February 3, 2014 Issue

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Tuesday, February 3, 2015

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Volume 64, Issue 2

First Responders . . . we’ll wait

Students and faculty forced out by alarm malfunction

BY LAQUENCIA PARKER

O

DIGEST NEWS EDITOR

Alliyah Moore Students and faculty wait outside longer than anticipated as a false fire alarm sounded throughout Stewart hall on Thursday, January 29.

n Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 1 p.m. the Stewart Hall fire alarm sounded, interrupting classes and forcing students and staff to leave the building. Students and faculty remained stranded outside of the building for 38 minutes as the alarm continuously rang, waiting for the arrival of first responders, who never showed.

“I feel like someone should have come by now, they could be putting our lives in danger,” said Rachel Mitchell-Percy, a junior Elementary Education major, who was participating in her Elementary Science Methods class. “I could be doing classwork, furthering my education, but instead I’m standing outside of the building, waiting on first responders,” finished MitchellPercy.

While the lack of first responders, or acknowledgement from university officials could have been cause for panic, some measures of protocol were followed. Dr. Okoye Ahmose, a professor in the Mass Communications Department, was conducting office hours when the alarm sounded.

“As a faculty member, I’ve already been informed to exit the building when the alarm goes off,” stated Ahmose. In response to the cause of the alarm, Dr. Ahmose

provided speculation. “This is purely conjecture, but it could have been a student who accidentally, or purposely, pulled the alarm.”

According to the Southern University Police Department, the alert did not go through to the local fire department, as result of a possible malfunction. As for the alarm ringing for a duration of 38 minutes, there is a faculty member that is assigned to turn off the alarm and notify the proper authorities of a possible emergency. In this case, a faculty member did not do their job.

Once Southern University Police Department (SUPD) became aware of the situation, they placed a call to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, requesting assistance with the issue. The SUPD force has been low on manpower this semester, and has been receiving assistance in patrols from EBR Police Department and Sheriff’s Office.

A member of the Sheriff’s Office arrived at 1:38 p.m. and disabled the alarm, allowing the displaced occupants re-entry.

“It’s apparent that there is a lack of communication between the school and the emergency responders,” said senior Elementary Education major Surya Price. “In the event that this was a real fire, I guess we’d all be burned up by now.” finished Price.

See Alarm page 3

SU Senate announces initiatives for the spring 2015 semester

SU Student Senate conducts their first meeting of Spring 2015 semester, Thursday. January 29, 2015

BY LAQUENCIA PARKER DIGEST NEWS EDITOR

A plethora of new initiatives were discussed in the senate meeting held on Thursday, January 29, in the Mocha Room of the Student Union. Student Government Association President Nicholas Harris and Vice-President Sara Ann Martin announced their collaboration on these initiatives, which they plan on completing prior to the end of their terms.

Among the many initiatives to be put into place, those whose results will be apparent to the student body the soonest are: change in cafeteria service and cuisine, the appearance of a student recreational center, a weekly informative online telecast, and the adoption of the Jag Alerts campaign.

Implementing change to campus dining has been an ongoing campaign for the SGA. After meeting with representatives from the food company Aramark, which provides food for

What’s Inside

the Southern University Baton Rouge campus, and administration in Campus Dining, they have developed online surveys through which they will assess the overall student satisfaction with campus dining, and what should be improved. According to the senate, the survey will be available in two weeks, procuring results by early March.

“We’re hoping to have a sit-in inside Mayberry cafeteria, where students will come out and take surveys together,” said Senator Kite.

President Harris has been specifically working on a special

Debose and Cade Renovations see News, page 3

Southern starts off positive see Sports, page 5

project relating directly to students who reside on campus.

Acknowledging the fact that there are limited spaces dedicated to student recreation on campus, Harris has commissioned a proposal to renovate the lobby of Dunn Hall, installing large screen televisions and adding new furniture, along with game tables, computers and printers.

“We have plans to bring a student lounge to Southern University,” said Harris.

Students can also look forward to a weekly online telecast to accommodate those students who cannot attend Senate or Town Hall meetings. The telecast is scheduled to include meetings with the Chancellor, amongst other faculty and staff members, and updates on campus events. Jag Alerts, a text message subscription that alerts students to key events on campus, is

Speed Dating

see A &E, page 10

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

See SENATE page 3

When the Unbreakable becomes broken see Commentary, page 15

Campus Briefs southerndigest.com

Page 2 - Tuesday, February 3, 2015

The Southern Digest SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

SUITE 1064 – T.H.HARRIS HALL – P.O. BOX 10180 – BATON ROUGE, LA 70813 225.771.2231 PHONE / 225.771.5840 FAX WWW.SOUTHERNDIGEST.COM The Southern DIGEST is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College.

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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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DIGEST STAFF SPRING 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lauren Johnson MANAGING EDITOR Felix Cuninngham III COPY EDITOR Meagan Wiliams NEWS EDITOR Laquencia Parker CO-LAYOUT EDITORS Derylle Spears II Marcus Tomlin A&E EDITOR Lavarius Cotton SPORTS EDITOR Felix Cunnigham III

DIGEST STAFF WRITERS Marchandrea Seals Melinda Dupas Jaleyah Davis Sage Edgerson Osita Ajoko Jacaria Bickham

Sharita Sims Natori Sims Kaylen Scott

DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS Astavven Cotton Jade Foy Joshua Mcknight Jasmine Reed Jada Robinson Tyra Brownlee Imani Lee

PHOTO EDITOR Alliyah Moore ONLINE EDITOR Kayla Foster

PAGE 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS & PAID CLASSIFIEDS INFO CLASSIFIED The Southern DIGEST is not responsible for the contents, promises, nor statements made in any classified and reserve the right to reject any ad request with explanation. No classified ads will be accepted or processed over the telephone and must accept the type font sizes of The DIGEST. ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE BY CASHIERS CHECK OR MONEY ORDER. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTED. Students must have proper ID and phone numbers to get student advertising rates.

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PAGE 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, Southern University Departments. All briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number.

Submit announcements to: The Southern DIGEST - Suite 1064 Harris Hall, Attn: PAGE 2 You my also email: digest@subr.edu CORRECTIONS Fact and accuracy is our goal and our job. As the voice of the Southern University student body we are committed to ensuring to most fair, truthful and accurate accounts of our work. In the event of an error we will make all corrections on Page 2.

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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

THE WEEK AHEAD: 4-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK TUES. FEBRUARY 3

CLOUDY HI - 70° / LO - 41° 0% CHANCE OF RAIN

Campus Briefs IBM OPEN CALL IBM will have an open call on Wednesday Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in T.T. Allain room 313. Students are asked to bring resumes.

There will be interviews for seniors, juniors, and alumni interested in fulltime and intern opportunities. For more information visit www. ibmlouisiana .com PRSSA The public relations student society of America will host its interest meeting on Wednesday Feb 4. from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m in Stewart Hall, reading room 128.

Refreshments will be served.

FRESH FUND The Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and friends are collecting monetary donations. Tables will be set up on Wednesday, Feb. 4 in the student union.

SOLES 4 SOULS The Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta are hosting the Soles 4 Souls shoe drive.

Shoe donations can be any size, shape or condition and dropped off in the student union until Feb 6.

BLACK HISTORY The Black History Month lecture will be Monday Feb. 9 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in T.T. Allain room 313.

Mavericks Avery Johnson For more information, please contact Academic Affairs at 225.771.2360.

OPERATION FAIRY GOD PARENTS. Alcorn State and the SU Freshman Class presentsOperation Fairy God Parents. Donations will be accepted until March 6. For more information contact @ darrylh_ on instagram.

GRAD APPLICATIONS The deadline for receipt of Graduation Applications for the Spring 2015 semestser and Commencement Ceremony is Feb. 6.

CONVOCATION SU Convocation will be held in the F.G. Clark Activity Center on Feb. 6 at 10:30 a.m. Attendance is mandatory for freshman and transfer students.

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 allowed to participate in activities such as billiards (pool), video games, spades, dominoes, and bowling. Students are encouraged to participate in tournaments each semester.

