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Tuesday, March 13, 2018
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Volume 70, Issue 7
Seminar Focuses on Women’s Empowerment BY TAYLOR JEAN LEWIS DIGEST STAFF WRITER
Angela Rye visited Southern University on Saturday, March 10th as the special guest speaker for the second annual Empowerment Seminar. The Empowerment Seminar was put on by Southern University’s Office of Student Life. The event started with a luncheon honoring Angela Rye. Members of the Southern University Student Government Association, seminar volunteers, and the members of the Office of Student Life were present. Angela Rye is the Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, a political advocacy firm in Washington, D.C. She is also a rather popular NPR Political Analyst and a CNN Political Commentator, known for her sharp knowledge and her viral “clapbacks.” Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Rye took after her father by entering into the political world. At the beginning of her presentation, she mentioned that her father named her after political author and activist, Angela Davis. Rye spent plenty of time discussing politics and debates with her father, family, and friends growing up. He knew that she would follow in his footsteps, developing into the strong-minded individual that she is today. She did not give a speech or presentation like most guest speakers would, but instead tried something that she had never done before. There were two chairs set up on the stage of the Royal Cotillion Ballroom, and in the place of a speech, Rye performed a self-interview. One of the questions she asked herself was, “So you talk most often about work woke, most normal people say ‘stay woke’, but you say ‘work woke’. I want to understand what that means particularly as we talk about how we advance the community. What is ‘work woke?’” Rye replied, “I am a Christian, so I think that working woke comes out of faith without works is dead. So, we talk about staying woke. I just wonder what happens after you stay woke.” Often times the term “stay
Attorney Charles Jones, Sr., former Louisiana State Senator for District 34, delivering his speech at Convocation during Founders’ Day on March 7, 2018. (Leah Williams/DIGEST)
Southern University Founders’ Day 2018
“Southern University: A Global Trailblaze Celebrating the Value and Power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities”
Following, the Community Prayer Brunch and Convocation took place at the F.G. Clark Activity Center at 10 A.M. The day ended with Wednesday March 7th the Southern University a symposium at the Southern University Law System celebrated it’s 138th annual Founders’ Center at 2 P.M. Southern had the pleasure of having Attorney Day in the F.G Clark Activity Center. The events for Founders’ day began at 8:30 am and former Louisiana State Senator District with the annual pilgrimage led by the Southern 34 Charles Jones share about the makings of University Laboratory School to the Clark Southern. “African American political leaders… gravesites overlooking the Mississippi River at P.B.S. Pinchback, T.T. Allain, and Henry Dumas proposed founding a higher education institution the back of the campus. BY ARAINA AKINS DIGEST STAFF WRITER
for persons of color.” The convocation consisted of special guest speakers and the attorney that fought in the U.S. Department of Justice vs. The State of Louisiana case also known as the “Consent Decree”. With the Consent Decree, Southern was promised “enhancement” funds to upgrade physical resources, construct new facilities, and establish new academic programs to better serve See FOUNDERS’ DAY page 3
The Last Stroll: Spring 2018 Commencement on the Way BY BRIA GREMILLION DIGEST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Approximately 600 graduates will obtain their diplomas from Southern University Baton Rouge, inclusive of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree candidates during the spring 2018 commencement ceremony. This spring’s ceremony will take place on May 11 inside the F.G. Clark Activity Center, beginning at 10 A.M. To ensure participation in the commencement ceremony, graduates are asked to arrive
promptly at 8 AM, dressed in cap and gown. The university requests that ladies wear dark shoes and dresses. Gentlemen should wear a dress shirt, preferably with a white collar and tie with dark pants and dark dress boots or shoes. In preparation of the big day, the University Bookstore will be hosting Grad Prep Days on March 20 and 21 from 10 am until 4 pm. Graduates will be able to order official Southern University personalized graduation announcements, purchase a custom cap and gown, order an official
Southern University ring and purchase a custom SU diploma frame. All graduates will also have the opportunity to take a free formal cap and gown portrait that will be included in The Jaguar Yearbook. Girls are asked to come with makeup, hair and nails groomed. Guys must come clean shaven. Shirts, ties, caps, and gowns will be provided by the photographer. To ensure that all requirements have been met to obtain a degree in their selected field of study, Enrollment Services Coordinator, Johlana Turner advises seniors to
get an early start on the check out process. She also recommends that students visit the advisors within their departments to ensure that all degree requirements have been fulfilled. “I was always told that my catalog is my bible...that’s your guide through school,” stated Turner. She reveals that the biggest debacle she has seen seniors face upon attempting to complete their See THE LAST STROLL page 3
THE OFFICIALTHE STUDENT OF SOUTHERN AND A&M COLLEGE, BATONLOUISIANA ROUGE, LOUISIANA OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERNUNIVERSITY UNIVERSIT Y AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE,
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WHAT’S HAPPENING 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 articles, feedback, commentaries and and published by members of the features do not necessarily reflect the student body at Southern University views of the editors, staff or student body. and A&M College. The Southern DIGEST is published once weekly (Tuesday with a run count of 4,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton Rouge campus fall, spring semesters. The paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every Tuesday on the SUBR campus. The Southern DIGEST student offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The offices are located on the first floor of T.H. Harris Hall, Suite 1064.
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STUDENT MEDIA OFFICE
Director Heather Freeman ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2017 by The Southern University Office of Publications/Graphics Manager Student Media Services. Jermaine Proshee All articles, photographs and graphics Advertising/Sales Manager are property of The Southern DIGEST Camela Jackson and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the Editor in Chief and CONTACTS (Area Code 225) Advertising/Sales Office- 771.5833 Director of Student Media Services. DIGEST Newsroom - 771.2231 The Southern DIGEST is the official The Jaguar Yearbook - 771.5812 student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Articles, at Baton Rouge is accredited by features, opinions, speak out and the Commission on Colleges of the editorials do not necessarily reflect Southern Association of Colleges and the views and opinions of the Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, administration and its policies. Signed Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org.
