Volume 78 - ISSUE 1

FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Volume 78 . Issue 1

Uncovering Bomb Threats towards HBCUs Jenna Bennard The Southern Digest

Since late December of 2021, various Historically Black Colleges and Universities have receiveived anonymous threats of their campuses being struck by a bomb. Southern University and A&M was a part of this extensive list of HBCUs targeted, causing worry among students, staff and supporters.

At least 6 Historically Black Colleges and Universities received bomb threats Monday, Janauary 31st; Southern University and A&M, Howard University, Bethune-Cookman University, Albany University, Bowie State University, and Delaware State University.

With classes across many campuses already delayed due to the surge of the recent COVID-19 variant, Omicron, See ERUPTION page 3

Importance of the Census in the Black Community Jaidyn Nix The Southern Digest

The Southern University NAACP has teamed up with the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice to ensure that students learn the importance of redistricting.

America has a long dark history of not allowing fair voting to be easily available. The areas that are affected the most are minority communities. The U.S. Census Bureau that is updated every 10 years determines how the government distribute funds and assistance to states. The Census also affects representation in the government. States will begin to draw their district lines once the Census has been updated and these district lines play a major part in the voting process.

Unfortunately, many students don’t understand the importance that redistricting can have on their voice when voting. Southern University’s NAACP chapter recently participated with the Power Coalition for Equity & Justice at their redistricting event See CENSUS page 3

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Southern Students show Support in Fight for Fair Districts Jaidyn Nix The Southern Digest

The two-day Redistricting process held last week in Downtown Baton Rouge at the Hilton Ballroom taught Southern University students and people within the community how they can participate in various events to make sure their voices are being heard in the voting process. Here at Southern University, students can participate in various events to make sure their voice is being heard in the national and local voting process. The Southern University NAACP is teaming up with the Power Coalition for Equity & Justice to ensure that students learn the importance of redistricting.

Throughout its history, America has been rife with examples of voting representation disparities, which particularly disadvantage minority racial groups. The representation of the Black community within the national Census is one of these disparities. The U.S. Census Bureau, that is updated every 10 years, determines how the government distribute funds and

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assistance to states. The Census also affects representation in the government. States will begin to draw their district lines once the Census has been updated and these district lines play a major part in the voting process. Unfortunately, many students don’t understand the importance that redistricting can have on their voice when voting. Southern University’s NAACP chapter recently

participated with the Power Coalition for Equity & Justice at their redistricting event hosted at the state capitol.

“The NAACP at Southern is volunteering with the Power Coalition so we’re helping them with the redistricting event.” said Marcus Virgil, the president of the chapter. “So, we will be able to hear the students’ voices on what should happen with this redistricting and how

they can stop gerrymandering and other issues like that.”

Gerrymandering is when states will manipulate the boundaries or districts to favor a certain party or class. This is an issue that actively affects Southern University students since their voices are the ones to most likely be silenced by See REDISTRICTING page 3

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ISSUE 1 . FEBRUARY 8, 2022

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ERUPTION from page 1 students and staff were already introduced to an unprecedented way to start the school year off.

The date of the threats, which coincided with the beginning of Black History Month, have lead some to speculate they may have been racially motivated.

On Monday morning, Southern University sent a message around 7 a.m. to students that the campus was on lockdown and classes were canceled until further notice.

Students living on-campus were also warned to stay in their dorms and apartments.

After 1:00 PM, the university then sent an “all clear” message to students advising that no bombs or explosives were found

by Southern University Police Department and external law enforcement, and the campus was free to roam.

A spokesperson for the Washington Metropolitan Police Department confirmed to CNN that “the scene has been cleared with no hazardous materials found” at Howard

University.

Jackson State University tweeted on Twitter that the university received a call at 4:15am on Tuesday then later on in the day stated that “The Jackson Police Department and JSU Department of Public Safety have swept the campus and found the threat unsubstantiated”. In some cases, a few schools had to relocate students, faculty, and staff while these searches went on.

Although everything was good to go, SUBR students, as well as other HBCU students around the nation, were shaken up that their lives were still stunned and disturbed by the threats.

