February 24, 2015 by Southern Digest

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Tuesday, February 24 2015

Volume 64, Issue 4

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SU students cited for trespassing BY LAUREN JOHNSON DIGEST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ALLIYAH MOORE/DIGEST FILE Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright speaks to Southern University students, faculty, and members of the community in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom on Thursday, February 19, 2015.

Let the Church Say,”Amen.”

BY LAQUENCIA PARKER DIGEST NEWS EDITOR

On Thursday, February 19, Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright Jr. brought his controversial message to the Southern University community, his topic: “Injustice, the Poor, and the Continuing Exclusion of Minority Populations in America”. Wright’s invitation to speak at SU sparked contentious remarks from some, specifically contributing editor for the National Review Quin Hillyer, who stated in an article for The Acadiana Advocate, “Why a black university would want to invite somebody with such prototypically racist views-idiocies that for years were used to brutalize black people-should be beyond all reasonable people’s understanding.” Wright’s message to those in attendance was “Our help doesn’t come from the government, our help comes from God”. Wright compared

the plight of African Americans from the days of slavery until present time to that of biblical stories and characters, quoting specifically Lamentations 4:17, “We looked until we could look no longer, for help that never came. We kept waiting for help from a nation that had none to give.” Wright chose to speak at Southern because of his love for HBCUs and members of his former congregation who were SU graduates. “I sat on the board of trustees for Virginia Union, so I love HBCUs and I love what they are doing,” said Wright. “They are performing a task that cannot be done at any non-minority university.” Wright finished. Although he was promoted and introduced as the former minister of President Barack Obama, Wright remarked that it wasn’t a defining quality of his ministry. “I had 10 thousand members, he was one,” said Wright. “Nobody talks about all the members who

work hard to make our church.” As for injustice in America, Wright said he finds it occurring more often with African Americans. “Every year there’s something new,” said Wright. “Last year it was Trayvon, this year it was Eric. Every year, we still suffer under the injustices of this country.” Finished Wright, referencing the controversial deaths of Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner. Ultimately, Wright’s hope for his appearance and speech was a reevaluation of where African Americans place their faith. “Our story is tied to the biblical story, and our hope and our help is in God.” said Wright. “Governments come and go, politicians are voted in and out of office, don’t put your faith in those things. Put your hope in things that are unseen; God is unseen.” Wright finished.

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

Seventeen Southern University students, including a prominent Student Government Association official were charged with misdemeanors for trespassing, of an off campus location on Sunday Feb 22, 2015. According to Dean of Students Marcus Coleman, the incident is currently under investigation. Coleman went on to state that the investigation is not being done by SUPD, but by the university’s Department of Student Affairs, along with the East Baton Rouge Parish Police Department. “We are currently looking into it, and individually of each student,” said Coleman. When asked were the students all a part of or aspiring members to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Coleman responded saying, “ They are all SU students.” In regards to the SGA official involved, Coleman claimed SGA president was on the scene, but “the extent of his involvement is unknown.” According to Coleman no one was arrested but issued felony charges that were later dropped to misdemeanors. “No one has been suspended, due to lack of evidence at the moment,” said Coleman. When asked what will happen now in regards to the SGA President position Coleman responded, ”Nothing, nothing has been proven at this point.” There is currently no official police

see TRESPASSING page 3

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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. The Southern DIGEST is published once weekly (Tuesday with a run count of 4,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton Rouge campus fall, spring semesters. The paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every Tuesday & Friday morning on the SUBR campus. The Southern DIGEST student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The offices are located on the first floor of T.H. Harris Hall, Suite 1064. ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2015 by The Southern University Office of 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.

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THE WEEK AHEAD: 4-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK TUES. FEBRUARY 24

CLOUDY HI - 55° / LO - 43° 20% CHANCE OF RAIN

WEDS. FEBRUARY 25

THURS. FEBRUARY 25

FRI. FEBRUARY 27

RAIN

CLOUDY

SUNNY

HI - 50/ LO - 36° 100% CHANCE OF RAIN

HI - 57° / LO - 34° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN

HI - 57° / LO - 35° 0% CHANCE OF RAIN

Campus Briefs VISUAL ARTS GALLERY The SU Visual Arts Gallery will be open until March 5. Gallery hours are Monday through thursday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Contact randell_henry@ subr.edu for more information. GIVING BACK Give back to the SU Community through the H&R Block Non Profit referral Program for every new client that has their taxes completed by HRB & mentions the SU Code, H&R Block will donate $20 to SU. Any new client that has their tax refund prepared by H&R Block (any location all over the US) and provides the SU Non Profit ID Referral code of: 4001 00010 79676 H&R Block will donate $20 of H&R Block funds to SU. QUIZ BOWL The 21st Annual Black History Quiz Bowl will be held on Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. in the SU Agricultural Center. PRE LAW SOCIETY The SU Pre-Law Society will hold an organizational meeting on Feb 26 At 5 p.m. in the Moot Court room of the Law center. Contact Brittany Short at (985) 414-4826 for information. SU NURSING The SU Nursing School will be accepting online applications until March 1. SU LIVESTOCK The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold its 70th Annual Livestock Show for youth participants on February 28 through March 2 at the Maurice Edmond Livestock Arena, 14600 Scenic Hwy. For more information contact Christie Monroe at christie_ monroe@suagcenter.com or 225-771-4350.

PROM DRESS DRIVE The Freshman Class and Collegiate 100 Black Women will be collecting gently worn or new formal dresses and ladies’ heels, from February 9 to March 10. Dresses and shoes can be turned in on the second floor of the Student Union. For more information, email nolaglassslippers225@gmail. com or visit cinderellaprojectla. org FOUNDERS DAY CELEBRATION Southern University will celebrate 135 years during its Annual Celebration March 9. There will be a full day of events and activities, including convocation. Freshman attendance is mandatory. CAPITAL CITY CAR SHOW The Student Government Association, along with Capital City will be hosting the first annual Captial City Car Show on April 18. There will be more information given at a later date. SU GAME ROOM The SU Student Union Game room and Bowling Alley is open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students are encouraged to participate in tournaments each semester. For more information contact Recreational Coordinator Gerald Jones at 225-771-2020. 2015 JAGUAR YEARBOOK The Jaguar yearbook will meet every Friday at 11am. If you would like to join the staff stop by 1064 T.H. Harris Hall. STUDY SKILLS WORKSHOP The Center for Teaching and Learning Experience will host the First Year Experience Workshop on March 6 in the Harris Hall Annex. There will be two sessions, one beginning at 10 a.m and the other at 2 p.m

THe Butterfly Society The Butterfly Society is a non-profit Domestic Violence prevention organization. If you or any one you know needs assistance contact Executive Director Twahna P. Harris at 225-347-7725, or email thebutterflysociety@gmail.com. On Facebook @thebutterflysociety14, Twitter@thebutterflysociety

Visit us online: southerndigest.com Submit your campus brief today. What would you like to see in the DIGEST? Got news? Submit your breaking news to: digest@subr.edu. Voice your opinion today! Submit your letter to to the editor: digest@subr.edu.

