out of the 13 kills made that night by sophomore outside hitter, Melodie Malone, while the girls captivated on thirteen of TSU’s errors to end the set (25-19). An overwhelmed spirit surrounded Southern as they continued vying for a win, and the fourth set introduced a back and forth from both teams, with attack errors by setter Mallory Ozuna, finished with the Lady Jags capturing the set with an error by Ozuna and a kill by Clark finished the set (27-25). Usual games boil down to the fifth set, and constant kills from each team erupted in a wellfought battle. Southern and TSU balanced back and forth with kills at (8-8.) TSU’s player then pulled a four points. Setter Sarah Wooton seized four assists of her 17 after Southern came in with errors. SU tried to pull back as Malone scored her last kill but in effort they lost (10-15), a valiant loss against the leaders of the SWAC 2-3. This puts a dent in the upcoming program and puts an end to Southern’s four game win streak as Southern enters the locker room to begin in the Coach Denu Invitational tournament the following Friday on October 17.

Derylle Spears/ DIGEST

Injuries pile up as women’s soccer team accept their ﬁrst conference loss

now since she’s out the other girls will have to do what they have to do to get the job

knee surgery, but she’s strong. I believe she can bounce back and continue being the

Derylle Spears/DIGEST

Junior Forward Jami Blackston is carried off of the field by Head Coach Courtnie Prather and a member of the SU Soccer Training Staff. Blackston suffered a knee injury during the SU Vs. Alabama A&M Game on October 17, 2014 in A.W. Mumford Stadium. done.” Remembering the heartfelt moment with Blair and Blackston, she dried her tears and continued with, “When it comes to knee injuries I know because I’ll be on my second

VS. ALCORN ST. 16-56 (L)

leader I know she can be.” Head coach Courtnie Prather said that the trainers say that she will not be able to play

VS. ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF 51-36 (W)

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VS. ALABAMA A&M 35-34 (W)

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Tuesday, October 21, 2014 - Page 5

What Goes Up, Must Come Down BY LAQUENCIA PARKER

SPORTS WRITER

After the volleyball tri-match on October 17 in Clifford Seymour Gymnasium, Lady Jaguar volleyball fans may be wondering whether or not their streak of success will continue. The tri-match was originally the Coach Denu Invitational Tournament, but after two of the invited teams dropped out, the three remaining teams were forced into a tri-match. Along with Southern University, Mississippi Valley State University and Alabama State played as well. ASU was pronounced the victor of the tri-match, defeating SU and MVSU in perfect three set matches. Southern placed second, taking their match against Mississippi Valley in three perfect matches, and losing to Alabama State. MVSU finished last. The Devilettes of Mississippi Valley were Southern’s first opponents in the tri-match. The Lady Jags seemed to be calm during the match, executing plays perfectly, albeit slowly. Southern set the pace for the match, and Mississippi Valley couldn’t keep up. Service errors, usually a major problem for the Lady Jags, were obsolete in this match.

However, a few attack errors on SU’s behalf gave a few points to MVSU. The first three sets went to Southern, resulting in a perfect match. The second and final match of the day for the Lady Jags was against Alabama State University. “It’s a very well coached team,” said SU head volleyball coach Venessa Jacobs, “It’s going to be a dogfight. I feel good about it. I just want us to play our game, and not get caught up in the hype,” finished Jacobs. ASU was indeed a force to be reckoned with, as they took the first set (13-25). The Lady Jags quickly picked up on the Lady Hornets style of play, however, and the second set became the dogfight Coach Jacobs thought it would be. SU’s offensive players retaliated against the Lady Hornet’s defense, closing the score gap between the two teams. Defense picked up momentum and shut down the opposing offensive force. Unfortunately for the Lady Jags, their comeback was too late, and ASU took the second set. The third set was a fight for survival for the Lady Jags. This set would determine whether or not they remained in the match to possibly obtain the win. While SU began