Kamryn Johnson, a junior at Southern University, stated that her mental health is fine after everything but she was stunned when she first saw the message the university sent out by the university. “I remembered that a few other HBCUs had received the same a few weeks ago…and I was just like ‘wow, it really happened to my university.’”

Another Jaguar named Laila Hazel, a freshman and native from Carson, California, also felt fine mentally because of what one of her professors instilled into her. Her professor proclaimed, “The black youth getting an education for themselves has caused society to be afraid of us, causing them to threaten us.”

HBCUs around the nation will likely continue to keep their students save and have stricter security on their campuses.

When SUBR students were asked on how they think the university will move forward amongst the bomb threats, they felt secure that Southern University will move in caution.

Ms. Johnson assured, “All these HBCUs are receiving these, I truly believe that they shouldn’t be taken lightly, and I would love to keep the faith in my university to believe that they won’t just let it pass without keeping an eye out and keeping the students and faculty safe.”

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Campus Dining receives an upgrade

REDISTRICTING from page 1

Isaiah Clay The Southern Digest

On January 29th, 2022, it was announced that Southern University’s Dunn Dining Hall would be shutting down for repairs and other work.

Reportedly, these repairs had to do with a water leakage happening in the building. In wake of this, students were told that Mayberry Dining Hall would be their sole dining hall until the repairs were finished. .

Allegedly, however, there were reports of students still eating in Dunn Hall even with repairs still being made. We reached out to an anonymous representative from Aramark who declined a request for comment on that matter.

Though the representative could neither confirm nor deny those claims, they did share some exciting information regarding new dining options in the works around campus.

“We’re looking at John B. Cade library on the first floor,” says the Aramark representative.

“Some potential options would be sushi, smoothies, or another coffee establishment.” Nothing is set in stone as of now, but students can look forward to having a new spot to eat and hang out in the library.

Though this is exciting news, many students are unsatisfied with the current conditions of campus dining. “Dunn needs

This message was sent out to the campus community on January 30 to updated the student body on renovations taken place in Dunn Hall. (DIGEST)

more work in order for it to feel like a true dining experience,” says Karron Magee, a freshman finance major from New Orleans, Louisiana. “...The drink machines on the right haven’t been working since last semester and sometimes the drinks we do get from the working machine are nasty or seem to be running out of flavor.”

When asked where there can be improvements, Magee states, “Honestly, the food is amazing. But the first thing I’d suggest is better staff. Some of the workers can be a little rude at times and no one wants to

go eat and have to get yelled at or given attitude.” In addition to better hospitality at Dunn Hall, Magee also suggests more organized waiting processes to tackle long lines in the SmithBrown Memorial Union.

Syncere Buckley, a freshman nursing major from New Orleans, Louisiana agrees with the need for further improvements in campus dining.

For starters, “There should be more employees or students in work-study assisting the kitchen and front,” Buckley says. “Also we need more restaurants that are more inclined to the

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student’s taste.”

Some of these issues are being taken into consideration with the upcoming new student union that is currently under planning. Nonetheless, the upcoming library plans are receiving positive feedback. “I support it. I’ll be so happy if the library gets dining options.

It could also open up more job opportunities for students,” says Magee.

Overall, new dining options tailored to students are indeed on the way. Stay posted for more updates on dining in the future.

this action. “I think that most students don’t know a lot about the redistricting process or why it’s important.” said Valerie Johnson, a junior English major.

The Louisiana Power Coalition for Equity & Justice strives to teach students how to allow not unfair representation to happen during redistricting.

“We’re teaching about stacking, packing, and gerrymandering.

We’re teaching about all the tools, tips, and tricks that they use in order to make up the redistricting process here in Louisiana.” said Carlton Jones, Baton Rouge redistricting fellow for the organization and Vice President of SU Alumni Federation. “Students are going to be educated in how to speak truths to parts of that process.”

“We have a redistricting mini guide that explains the definitions of redistricting.

