Volume 70 - ISSUE 5 by Southern Digest

Tuesday . February 27, 2018

Volume 70 . Issue 5

Democracy in Danger: SGA

SU Computer Science Department Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Meets in “Special Session” BY JACQUELINE MORGAN

SOUTHERN DIGEST - MANAGING EDITOR

Last Tuesday’s SGA “Special Session” Senate meeting entailed the proposal of several bills, one of which will be presented as as referendum on the Spring 2018 election ballot, and others which the senators were able to unanimously approve. Senator Caleb Holmes, a Sophomore Political Science major from Shreveport, LA began the meeting by proposing five minor revisions to the Election Code, which included adding an article stating that further amendments to the Election Code can only be made by the Senate, and lowering the GPA requirement to participate in SGA to a 2.5. After short discussion amongst the senators, the

revisions were tabled, and the agenda moved along. Senator Caldrick Slaughter then presented a bill to the senate, that would exempt qualifying candidates who have served three consecutive years or six consecutive semesters in SGA from taking the SGA Constitution Exam during their 4th year of serving. The bill went into immediate questioning by the senate, whose majority was unable to see the upside and true purpose of the bill. Senior Music Education major, Michael Bingham, of Baker, LA chose to present an alternative to the bill during his allotted public comment time. “Regardless of how many times you take the test, if you can take it three times, you should know it like the back of

BY ACE WHEELER

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

(Julian Alvarez/DIGEST ART)

your hand … so, to prevent the problem, implement a retake clause so if no one passes the test, they’ll be allowed to retake the test,” Bingham suggested. Slaughter, a Business and Marketing major from Baton Rouge reasoned, “This is to

get students involved in SGA as early freshman year, and keep them encouraged to keep pursuing SGA.” After debate, the bill died in committee. See SPECIAL SESSION page 3

Spring 2018 Career Week

BY GABRIELLE HUTCHINSON SOUTHERN DIGEST - NEWS EDITOR

At the peak of the semester, the Southern University Career Services Center sponsored the Spring 2018 Career Week, a series of events from February 19th through the 21st to prepare students for future employment and networking opportunities. “We want students to begin with the end in mind. The earlier you start interacting and having the conversations about your career goals, the more successful you will be. We believe in making sure that our freshmen understand the importance of coming into the Career Center,” Director of the Career Services Center, Tamara Foster-Montgomery shared. This semester, Montgomery, in partnership with the Reaching Educational Aspirations and Career Horizons (R.E.A.C.H.) Task Force, personally visited every Freshman Seminar class on the campus in anticipation of the Professional Development and Leadership Institute and the

See CAREER WEEK page 3

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Former Southern University Lab School head football coach, Marcus Randall, and attorney Jill Pratt, attend Friday’s Board of Supervisors Meeting inquiring the status of Randall’s employment after he was terminated based on allegations of illegal recruiting and giving students special benefits. (Devin Hadrick/DIGEST)

Hirings, Firings, Salaries Rising: SUS Board Meeting

BY BRIA GREMILLION / GABRIELLE HUTCHINSON SOUTHERN DIGEST - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/DIGEST NEWS EDITOR

Former SU Lab school head coach, Marcus Randall, appeared before the Board of Supervisors during its monthly meeting on Friday, February 23. Accompanied by his attorney, Jill Craft, Randall stated that he was wrongfully terminated back in August 2017 after allegations that he committed violations with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association in regards to recruiting efforts. “If Southern didn’t produce the paperwork, let’s put this man back to work. I have not heard one thing

other than hearsay that he’s done anything wrong,” Attorney Tony Clayton told his colleagues. Randall and his lawyer first requested formal documentation of the reports made by the system and the Louisiana High School Athletics Association on August 24, 2017 and claim to have yet to be presented with such. “Up until this point, I’ve heard nothing and I think he should go back to work,” Clayton reiterated. Randall led his team at Southern University See SUS BOARD MEETING page 3

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

Southern University’s Department of Computer Science celebrated its 50th year anniversary with a threeday conference starting from Wednesday, February 21 and lasting to Friday, February 23. Alongside the conference, was the Dr. Leroy Roquemore Symposium Banquet, which celebrated its 40th year anniversary Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in the Southern University Event Center. Many alumni, faculty, and present students gathered in celebratory fashion, in honor of the late Dr. Roquemore -one of the ‘founding fathers’ in the department. IBM Vice President-of Cognitive Systems, and Senior Executor for Austin, Texas IBM Laboratory Dexter Henderson served as guest speaker at the banquet. As a former student of Southern University, class of 1983, he spoke on the importance of the department stating, “If you go back when this started this in 1968. . . for Dr. Leroy Roquemore, to have a vision that Computer Science at Southern University could play a major role in corporate America around the world, was brilliant. And now here we are 50 years later, we have over 50 PhD’s come out of the Computer Science department. We have vice presidents and executives all over the world. It’s just amazing on what we have been able to accomplish over the last 50 years.” Southern University’s Computer Science department has seen much growth over the years. It was developed in 1968 under the leadership of Dr. James J. Prestage, who created the Computer Center, with Dr. Leroy Roquemore acting as Chairman and Dr. Roland Carey serving as Director. These founding fathers helped advance not only the Computer Science branch, but also the university as a whole. See ANNIVERSARY page 3

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Page 2 - Tuesday, February 27, 2018

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Director Heather Freeman ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2017 by The Southern University Office of Publications/Graphics Manager Student Media Services. Jermaine Proshee All articles, photographs and graphics Advertising/Sales Manager are property of The Southern DIGEST Camela Jackson and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the Editor in Chief and CONTACTS (Area Code 225) Advertising/Sales Office- 771.5833 Director of Student Media Services. 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 Ace Wheeler Kerry Wilson DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS Olivia Brock Devonte Landry Camryn Hawkins Shomari Moore Julian Alvarez Kyndall Jones

FEBRUARY 27 THUNDERSTORMS High: 76 Low: 66 Rain: 60%

FEBRUARY 28

PARTLY CLOUDY High: 84 Low: 66 Rain: 20%

MARCH 1

AM SHOWERS High: 69 Low: 50 Rain: 50%

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. 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. GALA ON THE BLUFF SCHOLARSHIP Now accepting applications visit galaonthebluff.com to apply. Deadline to apply is 11:59 pm March 12, 2018 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. RALLY FOR COMMUNITY The Southern University Office of Student Life in conjuction with InspireNOLA Charter Schools present Rally for Community. Keynote speaker, Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin will be leading a discussion on justice Wednesday, February 28 at 7 PM in the SU Minidome.

CAMPUS BRIEFS All submissions must be received by 3p.m. each Friday for Tuesday’s Issue. PAGE 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, Southern University Departments. All briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number. Submit announcements to: The Southern DIGEST - Suite 1064 Harris Hall, Attn: PAGE 2 You my also email: digest@subr.edu

CORRECTIONS Fact and accuracy is our goal and our job. As the voice of the Southern University student body we are committed to ensuring to most fair, truthful and accurate accounts of our work. In the event of an error we will make all corrections on Page 2.