This week in Black History February 24 - Former world heavyweight boxing champion Jimmy Ellis was born James Albert Ellis in Louisville, Kentucky in 1940. Ellis won the World Boxing Association title after beating Jerry Quarry in April 1968. February 25 - Muhammad Ali defeated Sonny Liston for world heavyweight boxing championship in 1964. Boxer Mike Tyson becomes the undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World by defeating challenger Frank Bruno of England in 1989. February 26 - Theodore “Georgia Deacon” Flowers wins middleweight boxing title in 1926. On this day in 1964., the Kentucky boxer known to all as Cassius Clay, changed his name to Cassius X as he accepted Islam and rejected Christianity. “I believe in the religion of Islam. I believe in Allah and in peace...I’m not a Christian anymore.” According to two biographies, Muhammad Ali by Anthony O. Edmonds and My View from the Corner by Angelo Dundee, Cassius Clay changed his name to Cassius X on the 26th. Elijah Muhammed, a black Muslim leader, announced Cassius X’s name was being changed to Muhammed Ali. February 27 - Figure skater Debi Thomas becomes the first African American to win a medal (bronze) at the winter Olympic Games in 1988. February 28 - In 1932, Richard Spikes invents the automatic gear shift. Also Musician and entertainer Michael Jackson wins eight Grammy Awards. His album, “Thriller”, broke all sales records to-date, and remains one of the top-grossing albums of all time.

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Bradford Hall Project Underway BY NATORI SIMS DIGEST NEWS WRITER

Wallace Lee Bradford Hall, once an all-male Honors College dormitory, is being remodeled with the intent of housing students once again. With the increasing enrollment numbers at Southern University, there now comes a need for more living accommodations. “We want more facilities to accommodate our new students as well as returning,” said Director of Residence Life and Housing Tracie Abraham. Bradford Hall is named in honor of Wallace Lee Bradford, who was appointed principal of the Louisiana State School for the Deaf Negroes

(SSD), located on the SU campus. Dr. Bradford worked to give deaf African-Americans an equal chance to further their education and prove that deaf blacks were not “doomed” as many said during the time. One year prior to hurricane Gustav, Bradford hall was closed. “The building had been leaking for years,” said Abraham. Following the building’s closure, hurricane Gustav hit, further damaging the building. The state of Louisiana, along with the Federal Emergency and Management Agency (FEMA), inspected the dormitory, and agreed to assist with the interior reconstruction. However, due to the roof damage

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occurring prior to the hurricane, the repair cost of that fixture was left to the university. The repair project was initiated in December of 2014, and expected to be completed soon. “We anticipate [completion] for the fall,” said Abraham, “But it’s a process that takes a long time.” System Director of Facilities, Endas Vincent, is looking forward to the future interior reconstruction. “I think it’s going to do well,” said Vincent. “It’s not complex, just flooring and cosmetics.” finished Vincent. The project on the interior of Bradford Hall has no finalized date on which it is to begin.

Campus Safety Update: SUPD strives for a safer Southern BY: LAQUENCIA PARKER DIGEST NEWS EDITOR

The Southern University Campus Police Department recently sent out an update to their October 1, 2014 Campus Security and Fire Safety Report, including the latest information regarding campus safety initiatives and statistics. The most drastic of these changes will be the new interactive smartphone app that will allow students and staff to anonymously report crimes via text message or video. The app will also contain the Southern University Code of Conduct and be able to provide the locations of the JagTrain and evening shuttle. Plans are, currently, to release the app at some point within the next two weeks. SUPD would also like students to create the logo for the app, along with the name and colors. The department is currently working with the Student Government Association in order to notify students of this. “We know that students prefer the phone versus call boxes,” Chief of Police Joycelyn Johnson stated. “We’re trying to move into the new technological era.” However, students preference to their cellular devices will not make call boxes obsolete. “We understand that call boxes aren’t always around,” explained Assistant to Chief of Police Kevin Johnson. “But we’ve actually placed an order for eight more call boxes.” Another helpful feature of the app will be

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geo-fencing emergency calls. Currently, any oncampus 911 call is directed to the East Baton Rouge Police Department, who then notifies campus police. Those who download the new app will have their call redirected to SUPD immediately, cutting out the middleman. This will save time, and potentially lives. The pair also plans on implementing changes to on-campus transportation, in order to better benefit students on campus after dark. “The current evening shuttle runs more like a cab than a bus system,” said Kevin Johnson. The plan to resolve this involves giving the shuttle a set route along with a means of tracking the vehicle for students with the new app. Another safety initiative SUPD will be working toward improving is the “Walk, Talk and Respond” program. While the initiative is supposed to involve officers on foot in residential areas during the evening, speaking with students and addressing concerns, none have been available so far this semester. “The officers work on schedules, and the difficult part when it comes to this is finding available officers,” Joycelyn Johnson explained. “Also, if there are events occurring on campus, officers have to be assigned to that as well.” she finished. With new techonology and initiatives, SUPD is working toward a safer Southern.

BLACK HISTORY FACTS: DID YOU KNOW? The first black newspaper published in America was titled “Freedom’s Journal.” The first issue rolled off the press in March 16, 1827.

TYRA BROWNLEE/DIGEST Wallace Lee Bradford hall is currently under construction in preparation for re-opening.

TRESPASSING from page 1 report. The Office of Student Media contacted Media Relations spokesperson Ed Pratt in regards to the incident, Pratt responded first by saying,“I was unaware, and then “no comment.” SUPD Chief Jocelyn Johnson was

contacted, and made it aware that, “The Southern University Police Department is not investigating the situation. We have nothing to do with it.” The office of Student Media will report with full details as they surface.

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Unsung Heroes

Southern wins despite depth issues

BY KAYLEN SCOTT

DIGEST SPORTS WRITER

BY FELIX CUNNINGHAM III

DIGEST SPORTS EDITOR / MANAGING EDITOR

Southern women’s basketball team catapults into the Southwestern Athletic Conference after an 11 game win streak awarded since early in the season after their three game win streak following the Mardi Gras Holiday. Southern (14-10, 12-2) routed a large margin win of 72-47 on Valentine’s Day after defeating Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and on Lundi Gras, Southern sprouted a close win against Mississippi Valley, 59-50. Southern prides themselves in early leads to capture wins against other teams. The first half initiates quick responses for the Lady Jags. On Saturday, February 21 against Alabama A&M at home in F.G. Clark Activity Center drafted low energy in the beginning of the game until a personal foul call against freshman starting forward, Briana Green early in the second half. This became a prime catalyst for their 84-53 win against the Bulldogs. Green went to the bench for 10 minutes after committing a personal and technical foul which was her last foul to be made before disqualification during a tussle for a loose ball. This incident caused three of her teammates off of the bench, causing their ejections. The second half barely crest into two minutes when green and Alganese Gatson drove to the floor after a loose ball and the two tangled and had to be separated by teammates to cool their heads. Jadea Brundidge, Shaquandria Litmon and Keonia

Parrish rushed to the court from Southern’s bench, which is an automatic cause for ejection. This made the depth chart smaller and stigmatic switch-ins few and far in between. After the incident, senior guard Kendra Coleman rallied the team and said, “I just told them to get in, let’s get back focused. Don’t worry about it because it’s over.” Although this didn’t affect the sure lead while Southern led eleven points, 42-33 at halftime. Southern coach Sandy Pugh believes in discipline and common decency as she said, “A couple of kids made a poor decision and they know better than that. It was a reactionary thing, but that can’t ever happen.” Senior power forward, Jasmine Jefferson attested to the fact that the ‘incident’ gave the team more motivation. “We should have played like that at the beginning of the half but I guess the ejections gave us a little more motivation. We just wanted to finish the game off and coach said we just had to suck it up and play with that guys we have,” said Jefferson. She continued to say, “It’s a game of basketball and we have to focus and players will come hard and we need to be the bigger team and not come out with scrambles.” Green returned to gameplay with 7:26 remaining in the second half. “When she went back in, I told her it was over and

