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Volume 61, Issue 13
Banner to enhance the student experience Christie Carral
The Southern Digest The Southern University Division of Information Technology is working to enhance the implementation of the Banner system to make the registration process run much smoother. Banner is an integrated information system made up of finance, human resources and student modules. The system was first brought to the university in 2008 and was implemented in Spring 2010. Christopher Rogers, Senior Director of Customer Support Services said that under the new model of Banner, customer service is going to be a key component of the process. “We have a system that has been in place for five years now,” Rogers said. According to Rogers, the system was built from the ground up, it has been tested and is being used. “What we’re doing now is adding enhancements,” Rogers said. Rogers said when enhancements are added to a system that is being used, the users begin to embrace the system. “In order for our customers to start embracing what we’re doing, we’re going to start looking at ways to make the customer experience easier,” Rogers said. Rogers made an example of how the new enhancements would make SU students’ life easier.
DIGEST ART FILE
Pictured above is the SUBR Banner system. The Division of Information Technology is working to make it more user friendly to students by updating the existing system by increasing functionality and making it more accessible to students. “There was a time when a student had a problem and they had to pick up the phone, but now they don’t have to because they could go to either a website or to a virtual portal site, such as instant chat,” Rogers said. Rogers said that the technology is on-campus and everything is a learning process. “Some of the best technology in Louisiana is at SU,” Rogers said. Although Rogers said that the technology is on-campus, being able to adjust to change, use the equipment and technology and also go back to administrative functions are the keys for making the system a success. Rogers said that those functions
have been the biggest process of the enhancement of the system. “It’s something that cannot be done overnight,” Rogers said. According to Rogers, it is a good time to be at SU because of the new technological advances of the university. Carlos Thomas, Chief Information Officer and Assistant Professor of Info Systems & Operations Management, said that the plan for the University’s Banner System is to automate as many processes as possible. “We’ve got some deeply embedded processes,” Thomas said. Thomas said when SU looks at recruiting and admissions,
everything from getting leads of potential students to actually getting them admitted, SU is virtualized and automating that process. Tony Moore, Vice President for Information and Technology Management said that the Banner implementation is to move towards a paperless environment so that students would be able to send their documents electronically. “Anything dealing with student-related information, this process should make life easier,” Moore said. All transcript requests and graduation applications will be processed online with the new
Banner implementations. “We’re moving toward more automated procedures so that things could get processed faster,” Moore said. According to Moore, their department constantly receives feedback about the process of applications being slow to process, with students having to go through various processes to wait for paper processes. “Our major goal is to provide a better user experience for our students and eliminate the need to come on campus and turn papers in or any service that they need related to the Banner system,” Moore said.
Online Tutorial available to SUBR students Brittany Patterson The Southern Digest
To assist students at Southern University, the Center for Student Success now offers Smartthinking, an online tutoring center for students. La’Trina Collins, Academic Counselor in the CSS, discussed what Smartthinking is. “Smartthinking is an online tutorial program that allows our students to access tutoring from Master-level individuals for every class,” Collins said. “There are tutorials for every class, from basic math and algebra up to linear equations. They also have a writing center and have a variety of subjects available for students to assist them in their classes.” Lindsey Butler, Intervention Counselor in the CSS said that there was discussion on the next steps for CSS. “We talked about some ways to get additional programs in the center and we looked at what we already had in place.
We were looking to either improve or add to our program,” Butler said. According to Butler, research was conducted to see how CSS can improve. “I did research on tutorial programs and several times Smartthinking came up. What stood out was that it could be offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The training levels that the online tutors go through can benefit our students tremendously,” Butler said. While in Smartthinking students can get tutoring on a whiteboard or do drop-in tutoring which is more scheduled tutoring via chat. The tutors in Smartthinking have either their Master’s degree or PH.D.’s. According to Butler, the proposal for Smartthinking was made in 2011, but was finally approved this semester. Smartthinking is free of charge and can be accessed from any computer or laptop. The link for students has been available for a week now. To access Smartthinking, students
can log in from Blackboard and access Smartthinking through the link found on the homepage of Blackboard. The website is user-friendly and tutorials are available on the website.