SUNNY High: 71 Low: 51 Rain: 0%

THUNDER SHOWERS High: 68 Low: 46 Rain: 0%

WHAT’S HAPPENING

RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL SUBR is participating in The Home Depot: Retool Your School Program. The prize is a $50,000 campus improvement grant. We need you to vote EVERYDAY for SUBR! You can vote multiple times a day. Help the university secure these funds to beautify the campus. Cast your votes at: www.retoolyourschool/vote WOMEN’S TENNIS Wednesday, February 28 and Saturday, March 3, the Lady Jaguars will match off against Southern University New Orleans and Southern Miss in the 2018 SWAC West Tennis Round-Up in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, LA at 1PM and 11 AM. 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 Friday, March 2, Saturday March 3 and Sunday, March 4, the baseball team will take on Arkansas Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, AK @ 1:00 PM 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.

MARCH 4

AM SHOWERS High: 71 Low: 57 Rain: 20%

MARCH 5

MOSTLY CLOUDY High: 77 Low: 56 Rain: 60%

JAGUAR BASKETBALL The Jaguars will be facing Texas Southern in a double header on Thursday, March 1 at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. The Jaguars will be facing Prairie View in a double header on Saturday, March 3 at 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. HONORS COLLEGE PINNING CEREMONY The Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes Honors College requests the pleasure of your company at The Pinning Ceremony introducing the 2017-2018 Honors College on Friday, March 16 2018 at 6 PM in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the SmithBrown Memorial Student Union with guest speaker, The Honorable Ms. Ann Smith, Chair of the SU Board of Supervisors. RSVP at (225) 771-4845 or (225) 771-4872. WESTCOAST CONNECTION The Westcoast Connection presents It Takes a Village BR. SUpport by donating a clothing or toiletry item on February 28 at 12PM in the Student Union Courtyard. 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.

JAGUARS SPEAKOUT Question: If gifted $50,000 how would you spend it at Southern University? #southernu_rys18

DAMOND JULIEN

BY:Julian Alvarez/DIGEST

NURSING FRESHMAN NEW ORLEANS

TERREL LOVE COMPUTER SCIENCE FRESHMAN BATON ROUGE

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

LOVE

“I would spend 6,000 on the loans I’ve gotten from Southern. I would spend 4,500 dollars on textbooks from the bookstore. I would donate 10,000 to computer science department, [then] I would 10,000 to career services. I would donate the rest to put a statue of gold in in front the union in memory of Smith and Brown.”

“I would renovate the dorms so students can have self controlled A/C.”

JULIEN

ASIA TAYLOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE FRESHMAN BATON ROUGE

“I would put half toward my tuition and books. Then buy some SU apparel, and keep the rest to myself.”

KEISHA VEALS NURSING FRESHMAN BATON ROUGE

“If I was granted 50,000 I would spend it on tuition of course and plus books, if I had extra over I would help someone else with theirs.”

TAYLOR

JAVION WILES NURSING FRESHMAN JEANERETTE

VEALS

“I would fix some things in the dorms, buy books, pay off my tuition.”

JALEN JOHNSON POLITICAL SCIENCE FRESHMAN NEW ORLEANS

“I would buy more books for the schools, and I will do improvement on the dorm.”

JOHNSON

WILES 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).

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Last fall, the SGA senate passed a bill which mandates at least one year of prior SGA experience to run for any top-tier position in student government, including Miss Southern University. This semester, Senator Makala Lundy has been consistently attempting to reverse this decision, and brought a revised bill, inclusive of her peers’ suggestions to the meeting. Lundy is a graduating senior from Houston, TX studying Political Science, and is also a member of the band. She proposed this bill as a result of the negative responses received from the student body last year. “I proposed this bill because of the backlash from the student body, and poor representation and support of the bill because of the unfair qualification placed on the students.” The bill was decidedly moved to referendum, highly anticipated Career Week. In order to ensure students were prepared for professional presentation, the center offered a variety of preparation activities, including an open house with p artic ipa t i n g companies, professional development workshops, and the career fair. The week kicked off Sunday with a roundtable discussion between students, student leaders, and the Central Intelligence Agency held at 6:30 PM in the Donald C. Wade House at the university. Students were able to draft and polish resumes with the R.E.A.C.H. Motivational Task Force and participate in mock interviews courtesy of the SU Business and Industry Cluster. The center also advised students on business professional attire so they would be poised to have free professional headshots taken at the Spring Career Exploration Day. Southern University graduate and freelance photographer Wil Norwood was in attendance for the task. On Wednesday, the Felton G. Clark Activity Center housed over 60 participating companies and welcomed students of all majors and classifications. There, students had the opportunity to network and explore some of the many career and internship opportunities

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SPECIAL SESSION from page 1

SUS BOARD MEETING from page 1

and will be presented on the Spring 2018 election ballot. As the agenda moved to Item 9, Section A: Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items), students came forward to express longstanding concerns, but to also lend the SGA Senate some advice. Baton Rouge native Kelvin Wells is currently a junior studying Political Science. As the former President Pro-Tempore of the senate and a concerned student, he asserted that time has played a salient role in the reoccurring problems the senate has. “This is what happens when time is wasted… there is no reason why twelve people, as intelligent as you are, should have this many problems in this amount of time… it shouldn’t be the week of filing week when the election code is just being sorted out,” Wells declared.

available to them. Previous career fair events prepared students to meet faceto-face with employers with confidence. “As a student approaches, we’re looking at dress, attitude, how much confidence they exude, once they engage with us how articulate they might be,” Procter & Gamble’s Alexandria-based IT Leader, Bennette Veals, shared from the company’s booth. “There is no one present that is not hiring today,” she encouraged. With unemployment in graduates with bachelor’s degrees at 2.2 percent and associate’s degrees at 3.7 percent, corporate america is very competitve. This is among the reasons the Career Services Center advocates for career preparation as early as the freshman year. “Career Day is just one day. We want to prepare you for a lifetime,” Montgomery said, encouraging students to visit and utilize the center. “It is your responsibility to take ownership of your own journey and come to the Career Services Center or utilize those offices on campus that are resources for you,” she continued. “I’m a product of the internship program at Blue Cross and Blue Shield. I’m a fellow HBCU graduate of Xavier University

CAREER SERVICES from page 1

Louisiana, so I was able to take advantage of an internship opportunity with Blue Cross during my sophomore year and I never looked back,” shared Internship Program Manager for Blue Cross and Blue Shield Louisiana, Jacob Evans. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Louisiana is one of many repeat participant companies in the Southern University Career Fair seeking to recruit interns and, upon graduation, possibly convert them into full-time employees. For those who did not attend the events, Bennette Veals advises to start preparing for the Fall 2018 Career Fair. “The key for me is having them do the research and then build a network and realize that every interaction is an opportunity to add someone to their network and gain access to the individual’s network,” she said. Students can download the free, official SUBR Career Services Center app in the App Store and Google Play. The app listed every employer in attendance and a floor plan with their locations. It includes thorough descriptions of companies and the majors they seek, a bookmark section for ideal companies, and a notes section. The week came to an end with company interviews for successful ANNIVERSARY from page 1

Many students had access to modern computers, including the IBM 360 mainframe, that contributed during their academic endeavors. By 1971, the department birthed its first seven graduates, and in the 1980’s an academic survey, supported by the National Science Foundation, classified Southern University’s Computer Science department as an excellent model for computer academia. Today the department has added four new undergrad programs such as Data Analytic & Sciences, Cyber-security, Information Systems and Mobile Applications.