For more information contact Recreational Coordinator Gerald Jones at 225-771-2020.

WEDS. FEBRUARY 4

SHOWERS HI - 58°/ LO - 45° 70% CHANCE OF RAIN

THURS. FEBRUARY 5

HI - 55° / LO - 29° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN

For more information contact leJeanne@cinderellaprojectla. org or NoGlassSlippers225@ gmail.com.

Volunteers are needed to assist with various organizational tasks. For more information on how you can help go to www. cinderellaprojectla.org and follow the link to volunteerspot. comor email sonyaboss@ cinderellaprojectla.org

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.

HI - 68° / LO - 53° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN

BLACK HISTORY THINGS

STUDENT REFUNDS Student refunds will began on Feb 12.

CINDERELLA PROJECT The Cinderella Project and No Glass Slippers have partnered to host the 2015 Prom Giveaway where prom essentials will be distributed to young ladies in high school at no cost. This premier shopping experience includes motivational messages, and informational sessions. Please help us support young ladies by donating new and or gently worn prom appropriate dresses, shoes, and accessories.

Items may be dropped off at any Capital Area YMCA location until Feb. 8.

SUNNY

CLOUDY

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY The National Signing Day will be held on Feb 4 in the Royal Cotillion ballroom at 7 pm, sponsored by the SU Quarter back Club and the Blue & Gold Century Club. Admission is $20 and includes a buffet style dinner. Contact 225 572-5878 for more information.

FRI. FEBRUARY 6

INVENTED

BY AFRICANAMERICANS Did you know these items were invented by African Americans?

1.

Air conditioning unit: Frederick M. Jones; July 12, 1949

2.

Cellular phone: Henry T. Sampson; July 6, 1971

3.

Clothes dryer: G. T. Sampson; June 6, 1862

4.

Door knob: O. Dorsey; December 10, 1878

5.

Dust pan: Lawrence P. Ray; August 3, 1897

6. Elevator:

Alexander Miles; October 11, 1867 7.

Fire escape ladder: J. W. Winters; May 7, 1878

8.

Fire extinguisher: T. Marshall; October 26, 1872

9. Guitar:

Robert F. Flemming, Jr.

March 3, 1886 10.

Ice cream scooper: A. L. Cralle; February 2, 1897

11.

Ironing board: Sarah Boone; December 30, 1887

12.

Key chain: F. J. Loudin; January 9, 1894

13.

Mail box: Paul L. Downing; October 27, 1891

14.

Phone Transmitter: Granville T. Woods December 2, 1884

15.

Refrigerator: J. Standard; June 14, 1891

16.

Spark plug: Edmond Berger; February 2, 1839

17.

Stove: T. A. Carrington; July 25, 1876

18.

Thermostat control: Frederick M. Jones; February 23, 1960

19.

Traffic light: Garrett Morgan; November 20, 1923

20.

Typewriter: Burridge & Marshman; April 7, 1885

Reference: http://www.blackinventions101.com

News southerndigest.com

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SOUTHERN DIGEST

SU Alumni and former Dancing Doll plans to open Dance Studio

BY LAUREN JOHNSON DIGEST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dawnielle Pollard, a 2009 graduate of Southern University and A&M College plans to open “Mirror Me Dance Studio” for business on March 1. Pollard is a one-year Gold N Blue, and a three-year Dancing Doll of the Southern University Dancing Dolls.

Dancing since the age of 12, Broussard wanted to share her skills and love for dance with others. Mirror Me has a mission to give a quality dance foundation that promotes a learning environment for the art of dance.

Mirror Me offers many services to all age groups, races and both genders, at a reasonable price, according to Pollard. “ After doing research, I found that prices at other studios are pretty high, and that most studios offer services for girls 18 and under,” said Pollard. We even accept boys,” finished Pollard.

After being asked “what inspired her,”

Pollard responded saying, “ I noticed that there is no where in Baton Rouge where dancers can just go and brush up on their skills, in between classes, auditions, and dance seasons. Also, it is normal for dance studios to be catered to children, but I POLLARD wanted one that catered to ages 18 and up,” finished Pollard. Mirror Me offers one hour courses of all genres of dance, including Tap, Ballet, and Contemporary.

“It is mandatory that all mini and modern movers be enrolled in ballet, because it has the basic foundation for any other genre,” said Pollard.

There are three different age ranges,

Tuesday, February 3, 2015 - Page 3

SENATE from page 1

including Mini Movers ages 4-12, Modern Movers ages 13-17, and Mega Movers ages 18 and up.

To give students who aren’t enrolled the opportunity to take classes, Pollard has incorporated drop in rates, which allows an a guest to take a one hour course for 20 dollars.

Providing a well-rounded experience, Mirror Me currently has a full staff of 9 employees, including experienced and former dancers from the Saintsations, Voodoo Dolls, SU Dancing Dolls, and dancers that have worked with Debbie Allen.

Mirror Me handles all transactions electronically, including money orders, no cash will be accepted.

If you or someone you know would like more information on Mirror Me, contact Dawnielle Pollard at (225)663-4885 or follow on Instagram @mirrormedancestudio.

Mirror Me Dance Studio Location:10241 Coursey Boulevard Suite B Baton Rouge, La

also in full effect this semester. SGA is looking to add another component to the service, which would allow students easy and immediate access to SUPD, informing them of any emergency situations.

The senate meeting also addressed some concerns students have regarding facilities upkeep and campus beautification.

Superintendent of Grounds Cordell Veal has been SGA’s contact regarding their campus beautification campaign. While there has been discussion about designs Veal has for the campus, including planting various flowers and performing sidewalk repairs, Veal lacks the funds to implement these plans. To rectify this, the senate is proposing adding a 10 dollar campus beautification student fee. This topic will be available for students to vote on.

On the topic of facilities upkeep, SGA is in a doldrums. The custodial department is understaffed, with a number of buildings not receiving the proper attention due to this fact.

Southern Welcomes New International Student

BY LAQUENCIA PARKER DIGEST NEWS EDITOR

Abdurrahman Demir, nephew of Turkish Congressman Dr. Ibrahim Korkmaz, has enrolled as a graduate student in Southern’s Urban Forestry Department this Spring Semester.

Demir received his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering while in his home country, and has chosen the Urban Forestry program because of his desire to do more work with sustainable energy sources.

“I want to learn to speak better English,” added Demir.

Visiting the United States for the first time, Demir is one of the many foreign students Southern hosts at its Baton Rouge campus each year. However, the Congressman’s nephew is the first full-time Turkish student the university has seen.

SU has established numerous Memorandums of Understanding with universities around the globe, specifically in the countries of Belize, Brazil, China and Turkey. These agreements allow students to experience new cultures and environments, while also retaining knowledge they may have never acquired. These memorandums vary according to political climate and the current status of a country’s overall health.

In the case of Turkey, Southern has been cultivating a relationship for four years. There are seven universities in Turkey where students are able to study abroad here in Baton Rouge, and vice-versa. While Demir is the first Turkish student to visit Southern, a number of faculty members from SU and multiple universities in Turkey have participated in the Turkish

exchange, traveling abroad to impart their knowledge on a new group of students.

Students and faculty who physically travel aren’t the only ones who benefit from the exchange. According to Dean of International Education, Dr. Barbara Carpenter, the major benefit is the cultural exposure.

“It makes no sense to have a student graduate with a college degree, having never had any international exposure,” said Carpenter. “The world is smaller by the minute, and we cannot just live in isolation. Our students, and our faculty as well, need to experience life in other settings.” finished Carpenter.

Foreign students are given a broad support system when they arrive on Southern’s campus.

The Center for Service Learning office organizes group events to assist in acclimating foreign students to their new environment. Last year, while hosting a group of students from Brazil, the office secured season tickets to SU football games, took the group to Mardi Gras, and even introduced them to crawfish boils.

The number of students who travel from Southern to other countries varies by year and by the destination, although there is an average of 20 students a year. Usually, the trips take place during the summer months.

“Any student can study abroad, you don’t have to be a language major, and I think that’s the misnomer,” said Carpenter, encouraging students to participate in the study abroad programs.

