Volume 70 - ISSUE 4

Tuesday . February 20, 2018

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Volume 70 . Issue 4

Southern University Law Center professor and Elder Law Clinic Director, Dorothy Jackson, has filed an appeal to the SU Board of Supervisors, requesting that the decision to terminate her employment be reversed.

Jackson was terminated from the law center, after President-Chancellor, Dr. Ray Belton announced the dismissal in a letter sent to Jackson’s attorney, William D. Aaron, Jr. According to her attorney, Jackson will argue that she has been wrongfully terminated and is asking to be reinstated to her position as a member of the clinical faculty at the law center.

“We will take every step to protect her interest and the first step was [filing] an appeal … if it doesn’t turn out to our client’s satisfaction then we will recommend filing a lawsuit,” Aaron said.

Belton’s decision to terminate Jackson was recommended by the Chancellor of the law center, John Pierre.

Pierre requested Jackson’s termination after the SULC’s Investigatory Panel comprised of (7 faculty members) recommended that Jackson receive a demotion in rank, lose her tenure and receive a suspension with pay for one full year.

Pierre penned a letter to President Belton, disagreeing with the faculty panel’s recommended disciplinary actions.

“The committee by a majority vote did not recommend termination...

After a careful review of the record in this matter, I do not concur with the penalty recommendation of the committee…,” the letter from Pierre reads.

Dr. Belton issued a letter to Jackson’s JACKSON attorney on February 16, stating “...effective immediately, Dorothy Jackson is terminated from Southern University Law Center.”

Jackson’s termination originated from the controversial actions regarding the drafting of the will for former Council on Aging client, Helen Plummer.

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Advocates for former Southern University Cheer Coach, James Smith hold signs to show support during an SU basketball game inside the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

(Debrandin Brown/DIGEST)

SOURCE: THE ADVOCATE

Tumbling Down

BY DEBRANDIN BROWN

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

JAMES E. SMITH

SU Cheer Coach Resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations

www.southerndigest.com

SULC professor and Elder Law Spring 2018 Clinic Director Terminated

BY BRIA GREMILLION

SOUTHERN DIGEST - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Southern University cheer coach, James Smith, resigned earlier this month after sexual assault claims were brought up against him by two students who attend the university.

Smith, an alumni of Grambling State University, also serves as the principal of Brookstown Middle Magnet Academy. Serving as a cheerleading coach for the Jags for more than 20 years, James was a seasoned member of the Jaguar Nation.

After reports surfaced of his alleged sexual assault claims, however, Smith immediately resigned from the university. An ongoing investigation is being

conducted by Southern University officials, as well as the EBR Parish school board.

Speaking with some of his cheerleaders, many are giving Smith the benefit of the doubt that the claims against him are unfounded.

Kaiyah Stepter, a business management major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a current member of the Jags cheer squad shares about her former coach and the claims against him stating,“This is such a heartbreaking situation because Coach James Smith is such an amazing man and totally not the person the media is portraying him to be.” Stepter continued to say that See TUMBLING DOWN page 3

Career Fair Preview

BY STEPHANIE MBAYA

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

College education is one step towards preparing students for a professional journey, and few events on campus achieve this as effectively the Career Fair.

It provides the opportunity for students to meet with companies from their respective fields, as well with campus recruiters, employers, former students, and mentors.

The Career Fair activities run by the Career Services, located in Harris Hall. The Director, Tamara Montgomery, oversees the planning of the event. It occurs once in the spring and fall semesters and is usually attended

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by approximately 70 companies, 200 guests and 600 students.

The center prepares students for the Career Fair by assisting them with resume writing, carrying out mock interviews and even donating professional suits to students who have dire financial needs.

This semester, Career Services stepped up a notch and hosted a Professional Development and Leadership Institute program.

The two-day workshop was a collaboration with sponsors such as Capital One and Genesis.

The platform allowed students to network and engage with faculty, alumni, and corporate

See CAREER FAIR page 3

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Out with the Old, In With SU: SUBR Website Overhauled

BY GABRIELLE HUTCHINSON SOUTHERN DIGEST - NEWS EDITOR

At midnight on February 9, the Southern University Baton Rouge website received a complete makeover, courtesy of the Department of Information Technology. The previous website had been used since 2011 and the upgrade was long overdue.

“It’s been in the working for a couple years now. We were in the middle of transition for administration and so forth, but Dr. Fagbeyiro was able to

secure funding and some backing and after a long anticipated time, we were able to update,” Web Applications Services Manager,Rachel Carriere recalled with a sense of satisfaction.

The department formed a committee comprised of different university stakeholders, including Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Communications, to assess web trends that would increase functionality, mobile-friendliness, and ADA compliance.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that the website provides ease of access to those who may be visually or audibly impaired. New software allows any visually impaired user See IN WITH SU page 3

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

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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 and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College.

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by The Southern University Office of Publications/Graphics Manager Student Media Services.

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DIGEST Newsroom - 771.2231 The Southern DIGEST is the official The Jaguar Yearbook - 771.5812 student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Articles, at Baton Rouge is accredited by features, opinions, speak out and the Commission on Colleges of the editorials do not necessarily reflect Southern Association of Colleges and the views and opinions of the Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, administration and its policies. Signed Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org.

Spring 2018 Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bria Gremillion MANAGING EDITOR Jacqueline Morgan COPY EDITORS -------------NEWS EDITOR Gabrielle Hutchinson MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Devin Hadrick A&E EDITOR Najeri Evans SPORTS EDITOR James Eaglin, Jr. PHOTO EDITOR Caleb Penn (Interim)

DIGEST STAFF WRITERS Chelsea Beardon Devon Fedrick James Eaglin, Jr. Rocelyn Hamilton Debrandin Brown Keith Lewis Contara Mayfield Stephanie Mbaya Caleb Penn Yasmere Rashada DeJohn Richardson Jordan Victorian Ace Wheeler Kerry Wilson DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS Olivia Brock Devonte Landry Camryn Hawkins Shomari Moore Julian Alvarez D’Aryn Thomas Jeffrey Owensby Kyndall Jones

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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.