Rachel Vincent-Finley, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in College of Sciences and Engineering, shares future visions for the department. “I would like to see the department of Computer Science continue to grow…bringing in new faculty members with new ideas, and definitely engaging the industry partners. We have a lot of alumni out there who are willing to help Southern University and help our students in preparing them for industry. So I like to see those kind of connections grow and be sustained.” Current SU student Dante Davis, who is a freshman from

Stop by: 1062 T.H. Harris Hall TO APPLY

Denver, Colorado majoring in Physics and Computer Science, believes the department is preparing him with useful skills. “Right now we are learning C++ language here and my professors have all told me that’s a really good building point,” Davis said. Alongside new students, many of the original seven graduating class attended the banquet, including Mrs. Deanna Allen Roquemore-wife of the late Dr. Leroy Roquemore. She believes her husband “would be so amazed and glad” of the success in the department today.

Laboratory School to win a state championship title in 2015, which the LHSAA made the school forfeit following Randall’s termination. The Board of Supervisors voted to table the appeal decision, with no specific timeline as to when Randall would be rehired. Vice President for Policy and Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Alex Appeaning presented to the board an update on university retention numbers for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 academic years. The data was collected by the Office of Strategic Planning, Policy, and Institutional Effectiveness, as requested by Board Supervisor, Richard Hilliard. The data answered inquiries about the number of students retained in the same major and those who changed majors. Results were higher than the previous year, but attention was called to the number of “no show” students for both years. While impressed by an overall retention increase of 1.2 percent, the board expressed concerns with Southern University’s involvement in the Dual Enrollment program for college-ready high school students. As requested by Chairman Dr. Curman L. Gaines, Dr. James Ammons presented the board with an overview of Dual Enrollment across the system. Among a total of 2,107 students participating within the system, only 20 percent of them stayed with the university as first-time students. Ammons admits that current figures are not reliable, but has implemented a consistent data collection process wherein each campus must submit a plan to increase the number of Dual Enrollment participants by March 21. Between the 2010-2011 and 2015-2016 academic years, the Baton Rouge campus had 242 Dual Enrollment students enrolled -compared to Southeastern Louisiana University’s 7,254. “Even if [the numbers] are off a little bit, that’s pathetic for a school of this size to only have 200 kids,” Attorney Tony Clayton expressed. “We’re going to put the right people in place within the institutions. I’m a believer that what gets measured gets managed,” Ammons reassured. Progress will be assessed annually by Ammons and the Office of Policy, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness. I n c i d e n t a l l y, Ammons recommends that the university

consults other campuses like SELU to discover the best approaches to Dual Enrollment success. During the Student Affairs sector of the board meeting, Dr. Kimberly M. Ferguson-Scott was appointed to the position of Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, beating out as many as 47 candidates. Scott brings over 28 years of experience in higher education to the university, having served as a former Director of Student Affairs, Dean of Students, and Assistant Director for Multicultural Affairs. Scott has served at several institutions across the country including Spelman College, Allegheny College and Ohio State University. “I hope to decrease the work of this board and hopefully [bring] more positive information about the good things that are going on in student affairs and hopefully working with our students to make sure their needs are being met but in particular working to increase retention of our students here on campus,” stated Scott. Representing the Facilities and Properties Committee, Director of the SUS Office of Facilities Planning, Eli Guillory III, stated that there is about $113 million dollars worth of planning projects, construction projects, and deferred maintenance projects that the system has made progress on. During a special presentation by the Academic Affairs Committee, Dr. Rachel Emanuel and Ms. Carla Ball introduced their book detailing the history of the Southern University Law Center. The literature was written in celebration of the law center’s 70th year anniversary. In a special presentation, Louisiana State Police Chief Lt. Col. Murphy Paul informed the Board and the Jaguar Nation that BRPD was committed to community policing and securing the trust between officers and the community. Paul urged citizens to comply, listen and follow any instructions an officer may give. In contrast, if a person feels as though an officer behaved excessively or in an unprofessional manner, Paul states “I encourage you to go to the district and file a complaint .. we will address the behavior.” The Board presented Paul with a navy ball cap adorned with a gold “S”. The board is scheduled to convene again on the third Friday in March.

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Page 4 - Tuesday, February 27, 2018

SOUTHERN DIGEST

The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Jags’ Bowling Gaining Momentum BY DEVON FEDRICK

SOUTHERN DIGEST - SPORTS WRITER

The Southern University Women’s Bowling team is a program on the rise. This year started off a bit rocky for the team, starting the season off with only three wins throughout their first two tournaments. “Then we turned it around,” said head coach Rose Fogg, “then we were better than 50 percent wins for the next two tournaments.” The team just finished their SWAC East tournament this past weekend, beginning on Friday, February 16th and lasting through Sunday, February 18th. “We beat Grambling, and we beat ASU, and we beat Jackson State,” said Fogg,“Last year we were in fifth place when we went to the championship, and we finished in third. This year, we’re bowling much better.” According to Fogg, the ladies have gone from bowling 750’s, 800’s and just one 900 game last tournament, to higher scoring games this time around. “This tournament we had a lot more 900’s we had two games just short of 900…we actually had one game at 1020.” A noticeable difference between the first two tournaments and the last two was practice. “I was fortunate to have some one on time with a couple of the girls and it really made a big difference in their

(Tyler Hayes/DIGEST ART)

ability and performance.” When it comes down to it, bowling requires just as much hard work and dedication as any other sport. Players can find themselves having off nights and when this happens it is important to take the time to figure out what the issue is and how to power through it. As far as players getting into

slumps or developing bad habits, Fogg has a method for dealing with these problems as well. “A lot of the time they pick up a bad habit, and if you watch them and you finetune them, then they get back on track.” Fogg also had a few pointers on how to become more consistent as a bowler. She explained that sometimes players

may try to make the ball do what they want it to do by changing their release. For example, players will sometimes try to hook the ball by twisting their hand a bit and trying to direct it one way, however that is something that should be avoided. “Hooking the ball has more to do with the ball than it has to do with your hand “, said Fogg. The Proper way is to follow the targets on the bowling lane. She explained that “when you’re bowling with a plastic ball, the objective is for it to go straight”. “You shouldn’t be trying to twist the ball with your hand to make the ball hook because you’re inconsistent, you want a consistent shoot every time.” Instead of trying to move your hand in the direction that you want the ball to go, you should move your feet, according to Fogg. The trick is to pick one of the arrows on the bowling lane, and stick with it. People may think that bowling is an easy sport but in reality, it requires a lot of work and a ton of focus to be good, just as basketball players must constantly work on their shooting form, or football players must fine tune their throwing, or soccer players must work on their kicking. A good bowler must practice their swing. In fact, bowling requires awareness of the condition of the lanes as

“The Game Just Sticks:” Lacrosse Transcends Culture Generations BY ARAINA AKINS

SOUTHERN DIGEST - SPORTS WRITER

What is Lacrosse? Lacrosse can be considered to be a combination of hockey and soccer. It is a team sport played with a lacrosse stick and lacrosse ball. Players use the head of the lacrosse stick to carry, pass, catch, and shoot the ball into the goal against an opposing team. It is considered to be one of the oldest sports in North America to still be in existence. Initially named “stickball” by the Algonquian tribe, the game has remained popular amongst Native Americans. By the 1900s, there were many men’s clubs for lacrosse all over the world. Morgan State University, located in Baltimore, Maryland, became the first

See MOMENTUM page 5

See JUST STICKS page 5

SPORTS COMMENTARY

What Can We Learn From Louisville?