Spring 2018 Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bria Gremillion MANAGING EDITOR Jacqueline Morgan COPY EDITORS -------------NEWS EDITOR Gabrielle Hutchinson MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Devin Hadrick A&E EDITOR Najeri Evans SPORTS EDITOR James Eaglin, Jr. PHOTO EDITOR Caleb Penn (Interim)
DIGEST STAFF WRITERS Ariana Akins Chelsea Beardon Devon Fedrick James Eaglin, Jr. Rocelyn Hamilton Vincent Honey Leah Williams Debrandin Brown Keith Lewis Contara Mayfield Stephanie Mbaya Caleb Penn Yasmere Rashada DeJohn Richardson Ace Wheeler Kerry Wilson DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS Olivia Brock Devonte Landry Camryn Hawkins Shomari Moore Julian Alvarez Kyndall Jones
INTRAMURAL COMPLEX The intramural complex would like to invite all students to play on an intramural co-ed soccer team. Please visit the intramural complex or contact Coach Tanner at 225771-3212 for more information. CLIMATE SURVEY All Southern University students are enrolled in the Sexual Assault Prevention Ongoing Education Course. The purpose of the survey is to access students perception of safety on campus, and it takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. Please check Moodle to complete the survey if you have not already done so. JAGUAR BASEBALL Tuesday, March 13, the baseball team will be heading to New Orleans to play the University of New Orleans at Maestri Field in New Orleans, LA at 6:30 PM. This weekend, the Jaguars will take on Grambling State University in Grambling, LA. JAGUAR SOFTBALL Wednesday, March 14, the softball team will be batting against Mississippi Valley State in Baton Rouge, LA on Jaguar Field at 3:00 P.M. This weekend, the Lady Jaguars will be in a weekend series with the Alabama State Lady Hornets in Montgomery, AL. ELECTIONS WEEK The Miss SU Revue and SGA candidate debate will take place Wednesday, March 14 at 7 PM in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. WOMEN’S BOWLING Friday, March 16 the Jaguars will be striking out at the 2018 Music City Bowling Invitational in Smyrna, Tennessee. The time is TBA. TRACK AND FIELD Friday, March 16, the track and
All submissions must be received by 3p.m. each Friday for Tuesday’s Issue. PAGE 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, Southern University Departments. All briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number. Submit announcements to: The Southern DIGEST - Suite 1064 Harris Hall, Attn: PAGE 2 You my also email: digest@subr.edu
field team will be competing against Louisiana-Lafayette in Lafayette, LA. WOMEN’S TENNIS This weekend, the Lady Jaguars will be participating in the 2018 SWAC East Tennis Round Up in Montgomery, AL. WOMEN’S BOWLING Friday, March 16, the Lady Jaguars will be at the 2018 Music City Bowling Invitational in Smyrna, Tennessee. CAMPUS DINING SU Campus Dining presents Steak Night in Mayberry Dining Hall on March 15. The doors will open at 4PM. All validated meal plans, cash, debit, and credit cards will be accepted. FINANCIAL AID The 2018 - 2019 priority deadline to complete the FAFSA application is March 31st. For assistance completing your application, visit the Financial Aid Office. SPRING BREAK CRAWFISH BOIL ACM Presents the Spring Break Crawfish Boil on March 22 from 1 - 5 PM in the Computer Science Courtyard. Tickets are $10, which will include boiled crawfish, turkey necks, shrimp, corn, potatoes, sausage, and drinks. SAVE THE DATE SU Day at the Capitol will be Wednesday March 28. Attendees should make plans to wear columbia blue and gold. Details are forthcoming. JOHN B. CADE LIBRARY SERVICES Students will be able utilize computer labs and copiers in the student union, T.T. Allain, and the SU Law Library. A quick reference library section in the Student Center on the first floor of the library will also be available for student use.
CUSA TUTORING SERVICES The Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement Tutoring Center offers free and friendly academic tutoring to SU students in Math, Chemistry, Biology and Nursing classes Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The Tutoring Center is located in Stewart Hall, Room 155. INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY Coca-Cola UNITED Launches Opportunity for HBCU Students: The ‘Pay It Forward’ Internship aims to provide African-American youth with opportunities. Visit cocacolaunited. com for more info. Students can apply February 1 through March 30, 2018. RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL SUBR is participating in The Home Depot: Retool Your School Program. The prize is a $50,000 campus improvement grant. We need you to vote EVERYDAY for SUBR! You can vote multiple times a day. Help the university secure these funds to beautify the campus. Cast your votes at: www.retoolyourschool/vote HONORS COLLEGE PINNING CEREMONY The Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes Honors College requests the pleasure of your company at The Pinning Ceremony introducing the 2017-2018 Honors College on Friday, March 16 2018 at 6 PM in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the SmithBrown Memorial Student Union with guest speaker, The Honorable Ms. Ann Smith, Chair of the SU Board of Supervisors. RSVP at (225) 771-4845 or (225) 771-4872.
COLLEGIATE 100 The Collegiate 100 Men of Southern University present “The Tie Drive”. Stop by the SU barber shop all semester to donate ties for the men of SU.
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. Bring corrections to The Southern DIGEST office located in Suite 1064, Harris Hall.
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Commencement
FACT SHEET
Clearance for Graduation Candidates for graduation are responsible for satisfactorily completing all general University, major department, academic, and financial requirements. Participation in the Commencement Ceremonies, the appearance of names in the printed program, or receipt of this information will not be considered evidence of graduation.
Rehearsal
Attire
• Financial Clearance - Candidates are required to log onto their Banner account to ensure that there are no outstanding balances associated with their account (Campus Police, Library, Financial Aid and Bursar). The Graduation Fee for all candidates is $41.00. Payments may be made online or by cash, certified check, credit card, or money order - personal checks are not accepted
Dark dresses Dark shoes
•
All students must complete the Exit Counseling interview online at www.studentloans.gov. Students should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid with any questions or concerns: 225.771.2790.
Check-Out Process The check-out process for candidates for graduation has been updated. Candidates should complete the Exit Counseling interview as requested by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Candidates should also ensure that there are no financial obligations to the university. This should be completed prior to Friday, May 4, 2018. All forms that require signatures will be routed from the Registrar’s Office to each respective area. Listed below are the respective areas that candidates should contact: •
Financial Aid Office
•
International Student Affairs (International Students Only)
•
Comptroller’ s Office/Cashier (Accounts Receivable, NDSL, Library)
•
Campus Police
•
Auxiliary Services
Diplomas/Degrees
Rehearsal will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. All graduates must attend rehearsal. Important information will be provided at this session regarding arrival instructions, parking, transportation, and processional/ recessional route, as well as any last minute updates pertaining to the commencement ceremony.
• Academic Clearance - Candidates are required to consult with the Office of the Dean of their respective College/School to determine if they have met all academic requirements. Candidates, who are unsuccessful in completing the graduation requirements, must RE-SUBMIT an application for graduation for the semester in which degree requirements are completed according to the published deadline.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018 - Page 3
Diploma covers (not diplomas) will be issued to each candidate walking across the stage at the commencement ceremony. All students who have been cleared by the close of business on May 10, 2018 will receive their diplomas in the auditorium of the School of Nursing building following the commencement ceremony. Diplomas for students who have cleared and do not come to the School of Nursing auditorium following the commencement ceremony will be mailed on out in June, 2018.