Applications for the program can be found in the Center for Service Learning office, located on the second floor of the J.S. Clark Administration Annex Building.

Debose and Cade renovations ending soon

BY MARCHANDREA SEALS DIGEST STAFF WRITER

Southern University’s Tourgee A. Debose music Hall and John B. Cade Library are currently under construction. Ongoing repairs and renovations will soon end. The main part of the music hall will open during the middle of the spring semester, while the annex will remain closed. The library renovations will be completed by the end of February.

The mold in the music hall has been tested and determined to be harmless. The two main problem areas concerning mold in Debose hall are the choir room and the piano lab. The mold in these two rooms were caused by the air conditioner and climate control system not being maintained properly. Repairs are expensive, which explains why the process of renovations has been prolonged. The music department and their classes have been moved to William W. Steward and Frank Hayden Hall until the renovations are completed.

Charles Lloyd, chairman of Music Program said, “The goal is to have the main building of Debose ready soon due to a big piano

competition in April and students need space to practice.”

Lloyd also commented saying the department being split up into two different departments is causing students to meet at either Hayden Hall and or Stewart Hall for classes, and not being able to properly prepare and practice their music skills.

“The split has been challenging but we are proud of our students for being patient and making the situation work,” said Lloyd. “I also appreciate the faculty in Steward and Hayden that have been very cooperative and understanding.”

Lloyd added, “It’s very challenging but we are making it work.”

Freshman JaCory Wildrige, a Music Education major from Lake Charles, La thinks that the split of the music department is not bad, but it is hard to practice.

“You are still having class and everything. The only thing I don’t like is that we do not have enough room to practice as we should,” said Wildrige. “ I haven’t heard any news or updates about the music building condition either,” Wildrige added.

In the library, about 80 percent of the windows were replaced with storm resistant windows, a new ceiling tower, new carpet (in some areas), and paint jobs. Most of the areas in the library were closed off due to damages from Hurricane Gustav.

Emma Perry, Dean of Libraries has been working with the fire marshal and Southern University to get the elevators back in operation and tied to the alarm system. There has been accommodations for students who are disabled and handicapped by

Jasmine Reed/ DIGEST Construction workers repairing front doors of the John B. Cade Library.

having staff members get the items they need, and Skype is available to connect students to the classrooms on the upper level. The renovations and repairs cost 1.9 million dollars in total.

“I am looking forward to the completion of the library,” said Perry.

“So the students can have a full access library including the areas that were damaged.”

Junior Lexi Holland, a Criminal Justice major from Lake Charles, La prefers to stay at home to study and

do her homework now.

“The construction is annoying because its hard to move in and out the library like before and I hate not having the elevators fixed,” said Holland. “They have been broken for a long time.”

“Sometimes people don’t have time to run up the stairs they need to fix it soon before somebody files a law suit,” Holland added.

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Hardwood success continues Page 4 - Tuesday, February 3, 2015

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SOUTHERN DIGEST

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Jags overpower Alcorn State and maintain momentum on the road

BY KAYLEN SCOTT

DIGEST SPORTS WRITER

Finding ways to win while on the road can be difficult in any sport.

However the men’s basketball team has won two of its last three games on the road; with the most recent win coming Saturday in Lorman, Mississippi against conference foe Alcorn State.

The most important key to winning on the road is defense. The Jaguars scored the last seven points of the game, and held the Braves scoreless in the closing four minutes of the game. “Our defense down the stretch really made the difference for us,” said Head Coach Roman Banks.

The Jags controlled the score of the game for both halves, leading by four at the break; and extending their lead to 11 with eight minutes left in the contest. Senior forward Keith Davis kicked off the run with a hook shot.

Who’s NEXT?

Sophomore guard Trelun Banks fed junior guard Adrian Rodgers for a layup and a quick deuce. Following that, senior guard Tre Lynch assisted on a quick two points with a pass to senior guard Joell Hopkins. Rodgers complemented that basket by sinking a three, which gave SU a 46-35 lead midway through the second half. “I DIGEST FILE thought we had a great offensive run Coach Banks continues to lead the Jaguars Men’s Basketball team in the right direction. The Jaguars have won two of their last three games on to extend the lead,” eluded Banks.

However, ASU went on a run the road. of their own. With a little over four minutes remaining, ASU’s junior With Hyder back in the ballgame, the steal with a layup on the fast break.

Southern now improves to 7-2 guard LeAntwan Luckett sank three Jags countered the Braves’ run from Rodgers hit three free throws in the in SWAC play, and 10-13 overall. free throws and freshman guard the previous seconds. Senior big concluding moments. Hyder made They will host rival Grambling State Reginald Johnson scored nine man Frank Snow hit two clutch free a free throw as well to finish off the this Saturday at 5:30. The game will consecutive points for the Braves to throws. The other big man, freshman Jaguar run. “We just had to lock in be on Cox Sports Television. ASU cut the SU lead to one, 56-55. Then power forward Jared Same, followed and focus,” said Sam. “We didn’t now falls to 3-6 in the SWAC and Banks made a decision, bring his those important free throws with a want to have the same thing happen 4-17 overall. “The second-half start junior guard Christopher Hyder back free throw of his own. that happened in the Alabama State was a little bit better and it helped us in the lineup for a defensive edge.

In the following moments, game.” Rodgers put in a game high tonight,” said coach Banks. “It took “Then I went ahead and brought Hyder forced a turnover with a steal of 25 points, Sam finished with nine them time and energy to get close, Hyder back in, which gave us a little and dished the rock to his backcourt points of his own; and a team high 10 and we finished on our run.” better defensive lineup,” said Banks. teammate Banks. Banks followed the rebounds.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 06 WOMEN’S BOWLING Jaguars @ BC Wildcat Invitational Ormond Beach, Fla. @ TBA

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 06 SOFTBALL Jaguars vs. Nicholls State Hammond-SLU Complex @ TBA

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 06 WOMEN’S TENNIS Jaguars @ Southeastern Hammond, La. @ 2:00 p.m

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 07 MEN’S & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Jaguars vs. Grambling State F.G. Clark Activity Center @ 3:00 &@5:30 p.m.

6-0 Southern revives in the 2nd half BY: FELIX CUNNINGHAM III

DIGEST MANAGING EDITOR & SPORTS EDITOR

Lorman, Miss - Southern head coach Sandy Pugh with her articulate pallid usually leads her team to outscore and outperform their Southwestern Athletic Conference rivals.

Unfortunately this wasn’t the case against the Alcorn Braves in Davey L. Whitney Complex this past Saturday.

They lost two crucial post players of the team as senior power forward, Jasmine Jefferson, suffered a cut lip 2.5 minutes into the game and sat on the bench for 13 minutes. A minute after Jefferson was delivered to the bench, freshman guard, Briana Green, joined her after committing her second foul.

“Jas went down and she’s our heart and soul,” said Pugh, “I think that affected everybody,” finished Pugh.

This affected the team so much that Southern made 2 of 18 shots when they fell behind 30-13 in halftime.

With a 17 point deficit, Alcorn dissected Southern in the first half and with Alcorn (5-4, 6-12) vying for a chance to tie at second with Southern in the SWAC, their win was imminent.

But Southern dug deep and sequestered a turnaround in the second half to have a 59-51 victory in front of more than 3,000 fans. With the Jaguars collecting their sixth straight win makes them climb the ladder further to be 7-2 in the SWAC and 9-10 overall.

Alcorn’s opportunity was short-lived.

Pugh expressed the team’s level of intensity that needed to be brought out.

“I knew that if we came out and played the level of basketball that we’re capable of (in the second half), said Pugh, “we would’ve had a shot.”

Alcorn wasn’t ready for when Southern

set the key tones for a defensive turnaround in which they had 15 steals and Alcorn had 28 turnovers.

Jefferson came with the plan in which Southern had to use to win.

“The game plan was to come out a trap really hard and force some turnovers,” said Jefferson.

After the 11-3 run by the two post players that rose from the bench, Pugh expressed her winning fashion with defensive ploy and cleansing her pallid.