Butler said that once students realize how open and accessible the program is, students would continue to use the program. “We are in touch with what our
“I did research on tutorial programs and several times Smartthinking came up. What stood out was that it could be offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The training levels that the online tutors go through can benefit our students tremendously.”
Lindsey Butler
Academic Counselor - CSS Collins said that CSS is available for all students and not just for tutoring. “Come, we still have the peer tutoring. We have programs available to help students in negotiations with professors; to how to learn to read your textbook on a college level; and every semester we look for ways to help our school with the issue of retention that we have at SU,” Collins said.
students need and because of that, we are able to help. We find that when students do come for help, they come all the time,” Butler said. Butler said that the CSS helps students with whatever they need help with. The CSS is located in T. H. Harris Annex building right across the street from the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union.
Inside: News Trayvon Martin Forum; Preparing for finals Page 3 Culture Catfished Page 6 the official student newspaper of southern university and A&m college, baton rouge, louisiana
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Film Review Thor: The Dark World Jake Coyle
The Associated Press
Comic book movies are increasingly, like Sandra Bullock in “Gravity,” lost in space. Following the summer’s glumly bombastic “Man of Steel,” which added a heavy dose of Krypton politics to Superman’s once pleasantly silly story, comes “Thor: The Dark World,” in which Thor’s Asgard, a celestial home of gods floating somewhere in the universe, is the primary setting. Earth is an afterthought — just one of the “nine realms,” albeit the one with Natalie Portman. Gone are the earthbound pleasures of a superhero amid us mortals. Such was the joy of the “Spider-Man” movies and the first “Thor,” when Chris Hemsworth’s lofty, hammerwielding Norse warrior, exiled to Earth, so happily encountered a cup of coffee for the first time. As Marvel’s latest 3-D behemoth, “Thor: The Dark World” isn’t so much a sequel as the latest plug-and-play into the comic book company’s blockbuster algorithm. It’s a reliably bankable formula of world-saving action sequences, new villain introductions and clever quips from women on the side, (and they, most assuredly, are always off to the side). The expansive Marvel universe is carefully stitched together across its many properties. “The Dark World”
Walt Disney Studios This publicity photo released by Walt Disney Studios and Marvel shows Chris Hemsworth, left, and Anthony Hopkins in a scene from “Thor: The Dark World.”
(with director Alan Taylor of “Game of Thrones” taking over for Kenneth Branaugh) follows “The Avengers” in chronology and runs alongside the current, unremarkable ABC series “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” Each is referred to with something less than, say, the binding connections of Faulkner’s Yoknapatawpha County. Instead we get cloying winks. The great city of New York, for example, is reduced to shorthand for the climactic battle in “The Avengers,” as if we’re still so consumed by that movie. Yes, we’re all very impressed it made so much money. Thor has spent the last two years restoring order to the nine
realms of the cosmos, but just as peace settles, a previously locked-away dark energy called the Aether seeps out. It leaks into Portman’s astrophysicist, Jane Foster, awakening a previously vanquished species of Dark Elves, led by Malekith (Christopher Eccleston). They would like to see the universe returned to complete darkness. Not a day person, this Malekith. This occurs as the nine realms are lining up in a rare convergence that makes them particularly susceptible to Aether-spread ruin. There’s not a lick of character to Malekith and his motives: He just wants to end all life. The tone is far more amiable on Earth (London, to be
specific, the site of the final showdown) than in Asgard, where Anthony Hopkins, Renee Russo and Idris Elba remain locked in golden-hued majesty. Hemsworth, a seemingly perfectly rendered movie star equipped with brawn and baritone, also suffers from the stiffness. He had much more fun in “Rush” earlier this year. Ardent fans (who should stay through the credits) will likely be satiated by the pleasing enough “Thor: The Dark World.” But perhaps at this point, even diehards may wish for something more from a Marvel equation that often subtracts humanity.