the match with a four to nothing lead, it was ended abruptly by a service error, which was followed by a number of attack errors. Alabama State appeared to be fatigued, however, and also suffered from technical errors such as bad sets and service errors. The teams tied (21-21) before the Lady Hornets dominated the court off of the Lady Jag’s errors and took the win (21-25). In the third set, the Lady Jags took the offset and gave the Lady Hornets a dogfight of a lifetime when they came together and tied once again nearing the end again for (21-21), Southern once again lost the set which ended in a 3-0 knockout. “We definitely didn’t put our best foot forward,” said Coach Jacobs after the loss, “It was a good effort, but it wasn’t our best effort.” In their next match on October 22, the Lady Jags face the Lady Tigers of Grambling State University, in Clifford Seymour Gymnasium and it is their last home game of the season.

SWAC FOOTBALL STAnDIngS

SWAC W L Southern 3 1 Ark.-Pine Bluff 0 4 Tex. Southern 3 2 Alcorn State 4 1 Alabama State 3 2 Prairie View 3 3 Alabama A&M 1 3 Jackson State 1 3 Miss. Valley St. 1 5 Grambling State 5 0

Overall W L 4 3 1 5 5 2 6 2 4 3 3 4 2 5 3 4 2 6 5 3

Visit www.Gojagsports. com for the latest updates on all SU Athletics 4Derailed From P.4

for a couple of days, but she will return on the field. But just in case, she will be getting an MRI to further review the damages. After a minor surgery with an infected spider bite, junior mid-fielder Fabiola Parra was put back onto the field only to have her leg give her some obvious troubles. “She’s dealing with a calf issue,” said Prather, “but furthermore injuries were a major catalyst in these games, but it’s also giving the young players on our team a chance to step up their game to get the results that we need to see.” To pick up the remaining slack on the team, senior goalie, Sarah Forde trumps with returning save after save from causal to surprising save from casual to surprising shots from Alabama A&M offense. Alabama A&M had 15 shots and within those shots, eight of them were shots on goal. Alabama A&M thought they had the game, but by valiant effort from Forde and a call by the referee resulted in a no goal. These senior players as well as Coach attested to the fact that the younger players stepped up to the task after the players had been bench-ridden. The first game on Friday night-lights was tied in double overtime. “In the future, the young players need confidence to get the touches that they need,” said Prather. On October 19, in A.W. Mumford Stadium against Alabama State, with Blackston being placed on the bench, the Southern defense held their own until forward Alexandria Cannon kicked the ball 50 yards to gain the first goal from what tended to be a Southern defensive ploy. To add insult to injury on such a game with morale going down, Alabama State adds another point on the board with a penalty kick from mid-fielder Iita Pienmaki and caps a late victory that freshman players could not top. Southern doesn’t give up as they travel to Texas and battle two impressive teams that are Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M.

4Grambling From P.4

UPCOMING SWAC OPPONENTS

upset. On the same day, Southern beat Prairie View 34-24, which tested both of their wins in the SWAC. They were not seen as a threat because it was the early in the season for both teams, so all things aside, no one was being taken seriously. In the following week, Grambling faced Prairie View and their running back, Juwan Martin, ran for the winning touchdown to win 26-20 as he capped an 80-yard touchdown. This was also overlooked because Southern beat Prairie View. At Huntsville, Alabama, where Southern has their most troubles, Grambling overcame the power struggle winning 38-28. It wasn’t seen as an overcoming victory as they continued their three game winning streaks. The true validity test of Grambling was when the leaders of the Wild, Wild Western Division toppled Alcorn State, which Southern trailed 56-16. Grambling won 28-21 after the pesky Braves tried to rebound in the third quarter. In the last remaining game, they faced University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. GSU drenched them in an offensive ploy, winning 63-39. Grambling resets to continue SWAC play as they transform from last season to portray a potential gravesite for those SWAC teams that came before them. The young Southern team that experienced hardship with eligibility certifications, await their foes in the Mercedes Superdome and these climbing gladiators will clash with the now undefeated team.

AT JACKSON ST. OCTOBER 25, 2014 JACKSON, MISS.