One Man After Another

done with,” said Coleman, “Just get focused because we need buckets from you and she agreed with me.” Green finished the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds for a doubledouble performance within 18 minutes of gameplay. Britney Washington scored 17 points from the bench. Coleman had 16 points and 5 assists and Jefferson had 15 points and 8 rebounds. Britteny Strickland led the Lady Bulldogs with 16 points and seven rebounds to try and capsize Southern defense. Jaylan Sowden scored 12 points. A&M chipped away 11-17 free throws while Southern scored 50 percent with 1-2 free throws. JOSHUA MCKNIGHT/DIGEST

As fans of sports we often associate ourselves with certain pioneers who changed the game. Being that it is Black History Month, in present times we have the basic assumption that Jackie Robinson was the first to integrate sports. While he was the trailblazer, there were many that came before him that laid his pathway. There was a group of athletes distinguished as the“Forgotten Four.” Marion Motley, Woody Strode, Kenny Washington, and Bill Willis broke the National Football League color barrier in 1946, a year before Jackie Robinson added color to Major League Baseball. Washington and Strode were both teammates of Robinson at the University of California at Los Angeles, Washington and Robinson shared the backfield. Washington was the first black to sign an NFL contract when he signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946. Strode, Motley, and Willis were not far behind; Strode joined Washington with the Rams while Motley and Willis signed with the Cleveland Browns that same year.

see UNSUNG page 5

BY FELIX CUNNINGHAM III

DIGEST SPORTS EDITOR/MANAGING EDITOR

When it comes to losing big men, Southern takes the cake. After regaining center, Frank Snow from a four-game absence hand injury, forward Jared Sam was lost due to an ankle injury on Saturday’s showdown against Alabama A&M. After a 10-point loss to Jackson State early in the month, Southern in lue of “big man” Snow’s absence captured three consecutive wins. On Valentine’s Day captured a 74-56 victory while visiting Arkansas-Pine Bluff and two days later visited Mississippi Valley with a 68-56 win. Lastly back at home at F.G. Clark Activity Center; they captured a 72-63 win against a heavy blocking team of Alabama A&M. Southern withstood Sam’s absence on the court to volley a tricky showdown between the two. Southern (14-14, 11-3) trailed first-place Alabama State and Texas Southern by one game entering play on Saturday and Alabama A&M fell to 6-7 in conference play and 7-16 overall. “One comes back from injury and another one goes,” said Southern coach Roman Banks, “with the style of basketball we play, we need all of our parts to be pretty good.” The post game was further depleted when Keith Davis fouled out with 5:40 remaining. Snow coming from the bench played 16 minutes in his first action in 3 weeks and finished with seven points, four rebounds, one block, and one steal. “I was a little rusty but the hand felt good,” said Snow, “I didn’t expect to play much at all, but I’m glad I was able to help.” While Banks stitched the frontcourt together, Trelun Banks, Tre’ Lynch, Adrian Rogers and Christopher Hyder were taking turns providing an offense spark from the backcourt.

“All the guards scored in a timely manner,” Banks said, “They did a good job of stopping our dry spells.” Lynch had the team high of 15 points after a lightning display of jump shots throughout the game. Banks and Roger scored 13 apiece and Hyder had seven points, six assists, five rebounds and a steal in 38 minutes. Once the three point play by Raikya Battle put the Bulldogs ahead before Lynch free throw with 32 seconds left in the first half then Southern led by 35-34 in halftime but quickly extended to double digits in the second half. Alabama A&M went five and a half minutes without a field goal to restitute and Southern gradually extended the lead after a first half freeze. Rogers made a jump shot from the foul line and Snow scored on a put back while Hopkins made a tip-in for a 69-50 lead with two and a half minutes left into the game. “We got some stops when we needed them,” said Hyder, “The big thing was we didn’t given them second chances. Sometimes we get the initial stop but we don’t get the rebound, we were strong in rebounding tonight.” Despite another man falling, Southern outbounded Alabama A&M 40-35 as 9 players had at least one. “The team effort was great,” Rodgers said. Ladarius Tabb led Alabama A&M with 17 points, West had 12, and Raikaya Battle had 11. Tabb and West each scored 10 in the second half. Sam returned on crutches to finish watching his teammates win and with his leg propped up, there was nothing more satisfying than a victory. JOSHUA MCKNIGHT/DIGEST

Senior guard Tre Lynch readies his position to the basket while being guarded by an Alabama A&M defender.

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Tuesday, Februaury 24, 2015 - Page 5

Ben Jobe: A Southern Legend BY FELIX CUNNINGHAM III

DIGEST SPORTS EDITOR/MANAGING EDITOR

Ben Jobe, a Nashville, Tennessee native, was well known for whisking through the halls of what he would call home at the university located on the bluff, Southern University A&M College. Although he also tenured at other Historically Black Colleges and Universities including: Tuskegee University, Talladega College, Alabama State University, South Carolina University, University of Denver, and Alabama A&M University. Jobe’s work at these universities cannot compare to his assistant coaching with the University of South Carolina, Georgia Tech, and his brief stint as an assistant in the National Basketball Association with the Denver Nuggets. Jobe’s personality was all encompassing with his brilliant, never give up style. Jobe served the as coach of the Southern University Jaguars in 1986 to 1996, then returning in 2001 for two consecutive seasons.

He ended his career for good in 2003. In his 12 years at SU, Jobe compiled a 209-141 record and led the Jaguars to the NCAA tournament four times, as well as attending the National Invitational Tournament. Jobe also won five Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships and 11 Southwestern Athletic Conference Championships. One of Jobe’s most notable performances was his leading Southern 93-76 against the ACC Champions, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, during the first round of the 1993 NCAA tournament in Tuscon, Arizona. Jobe coached former player Avery Johnson, who played for the San Antonio Spurs as well as the late Charlotte Hornets player, Bobby Phils. Both players jerseys are retired in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Johnson had positive things to say regarding Jobe upon returning to Southern this year.

“Coach Jobe wouldn’t just allow excellence on the court, but in the classroom as well. He didn’t tolerate any failure within the classroom or that would be an automatic bench.” Jobe, upon retirement from Southern in 2003 accumulated 524 wins in all of the teams he sequestered over 31 seasons of coaching, with a 61 win percentage. With an award named for him for the top minority coach in Division I men’s basketball, Coach Jobe is an icon in the history of basketball at HBCUs. The last recipient of the Ben Jobe Award was Wills Wilson in 2014, but current SU coach Roman Banks was an award finalist. Wills Wilson led A&M Corpus Christi to 18 wins in the Southland Conference for second place. Jobe, now 81 years old, remains in the glory of a miraculous performance and the legendary status he held while coaching.