Catfished: The new unfortunate blind date Lara Johnson
The Southern Digest
A voice brightens a day. A text sent from just one person can make a dreary day shiny again. Just imagining being held in someone’s arms can put a smile on anyone’s face. Yet, there’s no face behind the voice. There’s no name (a REAL name) from the text messages. Where is the love? Or rather, who is the love? A lot of people have no idea! The real question is: Is love defined by what the heart wants, or how far the heart is from the other? Catfish is one of the most talked about shows that MTV airs, and it’s not because of the handsome host (Nev)! Catfish follows a guy named Nev and his film buddy, Max around the United States helping people gather the courage to meet the person who they have fallen for, in person. A lot of the people have never seen these people in person; they can never video chat with the person for “unspecific reasons.” Some of the people that have been “the real person” makes one scared of talking to a stranger. Who are these people really? The people from both sides usually have strong feelings for one another, but are
both sides being completely honest about who they are? Or are these people making up a story to please the other? With dozens of people being seen falling in love, being proposed to, receiving hundreds and thousands of dollars from people they have never met, one wonders why would people EVER consider online dating! Is it truly that bad? Is it a little bit exciting not knowing who the person that’s whispering sweet nothings late at night? “It’s a variety of both. There is that chance to get to know several individuals at once, and a chance to meet new people. At this age, it would be fun!” Candace Hastings, an education major said,“there is also the emotional safety that is involved. The opportunity to converse without having an in person emotional attachment as well as time being a factor. There’s no rush to get to know this person. There’s a lot more freedom.” “A real relationship is better!” Karin Moliere, an accountant major said, “there’s nothing like being face-to-face with someone. How can you get to know someone over the computer, or a text especially when you’re not live chatting?! ” For online dating, there seems to be
a lot more lee-way for the relationship. The person does not need to be in their face 24/7, bothering them, and there are less restrictions. It seems that the people who decide to do online dating are not as pressured to spend quality time with one another, and even have more of an understanding for busy schedules and late night phone calls. However, in personal dating is quite beneficial as well. Having that person to connect with on a personal level, to have that one-on-one time is always a good thing for any relationship. To fulfill those physical needs is a plus! Furthermore, actually SEEING the person is a plus! The show reflects years and years of some people’s hope that never died until they meet some of the people, and realize that they were being played on national television. For some, that leaves an awful scar! But for a lot of these hopeful, hopelessly romantic young people, they still keep going, and some even retain the feelings that they once had for the people who “catfished” them.
Interested in Student Media? Call us today! (225) 771-5819
Bees from page 4 women face that sometimes, you can’t get a straight answer from someone because either they worry about what one will think when the question is asked or what one may think of the answer. Here, I’ll give it to you straight. As a college senior, I consider myself to have enough experience to share the knowledge that I have gained over the years. One of the lessons that I have picked up is that little, subtle things can make the difference between someone wanting a relationship or something less or more. I recently took a quiz that I, first, advise all people to take before getting into this column. It’s called the Flexuality Test and you can find it by going to http://flexuality.wordpress.com/takethe-test/. Dr. James W. Hicks, a psychiatrist and a professor in New York City, created this test that has about seven different types of sexual identities and a few subtypes that align with our overall orientation. I took the test twice, labeling myself as both heterosexual and bisexual, but no matter what the label, the outcome of the test is still the same. This test can be very helpful to someone who is on the fences about their sexuality or sexual preference. My results label me as ambisexual, in which I wouldn’t have considered myself to be. The point that I am trying to get across to you, the readers, is that it’s okay to be yourself. Everything I write, I write because I feel free to be myself. I am comfortable with my sexuality and I am here to help you become free. My goal is to free you all of sexual stereotypes and repression so that you can become comfortable with your sexuality. If you are ready, I am here to answer any questions that you may have about any topic dealing with your sexual being! I will be accepting questions at OurBirdYourBees@gmail.com! Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to ask and you can remain anonymous!
