@southerndigest @sudigest @southerndigest
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Volume 68, Issue 1
Tuesday . February 14, 2017
Volume 68 . Issue 4
For the Students:
www.southerndigest.com www.southerndigest.com
Student Affairs makes key moves to improve campus life BY BRANDON PRINCE
SOUTHERN DIGEST - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Southern University Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union, a hangout and eatery for well over 4,000 students, has recently received several renovations to improve student life on campus. Approximately two weeks ago, contractors hired by Southern University’s Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Department replaced the union’s front entrance doors with automatic sliding doors with built in sensors. The replacement was agreed upon and set in motion after the department was notified about the automatic door for the accessible push buttons, both interior and exterior, had malfunctioned and failed to perform its intended purpose. According to Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, Dr. Brandon K. Dumas, students in wheelchairs faced the challenge of utilizing
from that entrance, especially from the outside. Dumas said that the exterior button may have consistently malfunctioned due to Baton Rouge’s weather conditions, hence the reason for the replacement to be made. “We look at the things that need to be done and try to prioritize based on budget, those things that are attainable,” said Dumas. Along with the front entrance improvements, the food court’s decor also received renovations including new chairs, tables, dining booths and sofa-like lounging furniture with an attached small rotating table for students to place their food on for consumption. Dumas mentioned that renovations were made possible after Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Anthony T. Jackson, met with the University’s food service provider, Aramark, to express the concerns about the
The newly installed automatic doors at the entrace of the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union. (Nigel Gary/DIGEST)
See FOR THE STUDENTS page 3
A newly remodeled Lacumba’s Play Pen that features new flooring, furniture, lighting and free pool tables. (Nigel Gary/DIGEST)
Bridging the Divide
HARRT visits Student creates app to help students find the right HBCU the Bluff BY EDDIE BYNOG
SOUTHERN DIGEST - NEWS EDITOR
Students looking to attend any one of the nation’s 86 Historically Black Colleges and Universities now have an added boost courtesy of the smart phone app HBCU HUB. As a go to for anyone trying to find the right college, the app provides some of the most important information people look for when choosing a historically black college to attend. One of the ways the app accomplishes this is by showing users a “Report card” for each school that lists academics, costs, and the overall ranking of HBCU’s on a scale from A to F. In addition to providing detailed information on schools, the app also allows users to participate in an online chat community, provides information about scholarships, connects students with a digital personal tutor and even gives tips for resumes and job interviews. Jonathan Swindell, a 21-year-old Junior and Grambling State University student from Los Angeles, California is
idea competition at GSU. Originally, the app was loosely based on bringing HBCU students closer together but Swindell says that he saw a need in providing information specifically about HBCU’s. “It’s a lot easier to get information on a PWI,” said Swindell, “They’re a lot bigger and have a lot more resources behind them, whereas at an HBCU, the information can be a bit scattered, so I saw a pain point within our community and HBCU HUB serves to fix that.” After taking home first place at competition, Swindell decided to rebrand the app to make it a staple between high school students and HBCU’s but says that the app was created so that everyone can use it. “We offer a free service called HUB Packs where the user is asked to answer DIGEST FILE questions such as, are you ‘High School Faculty, High School Student, Transfer the designer and C.E.O of the HBCU Student, Graduate Student’, from there we make the transition easy by sending HUB. The idea and vision for HBCU HUB the information they need to apply for came about after Swindell entered an
BY KAYLA FOSTER
SOUTHERN DIGEST - PHOTO EDITOR
According to nola.com, Baton Rouge has one of the highest rates of HIV and AIDS cases in the country. The city has dropped below Atlanta in the new rankings based on 2012 data. HAART (Health Alliance for Region Two, Inc.) brings awareness to the topics by presenting health disparities in Louisiana. The presentation started off by dismissing misconceptions about HIV by stating it is not something that ‘guilty’ people get or a punishment for cheating, lying, using drugs or alcohol, having more than one partner or not asking the right questions. It is a virus whose transmission is fueled by poverty, ignorance, racism, sexism, homophobia, fear, violence and many other factors— not by people with HIV. HIV stigma is defined by having unfavorable attitudes and beliefs directed toward people living with HIV, the family, friends, social groups and
See HBCU HUB page 3
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
See HARRT page 3
News
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Page 2 - Tuesday, February 14, 2017
The Southern Digest SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
SUITE 1064 – T.H.HARRIS HALL – P.O. BOX 10180 – BATON ROUGE, LA 70813 225.771.2231 PHONE / 225.771.5840 FAX WWW.SOUTHERNDIGEST.COM The Southern DIGEST is written, edited PUBLICATION ASSOCIATIONS and published by members of the The Southern DIGEST is a member of student body at Southern University the Black College Communications and A&M College. Association (BCCA), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), The Southern DIGEST is published Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), once weekly (Tuesday with a run count College Media Association (CMA), of 4,000 copies per issue during the Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ), Southern University - Baton Rouge Full member of the Associated Press campus fall, spring semesters. (AP) and the Louisiana Press Association The paper is free to students, staff, (LPA). faculty and general public every Tuesday & Friday morning on the SUBR STUDENT MEDIA OFFICE campus. The Southern DIGEST student offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The offices are located Director Heather Freeman on the first floor of T.H. Harris Hall, Publications/Graphics Manager Suite 1064. Jermaine Proshee ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2017 by The Southern University Office of Advertising/Sales Manager Camela Jackson Student Media Services. 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 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.
CONTACTS (Area Code 225)
Advertising/Sales Office- 771.5833 DIGEST Newsroom - 771.2231 The Jaguar Yearbook - 771.5812
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.