VS. ALABAMA ST. NOVEMBER 1, 2014 BATON ROUGE, LA

VS. TEXAS SOUTHERN NOVEMBER 8, 2014 BATON ROUGE, LA

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY ST. NOVEMBER 15, 2014 BATON ROUGE, LA

VS. GRAMBLING ST. NOVEMBER 29, 2014 NEW ORLEANS, LA

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Spina Bifida Repairing a fetus’ spine southerndigest.com

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Science Matters

Key prevention methods, early detection and effective treatment BY LAVARIUS COTTON

as complete paralysis with bladder and

Spina bifida, which literally means “cleft or split spine.” It is characterized by the incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/ or meninges, which is the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common neural tube defect in the United States which affects anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 of the more than 4 million babies born in the country each year. There are an estimated 166,000 individuals with spina bifida that live in the United States. There are four forms of spina bifida includes occulta, meningecelem, myelomeningocele, and closed neural tube defects. Occulta is the mildest and most common form in which one or more vertebrae are malformed. This form of spina bifida, present in 10-20 percent of the general population, rarely causes disability or symptoms. Closed neural tube defects make up the second type of spina bifida. This form consists of a diverse group of defects in which the spinal cord is marked by malformations of fat, bone, or meninges. In most instances there are few or no symptoms; in others the malformation causes incomplete paralysis with urinary and bowel dysfunction. The third type, meningocele, spinal fluid and meninges protrude through an abnormal vertebral opening; the malformation contains no neural elements and may or may not be covered by a layer of skin. Some individuals with meningocele may have few or no symptoms while others may experience such symptoms

fourth form, is the most severe and occurs when the spinal cord/neural elements are exposed through the opening in the spine, resulting in partial or complete paralysis of the parts of the body below the spinal opening. The impairment may be so severe that the affected individual is unable to walk and may have bladder and bowel dysfunction. No one is completely sure what causes spina bifida. Scientists say most likely it is due to a combination of genetic, environmental and nutritional factors. Researchers believe that is a result of a poor intake of folic acid, which is a common Vitamin B, while the mother is pregnant with the child. Researchers also believe that it is due to uncontrolled diabetes and high fevers during pregnancies. Many mothers are unaware of the possibilities of their children facing this disease being that many doctors don’t test for this. “The doctors didn’t notice anything wrong with my baby till about 8 months and by then it was too late,” said Amy Matthews, a 31 year old sophomore nursing major from St. Francisville, Louisiana. During pregnancy, you can have a blood test, which could be a maternal serum triple or a quadruple screen, and an ultrasound of the developing baby. These tests check for signs of spina bifida and other problems. If test results suggest a birth defect, you can choose to have an amniocentesis. This test helps confirm if the baby has spina bifida. After birth, a doctor can usually tell if a baby has spina bifida by how the baby’s back looks. If spina bifida is suspected, the doctor may do an X-ray, a MRI, or a CT scan to see if the defect

STAFF WRITER bowel dysfunction. Myelomeningocele, the

Trendy Essentials BY SAGE EDGERSON

STAFF FASHJON WRITER Let’s draw out the color scheme of Fall and Winter. Your on-trend colors are grey, green, plaids and pinks! Now we shall discuss the essentials of the season quickly approaching. First we have beanies and scarves. They are the number one fall gear essentials for the obvious reasons! Beanies keep your head warm while scarves keep your neck warm, and not to mention that they come in cool colors and designs. Beanies and scarves can be that pop of color you need to update another bland outfit in your closet. Now we have the footwear, which are booties and riding boots. You can never go wrong with boots. Booties are the number one shoe trend for this season. From flats to heels that are skinny to chunky, plain

leather to suede or to textured, colored and studded, it’s a must have across the board. A step above booties are the riding boot. Think less cowgirl and more fashion forward, riding boots are great with tights, skinny jeans, sweaters or sweater dresses paired with knee high or thigh high socks, tights or stockings. Next up are knit sweaters. Cosby sweaters are cool and all, but the chunky knits are always in. With its versatility to be a top and to be a dress (on some people), knit sweaters will keep you cute and warm. I’d go for a more closed knit for maximum comfort with the weather. Colors you should look out for are pastel pinks and greys, in a more oversized fashion. Pair your sweaters with tights for an on the go or late to class look and add a heeled bootie with a sock to go out with friends. Then they’re flannels. The 90’s grunge

Surgeons have learned how to correct spina bifida, a serious spinal defect, by operating while a fetus is still in the uterus.

