VOLUME 76 - ISSUE 6 by Southern Digest

March 16, 2021 . Volume 76 . Issue 6

The 141 Years at Southern University: Celebrating the Annual Founders’ Day Bianca Jones The Southern Digest

Here at Southern University, we celebrate the 141 years Southern University has been around. Usually, Founder’s Day would be celebrated in the F. G Clark Activity Center. However, due to COVD-19, the Southern University Administration has decided to host the 141st Founder’s Day through a livestreamed video on Tuesday, March 9. Southern University began in New Orleans in the year of 1880. Southern University was founded by Black community leaders like Governor P.B.S Pinchback, TT Allain, Erick J. Gilmore, and Henry Demas. Southern University of New Orleans opens doors for those who were less fortunate in higher education. The Morrill Act of 1890 allowed Southern to become a land grant institution launching the Agriculture and Mechanical Department. Southern University moved in 1914 to an all-black community of Scotlandville in North Baton Rouge. Dr. Charles Vincent, a History Professor at Southern University, talks about the twenty-six sites that were proposed for Southern such

The SU System Celebrates Its Students

SU System President-Chancellor, Ray L. Belton addresses the Jaguar Nation as part of the 2021 Founders’ Day Virtual Convocation on Wednesday, March 10. (Debrandin Brown/DIGEST)

as Grambling, Donaldsonville, Vidalia, New Iberia, and so on. He says that “There was a feeling that the New Orleans campus limited the access to blacks in the northern part of the state to a university.” The university closed on Juneteenth 1913 and reopened in the sixties. When the university opened, Dr. Joseph Clark became the first president. The enrollment grew from forty-seven to more than five hundred students. Once J.S Clark retired in 1938 his son, Dr. Felton G. Clark continued his

fathers’ work. Felton took over the campus from 1938 to 1969. Southern became a historically black college after having the largest enrollment nationwide. Racial segregation was the factor that led to the promotion of Southern University’s growth and development. Southern became authorized to open a law school in 1947 by the state of Louisiana. As said by Angela Allen-Bell, the SULC Law Professor, “We have produced graduates [in the Law Center] who have gone to change

the legal and social landscape of this nation.” The Litigation that started the Law Center was Thurgood Marshall, A. P. Tureaud, and Louis A. Berry, who became dean of the Law Center. In 1967, Southern University grew from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and on to Shreveport, Louisiana. Southern University has grown to be the biggest historically black college in the country. It has many locations and See FOUNDERS’page 3

Unsung Campus Heroes; SU Employee Recognition Program Dbbrandin Brown The Southern Digest

I’m [now] a double graduate myself,” said Erica Williams, a research associate at the Founder’s Week is meant Southern University Ag Center to be a time to show respect who is being recognized for and reverence to the university twenty years of service. founders who have made all For many tenured members the strides that members of of the Southern University the Jaguar Nation have made community, there has been a possible, through both their noted shared background of perseverance and dedication to having Jaguars somewhere in giving black students academia their family tree, whether this a safe space to matriculate and is parents or other extended grow. It is towards this same families. purpose that on Founder’s Week, “My hopes would be for the university paid respects to Southern University to those who have helped to keep continue educating people the university aflo0at amid the who otherwise wouldn’t have pandemic, including faculty, staff, the opportunity to receive an and administration throughout education,” said Ronnie Foster, campus. assistant registrar at Southern Throughout the video that University about what he hopes was put together in their honor, to see continuously continued many members of the university by Southern, regardless of how staff spoke about their bond to much time goes by. Foster is the university, as well as their being recognized for over forty appreciation for the recognition years of service to the Southern given to them. “I’m a Southern University campus. baby. I’m a product of two The video honoring the many Southern University graduates that made it known that ‘your See HEROES page 3 tuition will be paid at Southern’;

(Top) - SUAg research associate, Erica Wiliiams, recognized for 20 years or service. (bottom) - Assistant Registrar, Ronnie Foster, was recognized for cover 40 years of service.