Whether its cracking and packing communities into district or what it means to have compactness.” States Ashley Shelton, the Executive Director of the coalition. “It is really critical that young people have their voices heard during this process, because it will impact just as much as anyone else. The coalition has multiple resources available on their website so that students at Southern University can look more into how the redistricting process and ensure their voice is heard in the many elections to come.

CENSUS from page 1

unfair representation to happen during redistricting.

“We’re teaching about stacking, packing, and gerrymandering. We’re teaching about all the tools, tips, and tricks that they use in order to make up the redistricting process here in Louisiana.” said Carlton Jones, Baton Rouge redistricting fellow for the organization and Vice President of SU Alumni Federation. “Students are going to be educated in how to speak truths to parts of that process.”

Students are getting the opportunity to make sure that our school and the local Baton Rouge community can get the resources it needs by participating in this event and working with the coalition.

A map of Baton Rouge area Senate Districts. (Louisiana Legislature image)

hosted at the state capitol.

“The NAACP at Southern is volunteering with the Power Coalition so were helping them with the redistricting event.” said Marcus Virgil, the president of the chapter. “So, we will be able to hear the students’ voices on what should happen

with this redistricting and how they can stop gerrymandering and other issues like that.”

Gerrymandering is when states will manipulate the boundaries or districts to favor a certain party or class. This is an issue that actively affects Southern University

students since their voices are the ones to most likely be silenced by this action.

“I think that most students don’t know a lot about the redistricting process or why it’s important.” said Valerie Johnson, a junior English major. The Louisiana Power Coalition for Equity & Justice strives to teach students how to allow not

“We have a redistricting mini guide that explains the definitions of redistricting.

Whether its cracking and packing communities into district or what it means to have compactness.” States Ashley Shelton, the Executive Director of the coalition. “It is really critical that young people have their voices heard during this process, because it will impact just as much as anyone else.

The coalition has multiple resources available on their website so that students at Southern University can look more into how the redistricting process and ensure their voice is heard in the many elections to come.

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ISSUE 1 . FEBRUARY 8, 2022

JAGUAR SPORTS

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Back to Business:

Lady Jags get back in the win column against Alabama A&M Evan Funchess The Southern Digest

After their previous loss at the hands of Jackson State, the lady Jags were hungry to get back to their winning ways against the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M. On Saturday afternoon; the Jaguars looked to make a statement with conference play well underway. Then, going into the game, the Jag’s looked to begin a new winning streak as their previous three-game streak came to an end last Monday.

Then, with their conference record resting at seven wins and two losses, Southern looked to notch another victory on the season.

The first half was a strong performance for the Jags as they took an 8-point lead going into halftime. The theme of the first half was defense, as the Jags and the Bulldogs held each other to low scoring percentages throughout the first half. With the Jag’s controlling the game’s pace, they seemed to weather the storm of their struggling

offense. One part of the game they excelled in was the fast break, where they made the most of their opportunities.

They finished the game with ten more fast-break points than their opponents.

The second half was much of the same, with both teams battling tirelessly to take control of the game. In the third quarter, the Jag’s put up a gamehigh 22 points and began to apply pressure on the Bulldogs.

The Bulldog’s scored 17 to try to match Southern and quickly made the game a slugfest going into the fourth quarter. As both teams looked to gain an edge, it quickly became apparent that this fourth quarter would define this game.

The fourth quarter quickly became a display of pure effort as both teams gave it their all to secure the win. Then, as the game went deeper into the fourth, Southern seemed to get stops when they needed them.

As a result, the Jag’s were able to subdue their opponents in the fourth quarter and secure the

Senior, Guard, Kayla Watson goes up for a layup in the Women’s Basketball game against Alabama A&M Univeristy in the F.G. Clark Activity Center on February 5. (Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)

All bark, no bite: Southern Men hang against Alabama A&M Bulldogs Evan Funchess The Southern Digest

With first place in conference play in their sights, Southern looked to take down Alabama A&M in the mini-dome Saturday night. The last time these teams saw each was last season, with Southern coming out on top. The Jag’s looked to continue their win streak as they came off of a win against Jackson State in their previous game. Alabama A&M was also coming off a win against Grambling State going into the game. With both teams coming off of wins, they both looked to capitalize on their momentum in the night’s game.