DIGEST STAFF Spring 2017
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Brandon Prince
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Arnita Dove
MANAGING EDITOR Bria Gremillion
DIGEST STAFF WRITERS Konner Johnson Patricia Foster Jerome Hicks Anathlynn Howard Andrew Evans Jhaylon Green Tayla Cayette Courtney Wright Kerry Wilson Dennis Mcgrew Jarren Narcisse Christina White
COPY EDITORS Stephen Rideau Trevor Moore NEWS EDITOR Eddie Bynog COMMENTARY EDITOR Julian Alvarez A&E EDITOR Morgan Becnel-Adams SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Evans PHOTO EDITOR Kayla Foster
DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS Ealiya Toplin Brandon Tucker Alliyah Moore Tristen Joffrion Drakkar Broussard Nigel Gary
CAMPUS BRIEFS All submissions must be received by 3p.m. each Friday for Tuesday’s Issue. PAGE 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, Southern University Departments. All briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number. Submit announcements to: The Southern DIGEST Suite 1064 Harris Hall, Attn: PAGE 2 You my also email: digest@subr.edu
CORRECTIONS Fact and accuracy is our goal and our job. As the voice of the Southern University student body we are committed to ensuring to most fair, truthful and accurate accounts of our work. In the event of an error we will make all corrections on Page 2. Bring corrections to The Southern DIGEST office located in Suite 1064, Harris Hall.
JAGUAR PUBLIC SAFETY TIP:
Use the buddy system. If you’re out walking on campus or heading to a local establishment at night, take a friend with you and don’t leave his or her side. Watch out for each other and make sure that the other makes it safely back to their room. Also, the Jag Train Shuttle service is available from 5:00pm to 1:00am Mon-Fri for your convenience on campus. Check the Jag Safe app “Where’s the Shuttle” feature for the Jag Train schedule. #Keeping Jags Safe
SOUTHERN DIGEST
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK TUES. FEBRUARY 14
PM SHOWERS
HI - 78° / LO - 52° 50% CHANCE OF RAIN
WEDS. FEBRUARY 15
MOSTLY CLOUDY
HI - 61°/ LO - 41° 20% CHANCE OF RAIN
THURS. FEBRUARY 16
FRI. FEBRUARY 17
MOSTLY SUNNY
SUNNY
HI - 66° / LO - 45° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN
Campus Briefs WHAT’S HAPPENING
SENATE MEETING The SGA Senate will have a meeting Tuesday, February 14 in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom at 7 p.m.
LOVE YOUR ROOTS Wear your best dashki to the SmithBrown Memorial Union lobby on Tuesday, February 14 from 12-2 p.m. CAFE LACUMBA Come Join us this Wednesday, February 15, 2017 1100a.m.-1:30p.m. Thrift Hall Room 161 Specialty Item: Ground Turkey Taco Salad ($6.00) Ohter menu items include: Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads and Soups. CASH ONLY PLEASE CARIBBEAN VIBE WEDNESDAY Pretty Wednesday will be taking on a Caribbean theme. Ladies wear your best Caribbean dress. Join us on the back patio of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. SU TENNIS The Lady Jags are away for the next two matches but will be home on Thursday, Feb. 16 to host Southeastern Louisiana. Come out to the University Courts at 2 P.M. and show your support. #GoJags MARDI GRAS MASQUERADE GALA Southern Univedrsity’s Department of History present Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala feturing The Michael Foster Project set on Saturday, Febuary 18 from 8p.m.12a.m. Tickets available for purchase coming soon. SU AG CENTER HOSTS 74TH ANNUAL LIVESTOCK SHOW The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s 74th Annual State Livestock & Poultry Show will be held March 2 - 4, 2017 at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena, Hwy. 61 North, in Baker, La. CAFCS/SU AG CENTER’S 23RD ANNUAL QUIZ BOWL The 23rd Annual Black History Quiz Bowl will be held Tuesday, February 21 at 3p.m. at the SU Ag Center inside A.O. Williams Studio. To register contact: Owusu Bandele at obandele@cox.net. All Students are eligbile to participate. Team (4 members each) must register by submitting a roster to the above email no later than Friday, February, 17. JOIN THE SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY INTRAMURAL SPORTS COMPLEX FOR CLASSES MONDAYTHURSDAY: Mondays: Kickboxing from 5p6p; Yoga from 6p-7p; and Ripped Fitness/Zumba from 5p-6p Tuesdays: Jaguar Body Clinic from 5:30p-6:30p; and Jigg Aerobics from 7:30p-8:30p Wednesdays: Boot Camp from 6p-7p Thursdays: Jaguar Body Clinic from 5:30p-6:30p
BETA KAPPA CHI Save-the-date: March 15-18! Southern University will be the host institution for the 74th Joint Annual Meeting of Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society and The National Institute of Science. The event will be held at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. Abstract submission deadline is Feb. 6. Early bird registration fee is Feb. 13. For more information visit www.betakappachi.org GREATER BATON ROUGE NPHC GREEK VARIETY SHOW The Greater Baton Rouge National Pan Hellenic Council will host the 15th Annual Greek Variety Show on Saturday, March 11 at 7 p.m. in the Mini Dome. Tickets are $15. For more info, call 225-771-2040
ENROLLMENT PERIOD FOR CLINICAL SERVICES Semester at the Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in Augustus C. Blanks Hall. Enroll today for: Diagnostic Evaluation & Intervention Individual and group sessions For children and adults Afternoon sessions available! Enroll today! Dates: January 23-April 6, 2017 For additional information, please contact Leigh Anne Baker, Director of Clinical Education, at 225-771-2564 or leigh_baker@subr.Edu. 7TH ANNUAL SINFONIA BAND FESTIVAL The 7th Annual Sinfonia Band Festival is set for Friday, March 3 on the Baton Rouge campus starting at 9 a.m. Judges for the festival will include former SU Band Director Lawrence Jackson, Norvan Daniel, and Kedric Taylor. CAMPUS WIDE STUDENT ART EXHIBITION The exhibition is set for March 23-April 20 in the visual Arts Gallery/ Frank Hayden Hall. SCHOOL OF NURSING APPLICATIONS School of Nursing Applications are now available! Deadline to apply is March 3, 2017 Applications to the School of Nursing for the fall 2017 semester are now available online at www.subr.edu. Type School of Nursing Application in the search box located in the upper right corner of the webpage. All students must meet the following criteria: 1. Have been admitted to Southern University- Baton Rouge 2. Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.60 or above at the time of application 3. Submission of ACT/SAT scores 4. Completion of all courses listed in the first three semesters of the nursing curriculum plan with a minimum grade of “C
HI - 70° / LO - 53° 20 % CHANCE OF RAIN
Jaguar SpeakOut
BY RASHEED P. WATKINS
Whose initiatives would you more likely to have followed during the civil rights era? Team Martin or Team Malcolm? Why?