Te’yanah Owens The Southern Digest

On March 10, the Student Government Association held a virtual Pretty Wednesday inside the Union’s Ballroom via Instagram Live. The event was thrown in honor of Southern University’s 141st Founder’s Day. Things looked a lot different compared to a normal Pretty Wednesday. The only people that were able to turn up in person for the event were the 90th Miss Southern University, Kennedie Batiste, and the 77th Student Government Association President, Chandler Vidrine. DJ Neff was also there mixing up a playlist. Miss Southern, along with the SGA president showed attendees how campus life used to be pre-COVID by demonstrating the SU Shuffle for the Instagram Live audience. The purpose of the event was to talk about the history of Southern. Southern University became the first state-funded institution of higher learning for Black people in Louisiana in 1880. It is still the flagship of the Southern University System, the only system of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation. The Southern University System was created in 1974 by constitutional mandate, which fashioned it into the nation’s only historically black 1890 Land-Grant University System. Presently, the System includes five institutions. Those being Southern University and Agricultural and See PRETTY WEDS page 3

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

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CAMPUS BRIEFS FREE COVID TESTING While supplies last, Southern University is offering free COVID-19 testing in the F.G. Clark Activity Center from 9 AM- 4 PM Monday through Friday. Students can also receive a free COVID-19 test at the intramural sports gymnasium from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays. RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL Did you vote for SUBR (Cluster 1) and SUSLA (Cluster 2) today? Voting is unlimited. We have a chance to win $100K across the SU System! Vote now, https://retoolyourschool. com/vote. #Southern_Rys21 #Sus_ Rys21#WeAreSouthern #FinishStronger WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Women’s History Month Donation Drive in Harris Hall Items needed includes: household items toiletries CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS Spring 2021 Online Tutoring is here! For more information, contact Lindey Butler at lindsey_ butler@subr.edu or by calling 225-771-4312 Scholarships & Internships Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute 2021 - 4-Day conference designed to connect HBCU top talented candidates to our Fortune 500 partners to engage in professional development, skills training, and internship/ job placement. E&J Gallo Sales Leadership Development Program - A Summer 2021 virtual 8-week accelerated sales program

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STUDENT MEDIA OFFICE Director........................................................Jermaine Proshee Publications Mgr. ...........................................Devin Hadrick Business/Advertising Mgr. ................ Camelia Jackson CONTACTS (area code 225) Student Media Newsroom........................................ 771.2231 Advertising Office..................................................... 771.5833 Director’s Office ....................................................... 771.5812 Editorial STAFF Editor-in-Chief...........................................Debrandin Brown Managing Editor ................................................. Jayln Garner Multimedia Editor..............................................Jairus Moore

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Public Relations Editor....................................... Aliya Creecy News Editor ................................................. Diamond Butler Features Editor .............................................. Keenon Glover Photo Editor.............................................. Adriana Trosclair Sports Editor....................................................Evan Funchess Web Editor......................................................... Dante Davis Writer ................................................................Alexis Easton Writer ...........................................................Kynnedi Jackson Writer ...........................................................Teyanah Owems Writer ............................................................ Jalexis Edwards Writer ..................................................................Bianca Jones Writer ............................................................ Destiny Morris Writer ..........................................................Whitney Thomas Writer .................................................................Jaylnn Jacobs Photographer ...................................................... Keith Lewis Photographer ............................................... Isaac Armstrong Photographer ...................................................... Keith Lewis Photographer ................................................. Douglas Taylor Photographer .............................................. Tiffany Williams

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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 editorials, commentaries, ans speakouts. 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. PUBLICATION ASSOCIATIONS The Southern DIGEST is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), College Media Advisers Association (CMA), Full member of the Associated Press (AP) and the Louisiana Press Association (LPA). The Office of Student Media is a department in the Division of Student Affairs.

www.southerndigest.com The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body Since 1926

Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | Page 3

LA NAACP Talks with District two Candidates Diamond Butler The Southern Digest

On Thursday, March 11, the Louisiana NAACP Youth and College Division held a #YouthVoicesMatter Congressional District 2 Candidate Town Hall through Zoom. Moderated by Kelsey Perine and Xavier Kent, this event gave candidates a chance to speak to younger voters on their platforms. During this town hall, young voters got a chance to hear from candidates such as J. Christopher Johnson, a Community Advocate and Activist from Harvey, Louisiana, Greg Lirette, a Cyber Security and IT Expert from New Orleans, Louisiana, and a representative from the Gary Chambers party, Ryan Thompson. Throughout the event, the candidates were given a series of topics on what they plan to do if elected as the Congressional representative for Louisiana. The first topic discussed was the candidate’s COVID relief plan. This part gave a broad look into what the candidates plan to do about getting more vaccines available for the public, making health care more accessible, and simply helping those who are not able to get necessary aspects due to COVID. The second topic of the evening was community finances. Candidates were asked their stances on increasing minimum wages to fifteen dollars an hour, how they plan to rectify the downfalls in Louisiana’s education system and their position on student debt cancellation. When it comes to the increase in wages, participants wanted to hear if the present candidates support increasing the minimum wages from $7.25 an hour to $15 an hour. This part got mixed explanations from the candidates, with some supporting the bill while others thinking that it will negatively affect small businesses. Mr. Johnson, who supports increasing the minimum wages, said “Inflation in the salaries that we’re making are not able to keep up with the cost of living, the cost of surviving…for the past 30 years we cannot support individuals who are making Louisiana’s economy go