Spina bifida

Spinal column, which begins as groove on embryo, fails to close at bottom

1 Bulge develops 2 Spinal fluid

where spinal nerves push out of backbone exert enough pressure toward brain

does not

3 Base of brain

pushes downward into spine; fluid collects in brain Umbilical cord

Uterus NOTE: Minor spina bifida does not cause symptoms or deformity

4 Effects

can be severe: paralysis, bowel and bladder problems, seizures

Surgeons open uterus for surgery is repaired when 1 Spine fetus is 19-26 weeks old; uterus is closed

Source: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, New England Journal of Medicine, Mayo Clinic

is mild or severe. Treatment for spina bifida depends on the severity of the condition. Most people with spina bifida occulta require no treatment at all. Children with meningocele typically require surgical removal of the cyst and survive with little, if any, disability. Children with myelomeningocele, however, require complex and often lifelong treatment and assistance. Almost all children survive with appropriate treatment starting soon after birth. Their quality of life depends at least partially on the speed, efficiency, and comprehensiveness with which that treatment is provided. There is no cure for look is in everywhere! Flannels are the easiest go to fashion statement to look super cool and trendy. The best flannels are found in local thrift stores near you, so don’t let these big retailing stores swindle you out of your money. The flannels found in thrift stores sometimes have added character and it looks even more vintage, that is if it isn’t a pure vintage garment from the 90’s era already. The basic flannel of course will be the red/black plaid combo, but go for flannels in different colors featuring greens, blues, or burgundies with different color combinations. Another great thing about flannels is that, again, it can be a top or a dress just like knit sweaters. Tights, jeans, shorts, skirts, flannels can go with pretty much anything! Lastly we have dark wash jeans. The top fall essential that will last forever! Dark wash denim and fall go hand and hand. You can never go wrong with a dark wash jean with a skinny or slim cut leg so you can pair them with your booties or riding boots. While shopping for the

Birth by cesarean section at 37 weeks (often begins prematurely)

spina bifida. The goal for spina bifida is to allow the individual to achieve the highest possible level of function and independence. Treatment should address any disability, physical, emotional, or educational, that interferes with that person’s potential. The key to reducing the total number of people affected by spina bifida in the United States is that people must first be educated on this uncommon disease along with proper prenatal care during pregnancy. Expecting parents should ask questions and be aware of all risk with their unborn infant.

perfect dark wash denim, or any denim really, remember quality jeans should withstand the seasons and in the long run save you money. It’s pretty much a no brainer. Stay fashion forward! XO

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“Dodge, Dip, Duck, Dive & Dodge” BY FELIX CUNNINGHAM III

STAFF WRITER

Residential Life and Housing has done it again. On October 17, they revived a game played by children at a younger age when they introduced a dodge ball tournament at HoraceWesley Moody Intramural Complex for students and alumni. The teams, brought students together in an art of comradery, or so were perceived. The students and or alumni signed up to enjoy slinging rubber balls at each other and dodging or attempting to dodge to find victory. These teams of males were vying for seeing the two colossal titans, Southern versus undefeated Grambling State University, because the winner of this event was able to win free Bayou Classic tickets. There was a six on six matchup with

SOUTHERN DIGEST

Tuesday, October 21, 2014 - Page 9

SU Housing does it again! two additional substitutions, if students had substitutions to put it. The rules of the game were simple, if one got hit you’re “out”, and if one caught the ball one player can bring someone else in. The rules were simple and straight to the point, but there were some rebels that ostracized the rules or outright didn’t care or remember about the standards and practices of dodgeball. There was a winning and a losing bracket and a winning bracket. The Track Kingz introduced the men who ran track and field and they derailed every team they conquered with subliminal methods, which sometimes is brutal and sometimes with brief finesse. The men took their athletic posture to make other teams ponder at their swiftness, because they proved that track isn’t all about leg strength. The team representing White Hall was strange to gawk at, because the teams came in many variations and sizes