PAIGE HORSLEY SOCIAL WORK SENIOR
“Malcolm X. MLK got us into the situation we are in now. We are HORSLEY divided as people and poor health because he allowed integration. If we followed Malcolm’s ideaology, we would be a race full of producers and business owners. Today, we have no businesses, no financial institutions, no policies, and a black president that failed to help black people. We have been conditioned to be CONSUMERS and not competitors. We are divided now more than ever.”
EMMETT KENNEDY ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING FRESHMAN PORT ALLEN
“I would choose Malcolm because KENNEDY unlike Martin he was more aggressive to get his point across. Malcolm was an inspiration to all people that followed him.”
TRINITY BARKER EDUCATION FRESHMAN HOUMA
“Honestly, it’s an issue due to social standard that is allowed. Mainly BARKER because I feel HBCUs don’t have a lot to live up to and when they push, they ultimately get off.”
IKEECIA COLENBURG LAW SCHOOL FAYETTE, MISSISSIPPI
“ ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’ - Dr. COLENBURG Martin Luther King, Jr. I have decided to go with love, hate is too great of a burden.”
News
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SOUTHERN DIGEST
SU History Department The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - Page 3
Conventions, Fundraising, and Scholarships BY MORGAN BECNEL-ADAMS SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
Atlanta, Georgia was host to the 2017 Southern Conference on African American Studies Incorporated (S.C.A.A.S.I) competition. The conference was held on February 9 through the 11th at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Downtown Atlanta. Though the location changes each year, the annual S.C.A.A.S.I Conference is always held during the second week of February. Changes in location also depend on the hosting city. Southern University and A&M College hosted the S.C.A.A.S.I. Conference back in 2013. According to Scaasi.org, this year’s event was designed to “explore the impact of the election of the first Black President Barack Obama on American society and the black
community.” The website also entails that, “the goal of the conference is to explore the facts and fictions of his presidency as well as discussing the current state of the African American community.” Amongst the contest’s normal participants include: Southern University, Georgia State University, Morehouse College, and Rust College. During this trip to the competition, Southern sent eight students, and five faculty members to represent the University. Jaguars immediately pinpointed their competition as Rust College of Mississippi. For the Quiz Bowl contest, “there is a moderator and along with a three judge panel. The two teams sit on each side of the moderator who issues the questions. If Southern is asked a question, and fails to
The new student lounge inside the food court area of the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union (Nigel Gary/DIGEST)
facility and possible upgrades to give the students a better living experience. He said that with the urgent push to make the redecoration of the food court a priority, Aramark used allocated resources to upgrade the facility.
“Hopefully the students are appreciative to a much more comfortable environment for them to socialize and enjoy the various food offerings that the food court has,” expressed Dumas.
communities. The presentation went on showing statistics of the effects of negative attitudes. Statistics show people who have faced the effects of negative attitudes are eight times more likely to have tried to commit suicide, six times more likely to report high levels of depression, three times more likely to use illegal drugs and three times more likely to have risky sex. These symptoms make it difficult to be open about sexual orientation, limit access to health care, causes poor mental health and increases violence, making the victims often suffer from depression. Students viewed the program to be very beneficial. “I felt the program was very informative,” said Ashanti Scott, a junior social work major from New Orleans. “It taught me some things I didn’t know about HIV and I’m glad I got the
give the correct answer within twenty seconds, the question is turned over to Rust College. If Rust then cannot answer the same question, there is a pass issued.” Explains Jessica Lawal, Administrative Coordinator. Kourtney Danielle Dillon, a sophomore from Slidell, Louisiana served as a participant in the Black History Quiz Bowl contest. “Friday we went up against our rivals, Rust. Southern was on top. Then, Rust and after a while, I lost count. Overall, we lost by only four points [which] was quite amazing. It was a constant back and forth. At one moment, four points. We came so close to victory that we’re dying to go back. I am extremely proud of our team and next year we’ll be coming for a win!” Dillon stated. Despite the shortcomings So far, the improvements have received positive feedback through periodic surveys put out by Aramark and casual conversations between Student Affairs and students. According to Dumas, the total spent on the renovations is $12,945 for the door and exactly $238,000 for the food court. Junior political science major, Jasmine Singleton, of Houma, Louisiana, and SGA Vice President, Breanna Perkins, supported the new changes, however, senior social work major Donte Libran of Oakland, California gave an alternative opinion. “The food court in the Union is really nice. The workers are friendly and the food is tasty,” said Singleton. “I love the new renovations to the Student Union’s food HAART from page 1
opportunity to learn these facts.” Other students found the presentation to be helpful in terms of the effects of being HIV positive. “All people think about is how the actual virus affects that person’s body, but nobody really thinks about the mental aspect of the subject,” said Brandon Johnson, a freshman computer science major from Atlanta, Georgia. “The whole thing just gives you a different perspective to think about.” Of all Americans with HIV, only 25% are virally suppressed. The program ended with discussion about the actions people can take to reduce stigma socially by having higher esteem, more positive group identity and positive mental health in safe space schools with peer led organizations, workshops and testing events. HAART focuses on breaking stigma and continues
DIGEST FILE
of the Quiz Bowl, Jamilah Stith, a sophomore Secondary English Education major from Washington, D.C. brought first prize for the Poetry contest. Stith ran unopposed in this year’s contest. Aside of the History Department traveling to Atlanta, they are hosting a Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala featuring The Michael Foster Project. The scholarship fundraiser on Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 8-12 midnight at the University’s Activity Center. The Black Tie event will have a large alumni presence and
even the D.J. is an SU Graduate and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Tickets are sold at $50, and tables will be sold at $500. This is the first year where the History Department is hosting this particular event. The Department of History and Political Science are looking forward to hosting a historical tour very soon. They’re also responsible for the Debate Club here on campus. Debate club is held once a month and all you have to do is attend their meetings to be included.