The first half went according to plan for the Jaguars as they led by eleven points at halftime.

Their defense was dominant, forcing multiple turnovers and getting out on the break.

Another aspect of the first half was that Southern never lost the lead. Their ability to control the pace and tempo of the game gave them the edge.

The second half was much more competitive as Southern seemed to take their foot off the gas to begin the half. Alabama A&M cut the Jag’s lead to seven-points just two minutes into the second half. Southern,

Junior, Guard, Delor Johnson shoots a 3 pointer in the first quarter of the Men’s Basketball game against Alabama A&M University in the F.G. Clark Center, February 5. (Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)

however, struck back quickly by drawing fouls and getting to the line. Southern shot just north of 60% from the free-throw line on the night. Later in the quarter, Southern became an offensive

juggernaut as they went on a 14-0 run against the Bulldogs.

However, their steam began to die down as they became tired from the blistering pace of play that they had set for the game.

As the game slowed down, it became more competitive as the Bulldogs reduced the Jag’s lead to seven points with a minute and thirty seconds to go in the game. Southern closed the game out with some key free throws from Junior guard P.J Byrd. The Jag’s were able to secure the victory 73-64.

Redshirt Sophomore Terrell Williams Jr. led the Jag’s effort. He finished with twelve points and a team-leading nine rebounds. Head Coach Sean Woods spoke about Williams’s effort after the game. “When his energy is up, he’s really good.”

Coach Woods also talked about why they dialed back their pressure in the second half. “ We took the (full court) pressure off because I thought we were getting a little fatigued.” Woods continued, “ We tightened up in the halfcourt defense, kept the ball out of the paint, and made them take tough shots.”

With this win, the Jag’s took sole possession of the number one spot in the conference standings with a record of 8-2.

Their next game will be against Alabama State who is coming off a win against Grambling State. The Jag’s will look to hold on to the top spot in the SWAC on Monday night.

win 65-58.

After the game, Head Coach Carlos Funchess shared his thoughts on the team’s effort. “ It was important that we got off to a good start, especially defensively.” The Jag’s seemed to take a great measure of pride on the defensive side of the ball as they held their opponents to 43% shooting overall and just 33% from the three-point line.

“Everything they got, they had to earn.” Junior Guard Tyeniesha Metcalf led the team in scoring with a season-high 18 points. Coach Funchess spoke to her offensive skill set during the game. “She rose to the occasion and knocked those shots down.”

This win brings the Jag’s record to 8-2 in conference play.

Their next game will take place on Monday, facing Alabama State University. Alabama State is coming off a loss against Grambling in their previous outing. Southern will look to continue their winning streak to solidify their place in the SWAC.

Mo’ Money, More Problems?; NIL Negligence Debrandin Brown Editor-in-Chief

The term ‘a slippery slope’ has become a mainstay in the billiondollar business that is college sports regarding the payment of their players. In a world where collegiate athletes can capitalize on their names for the first time in their history, that phrase is once again becoming a central talking point in elitist circles.

Grambling University is the first HBCU to initiate protocols relevant to regulating the Name, Image, and Likeness policies that have made it possible for significant financial gain for student-athletes. In the past, students who qualified from a talent/marketability standpoint would be found by potential sponsors who could pay the students whatever they deemed acceptable.

Grambling has changed the game in this regard with a new NIL plan that allows the university’s scholarship athletes to all receive funds as a part of the new marketing deal with the school. While the exact amount hasn’t been disclosed to the media, this deal is the first of its kind. With many emulators

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See NIL page 5

ISSUE 1 . FEBRUARY 8, 2022

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Mr. Freshman: Who will it be?

Teyanah Owens The Southern Digest

On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, the Mr. Freshman Pageant was held in the event center at 6 PM. Tickets for the pageant were limited and distributed via Instagram in the Southern University Class of 2025’s bio. Masks and social distancing were strictly enforced, adhering to Coronavirus safety precautions.

Per tradition, the event took place during freshmore week, with the week’s theme being “Camp Lacumba”. This year’s pageant was called: The Lost King Queens Park”, drawing influence from the “Jurassic Park” series. DJ Neff was one of the highlights of the night, providing attendees with plenty of musical entertainment.