In order to participate in the Commencement Ceremonies, all graduates must wear the cap, gown, and hood prescribed by the University. Suitable attire includes:
Upon verification of degree requirements, diplomas will be mailed to the address listed on file. Diplomas will be issued to students who are awarded ONLY! That is, students who have been cleared by their respective dean. If a student has NOT been awarded, then the student must see their respective Dean for clearance.
Gentlemen Dress shirt and tie (preferably white collars) Dark Pants Dark Dress Boots or Shoes
Ladies*
Photographs
Attire that is not suitable: jeans, tennis shoes, work boots, flip flops, shorts.
Candid Campus Photography has been engaged to take your picture with the President-Chancellor as you cross the stage. You may order pictures directly from the photographer. Specific details will be provided directly from Candid Campus Photography.
The appropriate cap for graduates is the familiar black “mortarboard.” The mortarboard is worn straight on the head with the point of the cap in the center of the forehead. The tassel should hang to the left of the face for undergraduate and on the right for graduate students.
Arrangements for Hearing Impaired/ Guests with Disabilities
The appropriate cap for Doctorial candidates is the “T am,” with the tassel on the right of the face. There can be no interruptions of the mortarboard underneath the top or the base of the cap.
SUBR will provide interpreter service for the ceremony. To assist us in providing arrangements for guests of with special needs, guest should arrive early. There will be designated parking and entrance in the area facing South-Harding Blvd of the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Individuals must provide personal equipment for mobility (i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc.). One (1) family member may accompany the individual in designated Disable Seating area. Please contact the Coordinator of Disability Services/ODS, Ms. Patricia R. Hebert, at 225.771.3456 for questions.
SPECIAL NOTE All graduates are to adhere to the attire requirements for commencement. Graduates who are not in compliance with the proper attire, will not be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Arrival/Assembly for Academic Processional/ Recessional Graduates must arrive in cap and gown promptly at 8:00 A.M. on Friday, May 11, 2018. Family and friends will not be permitted to enter the assembly area. Staff members will be available to help direct graduates to the appropriate line-up areas as well as to direct family and friends to seating areas. Following the ceremony, all students will participate in the formal recessional from the arena.
Special Note Graduation is a joyous and special occasion. It is a time for celebration and merriment. However, you are reminded that Commencement is a formal University function. You are requested to maintain the order and solemnity of the proceedings. It is a courtesy we owe each other and our guest.
Date, Location, and Time The Commencement Ceremonies will be held on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 10:00 A.M., in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Seating begins at 8:00 A.M..
matriculation at SUBR is misadvisement. “As far as telling students what is needed to graduate or if you haven’t met the requirements … that responsibility falls back on the departments,” Turner says. “I think it may be sometimes with transitioning, things happen, things change and so sometimes the ball kind of drops when we’re in the midst of transitioning from old to new,” she goes on to say. Program Leader of the History Department, Dr. Shawn Comminey tells students to “be more responsible.” “Students won’t take the time to come around and check on things. The sooner we can get our hands on it, I think the better. It’s just all apart of them taking the time to report here. If you don’t come seeking help then we can’t help you,” states Comminey. Beginning in April, students should check their Self-Service Banner accounts for any fees or any outstanding balances owed to the university that could possibly prevent a senior from obtaining a diploma. In addition to frequently checking Banner, students are advised to check with the Comptroller’s Office, Campus Police,
Auxiliary Services and Library Services to ensure that each department approves them with a $0 balance and that there are no holds on their account. International students should visit the International Student Affairs office. Students will also be asked to complete Financial Aid exit counseling online. The check out process will be completed by the Registrar’s office for students. They are advised to closely monitor their Banner accounts for any issues that may need to be addressed such as an account hold or an outstanding balance. In addition to visiting departments on a regular basis, seniors should keep copies of all receipts given by the university, keep an open line of communication with their department and never wait until the last minute to find out the status of a graduation application. Senior Civil Engineering major and Baton Rouge native, Jameese McCray, is patiently awaiting the big day. “The part I look forward to the most about Spring 2018 Commencement is being able to walk across the stage and also see my fellow classmates walk across the stage … Its one of the biggest moments of our lives,” McCray shared. FOUNDERS’DAY from page 1
its students and employees. During Attorney Charles Jones’ speech he discusses the trials that Southern went through to be what it is today. He states that, “Every time there was an attempt to shutdown Southern or Grambling, I would simply hold up the Consent Decree, because it was a federal court order protecting Southern and Grambling.” Before this settlement, LSU denied black students into their law program, causing the birth of the Southern University Law Center. He says, “There was an attempt to merge Southern with LSU and Grambling with Louisiana Tech. “ The settlement of the lawsuit resulted in $6 million going toward Southern with and an additional $1 million every year to end the merge of
“Southern isn’t LSU, but it’s ours and it’s still something special to us,” after being asked about what it would be like if LSU merged with Southern.” - KATELYN BROWN
Southern and LSU, and Grambling and Louisiana Tech. Freshman Nursing major from Donaldsonville, LA., Katelyn Brown said, “Southern isn’t LSU, but it’s ours and it’s still something special to us,” after being asked about what it would be like if LSU merged with Southern. That was merely the start of the school we hold so near and dear to our hearts. Southern now offers more than 30 academic programs awarding associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. Also,
Freshman Nursing Major
Southern has established five campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport. A freshman Music Education major from Baton Rouge Darrin Bedell says, “I’m so glad that I get to be part of such a great legacy.” As Southern still remains the only historically black school system in the world, we add year 138 to our beloved lifetime.
Courtesy SU Office of Registrar
EMPOWER HER from page 1
Angela Rye performs a self-interview during the Office of Student Life Empowerment Seminar on March 10, 2018. (Taylor Jean Lewis/DIGEST)
woke” is said, but nobody really knows what that means. Angela Rye presented a new way of thinking to the audience when she discussed her reasoning behind why she says “work woke.” The audience got a kick out of Rye switching chairs and personalities while interviewing herself. This part of the Empowerment Seminar, where Angela Rye spoke, was open to the public. The other sessions of the seminar were for mainly for women. When asked what she thought about Angela Rye’s presentation, Sophomore Chemistry major Kennedy Guy said, “Angela Rye’s presentation was interesting yet informative. Interesting because of the way she decided to interview herself. That was hilarious
how she kept hopping back and forth into the two seats. Informative with the information being questioned and her responses to the questions. One of the things she mentioned was how she wanted people to know she is listing facts and not just her opinions.” Rye managed to reach the adult audience while also keeping the young audience engaged in what she was speaking about. She asked herself, “What is the biggest issue holding the black community back?” She answered, “Our biggest issue is self-hate and not being able to support one another because we don’t see ourselves as somebodies.” She assured the youth in the room that they are valuable and she spoke to the adults
by saying that they should support those who look like them. Junior Pre-Nursing major, TayTianna Reed said, “What stood out to me the most about Angela Rye was her interviewing herself. It was so hard not to chuckle every time she switched seats. But also, how open she was about herself as well as the everyday problems and typical discussions in the black community. I loved how she constantly encouraged us and let us know that if we wanted to see change within our black communities, as well as federal and state levels, that it all starts with us taking action and supporting one another.”