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round…” When it came to reforming Louisiana’s education system, this had gotten very detailed responses from the candidates. Regarding this topic specifically with ACT and SAT testing, Mr. Thompson said that with the Gary Chambers administration, “We are for the abolishing of standardized testing, you see around the country large institutions [Ivy League schools] are doing away with standardized testing.” He continues by saying that “We are for federal funding of our schools to make sure that people receive SAT Prep, we believe that one’s social-economic status should not be tied to those resources.” Further along in the event, Louisiana Congressional candidates were asked about their plans for helping Black-owned businesses, climate changes affecting the state and country, and how they will use their position to bring awareness to the need for reform of the police and criminal justice. Like the earlier topics, this section of the discussion got a lot of good responses from the candidates. When it came to the issue of Black-owned businesses, Mr. Lirette said that “What I am in favor of is more business-tobusiness transactions, the more we increase

the technical level of our district; we can do more business to business and increase the high-tech transactions. There is no reason why small businesses in Louisiana cannot do more business with those out of state or out of country…” As the event started to end, participants of the event were able to give their questions to the candidates using the Zoom chat function. Some of these questions consisted of potential policies on the current gender wage gap, remedying rehabilitation services, equality in the LGBTQ+ community, and so on. After these remaining questions, the remaining candidates gave their closing remarks, and the event ended. General voting for the Congressional District 2 will be held on March 20th. The deadline to request an absentee vote is on March 16th by 4:30 pm, and to receive a voted mail ballot is on March 19th by 4:30 pm. For more information on the candidates and the NAACP Youth and College Division, follow the organization on Twitter at @naacp_laycd and on Instagram at @louisiananaacpyc.

PRETTY WEDS. from page 1 Mechanical College (est. 1880), Southern University Law Center (est. 1947), Southern University at New Orleans (est. 1956), Southern University Shreveport (est.1964), and the Southern University Cooperative Extension Program (est. 1972), which became Southern University Agricultural, Research and Extension Center in 2001. Each institution’s SGA Presidents and Queens were in attendance of SUBR’s Instagram Live. They shared some more background on the founding of their Southern University locations. “It was important for us to have this event so students could know the knowledge behind their schools that they attend,” shared Miss Southern Kennedie.

A lot of students were disappointed that Pretty Wednesday was held virtually. Even the freshmen Class of 2024 has yet to experience a proper Pretty Wednesday. Beyonce Landry, a freshman Nursing major from Houston, Texas said, “I think we should be able to have in-person Pretty Wednesdays in the Union Ballroom with a student limit and mask guidelines since we have been doing events that way lately anyway.” Unfortunately, that is not the way the University intends on doing Pretty Wednesdays. According to SGA, the University would like to be cautious of the Coronavirus. “For Founders Week, we reflect on how Southern University has come to be what we know and

love now. Pretty Wednesday has become a staple on campus, and it is important for us to do what we can to provide some sense of normalcy during the pandemic. The Virtual Pretty Wednesday was a great way for us to do that while continuing to be as safe as possible,” stated SGA President Chandler. If only we could go back in time to those Pretty Wednesdays where we got dressed up, watched the Greeks stroll, ate wings, and enjoyed each other’s company with the Sun shining bright. Although students were finally able to take part in Pretty Wednesday virtually, we still cannot wait till we are back in person and outside the Union.

NEWS FOUNDERS’ from page 1

is still growing. Dolores Spikes known as Dr. Spikes was the first African American woman to be Chief of the executive office of Southern University. Dr. Spikes, stated that she “…wanted to uplift our students to have greater aspirations, great dreams of what they could be and what they wanted to be.” Southern University supplies the opportunity for many students to join and gain experience at a historically black college. It is known for its law center, nursing program, psychology, and the Human Jukebox marching band, just to name a few. During the pandemic, they supplied a bulk of laptops for instruction and financial aid. They are the first instate university to access eBooks where students can use all course materials electronically for an affordable rate. Increasing broadband access, students are now allowed to go to school whether on-campus or online with little to no problem of disruption or disturbances. Due to the pandemic, there became a rise in enrollment, lifting academic probation at the Southern University of New Orleans as the student health center supplied immediate health care services to all students, faculty, and staff for free for students to come to the campus safely. Thriving to be a better place for students to learn and teachers to educate those who are willing to get a good education.