FEBRUARY 20 THUNDERSTORMS High: 83 Low: 67 Rain: 40%

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THUNDERSTORMS High: 82 Low: 69 Rain: 80%

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PARTLY CLOUDY High: 82 Low: 67 Rain: 20%

INTRAMURAL COMPLEX The intramural complex would like to invite all students to play on an intramural co-ed soccer team.

Please visit the intramural complex or contact Coach Tanner at 225771-3212 for more information.

SU SOFTBALL Saturday, February 24, the softball team will take on Spring Hill College in Baton Rouge, LA. @ 6:00 P.M on the Jaguar Field.

JAGUAR BASKETBALL The Jaguars will be facing Alcorn in a double header on Saturday, February 24 at 3PM and 5:30PM at the Davey Whitney Complex in Lorman, MS. .

WOMEN’S TENNIS Friday, February 23, the Lady Jaguars will match off against Alabama State and Jackson State in the 2018 SWAC West Tennis Round-Up in Baton Rouge, LA at 9AM and 5PM. On Saturday, February 24 the Jaguars will take on Grambling State at home at SU University Courts @ 5:00 p.m JOHN B. CADE LIBRARY SERVICES Students are able to utilize computer labs and copiers in the student union, T.T. Allain, and the SU Law Library. A quick reference library section in the Student Center on the first floor of the library is also available for student use.

FEBRUARY 23

THUNDER SHOWERS High: 77 Low: 68 Rain: 90%

PARTLY CLOUDY High: 82 Low: 65 Rain: 20%

PM SHOWERS High: 78 Low: 60 Rain: 50%

WHAT’S HAPPENING

COLLEGIATE 100 The Collegiate 100 Men of Southern University present “The Tie Drive”.

Stop by the SU barber shop all semester to donate ties for the men of SU. COLLEGIATE 100 BLACK WOMEN In support of National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day, the ladies of Collegiate 100 Black Women will be offering free HIV testing at the SmithBrown Student Union on February 21 from 11AM-1PM. CUSA TUTORING SERVICES The Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement Tutoring Center offers free and friendly academic tutoring to SU students in Math, Chemistry, Biology and Nursing classes Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The Tutoring Center is located in Stewart Hall, Room 155.

JAGUAR BASEBALL The SU Baseball team is looking to offer a new opportunity to get involved.

If you are interested in becoming a 2018 SU Diamond Girl or Team Manager, please reach out to Mr. Elliot Jones or Ms. Cara Guilbeau by email for applications.

SU GOSPEL CHOIR All supporters of the SU Gospel Choir are invited out Monday Feb. 26 to gather at Buffalo Wild Wings. On this day, 20% of purchases will go to support the Gospel Choir.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY Coca-Cola UNITED Launches Opportunity for HBCU Students: The ‘Pay It Forward’ Internship aims to provide African-American youth with opportunities. For more information on the annual “Pay It Forward” student opportunity, visit https:// cocacolaunited.com/coca-cola-unitedpay-it-forward-internship-application/.

Students can apply February 1 through March 30, 2018.

SU LAND-GRANT The Southern University Agricultural Land-Grant Campus will host its 75th Annual State Livestock and Poultry Show March 1-3 at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena, located on Highway 61 North in Baker, LA. COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY Need community service hours?

SU on Mission Collective’s Homeless outreach is Saturday, February 24.

Join the fun of sharing meals, giving away clothes and toiletries, and ministering to the homeless community. Register to volunteer at ticketleap.com.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The Office of Student Media would like to extend warm birthday wishes to all students, faculty, staff and administrators born in the month of February.

JAGUARS SPEAKOUT

Question: “Which black historian has influenced your life the most to this day and why?” BY: Calen Penn/DIGEST

JEREMIAH CORNELIUS

KENDALL DYKES

MASS COMMUNICATIONS SENIOR BATON ROUGE

MASS COMMUNICATIONS JUNIOR PONCHATULA

“It’s hard to just pick one, but it would most definitely be Malcom X, because he was always about his business.”

Bring corrections to The Southern DIGEST office located in Suite 1064, Harris Hall.

AM SHOWERS High: 74 Low: 63 Rain: 40%

“It would have to be Charles H. Wesley because of his great contributions to black culture, he just helped preserve so much information.”

CORNELIUS

BRANDON TUCKER

DYKES

MASS COMMUNICATIONS SENIOR ATLANTA, GEORGIA

TAYLOR HEDRICK SPEECH PATHOLOGY SOPHOMORE NEW ORLEANS

“Audre Lorde has influenced my life the most simply because she wasn’t afraid to express her thoughts and emotions about the social injustices in the world that she experienced being a black woman.”

TUCKER

“W.E.B. Du Bois spoke of having a double conscious as a black man in America in Souls of Black Folk and I can relate to thats alot of the same conditions exist that he (W.E.B. Du Bois) spoke about.”

MICHAEL HARRIS

HEDRICK

BUSINESS MARKETING JUNIOR BATON ROUGE

SPEAKOUT POLICY 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. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed in this “SPEAKOUT” section). The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. All questions and concerns should be directed to the editor-in-chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Comments/concerns can be sent to digest@subr.edu

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“Anthony Bey. Building and learning from him I learned more than I ever could have in any classroom. He exposed me to new information, that in time changed my thought processes and perspectives on life.”

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The Fight For Higher Education: Louisiana Lawmakers Talk TOPs Rollbacks

BY DEBRANDIN BROWN

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

On Wednesday, February 7th, Louisiana lawmakers were unable to reach a compromise to keep TOPS funded for the upcoming school year.

With this move, the future of the program may be in jeopardy yet again as state legislatures were unable to make room in the budget to fund the ever-popular scholarship program. In what many are calling a “punt” from Louisiana lawmakers, it is very likely that the program will be funded in some way as other options will be evaluated by the full legislature during the spring session that will start on March 12th.

With many Louisiana residents who attend college in-state depending on TOPS and the government to find suitable means to sustain it, many wonder just how much of a priority the educational program is to the state.