2021-2022 Mr. Freshman, Beloveson Philippe hosted the pageant and shared his

Freshman Hasan Howard readies to be announced as the 2022 Mr. Freshman inside the Event Center on Wednesday, February 2.

(Austin Powe/DIGEST)

experience with it. “Hosting the pageant was an amazing experience for me because it showed me that speaking and hosting an event in front of a

large audience is actually a great experience and it was nothing to be nervous about. Everybody had an amazing time with the great performances by the contestants

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Euphoria: and are amazing intermissions.”

There were six pageant contestants: Casein Christmas, Jamarr Felder, Tristan Holiday, Hasan Howard, Camron Idusuyi, and Kendrick Johnson.

In the opening performance, the contestants busted out on stage with safari hunter inspired costumes, with the stage fashioned with dinosaur and safari decorations in place.

Throughout the night, several of the contestants gifted Miss Freshman, Whitnee Davis with roses.

Students were very pleased with the run of the show for the pageant. Floyd Harris, a junior majoring in Agricultural Science from Fresno California, said, “My favorite moment was observing the candidates’ talent category. Some displayed dancing, praise dancing, See MR.FRESHMAN page 6

A Story Analysis and Review: “A Journal for Jordan”

What’s the hype?

YAsmine Love The Southern Digest

Euphoria. Have you heard of it? If you haven’t, then what are you doing? Started on June 16, 2019, Euphoria is an HBO drama series that tells the coming-of-age experience of a group of highschool students.

The main character, Rue (played

by Zendaya Coleman), fights an ongoing battle with drug addiction, following her release from rehab. The show covers a wide range of topics, including drug use, mental health, love, and much more.

There are mixed emotions on the show but personally, as many people may think the show is too much for teens.

From my perspective, the show is showing how drugs can affect not only yourself, but others around you, especially from a teen’s perspective. Each person involved in the show has their own individual problems, as they struggle with peer pressure, domestic violence, sexuality, and much more.

Another main challenge in the show is the concept and experience of love for the young characters. These teens often show a very distorted view of what love is, with relationships in the series being very unhealthy and superficial. There is a lot of jealousy that comes with this as well, between friends and within these romantic relationships.

Nodea Sewell The Southern Digest

Love is a powerful thing, it makes the impossible possible and drives us to greatness. “A Journal for Jordan” tells a story of a man’s love for his infant son and partner. First Sergeant, Charles Monroe King, kept a journal of love and advice for his infant son. His partner, journalist Dana Candey, looks back at her relationship with King and his love for his family.

Before watching the movie, there were several expectations that it was going to be a sad story about a soldier with a tragic ending. Although after watching, those expectations can be flipped. This story was filled with love, passion, and gratitude. The fact that it’s a true story made it even more interesting.

Before getting deployed to Iraq, Candey gave King a journal and told him to write to his son, so he could give him advice, words of encouragement, and messages.

Throughout his time of being in Iraq, King

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wrote 200 pages of guidance to his son.

According to the information at the end of the movie, Jordan still reads his father’s journal everyday.

The love story between King and Candey is unmatched. Can you imagine your father setting you up with your future soulmate? I can’t, but like I said earlier, the impossible is possible. Candey did seem skeptical about King when they started dating. She even mentioned to her friends that he wasn’t her type and wasn’t sure about him. As we know love always wins, Candey eventually started to fall for him and he did so as well. The relationship wasn’t easy considering King was in the army and was often gone for

months because of it. Candey did have her doubts and insecurities, but they managed to make it work. It takes love, understanding, and communication to make a long-distance relationship work. There has to be a salute to Candey and King for not giving up on each other and letting love win.

Although the movie did have a tragedy with King’s death, the ending was beautiful.

Even though Jordan never knew his father because he was too young to remember him, he felt his love and guidance every time he read his journal. Taking everything into account including the courage it took for the family to share this story, I’d give A Journal for Jordan a 10/10.