court. It makes the Union more relaxed and structured … the wall graphics provides a flare of school spirit that was desperately needed,” said Perkins. “I like the sliding door, however I hate that the pool hall is closed after five. The seating arrangements are nice, but I just wish there were more seats with outlets nearby for studying,” said Libran. In addition, the University’s pool hall, the Lacumba Play Pen, also received remodeling and accommodations. The pool hall now has new floor tiles and non-coin operated pool tables. Also, the union’s bowling alley, now called “Jaguar Lanes,” will soon be remodeled with new features such as a concession stand. Dumas plans to have the bowling alley utilized as a nightly hangout
spot for students to pass the time after class hours. However, this isn’t the only push by Student Affairs and SU’s 20/20, led by Union Operations Manager Tanisha Cousby, for a better student experience on campus. In efforts to make SU student life more enjoyable, funds have been allocated to improve the campus shuttle ($26,000), landscaping ($4,000), fountain ($3,126.32), speed bump installation (1,000), campus crosswalks ($3,000) and directional signs ($11,000). Dumas encourages students to become more active in the University. “A lot of this is guided by you all. We need to know what you’re thinking, so we can make it happen,” finishes the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management.
FOR THE STUDENTS from page 1
HBCU HUB from page 1
said HBCU of interest,” said Swindell while explaining who can use the app. “This is just an example of how our organization has left no stone un turned in hopes to benefit any and everyone,” he finished. HBCU HUB puts Swindell in the company of many alumni and students from HBCU’s across the country that have created smart phone apps geared toward HBCU students and urban communities. According to a survey released by the IT website, TechNet, because of the creation of the smart phone and other technological devices within the past few years, jobs for app creation and development are at an all time high, a trend that HBCU’s have begun to embrace. In 2016, the United Negro College Fund hosted it’s fifth annual HBCU
Innovation Summit in Silicon Valley, an area of California famous for technological innovations and development. Swindell also gave his thoughts and advice on what students interested in app development should do. “One of the first things that you do is pickup a basic programming language such as python, because tech is such a fast moving industry you have to understand the basics first and once you understand those basics, and the terminology and environment, grow as much as you can.” Since it’s release, the HBCU HUB App has more than one-thousand downloads and is being used in more than 32 states and five countries. HBCU HUB is available on both Android and Apple devices for free.
Jaguar Sports
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SOUTHERN DIGEST
Jaguars fall to Golden Lions Page 4 - Tuesday, February 14, 2017
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
UAPB’s late run leads them to victory BY ANDREW EVANS
SOUTHERN DIGEST - SPORTS EDITOR
This week Southern University faced the Golden Lions of Arkansas Pine-Bluff in Arkansas. The Jags were down most of the game until a spark flew and the Jags cut the Golden Lions. With this energy, the Jags managed to tie the game up at 52 a piece. Then in a lastminute effort, the Golden Lions went on a 10-2 run against the Jags gaining them the lead and the win. “We definitely had our opportunities,” said Southern University Head Coach, Roman Banks. “It’s just so disappointing right now because we let one get away. We weren’t clean down the stretch.” The Jags have been experiencing injuries from
within their starting five. Chris Thomas was the Jags’ sixth man who was recently promoted to starter a few games ago and has been fighting through an injury since the Alcorn game two weeks ago. After the Alcorn game, Chris Thomas was diagnosed with quad tendinitis but has still been starting and practicing. “I’m pretty good, just have to fight through it,” Chris Thomas said. “Just little minor pains. I’ll be good. Once I get going, I’m fine. I just have to stretch it out real good,” Thomas explains. Fans hope to see Thomas healthy and back on the court. This game was an overall poor game on the offensive side of the ball for the Jags aside from the last chance break for the Jags. Leading scorer, Shawn
Prudhomme, was 6-19 from the field and was forcing shots from the three-point line being 1-7 from beyond the arc. Forward, Jared Sam, scored 16 points and went perfect from the field with 4-4 baskets and 8 for 10 on free throws. Sam also had seven rebounds and dished out one assist. Thomas went 2-5 from the field and scored seven points. Southern’s bench players combined for ten points with majority of the points coming from forward, Emanual Shepard, with eight points. As a team, Southern combined for a field goal percentage of 37.3 percent. They also only went 17.6 percent from behind the three points. This game could have been a storybook ending for the Jags
DIGEST ART
but they came up short. This game was lost due to injuries coming from the Jags’ starting five and the massive amount of turnovers with the team combining for 15 turnovers. All this and more caused the Jags to lose 61-68. Hopefully next week against The Alabama A&M Golden Lions on February 18. The last time the Jaguars played Alabama A&M the Jags won by
the skin of their teeth with the score being 53-52. This game will be played at home which is a great advantage for the Jags. The Jags’ home record is 6-4 and Alabama’s away record is 5-10. The key player that Southern will have to worry about is Alabama’s 6’8 forward, Quitinarian McConico, who is averaging 14 points per game this season.
Jordan, Silver helping to repair Oakley-Dolan relationship BY BRIAN MAHONEY AP BASKETBALL WRITER
NEW YORK (AP) — Michael Jordan and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver are helping repair the relationship between Charles Oakley and Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan. Oakley and Dolan met with Silver on Monday at NBA headquarters, with Jordan participating by phone, the league said in a statement. Oakley was arrested last Wednesday following an altercation with MSG security while attending a Knicks game, and Dolan banned the former Knicks star from the arena two days later. “It is beyond disheartening to see situations involving members of the NBA family like the one that occurred at Madison Square Garden this past week,” Silver said.