In terms of priority to lawmakers, junior Agricultural Economics major, Mitchell Brown stated, “The government officials that make a ton of money should help contribute to the funding”.

According to Brown, the fact that the vast majority of lawmakers in the country as a whole make up the infamous 1%. The fact that these individuals are the ones in charge of deciding how much money is given to help low-earning families afford post-secondary education is proof enough to many that perhaps the money isn’t the problem, but those in charge of the money may be.

Similarly, there are many who feel as though the current state legislatures are too trigger-happy when it comes to cutting funding for colleges.

Jeremiah Cornelius, a senior Mass Communications major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana commented, “I feel like whenever something has to get cut they always cut back from education.”For those of a similar mindset as Cornelius, if education was of such high priority to the government and government officials, then funding of said educational system would be their top priority.

According to Jim Henderson, President of the University of Louisiana system, has said that higher education leaders were told that close to $233 million would be cut from the program under Governor Edward’s budget proposal. Should this number be

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anywhere close to accurate, then more of students could be without a way to sufficiently afford college next fall.

While many are hopeful that better results are given during the spring session on the 12th of March, it is very likely that state lawmakers will be unable to provide adequate funding to TOPS. CAREER FAIR PREVIEW from page 1

that would have set them up to be appealing candidates in their “We strongly recommend fields. “We want to make sure that that our freshmen students our students are prepared for the workforce and that they understand understand the importance the significance of preparing of beginning with the end early for their careers prior to in mind . . . ” graduation,” said Montgomery.

-TAMARA FOSTER MONTGOMERY “We strongly recommend that our freshmen students understand the Director, Career Services importance of beginning with the end in mind. The freshman year is very vital to us because it sets the students an opportunity to reach tone for the entire matriculation in out and talk to professionals and university.” companies. It is geared towards She also stressed the seriousness ensuring all students have the of having good GPAs, as many chance of talking to prospective students may have the skill set employers who might not be required but are overlooked by present at the career fair. companies because of poor grades.

Undoubtedly, the career fair has “If students hold their end in the had a huge impact on numerous classroom and prepare themselves students. professionally, they will no For instance, Ambrosia Williams, doubt graduate to be successful a senior Marketing major, and productive members of the landed her first internship with society,” she reiterated.

ExxonMobil at the career fair. She As much as the career fair is a first attended in her junior year and good source for job opportunities, admits to having been a bit nervous it is difficult for it to cater to the at first.

6,000 students who are seeking job “I really wanted to secure an placements. internship. When I got to the As a result, the career services ExxonMobil booth, the recruiter center came up with a digital told me they weren’t particularly program called “Handshake” looking for my major, but she that will be released later in the reconsidered after looking at my semester. The platform offers resume. After that they called me

for an interview and I landed the internship,” said Williams. The Illinois native had more confidence when she attended in her senior year and was privileged to get a full-time job opportunity with Microsoft. “Just be yourself. Then you’ll feel more comfortable and you won’t be nervous when you’re talking to the companies,” advised Williams.

Another trailblazer is Jovanie Smith, a senior Computer Science major who got the opportunity to intern with GE Digitals last summer as a software engineer.

She first attended career fair her freshman year and got an internship with Prosource Technology. This gig allowed her to find ways to make Southern campus more accessible and user friendly for the disabled. Smith also works at the LIGO lab on campus, seeking to make science more appealing to students.

With various experiences and internships under her belt, Jovanie has one word of advice for students: proactiveness. “Career Services are a free resource on campus. It’s upon the students to make use of it. They give you the foundation, but you also need to put in the work. If you do, you will be unbreakable,” finished Jovanie.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - Page 3

Back in July 2016, Jackson drafted a will for Plummer which included large payments for Council on Aging (COA) Executive Director, Tasha Clark-Amar.

The will gave Clark-Amar the role of executor over Plummer’s estate and trust. Serving as executor would allow Clark-Amar to be compensated $500 monthly over the next 20 years.

Jackson drafted the will through the law center’s Elder Law Clinic, listing herself as the private attorney for Plummer’s estate, upon her passing.

Pierre drafted a policy back in July 2017, formally stating that Southern

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clinical professors and attorneys are not allowed to “provide legal services to clients that originally come from the school’s database.

Aaron argues that at the time Jackson drafted the will, the policy had not yet been in place.

Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs of the SULC, Roderick White, declined to comment on Jackson’s termination.

The next meeting for the Southern University Board of Supervisors is Friday, February 23 at 9:00 am on the second floor of the J.S. Clark Administration Building

IN WITH SU from page 1

to see better or to have text and photo tags read aloud to them.

“Speaking about ADA compliance, one of the big areas we take for granted is that we are blessed that we can see. We can move around.

We can walk. But we do have in our presence and our community some that are physically challenged -- vision impaired. Some can barely see. So we need a website that can cater to those individuals so they won’t miss out on any information,” Fagbeyiro said.

With education and technology steadily advancing, the Department of Information Technology are adamant about providing the best and most inclusive resources for students.

“The students these days are accessing the sites on their phones and tablets, so everything will show.

That’s what we mean by mobile friendly,” Carriere articulated.

Additionally, the website offers a new interactive campus map called Campus Bird. Ideal for prospective students and visitors, the service allows users to partake in a virtual, street-view campus tour from any location without actually interacting with anyone.

“It’s almost like Google Earth, but this goes over and beyond,” Associate Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Information Officer Dr. Gabriel Fagbeyiro described. Campus Bird also guides visitors to appropriate parking and the university’s various amenities.

The website displays vibrant hues of columbia blue and gold. Visitors are greeted with serene photos of the Human Jukebox and Scott’s Bluff.

Page content has been reorganized and streamlined in a way that students can appreciate.

Freshman Speech Pathology major and Lake Charles, Louisiana native, Keri Fowlkes, is among those that are impressed by the improvements, sharing, “I think that the new SUBR website is more appealing and it’s easier to find things like Moodle and the email and all that. I don’t have to search for anything. It’s pretty plain.”

In the new website’s case, less is more. The homepage provides students all major links and necessities without being an eyesore.