I feel like Euphoria is a good show to watch. I recommend this to people who want to see life through a teens perspective, from a point of honesty and not from a sanitized and generic perspective. The show has a lot of triggering scenes, so those who struggle with imagery that depicts violence, bullying and drug usage should be particularly cautious. Euphoria is undeniably binge-worthy and great for watching with friends.

As of now, it’s the most trending show on HBO with only two seasons so far. You’ll have time to catch up, so I advise you right now to head over to HBO and go watch this show!

NFL from page 4 anticipated in coming months and years by way of our PWI counterparts.

To be clear, I’m all for putting money in the hands of the black man, but at the same time, we are very much looking at a slippery slope from an HBCU sporting perspective. If it becomes a bidding war instead of an ideological one between

HBCU and PWI culture, my biggest fear is that the war can’t be won.

HBCUs have just as much to offer to anyone in the academic arena, from culture to sports to anywhere else, but an endless supply of wealth and funding is something that becomes scarcer and scarcer for us as time passes.

That’s not to say that student-athletes at HBCUs shouldn’t get paid, far from it. I believe that there should be a set salary for collegiate athletes that all universities abide by. However, through the methods currently being implemented by Grambling, it seems more likely that this move will only make star talent harder to

come by for black colleges.

So yes, get your money when and where you can, especially in this economy. But at the same time, it’s important to keep perspective on how these new policies can impact us as a community.

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stepping and more. I was also glad to see the crowd so full of excitement! I think It’s important for students, especially freshmen, to attend these kinds of events.

They’re not only fun but you make fun memories with your class as well.”

Hasan Howard, a freshman majoring in Criminal Justice from Charlotte, North Carolina was crowned Southern University’s 2022-2023 Mr. Freshman. He left the crowd with a statement of motivation. “Remain humble in the peak of excellence. Winning the Mr. Freshman Pageant was a moment of reassurance for me. Being that winning this title is my first major accomplishment at Southern. It reminded me that through hard work and dedication I can accomplish anything.” The freshman had so much fun that he couldn’t decide on the best part from

the pageant. “It’s really hard to pick my favorite moment.

From preparing for the event, practicing with my fellow contestants I now call my pageant brothers, seeing Miss Freshman everyday, and performing. It was all amazing!

I would do it all again because now I have some forever friends and great memories to live by.”

The new king on campus has a lot in store for students, and is open about these ideas. “My plans for the campus as Mister Freshman are to unite the student population, enhance our school spirit by reminding us what it means to be a Jaguar, and being a voice for those who feel unheard.”

Congratulations Mr. Howard! We have high hopes for you throughout this semester as the University’s 20222023 Mr. Freshman.

DIGEST Music Review Nicki Minajs’ Do We Have a Problem Isaiah Clay Southern DIGEST

The queen has returned and she’s back for vengeance. On Friday, February 4th, 2022, Nicki Minaj collaborated with Lil Baby on their latest promotional single titled “Do We Have A Problem?”

The firey track is a fusion of trap and hip-hop that tells a story of retaliation against enemies or “opps”, as Minaj refers to them. Nicki showcases her penning skills as a lyricist and Lil Baby backs her up every step of the way. The chorus is captivating and instantly catchy, as Minaj raps “I got a shooter right now, got a driver; They want heat, I’m the only provider.” Not only does Nicki provide bar after bar

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of undeniable talent, but her flow is evidently top tier.

Accompanying the single was the highly anticipated music video.

In the said video, Minaj plays as an undercover detective, working to capture the wanted criminal, Lil Baby. In a twist of events, it is revealed Minaj was not actually a cop, but was a double agent working for Baby as his companion. Together, they outsmart their competition and ultimately come out on top.

And, on top, they did come, as the song went #1 on the global iTunes chart only an hour after its release.

It’s safe to say the Queen has risen, and it is definitely a big problem for any rapper standing in her way.