Jordan and Oakley were teammates in Chicago before Oakley was traded to New York, where he became a fan favorite with the Knicks from 1988-98. Oakley and Dolan have had a strained relationship in part because of Oakley’s criticisms of the team. It hit a low point when security surrounded Oakley in his seat a few rows behind Dolan during a nationally televised game, and Oakley responded by shoving at least two of the security officials. The Knicks said Oakley was abusive even before taking his seat, and Dolan claimed that the former power forward had anger or alcohol issues when announcing the ban in a radio interview Friday. “Both Mr. Oakley and Mr. Dolan were apologetic about the incident and subsequent comments, and their negative impact on the Knicks organization and
FILE - In this Jan. 20, 2011 photo, then-Charlotte Bobcats assistant coach and former New York Knicks star Charles Oakley directs players in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Charlotte, N.C. Oakley was forcefully removed from his seats at Madison Square Garden and arrested after an altercation near team owner James Dolan. Oakley shoved security guards before they pulled him away from his seat behind the baseline during the first quarter of the Knicks’ 119-115 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, Feb. 8, 2017. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
the NBA,” Silver said. “Mr. Dolan expressed his hope that Mr. Oakley would return to MSG as his guest in the near future.” Dolan welcomed back another exKnick, Latrell Sprewell, on Sunday during a victory over San Antonio.
Sprewell hadn’t been back at MSG since 2004 because of his own falling out with Dolan. Also Monday, Rev. Al Sharpton called on Dolan to immediately lift Oakley’s ban, or the National Action Network would picket MSG.
Career Services
THE
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
SOUTHERN DIGEST
Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - Page 5
THE CAREER FAIR
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES CENTER WWW.SUBR.EDU/CAREERSERVICES
CAREER DAY TIPS
CAREER SERVICES ********************** CONNECT TO YOUR FUTURE
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 How To Prepare • Review the list of companies in attendance and determine the companies you want to target.
• Prepare your elevator speech and be able to state your interests, skills, strengths, etc. in under three minutes.
What To Bring • Multiple Resumes: You will need a copy of your resume for every company or organization with whom you plan to speak. • Portfolio/Briefcase: To store your resumes, pad, and pen as well as the literature and Business cards you will accumulate.
What To Wear • Professional Dress: If you are going to the career fair from class, take the time to change to professional attire. Remember, you are selling yourself. You also want to make a good impression. • Dress in business attire: A suit is appropriate for both men and women, as is a shirt and tie for men and a blouse and skirt/dress slacks for women. • Pick up the DRESSING FOR THE INTERVIEW tip sheet in the Career Services Center.
What To Do When You Arrive • Survey the layout of the room and locate your target companies. • Quickly walk around and take note of how the company reps are engaging with the students. Know what type of student the company is looking for and pay attention to the questions being asked. • Pick up additional literature for your target companies and review it briefly while waiting to speak to the representatives.
TODAY
What To Do When It’s Your Turn • Smile, shake hands and introduce yourself. Ask the company representative about his/her company to get more information. • Answer questions enthusiastically making eye contact regularly. • Listen carefully, answer clearly and offer your resume if you are interested in the company. • Ask for a business card and thank the company representative for his/ her time.
After Your Career Fair Interview • Capture quick notes about your conversation. • Put the card and literature away and head to your next company. • Follow up on company instructions from Career Fair.
After The Fair • Send thank you letters to the company or organizations you would like to pursue. • Watch for posting on JOBS4JAGS and apply to the posting on time. • Attend company sponsored events on campus and visit the Career Services Center.
Career Services Center T.H. Harris Hall Suite 1100 (225) 771-2200 Office (225) 771-3272 Fax www.subr.edu/careerservices
Photos Of The Week
Page 6 - Tuesday, February 14, 2017
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SOUTHERN DIGEST
Students figure out what the next part of their vision board will cover about their life after college during “A Dollar and a Dream Vision Board Party” on Monday, February 13, in the Stewart Hall Auditorium. (Tristen Joffrion/DIGEST)
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Majesti Smith,a junior from Goldsboro,NC, is carried down near the judges during the talent portion of the “Miss Thicker Than a Snicker” Pagent on Wednesday, February 8, in the Event Center. (Ealiya Toplin/DIGEST)
Members of the Kappa Kappa Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota sing during “Shoot Your Shot 2017 : American Music Recital” on Thursday, February 9, in the DeBose Recital Hall. (Ealiya Toplin/DIGEST)
Majesti Smith, a junior from Goldsboro,NC., recieves her crown during the “Miss Thicker Than a Snicker Pageant” on Wednesday, February 8, in the Event Center. (Ealiya Toplin/DIGEST)
Students sat in small groups during “A Seat at the Table” hosted by Miss Sophomore, Miss Res Life, and Collegiate 100 Black Women in the Mocha Room on Monday, February 13. (Tristen Joffrion/DIGEST)
A member of the 24k Magic squad gets a prop wrapped around them during WildN’Out on Friday, February 10, in the Event Center. (Ealiya Toplin/DIGEST)
Current and former members of the Mu Psi Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia perform during “Shoot Your Shot 2017: American Music Recital” on Thursday, February 9, in the DeBose Recital Hall. (Ealiya Toplin/DIGEST)
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Photos Of The Week Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - Page 7
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Members of the black and purple squad go head-to-head during “Wild N’Out” on Friday, February 10, in the Event Center. (Ealiya Toplin/DIGEST)
The Human Jukebox Pep Band perfomed for children from around the Baton Rouge area on Saturday, February 11, in the Isaac Greggs Band Hall. (Ealiya Toplin/DIGEST)
Camryn Kinzy, a Business Management major from Kentwood answers a question during the “Miss Thicker than a Snicker Pageant” on Wednesday, February 8, in the Event Center. (Ealiya Toplin/DIGEST)
Students participating in arts and crafts activites at the “Splash of Love” event hosted during Junior/Senior Week on Thursday, February 9, 2017. (Anthalynn Howard/DIGEST)
Arts & Entertainment
Page 8 - Tuesday, February 14, 2017
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Adele wins top Grammys, but pays tribute to Beyonce BY DAVID BAUDER AP TELEVISION WRITER
In an extraordinary moment between the music industry’s top female artists, Adele beat Beyonce for three of the top Grammy Awards — then said her competitor deserved at least one of them. The Grammys featured memorable performances by the likes of Bruno Mars and A Tribe Called Quest, big victories by Chance the Rapper and David Bowie, and some unusual flubs Sunday, but they were overshadowed by Adele’s triumph and how she responded. The Recording Academy did nothing to calm criticism that black artists are overshadowed in major awards by more conservative white musicians. Adele’s “Hello” won Grammys for song and record of the year and its creator flashed pride: she called it “my favorite song I’ve ever done.” Her win for album of the year was more of a surprise. “25” was a commercial smash