HEROES from page 1

members of the Southern community who reached yearly landmarks as employees of the university featured segments for employees celebrating ten, twenty, thirty, and forty years of service on campus, respectively. For those who have reached 10 years of service, there are notable names such as Roman Banks, athletics director, Ada Bell, business development counselor, and many more who currently occupy many distinct roles throughout campus. All the people who spoke during the video noted how the continued success of Southern is important to them, not only because it is their alma mater, but because they understand the role that Southern and HBCUs in general play in the general betterment of academics in the black community. This reason, among many others, is why Southern University has been and will continue to be supported for the graduating classes of the future.

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SPORTS

The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body Since 1926

Page 4 | Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Women’s Basketball SWAC Title hopes Thwarted by Alabama State

DeBrandin Brown The Southern Digest

Riddled with injuries, intercampus scheduling difficulties due to short-handed staff, and the new normal that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced upon, this season was far from business as usual. In tune with this reality that everyone has had to deal with throughout the last year, this year’s SWAC Tournament featured many of the usual suspects in a battle for SWAC supremacy. After defeating Alcorn State in convincing fashion on Wednesday afternoon, the Jags looked to pick up where they left off in seasons past as they faced a surging Alabama State team led by sophomore guard Jayla Crawford. While never completely out of reach for Southern, the Jags played from behind from early on as they looked to find a consistent rhythm on the offensive end of the court. Starting the game 0-5 from the field, the Jags opened up the semifinal matchup at an 11-1 deficit to begin the contest.

Relentless: Southern volleyball defeats Texas Southern Evan Funchess/DIGEST The Southern Digest

them,” Southern head coach Carlos Funchess said. “They really didn’t put a lot of pressure on us early. We just didn’t come out ready to play, and that’s on

On Sunday evening Southern Women’s volleyball entered their second to last home game matchup against Texas Southern. In their previous outing, Southern came up short against UAPB on the road three sets to one. The last time Southern saw Texas Southern, they came away with the win three sets to one. Southern was looking to build momentum going into the SWAC tournament which was only a game away. In the first set Southern came out strong, taking a commanding lead over their opponents. They won the set a 25 - 11 in a show of absolute force. As they racked up points, Texas Southern just couldn’t recover. The second set was a similar story to the first as the Jag’s continued their dominance, winning 25-11. Their defense of

See THWARTED page 5

See VOLLEYBALL page 5

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While missed shots plagued the Jaguar’s first handful of offensive possessions, it was turnovers that proved to be the biggest detriment to the team’s efficiency. Racking up 15 turnovers in the first half alone and 19 total on the night, Coach Funchess noted

after the game how his team’s sloppy play on offense hurt them down the stretch. “We had 15 turnovers in the first half and in a semifinal game like that, every opportunity that you turn over and give away, that’s another opportunity for

No Dance: Jaguars fall short to Grambling State in SWAC Quarterfinals Kynnedi S. Jackson The Southern Digest

Southern University Men’s Basketball went into the weekend’s SWAC Tournament looking for a win in their first glimpse of action at this year’s SWAC tournament. During last week’s loss at Texas Southern, the energy simply wasn’t there as the Jags dropped their last game leading up to the tournament. Despite the days off afforded to the Jags however, many of the same mistakes were featured prominently in the squad’s loss to the Grambling State Tigers over the weekend by a score of 72-67. The team was just two points shy of repeating the score from the initial game versus the Tigers on February 6, 2021, where the score was 72-69. However this game had a little more animosity being that this game was a rivalry matchup in the SWAC Tournament. The Jags leading scorer, Harrison Henderson, led the team with twenty points and

seven rebounds in a total of twenty-eight minutes played. Following closely behind was Terrell Williams Jr., a 6’5 freshman forward. Williams had a total of 14 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists in the span of forty-four minutes played. With the hard work of these two players and the solid contribution of other teammates, the team was able to maintain levelness with the Tigers until overtime. The game remained close throughout the entirety of the game with both teams competing at a high level throughout the contest on defense especially. The teams seemed to be going toe to toe in scoring during the first half as well behind Henderson’s scoring. Southern scored most of their points in the first half off free throws alone, while Grambling scored most of their points from jump shots and layups. With just seconds left in the first half, Southern’s Delor Johnson, a 6’3 Sophomore Guard tied the game See NO DANCE page 5