BY DEBRANDIN BROWN

SOUTHERN DIGEST - SPORTS WRITER

The University of Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team, for a very long time, has been an integral part of what has made the sports world great, specifically the world of basketball. For years, famed head coach Rick Pitino and his staff has had Louisville in NCAA tournament after NCAA tournament year after year, while also winning a national championship in 2013. To many, Louisville represented some of what the sports world has come to know as consistency from an individual sports program in the game of basketball. With the NCAA upholding penalties against Louisville for the numerous counts of regulation-lapses highlighted by sex scandals involving player, recruits, and prostitutes, Louisville is now going through a fall from grace seemingly overnight. From the dismissal of Pitino, questions are being posed about student-athletes and universities alike as to how they are conducting themselves behind closed doors, as well as how they are representing the university as a whole. Similarly, the argument could be made that our very own Southern University has our own fair share of scandals and allegations. While not to the degree of that which Louisville has suffered, the image of Southern has been tarnished repeatedly over the past few years as sexual assault allegations have ran rampant across the Southern University community. While I am not one to prosecute any individual before due process can run its course, I do believe that what has become of the two aforementioned universities is nothing

short of embarrassing. Southern and Louisville are both respectively some two of the biggest names in their individual realms of notoriety, and as such, the target on their backs is unmistakable. But then, they already knew that fact. The question is what can Southern University do to make sure we don’t experience such a fall as Louisville did? The answer to that question is simple: hold those in power accountable. For too long, those in power at accredited universities have played by a different set of rules than other members of the faculty, staff, and students of the university.For years, and possibly even decades, filth has been allowed to roam college campuses around the country with nothing or no one to keep them in check. If Southern is to defy this trend and be the best we can possibly be, then we must first make sure that every, teacher, and administrator is playing by the same rules as the rest of the Southern community. Whether it be coaches, student athletes, or members of administration, we must be willing to stand by our morals and principles, regardless of how damning they could be. As a student of Southern University, there is nothing I care about more than my HBCU and the people that reside in it. This being said, I would rather see the doors of our great institution close forever before we let the filth and scandals that has forever stained the Louisville name stain the name of our great university. So as individuals and as a united family, we must each make the conscious decision to stand for the greater good, and be the type of men and women that future generations of Jaguars can look up to in pride because of that which we stood for.

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Tuesday, February 27, 2018 - Page 5

To Run The Race: African Americans In Nascar BY OLIVIA BROCK

SOUTHERN DIGEST - SPORTS WRITER

Do you know who the first African-American NASCAR driver is? Wendell Oliver Scott, was born on August 29, 1921 and passed away on December 23, 1990 from spinal cancer, was an American stock car racing driver. He was one of the first African-American drivers in NASCAR, and the first African-American to win a race in the Grand National Series, NASCAR’s highest level. NASCAR is short for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. It is known to be where professional racers from across the world come together to compete for championships. Freshman psychology major, Paris Johnson, may not pay too much attention to racing. “All I know is that it’s men racing in sports cars.” However, it is important to recognize the achievements of African-Americans in all athletics, not just football and basketball. Racing fulltime from 1963 to 1971 in the top series, Scott won his only NASCAR race in 1963. Besides being first at the finish line, it appeared that Scott’s only other obstacle was being a black man in a predominantly white sport. Johnson comments, “[Black drivers] have the ability to succeed. I don’t they are [given] the chance to,” There were no AfricanAmericans in NASCAR until 1973, when Willy T. Ribbs started three races in 1986. Born on January 3, 1955, Ribbs is a retired race car driver, racing owner, and sport shooter known for being the first African-American to have tested a Formula One car in HBCU to build a collegiate men’s lacrosse team. In 1970, black lacrosse players coming out of high school from Maryland and New York were having trouble getting into white colleges, so Morgan State fielded the first lacrosse team. Two thirds of football players showed up to the first lacrosse meeting to join the team. Morgan State soon dominated division II lacrosse. After coach Howard “Chip” SIlverman retired at the end of the 1975 season, the Bears never had another winning season. By 1981, the school dropped lacrosse because the athletic funds had to be distributed to more women’s programs. The majority of HBCUs, including Southern University, do not offer lacrosse. However, the HBCU Lacrosse Consortium -- consisting of Hampton University, Howard University,

1986 and the first to compete in the Indianapolis 500 in 1991. Though Willy’s racing career was short lived, his first race was at North Wilkesboro Speedway on April 20, 1986. That was the only race that he finished with 13 laps down in 22nd. Ribbs went on to participate in two more races that year for DiGard racing, but was troubled by engine failure in both. Another African-American racer wouldn’t make his debut until Bill Lester in 1999. Born on February 6, 1966, Lester was the first African-American to compete in the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series. He was most successful at driving in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series where he raced fulltime. In 2003, Lester was the only African-American race car driver competing in any of NASCAR’s top three divisions and became only the second African-American driver in history to win the pole position Morehouse College, Morgan State University and University of Maryland- Eastern Shore, wants to “grow the game” by exposing lacrosse to men and women at other HBCUs. After learning more about the lacrosse sport, Freshman criminal justice major from Ohio, Erin Debrill, says “I think lacrosse would be a great addition for the football players at Southern. It would help them condition during the spring in my opinion.” Another freshman nursing major from Donaldsonville, Louisiana says, “Lacrosse looks fun . and the games would be lit.” Hampton recently made history as the first HBCU to enter Division I. The current coach for Hampton, Lloyd Carter, was a former player of the Bears from Morgan State. Carter wants his team to,

in a major NASCAR series. Although Lester had many firsts in his racing and some successful runs, he was not exempt from harsh realities. The racing star was not embraced in the NASCAR culture. He confessed to CNN in an interview that he never felt like he belonged. “I have been booed, and it was surprising to me because I think that I did a great job behind the wheel... I’ve never made disparaging remarks or offended anybody to my knowledge, but for whatever reason, I wasn’t really embraced”, says Lester. The three African-American drivers aforementioned who competed in the NASCAR Cup Series are now Hall of Famers; Wendell Scott, Willy T. Ribbs and Bill Lester who paved the way for the fourth AfricanAmerican Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., who was briefly promoted to the sport’s highest level this summer. Darrell Wallace won the “enjoy the moment,” he tells local Hampton radio station WTKR, “These guys, it won’t really hit them until they get older, then it’ll sink in.” Lacrosse was ignored in the black community because of the cost of equipment and lack of television, according to the National Black Chambers of Commerce. The equipment includes pads, gloves, helmets, the ball, and the stick. Also, NCAA studies show that only 1.9 percent of division men’s lacrosse is black. An important figure in black lacrosse is one player from a team in Southern California named Kyle Harrison. He shares how it feels to be playing with other black men. “I was proud as hell walking on that field with those guys. I knew we had all been through the same thing, and we’ve all been the only guy on the team before. When you

(Tyler Hayes/DIGEST ART)

hearts of NASCAR fans after an emotional historic recap in Daytona 500. Born on October 8, 1993, Wallace started racing cars at nine years old. The 24-year-old rookie from Mobile, AL., is the first fulltime African-American driver in the sport since Wendell Scott in 1971 and was overcome with emotion after his second-place finish. Wallace launched his NASCAR career in 2010 with regional races in the K&N Pro Series East, and nationally in May 2012 with an XFinity Series race at Iowa Speedway in May, where he came in ninth. Along with other career highlights, he is slated to compete full time for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series organization in 2018, making him the first AfricanAmerican to have a full-time Cup gig since Wendell Scott in 1971.