Adele poses in the press room with the awards for album of the year for “25”, song of the year for “Hello”, record of the year for “Hello”, best pop solo performance for “Hello”, and best pop vocal album for “25” at the 59th annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
but Beyonce’s “Lemonade” won wider acclaim as an artistic statement. In tears, Adele thanked the academy for the award and poignantly talked about reclaiming a bit of herself after having difficulties with motherhood. Then she addressed Beyonce, praising “Lemonade” as monumental, beautiful and soul-baring. “The reason I felt I had to say something was my album of the
Natural Hair Bias in the Natural Hair Community BY COURTNEY WRIGHT
SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
The Natural Hair Movement has been on-going since the early 1960’s. This was around the same time that the Black Power Movement taught the black community to embrace themselves. During this movement, Black Americans began to wear afros, the hairstyle being a sign of empowerment by not-only African American women, but also African American males. The use of relaxers or pressing combs were a way for black people to align themselves with Caucasian beauty standards of pinstraight hair. The natural hair movement not only encouraged embracing one’s blackness, but also one’s natural hair texture. In the last 5 years, there has been a resurgence of more women going natural and abstaining from getting relaxers and texturizers. More African American women, and recently men, are starting to embrace their natural hair textures again. The majority of African Americans fall into the curls types 3a, 3b, 3c,4a,4b, and 4c, with texture 4c being the kinkiest and
year is ‘Lemonade,’” Adele said backstage later. “She is my icon of my whole life.” She told of practicing a Spice Girls song for a school assembly growing up in Britain until her friends turned her on to Beyonce’s singing on the 1997 Destiny’s Child song “No No No.” “It’s her time to win,” Adele said. “My view is kind of what the (expletive) does she have to
more coarse. Throughout history, people with looser curl textures have been more accepted by society than those with a kinkier curl type. This has created a natural hair bias within the natural hair community. In an article done by Ebony Magazine, Trudy Susan says, “Women with kinky textured hair, commonly known as type 4, are experiencing something of a “texture discrimination” as a consequence of this new natural new beauty standard. Curly and wavy girls dominate the branding in products mass marketed to natural hair. So while the recent rebirth and modern day celebration of natural hair has provided some balance for Black women looking to escape the media induced pressure to yearn for European imitated straight, long hair, now there is a new pressure for natural women to yearn for a specific type of natural hair.” Freshman Biology major Dayla Smith agrees with this article stating, “All the pictures you see online are of light skinned women with looser curl patterns. It’s like they have completely missed See NATURAL HAIR page 10
Beyonce poses in the press room with the awards for best music video for “Formation” and best urban contemporary album for “Lemonade” at the 59th annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
do to win album of the year? I felt this album showed another side to her that we haven’t seen and I felt blessed to be brought into that situation.” If that’s how Adele felt, many Grammy Award critics are likely to chime in. One prominent black artist, Frank Ocean, did not submit his work for Grammy consideration this year and criticized the academy for giving its top album award
to Taylor Swift over Kendrick Lamar last year. Kanye West and Drake did not attend the Grammys this year. Beyonce won two Grammys and her visually arresting performance of “Love Drought” and “Sandcastles” won acclaim Sunday. Perhaps sensing it would be her last chance, she took the time to explain her See GRAMMYS page 10
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Arts & Entertainment Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - Page 9
Immigration Ban Lifted BY KONNER JOHNSON
BLACK HISTORY SPOTLIGHT
SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
CARTER G. WOODSON
FILE - Carter G. Woodson in an undated photograph. Woodson is a founder of the Association for the Study of African American History, who first came up with the idea of the celebration that became Black History Month. Woodson, the son of recently-freed Virginia slaves who went on to earn a Ph.D in history from Harvard, originally came up with the idea as Negro History Week to encourage black Americans to become more interested in their own history. (AP Photo)
President Trump sent out a national travel band which put every airport in the nation on lockdown on January 28, 2017. Social media was in complete uproar because people couldn’t believe what was happening. Later on that night and into the next day, Congress issued out a statement that the immigration band was put on hold. On February 9, 2017, the federal appeals court decided to place the temporary restraining order thus, pausing President Trump’s plan as other proceedings moved through the lower courts. In an article by Ryan Lovelace, in the Washington Examiner called “Appeals court keeps block on Trump’s immigration ban” it stated that, “We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor
has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay,” This was said by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals which was ruled this past Thursday. The appeals court has to correct the Justice Department for arguing that Trump’s immigration action was not subject to judicial review. The court stated, “There is no precedent to support this claimed unreview ability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy.” The big decision by the three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to deny a stay of the restraining order does not serve as a ruling on the merits of the ban itself, but puts the Trump Administration in a difficult spot. Trump’s team could seek an urgent intervention from the Supreme Court if they wanted to make their plan work, but lifting the ban would require them to
The Sandra Bland Act
win over five justices on the eight-justice court. If the high court divides evenly along ideological lines, the block of Trump’s ban would stay in place and the immigration ban likely would become a central theme in the battle over Judge Neil Gorsuch’s confirmation to the high court. In some disagreements on this past Tuesday, lawyers for both sides faced pointed criticism from the West Coast appeals court. Trump’s Justice Department argued that an “irreparable injury” could result from the judges’ choosing not to lift the ban, given the President’s assessment of the risk of terrorism included in the executive order. The judges pushed back and noted that the government has gone to the appeals court before developing the record at the district court. Noah Purcell, who is the attorney representing the
The death of 28-year-old Sandra Bland is still the talk of the town though it occurred in 2015. Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman announced back in 2016 that he would be filing a bill for what is now known as the “Sandra Bland Act.” The act will ensure that, enough data is collected from routine traffic stops, additional training is provided to officers who need it, the use of de-escalation tactics will be increased and improved, increased pre-booking diversion, grants will be given to county jails to improve safety, minor traffic violation arrests will be prevented, and also enhancement of the pre-trial criminal justice system. Bland was an Illinois native who planned on working at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University in Texas. The day after her interview at the University, Bland was pulled over by Texas state trooper, Brian T. Encinia.