Jaguar Sports southerndigest.com
Page 4 - Tuesday, March 13, 2018
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SOUTHERN DIGEST
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
SPORTS COMMENTARY
Is It Time for the One & Done to Be Gone? BY DEBRANDIN BROWN DIGEST SPORTS WRITER
Beginning in 2005 over a concern of many high school players and young college players being unprepared for the NBA, the professional association implemented its One-and-Done rule. This rule establishes regulations for prospective NCAA basketball players that blocks them from entering the NBA Draft until they are 19 years of age and have completed one year of college, or in the case of some players, such as Kristaps Porzingis, played professionally overseas. For many, this rule made during the David Stern-era of the NBA has been linked to the fall of college basketball as we know it. In my personal opinion, however, if the student athlete believes that they are good enough in their craft to do it professionally, then who is the NCAA to stop them? The problem that the NBA was facing prior to 2005 was that not every player was as good as Kobe Bryant or Lebron James, but every kid that averaged 20 and 10 in high school thought that they were. This led to an overabundance of role players with superstar mentalities. The truth is that the majority of the players drafted every year will never even sniff an All-Star game, let alone an NBA Finals. Those are the players that were being drafted high off of hype, and became known as busts because they were underdeveloped, or simply not See DONE page 5
Baseball rallies to stun Texas Southern 9-8 COURTESY
SOUTHERN U ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Southern University Baseball scored six runs in the seventh inning before Tristian Rojas delivered some timely late-game heroics in the Jaguars 9-8 win over Texas Southern Friday night at LeeHines Field. After centerfielder Jayvean Williams lead the ninth inning with a walk and a stolen base, Rojas peppered a 1-0 fastball through Texas Southern second baseman Victor Cruz’s hands and rolled into the outfield as Williams rounded third and dove, face first with arms extended towards home plate.
The run set off a robust on-field celebration in first-year head coach Kerrick Jackson’s debut win at historic Lee-Hines Field. Southern hosted Alcorn State on Feb. 27 at Pete Goldsby in Baton Rouge while facility modifications were conducted at the Jaguars home field. The Jaguars fell into an early 6-0 hole after three innings before scoring two runs in the fourth. Texas Southern plated two more runs in the fourth and appeared to be on their way to an easy road win. Then Southern’s bats revived the Jaguars chances of reaching .500 in league play in the seventh.
Courtesy Southern U. Athletics Media Relations
Jaguar Sports
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THE
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
SOUTHERN DIGEST DONE from page 4
good enough by NBA standards to be leading an elite level basketball organization. From the NCAAs standpoint, however, the One-And-Done Rule presented college coaches with a new-age method of recruiting. Coaches such as John Calipari of Kentucky and Mike Krzyzewski of Duke realized that they could build their entire recruiting program based off the principle that the best players in the sport want to make it to the NBA as soon as possible. The negative with this recruiting method is that it does the same principle thing as the previous rules established prior to 2005. By this, I mean that while student-athletes were given more time to develop, one year would not change a bad player into a potential superstar. Regardless, the student athletes were put in a position where the talent that they wanted to take to the professional leagues was forced into the hands of the corrupt industry that is the NCAA. This business known as the NCAA profits off the backs of young, potentially superstar players who, because of the One-And-Done Rule, have no other choice than to participate in the NCAAs junior basketball monopoly. By essentially forcing the best players in the world to highlight their talents on a non-NBA platform, the NCAA was able to effectively and efficiently generate their own basketball league in which the entirety of the profits went to the corporation. In the case of the NBA, there is a mutually agreed upon set of terms that dictates how much of the league’s profits will be shared among the players and league itself. With players being considered ineligible to play if they accept money while in college, all of those profits in turn go to the NCAA.
So, should the One-And-Done Rule be destroyed and should the players be allowed to go to the NBA whenever they please? The obvious answer to me is yes. While the opportunity to highlight your talents on a national spotlight is a grand one, the ultimate goal of making it to the NBA takes precedence over whatever sentimental sense of accomplishment college athletes think the college game will afford them. You are going to provide free-labor to a corporation which exploits your talent and image in ways that you cannot within the confines of the NCAAs own ineligibility rules. To prospective and current college athletes: You should be able to chase your NBA dreams at whatever age or level you deem best for yourself, whether that be as a high school senior, or a college graduate. But the ability of a preceding body of governors able to decide when and how legal adults can choose to make money at their craft is not only borderline-unlawfully inhibiting, but morally unsound. College basketball will be around forever, as will the NBA. The honest, reality, however, is that the student-athletes health and bodies can be compromised at any time in circumstances beyond anyone’s control. So, if those kids are capable and willing to do what’s necessary to become financially stable and secure a comfortable future for their families, then that is what they should be able to without restriction from the NCAA.
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Veteran Saints lineman Zach Strief announces retirement BRETT MARTEL AP SPORTS WRITER
METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Zach Strief’s eyes watered up and the normally loquacious Saints right tackle struggled to speak at times as he discussed his decision to end of a 12-year NFL career that exceeded his “wildest imagination.” He did not, however, lose his sense of humor. Strief, who announced his retirement Monday, said he considered walking away after the 2016 season, but was driven by a sense of obligation to his team — particularly quarterback Drew Brees — to play at least one more year. “There was no clear replacement on the roster and I knew if I was at home watching TV and Drew was getting hit and I felt like I could have helped, I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself,” Strief said. “It’s much easier knowing that there’s someone there that’s going to play at a high level for him. So this is all Ryan Ramczyk’s fault.” Ramczyk, a late first round draft choice last year, blossomed his rookie season, much of which he spent at right tackle after Strief’s Week 4 knee injury, which wound up ending the veteran lineman’s season. Strief’s health wouldn’t have stopped him from coming back, but the 34-year-old’s priorities are changing. He became a father about two months ago and is part owner of a New Orleans microbrewery, where he said with a grin that he hopes to meet every last member of the Saints’ fan base. “I am not above shameless selfpromotion,” the often self-effacing Strief added, drawing laughs from a crowd of family and well-wishers that included coach Sean Payton and long-time teammates including Brees, running back Mark Ingram, All-Pro defensive end Cameron Jordan and punter Thomas Morstead. Some retired Saints that Strief played with early in his career — including Steve Gleason and Deuce McAllister — also attended. To Payton, Strief said, “You took a chance on me when no one else would. Your faith in me has changed my life.” To general manager Mickey Loomis: “You kept me around for a long time, admittedly to your own surprise. If I was honest, I’d say it surprised me as well.” He told Brees: “My greatest drive as a player was not to let you down. You’re the greatest leader I’ve ever been around and I admire you so much.”