Incidentally, other Southern University System websites are following suit.

“Not only are we doing this for SUBR, we’re bringing this to the other system campuses through the same content management agency so that these different system websites can actually talk to each other,” Fagbeyiro continued.

The websites will parallel in a manner that will allow breaking news and content on one site to be shared with the others.

The system website is expected to launch later this week.

The DoIT eagerly welcomes feedback through subr.edu and/or phone at 225-771-3935.

“He [Smith] had taken every team he’s had from the past 25 years and loved his babies like we were his own.”

Many close to Smith have given similar testimonies to his character, detailing his work for the school, students, and the cheer program in general.

When asking some students on campus outside the cheer team, however, similar testaments to Smith’s character were given along with possible motives to slander Smith.

“I think whoever said that was either mad or about to get put off [the] team or something,” Shazly Jones, a Speech Pathology major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana commented on the debacle. “Basically they did that to make him look bad. Like they didn’t get their way so they tried to bring him down and being that they are

students people will believe them,” Jones continued.

Coming from students without affiliations to Smith, it speaks volumes on the impression Smith has left on people and the Southern University Community as a whole.

Regardless of these testimonies however, the reality is that there have been numerous sexual assault cases against numerous highstanding individuals in the Southern University System for an extended period of time. These cases have negatively affected the university and its name with unwanted attention and disdain since this string of cases began.

As the university’s and school system’s investigations continue, there will be ongoing coverage as to whether the allegations against Smith are accurate and what his future in the school system will be.

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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

MARDI GRAS RECAP No Audience, No Problem Jags Hoops keeps winning despite empty seats (DIGEST ART)

BY JAMES EAGLIN, JR./DEBRANDIN BROWN SOUTHERN DIGEST - SPORTS EDITOR/SPORTS WRITER

According to statistics published on the official SWAC website involving all ten men’s collegiate basketball programs, Team A averages 898 fans per game, while Team B averages 3,155 fans per game. Team A averages more points per game than Team B. Team A allows fewer points per game than team B. Team A has a higher shooting percentage of three pointers and free throws compared to Team B. Team A grabs more rebounds than Team B. Both Team A and Team B have players who rank among the top 10 in the conference. Both Team A and Team B have top 10 assist leaders on their teams. Both teams have two of the ten best three point shooters to date. Which team represents Southern?

The answer: Team A is none other than the Southern University Jaguars men’s basketball team (12-14, 8-5 SWAC), while Team B was the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions.

The last meeting between the two teams came Saturday, February 10 at the F.G. Clark Activity Center, right on the cusp of Mardi Gras break.

The Jags lost their first meeting against

the Golden Lions in a close 78-76 overtime game at Pine Bluff in early January. With a 5-1 record since then, Southern had been steadily improving behind the stellar play of junior guard, Eddie Reese, and senior forward, Jared Sam. Coming into Saturday night’s game, the Jaguars looked to continue their championship-caliber play.

To start the game off, the Jags came out with very low energy and were out hustled on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball as UAPB took an early 9-0 advantage.

Speaking with head coach Morris Scott, he had this to say about the start to the game: “The first half, I thought we were a little too excited. Right out the gate, we came out and we missed some easy baskets.”

Reese’s consistent three point shooting contributions kept the Jags afloat in the first half as UAPB matched the SU offense shot for shot. The Golden Lions refused to go down easily and did enough right for the rest of the first half to take a 31-27 lead into the locker room.

After halftime however, the game turned in the Jaguars’ favor early and they never looked back. Starting with two buckets by senior guard, Chris Thomas halfway through See RECAP page 5

Senior Guard, Richard Lee shoots a three-pointer over a UAPB Freshman guard Cameron Posey on Saturday, February 10 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. (Caleb Penn/DIGEST)

The 2018 Winter Olympics

BY DEBRANDIN BROWN

SOUTHERN DIGEST - SPORTS WRITER

The Olympics have always been the prime event to show off the world’s greatest talents from the world’s most diverse locations.

From the mountains of Europe to the lively villages of Ghana, the amount of talent on display at this year’s Winter Olympics is nothing short of remarkable.

This year’s Winter Olympics, however, showcases an abundance of talented people of color as well, including the likes of Maame Biney, Shani Davis, and Erin Jackson.

18-year old Maame Biney,

who is currently a highschool senior, is one of the numerous young talents hoping to achieve immortality as an Olympian.

With her final qualifying race going viral and garnering over five million views on Facebook, Biney quickly became an overnight sensation among fans of the Olympics. At only 18 years old, Biney became the second African American in history to represent the U.S. in the Winter Olympics.

Despite being a vicious competitor, Biney has often been described as “bubbly” by the media as a whole. In Biney’s own words in an interview with the Los Angeles

Times however, that is a completely different story.

Once she is on the ice,“My game face on the ice is totally different from right now. It’s not this. It’s like, Don’t be in my way because I’m probably going to kill you.” Ever the fierce competitor, Biney has shown that she is more than ready to represent her country and represent the Olympics.

Also making history during this year’s Olympics is Erin Jackson, a 25-year old Florida native. Along with being a 10time world champion inline skater, Jackson will be the See WINTER OLYMPICS page 5

Erin Jackson of the U.S. competes during the women’s 500 meters speedskating race at the Gangneung Oval at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

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Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - Page 5

Baseball Opens Season In Historic Fashion

BY JAMES EAGLIN, JR.

SOUTHERN DIGEST - SPORTS EDITOR

The Southern University Jaguars baseball team finished their 11th appearance in the Andre Dawson Classic, formally known as the Major League Baseball Urban Invitational, last weekend in New Orleans, LA. The MLB Urban Invitational sheds light on HBCU baseball programs. Six HBCUs were represented among the pool of eight teams, including Alabama State University, Alcorn State University, Grambling State University, Prairie View A&M University, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Southern has participated in the three-day round robin tournament since its inception 11 years ago.