“I turned to the assistant,” said Pugh, “and told them, we’re right back in this.”

Alcorn wasn’t quick to be concerned at another Southern win as they gained a 51-48 lead with 2.5 minutes left in which they did not score again.

Junior guard, Ashley Williams, a transfer from Baton Rouge Community College, finished the game with eight points and 4 rebounds but her rise with a 3 pointer to ease the lead early in the half kept the Jags alive.

“I’ve been waiting on a good game,” said Williams, “I think I finally had one.”

“Defensively she was great,” said Pugh in high regards to Williams performance.

Jefferson spoke on the rally of the team when she said, “Sometimes when teams are down 17, they just roll over and die and don’t have any hope. We are just playing hard.”

Green once again led the team with 14 points shooting 7-8. Kendra Coleman scored 12 points making all of her 8 free throws in light of her low shooting percentage and Jefferson scored 11.

Norianna Hayes led Alcorn with 16 points and Jazmin Strane scored 14 points.

Southern continues to show their usual stride as they host Grambling in the F.G. Clark Activity Center on February 7, 2015.

CATS UPDATE Expanding service Upgrading buses Enhancing technology Listening to customers

“Give us a try and ride a CATS bus!”

—Bob Mirabito, CEO, Capital Area Transit System

brcats.com l 225.389.8282

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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

SOUTHERN DIGEST

Patriots pick off wild Super Bowl win

Quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with his teammates after winning Super Bowl XLIV 28-24 against the Seahawks for the fourth time in franchise history. The Super Bowl was held at The University of Phoenix Stadium on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, Ariz. (Anthony Behar/SIPA USA/TNS)

BY SAM FARMER LOS ANGELES TIMES

GLENDALE, Ariz. _ Forget deflated footballs, the New England Patriots took the air out of an entire fan base Sunday night.

They clinched their first Super Bowl victory in a decade by beating Seattle, 28-24, the air hissing out of University of Phoenix Stadium, a place so filled with Seahawks fans it felt like a home game for them.

In the end, it was vindication for Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who threw four touchdown passes and hoisted his fourth Lombardi Trophy, putting him on par with NFL greats Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw. Brady had spent the entire Super Bowl week under a cloud of suspicion for playing with under-inflated footballs in the AFC title game.

“It’s been a long journey,” said the 37-year-old Brady, whose first three Super Bowl victories were followed by two losses to the New York Giants on the NFL’s biggest stage. “I’ve been at it for 15 years, and we’ve had a couple of tough losses in this game, and this one came down to the end. This time, we

made the plays.”

Brady, who completed 37 of 50 passes for 328 yards, was named the game’s most valuable player.

His 37 completions were a Super Bowl record, surpassing the 34 of Peyton Manning last year.

Brady joins Montana, his boyhood idol, as the only three-time Super Bowl MVPs. Thirteen years have passed between Brady’s first Super Bowl victory and the win Sunday. That matches Ted Hendricks for the longest span between Super Bowl wins.

The Seahawks, meanwhile, were left to ponder what might have been. Trailing by four points late in the game, they moved into position for a fantastic finish thanks to an unbelievable juggling catch by Jermaine Kearse, the ball popcorning in and out of his hands before he finally reeled it in while flat on his back for a 33-yard reception to the five-yard line with 1:06 to play.

Marshawn Lynch pounded down to the one, but then, instead of giving the ball to him again on second down, the Seahawks opted to pass. Russell Wilson’s quick slant to Ricardo Lockette was intercepted by rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler

Tuesday, February 3, 2015 - Page 5

and a stadium went silent with 20 seconds left.

“I saw the interception and I couldn’t believe it,” Brady said. “It was an incredible play, a championship play.”

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said that the personnel the Patriots had on the field wasn’t conducive to running the football.

“So on second down, we throw the ball really to kind of waste that play,” he said. “If we score, we do. If we don’t, we’ll run it on third and fourth down. Really, with no second thoughts or hesitation in that at all.

“And unfortunately, with the play that we tried to execute, the guy (Butler) makes a great play and jumps in front of the route and makes an incredible play that nobody would ever think he could do.”

Carroll fell to the franchise that fired him, and to Bill Belichick, the coach who replaced him in New England.

That said, the game was anything but an openand-shut case. The teams went back and forth throughout, and were deadlocked 14-14 after two quarters _ just the third halftime tie in Super Bowl history.

For much of the game, it looked as if unheralded Seattle receiver Chris Matthews would be the MVP. He set up the Seahawks’ first touchdown with a 44yard catch, and scored the second one _ with two seconds remaining in the half _ with an 11-yard grab.

It was Matthews who made the pivotal onsidekick recovery in an overtime victory over Green Bay in the NFC title game, the comeback that secured Seattle’s spot in the Super Bowl.

The Seahawks built a 10-point lead with a field goal and touchdown in the third quarter, and the game looked to be slipping from New England’s grasp. But the Patriots rallied in the fourth quarter with two touchdown passes by Brady, to Danny Amendola then Julian Edelman.

It wasn’t a perfect game for Brady, who had a pair of critical interceptions, but for him the ending was pristine.

Reigning Champs defend the court

BY FELIX CUNNINGHAM III DIGEST SPORTS EDITOR

“It isn’t just about the rings, it’s about pride,” said Southern University Head Coach of the women’s tennis team, Jeff Conyers.

The defenders of the fifth straight Southwestern Athletic Conference title, Southern University’s women’s tennis team tackled a heavy season as they grace their way back to the top spot.

When Conyers spoke on how the team’s attitude should be he said, “To stay champions, we have to condition ourselves as champions with practice, hard work, and discipline.”

On opening weekend on January 22, Southern came with a close 4-3 win over McNeese State.

Lauri Syori, Gabrielle Moore, Amanda Materre, and Camara Davis in natural fashion took the singles competition by storm and beneath in the doubles completion.

After the first win, Southern went on to a 7-0 loss against across town rivals, Louisiana State University in the W.T. “Dub” Robinson Stadium.

“I think overall we had a great weekend of tennis, despite the amount of practice we’ve had on the court due to rain,” said Conyers. “But with a lack of on-court practice, we were able to get a lot of conditioning in and I think that was a huge factor in the ladies making smart decisions,” finished Conyers.

On Thursday January 30, the Lady Jaguars dropped to University-Louisiana at Monroe 4-0 at Heard Stadium in Monroe.

Only two losses in non-conference play, Southern gears up and returns to extreme tennis action when they travel to Hammond and face Southeastern Louisiana University on February 6 right before they make a natural 45 minute drive to face University Louisiana at Lafayette on February 11.

“This season we have a lot to prove because we are champions not once but five time champions,” said Conyers.

Southern Starts off Positive

BY: FELIX CUNNINGHAM III

MANAGING EDITOR & SPORTS EDITOR

With Texas Southern University capturing the 2014 Southwestern Athletic Championship trophy, the Southern University women’s softball team ready themselves to be prime contenders this season.

Last season Southern escaped being 8-9 in SWAC play and 11-36 overall. With last season behind them starting off with a scrimmage play, Southern started off with positive vibes and strides as they played Bishop State Community College.

“We worked on a lot and worked really hard on improving and saw how we capitalized on the field,” said Southern head coach, John Garris.

Throughout the game all one could hear from the Lady Jags was the crack of a bat, scoring, and home –runs echoed throughout the field.

Typically a whiff of the softball as Southern did not relinquish their opposition a chance at requiem.

“You’re out” was a phrase the Wildcats heard quite often.

“I always said you play how you practice and with that we’re going to make a list on what to do and what to work on and hopefully we get better every day and every day the goal is to hit our stride going into SWAC play,” said Garris.

As the scrimmage is placed behind them, Coach Garris focuses on gameplay from their hefty nonconference match-ups including Nicholls State, LA Tech, The HBCU Tourney, and the SWAC Round up later in the season.

“We have tough opponents that we play and ahead of us. Nicholls and Southeastern always are full of talent and well coached. This season we have to lace up our boots and go out there guns blazing because they will not lighten up,” said Garris.