Head Coach, Sean Woods preps his team during a quick timeout during the Jaguars quarterfinal matchup against Grambling State on Thursday, March 11 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Evan Funchess/DIGEST)

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CBS Sports signs multi-year agreement to broadcast “HBCU All-Star Game” in NOLA 2022 Jayln Garner The Southern Digest

garnering a little more notoriety than usual with help from current and former NFL and After an HBCU-themed NBA players such as Chris Paul, court during the NBA’s All-Star Chad Johnson, Lebron James, game, along with a plethora of and Langston Galloway. HBCU alum expressing their love for their respected HBCU HBCU All-Stars LLC followed with a montage of founder Travis L. Williams and videos throughout, CBS is owner of a black-owned sports coming along with that same marketing company stated notion but on another level. proudly “We are excited about On March 4 CBS made an the opportunity to showcase announcement saying that they HBCU student-athletes and will be partnering to create the coaches on a national stage HBCU All-Star Game. It’ll be a during college basketball’s college basketball showcase that biggest weekend….this historic features the best HBCU players endeavor with CBS Sports will in the nation, beginning in 2022 raise national awareness of our in New Orleans, and will be prestigious HBCUs and our played the Sunday of the Final long legacy of academic and Four weekend. athletic achievement. This is far The All-Star Game will more than a game; it will include be broadcasted on the CBS the entire HBCU cultural Television Network and experience”. Along with the ViacomCBS also announced All-Star game, there will also that the multi-year commitment be an HBCU All-Star Game to HBCUs will garner Experience. It’ll be a week-long a “creation of an annual festival starting on the Tuesday scholarship fund and internship before the All-Star Game, and opportunities in an effort to wrapping up the festivities the foster, highlight, identify and Tuesday following the National recruit the many talented and Championship game. This is accomplished students from all festival will likely focus more on HBCUs . . .” “With CBS Sports and celebrate the “black culture, echoing ViacomCBS sentiments black excellence, and black stating that “At CBS Sports, history through the HBCU we share ViacomCBS’ strong Experience” belief that diversity, equity, There’s nothing more than and inclusion are integral to showing the true HBCU creating meaningful change experience through the eyes and opportunities for our of fellow HBCU students, employees”. This All-Star game athletes, and the culture itself. is just what athletes amongst With everything that took place HBCUs needed and it’s coming in 2020, 2022 seems to be the at the right time. For the past year for us again. few months, HBCUs have been VOLLEYBALL from page 4

the Jag’s was a growing theme as they took a two set lead. The 11 point margin that they held their opponents to ties a season low. In the third set, the Jag’s looked to close the book on their opponents. Texas Southern came out the half with a completely different energy however. They seemed to turn around the effort of their first two sets by quickly taking the third set. The third set changed the complexion of the game entirely. The fourth set would be just as competitive as the Jag’s once again had troubles putting away their opponents. Texas Southern just wouldn’t be denied this game as they found ways to pile up points in order to attempt a comeback. With the game knotted up at two sets a piece the Jag’s would

then look to secure the game in a crucial fifth set. The atmosphere in Seymour gym was electric as both teams traded leads in the set. With neither team giving an inch to the other it came down to very crucial scoring opportunities for the Jag’s. Texas Southern was the first team to reach 15 however, with the rules calling for a two point win the Jag’s were relentless. Back and forth till the very end for both teams but in the end Southern was able to secure the win 19 - 17 in the fifth and final set. With this win Southern put themselves back in the win column going into their final matchup of the season. They will faceoff with the lady panthers of Prarie View A&M on Monday.

SPORTS Jags SWAC Hotstreak ends Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | Page 5

with Prairie View DeBrandin Brown The Southern Digest

The Southern University Jaguars baseball team ended the season as SWAC champions in their last full seasons before COVID. With signature wins vs numerous talented opponents, both within and outside of the SWAC. This season started off slow with a string of consecutive losses, but as the Jags have entered SWAC play, a proverbial switch has been flipped. Tallying three straight victories through their early SWAC schedule, the Jags looked to continue the streak against Prairie View as they traveled to Texas. During the game’s