See BAN LIFT page 10
See BLAND page 10
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Arts . Entertainment Page 10 - Tuesday, February 14, 2017
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Black CULTURE Issue
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the point.” This is missing the purpose of the natural hair movement completely. Not only does this cause a division of “Good Hair vs Bad Hair”, but it also creates a stereotype amongst black women. This visualization makes people, that aren’t black but also other ethnicities, believe that the lighter your skin, the better your features and the less kinky your hair is. The kinkiness of our hair is what makes people of color unique and sets us apart from other ethnicities. If an African American woman is trying to After being pulled over, the state trooper asks for her license and registration, she complied. Brian then asked her to put out her cigarette which she did not agree with. Encinia commanded Bland to step out of the car but she refuses and ordered Encinia to tell her why. The two continued to argue as Encinia pulled out his stun gun and told Bland, “I will light you up. Get out! Now! Get out of the car!” Bland got out of the vehicle and was handcuffed practically out of the view of the dash-cam, but audio was still being picked up. In the video, viewers can hear a screaming match going on between Bland and Encinia. A tussle began off-screen as you can hear Bland yell that Encinia is about to break her wrists and that he has slammed her to the ground, causing her to hit her head. Encinia wrote in the affidavit that Bland kicked him. She was detained and charged with assaulting a public servant, which is a felony charge. Her bail was set to $5,000. At 9 A.M. on July 13th, Bland was found hanging in her cell at a Waller County Jail. The autopsy report had ruled her death a suicide by asphyxiation. The death of Sandra Bland was quite controversial, being that the media seemed to think her mugshot was taken after her death. Her face was sagging, and
NATURAL HAIR from page 8
embrace her natural hair and is viewed as less beautiful by her peers, there is something seriously wrong with the black community. Freshman Devin Ross says that “black women shouldn’t put down other black women, that just doesn’t make sense.” Texture discrimination is one of the many issues that the black community needs to work towards fixing in the near future. We are already as black women seen as unprofessional by their peers when wearing Natural Hair.
BLAND from page 9
by the way that her dreadlocks layed as if she were laying on her back. “I’m a black guy. I’m 55 years old. I understand this stuff. I grew up in times that this was the norm. It’s 2015 and we are going through the same circumstances? It just didn’t compute to me,” said Garnet Coleman. During the proposal of the Sandra Bland Act, the Texas House County Affairs Committee suggested that lawmakers mandate that jails add electronic monitoring systems to record when cell checks are done on inmates. They also suggested that lawmakers require DPS to correctly document the race of the people that they pull over. “My goal is that the Sandra Bland Act, along with other policies, combined with a focus on building relationships will be able to make Texas safer for everyone. We will continue to address these issues going forward,” said Coleman in the closing statement of the proposal.
thoughts behind “Lemonade” upon winning the Grammy for best urban contemporary album. “My intention for the film and album is to create a body of work that would give voice to our pain, our struggles, our doubts and our history, to confront issues that make us uncomfortable,” said Beyonce, who is pregnant with twins. Blue Ivy, her 5-year-old daughter with Jay Z, was a scene-stealer in her own right as she wore a Prince-inspired outfit in the audience. She slipped into a crowd of musicians when Grammys host James Corden replicated a “carpool karaoke” skit. As usual, the Grammy show was heavy on performance. As is less usual, there were a couple of flubs that reminded the audience it was a live telecast. Adele called a halt to her George Michael Bruno Mars performs “Let’s Go Crazy” during a tribute tribute, asking the band to start “Fastlove” to Prince at the 59th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt again. “I can’t mess this up for him,” she said Sayles/Invision/AP) and apologized to the audience. She was warmly applauded at the end by fellow musicians, most Daft Punk, and Maren Morris and Alicia Keys. of whom could relate to rough moments onstage. Several artists joined in tribute to the Bee Gees as During Lady Gaga’s energetic pairing with Barry Gibb, the band’s only surviving member, was caught on camera singing along from the audience. A Tribe Called Quest’s performance was the most overtly political, with guest Busta Rhymes criticizing “President Agent Orange.” After Adele’s five Grammys, Bowie won four, as did Adele’s producer, Greg Kurstin. Chance the Rapper won three awards, including the coveted best new artist trophy. He also beat Drake and West to win best rap album, becoming the first streaming-only album to win a Grammy. Bowie, who died of cancer in January 2016, won each time he was nominated for “Blackstar,” his critically praised final album. The awards laid bare how Bowie has been neglected by the Grammys throughout his career. He won a lifetime achievement award in 2006 but before that, his only victory was for a “Blue Jean” video in 1985. Musician Donny McClaskin, who worked on “Blackstar,” said Bowie had gotten wind before he died that the press thought highly of the disc. Chance The Rapper accepts the award for best rap “He was very pleased with how it came out performance for “No Problem” at the 59th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, in Los artistically,” he said backstage. “I was very Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP) surprised that he’d only won one Grammy for Metallica — showing a tough girl side that wasn’t a video.” Twenty One Pilots won best pop duo/group on display during her Super Bowl halftime show — duet partner James Hetfield’s microphone performance for the hit “Stressed Out.” They malfunctioned and he couldn’t be heard for two removed their pants when accepting the award verses. He kicked the mic stand over and angrily — an odd reference to when they watched the Grammys at home in Ohio in their boxers during threw his guitar when the song was done. Mars had two show-stopping numbers, his pre-fame days. Sturgil Simpson, an album of the year nominee own “That’s What I Like” and a blistering Prince tribute, “Let’s Go Crazy.” On the latter, he even overshadowed in that category by Adele and schooled The Time’s Morris Day — and Day’s Beyonce, won best country album for “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth.” mirror. Impressive duets were turned in by Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood, the Weeknd and BAN LIFT from page 9
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state of Washington looking to prevent Trump’s ban, urged the judges to act as a check on the executive branch lest lifting the ban plunge the “country back into chaos.” Purcell also faced criticism from the judges for harping about the fast-paced court proceedings. With this
ban being on hold and Trump’s team trying to do everything in their power to lift it, America is not too sure what the future holds. Most of America agrees that an immigration ban shouldn’t exist because this country was pretty much built off of immigrants. Also no
human should be discriminated against because of what race, color, or religion they are because in this country are men and women supposed to be created equal. Everyone is hoping for the best and will be looking forward to what the next update on this issue is.