Unfortunately, like every team, Southern University is still compiling the necessary data to erase the postseason academic ban placed on the university after the proper data was not submitted in normal fashion placed last February.

In their upbeat style of gameplay, the postseason academic ban doesn’t seem to faze them as they cheer on their fellow teammates and jeer at their opposition.

“Our athletic department is working really hard to rectify everything with all of the compliance issues. We’re looking forward for everything but only have one person remaining,” said Garris.

“We only have one person affected in the post athletic and it really affects us but we don’t let it affect the team or gameplay because at the end of the day, we have to play and we play to win,” said junior infielder, Alicia Barajas.

As far as the scrimmage is concerned, there may be no statistics but Southern with their oh so congenial methods, knew that they were the victors.

Stay updated on all things SU Athletics, follow them on www.gojagsports.com

HBCU News Page 6 - Tuesday, February 3, 2015

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Jackson State Mourns Murdered Former Football Player

BY JARRETT CARTER HBCU DIGEST

Travis Woods, a former safety for the Jackson State University football team, was shot and killed outside of a party near Alcorn State University early Sunday morning.

According to witnesses, he was shot after an altercation between two fraternities led to fighting outside of the facility.

Woods, a member of Omega Psi Phi

Fraternity Inc., graduated from Jackson State in December, and started for Tigers teams which made appearances in two SWAC championship games. Coaches and friends remember him as a tenacious player who worked hard to achieve. From the Jackson Clarion-Ledger: “He was the example I used for all the young guys. He was ‘The Little Engine

That Could,’” (Former JSU Defensive Coordinator Darrin) Hayes said. “He was undersized, he wasn’t fast, and not as big and pretty as you like them as a player. He was a little fella that worked hard, and he wasn’t supposed to be here doing this, but he was doing it. He wasn’t supposed to be at this level but he was, and that inspired them.

‘Travis did it, I can too.’”

PHOTO: HBCU DIGEST

HBCU Students Deserve More Credit for Moral Authority

Spring 2015 Academic Calendar

BY JARRETT CARTER HBCU DIGEST

Students at historically black colleges and universities like to drink, smoke and have sex as much as any other student at any other kind of college or university. But what they typically don’t do is turn the byproducts of self-discovery and experimentation into major liability issues for black colleges.

And that’s something for which we all should do a better job of applauding our students, and promoting to our alumni and future students.

Media narratives drive a totally different conversation than what is actually true about students behaving badly or dangerously at HBCUs. Reports about sexual assaults on HBCU campuses are major news, in part, because it is a major talking point for the Obama Administration, and in part because it fits a long-standing image about black folks and promiscuity.

But a look at the White House’s website on sexual assault monitoring reveals only two HBCUs - St. Phillip’s College and Lincoln University - under current listing for resolutions.

Both colleges were cited for improper crime data keeping and reporting, but not specific Title IX sexual assault inquiries. And both listed inquiries happened prior to 2011.

To be clear, women and men are victims of sexual assault and rape at HBCUs. Many of these tragic incidents go unreported and many HBCUs would benefit greatly from an infusion of resources that could support student education, confidential reporting, and officer training for investigation of sexual assaults.

But data suggests that incidents of sexual assault are lower at HBCUs than at other institutions, along with certain precursors to sexual assault or rape, such as drinking or drug use.

When compared to students at predominantly white institutions, black and non-black students and student athletes drink less and do drugs less frequently than counterparts at PWIs. Some of that can be connected to HBCU tradition - most black colleges have strict co-ed visitation policies, do not have fraternity or sorority houses, have smaller scale environments which typically do not encourage massive public drinking and drug use (tailgating, large campus parties). If you don’t believe these policies have any effect, leaders at Dartmouth College can tell you otherwise.

Maybe some of that has to do with stereotype threat, and the notion that black students at black colleges don’t want to be ‘that one guy or girl’ who gets a rap as a drunk, or as promiscuous, or as both.

But we rarely give credit to HBCU students, at large, for simply being capable of good decision making. We don’t credit them for choosing HBCUs in the face of cultural pressure which questions the relevance and value of black colleges. We don’t credit students who follow admirably in the footsteps of esteemed alumni of yesteryear, and we don’t celebrate their innovation, entrepreneurialism, and yearning to show that HBCUs can produce greatness in the 21st century.

Individually, if you go through life without raping someone or poisoning yourself with alcohol, you don’t deserve a reward. A good quality of life and blank criminal record is more than enough. But for every individual HBCU fight video, sex tape or Instagram controversy, for every rape or drug bust on a campus, HBCU students everywhere bear collective scorn.

Maybe its time we paid attention to the data, and started giving HBCU youth the acknowledgment they’ve earned as upstanding citizens.

DATE(S) December 19 (F) January 5-21 (M-W) January 5 (M) January 6 and 7 (T-W) January 6-9 (T-F) January 7 (W) January 7 (W) January 7-9 (W-F) January 9 (F) January 10 (Sa) January 12 (M) January 12-29 (M-Th) January 16 (F) January 19 (M) January 20 (T) January 23 (F) February 2 (M) February 6 (F) February 6 (F) February 12 (Th) February 16-17 (M-T) February 18 (W) March 9 (M) March 10-16 (Tu-M) March 18 (W) March 30 (M) April 3-12 (F-Su) April 13 (M) April 20 (M) April 24 (F) April 30 (Th) May 1 - 5 (F – Tu) May 6 (W) May 7 (Th) May 8 (F)

SPRING 2015 ACADEMIC CALENDAR

ACTIVITY First Priority Payment Date Book Vouchers First Time Freshmen and Transfer Students Report for Campus Housing Orientation for First-time Freshmen and Transfer Students Welcome Week Mandatory for all First Time Freshmen and Transfer Students Faculty Reports/Convocation Returning Students Report for Campus Housing Registration Classes Purged for Non-Payment of Tuition and Fees (All Students) Late Fees Begin ($100) CLASSES BEGIN Attendance Reporting Period (NS/SH)—Students who do not report to classes during this period will have their classes removed and financial aid reduced or cancelled.

Deadline for Adding Courses for Credit Martin Luther King’s Birthday Celebration Classes Resume at 8:00 A.M. Last Day to Drop Courses without receiving a Grade of “W” Spring 2015 Fee Payment Deadline Deadline for Receipt of Graduation Applications for Spring 2015 Commencement and Commencement Ceremony Participation Intent Forms University Convocation, 11:00 a.m. ( Mandatory for all Freshmen and Transfer Students) Student Refunds Begin Mardi Gras Holiday Classes Resume at 8:00 A.M. Founders Day (Freshmen Attendance at the Convocation is Mandatory.)

Mid-Semester Examination Period Mid-Semester Grades Posted by 8:00 a.m.

Pre-Registration for Summer and Fall Semesters Begins Spring Break Classes Resume at 8:00 A.M. Last day to withdraw from courses or from the University Academic Honors Convocation Last Day of Classes Final Examination Period Graduation Check-Out Final Grades for All Students Posted to the Web by 11:59 p.m.

Commencement

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Tuesday, February 3, 2015 - Page 7

Career Week Page 8 - Tuesday, February 3, 2015

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Tuesday, February 3, 2015 - Page 9

SRJ prepares for FSAE competition

BY LAVARIUS COTTON

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Jaguars start your engines! Southern University’s Rapid Jaguar Racing team (SRJ) hopes to set the bar a little higher for the Southern University Mechanical Engineering Department. SRJ will be competing in a four-day competition titled, “The Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE),” in Lincoln, Nebraska on June 17-20. The competition was started by a non- profit educational and scientific organization that is dedicated to the advancing of mobility technology. It challenges FSAE student members to create an open wheel racecar based on a set of specifications outlined in the rules manual.

At the competition, teams must go through both dynamic and static testing. For dynamic testing, the actual performance of the vehicle is tested by means of an acceleration test, skid pad, autocross, and endurance. For the static event, the teams present their cost report, business presentation, and design presentations, highlighting the importance of communication and organization. The competition is set to include over 30 different universities from around the world.