early phases, the first factor that became clear was that Southern’s batters had a much better feel for the game compared to last Wednesday’s loss vs Tulane. The first inning saw the Jags record five runs as they took an early advantage against the Panthers. Off the strength of their outfield, Southern withstood a similar run by Prairie View as they looked to regain the lead in the third inning. It wasn’t meant to be however as Southern maintained a slim 1-run lead going into the fourth inning. Taj Porter, a junior catcher from Mandeville, Louisiana, was the star performer for the Jags hitting attack as he recorded

a double, three runs, and a home run. Porter led the Jaguars to a 7-5 lead as they continued their hot streak. The second and third game of the weekend series would prove to be a different story for the Jags however as Prairie View’s hitters showed up in consecutive days to keep them out of the losing column. The Jags would drop the next two games vs Prairie View by scores of 12-10 and 12-4 respectively. Still boasting a record of 5-2 in the SWAC, the Jags will look to bounce back against Baylor as they continue their Texas road trip. Southern baseball will play again at home on March 16 as they take on Lamar University.

>>> JOIN US THIS WEEK 3/19 @1PM AS WE PREVIEW THE SU VS. TSU FOOTBALL GAME

THWARTED from page 4 me,” continued Funchess, taking responsibility for the lack of attentiveness displayed by his squad at points throughout the game. It was thanks to a 13-4 run by the Jags towards the end of the half that gave Southern life going into the third quarter, bringing the deficit to four. Going into the half trailing by a score of 33-25 after a last-second shot and free throws by Alabama State, Southern kept themselves afloat thanks in large part to solid team defense at points in absence of offensive efficiency. Despite the lack of success for the Jags in offensive efficiency, the game remained close throughout the second half of play. Scoring from the

Jags came from their backcourt most prominently as Genovea Johnson led all Jaguars with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Despite scoring contributions from both Amani McWain and Chloe Fleming as well, the Jaguar’s offense remained unable to turn the tides of the contest due to what Coach Funchess described as “missed opportunities.” “We missed scoring opportunities and they capitalized on theirs,” Funchess said. “That’s what I talked to the young ladies about after the game. We played hard enough and had an opportunity to win the game, but we did not make [enough] plays.” Funchess is alluding to the point in time in the fourth

quarter when Southern had cut the Hornet lead 54-46, but, were unable to convert shots. They missed two shot attempts and turned the ball over in a span of three possessions as they failed to close the scoring gap. Alabama State held onto their lead and defeated Southern by a score of 69-60, avenging two previous regular-season losses against the Jags. Southern ends their season as the third-ranked best team in the SWAC after defeating Alcorn State and earning a spot in the conference semifinals. Despite a less than favorable end result, however, both Funchess and his team feel confident in their ability to compete at a high level going into the next season. NO DANCE from page 4

up with a free throw, bringing the half time score to 28-28 all. Beginning the second half, Southern took a one-point lead from a Kirk Parker freethrow. From the moment that the clock began in the second half, Southern seemed to be using the same offensive tactics of getting to the freethrow that was used throughout the first half. Again, both teams were going head to head in points throughout the second half. With about 8 minutes left in the second half, Southern fell behind by five points, which was the biggest

gap of the game, though they were able to quickly recover. The second half ended with a score of 59-59 prompting the game to go into overtime. Going into overtime, Grambling was the first team to score. For a short while, the Tigers were in the lead. The Jags got it together, but Grambling was not ready to step down just yet. Both teams went tick for tack until Southern seemed to be gaining some sort of control over the game. However, the Tigers seemed to shrug it off. With just three seconds left in the game,

Grambling leading with a score of 70-67. Tra’Michael Moton, a 6’1 Sophomore Guard made free-throws for Grambling. The final score of the game turned out to be 72-67. The Jags will finish their season with a 8-11 record while being ranked #5 in the SWAC. Both teams played hard all the way up until the final seconds of the game. Though the season may not have ended as the team expected, the Jags had an overall great season and will come back stronger next season.

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FEATURES

Page 6 | Tuesday, March 16, 2021

The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body Since 1926

Show Up and Show Out: An Evening with Darrin Dewitt Henson

Kynnedi S. Jackson The Southern Digest

Actor, author, producer, director, choreographer, and dancer, Darrin Dewitt Henson gives insight on life experiences as he speaks to a group of Southern University students on Tuesday, March 9 inside the Royal Cotillion ballroom. (Douglas Taylor/DIGEST)

should take on life. The first key point that was given was to “be a voice.” How will you show up in the world? What will you do to stand out? In summary, it is all about programs, thoughts, actions, and results. One must be willing to take advantage of opportunities, but also ask more

of themselves than anybody could ever ask. If someone wants results, then they must work for it. While working towards the future, remember to enjoy the now. Time waits for no one. Procrastination is not conducive to meeting one’s