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T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R O F S O U T H E R N U N I V E R S I T Y A N D A & M C O L L E G E - B A T O N R O U G E , L A

ISSUE 1 . FEBRUARY 8, 2022

COMMENTARY

THE SENTINEL OF AN ENLIGHTENED STUDENT BODY SINCE 1926

The Book of Amir: Mischief in Minneapolis Debrandin Brown, Jr. Editor-in-Chief

As individuals born into this world, there’s a certain amount of freedom that Americans would call ‘God given’ that assures us the ability to write our own stories and make out of the world what we wish. On last Wednesday however, another one of those stories reached a violent end prematurely at the hands of Minneapolis PD. Amir Locke lay sleeping on the couch of his home when Minneapolis police executed a now hotly debated ‘no-knock policy’. Such policies are living examples of systemic racism within the criminal justice system that’s continually being used as a weapon against black bodies, and that same system perpetually shields the Oppression’s enforcers from ever being judged guilty in a court of their peers.

In the case of Amir Locke, his death signified another casualty of a war that most black Americans don’t even actively try to participate in. In the

homicide investigation that the police executed the warrant in reference to, it was determined that Locke hadn’t even been a suspect in the investigation. Just another black body at the wrong place at the wrong time. At home, asleep on his couch.

The nationalist and pro-law crowds would point out the fact that Locke had a gun, and therefore, was a threat to the officers safety as they executed a lawful search. Body cam footage that illustrated a period of nine seconds between the time of police entry and the death of Amir proved that threat to be a lie, with Amir asleep, wrapped in a blanket at the invasion’s precipice. “‘Why the anxiety?’ ‘Why did he need a gun?’ ‘What did he have to fear?’,” asks the right wing firearms advocates and political contrarians, when as it turned out, his fear was justified as hostile forces made rookie mistakes with Amir’s life being viewed as forfeit, In a world that we all understand to be unfair and

not right, it’s tragedies such as these that remind us of the fight to be had, the only fight worth fighting: that for survival.

Amir’s death was preventable, as were all of the rest of fallen brothers and sisters whose vast dreams were replaced with the role of martyrs. People’s kids, sons and daughters who had never even gotten the chance to stretch their wings and feel their freedom, roped into a struggle that had already corrupted this society that we have been born into for centuries.

I’m tired of hearing and writing about black deaths, to the point where a part of me feels numb and indifferent when I see ‘Justice for ****’ trending on Twitter, and every moment I do, I become progressively more mournful for the deaths. Not just of the fallen black boys and girls whose stories have ended too soon, but for the younger version of myself who thought that these problems could be fixed with just understanding, time and patience. Maybe they still can be, but I just don’t know if

it ’ l l be in my lifetime.

So how many more black men, women, and kids who look like me have to die before we achieve this ‘peace in our time’ where their lives are no longer considered forfeit? How many more years? I’m not sure if that’s an answer that’s knowable to men, but still, I can’t help but wonder if Amir could have?

Was it Amir’s destiny to find the answer to the world’s reality that has killed millions of our people? Or perhaps George Floyd?

Ahmaud

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Arbery? Hell, maybe even Trayvon Martin or Rodney King’s. Who’s to know whose story was meant to change the world for the better, but couldn’t, because the world was too set in its ways and saw to their demise.

It’s a sad world we live in where the good die young, and good stories go untold. So if just for this moment in time, whether you’re making it trend on Twitter or just talking about it at lunch with your friends, don’t let the book of Amir be lost to the sands of time just yet.

Bomb Threats Targeting HBCU’s – Prank or Possible Hate Crime?

Aaliyah Bennett Southern DIGEST

Since late December of 2021, several HBCU’s across the country have been under bomb threats. This includes Bowie State University, Delaware State University, Albany State University, Howard University and The Southern University and A&M College. Students were told to stay in their dorms until further notice and those coming on campus are limited. If only HBCU’s are being targeted in these bomb threats, then there are grounds for this to be considered as a hate crime.

That said, this is not the first bomb threat targeted to Southern

University. In Fall 2020, students were forced to evacuate their halls immediately in wake of a similar threat made towards the campus.

But although this wasn’t the first threat made on our university, people are praying that it ends up being the last. Instead of focusing on having a strong start to the semester, students are worried about their future and hoping that they can get to see the day of their graduation.