Founder of SRJ Adetola Anifalaje, a senior Mechanical Engineering and Mathematic major started the organization during her excitement of applying her knowledge from the classroom to the real world through hands-on application.

“As a little girl, I’ve always been intrigued as to how mechanical and electrical systems work,” said Anifalaje. “ I’m so glad that I’m now fortunate enough to do what I love,” finished Anifalaje.

The team is composed of over 23 Mechanical Engineering majors and hopes to gain more as the semester progresses. Students are working tirelessly to design, market, manufacture, and compete with the best small formula style racecar. SRJ plans to push the limits to ensure that Southern University is represented and to place among the top ranking spots in the competition. The teams are advised by some the greatest instructors which include: Dr. Sam Ibekwe, faculty advisor, Dr. Dwayne Jerro, Chari advisor, and Dr. Edgar Elevins, SU FSAE supervisor.

Alliyah Moore/DIGEST The Southern University “Rapid Jaguar Racing Team” is set to compete in the national race car competition in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Since the organization is still in the jumpstart phase, SRJ is working to gain sponsorship from industries, corporate partners, small businesses, and other supporters. SRJ’s budget to build the perfect formula car is $60,000, including $13,200 for the suspension, $10,600 for the drivetrain, $17,350 for the engine, and $18,850 for miscellaneous expenses. SRJ currently has two sponsors: Southern University,

which awarded them $5,000, and GN Gonzales provided the team with two new Yamaha R6 Engines, an exhaust system, and a wiring harness, which are key components to the structure of a formula car.

For more information on the Southern University Rapid Jaguar Racing Team, contact Team Captain Adetola Anifalaje at adetola.anifalaje@gmail.com.

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Arts & Entertainment Speed-Dating: The Blue and White Way southerndigest.com

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Page 10 - Tuesday, February 3, 2015

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BY: NATORI SIMS DIGEST STAFF WRITER

Continuing their historical week titled, “Dawn of a Blue Era,” the “So Sweet” ladies of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and the “Soul Stepping Brothers” of the Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. hosted a speeddating event on Thursday, January 29, in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. The goal was to get students to break out of their shell, fellowship with their fellow jags, and meet someone new with the hopes of finding a companion. There was a variety of music that set a smooth mood throughout the ballroom, along with the chatter of students mingling. Also present were Think Smart and Be S.A.F.E organizations who gave out pamphlets, stickers, and lots of useful information regarding HIV/AIDS awareness.

One of the hostesses of the event, President of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Derylle Spears II/DIGEST Inc, Jana Myles, came to support her view upon the Southern University students participate in the Speed Dating event held in the SU Cotillion Ballroom in the historical week that she shared with her brothers.

Smith-Brown Memorial Union on January 29. The event was held during Blue and White Week.

“Since we were the first sorority on Southern

“Sorry for the Wait 2” Album review

BY LARON ADDISON DIGEST STAFF WRITER

Dewayne “Lil Wayne” Carter recently released his critically acclaimed follow up mixtape, titled “Sorry for the Wait 2,” which serves as a prelude to his delayed and highly anticipated album,”Tha Carter V.” The mixtape presents a variety of popular beats and features. This is Lil’ Wayne’s most celebrated project since the first installment of the “Sorry for the Wait” series. The first song on the project, a remix to O.T Genasis’ street anthem “Coco,” is one of the most hyped songs on the project. The beginning of the instrumental is a dark presence reminiscent of classic Lil Wayne mixtape intros such as “Get Em” (The Dedication 2.)

The song has been “spot lighted” by the media, because of the comments foreshadowing his departure from his long time label “Cash Money.” The mixtape was released after “Tha Carter V” was postponed yet again after numerous rumored release dates.

The mixtape is riddled with rhymes reinforcing the statements that were announced via Lil Wayne’s Twitter earlier this month. “All I have is ‘Young Money’ no more Cash” is one of the first comments validating the opinions Wayne made via social media. The first song was “leaked” to the public. The song covers Future’s bass filled single “Sh!t,” apologizing to the fans while enthusiastically reciting his lyrics in the traditional Lil’ Wayne fashion. Other tracks that stand out include “non-industry” remakes of the work entitled “Used To” featuring Drake. The songs’ premise is just what the title depicts as Young Money label mate Drake voices his opinion on reminding people he is still one of the top MCs’ in the game as he exclaims: “When you get to where I’m at you have to remind them of where you at,” said Wayne. The instrumental is structured with deep bass and could be considered a possible “club banger” as the mixtape gains more notoriety with the masses. Wayne takes time to respond to the critics surrounding his incarceration in 2010 for a loaded firearm on his tour bus saying, “When they say you’re too famous to pack a ghat, I have to remind them of where I’m from”.

Other original, non-cover songs, on the mixtape include: Amazing Amy featuring Migos, HollyWeezy, Fingers Hurting, and Admit it featuring SNL. The final track on the mixtape (excluding the bonus track with the Migos) Lil Wayne adds his rendition of Meek Mill’s popular intro to his album “Dreams and Nightmares.” In this particular track he once again addresses critics and skeptics of his recent projects as far as the quality of his music as he vocalized, “yall told me to me to spit /now I’m drooling on my chain/now yall looking like what happened to Wayne.” “Sorry for the Wait 2”

University’s campus, we wanted to be the first to combine and work together,” said Myles.

Wilsherie Hopson, a 25 year old senior psychology major and a member of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., shared her thoughts about the week.

“I’m really happy to be working along side our brother, the Sigmas,” said Hopson.

This was one event to spike dating as well as give tidbits of information of HIV/AIDS, to help solve and resolve the issue of the virus spreading in Baton Rouge.

Hopson added, “Knowledge is power, get tested.”

Every night that week, The Beta Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta, hosted different events alongside the Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, in honor of Blue and White week.

The events for the week ranged from the 1920’s to the new millennium. To find out more information on upcoming events from SU’s Sigmas and Zetas, follow their Instagram pages @rhosigmas and @ betaalphazetas.

Courtesy: thesource.com

gives fans a much-needed prequel to hold them over until the problem within Cash Money is solved. From the beginning to the end of the mixtape Lil Wayne addresses many issues and conflicts that the critics and the media have been asking Lil Wayne while showing his fans that he can still “spit” with the best in the industry. If you are a true Wayne fan this project is a must -own as he gives the public the vintage “rhymer” they’ve been asking for since “Tha Carter 3.”

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State and Nation

SOUTHERN DIGEST

Tuesday, February 3, 2015- Page 11

Islamist Militants Attack a Major Nigerian City

BY OSITA AJOKO

DIGEST STAFF WRITER

On January 25, the Secretary of State, John Kerry and President Goodluck Jonathan met in Nigeria to discuss the fight against Boko Haram in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

What pundits have described as Boko Haram’s ultimate challenge to the Nigerian state occurred on Monday, August 25, 2014. It was on that day that Abu-Bakr Shekau, leader of the dreaded sect, declared that Gwoza Land in Borno State had become a caliphate under his brand of Islam.

The declaration was made hours after his men sacked the Nigerian Army command from the area, occupied the land, and hoisted their flag. Announcing the establishment of the Caliphate, the sect leader said the area no longer had anything to do with Nigeria and its laws, reminiscence of the planned excision of some parts of North Eastern Nigeria during the attempted coup d’état by Col. Gideon Okar in 1990.

Maiduguri, the major city in Nigeria’s northeast, came under sustained attack from Boko Haram terrorists on Sunday, and officials here called it the group’s most audacious assault on the city to date. By early afternoon, the attackers had been beaten back, but not before dozens of soldiers had been killed, officials said. They said the insurgents had taken a major military base to the north of the city, sending about 1,400 soldiers fleeing into the bush. The attack on this city of more than two million people, a commercial and administrative hub, began late Saturday when the militants from the Islamist insurgency rushed in from at least two directions.

Loud explosions could be heard in the center of the city, as well as small-arms fire and artillery in its suburbs. The attack was a significant thrust forward in a creeping campaign that began last summer to encircle Maiduguri, officials said.

“Certainly this is the most serious attack yet,” said Kashim Shettima, the governor of Borno State, of which Maiduguri is the capital. “We faced a really existential threat.”