SU Psych Teaches Children on Anti-Bullying Dante Davis The Southern Digest

As schools begin to reopen, students are reacclimating to a social environment and newly matriculated students face more difficulties as they are still learning how to navigate the world. Southern University’s Psychology Department hosted an Anti-Bullying seminar at Crestworth Elementary School on March 8. The program was a collaborative effort between ICARE, a non-violence and drug organization, and Southern University and focused on mental wellness and anti-bullying. The seminar was presented as an interactive expo to give the students a firsthand visual and to cater to as many different learning styles as possible. The expo reinforced the idea that bullying can be more than just hitting someone and that it is okay to speak up and tell someone. The effects of COVID have been farreaching, many students lost at least an entire semester. Socialization for children in elementary school aids in their development and events like

Students of Psychology professor Dr. Rackley listen in to Susan Thornton’s praise of their Anti-Bullying presentations on March 8, at Crestworth Elementary. (Keenon Glover/DIGEST)

these helps make up for the lost semester. “[The expo is] compounding those positive reinforcements with our students. Our principle is big on supporting the whole child. Some of our children deal with various challenges at home, so anything that we can do to give our students a more

positive mental space, we’d like to do that, so the bullying expo is really good because it is interactive,” said Southern alumni and Crestworth Assistant Principal, Terlyn Blunt. The Psychology See ANTI-BULLYING page 8

goals. It is better to put the time into work now, rest later. Mr. Henson said if someone really wants something, they should meet it head on. As he spoke, he emphasized the word “passionate.” It does not matter what life presents, if one is passionate about what they

SU Women’s History Month Quiz . Diamond Butler/DIGEST

Actor and producer Darrin Henson visited the Bluff recently to discuss responsibility and the dangers of procrastination to not only life as a student, but life as a professional in the workforce as well. During this event, Mr. Henson gave insight to his personal life and career while speaking openly upon everyone in attendance. Dr. F. Carl Walton felt that this event was vital for students to have positive exposure. He hopes that the students “heard the insight” just as he did. The night began with an open discussion between Mr. Henson and Aliya Creecy, a 22 year old mass communication major from New Orleans, LA. Aliya went on to tell us that the inspiration started well before the event began. She reflects on the words that Mr. Henson shared as she thinks about her future. “Responsibility means responding to your ability,” Mr. Henson began. He gave a different outlook on the meaning of responsibility and how the students and staff

want, then they will remain “inspired.” Which leads into the next point, “Leave space to communicate with yourself.” In other words, listening to yourself gives someone the opportunity to truly understand what it is they want out of life. Nothing is too difficult for someone who truly is inspired. Mr. Henson suggests the idea to look for difficulties giving oneself the opportunity to set themselves apart from the crowd; in other words, to show up and show out in the world. In a world where there are so many people willing to try, there are twice as many willing to give up. Mr. Henson’s personal inspiration is the ability to do things that his mind says he can do regardless of what others say. In life people have to “go through it in order to grow through it and eventually glow through it.” In life everyone will always be faced with obstacles. How one works through these obstacles are what determines the success of someone. A fool learns from their own mistakes, but a wise person learns from the mistakes of others. There See HENSON page 8

1.) What was the name of the first Miss Southern? Lena D. Beal Sharika L. King Lenora E. Jones–Washington 2.) Who was the first woman in the country to head a university system? Emma Mayberry Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes Jessica Robinson 3.) __________ was the wife of the first SU President and the first SU music teacher and register. Octavia Clark Veronica Harrington Jessica Clark 4.) Who was the first director of the Home Economics department? Melissa Johnson Cheryl Atkinson Emma Mayberry 5.) Who was the first student to enter Southern University at New Orleans, and what year did she enter? Mary Ann Craig DeLong, 1881 Jessica DuBois, 1885 Ashley Batiste, 1880 6.) Who is the founder of the SUNO School of Social Work? Dr. Barbara Solomon Dr. Millie M. Charles Dr. Rebecca A. Chaisson 7.) What year did the Girl’s Drill team Homecoming debut? 1957 1936

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A Senior’s Lament; I got allergies man Dante Davis The Southern Digest