UNSUNG from page 4 Fritz Pollard was the first black to play organized football. He joined the American Professional Football Association in 1920. Pollard was the first black quarterback to play football when he signed with the Hammond Pros. Pollard retired in 1926, but then spent two years establishing an all black professional team, the Chicago Black Hawks. Pollard was inducted into the National College Football Hall of Fame in 1954 and the National Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Marlin Briscoe was the first black to play quarterback in the American Football League, which resided on the west coast. Briscoe was drafted in the 14th round of the 1968 draft by the Denver Broncos out of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. That year, Briscoe threw for 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns. He rushed 41 times for 308 yards and 3 touchdowns. Harry“Bucky” Lew was the first African-American to sign a professional basketball contract, he signed with Lowell,

Massachusetts Pawtucket Athletic Club from the New England Basketball League in 1902. Chuck Cooper was the inaugural black to ever be drafted in the NBA; the Boston Celtics drafted him in 1950. Nat“Sweetwater” Clifton was the second black to sign an NBA contract when he signed with the New York Knickerbockers that same year. Early Lloyd was the first African-American to play in a regular season game when his Washington Capitols started their season one day before the league’s other teams. Harold Hunter was the first black to sign an NBA contract when he signed with the Washington Capitols in 1950. Bill Russell was the first black NBA head coach when he coached the Boston Celtics starting in 1966; he was also the first black coach to win an NBA championship. Al Attles later followed in his footsteps in 1975, becoming the second black to win an NBA title, Attles led the Golden State Warriors to the zenith that year.

Willie O’Ree was the first black to play in the National Hockey League. He was playing in the American Hockey League with the Springfield Indians prior to his debut in the NHL with the Boston Bruins in 1958. O’Ree was a coveted player in the Canadian Hockey Leagues, he led the Ontario Hockey Association in scoring in the 1955-56 season; scoring a league high 30 goals. O’Ree rejoined the Bruins in the 1960-61 season, where he was featured in 43 games; scoring his first NHL goal against the Montreal Canadians. These are the real pioneers. The ones who have been lost in time, the pioneers we have to learn about via some Showtime documentary that is broadcasted at 2 in the morning while our eyes are shut. However, these are the pioneers who made blacks feel appreciated. For once people needed us, they needed us for the world of sports; a world, which we have changed and now dominate.

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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Healthy Hearts

SU Health & Wellness Center Hosts 1st Heart Symposium BY MARCHANDREA SEALS

DIGEST STAFF WRITER

outhern University’s Health and Wellness Center held it’s first Heart Symposium on Wednesday, February 18, in representation of American Heart Association Month and Black History Month, in order to inform students about heart disease, especially as it pertains to African Americans. The symposium was also a part of the ongoing Jags Get Fit campaign that encourages students to eat healthy, exercise and learn to maintain their health. Dr. Claudia Robin, a SU Health Center pharmacist gave a presentation on various medications for heart diseases, medication myths, high blood pressure myths, mistakes patients make with their medication, and causes of high blood pressure. Stress was another focus during Robins presentation. “Stress is a big cause of Heart Disease and heart problems,” said Robin. Robin, who has been a pharmacist with the Health Center for 10 years said she has seen an increase in students with heart issues. “I saw a definite large increase in students with heart problems since my first day here,” said Robin. “Especially students diagnosed with hypertension.”

Robin finished. The symposium seemed to have brought awareness to some students, regarding their risk for heart disease and the help offered at the Health Center. Freshman Nursing major Naja Snedecor said she had never been tested for heart problems. “I never thought about it, because it doesn’t run in my family, and my parents never pushed me into taking one,” said Snedecor. “But after attending the Heart Symposium, I think I am going to get tested.” Snedecor finished. Dr. Shirley Wade, Executive Director of Health and Wellness, says students need to know more about heart disease, especially how it is a silent killer. “Heart disease is preventable,” said Wade. “We want students to use our services so we can assist them and identify if they are at risk.” The Baranco-Hill Health Center offers medicine, tests, screenings, documents and free services to all Southern University students. There is also no charge for clinic visits. The Health Center also has a pharmacy and accepts walk-ins. All patient information is confidential. Hours for DERYLLE SPEARS II/DIGEST the Health Center are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Keynote speaker at first Heart Symposium on February 18 lectures on Monday through Friday. A women’s heart health and disease prevention in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom in clinic is available on Wednesdays the Student Union. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Human Jukebox Hits Hollywood S

BY ALLIYAH MOORE DIGEST STAFF WRITER

outhern University Director of Bands Nathan Haymer attended the 57 Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8. held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Haymer’s first thought was “ unbelievable” when he received the invitation from Sonya Norwood, President of Knock Out Entertainment, SU Alumni and mother of R&B singers Brandi and Ray J. Expressing his gratitude about Norwood, Haymer commented saying, “She made it to the top, but she reaches down and gives back to her Alma Mater.” During the star filled Grammy weekend, Haymer had the opportunity to meet many celebrities including: Janelle Monae, Mary j Blige, Smokey Robinson, Pharrell Williams, Miguel, Wiz Khalifa, Taylor Swift, and Wale. “[We received] numerous [compliments], the celebrities knew who we were.” When asked about the experience, Haymer described it as “surreal,” while entering the Staples Center via the Red Carpet. “It taught me that there is no such thing as dreaming too

big,” said Haymer. Haymer went on to explain how he was introduced to Hollywood film music score composer Benjamin Wallfisch, who has created many popular tunes, including Happy, performed by Pharrell Williams, and the scores for Captain America, and Spiderman. A former band member who goes by the name of Cali introduced Haymer to Wallfisch. “I thought it was going to be just a hello and goodbye, but he [Wallfisch] brought me in the studio showed me secrets, and mentioned collaborating with the Human Jukebox in the future. We may be going to Hollywood!” said Haymer. “Being from England, Wallfish isn’t familiar with marching bands, and he was amazed with the performance techniques. He also mentioned how he enjoyed our performance of “Happy” during the first game.” Haymer believes his meeting with Wallfish went well, and he had much respect for the time the composer made to speak with him. The SU marching band currently has a marketing team of two former SU band members and graduates, Jabari Morgan and Eric Johnson of J Morgan and Associates. “These two have a genuine love for SU, and this is what they do for a living,” said Haymer “I am thankful for them because they are the ones pushing me to look in a different direction.”

Haymer also attributes a great deal of his success to the quality of the Human Jukebox. When asked about the plans for the band this year and semester Haymer responded, “Expanding on our brand doing what we always have done in the past, this year we managed to reenergize the SU Jag nation.” Haymer has a vision of utilizing the success and renown of the band to bring attention to other facets of the university, such as the law center and nursing and engineering departments. He also hopes the band can draw in new revenue to the university, along with scholarships for band members. “There is no reason students should have to go bankrupt to be in the band.” Haymer, remaining proud but humble mentioned, “I don’t back down to any competition. I don’t see it as beneath us, but I see it as bettering our status. You have to have hunger and desire, but once you get there it takes a champ to stay in the number one spot.”