JUST STICKS from page 4

start getting in those situations where you’re not the only one, you’re not the token black lacrosse player on a team, you just feel more comfortable.” Another important figure in lacrosse is Jim Brown. Brown, known as a football legend, joined the lacrosse team during his time at Syracuse and dominated. Brown became second in the nation with 43 goals in only 10 games, and a First-Team All America selection. In 1983, Brown got inducted in to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Brown, excelling in both football and lacrosse, chose lacrosse as the better sport during an interview. “I could fully express myself in lacrosse,” Brown told Times. As the black community continues to learn about lacrosse, the legends are making history.

MOMENTUM from page 4

well. For example, the lanes have oil patterns that enables the ball to skid down to the pins but often, at the collegiate level after following a particular pattern for a number a throw, the oil begins to wear down. The bowlers cannot see when the pattern has been worn down, so players must take notice of how much the ball hooks after so many throws. “When you throw that ball at the same spot over and over again you’ll see that it begins to hook too much.” This is when you want to move your eyes and feet and change your approach and find a new path says Fogg. “People think it’s a really easy sport, and anybody can throw the ball up the middle and get a strike, but it’s not that easy.” As far as how you can help to support the SU Women’s bowling team, Coach Fogg wants you to know that like any other team on campus, fundraising is a major key to helping the team pay for the things that they need. “We sell candy in the fall semester to help bolster what funds we get from the school, so if you see someone out there selling candy, for a good reason, buy it.”

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Students execute a stretch technique during “Zumba Night,” hosted by the Collegiate 100 Black Women of Southern University, held inside the Intramural Complex. (Devon Fedrick/DIGEST)

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Southern University students take a photo during the “2018 Career Exploration Day” with a representative from Genesis Energy, in sponsorship of the Southern University Professional Development and Leadership Institute. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Students show up to the bowling alley to attend the C100 “Meet and Greet” in the SmithBrown Union Bowling Alley on February 19. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Students mingling on Pretty Wednesday in the Smith-Brown Union food court on February 22. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Students chat in the Food Court during Pretty Wednesday inside the Smith-Brown Union on February 22. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Students enjoying themselves at the C100 “Meet and Greet” in the Smith-Brown Union Bowling Alley on February 19. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Southern students kick it outside of the Smith-Brown Union near the courtyard on February 22. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Senior, Nicki Neal, returns a hard serve during the Jaguars matchup against Jackson State at University Courts on Saturday, February 24. (Courtesy Wil Norwood)

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Southern University students, faculty, and past graduates enjoying celebrate the Computer Science buildingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 50th Anniversary in the Event Center on February 22. (Shomari Moore/DIGEST)

Students prepare for the Black History Quiz Bowl in the Agriculture Center on February 22, 2018. (Debrandin Brown/DIGEST)

Tuesday, February 27, 2018 - Page 7

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Page 8 - Tuesday, February 27, 2018

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More Than A Flag: Lacumba Spinners Get In Formation BY BRIA GREMILLION

SOUTHERN DIGEST - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

When senior Music Education major, Paris Daniels ventured onto the second floor of the student union, she had one goal in mind: to create an organization that was inclusive of the women on campus who had flag spinning and colorguard experience. The Lacumba Spinners originated in 2016 after Daniels received approval from The Office of Student Life, making her the founder and captain of the the organization. Named after the university’s beloved

The Lacumba Spinners volunteering at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. (Courtesy/Lacumba Spinners)

mascot and currently composed of 5 members, the Lacumba Spinners is a spirit interest group that uses flag performances and majorette style dancing to replicate the Jaguar spirit of Southern University. “We are an organization here not only to step and dance but we’re here to support our university through pride and tradition,” stated Daniels. The art of color guard or flag spinning, according to colorguardhistoricalsociety.org, allows members to “... march and dance in formation while carrying and spinning color guard flags, sometimes the school colors, other times colors that match the “show” they are performing.” Daniels’ next task was to find an advisor for the Spinners, and after scouring for the best candidates, Service Learning Instructor, Lori Hitchens became the perfect fit. Hitchens details that although this experience is fairly new to the ladies, they are continuously evolving and growing. “Excellence is Southern University … they know that anything they do, they have to do it with excellence,” cautioned Hitchens. The girls practice every fall and spring semester, two to three times per week.

The Lacumba Spinners Volunteering at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. (Courtesy/Lacumba Spinners)

Although the Spinners serve as the university’s color guard team, community service is also an important value to everyone involved. “The girls are working extremely hard to become engaged in the activities on campus,” stated Hitchens. With performances lasting between three to five minutes, the Lacumba Spinners attend different color guard competitions and work

amongst themselves to create different performance routines. Although small in number, the Spinners continue to make their presence known through their intimate performances and social media presence. The Spinners performed at the Miss SU Rally, and the Bayou Classic pep rally last fall. They also performed during Residential See LACUMBA SPINNERS page 10

SU Alumnus Presents: Crescent City Stroll BY JACQUELINE MORGAN

SOUTHERN DIGEST - MANAGING EDITOR

On view through March 8, 2018, Morris “Taft” Thomas is exhibiting a little more than ‘prismacolor on paper’ right in Hayden Hall in Southern University’s Visual Arts Gallery. In 1955, Thomas embarked upon his journey at Southern University, choosing to study Art Education, with a minor in Social Studies and Spanish. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1960, he later returned to earn his Masters of Education in Supervision and Administration. In 1963, Taft became the first African American to become a member of the Central Louisiana Art

“Jean Paul Hubbard” by Morris “Taft” Thomas, Prismacolor on Paper 2018

Association. His work has long since impacted, and caught the attention of numerous prestigious entities such as the Greater Alexandria-Pineville Chamber of Commerce, and the Rapides Parish Police Department. Thomas’ current exhibition on display in Hayden Hall is titled, “Crescent City Stroll,” named after New Orleans, Louisiana, his inspiration for the collection. Associate Professor of Visual Arts and curator of the exhibition, Randall Henry raved about the collection, especially noting that it represents a real-world experience featuring hand portraits of well respected artists, including the likes of Frank Hayden himself, and Jean Paul Hubbard. Mediums used by Taft in the collection include bronze, wood, aluminum, copper, pencil on paper, and watercolor on paper, with prismacolor on paper being the bulk of the exhibition. “He captured a prismacolor work of Frank Hayden, who was my teacher here at Southern University. And he captured [this] work of Jean Paul Hubbard who was my painting professor … these are works done with extremely intense coloring pencils,” explained Henry. According to Thomas, his intentional artistic methods are meant to elude a three-dimensional presence, giving viewers a realistic experience. “My metal sculptures and mixed media paintings, though contemporary, reflect simplicity, yet are explicit and unambiguous enough to convey a message from past to present,” he reflected. In addition to featuring former SU professors, the collection includes a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr.