It was renamed in honor of Andre Dawson, an outfielder drafted out of Florida A&M University who played 21 seasons in the big leagues. Known as “The Hawk”, Dawson compiled 438 home runs and 314 stolen bases while playing for four different franchises. He joins Southern’s Lou Brock as one of the only two HBCU alumni to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Jaguars started Day 1 of the tournament somewhat rusty, allowing two runs in the bottom of the fourth against the University of Illinois at Chicago Flames, the key factor in a 3-0 shutout loss. Other than freshman outfielder Michael Wright going 2-for-3, SU was not able to hit effectively, batting .137 as a team, including going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Redshirt senior, Tyler Robinson (0-1) went 7 innings finishing with an earned run average of 2.57 First year head coach Kedrick Jackson did not have to wait too much longer for his first win. However, it didn’t come without its share of suspense. The nightcap of

Day 1 saw Southern facing off against the Grambling State Tigers. Down three runs at the bottom of the sixth with the bases loaded, junior outfielder Javeyan Williams launched a triple down the right field sideline, clearing the bases and the Jags’ deficit.

Williams was able to score off of a GSU error to give the Jags a 7-6 edge heading down the stretch.

Another GSU run forced the game into extra innings, where junior outfielder Ashanti Wheatley was able to win the game off of a walk off home run in the 10th to wrap up Day 1.

On Saturday, the Jaguars only had one ballgame: a rematch against the IllinoisChicago Flames.

Unlike the day before, this time they were able to avoid being shutout.

Most of the game, Southern was even able to control the lead.

However, sophomore reliever John Guineze and the bullpen could not stop UIC from climbing the comeback trail, allowing a 8-tun inning at the top of the ninth to catapult them to their second win against SU, 9-5.

It was a tough go for sophomore right handed pitcher, Markaylon Boyd in the final game against the University of New Orleans Privateers Sunday. Boyd (0-1) gave up six earned runs over four innings, five of them coming in the first.

The Jaguars tried to rely on their solid on base percentage and good base running to creep back into the game, but the Privateers produced eight more runs in the 7th inning to win the game by a final score of 14-3.

RECAP from page 4

JAGUAR OPPONENTS

Despite the 1-3 record, the Jaguars have a lot to take away from this past weekend. With only a few seniors on this year’s roster, it will be important for the Jags to rely on underclassmen to produce in big moments. The bullpen had an off weekend, but it is only February and there is plenty of room for improvement.

At least Coach Jackson can rest somewhat easier knowing he secured his first victory leading the blue and gold.

The next game on Southern’s slate will be in Montgomery, AL this weekend, as the Jags face a three-game series against the Alabama State Hornets. The regular season home opener will be Tuesday, February 27, as SU will play the Alcorn State Braves at Lee Hines Field at 6pm.

WINTER OLYMPICS from page 4

United States’ Aaron Tran, left, and Maame Biney joke during a short track speed skating training session prior to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018. Figure skating and short track speed skating will be held at the Gangneung Ice Arena. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

RESULTS WOMEN (4th Place Overall) 2nd Place, Women’s 4x400 Meter Relay Vashti Hannah, 1st Place, Women’s Long Jump Terralicia Mercadel, 1st Place, Women’s 400 Meter Dash Jamira Russ, 1st Place, Women’s Weight Throw Briana Radford, 2nd Place, Women’s Shot Put Raelynn Price, 3rd Place, Women’s 800 Meter Run

first black woman to ever secure a spot on the United States long-track team.

Only four months after learning the sport of speed skating, she placed 3rd at the U.S. Olympic Speed Skating trial.

Although she had missed the opening ceremonies of this year’s Winter Olympics with illness, Jackson had this to say to her facebook followers in regards to what she hopes to accomplish when she takes the ice for her race.

“After being sick this week, the coaches and medical staff decided it would be best for me to stay back and rest. I race in nine days and I’m looking forward to coming back stronger than ever.”

With individuals such as Biney and Jackson

highlighting the starstudded African American lineup, this year’s Olympics is guaranteed to be a head turner for all interested in the sport.

The Olympics have always been one of the greatest stages in existence to show the entire world just what your country brings to the table as far as elite athletics.

During this time, countries that may not be on the greatest of terms with each other sit down together to marvel at the greatness that different races and nationalities bring to the table. This exemplifies just how powerful the hold sports has on the individual, the nations, and the world as a whole.

the 2nd half, the Jags were able to overwhelm the once-suffocating Lions defense. Reese finished the game with 19 points and 6 assists.

Despite leading by as many as 11 points in the 2nd half, Sam, the team’s leading scorer, only shot 3 of 14 from the field through the entirety of the game. Sam finished the game with a 14 point-11 rebound double-double as his teammates continued to feed him down the stretch. The Jags went on to win the game with a score of 70-62.

After the game, Eddie Reese spoke about the game UAPB played and how it felt beating them after dropping their first contest, “They [are] the number one team so we know they’re going to come out and compete. We had them last game but we just let it slip away.”

Fast forward one week later, Southern is second in the conference standings in front of UAPB. Which proved Saturday’s home game to be huge. The official attendance: 1,011.

During halftime, members of the 1992-93 men’s basketball team were honored in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their dominant 93-78 victory over Georgia Tech during the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Other than highlights of iconic head coach, Ben Jobe, and the play of Jervaughn Scales, Leonard White, and the rest of the team, what stood out during the video tribute was the number of passionate fans that traveled to cheer Southern on to victory.

So, not only was Saturday a huge conference game, but one of the most legendary teams in Southern’s prestigious sports history were honored. Yet again, the official attendance: 1,011.

At some point, the burden can’t continue to be placed on the athletics department. The arena staff are just as friendly and professional as always. The Geaux Team was out in full force, per usual. The halftime entertainment was on point. The Kiss Cam was unexpected, but added a nice touch. The only thing that was missing, and continues to be missing, is you.

This past football season, the biggest crowd came for the Bayou Classic, drawing an attendance of over 66,000 fans. The winner received the honor of representing the SWAC at the Celebration Bowl.

This March, Southern could see Grambling State in the SWAC Championship game in both men’s and women’s basketball, with the honor of representing the SWAC in the NCAA Tournament. Maybe that’s what it will take for fans to show up.