Black History Spolight: Brigadier General Sherian Grace Cadoria BY LAVARIUS COTTON DIGEST A&E EDITOR

Brigadier General Sherian Grace Cadoria was born January 26, 1943 in Marksville, Louisiana. A retired United States Army officer and the first African American female to achieve the rank of General in the Army, Cadoria was also the highestranking female in the army at the time of her retirement. After a distinguished 29-year military career, Cadoria retired as Brigadier General in 1990. Majoring in Business Education, Cadoria attended Southern University Baton Rouge, and was selected by the Women’s Army Corps to represent the university at the College Junior program in her junior year. Cadoria spent four weeks at Fort McClellan in Alabama in the summer of 1960, experiencing firsthand the life of an enlisted soldier. Following her studies at SU, she enlisted and received her commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Women’s Army Corps. When training in Fort McClellan, Cadoria encountered the first of her many obstacles due to her gender and race. In an interview with Essence Magazine in April of 1990, she recalled, “When I started in the Army in 1961, there were jobs a black, by unwritten code, could not do.” said Cadoria. “I can never foget that the coveted position of Platoon Leader… was denied me because a black could not carry out all the duties the job entailed. Specifically, in Anniston, Alabama, a black could not take the troops off the installation because of Jim Crow laws.” Cadoria finished. In 1985, Cadoria was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, and later became the first black female director of Joint Chiefs of Staff. Regarding her status as a black female in what was a predominantly white male community, Cadoria was quoted saying, “I’ve gotten more pressure from being female in a man’s world, than from being black. I was always a role model. I had responsibility not just for black women, but black men as well.” Cadoria has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Black Business and Professional Women, and has received the NAACP’s Roy Wilkens Meritorious Service Award and the National Athena Award. On November 11, 2002, she became the first woman and the first African American inducted into the Louisiana Veterans Hall of Honor. Additionally, Cadoria is a member of the Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame.

Haymer finished saying, “If any body wants to be labeled the best band you have to beat the champs, which is us, and that’s not going to happen.”

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Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - Page 7

SHOULD THEY BE PROUD? BY JACARIA BICKHAM DIGEST STAFF WRITER

“The Tanning of America”

ALLIYAH MOORE/DIGEST

Southern University Alumni and rap artist Lavell Crump better known as “David Banner” speaks during the “Tanning of America” event in Seymour Gym, Sunday. February 22, 2015.

Lyceum series discussion highlights black influence in America BY MARCHANDREA SEALS DIGEST STAFF WRITER

The Southern University Office of Student Life presented a panel discussion titled “Our Take on the “Tanning of America” in Seymour Gymnasium on February 22. The purpose of the panel was to inform students on the importance of African Americans being involved in general matters and supporting one another. Panelists included former SU SGA President and rapper Lavell “David Banner” Crump, New Orleans native rapper David “Dee-1” Augustine, SU alumni and newly elected SU system board member Rani Whitfield, motivational and visionary speaker Dr. Derek Greenfield, and Psychology professor and system board member Dr. Reginald Rackley. The panelists began the discussion on the current culture of Hip Hop. Whitfield believes life needs to be brought back into the music genre. “The truth is, the real Hip-Hop-ist does not appreciate or understand what is happening in hip hop,” said Whitfield. “Everyone wants to look like

Lil’ Wayne and sound like Lil’ Boosie.” finished Whitfield. Greenfield feels there needs to be a distinction between Hip Hop and Hip Pop. “Hip Hop is a creative life force that talks about communities, graduation, expression against depression,” said Greenfield. “Hip Pop is what popular base on capitalist entities and what’s real but not your own.” Greenfield finished. The second discussion was of female rappers being portrayed more like sexy vixens than role models, and their influence. Rackley said female rappers used to express themselves intellectually like males until recently when the industry became commercialized for image and sexuality. “That’s not sending a positive message to the young generations,” said Greenfield. The third discussion was Hip Hop amongst the black community. Banner believes blacks as a community need to evaluate ourselves to see if there’s a problem in Hip Hop. “New School versus Old School, light skin versus

dark skin; it’s all a mindset.” stated Banner, who also had much to say about African Americans in the music industry. “If we do not do something now, Eminem is going to be the new face of Hip Hop, and Adele and Justin Timberlake are going to be the faces of R&B,” said Banner. “We need to have black people doing black music the same way HBCUs need to get back to their mission statements.” Banner added. Other discussion topics consisted of Hip Hop influence in media, the impact of Hip Hop on today’s culture, different Congressional parties, and Hip Hop in politics. Banner and Augustine were presented with an award from the Louisiana State Representative Edward James, signed by Louisiana’s speaker of the House of Representatives. Augustine was recognized for his positive message in his music, and commitment to mentoring youth. Banner was awarded in recognition of his humanitarian work, and his commitment to enhancing African American culture, especially in the state of Louisiana.

Should those who once fought for us be proud of what they fought for? For they fought for a front seat, but we still choose the back. Fought for freedom, but what is that, For we choose to vacation in jails, isolated in orange slacks. Fought for the right to vote, but yet, “We not votin’ this time”. Fought to stop segregation but we still live in the past, Just because their ancestors of treated our ancestors bad. Forget stopping segregation, we want to stay mad. We call each other, “nigger, nigga” (same thing) But if it was a random white person, Oh what a problem it would be. It was a privilege to read and write, but we choose to drop out of school. Yeah, you all have your own reasons, but to them school was a jewel. See, we murder and kill those of the same face, Crazy how we use to be, all we have now is hate. We have fought through barriers of stress, swam through the seas of time But no matter what they went through, they still managed to love bravery Down each other’s spine. So should they be proud of what they fought for? Not from what I can see, But its not too late to help them be proud, If not of you, then of me. Just like Jesus gave his life, we owe them everything. What was done then gave us opportunities so great we forget to appreciate. Should they be proud? I want them to be. I want us to rejoice our history together instead of fighting. Stand for what’s right instead of acting blind to the scene. I want us as a people to make black the thing to be.

SU Gospel Choir Spotlight BY MELINDA DUPAS

DIGEST A&E WRITER

he Southern University Gospel Choir is compiled of Southern University students who carry hopes and plans with which to bring people together through their music. “It is our goal to bring people together,” said Gospel Choir Director and Advisor Earnest Bowman Jr. Music showcases, gospel on the bluff and community outreach are always the group bands together to promote an uplifting campus. Bowman believes the choir is assisting students with selfexpression, and providing a much needed religious outlet. “Most of them don’t get to attend a church service, so this is a way for them to worship, relax and be uplifted.” said Bowman. The choir also recognizes the diverse minds and ethnicities of their members and the student body, and includes music they feel will reach the masses. “We have all denominations in the choir,” said Bowman. “We sing all types of gospel, we aim to inspire.” Bowman finished.

Prior to Bowman’s reign as director and advisor, the choir was under the direction of Reginald Collins, and known as the Interdenominational Choir. Since the resignation of Collins, the choir has been on a hiatus. Despite this, the combined tenacity of Director Bowman and the choir members have kept the choir going strong. Bowman believes more can be done in order to attract more

DIGEST FILE

members. “We can do a whole lot more, especially for students who live away from home,” said Bowman. The gospel choir is a staple on campus, singing songs of yesterday and today in order to teach strength and soothe the soul.

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Page 10 - Tuesday, February 24, 2015

THE JOURNALIST John Russwurm, 1799-1851

Although he was technically born a slave in Jamaica, Russwurm enjoyed many privileges of freedom because his father was a white American bachelor. His father, also named John Russwurm, provided a quality education for his son at Bowdoin College in Maine (he graduated in 1826, the third African-American to graduate from an American college). When the elder Russwurm relocated to Massachusetts, he took the boy with him. In 1827, this child of privilege took up the plight of the American slave. With his partner, Samuel Cornish, he founded Freedom’s Journal, the first black newspaper published in the United States. The paper’s then-controversial credo: Complete freedom and equality for African slaves. As the editors put it in their first editorial, it was time for black people to plead “our own cause.”