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Talking Politics
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
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with Caesar Smith Jr. Looking at things: The Big Picture
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The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. 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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Being a journalist was something someone else saw in me. I was told, “Caesar, you write well” by my aunt and several others. The decision to write came the night before President Obama was sworn into office. An editor and publisher requested an article to be written regarding the experience of one week accompanying and observing the transition that was to take place. A friend said, “Caesar, you are with the President-elect, people do not get a chance to see and be with people like that everyday. You act as if it is nothing!” The thing was not that is was nothing; it was that I was able to be there because of a very good friend. While I was in the company of what was to be the first family of the United States of America, did not mean that I knew them or that they knew me. Of course after seeing someone for five or six hours, one would start a conversation. I had my time, met the President and the first family. It was done, that was my time on stage. I understood what was going on, that combined with questions, the hard questions was what led to the d ecision to write for the public. I look at politics and the way things work in concert, who is at the table and what each player has to gain or lose; however, gain does not have to be now, but in the future before or after their time on the stage is up. Many do not realize every individual has their time. Once time expires, they may exit the stage or will be carried off. One must be aware of what the environment contains and the atmosphere that is created by it. Every so-called, “good thing” cannot be explained by the very ones who have shoved it down the throats of those who are not involved. Students on the Baton Rouge campus of Southern University have been lied to, misrepresented and abused by a system(s) they have voted for. Often enough the measure(s) include an item(s) that will not benefit the “student body,” that should be very alarming. When one is told to vote on an item days before an election should have raised a flag, but it did not. There were and still are students on this flagship campus supporting something they had no knowledge of. Systematically student organizations are having their funds reallocated to serve the needs of a handful. The cocktail commentary on that is, “the students asked for those funds.” Which students? I was a student on campus that particular spring, and there was not even a whisper about any funds coming from any organization on campus publicly. Be careful who is giving instruction regarding funds, measures
ends referenda, observe of any agendas that are being carried out. Louisiana privatizing its hospital system does not benefit the people of this state. Referendum 3 on last year’s ballot during the Spring Elections of 2013 will not benefit the students on this campus as advertised. It is heart breaking to see the student population not question policy. It is equally important to hold those accountable and exercise your rights to ensure things are done appropriately. Never take anything lying down, there should be questions and answers. When one cannot give you a straightforward answer to your question, in my personal opinion, would not be voted for. Think first. Is Louisiana for sale? Ethics reforms initiated by Gov. Bobby Jindal have failed to curb the vast amounts of money going into the political process in Louisiana - or the influence that money buys. That’s the conclusion of a new editorial in Nola. com. The editorial announced a new series, “Louisiana Purchased,” based on four-month joint investigation by The Times-Picayune and WVUE Fox 8. The series will launch Tuesday night on Fox 8’s 10 p.m. broadcast and appear again in the Times Picayune Wednesday. Louisiana residents ought to be able to trust that their tax dollars will be spent judiciously. They ought to be able to trust that the state will vigorously enforce its ethics and campaign finance laws. They ought to be able to trust that state regulators will look out for their safety and well-being. As “Louisiana Purchased” will show, they can’t be assured of any of those things. The 16-day federal government shutdown cost Louisiana $91.75 million. As Nola.com reports, the lost economic productivity was due to the more than 800,000 federal workers in Louisiana who were furloughed during the height of the shutdown. Nationwide, the shutdown drained $24 billion out of the U.S. economy. CNN Money reports that in addition to the furlough of federal workers, economic losses sprung from employees who were furloughed from federal contractors, small businesses that reeled from stalled government contracts and business loans, closed national parks, military families that saw childcare services shuttered, and consumers who reduced their spending. A War on the Poor: Paul Krugman The Republican Party has launched a war on the poor, Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman writes in The New York Times. “Republican hostility toward the