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SOUTHERN DIGEST

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Participants in the Drama Club’s Love Auction taking the stage in the Hayden Hall Theater on February 14. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Junior Guard, Eddie Reese, drives hard to the lane around a pick from his teammate, Jared Sam, on Saturday, February 10th in the F.G. Clarke Activity Center. (Caleb Penn/DIGEST)

Phi Mu Alpha fraternity performing an acapella selection at the Black Arts Showcase in the Smith-Brown Union Ballroom on February 15. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Southern University’s Concert Choir performs a traditional hymn at the Black History Month Celebration in Hayden Hall on Monday, February 19. (Yasmere Rashada/DIGEST)

Junior guard, Skylar O’Bear, shoots a jumpshot over an UAPB defender at the F.G. Clark Activity Center on February 10. (Arnita Dove/DIGEST)

Dr. Raymond Lockett, talks about the importance of black history to the youth, during the Black History Month Celebration in Hayden Hall on February 19.

(Yasmere Rashada/DIGEST)

Auctioners claim their winnings at the Drama Club Love Auction in Hayden Hall on Thursday, February 15. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

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SOUTHERN DIGEST

Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - Page 7

THE CAREER FAIR

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES CENTER WWW.SUBR.EDU/CAREERSERVICES

CAREER DAY TIPS

CAREER SERVICES ********************** CONNECT TO YOUR FUTURE

Wednesday, February 21, 2018 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

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Page 8 - Tuesday, February 20, 2018

SOUTHERN DIGEST

The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

YOUNG STARS Black Arts Showcase The men of Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity performing an acapella at the Black arts Showcase in the Smith-Brown Union Ballroom on February 15. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

BY DEBRANDIN BROWN

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

On February 15th, the Royal Cotillion Ballroom hosted the annual Black Arts Showcase, featuring numerous acts from all different types of students.

Performances included expressive dances, poetry, and songs by different sororities and fraternities in the area. Some of the acts included songs from the sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota, the brothers of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and a strong poetic display by Jeremiah “JC” Cornelius, a senior Mass Communications major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Coupled with a successful student turnout, this year’s Black Arts Showcase was one of the more soulful events to touch Southern this year.

This year’s Black Arts Showcase had an Apollo-ish feel to it as the young artists took

the stage Thursday night.

For acts whose performances shined and connected to the audience, they were awarded with applause. Acts whose performances fell flat however, were rewarded with deafening silence.

With all credit to the performing acts, every sperformance was met with applause at their conclusions.

Some acts, like the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity, stumbled initially, but the talent and experience they have singing together made their overall performance one of the best of the night.

Going as far as to serenade some members of the audience, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia came in and stole hearts with their soulful, quartet-like renditions of classic soul music.

Similarly, the sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota gave a beautiful group performance as well.

With solos from multiple different sisters

being woven into one artistic performance, the ladies of SAI gave the audience a soothing, yet energetic performance in what was a classic group showcase.

One of the more energetic performances of the night was an outstanding piece of poetic expression from Jeremiah Cornelius. Performing an original piece that he had created prior to the event, Cornelius’ performance showcased a sort of showmanship that is hard to find in younger artists.

“It felt like a good opportunity to show meaningful art, and that was very much evident [in other performing acts]. I just wish more people would have come out.”

Cornelius continued on to speak about how it felt to perform his art to his peers, “I was happy to be there. Just to put a face to my work and to show that to the people was satisfying.”

The act that many believed to be the showstopper, however, was an expressive dance from Matthew Fox, a native of Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Kennedie Batiste, a freshman criminal justice major from Lawtell, Louisiana who was in attendance during the performance stated, “His dancing, it was emotional. I felt it”.

The Black Arts Showcase was a success in regards to composition and performances.

As Cornelius alluded, however, the lack of attendance is perhaps the only nitpick voiced by those in attendance. With art and talent in such abundance, many felt as though a greater student presence at such events would only serve to improve the overall quality of the show.

The influence of Black Television and HBCUs

BY NAJERI EVANS

SOUTHERN DIGEST - A&E EDITOR

The invention of the television created a new outlet for influence on society, and with the premiere of The Ethel Waters Show in 1939, “black television” began. “Black television” can be described as a number of black sitcoms many black Americans have been influenced by or that are part of black culture.

Different shows display a combination of different characteristics and aspects of black life, from hardships and family drama, to overcoming the challenges many minorities face all while growing together as a family.

Black Television is set apart from plain television with black culture and parallels in life from cast to audience; a certain experience actors have on and off the stage.

Older shows, such as Good Times and Sanford and Son display a sentiment of life college students today see in their grandparents. Economic opportunity, discrimination, culture from the era, and morals mostly align with those of that who played a part in raising young adults today.

More relatable shows, such as My Wife and Kids and Everybody Hates Chris signify the generation before today’s college students, parents. Both shows under the influence of comedians Chris Rock, executive producer

DIGEST ART

of the popular show Everybody Hates Chris, and Damon Wayans, creator of the show My Wife and Kids. Attributes in the similar “no nonsense” parenting styles, sibling relationships and struggles of maintaining a family align with the notorious attitude of many black parents, all while keeping the

audience laughing.

Several shows from the 90s are most relatable to this generation of HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) students, having the strongest and most impactful effect on black culture.

Sitcoms such as Moesha, One on One, and

The Parkers feature black romance as a continuous storyline throughout the length of each show. In Moesha, the main teenage character faces struggles from a black girl’s point of view on crushes, sexual relationships, and growing into a young lady. The Parkers See BLACK TV page 9

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SOUTHERN DIGEST

Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - Page 9 BLACK TV from page 8

BY JACQUELINE MORGAN

SOUTHERN DIGEST - MANAGING EDITOR

What constitutes a solid superhero movie?

What should it entail? Who can be a superhero?

The answer: Black Panther.

In the last decade alone, the idealistic portrayal of superheroes has been the longstanding sight of your typical, everyday, caucasian male: Batman, Iron Man, Thor, Spiderman and even Captain America, and they’ve all become the literal representation of national courage, hope, and heroism.