THE POLITICIAN P.B.S. Pinchback, 1837-1921

Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback was the free-born son of a white planter and a woman the planter owned and later freed. In 1862, he was assigned the duty of recruiting African-American volunteers for the Union Army forces, but resigned his captain’s commission in protest of the discriminatory treatment of his men. During Reconstruction, he was a leader in the founding of the Louisiana Republican Party and was elected president pro tempore of the state Senate in 1871. Pinchback became lieutenant governor when the incumbent died. Then, the governor was suspended during impeachment proceedings, and Pinchback succeeded him, too, serving as acting governor of Louisiana from December 1872 to January 1873. He was the first African-American governor in history and, until L. Douglas Wilder became chief executive of Virginia in 1989, the only one.

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THE ENTREPRENEUR Madame C.J. Walker, 1867-1919

She was born Sarah Breedlove, daughter of a poor farm couple who died while she was still a little girl. She was married at 14; when her husband died, she supported herself as a washerwoman. In 1905, Walker perfected a formula for straightening the hair of black women; it was the beginning of a cosmetics empire that, by the time of her death would make her a millionaire — one of the first black Americans to achieve that status, if not the first. Walker denied herself no luxury — her mansion at Irvington-on-Hudson, N.Y., is said to have been a regal showplace. But the hair-care magnate was also a generous contributor to good causes; she funded scholarships and gave to the indigent and the needy.

THE FIGHTER Jack Johnson, 1878-1946

Before there was Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis or Jackie Robinson, there was John Arthur Johnson, a boxer who became history’s first black heavyweight champion in 1908 with a victory over Tommy Burns. Johnson spent 15 rounds whipping Burns, carrying on a running dialogue with him as he did so. Finally police stopped the bout. The victory was all the more impressive in light of the fact that Burns’ manager served as referee — a concession Johnson had to make in order to get Burns to agree to the fight. Johnson’s victory polarized the nation — a state of tension made worse by the fact that he was a swaggering, boastful champion given to publicly romancing and marrying white women. Proponents of white supremacy seized upon former champion Jim Jeffries as their “great white hope” for snatching the title back from this unruly black man. But the overweight Jeffries, who returned from retirement for the bout, was no match for Johnson, who toyed with him for 15 rounds before knocking him out.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - Page 11

THE ACTIVIST

THE EXPLORER

A. Philip Randolph, 1889-1979

Matthew Alexander Henson, 1866-1955

On the day in 1887 that he first met Robert Peary, Henson, though only about 21 years old, already had experience as a stevedore, seaman, bellhop and coachman. Peary thought Henson might make a valuable valet on Peary’s attempt to become the first man to reach the North Pole. But Peary soon discovered that Henson’s abilities and experiences made him even more valuable as a colleague. As Peary once put it, “I couldn’t get along without him.” The men mounted seven expeditions to the Arctic, including the last, in 1908 and 1909, when they finally stood together at the top of the world, the first explorers to do so.

THE FILMMAKER Oscar Micheaux, 1884-1951

Oscar Micheaux came of age during the days when filmmakers routinely ignored African-Americans or confined them to subservient, demeaning roles. This was, paradoxically, the key to his success. During the ’20s and ’30s, Micheaux wrote, directed and produced about 30 films keyed to black audiences. Micheaux operated on a budget of next to nothing, raising money directly from his audiences. Thus, there was no such thing as “Take two” in a Micheaux movie — not even when an actor blew his lines. Not surprisingly, the movies were usually awful. Also not surprisingly, an audience starving to see itself reflected on screen flocked to his films. Micheaux, a consummate promoter, would travel from town to town, screening his current movie while raising funds for the next.

ometimes, history forgets. Sometimes, the big names everyone knows crowd out the smaller ones fewer people recall. Sometimes, when it is time to apportion honor and assign recognition, men and women who ought to be singled out are not. And so, those who inspired the dreams, fanned the flames and stood in the thick of revolutionary change can find themselves left out of the books, short-changed in the reminiscences. In this annual season of black history’s celebration, much will be said, and deservedly so, about giants such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. DuBois. But here, in 10 fields of American endeavor, are 10 other names, lesser-known women and men whose contributions and heroism we should remember, always. — Leonard Pitts Jr., The Miami Herald

His courtly, Sphinx-like demeanor belied the soul of a fighter. Randolph, a leader of the “New Negro” movement of the early 20th century, was tapped by black railroad workers to lead their fledgling union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, in 1925. It would take years for the union to even get the Pullman Co. to recognize them, years more before an agreement was hammered out, but when it was over, Randolph and his union had won workplace concessions once unthinkable for black employees. In later years, Randolph was instrumental in pushing President Franklin Roosevelt to do away with segregation in the defense industry. He was also an organizer of the 1963 March on Washington.

THE SOLDIER

THE SINGER

THE PREACHER

Henry Johnson, 1897*-1929

Mamie Smith, 1883-1946

Adam Clayton Powell Sr., 1865-1953

Early on the morning of May 14, 1918, Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts were standing sentry on a bridge near the Aisne River in France when, without warning, they were attacked by a force of 32 Germans. Cut off from their regimental headquarters and armed only with pistols, knives and a few hand grenades, the two black soldiers somehow stood off the much larger force, pressing the fight even though Johnson was wounded three times and Roberts twice. At one point, the Germans rushed the pair and took Roberts prisoner. By now reduced to using only a bolo knife and the butt of his empty pistol, Johnson nevertheless charged the Germans. He managed to wound as many as 10 of them and to kill at least four more. The startled Germans dropped their prisoner and ran. Johnson and Roberts were both awarded France’s highest military honor, the Croix de Guerre.

Bessie Smith was better known, but Mamie got there first. Her hit, “Crazy Blues,” recorded in 1920, was the first blues vocal ever recorded and also the first recording by an African-American woman. Despite that distinction, Smith did not think of herself primarily as a blues singer — she was a vaudevillian who sang many different styles. The Cincinnati-born vocalist spent the ‘20s and ‘30s barnstorming across the United States with her Jazz Hounds, a band that included such luminaries as James “Bubber’’ Miley and Willie “The Lion” Smith.

He was the grandson of slaves, the father of a flamboyant namesake congressman and a towering figure in his own right. As a boy, Powell, a Virginia native, is said to have learned the alphabet in a day. A year later, he was reading from the Bible. A grandfather nudged Powell toward the ministry and he eventually served as pastor of churches in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The pastorate that made him famous, however, was at Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City. Under Powell’s leadership, Abyssinian practiced a social gospel that did not limit itself to the pulpit and pews; the church operated a facility for the aged, helped feed the poor, and agitated for racial and economic justice. By the mid-1930s, Abyssinian claimed 14,000 members, making it the largest Protestant congregation in the United States.