The 6-foot-7, 340-pound Strief, a Cincinnati native, was a seventh-round draft choice out of Northwestern in 2006. That was Payton’s first season and the Saints’ first year back in New Orleans after being displaced to San Antonio by Hurricane Katrina. Strief recalled struggling in his first training camp and all but making up his mind to quit, but his father urged him to stick it out and some timely encouragement from then-assistant coach Terry Malone persuaded him to persevere. Strief wound up being part of the most successful era in franchise history, which included a Super Bowl triumph in the 2009 season. He was a regular reserve during much of his first five seasons, routinely rotating onto the field for tackle-eligible formations. He became a starter in 2011 on an offense that set an NFL single-season record with 7,474 yards. While quickness and agility weren’t necessarily Strief’s greatest assets, Payton said Strief’s size, strength, intelligence and character made him an elite lineman. Payton called Strief “an expert at his craft,” adding, “We never insert someone just because they’re a good guy and they’re smart.” Strief counted among his career highlights a game in which was on the field, but not in uniform. He was a healthy scratch for the Saints’ emotional and triumphant first home game in the rebuilt Superdome in September 2006. “I got to see this city at its worst and for 12 years it’s gotten better,” Strief said. “I’ve gotten to be a part of not only this organization kind of growing to where it is today, but also this city. So it’s very hard not to become attached to that.”
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Students participate in “She’s Gotta Have It” on March 8th in the Intramural Sports Complex. (Contara Mayfield/DIGEST)
SULC Symposium’s second panel, “Where Do We Go From Here?” engaging in a Q&A session with audience members during Founders’ Day March 7. (Vincent S. Honey Jr./ DIGEST)
During AKA week, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. gather in the SmithBrown Union Memorial courtyard to kickoff Founders’ celebration and the “Pretty Wednesday” celebration. (DeJohn Richardson/DIGEST)
Students attend a “Pretty & Fit” yoga seminar put on by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on
SULC Symposium's second panel, "Where Do We Go From Here?" moderated by Law Review, Editor-In-Chief, Kolby P. Marchand (Top). From the Left: Senator Charles Jones, Interim Chancellor Margaret Ambrose, Attorney Winston Decuir, Sr., and Chancellor B.K. Agnihotri. (Vincent S. Honey, Jr/DIGEST)
March 6th, in the Intramural Sports Complex. (Caleb Penn/DIGEST)
The Southern University Wind Ensemble playing in the F.G. Clark Activity Center during Convocation for Founders’ Day on March 7, 2018. (Leah Williams/DIGEST)
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Tuesday, March 13, 2018 - Page 7
Ladies participate in “She’s Gotta Have It”, sponsored by My Sister’s Keeper, the Natural Hair Club, and the Center for Social Research on March 8th in the Intramural Sports Complex. (Contara Mayfield/DIGEST)
Sophomore Pitcher, Jacob Snyder, throws a curve ball in Tuesday’s game dedicated to legendary coach Roger Cador, against LSU on March 6th. (Devon Hadrick/DIGEST)
During AKA week, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC. gather in the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union courtyard to kickoff the university’s Founder’s Day Birthday celebration and “Pretty Wednesday.” (DeJohn Richardson/DIGEST)
Councilman James Gray (Left), Governor Edwin Edwards (Right) humoring the audience with a personal anecdote about intelligence not always correlating with or equating to one’s appearance during the SULC Founders’ Day Symposium on March 7. (Vincent S. Honey, Jr./DIGEST)
Arts & Entertainment Page 8 - Tuesday, March 13, 2018
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SU Gospel Choir Gets New Gear BY DEVON FEDRICK DIGEST STAFF WRITER
“After 5 long years of trying to get robes, it feels like a big storm has passed over,” said Kenneth Christoff, a freshman Mass Communications major form Gonzales, LA and current member of the SU Gospel Choir. On Tuesday March 6th, the Southern University Gospel Choir received robes and Choir director, Mr. Ernest Bowman and members could not be happier. According to Bowman the robes will put an end to some of the challenges the choir has faced in the past. “This means a lot. Uniforms have always been a big problem due to finances and an individual’s interpretation of a particular uniform. With the robes, members won’t have to be burdened with acquiring a particular uniform.” Bowman is not the only one who feels this way. According to President of the SU Gospel Choir, Christian Slaughter, and a junior Psychology Major with a minor in Biology from Zachary LA, “Now we won’t have to worry about picking uniforms for the choir anymore.” The robes cost a total of $19,840 according to Bowman “I absolutely love the robes,” said Christoff, “I personally don’t have rhythm but now I can shout, stump my feet, move and dance and people won’t even notice my lack of rhythm.” Although the complete set of robes was received in time for the choir to perform at this past Convocation, it was a close call because that same morning, 30 robes had yet to arrive. “When I first found out that a box of robes was missing my first reaction was, ‘oh Lord, if it ain’t one thing it’s another,’ ” said Slaughter. Graduating Senior, Kiera Price, majoring in SpeechLanguage Pathology from Alexandria, La said, “My first reaction was disbelief, then disappointment. After speaking to our director, Mr. Bowman, he advised that we should pray
Kiera Price, senior Speech and language pathology major from Alexandria, LA and Miss SU Gospel Choir, singing a solo with the SU Gospel Choir at Convocation on Founder’s Day, March 7, 2018. (Leah Williams/DIGEST)
and keep the faith that they would arrive in time.” Apparently, their prayers worked because they came, and members were very pleased to finally have them. “It feels great knowing that we as a choir came together to accomplish such a big goal of ours,” said Price. Although she will be graduating this semester, she is happy that she could be a part of this achievement. “For us to be able to dedicate the robes on Founder’s Day was a remarkable moment,” Price remarked. It appears that to everyone the robes mean something different, however, everyone is very pleased to have them. To Slaughter, they mean “unity and uniformity.”