The Purple One Lives Other essential tracks include “U Know,” BY COURTNEY JACOBS —the electro-funk, futuristic rhythm and A&E WRITER blues track with Prince’s smooth and sexy Known for his sexually and religiously vocals during the verses and chorus. The controversial lyrical themes infusing track also features a sample from singer rock, funk, and dance music, the Purple Mila J’s “Blinded.” “This Could Be Us,” inspired by the social One—commonly known as Prince— simultaneously released two albums this media crazed #thiscouldbeusbutyouplayin meme, is a “joyful ballads with some month. Prince is well known for his sixth ecstatic Prince vocalizing “(according to studio album, “Purple Rain,” which was reporter Jon Bream of the Minneapolis’ followed up by a motion picture of the Star Tribune.) In addition to “Art Official Age”, Prince same name (album released on June 25th, also released “Plectrumelectrum,” stylized 1984, movie released one month after). Even though none of his other works as “PLECTRUMELECTRUM.” This collaboration album was also were as commercially successful as both released on September 29th, and it features the album and the movie, Prince continued to make his mark in the music industry 3rdEyedGirl, Prince’s all girl band. 3rdEyedGirl is the rock-tastic trio in the following years. featuring guitarist Donna Grantis, bassist “Art Official Age”, released September 29th, marked Prince’s return to Warner Ida Nielsen, and drummer Hannah Ford. In an interview with Good Morning Bros. (“following the early ‘90s spat that resulted in his writing “slave” on his America, the girl power trio were face in protest to his contract,” according definitely excited about the two albums to Consequence of Sound). “Art Official being released. “It’s been a beautiful journey,” says Age” is bassist Ida Nielsen. Prince’s—get “We are learning this—33rd so much, we all studio album love each other and (at 56 years we’re so proud to old!), which be able to release is a testament this album with in itself, him.” and shows According to The Telegraph, “If Art its listeners that Prince can still be Official Age is a juicy reaffirmation of mainstream while maintaining his own Prince’s pop basics, Plectrumelectrum, his persona and style. The album explores Prince’s personal collaborative album with 3rdEyedGirl, life, especially with the track titled “The represents a more intriguing departure, Breakdown,” which cuts close to home making a bold connection with a time for both the singer and the listeners who where Jimi Hendrix was the last great have followed his career, and features a black American rock star.” There are really no other words for this new era by looking back with a state of electric album, other than that it is just remorse that’s rare for the purple singer.

and the comedic gesture entering was conquerable nonetheless. Surprisingly they entered the losing bracket and did not stay even though they were the underdogs. They proved that to have a disproportionate team, that wins can be accomplished. At the end of the aftermath of the winners of each bracket, these two brackets collided with each other and enacted with two ties and edged with yelling, rule evaluations, and doubledecker setups, the team representing White Hall finally captured the win (21). After their congratulatory period, Kylan Douglas, a senior civil engineering major from Hammond, La said, “It feels good to have fun in general and to have an event that caters to our liking. It’s also good to represent White Hall and good to get a win.” Congratulating with their teammate, Ezekiel Hamilton, White Hall residential

assistance said, “It’s amazing to take students from their comfort zone and play a sport that is just pure fun. It is also revitalizing to see the level of competition people have.” Even though the tense air was staggering and funny moments ensued with the ball bouncing from others craniums or painfully striking their extremities. The teams enjoyed themselves and the intramural complex once again held students to their athletic excellence even though some do not have collegiate experience as others do. This was another way for a department to reach out to students with fun instead of hard-pressing schoolwork. The Department of Housing showed that the celebration of centennial can still happen after the cahoots that go on during homecoming and after the trials of midterms.