*Approximate year of birth

P H O T O C R E D I T S : P H O T O S O F P. B . S . P I N C H B A C K A N D A D A M C L AY T O N P O W E L L S R . C O U R T E S Y O F T H E O H I O H I S T O R I C A L S O C I E T Y; A . P H I L I P R A N D O L P H C O U R T E S Y O F T H E N AT I O N A L A R C H I V E S ; M A D A M E C . J . WA L K E R C O U R T E S Y O F T H E C H I C A G O T R I B U N E ; P H O T O O F O S C A R M I C H E A U X C O U T E S Y O F S O U T H D A K O TA S TAT E A R C H I V E S ; J O H N R U S S W U R M C O U R T E S Y O F B O W D O I N C O L L E G E ; J A C K J O H N S O N C O U R T E S Y O F M I K E D E L I S A ; H E N R Y J O H N S O N C O U R T E S Y O F T H E H E N R Y J O H N S O N M E M O R I A L ; P H O T O O F M A M I E S M I T H C O U R T E S Y O F F R A N K D R I G G S ; M AT T H E W A L E X A N D E R H E N S O N C O U R T E S Y O F T H E N AT I O N A L A R C H I V E S

Career Services Page 12 - Tuesday, February 24, 2015

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2015 SPRING CAREER EXPLORATION DAY

CAREER EXPLORATION AND BUSINESS & INDUSTRY CLUSTER

SPRING 2015 ACTIVITIES Sponsored by the SU Office of Career Services MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. OPEN HOUSE T.H. Harris Hall Suite 1100 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Interviewing Skills Workshop Smith-Brown Student Union Cotillion Ballroom 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. EARLY CHECK IN & BOOTH ASSIGNMENT Felton G. Clark Activity Center 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Welcome Reception and Networking Event Springhill Suites by Marriot WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. CHECK IN AND BOOTH ASSIGNMENT 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. CAREER FAIR Felton G. Clark Activity Center 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. LUNCH (for Career Fair Participants) 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. BUSINESS & INDUSTRY CLUSTER New Member Orientation and Luncheon **1 Representative per Company** Felton G. Clark Activity Center 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Afternoon Refresher (Water & Cookies) SOLICITING SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS EVENT Contact Tamara Montgomery (225) 771-2200 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting BUSINESS & INDUSTRY CLUSTER Location-TBA

Career Day Tips:

(1). Dress for Success (2). Bring (20) Copies of your Resume (3). Registration begins at 10:00am on February 25th

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 BUSINESS & INDUSTRY CLUSTER MEETING Contact: Business & Industry Cluster for member information (225) 771-5621 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Opening Session BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY CLUSTER “State of the University” Open to all Career Day Participants Hi-Tech Classroom Pinchback Engineering Building 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. LUNCH Magnolia Room-Mayberry Dinning Hall 1:30 p.m. — 4 p.m. Committee Meeting BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY CLUSTER Location-TBA 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting BUSINESS & INDUSTRY CLUSTER Location-TBA FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015 9 a.m. – Noon General Session BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

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Commentary

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Modern Day Slavery: Something to Reflect On

DEAR HIGH FASHION, CAN WE PLAY?

BY SAGE EDGERSON

DIGEST FASHION WRITER

BY DESTINY SMITH DIGEST STAFF WRITER

To many, slavery in America ended 150 years ago, but to others it has only evolved into a new form. Slavery has manifested itself systematically into our structures here in America, and is still overtly present in other countries around the world. The current system is jeopardizing and threatening our freedom for selfish profit, just as it was 150 years ago. One of the things that come to mind when defining modern day slavery are prisons and the justice system. According to a report on race and drug enforcement by the Human Rights Watch in May 2008, though whites and blacks alike engage in drug offenses, possessions, and sales at roughly comparable rates, African Americans (who are 13 percent of the US population and 14 percent of monthly drug users) are 37 percent of the people arrested for drug offenses. Another issue that goes more unnoticed than the unfair sentencing are the existence of private prisons. The privatization of prisons is morally wrong and constitutionally questionable, as states are asked to sign contracts with private companies agreeing to a 90 percent occupancy rate for periods as long as 20 years. Being bound to a contract like this causes people to be targeted and used as pawns in the system, so others can make a profit from their suffering. Many have even made allegations that some judges are paid to give longer sentences for petty crimes in order to keep prisons full, so prisoner quotas can be met and contracts remain un-breached. The criminal justice system is just one of the ways that slavery has manifested itself in modern day. We are also enslaved by monetary debt and commercial industries. Many people borrow money, whether it be in the form of loans or credit, in order to obtain necessities. Post-secondary education is one of the most valued things in our country and simultaneously one of the most difficult things to afford financially, especially for certain demographics. In America, college prices are inflated and higher education is the first thing cut when state budgets are low. This combination often leaves people with two options: forfeiting a higher education and jumping straight into the workforce, or taking out an unsightly number of student loans in order to temporarily pay off their institutions. Both options have their downfalls. Without higher education, people are more likely to work minimum wage jobs that only provide enough money to cover bills, and those who pursue higher education are often greeted with debt much higher than their starting salary upon graduating. Modern day slavery is not limited to forcing people into labor while others profit from it. It is the broader idea that there are systems in action that work against certain demographics while uplifting others. It is important to bring these issues to light, so they can be dealt with. It is easy to take a stand when your freedom is being blatantly threatened, but when injustice takes place covertly, it is harder to address. While these are a few examples of modern day slavery, it is encouraged that everyone identify their own examples and, more importantly, figure out what to do to change it. As long as injustices occur, we as a people should not be stagnant, but constantly in motion to create a just world.

A LOOK BACK AT FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT AND FREEDOM FIGHTER

Early years

Emerging as leader

Born July 18, 1918 Son of a tribal chief councillor 1942 Suspended from university studies due to political involvement 1952 Law degree

1944 Helped found African National Congress (ANC) Youth League advocating boycott, strike, civil disobedience against white rule 1951-52 ANC Youth League president During the 1950s Banned, arrested and imprisoned several times

Family Married three times; six children; current wife is Graca Machel, widow of Mozambican President Samora Machel

Prisoner 466/64 1962 Arrested, convicted of sabotage; sentenced to five years 1964 Charged again, sentenced to life; spent two decades on Robben Island 1990 Released from prison

Negotiating peace 1993 Accepts Nobel Peace Prize (along with South African President F. W. de Klerk) 1994 Era of apartheid formally ends with first free elections; elected first black president of a democratic South Africa 1999 Steps down as president after one term

Later life 2004 Retires from public life 2007 Launches international group of elder statesman to tackle world problems 2010 Last public appearance at closing ceremony of World Cup in South Africa 2013 Dies at age 95

Source: Reuters, BBC, MCT Illustration Bank

Quick Black History Fact: Did you know? Max Robinson was the first African American broadcast network news anchor in the United States

In the midst of fashion month which is February, the fashion industry has started its diversification. But with the slight change of new African/ African American faces on the runway, what about the African American’s back stage making it all happen? Not the runway producer or dresser or intern but the designer. We’ve seen black designers thrive in ready to wear, as solo artists such as Kanye West or duo’s such as co-designer of HBA (Hood By Air), Shayne Oliver, ripping the runways of NYFW but those are just new comers into the game. Tracy Reese, Mychael Knight, Michael Alan Stein, to name a few has been blazing the industries runways for years. As crazy as Kanye can be, he makes sense some of those times. When he realized he wanted to be in fashion years ago being a huge fan of designer, Ralph Lauren, he was instantly snubbed. Even now to this day being as successful and slightly innovative as he is with his new collaboration with Adidas and showcasing his new line through the brand at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC, he’s still getting snubbed. Maybe it’s his attitude, or demeanor, or maybe just his color (probably more then, than now). But where are our Haute Couture Runway designers, our Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, or Christian Dior and Givenchy? We have the goods, the innovation, and the timelessness that makes an haute couture collection more essential than a trench coat so why haven’t we been invited to this table to chat high fashion? Though some of these labels original designer has passed on and an understudy has taken the reigns, when is it safe for us to infiltrate these couture fashion houses? It’s cool to be black, it’s cool to act black, and it’s cool to be a black model, but not a high fashion designer yet? The industry norms have change but its lacking originality. Trends that are being dubbed cool such as a site reporting Timberlands are the new Birkenstocks or models of Chanel rocking an “urban tie cap” also known as the durag in the hood or even the over exaggerating baby hairs on non-POC heads, are not only cool but let the industry tell it “New”. Now in our culture we’ve seen durags in all colors at pretty much every age if not used the product ourselves, and Timberlands has been the jam for NYC black men since the come up of Biggie Smalls, so how is any of this new? At this point I’ve realized not only do we have the buying power, especially in our own community, but the power to change fashion. People of Color are the “It” factor in fashion. Since we can’t come to the haute lunch table, let’s make our own lunch table. As individualistic the fashion industry can be, it is even more snobbish, and uppity towards black designers. We’re timeless people and as cultural appropriation has been the forefront of this year, it proves our culture is timeless, but who should let the world know that we’re cool? Sure not Caucasians. I say instead of asking to play, we take over the whole playing field from street wear, to ready to wear all the way up to haute couture, because we’re cool like that. Happy Black History YEAR to us all because we’re a 365 type of culture. Stay fashion forward. XO