According to Price, the robes are more than a uniform. To her the robes are “a symbol of spiritual unity.” For Christoff, the robes are a symbol of determination. “I know that Mr. Bowman, along with the board members have went through a lot to get them, and now that they are here, it’s like everything that they went through is now paid off,” said Christoff. Everything seems to have paid off indeed and the Gospel Choir is now equipped to perform as a team with unity.
Get Lit While You Get Fit: Senior Births ‘JiggAerobics’
BY BRIA GREMILLION DIGEST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
If you have ever witnessed any of the dance performances during a field show put on by The Human Jukebox or if you’ve ever seen a gentleman standing close to 5’11 effortlessly dancing amongst the crowd on a Pretty Wednesday, chances are you’ve witnessed LaDonte Lotts in his natural habitat. As a Senior Business Management and Therapeutic Recreation major from Houston Texas, Lotts has always had a love for dance. “Dancing has been second nature to me. That’s how I grew up, that’s how I was able to relieve stress,” he shared. With an athletic background originating in middle and high school, incorporating dance into a rigorous workout routine has become a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor for the upperclassman. Birthed in 2015, JiggAerobics and the Get Right Experience created by Lotts, also known as Ayo Tae, has created newfound success and received rave reviews from students, faculty, staff, the Jaguar Nation and participants from all over Louisiana and across the country. According to jiggaerobicsfitness.com, “JiggAerobics is a global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance - fitness sensation!” Lotts describes it as “anything you want it to be,” recalling how the movement all started with an idea. “When you have an idea, take it and write it down just move with it. You never know what you can invent,” Lotts stated. Almost two and a half years later, he has given birth to a
fitness movement that is gaining momentum with each passing day. Lotts shares the exact moment that he knew his idea was worth millions; the day he was featured in the Wall Street Journal. The American international daily newspaper published a news story featuring Lotts on November 18, 2017, bringing him even more accolades and success. “I just like to have fun. I just like to make people happy. I just want to keep capitalizing and keep growing and learning,” shares Lotts. Upon searching LaDonte Lotts on Youtube, one can witness a plethora of fast paced work out and dance routines featuring and led by an energetic Lotts as he travels to various high schools, colleges and fitness studios across the state, boasting the mantra, “Get Lit While You Get Fit.” “When you come to a JiggAerobics class you should have the Get Right experience. You should be lit while you get fit. You should have fun, you shouldn’t be worried about anything,” expressed Lotts. On June 2, Lotts along with SU alumna, Ellen the Nutritionist will be hosting the JiggAerobics Fitness Party. Composed of Two JiggAerobic sessions led by Lotts at The Water Campus on River Road, participants will also get the chance to participate in a social mixer and interact with various vendors.Tickets can be purchased at jiggaeroibcfitness.com. “This is the best way to get fit, sweat, get the heart pumping and enjoy all in one. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Jiggaerobics!!!,” commented Toyia Charles-Comminey
in a review on Facebook. Lotts reveals that he hopes to take JiggAerobics to an international platform, ultimately achieving his goal of adding his fitness plan to school curriculums all across the globe. You can join the movement on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by following @JiggAerobics. “If you want to have a good day, follow Ayo Tae,” the senior states as he bursts into laughter.
Courtesy: LaDonte Lotts
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Southern Alumnus Honored by Kennedy Center BY VINCENT HONEY DIGEST STAFF WRITER
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‘Tis the Season: Festival Season in Louisiana Has Arrived BY LEAH WILLIAMS DIGEST STAFF WRITER
In Louisiana, festival season is one of the most anticipated times of the year. Each year, the state holds about 400 different festivals. Some of the biggest and most sought after festivals for Louisiana natives are the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, the LA French Quarter Festival, the Jazz Festival and the Essence Festival. The 47th Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, held in Memorial Park in Ponchatoula, LA, will be April 13th through 15th this year. Entrance is free and it is full of games, rides and strawberry flavored drinks and desserts. There will be plenty of fresh strawberries for sale as well. The Strawberry Festival King, Strawberry Festival Queen, and Strawberry Festival Grand Marshall will also make an appearance. The French Quarter Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the state. Entry is free and there will be over 20 stages all around the New Orleans French Quarter to showcase local music. It will be held April 12th through 15th. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be held April 27th through May 6th in the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, LA. This is one of the most popular music festivals in the state. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, Anita Baker, Big Freedia and Khalid will be taking the stage this year. One day tickets are available for $65 before April 26th. The Essence Festival is another huge music festival for Louisiana. It is in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans every year. This year’s artists
include Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Janet Jackson, H.E.R., Erykah Badu, and Xscape. Tickets are starting at $186 for all three days. It will be held July 6th to July 8th. While many anticipate these bigger and more well-known festivals, some Louisiana natives look forward to the smaller festivals. Courtney Johnson, a junior Nursing major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, enjoys the Earth Day Festival. “I guess I can say the Earth Day Festival is pretty cool, seeing everyone come out and look at the venues. And there’s so much positivity too, it’s overall a great time and experience,” says Johnson. The Earth Day Festival is held in downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana every year on Earth Day. It is a free event and is from noon to 5. There are food vendors and vendors that inform people of all ages how to preserve and protect the environment. Others are looking forward to festivals revolving around food. Paris Green, a 22-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, says his favorite festival is the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival. “I mean I love to eat and I love crawfish so it’s kind of the perfect festival for me. That’s the only one I’m waiting for to be completely honest,” says Green. The Crawfish Festival is in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, held from May 4thMay 6th. Tickets for the whole weekend are only $15. The events include; music, zydeco dance contests, crawfish races, a crawfish etouffée cook-off and even a crawfish eating contest. Spring and summer in Louisiana are the most wonderful times of the year. There is a festival for almost everything.