Commentary
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SOUTHERN DIGEST
Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - Page 11
What I think of Black History Month BY KERRY WILSON
SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
When you ask me about Black History Month I think about a lot of things. One of the things I think about is what it would have been like when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier of baseball, or to have actually been on the same bus as Rosa Parks when she refused to give up her seat to a white man. I think of Black History Month as a reminder of the many great things that African Americans have done to prove that we could do anything. Unfortunately, that’s not how other people have seen it. In fact, there are a lot of people who don’t know that much about this part of history. The main reason for this is because the school system doesn’t adequately teach much of
the black side of history. Black History was included in my high school’s history curriculum, but oftentimes sugarcoated and watered-down. For instance, when we were learning about the Civil War, my teacher stated that slavery was not the main reason for the war. One reason why more people don’t like to celebrate Black History Month is because people often don’t want to be reminded of the negative side of this history; the part when African Americans were bought and sold like property. The part when even though African Americans were considered American citizens and given the right to vote, Jim Crow laws would prevent them from exercising that right. The point being that people do not like being reminded of the bad things
from the past. But that is exactly why we have to remember our history, to learn from it and make sure we don’t make the same mistake as the people in the past. Another reason why people don’t like to celebrate Black History Month is the same as to why people don’t like history in general. Because they think that it is just a bunch of useless facts and dates that they’re never going to need to know, however, that is simply not true. African American history is also important to know in order to evaluate how far our people have come and even see sometimes how close we got. There were more than just MLK and Rosa Parks. There was also a man named Caesar Baron, a colored man who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Yes, a colored man who fought in the most famous
war in American History. Not many people know about this because it is not explored enough. The point that I’m trying to make is this; I love Black History Month, and to me it serves as a reminder. Yes, some bad things happened, but so did some very incredible things that people thought would be impossible for us to accomplish. However, there were people brave enough to prove them wrong, and this is the month when we get to show everyone just how far we’ve come. So, this year instead of being ashamed of the past or thinking that it’s useless to learn about our history, let’s embrace it. Let’s show the people of America that we can do anything because we did it before. Let’s learn from the people of our past, so that we can be as great as them in the future.
Valentine’s Day or Single’s Awareness Day? BY COURTNEY WRIGHT
SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
Valentine’s Day seems to come faster and faster each year. For people, this commercial bombardment of chocolate, teddy bears, and expensive jewelry is a wonderful, joy filled holiday. For them, it means boxes of chocolate, roses by the dozen, expensive dinners; the list goes on and on. But for most people who are not in a monogamous relationship, or any relationship, for that matter, this holiday is unwelcomed, overrated, and yes, lonely. Some of these very people would probably prefer to celebrate Singles Awareness Day. Singles Awareness Day is a humorous holiday that provides single people with an alternative to all of the overrated Valentine’s Day festivities. I do believe this holiday should be a blessing for some people and a burden for others. Who’s to say that you are required to be in a relationship to celebrate this popular commercial holiday? I think we should use Valentine’s Day as a
reminder that we don’t have to have a significant other to show love to ourselves and our loved ones. So here’s some food for thought. First, try to spend time with your loved ones. Family is your first source of love so it only seems fit to show them some love on Valentine’s Day. Your family, unlike some significant others, don’t care about your physical appearance or what material possessions you have to give them. Sometimes your presence is enough to make your family happy. Get your mom some roses. Buy your dad a card. Go see your grandparents. Get your sibling a teddy bear. Something this small and selfless can make a big difference in your life and theirs. Second, I think all single people should take this opportunity to enjoy being alone. I mean this in a positive and not a negative way. Relationships have all kind of problems and stresses that come with them. Plenty of couples can attest to this. Being alone can have its benefits.
Spending time alone will make you feel recharged, get in touch with your emotions, and even gain productivity. By getting used to being alone, you can get in tune with your true self. Also, it serves true that one must enjoy their own company before gaining someone else’s. Lastly and most importantly, if you are alone on Valentine’s Day you should “treat yo self.” Don’t sit in your room taking a pint of ice-cream to the head. Try to go out and have fun by yourself or with a group of close friends. You can go to the movies, shopping, or pick up a new book. Do whatever makes you happy. At the end of the day, being mean and salty on Valentine’s Day only hurts one person and that’s you. Make the best out of what seems to be an unfortunate situation. Another tip on Valentine’s Day is try to stay positive about the situation. Be happy for others who have someone to spend this special day with. After all, positive vibes attract other positive vibes.
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