See CRESCENT CITY page 9

“Freedom” by Morris “Taft” Thomas, Wood 2018

“Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Morris “Taft” Thomas, Prismacolor on Paper 2018

“Frank Hayden” by Morris “Taft” Thomas, Prismacolor on Paper 2018

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Tuesday, February 27, 2018 - Page 9

Working It Out: Zumba stretches to Southern

“Ain’t Going Outside Today:” Rapper NBA Young boy Arrested

BY DEVON FEDRICK

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

On February 20, 2018, the popular dance work-out program known as ‘Zumba’ made its way to the intramural complex here at SU. The goal of Zumba is to get a great workout in, burn calories and build muscle, all while being motivated by music. Typically, a Zumba class lasts about an hour, and the dancing is nonstop. Each dance move is specifically designed to match the beat and tempo of the music. This increases the challenge for the participants because as the music gets faster, so does the choreography. The event was sponsored by the “Collegiate 100 Black Women of Southern University” and it was intense from start to finish. President of the club, Ambrosia Williams who is a Marketing Major here at Southern, wanted to do something exciting for students on campus that would be both fun and healthy. “I wanted to bring something new to Collegiate 100 week. . .this is the most fun I have had in a long time. I hope the ladies enjoyed themselves,” said Williams Zumba may be the perfect form of exercise for people who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the gym. Because the classes only last for about an hour, it is fantastic for quick workouts

BY LANIYA SPENCER

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

Students work up a sweat during “Zumba Night,” hosted by the Collegiate 100 Black Women of Southern University, held inside the Intramural Complex. (Devon Fedrick/DIGEST)

whenever you have a few hours of down time. Compared to going to the gym, lifting weights, or hitting the treadmill, Zumba allows you to get a full body workout in all at once. Some students who participated had positive reviews of the Colombian based dance workout. “This event was exciting, fun, and a well needed stress reliever”, said Ariel Briggs, a Sophomore, Computer Science Major from Greenville Mississippi. She and other young ladies from SU came together for a fun night

of exercise with friends. Alyse Shelton, a Junior Mass Communications Major from Shreveport, Louisiana said, “This was very fun and a different way of exercising, and I’m glad I got to do it with my sisters.” More than a good workout, Zumba is great for providing participants with an overall satisfying experience. Regardless of what form it takes, working out is always going to be tough See ZUMBA page 10

Meeting of the Minds: The 24th Annual Land Grant Black History Quizbowl

BY DEBRANDIN BROWN

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

On Thursday, February 22nd, the young minds of Southern University engaged in the annual Black History Quiz Bowl in the Southern University Agriculture Center. Featuring some of the brightest students that Southern University has to offer, this year’s Quiz Bowl was without a doubt one of the highlights of Black History Month on Southern University’s campus. Speaking to Dr. Dawn Mellion Patin, she had a lot to say about the history of the event and what it means to her. “It has really morphed into something, 24 years later, that has exceeded all of our expectations,” Patin expressed. With all of the legacy that goes into an event like this, individuals such as Dr. Patin, who were actually apart of the inaugural Quiz Bowl 24 years prior, seeing the next generation carry on the traditions of the past is perhaps one of the greatest aspects of putting such an event together every year. Similarly, many of the students in attendance who participated in the event shared similar thoughts on the Bowl. When asked what she thought she would get out of the experience, sophomore Agriculture major, Khalien Howard, from Winnsboro, Louisiana said, “Basically just a learning experience. Just to learn [more] about black history basically.” In many regards, the number of kids in attendance spoke to just how much the younger generation acknowledges the history that this month carries. In many ways, students such as Howard embody that which older members of the SU community hope to see in their youth: young minds thirsting for knowledge of their

past in order to build a more stable future. In contrast to what many prominent media outlets would show you, the youth is well-aware of their roots and just how much they gain from the lessons of their past. Similarly, Dr. Patin expressed such a thought on what she believed made this event all the more special saying, “One of the things that we have found that really happens with this that is most dynamic is that a lot of the youth that participates in the Quiz Bowl actually read the books.” Books, which is perhaps one of the biggest points of emphasis of the event, also serve as the prize for the winners. The fact that the youth

participating are actually taking these books home and reading is in itself a stellar point of accomplishment not only for older members of the Southern community, but for the entire Jaguar family as a whole. With numerous teams competing in this competition, there were roughly fifty students in attendance hoping to improve their knowledge of black history and showcase what they already know to their peers and instructors alike. Some of the teams in attendance included the Freedom Riders, Tenacious Jaguars, and Da Panthers, all of which represented themselves, See QUIZ BOWL page 10

The Tenacious Jaguars and Freedom Riders prepare for the opening round of the Quiz Bowl at the SU Agriculture Center on February 22, 2018. (Debrandin Brown/DIGEST)

Kentrell Gaulden, known as rapper NBA Youngboy , may only be 18, but he is no stranger to the legal system. Despite climbing to the top of the music industry, Youngboy has had several highly publicized encounters with law enforcement since becoming a mainstream artist. Baton Rouge newspaper, The Advocate, reported in 2017 that Gaulden had been arrested for his involvement in a “non-fatal” drive by that occured in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Age 17 at the time, Kentrell Gaulden was accused of firing a gun multiple times during the drive by that took place on the 2000th block of Kentucky Street, on November 2, 2016. During the incident, the driver was shot in the neck, but was still able to flee. After leaving the scene, they caught a flat tire and crashed the car. Gaulden, along with the other two passengers, fled before the police could arrive. After a warrant was issued for the arrest of Kentrell Gaulden, the rapper was arrested at a concert in Austin, Texas, on November 28th. He was then sentenced to a suspended ten year sentence and three years probation. NBA Youngboy has constantly been trending on social media, especially after publicizing his third relationship in less than a year with current girlfriend, Jania. Last week, rumors that Youngboy assaulted Jania, surfaced the internet. In addition, video footage from the hotel showed two people having an altercation, who looked similar to the two. Jania, who’s known for resorting to social media’s “live videos” to clapback at the public, went live in response to the assault allegations made against her boyfriend. In the video, she began by stating, “ Y’all did not see him hit me one time. He was pulling me. I was pulling him. That’s just how we like to play.” She then concluded the video by clarifying that the accusations were false and their relationship is fine. This video went viral as people around the world shared their opinion on the couple’s relationship. While there’s only a handful that seem to be on her side, majority of the spectators See NBA YOUNG BOY page 10

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Page 10 - Tuesday, February 27, 2018

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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926 CRESCENT CITY from page 8

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE MEDIA?

NEW YORK (AP) — “Black Panther” scored one of the best second weekends ever with an estimated $108 million in ticket sales, putting it on track to rank among the highest-grossing blockbusters ever. ”Black Panther” has grossed $400 million domestically and $704 million worldwide in two weeks. The film, starring Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan, has held even better overseas, where it dropped 42 percent this weekend. Its release in China, the world’s second-largest film market, is set for March 9.