A military curfew pushed all civilian vehicles off the streets, and by early evening the only sound in Maiduguri, a normally bustling metropolis of open-air markets and streetside stalls, was the call to prayer from the numerous mosques.

Before being repulsed, the insurgents again demonstrated the tactical mettle that has allowed them to gain control of territory for hundreds of miles around Maiduguri. They overwhelmed soldiers at one of the principal military checkpoints outside the city, arriving in buses as if they were ordinary travelers, the soldiers were completely caught off guard.

Before the soldiers realized who they were, the Boko Haram insurgents opened fire. “I believe they must have killed hundreds,” Mr. Shettima said as he tried to give an estimate of the military casualties. At the same time, the Islamists were attacking another position close to the city, straining the military’s resources in the area. “They are becoming more and more sophisticated by the day,” added Mr. Shettima, who said he feared another attack on the city. They have essentially put the town under siege. They have cut the town off from all routes. They are continuously squeezing the citizens into a very tight corner.”

After the insurgents overwhelmed the soldiers, they moved to a checkpoint closer to the city. The military then

called in warplanes, and officials said that the bombs dropped on insurgent positions turned the tide of the battle here, even as a town to the north, Monguno, was falling.

A top federal police official, who was in Maiduguri after a presidential visit and asked not to be identified so that he could speak freely, said: “In the early hours of the day, the Boko Haram wanted to come into town. But by the grace of God, they were repelled.

Amid mounting friction between the two countries over how best to fight Boko Haram — the relationship is so strained that the Nigerians canceled an American military training program in December — Mr. Kerry said the United States was prepared to do more to help the faltering Nigerian military. A non-stated reason why the Americans withdrew was because Nigeria refused to approve the legalizing gay law which was supposed to serve as a foundation for the countries developing a stronger tide. Mr. Kerry warned that the level of American support would also be influenced by the determination of Nigeria’s politicians to carry out a fair and peaceful election on Feb. 14, 2015. American officials also fear that the Nigerian military has been infiltrated by Boko Haram, a claim angrily denied by the Nigerians.

“Bottom line, we want to do more,” Mr. Kerry said Sunday. “But our ability to do more will depend to some degree on the full measure of credibility, accountability, transparency and peacefulness of this election.” His pointed warning came against a backdrop of campaign violence by supporters of the candidates and a history of electoral fraud and postelection killing.

Mexico hospital blast leaves at least 2 dead, dozens hurt

BY TRACY WILKINSON AND CECILIA SANCHEZ LOS ANGELES TIMES

MEXICO CITY _ An explosion early Thursday destroyed most of a maternity and children’s hospital in Mexico City, killing at least two people and trapping and injuring dozens.

Smoke, flames and dust billowed into the sky after the blast. Rescuers pulled from the ruins doctors, nurses, pregnant women and newborns during a frantic operation to find survivors and save the injured.

More than 60 children and adults were injured, mostly by flying glass and the flames, according to firefighters, Red Cross personnel, police and other workers who flooded the scene. The dead were identified only as a woman and a minor.

Officials earlier gave a larger death toll, but it was revised downward, although 22 of the injured were in critical condition and other people may still be trapped, Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera said.

Racked by uncontrollable sobs, Maria Angeles Bautista was among scores of people who crowded the scene frantically seeking information on relatives among the patients or hospital employees.

“My niece gave birth on Monday but the baby had a low weight, so they were still hospitalized,” said Bautista, 54.

“We don’t know anything about the two. We’ve gone to all the hospitals, but there is no information. We are desperate.”

A man who did not give his name also broke into tears as he talked about his wife, who had given birth the day before.

He believed a lot of the destruction was in the area of the cribs and incubators.

Felipe Rojas, a 50-year-old taxi driver, rushed to the site after hearing the blast, described by many as a thunderous roar. His daughter works as a nurse in the hospital.

“Thank God, I could talk to her; she’s fine but doesn’t know about her fellow nurses,” Rojas said. “She was crying a lot for the babies.”

The explosion happened about 7 a.m., before visiting hours and a shift change to the busier daytime schedule. That, combined with the hospital being relatively small, probably averted a higher casualty toll.

There were conflicting reports of what had caused the explosion, but the investigation was focusing on a possible leak of gas that was being pumped by hose from a delivery truck to the hospital’s kitchen. The blast was concentrated around the kitchen and the emergency-area arrival bays. Neighbors reported a strong smell of gas before the blast.

Nearly 70 percent of the government-run, two-story hospital, which caters primarily to middle- and lower-income

Rescuers work at the site where a tanker truck that was supplying gas in front of a hospital exploded on Jan. 29, 2015 in Mexico City. At least three people died and 54 others, including 22 minors were injured, said local authorities. According to initial reports, the explosion caused the collapse of between 30 to 40 percent of the hospital. (Alejandro Ayala/Xinhua/Zuma Press/TNS)

patients, collapsed or was heavily damaged, Mancera said.

The scene at the hospital was chaotic, with streets clogged by traffic, firetrucks and ambulances, as helicopters ferried away the injured. Rescuers, some with sniffer dogs, emerged from the ruins covered with dust and ash. Nearby homes and cars were damaged.

Milenio Television reported that a pregnant woman who

was removed from the ruins gave birth in the ambulance taking her to another facility.

The hospital is located in the Cuajimalpa district, on the far western edge of the sprawling capital.

Mancera, the mayor, said three people with the gas company supplying the hospital were detained for questioning about possible negligence.

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Commentary

Page 14 - Tuesday, February 3, 2015

The “New” Black

BY SHARITA SIMS

DIGEST COMMENTARY WRITER

Black people throughout America have a distinct variation in which we cope with our oppression. Some of us are consistently bitter towards the oppressor during our lifetime, some are passionate about building towards enlightenment and elevation as a culture, and some completely omit the truth of our struggles and decide to convert to the “new” black.

My knowledge of this new way of living came to be when artist Pharrell Williams sat down in an interview with Oprah Winfrey and expressed that there is indeed a “new” black. It is blackness that “does not blame other races for our issues.” The new black is “not a pigmentation, it’s a mentality” and the “new” black people, “don’t find their confidence in a color, but in a mirror.”

So because the “new” black does not blame other races for our issues, they furthermore disregard the actions of one race in particular… You know who they are.

A race of people who must take ownership for dehumanizing, miseducating, and oppressing blacks in America. The ones utterly responsible for the agony black people endure in this country. We are far more advanced as a people than we were at the start of this American journey but it would be completely irrational to believe that a race of people, detached from selfenlightenment for hundreds of years, could repair themselves thoroughly in the midst of endless oppression.

A good leap on progression could begin with artists like Mr. Williams, privileged and amongst the selected few blacks who have platforms to use their artistry to help evolve the culture. Unfortunately, their voices do not reflect the struggles of the mass of blacks, which should be the ultimate goal. It’s inadmissible to say that there should be a new black while being a potential representation of your people when you hardly ever publically exercised being any kind of black that black people needed. Without hesitation the “new” black should be the black that blacks need, not the black that is a “mentality” and allows the choice of perhaps only being black when necessary. Black is naturally pigmentation at its relatively purest. It is something that must be embraced for the life of both you and me.

It is imperative to find confidence in our color considering the extent of hate that we have been taught to feel for looking the way we look.

Rising to find and embrace self-love, this new “black” trend is not the answer. Living life without reflecting and acknowledging our conditions, what and why it is, will only continue to leave us blind. It is essential that we live our lives, blackly, not by Webster’s definition, but by defining our own once we’ve been awakened entirely to the truths and not the facts of our history.

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Southern, A Tragedy: Am I Really Safe?

BY FELIX CUNNINGHAM III

DIGEST MANAGING EDITOR & SPORTS EDITOR

I woke up on the morning of January 28 and like every college student, I asked myself ‘Do I really want to go to class?’ With a tough decision to tread my shoes on Southern University soil, waltz to class with music blaring in my ear, and a usual grimace on my face, I decided on the latter and just went to class. The class was a major catalyst in my curriculum anyway so I might as well make the best of it.