African American superheroes have never been afforded the same glorification, or existence for that matter. Near the end of black cinema’s peak, Wesley Snipes’ Blade trilogy danced with the ideas of black heroism, but that character’s legend has since become a memory.

Which then poses the question, was black heroism ever meant to endure mainstream America? Is the recurring image of black valor too much of a deterrent to the image Hollywood needs to sustain?

Critics are in favor of the direction the film took.

“Whether or not this is the best film Marvel Studios has made to date-and it is clearly in the discussion-it is by far the most thoughtprovoking,” says Christopher Orr of The Atlantic.

Imaginably, what emerges in the opening scenes of Black Panther sets the stage for no predestined, idealistic superhero narrative.

Writer-director Ryan Coogler stays close to

home, dropping us in Oakland, California for no occasion other than, you guessed it, — death.

The continuing storyline picks up where Captain America: Civil War leaves off, with T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, claiming the throne of Wakanda after the death of his father. For decades, Wakanda has thrived, believing that if the world discovered its technological advantages and true power, the country would then be put at risk.

Among the main cast, the belief is that the country must continue as it has for centuries, solely nurturing its own people.

Some, like W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya) and Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), confidants to T’Challa, believe that Wa k a n d a must use its power to act as an interventionist for the rest of the world, and with the encouragement of Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), they attempt just that. Nakia especially believes it is the country’s duty to aid the less fortunate, so she acts as an undercover vigilante, saving as many people as she can. Together, they overcome the obstacles thrown at them and eventually,

Coloring And Cocoa: An Evening of Serenity

BY DEVON FEDRICK

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

With all the commotion on campus it’s easy to get caught up in the flow of things and forget how important it is to designate time to your mental health. Especially for first time students who are experiencing college life for the first time, even in-state students can find themselves feeling like a fish out of water.

Between Housing, Registration, Financial Aid, Meal Plans, Class Schedules and even finding solid friendships, there are enough obstacles to discourage anyone.

Courtesy: SU Young Alumni Chapter

Sure, there are many events on campus that are entertaining, but a lot of them focus on partying. That’s okay too, but sometimes more than a night of turning up, we need a night to just calm down and remember the simple things in life that can bring us peace and happiness.

“Tonight, was about mental wellness,” said Kenyata Fountain, a graduate of Southern University was the person to organize last night’s event.

On February 15th, Fountain organized Southern’s very first “Coloring and Cocoa” night and it was a hit. She got the idea to have an event on campus that would catch students by surprise. Instead of a dark room with loud music, students were welcomed into a well-lit lobby in Boley Hall and given coloring books.

Students were encouraged to grab a piece of cake and simply let the evening take them away from the stresses and distractions on campus.

“Some students even began jokingly fighting over the crayons like they used to do in preschool,” said Jerome Hicks Jr., a Junior Animal Science Major from New Orleans.

He knew of the event but had forgotten until he came downstairs and was greeted

by Kenyata. Hicks mentioned, “I saw the event coordinator and she asked me to come color and I had no objections.”

Fountain remembered the difficulties of being in a different state for the first time and trying to adjust to campus life, and feeling like there was no one there to guide her through it all. Her goal was to show students that we’re never too old to color, and that through coloring “we can just share a moment.”

She explained the difficulties being a woman in the I.T. field which is See COLOR AND COCOA page 10

the people of Wakanda come to a consensus that the rest of the world does in fact deserve their aid and power.

Now, is all of this screaming superhero? Not quite, but the 31-year-old writer-director has seemingly redefined the characteristics of the typical superhero epic, and instead highlighted the fact that black stories do matter, and that they do in fact hold a relevant place in society no matter what connotation they take on. He proved this incontestably with Fruitvale Station and again with Creed, both ironically starring Michael B. Jordan.

Taking a whopping $200 million to make, B l a c k Panther did not fail to satisfy viewers.

Following the theater premiere Thursday evening, the Southern University Alumni Federation hosted a “Jaguar Screening” for the film Friday afternoon at Movie Tavern.

“I saw it twice. Two nights back to back. Same theater, same seat, same popcorn combo and everything.

I t was that good,” exclaimed senior Music Performance major, Major Goldman of Beaumont. TX.

uses Nikki Parker’s hopelessly romantic gestures towards Stanley Oglevee as comedic relief, and One on One’s Flex is a flirty bachelor whose lifestyle is changed when his teen daughter moves in.

Among the most positive shows is A Different World, a spin-off of classic, The Cosby Show.

A Different World showcased college life for HBCU students in the late 80s. The show both gave exposure to HBCUs and demonstrated black life in the collegiate world.

Classics like Martin and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air contributed to black culture, popularizing certain phrases, and influencing fashion and music.

Jarren Narcisse, junior mass communications major from Dallas, Texas agreed on Martin’s influence, “A lot of what I say and a lot of what I do is based off [Martin].”

Other shows such as Sister Sister, Smart Guy, and Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper created a platform for young black actors to be the representation for youth in the media.

Jasmine Grover, freshman Sociology major from Long Beach, California stated, “That’s So Raven is a really goofy and energetic person, and black women are usually seen as the angry black women stereotype in media.”

The influence black television has had on its viewers is nothing shy of being impactful in various aspects of black culture and black life.

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predominately male. She experienced discrimination based on her sex and although she aced her interview, people questioned her ability to do the work.

However, her present manager defended her. “He took that chance on me,” stated Fountain. That motivated her to organize this event. She wanted students to understand that

Southern, with all its challenges, is nothing compared to the challenges of real world and it is important to be prepared physically, but also mentally.

Of course, she couldn’t spread this message alone. Luckily for her she had already drawn the attention and support of another Southern Graduate of 1969, Albertha Warren. She first

met Fountain during another event where she was “highly impressed”.

“When I saw that she had planned it I said I gotta go cause I like Kenyata,” said Warren.

And that is just what she did, as she helped hand out cake and coloring books throughout the night. “I believe it had an overall positive outcome when it comes to mental health,”

COLORING AND COCOA from page 9

said Hicks.