If HBCUs are the institutions primarily being targeted, then without a doubt, this is a hate crime. Let’s think about it; racism is ongoing and something that we can’t control. You can put restrictions on it, but you can’t change the way a person feels about another. If my

mother was born in 1969 and Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, what does that tell you?

Racism has always been an issue for the Black community. Black people can’t do anything innocently without being accused of doing something suspicious. Can’t buy skittles, can’t jog, can’t sit on the couch in our own home peacefully.

Now it’s to the point we can’t even get an education within in our own community peacefully.

I am speaking for the Black community when I say, “We are tired!” When will the hatred towards the Black community end?

Understanding that black people are no longer under the power of White supremacy, us having rights

has become a problem for those who would see us continually oppressed.

The intimidation we receive from anti-black people is obvious.

It’s an issue that our parents and grandparents have been dealing with, and soon enough, the next generation will be as well. Being Black in America is like trying to survive in a society that was not created for you. Black people do not feel safe, and have never felt at home here in the United States of America.

It has always been a fight to just be alive and free.

Threats of any sort towards the Black community must end. Threats of any sort towards the African American educational institutions must come to an end. Why bring us

here, then slowly try to get rid of us?

Is it because we are no longer of a use to you? Did you not know that we were going to eventually fight back and rise? This was inevitable.

We are the blueprint of this country, and we demand our respect.

This is not up for a debate. It’s time we gain the respect and honor we deserve. It has been one too many protests to fight for our right to be treated with decency. How many more Black people will you try to destroy, kill, and steal from? Black people have been fighting for their lives the moment they touched “the Land of the Free.”

Missing Coins: Southern University cheated out of $1.3 billion Jaidyn Nix Southern DIGEST

A recent article released by Forbes Magazine showcased a report depicting the lack of funding for the nation’s 18 public land-grant historically black colleges and universities since 1987. At the top of the list was North Carolina A&T, with a whopping amount nearing $2.8 billion, while fifth on the list was our beloved Southern University.

According to the report our

university has been underfunded by $1.3 billion (inflation-adjusted) during the last three decades. But, when calculating the total for all 18 universities, it was $12.3 billion.

Forbes stated that they calculated the various amounts by “comparing the per-pupil state funding of the predominantly White land-grant schools with their counterpart HBCUs.” So, this means that if Southern had been funded equivalently as to a school like LSU, the school would have received $1.3 billion. This displays the

great disadvantage that HBCUs everywhere must face.

Some might try to push this off as a simple dispute of which schools do more research, but, Southern is currently a R2 Carnegie designation, the second-highest classification for American research universities. This rating signifies that our university “has high research activity” and does this without resources that might be available at PWI’s.

My issue is that because the school is being underfunded, students and staff are missing out on so many

opportunities. We can only do so much with the amount of money we do receive from the state or alumni.

This is a remarkable sum that could be used for the betterment of our beloved school.

Just think about the serious evolution that could be made to classrooms, dorms, and basic infrastructure. I also believe that reconstruction would be so much quicker on the campus if we did receive these funds. This report shows the rare tenacity and strength that can found at HBCUs because even

when many schools are not receiving funds they still preserve and thrive.

But I can’t help to wonder about what life on the Bluff would look like if it didn’t have to fight against this gross display of institutional racism.

All and all its up to students to make some noise about this, so the state legislature can see that we take this issue seriously. We want only the very best for our university, but that can’t happen if the school isn’t given what it is due.

SUBMISSIONS POLICY

The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed in submissions, editorials, opinions and commentary pieces, including sports commentaries. It is the sole opinion of the writer and does not reflect the views of any professional faculty, staff or administrator of the University. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements.

Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mailed to digest@subr.edu.

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RECRUIT & DEVELOP DIVERSE GLOBAL LEADERS Application Deadline - February 14, 2022

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About the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship The Fellowship was established in 2017 and covers all costs for 16 outstanding students, of a race or ethnicity typically underrepresented in study abroad, to participate in a four-week study abroad program focused on leadership, intercultural communication, and advancing social justice.

CONTACT US • FDGF@CIEE.ORG • CIEE.ORG/FDGF