FILE - In this Nov. 7, 2014, file photo, TV talk show host Wendy Williams arrives during the 2014 Soul Train Awards in Las Vegas. Williams, is taking three weeks off on doctor’s orders. She said Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, her doctor told her to take the break to deal with her Grave’s Disease and hyperthyroidism. Reruns will air in her absence. (Photo by Omar Vega/ Invision/AP, File)

LACUMBA SPINNERS from page 8

Life Week and at a SU women’s basketball game last spring. “They enjoy and love Southern University … that’s the most important part,” finished Hitchens. In order to become a Spinner, one must be a student currently enrolled at SU and have a 2.75 GPA. Daniels states that majorette experience is a plus but not a major requirement. “We’ll work with you,” she says. “I put my heart into it. This is my baby. This is what I want to be carried on even after I graduate. It means everything to me … that I can give back to my school,” Daniels stated. The team can be followed on Instagram, Youtube and Snapchat @sulacumbaspinners. QUIZ BOWL from page 9

their teams, and their university to the best of their abilities in what was a wonderful culmination of black history, and hopefully a taste of what the future will hold for Southern University, as well as the African American community as a whole.

SUBMIT YOUR LETER TO THE EDITOR DIGEST@SUBR.EDU

BY DEBRANDIN BROWN

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

On February 16th, Hip Hop superstar Drake unveiled the video for his latest single, God’s Plan. The single has went on to become one of the highlights of the new year, with many claiming it as Drake’s return to the spotlight after a brief hiatus from the summer release of his commercial project, More Life, in early 2017. While the video created a significant buzz of its own from both critics and fans alike, the video made Drake the story of the year to many inside and outside of the Hip Hop community. The video was composed of numerous clips of Drake in Miami, completing charitable deeds across the coastal city. Making appearances in local grocery stores and low-income neighborhoods, Drake donated nearly $1 million dollars to the Miami area. Including cameos from locals dancing and joking with the Canadian superstar, the video presented a lighthearted Drake attempting to spread positivity to unsuspecting individuals in a place that means alot to him, while also inspiring others to go out and

do their fair share in their own communities. Talking to some students attending Southern University, there were overwhelmingly positive reviews of both Drake and the good deeds he contributed to during the course of the music video. As far as Drake’s personality goes, Ryan White, a freshman Civil Engineering major from New Orleans, Louisiana had this to say about the self-proclaimed “6 God”; “Those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others. That’s Drake.” Similarly, Devin Raby, a freshman Engineering major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana had all positive things to say about Drake’s charitable deeds. “It was moving. If I had the money he had, I’d do it too, ” Raby reflected. In this regard, the case could be made that not only did Drake change the lives of the people he blessed in Miami, but he has also managed to inspire others to do good of their own. Taking it to social media, Drake had an endearing message to his fans along with the link to the previously unreleased video

via Instagram in which he asked his followers to follow his lead and do charitable works in their own communities, if only for just 24-hours. “I am not into challenges on [Instagram] I find them annoying…” he says on his Instagram story post, “but today I am going to challenge everyone to just go out and do something for someone, anything, the smallest thing just to bring another human being some joy.” Drake’s reign over the Hip Hop landscape has spanned almost a decade now, and many of his critics are saying that his time on top has come to an end. From what Drake has been doing lately however, this seems to be far from the case. Should it be the case however, then the things he has done for the people of his country and ours during his time in the game has been nothing short of noteworthy. And while no reign lasts forever, with rappers such as Drake diverting their attention more towards the people and less towards album sales, then perhaps the fall of the Canadian rapstar is simply all a part of God’s Plan.

NBA YOUNGBOY from page 9

and a few drawings of recognizable landmarks in New Orleans, including Big Easy Tattoo & Co. on Canal Street. The show includes thirty original pieces, that were all created between 2015 and 2018, and as an 82-yearold man, Thomas feels that he has finally reached his creative peak. “Now that my chronological age and mental maturity have evolved, there is urgency for me to reflect and document social events as they occurred during my era of social change,” he reflected. Standout pieces in the collection include, “Dancer”, “Freedom”, “Bongo Player”, and “Mask-Akin”, as they were all created with a threedimensional medium, and offers the audience Thomas’ attempt at reflection. “Through this wakening as a painter and sculptor, an attempt has been made to reflect and visually document with the use of metal sculptures, mixed media painting, and life experiences as they were during my formative years from childhood to adulthood,” Thomas said. Students at the university are allowed to visit the exhibit from Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. while the show is on display, and some have been taking advantage of this. Junior Mechanical Engineering major from Sacramento, CA Johnathon Banks is a reoccurring fan of the Southern University Visual Art Gallery. “I always go and support the art being showcased and I’m never disappointed, so it wasn’t surprising that the Crescent City Stroll collection really tapped into my memories of my time here in Louisiana and made me feel at home,” Banks admitted. The exhibition will be open until March 8, 2018. For more information, visit the Southern University Visual Arts Gallery in Hayden Hall. ZUMBA from page 9

believe she’s lying and are referring to her as a “duck.” Soon after these rumors appeared, news broke that NBA Youngboy had been arrested Saturday, February 24th. He was reportedly headed to a performance at Moon Nightclub in Tallahassee, Florida, when police boarded the bus and discovered he was a fugitive in Georgia, in connection with assault, gun violence, and kidnapping charges. Gaulden made his first court appearance Monday, February 26th. Although there are no updates on the matter, fans are left curious to know when the rapper will be

released from prison, if anytime soon. With his recent success with “Outside Today” and “No Smoke” appearing on the Billboard’s Top 100 Singles Chart, the charges pending against Youngboy could put a hold on his now thriving career. As the Inaugural Boosie Bash approaches, fans who have already purchased tickets are concerned that NBA Youngboy, who’s featured in the line up, may not be released in time for the concert that’s to take place at the Southern University F.G. Clark Activity Center on March 10, 2018. When asked about the situation

(Laniya Spencer/DIGEST ART)

in which the rapper was arrested, Jarquial Jones, an Accounting major from Zachary, Louisiana stated, “ Youngboy is a good artist, but there comes a time when the streets should be left in the past. Free him though.” Reginique Green, a Nursing major from Baton Rouge, also stated, “I love NBA Youngboy and I do hope he gets released in time for the concert because I was looking forward to his performance.” While fans await his release, it looks like NBA Youngboy will not be going outside today or anytime soon.

but Zumba is a great way to go, if you’re going to do it. “Very fun, high energy, and tiring but fun”, said Alysha Guss, a Freshmen Mass Communication Major with a minor in Theatre from New Orleans Louisiana. It seems that each of these young ladies had pretty similar experiences, and one thing they all had in common was a fun night of exercise. It may be difficult finding time in your busy schedule, and between classes and extracurricular activities, working out may be nearly impossible. However, regardless of what your day looks like, Zumba is an excellent way to get a good workout in and have a great time as well. You may find that it doesn’t even feel like a workout. “It was high energy and high spirits the entire time”, according to Alesha Bethea, a Freshmen Psychology Major form Mississippi. So, the next time you find yourself with a few hours of downtime and you want to workout but you’re lacking the motivation, look up nearby Zumba classes and sign up. You won’t regret it.