poor and unfortunate has now reached such a fever pitch that the party doesn’t really stand for anything else - and only willfully blind observers can fail to see that reality,” Krugman writes, suggesting two possible reasons: ideology and race. “One reason, the sociologist Daniel Little suggested in a recent essay, is market ideology: If the market is always right, then people who end up poor must deserve to be poor. There are also other issues at hand as Mr. Little says, the stain that won’t go away: race. the Republican base [is] ‘very conscious of being white in a country that is increasingly minority’ - and seeing the social safety net both as something that helps “Those People,” not people like themselves, and binds the rising nonwhite population to the Democratic Party. And, yes, the Medicaid expansion many states are rejecting would disproportionately have helped poor blacks.” More questions about privatization deals State Treasurer John Kennedy and a key state legislator are raising questions about the transparency surrounding Louisiana’s newly privatized state hospital system. Kennedy and Sen. Dan Claitor, R-Baton Rouge, said their concerns are sparked by the hundreds of millions of state and federal Medicaid dollars that are now being steered to private operators. According to the Associated Press, “The deals allow for legislative audits of public spending, but they also include sweeping clauses that allow the hospital managers to determine what’s considered public record and what should be kept hidden. ... If people seek access to information beyond what the privatized hospitals choose to share, they would be left to expensive legal wrangling to determine what the law and the Jindal administration contracts require.” Louisiana Medicaid pays for dead people A new state audit found that a handful of service providers billed Louisiana’s Medicaid program $1.9 million in the 2012-13 budget year to care for people who had already died, the AP’s Melinda Deslatte reports. The bulk of the overpayments were to five insurers that oversee the Bayou Health program, while some went to the company Louisiana pays for the Louisiana Behavioral Health Partnership. “’Approximately 53 percent of these payments were for participants who died before the programs began,’ the audit says. DHH’s Medicaid director said the department will seek repayment from the companies by March 31,” the AP reports.
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more information contact Faculty members Bronwyn Dickson at participating in the Fall What type of activities would you like to see on bronwyn_dickson@subr.edu Commencement are also campus? Mass Comm/Student or 225-771-2810. encouraged to order or rent Media Alumni Association their Regalia during the 15TH BEHAVIORAL is giving YOU the chance to Graduation Preparation “School sponsored parties and campusSCIENCE ANNUAL enjoy the 40th annual Bayou Days. wide fitness events.” CONFERENCE Classic in style! We have For more information, TWO PLAZA LEVEL seats go to www.facebook.com/ JEREMY WOODSON EDUCATION The Department of southernuniversitybookstore in the dome for the game SOPHOMORE and TWO Battle of the band Behavioral Science will orcall SU Bookstore at NEW ORLEANS, LA tickets. Your chance to win sponsor its 15th annual 225.771.4330. is only $10. All proceeds go Social Behavioral Science Thursday to the Southern University Conference LAST DAY TO DROP “I would like to see more activities that Mass Comm/Student Media November 14, 2013 in the CLASSES connect people on campus, that would Scholarship Fund. We were Cotillion Ball room at 9 a.m. able to aid a young man last to 1 p.m. November 15th will be build more real friendships, like with the Students are encouraged the last day for students football team and band.” year, and he’s now in grad school! Send a message to this to attend. Presentations to withdraw from courses BRYANT HARRIS JR. inbox with your name, email will be made by students or to withdraw from the MUSIC EDUCATION and how many chances you in the department. For University. FRESHMAN want to win! www.facebook. more information contact CHICAGO, IL 225.771.2313 com/BayouClassic THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS “I would like to see more activites where GRADUATION 3RD ANNUAL SUGSI everyone can socialize with each other, like PREP DAYS AT THE IN CHINA On November 28th through bon-fires, more movie nights, more outdoor BOOKSTORE December 1st students will activities because everyone is lazy and like to This 4 week summer be out for Thanksgiving stay in their rooms.” Students receving their Holidays. Classes will resume research program hosted AALIYAH WALKER by the Southern University degrees during the Fall at 8 a.m. Monday December THERAPEUTICS should 2nd. The last day of classes Global Sustainability Commencement FRESHMAN Initiative is an opportunity order their Cap and Gown, will be December 3rd. NEW IBERIA, LA for undergraduate students to Invitations Rings, Stoles, and participate in a sustainability- Diploma Frames on Tuesday, FINAL EXAMINATION based cultural and academic Nov. 5 and Wednesday Nov. PERIOD “I love what has been going on, on campus. learning experience at 6 at the Southen University Maybe we could have more community events Guizhou University in Bookstore from 10 a.m. - 4 Final exams will take place for students that aren’t in any clubs.” Guiyang, China. Submission p.m. on December 4th and will A late/rush fee of $20 will be continue through December deadline is November 1st. ALEXIS W. ENGLISH Program details are available applied to all Cap and Gown 7th. All final grades will be SENIOR at http://www.subr.edu/ orders beginning November posted by December 9th at 8 BATON ROUGE, LA index.cfm/page/1208. For 11th. a.m. BAYOU CLASSIC ALERT
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The seNTINel oF aN eNlIghTeNed sTudeNT body sINCe 1926
Preparing for Finals: Time Management FeliX CUninghaM iii The Southern Digest