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Breaking the Black Seal of Black History does not History start with slavery BY ROMEL WILLIAMS DIGEST STAFF WRITER

As black history month ends, we as a race need to be brought back to reality, and what exactly is going on. Our history is not only recognized during the shortest month of the year, but it is concealed, put away, and not of forefront matter. Can our history, our heritage, be told in 28 days with 1500 plus years in refuge? I for one, standing for a nation, cannot tolerate the thought of it. So let us now break the seal of black history. During 70AD, Roman commander Titus sieged Jerusalem. To escape their persecution Israelites ran to find refuge in North and West Africa (The Great Roman-Jewish War 6670AD). They blended in with the tribes of Africa for 1500 years until 1619AD, when Europeans first appeared in Africa to buy and trade for slaves. When the African tribes heard of it, they put Israel into the hands of the Europeans, to be taken into slave ships and sold into slavery. Deuteronomy 28:68 states, “and the Lord will take you back into Egypt (the condition of) by ships, by the way of which I said to you, you shall never see it again.’ And there you shall be offered for sale to your enemies as male and female slaves and no one will buy (redeem) you.” From West Africa, Israelites was traded and scattered to foreign lands including North America. Deuteronomy 28:64, “The Lord will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other and there you shall serve other gods, which are wood and stone”. Through the process of slavery, Israel lost their identity thus becoming bywords such as Negros, African-Americans, niggers, blacks and coons. Deuteronomy 28:37 says, “You shall become an astonishment, a proverb and a byword among all the nations where the Lord will drive you”. Through the method of enforcement, slave traders destroyed a nation physically and spiritually even to the extent of separating parents from their children to be sold as slaves. Deuteronomy 28:32, “Your sons and your daughters shall be given to another people, while your eyes look on and yearn for them continually; but there will be nothing you can do”. These sons and daughters are our mothers and fathers, their oppressors have erased their history, changed their names, replaced their God, punished them for reading, and in exchange they taught them their system and their beliefs. This system is called social death, which brought us to the state that we are in this day, a state of mental slavery, that has us in an illusion of freedom and spiritually dead. Jeremiah 5:19 states, “And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, wherefore doeth the Lord our God all these things unto us? Then shalt thou answer them, like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours.” Deuteronomy 30:1-3, “And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee, And shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; That then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee.”

BY Y’MANI WRIGHT DIGEST STAFF WRITER

Since I was a young child, during Black History Month, my teachers would always start teaching us from the Civil Rights Movement. Then, once I got a little older, on came the teachings of the brutal and harsh times of slavery. It hasn’t been until recently that I thought to myself, “What happened before slavery?” “What were our people doing?” “Why is it not being taught to me?” It wasn’t until a forum here at Southern University, named “What it Means to be Black” was presented and Chike Akua enlightened me with the truth. For about an hour and a half, I sat and soaked up all of the excellence of our people, and from that I decided to do some research of my own to only confirm what had be told to me. The late, great Malcolm X was one of the first to remind us, long before the pro-black movement, that our history “did not begin in chains.” Somehow, the world has disregarded not only the great people of Ancient Africa, but also

the great things they accomplished. I was shocked to learn that not only were our people stolen from Africa, but a lot of our teachings, books, architectural sculptures and much more. There are even books from Africa that show “scratch work” of the Pythagorean theorem as a method used to build the Great Pyramids. Some of the greatest American historical monuments, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, all are similar to ancient African structures. This may be hard to believe, as it has never been taught in schools or can be read in your textbooks, but the evidence is there. Sadly, this appears to be something that has to be self-taught. Hopefuly, the next question that would generate in one’s mind is, “Why does it have to be self-taught?” The answer to this question is simply the evidence of our history here in America. Think about it. Why would people capture innocent Africans, strip them of their culture and religion, and forbid them from learning how to read and write? My answer to that is the fear of the Africans finding out who they truly are. Imagine if in the 1600s, when slavery began, all slaves knew how to read, write and maintained their culture and religion. How would they allow themselves to be treated like animals by such mediocre people? Honestly, I hope that this time next year there is a bigger focus on what happened prior to slavery and who God chose us to be. There has been 400 years of our people not knowing who we are, therefore we don’t act like the kings and queens we are supposed to be. From allowing humiliating reality TV to inspire our youth, and they in turn falling to the prison pipeline, we have to begin somewhere. Once we have knowledge of self, we can set higher standards and expectations for generations to come.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - Page 15

SPEAKOUT

Do think that slavery still exist today in regards to the way we think, act, and respond to certain situations? BY: ALLIYAH MOORE DIGEST PHOTO EDITOR

VANCE MITCHELL

SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEERING ATLANTA, GA

“Yes, slavery has always been a major subject in MITCHELL today’s society and no matter how much people try to silence it, it will still be prevelent in the world.”

LAKIRA WASHINGTON JUNIOR ENGLISH MONROE

“Yes, slavery still exists in certain areas. Citizens WASHINGTON of the United States commonly refer to black and white in regards to skin color. Some people think that job opportunities , community acceptance, and a valuable education belongs to the ideal white, male protestant.”

CHARLIE BRADFORD SENIOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE COVINGTON

“Yes i think slavery still exists in a sense that we BRADFORD follow trends set up by the whites and we dont think for ourselves or we dont support the black owned business.”

CORBIN HEATH

JUNIOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE ATLANTA, GA

“Yes indeed. There are many situation in whic HEATH ive witnessed our voice react to certain situations involving our counterparts in other voices wwhere they treat them diffently, as well as seperating themsleves from an encounter. We have to do better. We owe it to our ancestors and our future generations.” SUBMISSIONS POLICY

“Man” BY AMAD RASHAN DIGEST STAFF WRITER

The worth of a woman is in the worth of the man that choses her to be his forever ending, blessings, curses, battles, & scars. To each man, be the pride of the woman & seek her faults as a distraction to the world. Love the woman! That shall lust shall be over taken by the bomb personality of your lady. Your lady is a peacekeeper your friends are who to call on for battle. Never confuse the two. Bless your own heart that you should be easy minded when she’s in her most trying times. Give gifts that doesn’t come in a ribbon & a box but a spiritual exchange that makes her feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders & not in the center of your house. Be blessed. Be loved. Be encouraged. Be the man god created you to be.

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