SAVE THE DATE GRAD PREP DAYS at the

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS BOOKSTORE

OCTOBER 29 - 30 • 10:00AM - 4:00PM • ATTENTION GRADUATING STUDENTS! • Now is the time to order your Custom Cap & Gown. • Class ring specials • Order announcements and invitations • FREE Graduation Photos with Candid Campus Photography • Meet with Alumni Federation to discuss benefits of joining

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS BOOKSTORE FB/southernuniversitybookstore | www.subrshop.com plain fun. “PLECTRUMELECTRUM” is definitely one of those trash-your-hotelroom-and-wake-up-remembering-nothing albums, while “Art Official Age” mirrors it completely. All in all, listeners would say that

even though these albums are no “Purple Rain,” it definitely is up on the ranks for being a great album—especially given this new age era.

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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Healthy Living tips for the week Healthy Living

Snack smarts

Don’t be fooled by snacks that may appear healthy. Some have little nutritional value. Snack bars High in fat and sugar; best bars contain complex carbohydrates, such as oats Rice cakes Low in calories but lack vitamins, minerals Popcorn Unless air-popped, high in unhealthy hydrogenated oils

Healthy Living

Feeling a little green?

Eat veggies ... Researchers have found that middle-aged people who ate a vegetable rich diet had lower blood pressure than those who ate fewer vegetables.

Try eating foods rich in fructose, such as tomato juice or honey, to cure that cotton-ball mouth and pounding head.

Why fructose?

... lower your blood pressure

• Fructose is a sugar that helps the body metabolize alcohol • Processing the alcohol may reduce some of the symptoms

• Most vegetables are naturally low in calories and sodium, high in fiber • Many contain hearthealthy antioxidants

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, MCT Photo Service

CAN A STUDENT DISCOVER THE TRUTH FOR AMERICA? When you’re a part of the CIA, you can. The CIA has paid student internship, scholarship and co-op opportunities in several fields of study. No matter what you do here, your contributions have great impact – and there is plenty to do. From accounting and finance, to economics, engineering and information technology, the CIA needs talented and intelligent professionals to continue the work that keeps our nation safe. The CIA is seeking motivated individuals with a sense of service for an exciting and rewarding yet challenging experience. Do you have that drive inside of you?

THE WORK OF A NATION. THE CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE.

For additional information and to apply, visit:

www.cia.gov An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workforce.

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ROCKET_Southern_University_and_A-and-M_College_10-5x7-75.indd 1

10/1/14 8:31 AM

COMMENTARY southerndigest.com

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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

“EVD: The Comical Outbreak?” BY AISIRIUWA EGHAREVBA

STAFF WRITER

Government officials announced the first Ebola stricken citizen to be right here in our backyards on October 1, 2014. Thomas Erin Duncan’s death in Dallas, Texas on October 8, 2014 caused a media frenzy around the United States and the chatter has not simmered down since. The ebola virus was first identified in Sudan, Africa in 1976. Between that time and 2013 a light 1,716 cases have been reported, but in 2014 alone 4,555 deaths have occurred thus far. The numbers are steadily increasing. The origin of the ebola virus is very similar to that of HIV if you ask me (and let’s not forget how much of an impact HIV has had and continues to have on the American society). Fruit bats, being natural carriers of Ebola, have the ability to spread the virus without even being affected. And alongside fruit bats, other “bush meats” are being consumed by humans across the mother land such as: chimps, gorillas, and monkeys. So the cycle of human infection begins! Although there are numerous other ways to contract the ebola virus, breathing air is not one; contrary to popular belief. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention the ebola virus is extremely infectious, but only moderately contagious since it is not transmitted through air. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment yet available and to add insult to injury the risk of death after infection can reach an all-time high