With the ending of homecoming and midterms along with the semester coming to a close, Southern University students are preparing for finals. To prepare for finals, a student must first develop keen techniques of studying without procrastination. It is imperative to study ahead of time for simplicity of the subject. There are also ways and strategies to study based on test styles or test taking styles. Vernell Banks, a junior civil engineering major from Hammond, La. states that there are different strategies for studying for finals that are problematic and repetition. “It depends on which class I take because some tests are problematic, which involves doing multiple problems from different aspects. As for a History class, for example, I would study material repetitively to prepare for any test,” Banks said. Secondly, a schedule should be made for when and where the testing sites for each final are and studying for KAyLA FoSTER/DIGEST the test should be a first priority. The schedule should Southern students use their time wisely by getting their work done in between classes in the computer lab at John have breaks in between, allowing for you to “take a B. Cade library yesterday. breather” as well as to enforce the schedule. SU offers many resources and facilities for studying Counselor in the Center for Student Success gave advice CSS tutors are available to advise students on how to purposes. The most used facility is the John B. Cade to students on how students should take notes for finals. learn the content and match it with their style of learning Library. The library offers a serene atmosphere for “Take all notes that were written during the semester, in order to be successful when taking tests. For finals, Collins says that the facility has tutoring students to study on a regular basis on everyday of the organize them, and make sure proper notes the professor expresses are added so then when studying for finals rooms but no peer-to-peer tutoring because they give week. those student workers a week off to study for their own Banks adds that he uses the library as a primary source comes along, it will be a lot easier,” Collins said. Collins added that she does not recommend a student finals. to study for finals, but he also uses the Retention Room Lindsey Butler, Intervention Counselor for CSS added to study for eight hours straight because the information in the P.B.S. Pinchback Engineering Building. “Even though it is located in the engineering building, will be forgotten. The limit for studying is at least four some additional advice for students. “I recommend for students to study ahead of time and the Retention Room is open for all students on-campus, or five hours a day in 45 minute intervals with a fifteen not to cram. We want students to become proactive with but I use it when a select few people are in there because minute break. CSS offers peer-to-peer tutoring services, study tips, knowing where their final is located or what kind of test of the silence,” Banks said. Another facility that is offered to students for finals and information of different learning styles to retain it is. Basic preparation such as buying scantrons and preparation is the Center for Student Success (CSS) content. CSS also offers seminars on procrastination, pencils goes a long way,” Butler said. time management, and test-taking tips. located in the T. H. Harris Hall Annex. Content is to be learned on a students’ own time, but La’Trina Collins, Tutor Supervisor/Academic
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9/23/13 3:19 PM
BET correspondent revisits Zimmerman Trial with SU students Christie Carral
The Southern Digest
Southern University students were able to gain a new perspective of the Zimmerman Trial from “The Zimmerman Trial: Where Do We Go From Here” guest speaker series in the Law Center on Monday night. The Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated hosted the event in hopes of sparking the interest of those in attendance to discuss the trial. The ideal was to have students learn more about the criminal justice system from the eyes of an objective journalist. Joshua White, senior architecture major from Baton Rouge said that the program was a good way to awaken the injustices that went on around the Zimmerman Trial. “I think students should be aware and that people who are concerned should have came out to listen,” White said. Johnathan Coghlan, Third-year law student from Zachary, was another student in attendance who thought the informational was very enlightening. “It was very enlightening and sensitized us from the callousness of all the gratuitous violence around the country,
whether that violence be polarized around racial lines or otherwise,” Coghlan said. Featured guest speaker, Jonathan P. Hicks, Black Entertainment Television’s Senior National Correspondent said that the Zimmerman Trial is a case that nearly everyone in America can relate to. “It touches a strong nerve in the African American community and has sparked a universal outrage,” Hicks said. Because of the attention the media has given this case, Hicks said that the country is now at a height of sensitivity toward violence. “We get shocked enough, but not long enough and I think there’s a lot to be done,” Hicks said. Hicks pointed out that as a people, we could look at things with a variety of perceptions. “People looked at this case emotionally,” Hicks said. He said in this country, as that a people, things are seen differently. “We always find something to make people seem different and there is a longing for justice and equality,” He said. Hicks said that the talk today is just a tip of the surface.