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Tuesday, February 27, 2018 - Page 11

Trump’s response to School Shootings BY KEITH LEWIS

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

In a world where news is easily accessed, the need to separate fact from opinion is dire. The tragic shootings that have struck our country in the past two months have left lawmakers, citizens, and the “leader of the free world” shook and with blurred thinking. Although our leader of the United States speaks majority opinion and on the whim of his feelings, President Trump responded openheartedly and with reason adjacent

to every other president in our past. The controversy arose when he suggested that about 20 percent of teachers in school should be trained and armed. This obscure idea left me perplexed and confused. The idea of fighting fire with fire should be last tier when dealing with children and education. His reasoning was that their teachers would stop “maniacs” who may try and attack them, which would only be creating a battlefield at schools that children are forced to be pawns of. The ignorance of what can make

students safe is clear. Arming these “qualified” teachers is also destined to create a slew of other crimes. We have already witnessed what “qualified and trained” officers do to unarmed students without guns. As a student studying to potentially work in the education field, I truly laugh at the fact that our President wants to add “school secret service assassin” to the list of what teachers do. On top of teaching content, mentoring, being a psychiatrist, parent figure, overseeing extracurricular

activities, and babysitting, we are presented with the option to lay our life on the line and kill or harm another human being. This is an unprecedented (audio pun intended) action that is inconsiderate and depressing to say the least. Trump’s response isn’t entirely ridiculous. His idea to reform the mental state of children was one in the right direction. He touched on how video games, excess violence online and movies are essentially making children numb to violence and its impression on them. The only thing is that politicians and

news reporters are too quick to denounce anything the man says to help come up with solutions, but I digress. All in all, the loved truth is that there is no complete solution. Nothing in the real world is that simple and the quicker we realize that everyone wants better and is just saying whatever they feel to stop the shooting of our innocent students. I am even a victim of this, which shows we all need growth. We here at the Digest send our prayers to the victims of the recent school shootings.

Black Excellence on NBA All-Star Weekend BY DEBRANDIN BROWN

SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER

The NBA All-Star game is a culmination of all the greatest talent that the NBA has to offer. For years, the game has served as a proving ground for the NBA’s best talent to showcase just how great they are stacked up against their superstar peers. For the past few decades however, the number of African Americans in the All-Star game has skyrocketed from an already large number into an obscenely huge majority. In 2018, the NBA All-Star game roster was composed of 26 black players on a 28 man roster. If this is not black history in the making, then I don’t know what is. Since the NBA’s golden age in the late 80s and 90s, the abundance of African Americans in the league has rose to unprecedented rates.

Dekinking the Afro BY HAROLD L. MILLICAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

We’re so obsessed with the urban identity of struggle that we can’t understand how being attached to the image kills us. If you’ve combed out an afro, you’ll notice that you gotta use a good pick to make it look like the wonderful bush that it is. Our coarse, sometimes curly, and wavy locks need that good comb-out. Our image of ourselves is often just like that uncombed afro. We get so distracted by what the oppressive thing is doing to us, that we get confused about how we are supposed to take care of ourselves. See, the afro is a metaphor for the weeds we allow to grow around the beautiful black person we are. When we tend cautiously to the afro, it’s the most beautiful thing in the world to everyone. However, when we allow it to get polluted by dandruff, scalp-burns, dye and weave, we are cruising for a bruise. No, weave isn’t a bad thing in itself. In

In the entire history of the league, the best player in the world in any given era has always been an African American. Whether it be Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, or Michael Jordan, the greatest of the league has always been a member of the African American community. So, the question I would pose is simple: Why are we not giving such a historic run of black excellence the credit it deserves? It seems to me, that as astounding as it may sound, that members of the African American community have begun to see the amount of black dominance in sports as a given reality. This is perhaps one of the greatest misconceptions of this generation. There are roughly 19,000 kids playing basketball collegiately in the NCAA, with

only 3.1 percent of those collegiate athletes making it to the NBA. In short, there are thousands of kids of all races playing in college in hopes of making a 15-man NBA roster, yet the best of the best in the game of basketball has been African Americans for as long as the game of basketball has existed. Granted, there have been many historically great white players, such as the great Larry Bird, Steve Nash, and Dirk Nowitzki, who have each made their cases for the crown in their respective ages of dominance. But, when you think of the greatest players of their generations, the Magic Johnson’s and Kobe Bryant’s of the world will forever and always hold the title of kings of their respective eras. The truth of the matter is that the All-Star game is a pretty meaningless affair as far as

the final score goes. What makes the game special however, is the fact that it is only on this stage that you will see the world’s greatest basketball players putting their talent on display for the world to see. So, for all the of the black boys and girls at home doubting the greatness of what they can achieve, seeing individuals who look like them is perhaps the most reassuring thing in the world. Those players on the court represent the dreams and hopes of every young, black kid in America, and when people like Lebron James, a simple kid from Cleveland, Ohio can become the best player in the world through hard work and devotion alone, then those kids are forced to ask themselves a simple question: “Why not me?”

fact, it can reflect that African picture of a woman carrying fruit on the top of her head. I just don’t think that every black woman is meant to weave the struggles of her complex identity onto her follicles. It’s not good to be blonde all the time either. Have we questioned why so many of us are de-kinking our fro, to be blonde and to appeal to eurocentric beauty standards? We’re bleaching ourselves blind to an ideal where acceptance isn’t guaranteed. So, watch who is greasing your scalp. Sure, it’s beautiful. But too much of a great thing can be mania. There are some blacks who have damaged their bodies so bad with the pollution of image that who they are is barely recognizable. We’ve been the whore that everyone wants, giving others so much of our birthright that what is left of us is some weird reflection of something white, pale and sometimes Latino or Arabic. No, we aren’t anti-diverse. Yes, all people matter. But we’re frustrated because we are the matter that often becomes the sludge in pipes, and the tar on roads leading to places of horror. Weeds. Yes, weed is grown from “the EarF”, but it’s laced with so much otherness that we don’t even know what we are smoking anymore. The afro might have held a pencil or a comb once before. But now it’s over-run with

maggots, worms, and sores, hidden inside the quick. We’ve let toxicity burrow into our brains; they’ve finessed us out of our jewels. We are so kinky that our swag is sad. We used to sing Michael’s Bad, and now they are killing us softly while we plead, “can you stop the rain from falling?” Falling, the afro falls forward like a stream when water drenches its stride. It holds all the gunk, all the hurt, and the shame. In it the motherland, is constantly reborn, never saying die. Like Africa, the afro fills stadiums with music and art. It builds buildings to tear them down. And flies skies to pollute them with smoke. They hate our kinky hair, but it’s the reason we survive. Because from the weeds of earth, we still are alive. So comb your hair and care. And fix it up the best. Stress is not who we are. It’s just what we often express. We are always tired because as blacks we always give. We give our art, we give our life, we give, and give, and give! The others imitate us, mimic us,

but never celebrate us. And in this role, they want to erase us. We are the hump that they can’t get over, the madness they can’t understand, the alternative that isn’t urban enough. They want us to be white, man. But resist the colony, don’t believe you must struggle always, don’t pay for a lesson with your life. Be that kink, and turn the page. For a kink, is wonderful. Because when you try and smother it at once, a bump remains indicating that you can’t run. They can run from us. We are always here. So when you rise, rise with a mission. Rise and revise. Tell your story the only way you can. Don’t let anyone pave over that bump that is your truth. RISE UP and stand!

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