It’s safe to say that if you missed this event, you missed out on a good time, but no worries; Kenyata has explained that she has some more events in the works so stay tuned SU.

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Tuesday, February 20 2018 - Page 11

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: THE REFOCUS

BY NAJERI EVANS

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

Around this time of year, in the midst of Black History Month, most people’s opinions fall in one of three categories.

Non-black people are typically falling into “why isn’t there a *insert ethnicity here* Month” category. From there, black people side with one of the remaining two categories. Either celebratory and appreciative of the month, or those who like me are not complacent with the status quo of how repetitive and tiresome Black History Month has become.

In my childhood, my family

BY KEITH LEWIS

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

As the First Quarter of the semester came a close, my friends and I prepared for our first break of the semester, MARDI GRAS. As seniors at Southern University, we have mastered the art of handling business in the band, having fun, and returning to class like nothing has happened.

Being a native of Dallas, Texas, the idea of Mardi Gras and the festivities that comes with it was foreign my first year of college.

Three years later, over sixty miles worth of parades, and enough alcohol to sedate a Donald Trump protest, my expertise of the holiday has elevated.

This year, Mardi Gras started off dreary and wet. My first “rainy Mardi Gras season”, I envisioned the parades routes to be empty and vacant. Wrong! The crowd came in hundreds, with people lined up in ponchos ready to hear music, have

celebrated by participating in Black History Month programs where the focus was primarily the civil rights actions of Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks.

Over a decade later, and the same sentiments during this month are still being expressed and selective of the same historical leaders.

To force all of black history into the shortest month of the year and to dedicate this time annually to the same people is outrageous.

Black History is more than slavery, more than the civil rights movement, and more than 28 days. Black History isn’t just about having a dream, or peaceful

protests. Black History is resilient, tragic but overcoming, and the epitome of roses growing through the concrete.

Black History Month should be, alternatively in August, the month symbolizing beauty and strength of character, a full 31 days for black bliss. It is also of significance that the month be dedicated toward change, growth, and prosperity of all black peoples.

Surpassing simple programs and hashtags on Twitter, work towards reaping reparations can be put in motion, rebuilding black communities, educating brown and black people on their civil rights

MARDI GRAS: THE RECAP

fun, and engulf into the culture.

No parades were cancelled and no one’s spirits were dampened. The rain added a flare of excitement to our performances.

From our first parade to Zulu, the band put on an exhilarating performance.

My favorite is the Krewe of Bacchus also known as “Bloody Sunday” to the band world because of the intense head to head battles that take place before the start of the parade.

As we marched down St. Charles everyone knows it’s time to show out when you see ‘the bridge”. The Bridge is a New Orleans staple spot where the streets and band heads judge you on the quality sound, excitement, and aggression of your performance.

After our performances, we rushed, showered and ventured

to

New

Orleans for the start of our epic four-day vacation.

People were everywhere; every demographic, race, and age. It

and how to protect them, and mirroring black excellence back at the same country that denies it.

A month honorary to all historical black pioneers, from George Washington Carver and his innovations with peanut butter, to the Black Panthers who militantly fought for the defense of black people, to Mansa Musa an African emperor, all the way to Tupac Shakur and his love for black people. No matter how big or small the contribution, Black History Month should be dedicated to not only those who succeeded in the face of injustice, but those who tried as well.

didn’t matter. Up and down canal street, hundreds of people were there with a common goal; to have fun. And for those in the latter years, end up in a different state of mind separate from what they showed up in; Handgrenades and fish bowls ruled the streets that night.

On Monday night, I switched up my normal New Orleans routine of parades and went to visit Lafayette, Louisiana.

I was astonished at the vast differences of the Mardi Gras cultures.

They named it the “black mardi gras parade.”

The vibrant costumes treated my eyes. The food was some of the best I’ve tasted in the state; hats off to Lafayette for showing the best Louisiana had to offer that day.

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Sexual Harassment: Testerone Edition

BY CHELSEA BEARDON

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

What is sexual harassment? Do you think men are sexually harassed? Why are men sexually harassed? Why do most men feel uncomfortable to speak out or file a complaint against a woman if they are sexually harassed?

USA today reported,“In the most recent data available from the [Equal Employment Opportunity Commission], there were 6,758 complaints of sexual harassment allegations received by the commission in 2016, and a little more than 16% were filed by men.”

However, the data does not specify who did the harassing — a woman or another man.

Moreover, EEOC data does not provide a comprehensive picture of the entire country.

Plus, the agency estimates that most people, male or female, who have experienced harassment (more than 80 percent) never file a formal complaint about it.

The Webster’s Dictionary defines sexual harassment as “uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature especially by a person in authority towards a subordinate, for example, an employee or student.”

When most people think of sexual harassment, they think of a man harassing a woman but most NEVER think of a woman harassing a man. Some would consider it as

a double standard. Me, myself? I would say that it is possible for a man to be harassed by a woman. And, with the present day influx of sexual harassment allegations, I wouldn’t suspect falsehood in a man’s claim.

If it can happen to a woman then it can certainly happen to a man. I just believe that men don’t talk about being harassed because of pride, shame, and just the uncomfortable feeling of being taunted.

What’s wrong with us realizing that sexual harassment can go both ways? Remember when Drake was a victim of an unsolicited and non-consensual kiss at Coachella two years ago? As he sat on a chair on stage, Madonna planted one on his lips and started

rubbing his chest as the crowd cheered in delight. After the incident, Drake addressed the audience and asked, “What the f----just happened?” If the tables were turned, and a man did the same to Madonna, what would’ve happened?

I think we should be reaching out to male victims and recognizing that sexual harassment occurs in the male community.

That might help them start talking more.

WE need to make sure every single woman and man is clear about what constitutes inappropriate behavior. So, if you’re not 100 percent you should do it then I would suggest you just don’t.

EDITORIAL POLICY 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, opinions and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body. The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public.

We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its Commentary page (Including Sports Commentaries) The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be emailed to digest@ subr.edu

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SOUTHERN DIGEST

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