of 90 percent. With all these facts being presented via news sources, somehow uneducated Americans always seem to find a way to make light of any serious situation. While flooding time lines and news feeds with “memes” that read “Ebola virus?! Ain’t nobody got time fo’ dat!” and “Ebola? Is it a pill or powder?” We seem to forget that we too can be as easily infected as the late Thomas Erin Duncan. We too can very well spread this vicious plague to our closest friends, small children, and family members in the same unfortunate way of those in Liberia. Residing across an ocean and many seas does not exile us from the natural disasters of the world nor does it give us the authority to poke fun at the countless people losing their lives to the disease. The communities of Nigeria and Guinea may not be laced with a Wal-Mart or McDonald’s on every other block. The men leading their households may still be forced to venture out into the wilderness to acquire dinner every evening. So what if a few fruit bats were the only thing he gained that night to feed his family? I don’t trust that those “memes” would be as funny if they were across seas on the other foot. So before we make other people the butt of our uneducated jokes, let’s first gather facts and secondly find out what we as individuals can do to support these human beings in their time of need. And please, let’s not forget how HIV crept on over! This is not a public service announcement just a friendly reminder.

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United Negro College Fund should not have allied with Koch brothers BY FRED MCKISSACK

MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS The United Negro College Fund has compromised itself shamefully in allying with the Koch brothers. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) was founded in 1944 to aid black men and women in attending historically black universities and colleges. It was once a creator of AfricanAmerican intellectual and economic growth. Now it has happily received $25 million from one of the most right-wing outfits in the country. “We are enormously grateful to Koch Industries and the Charles Koch Foundation for their longstanding support of UNCF and for helping create new opportunities for earned success and a better future for our students,” Dr. Michael Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF, is quoted in the July newsletter for Koch Industries. Wow! Where to begin? Well, for starters, Charles Koch, who is now 78 years old, was a member of the John Birch Society in the 1960s, and his father was on its national council. The John Birch Society was one of the most rabid opponents of the civil rights movement in America. When UNCF took $25 million from the Kochs, it didn’t ask for an apology. Dr. Lomax, a literature professor and former university president, whose compensation is now an eye-popping $1.5 million, does not seem to have brought up the awkward business of the Kochs’ support for ending the desegregation of a North Carolina school district in 2009. What are Koch Industries and the Charles Koch Foundation buying with their donation to a noted

civil rights organization? Two things: Cover and cadre. In supporting a far-reaching right-wing agenda, the Kochs are involved with some repugnant characters and repulsive ballot initiatives. When their candidates say outrageous things about racial minorities or women, the taint of it wends its way back to Wichita, the home of Koch Industries. So the Kochs cover the bad smell by buying some good public relations. The grant also serves as a recruiting device for the Kochs’ ideology. According to the UNCF, $18.5 million of the grant will go to fund “scholarships at the undergraduate and graduate levels and is focused on how entrepreneurship, economics, and innovation contribute to well-being for individuals, communities, and society.” In other words, the grant will help nurture more Libertarian, free-market, anti-government, Ayn Rand acolytes. These scholarship winners will find the doors open to them in the right-wing think tanks and lobbying groups the Kochs also fund. The Kochs are creating an internship factory for their brand of political and economic ideology. It’s an ideology that seeks to privatize schools, destroy trade unions, trash the social safety net and do away with government regulation of industry. It’s an ideology that denies climate science. It’s an ideology that coddles the most repellent social conservatives and perpetuates culture wars. That’s not an ideology the United Negro College Fund should be supporting.

“STRIP”

BY JOSHUA SLYVESTER

STAFF WRITER

POEM OF THE WEEK

Beauty on its own is just the beginning to a masterpiece Skin deep lays the essence according to popular belief Real eyes see the heart, the soul and all that is beneath You hide behind a fake smile When all awhile Your current situation reveals an inner frown You want to find a love that will never end But your last took the last of your love with them So now you question if you even have the ability to love again You hide your pain behind ideals of those around you Never realizing that you are no longer the real you Just a product of the hardships that fell on you You’re thinking to yourself, “Will I ever find a match for me? Someone to complete me Motivate me Be able to stimulate me mentally, spiritually and physically” I ask you to do three things for me First, remember the past, go and release the negativity Second, use that at as motivation to be the best that you can be And lastly I just need you to strip for me But not with your clothes Start with your insecurities J-Sly @Slylyfe