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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
“12 Years a Slave” a must see Lara Johnson
The Southern Digest Slavery was one of the most abhorrent times in American history. It’s something that is a constant reminder, especially in the AfricanAmerican community. The sad part about this is, a lot of people do not know a lot of the history of slaves. Their lives, what they went through. The most they know is that slaves were beaten and had to pick cotton in the cotton fields. A lot of African-Americans talk about their love for their people and their heritage, but a lot of them know little about their ancestors. The movie, “12 Years a Slave” can help fill those gaps. This groundbreaking movie is based on the life of Solomon Northup, a free black man who photo by Meagan L. WIlliams/digest was later kidnapped in Washington and was then This image released by Fox Searchlight shows Chiwetel Ejiofor in a scene from “12 Years sold into slavery in New Orleans. According to A Slave.” CNN, this movie is a blend between the movies Chiwetel Ejiofor, who played in “Four serving as a maid in the plantation homes, or “Roots” and “Lincoln”. It shows the historical side of the as one like a lady-in-waiting from the Medieval Brothers” and “American Gangster,” Michael emancipation and brings history to life, but Times. However, they never reflect the abuse Fassbender (who played in “Inglorious it’s also a hard-hitting portrayal of slavery that and cruelty that some of those plantation Bastards” and “X-Men: First Class) and Brad people really need to see. If people thought, owners and wealthy families inflicted on their Pitt are some of the high A-List actors who are starring in the role, and who leave unforgettable “Django Unchained” was a controversial movie, slaves. Will this movie change all of that? “12 Years” will help bring in a lot of perspective characters in the movie. they haven’t seen anything yet! The movie itself excites people! Already CNN also reports that, “It is the kind of film to why things are the way they are today, and that many people will avoid, in part because of how this country operates after centuries of the critically praised when shown at the Toronto its depiction of everything from the surrealism same abuse. It’s no secret that the incarceration Film Festival this past year, as well as being of slave markets to whippings, rapes, hangings rates is being fueled by poverty and racism or the winner of the People’s Choice Award, it and the myriad ways in which slave owners how the unemployment rate for blacks is double definitely has a lot of potential to win an Oscar this year. to that of whites. terrorized and ruled over their property.” This could possible be one of the best films A lot of times, the United States of America A lot of the movies and television shows that reflect the pre-Civil War and Civil War uncomfortably talks about race, especially what of the year. But will it also change how some era usually never really scratch the surface of happened in the past. This movie will have Americans view African-Americans? some people open their eyes to see that history racism and slavery. They will sometimes just show a black woman is surely repeating itself.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 - Page 4
Our Birds, Your Bees
Ariana Triggs
The Southern Digest Hello sexy birdies of Southern University! Today, I will be introducing you to a love, sex and relationships column. Some of you may need advice on how to pursue the opposite sex or in some cases, the same sex, as well as sexual health and other concerns that you may have. There will be a lot of information covered and discussed in this column because life has no restrictions or limits. This is NOT, I repeat, NOT a pornographic column, but some of the content may be sexual. Articles may contain explicit descriptions of sexual situations, anatomy, and acts, but is intended to be educational, as well as entertaining. There are different types of problems that men face and that women face that sometimes, you
See Bees page 6