Southern University Alumnus and local artist, Donney Rose, has been selected as a recipient of the 2018-2019 Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellowship. According to the Kennedy Center website, the Citizen Artist Fellowship celebrates emerging artists across the country who utilize their art form for positive impact on communities. Donney Rose is a man of many talents with a great hustle, and the combination of these two things has lead him down a path on which he has touched his community for the better. In an interview, Rose gave a lot of insight into what it is he does in the community and how young artists can follow his lead. As a Teaching Artist and Marketing Director for Forward Arts Inc., Donney’s day starts off in a classroom. He goes to middle and high schools to facilitate poetry workshops. After a couple of hours teaching poetry, he comes back to the office to promote and publicize keep Forward Arts, designing flyers, press releases, e-blasts,
Tuesday, March 13, 2018 - Page 9
Courtesy: SUBR Media Relations
creating newsletters, keeping the flow of information to the public steady. However, the Citizen Artist nomination came from other work he does in the community. A woman by the name of Naida Owens, who works for Louisiana Division of the Arts was familiar with Rose’s work after his “9-5”, as Donney likes to call it; CoHosting the Drawl, a poetry Podcast with Desiree Dallagacimo, attending and hosting community forums and dialogues, creating spaces for voices to be heard clearly. Donney says it best, “There’s the Forward Arts, 9-5 work and then there’s the work after work. All of those things combined kind of fed into my getting nominated for this recognition…. There’s a whole communal aspect...that has nothing to do with the work I’m paid for. A lot of it has to to with the work that I volunteer [for] and the advocacy work outside of the day job. The day job is also tied into that as well.” Even a representative from the Kennedy
See ROSE page 10
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Get Out critics: Peele’s success at the Oscars BY NAJERI EVANS DIGEST A&E EDITOR
Last week at the Oscars, Jordan Peele’s critically acclaimed Get Out was awarded with an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Rotten Tomatoes summarizes the film: “Now that Chris and his girlfriend, Rose, have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy and Dean. At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he could never have imagined.” Released in theaters, February 24, 2017, Get Out was nominated for Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Picture, and Daniel
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Kaluuya for Best Actor. Earning over 175 million dollars in the box office, Peele initially didn’t think Get Out would be made. The visual was a concept he imagined but doubted would come to creation, until he decided to further develop the idea to fruition. After its time in theaters, the film was considerably controversial in the realms of critics. Despite being negated between horror, suspense, and comedy genres, Peele tweeted: “Get Out is a documentary”. Seemingly an appealing film to a larger audience for lacking the label many associate with a genre, Get Out Oscar votes presented a shocking yet obvious discovery. The New York Times wrote: “Some Oscar voters, in explaining why they didn’t pick the film, implied Get Out went too far in drawing attention to how black consciousness may be suppressed: Get Out was a great film, but I don’t read as much into it as others do,” a voter said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. That person picked The Shape of Water for best picture because “its only topical’ in that it deals with outsiders, not racism or sexism or anything else.” Other voters agreed, feeling as if Get Out played the race card. Ironically, the Oscar-winning film was at a loss in the media for similar social issues Peele explored in the plot’s dynamic.
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Overcoming negative reviews, not all of the film critics agreed. Many on social media even went as far as to condemn the Oscars for Get Out’s lack of more success. Southern University freshman, Khadijah Al-Uqdah from Inglewood, California agreed: “I think that it should’ve won with best director just because of the aspect and how he used different things in the movie to symbolize past events.” Regina Allen, freshman Political Science major from Lafayette, Louisiana echoed: “Get Out was more than what people made it out to be, Get Out was history. It meant so much…” In accordance with Peele’s success, other black celebrities at this year’s 90th Oscar Awards were in the spotlight as well. Kobe Bryant received Best Animated Short Film for the poem he wrote in 2015 announcing his NBA basketball retirement, “Dear Basketball.” In addition, comedian, Tiffany Haddish, was noticed for wearing a white dress she appeared in as the host of Saturday Night Live and Girl’s Trip movie premiere. Haddish previously commented on SNL. “I don’t give a dang about no taboo. I spent a lot of money on this dress. This dress cost way more than my mortgage. This is a Alexander McQueen, OK?” Regardless of amount of accolades, the 2018 Oscar Awards was a night of triumph for black celebrities in entertainment.
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ROSE from page 9 Center told Mr.Rose as much, speaking on the extensive research they conducted into his background, both on and off the clock. As advice to the younger artists on campus, Donney pressed the importance of working your craft outside of your given genre. Essentially, not doing this will leave an artist hard pressed to find a wider audience, to connect to the larger community. Once you leave your “pocket” and start having your voice heard, not only will you become more engaged, but you’ll have more eyes on you. Daniel Ellis, a Mechanical engineering major, stated, “I agree with his advice. It should particularly work well with HBCUs.” Support of one another being a key belief many activists in the black community share, it isn’t hard to see where Mr.Ellis is coming from. Upcoming events Donney will help to put on include Soul’d Out Sundays, typically held at the Parlor on the first Sunday of every month barring Easter Sunday, and the Annual All City Teen Poetry Slam Festival. Preliminary Bouts, will be heldApril 18th21st and finals, April 27th-28th. Performing at All City will be top ranked female poet, Ebony Stewart and top ranked slam poet, Arvind Nandakumar. Forward Arts is always looking for volunteers and to expand the audience they reach. Donney can be found on Twitter @ drose225 and Instagram as donney_rose. Forward Arts can be followed on Facebook and Instagram at Forward Arts BR, and on Twitter @ForwardArts. Following them helps in remaining up to date on community events, especially their programming and opportunities for young artists.
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Tuesday, March 13, 2018 - Page 11
Farewell SU: Views from the 11th BY BRIA GREMILLION DIGEST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As I walk through this corridor in the Mini Dome, I can’t explain this feeling. My palms are sweating. My legs feel unsteady and my heart feels as if it is beating 60 mph. On the other side of this door is the beginning of a new chapter, a new life. The lights are bright and I hear the crowd erupt into cheers and praise. The line begins to move as my fellow alumnae descend to take their seats. It’s my turn to step into the light. I’m trying to focus on not tripping and falling in these heels. The girl in front of me barely caught herself, almost hitting the floor. I think her shoes may be just an inch or two too high. The guy behind me just got off the phone with his grandmother. She’s looking for him in the line up. As I pass through the door that leads to the stage, I take it all in. Thousands have come to take part in this special day, our
BY JACQUELINE MORGAN
special day. To the class of 2018, we made it baby! This picture has been painted in my mind 1,000 times. It’s something I’ve been eagerly anticipating, for 5 years now: commencement 2018. And don’t act like you haven’t had to push that date back a semester or two or three. The exhausting, restless days and nights, sometimes with no sleep, battling that dreadful financial aid line during the first week of school, having to keep from going off on traffic and parking because they booted your car, standing in the bookstore for hours to use your book voucher on that last day; those days are no more. The countless hours of going through what I’d like to call, the REAL SU shuffle: rushing from one building to the next to the next to cashier’s to registrar’s back to Stewart, back to Seymour, only for them to tell you that the one person who can help you is out for the rest of the week and
will be back on Monday. We’ve all been there. We all know the shuffle or the struggle, I should say. Let’s not forget the times we’ve sat in hot classrooms because the air was out. Or the time you had to rush to the bookstore after you thought you made it to your 8:00 with two minutes to spare because you forgot a scantron. Have you ever had your scholarship suspended? Have you ever had to get your car off the impound lot? Have you ever had to live in a dorm and go hours with no running water? Me either, but some of us have had to endure that struggle and that’s okay too. Cheers to the hard times we’ve experienced at SU. She has prepared us for the coming good times and the challenges we may soon face in this world, the real world. Regardless of the career path you’ve chosen to embark upon or the words that will be etched across the diploma you
will obtain on May 11, there’s one thing you cannot deny: Southern University and the memories we’ve made on the Bluff will forever be etched in our hearts. As these remaining months trickle into days and that day draws nearer and nearer, I challenge all of the graduating seniors to do one thing: enjoy these last few moments of college because they won’t return again. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of making sure photoshoots are booked or planning parties and trips in celebration but let’s take the time to acknowledge where we are, right here in the present. As a graduating senior of Southern University and A&M College, I can honestly say I’m going to miss being on The Yard everyday but that view of May 11, that picture that I keep replaying over and over in my head is just too perfect. Congratulations to all of the spring 2018 graduates, our time is here and now!