I entered the classroom and etched myself onto a computer to learn and participate in the actual ethics of Media Graphics. When we finally and I mean finally came to a conclusion to prepare myself to make a newspaper headline, there came a screeching noise.

An unnatural and ugly screech made by the fire alarm, echoed the building followed by a

When the Unbreakable becomes Broken

sudden slam, shutting the corridors and makeshift of students going to their necessary exits. My first response was to wonder if there was an actual fire or poisonous gas leak. With questions oozing into my head, our class, in plum embarrassment, awaits the authorities.

Ten minutes, 15 minutes, I tap my feet on the ground as the alarm still blared in my ears.

20 minutes, 30 minutes as I look at phone and oh wait there were no responders to our rescue, poor Southern students oh what must we do?

No one came and many students left as the impending alarm rang, rang, and rang. Finally 38 minutes later the EBR Parish Sheriff’s Office truck arrived on the scene and silently turned off the alarm.

There could’ve been a fire or a noxious gas to harm or even kill people within the building, Not only that people would’ve died, but records would’ve dissolved from three major departments, personal belongings, and expensive equipment

BY JACARIA BICKHAM DIGEST STAFF WRITER

It has come to my attention that longtime friends and recording artists Dewayne “Lil Wayne” Carter and Bryan “Birdman/ Baby” Williams seem to have made a turn for the worst, in their fans eyes. Who knew something so strong for so many years would weaken so fast? I read that the whole dispute started via twitter and mixtape with Lil Wayne blasting Baby for the rescheduling of his most recent studio album. Many fans speculated that Lil Wayne is jealous that Birdman is spending more time with new founded artist, “Young Thug” and less time with him. After the postponed release of “Tha Carter V” and withheld royalties, Lil Wayne is apparently preparing to sue Baby for 8 million dollars in advanced royalties from the album and is

would’ve been for naught. But oh wait, the authorities will be here to save us, we’re just waiting on CP time. It’s ok everybody, most people come late to an event.

The questions remain at the end of the day, are we really safe? Can we trust the people that get paid by the city, parish, or state to protect us? Are we just chattel or student identification numbers to collect necessary funds from? Are we people to uphold and protect?

I thought we were people, I thought we had families, jobs, lives, and something to look forward to.

You know what, even I forget that someone is there to protect us.

If there was an actual fire, could you look the students in the eyes and tell them sorry, we had a malfunction with the fire alarm to call the first transponders so that’s why your lives are in danger?

I know I couldn’t.

demanding to be freed from the label Wayne has called a “prison.” Rapper Lil Wayne feels Young Money/ Cash Money Records is delaying his album was in violation of his contract. In addition to his request, Lil Wayne is also asking that all of his artists leave with him. These artists include Nicki Minaj, Drake, Tyga, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, Cory Gunz, Lil Twist, and Shanell.

All of the artists were signed to the label by Lil Wayne. The problem with this would possibly be that each of the artists all have distribution contracts with the label. It is said that Baby/Birdman is really hurt that his once close companion has gone to such measures to hurt him and the label. Rapper Lil Wayne has put his anger in words for his fans by putting out a mixtape called “Sorry For the wait 2.” The lyrics are basically saying how Lil Wayne feels about the label being nothing without him. He feels that if it wasn’t for him the label wouldn’t be as successful as it has grown to be. Until all wishes are granted, Lil Wayne continues to throw twitter slashes or shade.

For example, in his most recent tweet Lil Wayne stated , “I’m a prisoner.”

The tweet references how Lil Wayne no longer feels like a willing participant in the label but feels he’s being held against his will. Is this the end of a once unbreakable friendship? Is this merely just a little high rise of steam that will soon cool down? The fans of Young Money/Cash Money just have to sit back and await the final verdict.

The Style Script: Ready For Spring!

BY SAGE EDGERSON DIGEST STAFF WRITER

Welcome back my fashionable Jags! Again, this is The Style Script, where we of course weight the fashion rules and language of Southern University and I hit you with the runway to the ready-to-wear (tips.) Anyhow, let’s put away those sweaters, boots and jeans and let’s talk about shorts, tanks and dresses. Spring is on its way quicker than that sneaky cold front that hit us throughout the break. If you haven’t started spring shopping, you my friend, are a tab bit behind. But that’s what I’m here for. First, let’s talk colors. The color gurus of Pantone dubbed their “it” colors of spring, sourced from the previous season runways and designer sketches. We have colors like Lucite green (a sharp mint), custard (a soft lemon yellow) and classic blue. Those aren’t the only hues that made the cut. This season you will see a mix of richer, deep colors, along with the typical and atypical spring pastels. Pastels were the colors to do last season, let’s add a little punch to the mix.

Now that we have a visual and understanding of this season’s color scheme, let’s get into the

I’M JUST ASKING STATEMENT I’M JUST ASKING is for entertainment purposes only. These remarks do not represent the opinions of the DIGEST staff, Southern University or the Office of Student Media Services.

trends. Ladies first, though: 70’s inspiration will be all the rage with boho chic frocks, funky floral prints that are big, bold, and ultra feminine, cool crop tops and of course sheer and modernized denim.

In the 70’s it was all about being free and groovy too, but importantly, free. Free to do just about whatever you desired. This freeness translated to the way of dress of the decade.

Dresses with soft silhouettes at Altuzarra and Vera Wang showcased romanticized garments.

The looks included sheer fabrics that exuded light and freeness and bold florals to give it that hippie flower child look. When doing a floral pattern you should think flower power, the bigger the better and more psychedelic especially on mod mini dresses, skater skirts, wide leg pants, trenches and far out jumpsuits. 1969 Woodstock festival set in motion the free love movement of the 70’s but also set the trends. One of those trends was baby doll dresses. If you aren’t aware of what a baby doll is see Rihanna’s NYFW Spring/Summer ‘15 Adam Selman white look. Baby doll dresses and “festival wear” shall be seen across campus. Think Coachella and Hangout Fest for spring fest. Next

trend is the baring of the midriff. I’m not talking just your regular crop top. Think more lady like and elegant like Oscar de la Renta, boxy like Marc Jacobs or brunch worthy like shown at Michael Kors. A little modernized flesh-showing paired with a great mid rise or high rise bottom is the key. No one shouldn’t wear a crop top with low rise jeans anyways, it’s one of the ultimate fashion faux pas and plus, this isn’t a hip hop video. Now moving on to the American staple which is denim.

Couldn’t quite get the denim on denim look Kanye popularized? No worries, the denim trend has you covered. Washed up, destroyed, bedazzled (yes bedazzled), mashed up with dresses, pants, and jumpsuits. Don’t shy away from the denim, Fendi, Louis Vuitton and Chloe had some great denim features on the runways for inspiration! I’ve provided pictures to add the visuals of everything mentioned! If you’d like to look further in-depth of all these trends, Vouge.com, Style.com, or just the old fashion google can be of some assistance!

Be daring, be fearless but most importantly stay fashion forward! XO

Submit your “just asking questions to digest@subr.edu

(DON’T FORGET TO ADD YOUR HASHTAGS.)

@SOUTHERNDIGEST

Tuesday, February 3, 2015 - Page 15

SPEAKOUT Do you feel that one month is long enough to celebrate Black History Month?

BY: TYRA BROWNLEE DIGEST STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

IMANI REDMOND

SENIOR BUSINESS MARKETING NEW ORLEANS

“ No, I feel that Black History should be celebrated REDMOND several months during the year because we learn about other races all year long.”

KAILLYN WALKER

FRESHMAN NURSING BATON ROUGE

WALKER

than a month.”

“ No, I feel like we as African Americans have done alot and deserve longer

KENDALL GREEN

FRESHMAN URBAN FORESTRY BAYOU GOULA

“If everyone is so-called treated equally, why don’t we GREEN learn about black history year round. We’ve learned about other races our entire lives.”

BRANDON PRINCE JUNIOR MASS COMM. OPELOUSAS

“ No, Black History deserves to be celebrated 365 PRINCE days a year.

There are alot of people that are unaware of the accomplishments and sacrifices of African Americans.

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