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What would encourage you to pick up your student newspaper (Southern Digest)? BY: JULIAN ALVAREZ DIGEST STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
HANSEN SMITH, JR.
MASS COMMUNICATIONS / PUBLIC RELATIONS JUNIOR BATON ROUGE
“A more visible social media presence... most people SMITH, JR. don’t read when new issues are released so it would be great to publish when a new issue is coming out.” EUEKKA DINKINS
REHABILITATION SENIOR SHREVEPORT
“Important information from social media and more healthy tips around campus snacks.”
DINKINS
LEONARD POITE
NURSING FRESHMAN BATON ROUGE
In The Ring with Spring
DIGEST MANAGING EDITOR
In August, I remember being unnecessarily ready to get back on campus and into the groove of my daily routine. I was packed a week ahead of time, and already saying my “goodbyes” to my family. My welcome was completely overstayed, and The Yard was calling my name. Fast forward eight months, and I’m practically begging May to show itself. Six semesters in, and you would think I’d be used to the Spring semester blues by now. Here we are in the second week of March, and I can’t recall any other time that I’ve been this ready to vacate Southern’s premises. In the beginning of the school year, the excitement of new professors, new supplies, and a fresh start is what typically causes me to be in such a rush to start a new semester. After a few weeks of that excitement, I calm down and gradually adjust to my routine. This time is probably the peak of the year for me; I’m the most productive and energetic that I’ll be all
year, and it will usually last for the entire Fall semester until Winter break swoops in to drop a well-needed break. Alright, so now I’m back from break and it’s time for the Spring semester to be well underway, except my brain is still on vacation. I’m in class and my professors are teaching, and all I can think about is the amazing sleep I could still be enjoying right now. This lasts for at least two weeks, then my drive will suddenly kick back into gear and I’m in full school mode all over again. The next thing I know, my momentum is drastically declining and I’m back at square one: ready for another break. Only this time, the closest I’m getting to a break is in my dreams. Life is starting to hit hard, and campus is booming. We have career week, election season, basketball games, endless entertainment, events every night, and when I finally look up, midterms are staring me right in the face with a stone cold attitude. All of a sudden professors start to actually
assign work, we’re having quizzes every class, and someone seems to have turned the dial to “hard as hell” on the test meter. Who told you to touch that? At this point, I’m drowning in schoolwork and social obligations. What do I do? Do I proceed with blatant disregard for this semester? Do I risk it all and just sleep my days away? Or, do I push through? Yep, you’re right. It’s time to push through. Now it’s time to shake back, so I regroup and attempt to get it together. I’m making all kinds of lists, pulling all-nighters, and skipping out on everything fun just so I can succeed at playing catch-up. What an amazing way to be living. I know you’re wondering by now: did she or did she not successfully push through? Well folks, this is my third round in the ring with the Spring, and I’m the undefeated champ. Don’t get me wrong, it put up one hell of a fight, but I came back swinging harder every time. You too can push through. #PushThroughSU
For the Culture: Young Rappers and The Court Systems BY DEBRANDIN BROWN DIGEST NEWS WRITER
With numerous young rap stars finding themselves on the bad side of the law in past months, the general consensus from what can be seen from my peers as well as social media is that they want to see their rap icons released, as indicated by the numerous #FreeSuchAndSuch hashtags on social media outlets everywhere. First, let’s make an established point that artists such as NBA Young Boy make objectively aesthetically pleasing music, and as musicians, they should be respected for their craft. That aside, when you have generational icons such as Young Boy, Kodak Black, and Tekashi 6ix9ine being abdicated of taking responsibility for their actions because they made a song or two that you like speaks a lot about the
character of those defending them. On the other hand, you must also take into account the reputation that law enforcement has amongst the black community, and by extension, the hip-hop community. If you were to ask a random student from Southern if they were bigger fans of Young Boy or the police department, the latter would be the obvious answer from much of our university’s populace. Corrupt police officers are going to be corrupt officers at the end of the day, and that fact is sadly an unchanging one at the moment. They are going to have power and authority that we don’t have, and until the government as a whole deems it worthy enough to be acted upon, there is nothing we can do but allow our voices of displeasure to be known. What we can control, however, is what our rappers represent and
how they reflect who we are as a people. Hip-hop, at its core, has always been a reflection of what those in the black community value and appreciate as the culture. For years, that has been drugs, women, and sheer disrespect that has given our culture meaning, when it could be so much more. Imagine a world where a figure like Boonk is doing community service in underprivileged neighborhoods, on his own volition, or figures like the Migos, on the forefront against the battle on depression. For too long, we have let our shortcomings determine the path we had to walk as individuals and as a people. This is our opportunity at this very moment to rewrite the values of our culture. Let’s see our black superstars promote and
lead changes on something that is beneficial to the culture, not detrimental to it. The other part of this is holding these individuals accountable as well, which has not been the case in recent history. The message being sent to our youth is that if you have a certain amount of money and a certain amount of talent, then the rules don’t apply to you. If we want to help artists like Young Boy and Kodak, then we need to support their rehabilitation into society when they return, rather than promoting the release of unchanged, angry kids back into the public. If we truly want to live better as a people, then we have to want better, be better, and inspire a better message to the youth, and to the world as a whole, outside of the hip-hop community.
POITE Southern Digest.”
“Having some great news about my major or pell grant would encourage me to pick up the
TANNER CULSON
NURSING FRESHMAN BATON ROUGE
CULSON
“Put them in areas where students are more present.”
JASMINE TURNER
NURSING JUNIOR LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
“I would pick up the Southern Digest if it covered more events that goes TURNER on on campus that not too many people are aware about.” 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 on its editorial and commentary 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, Louisiana. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be emailed to digest@subr.edu
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Page 12 - Tuesday, March 13, 2018
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