As a senior who has spent all four years living in the back of campus, I can say—with vigor and passion—that I HATE the cafe. Dunn and Mayberry are both the same and anyone that says differently needs to go with that house-slave mentality. The walk, the food, the weather on the walk, nine out of ten times it’s just not worth the effort to go to the café because the food is going to find a new way to be disappointing. Now, it’s no one’s fault. The two cafes are responsible for feeding over a thousand people with a shoestring budget and eating the same food for four years would tire anyone out, so it’s not surprising that I’m so done with the on-campus dining. But as a paying customer, I’m not getting enough value for my money. You spend a little over

$1,600 for an on-campus meal plan that gives a minimum of 12 meals a week and a maximum of $300 as a declining balance. Meanwhile, I’m only going to the café 3 times a week, if that, so I’m wasting a lot of money. I imagine that I am not alone in this and that there is a large number of students on-campus who also are wasting their money. Just opting out is not an option. Southern University’s official policy is that “participation in the campus dining is required” for students living on campus unless you have a specific medical or religious reason and can provide documentation. I think that’s a little messed up. Why do I have to pay for food I don’t want? The reason I live on-campus is because with COVID-19 and the way the spring semester ended, it just worked out better for me to stay oncampus; it also had the added benefit that since all

my friends were out-of-state students too, we’d all still be on-campus together, and the apartments on-campus are about the same quality of the Palisades. I have a car, I have the means to support myself, and I live in a space where I can cook. As far as I am concerned, the university is hustling me out of my money, they’ve been hustling me for two years now, and I’m done with it. I came to Louisiana with a shell-fish allergy and have learned that it is just better if I cook for myself. The fact that you can’t just opt out of the meal plan and that you have to provide a reason, is really predatory to me especially because a lot of upperclassmen are in exactly the same position as me. The café gets old after two years and the sixteen hundred would be better spent elsewhere.

HBCU’s under Attacke: Really Shaq Ryann Jordan & DeBrandin Brown The Southern Digest

As far as relationships between HBCUs and PWIs go, there have always been misconceptions about what the HBCU campus culture truly is and whether or not it can offer the same quality of education as our PWI counterparts. Despite the notion that the quality of an HBCU quality education is somehow less than that which you’d get at a PWI has been rebuked faithfully by prominent members of the HBCU community, LSU alum and NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal had his own thoughts on the matter. During NBA All-Star Weekend Basketball star Shaquille O’ Neal spoke about his college experience at an HBCU after failing biology and being forced to take it at Southern over the summer. According to initial statements by O’Neal, the difference in difficulty between the classes at SU vs LSU was apparent.

Firstly, there’s no universe that exists where Shaq wasn’t touching a basketball court due to poor grades, so regardless of the difficulty that Shaq may or may not have had with the classes that he took while briefly at Southern, I highly doubt that the powers that be would allow him to fail. The theme of this year’s All-Star weekend was to show HBCUs in a positive light and Shaq didn’t do too well of representing the university. Shaq explained how he struggled in passing biology at LSU and transferred to Southern University and A&M College where the course was considered “easier” to pass. As Shaq spoke about his experience, I believe his response made it seem as if Southern in comparison to LSU was easier because it was an HBCU. With the help of his colleague, Kenny Smith, Shaq tried relating how his HBCU experience benefited him but it didn’t reflect that well for Southern University. He cleaned up his response later by agreeing that just because Southern is an

HBCU, they didn’t give him any breaks or short cuts. This being said, this is a prime example of how HBCU educations are made the butt of jokes by graduates of PWIs, even those who come from the same racial community. Even if it was simply a joke made in poor taste, Shaq feeling as though it was okay for him to poke fun at the academic integrity of an HBCU during a nationally televised show that was meant to uplift HBCUs shows how little regard some people pay to them in educational circles. This isn’t to place blame solely on Shaq however, as the idea that he alluded to is one that was likely perpetuated by many students and instructors who counseled him on how to proceed after failing biology at LSU. While it’s great that HBCUs are getting shine on the biggest of stages such as AllStar Weekend, there’s still a long way to go before the stigmas that have plagued HBCUs historically can be properly addressed.

Meghan Markle vs Royal Family Jalyn Garner The Southern Digest

As many saw last week when Meghan Markle along with husband Prince Harry interviewed with Oprah Winfrey for their story of what really went down behind those London Bridges in Buckingham Palace. To hear Megan’s prospective of what her life was like during her pregnancy, to know that she was treated as if she wasn’t even a human being saying in her interview with Winfrey saying “ My biggest concern was history repeating itself”. It’s not secret who was involved of the murder of Prince Harry’s mother Princess Diana, and being his mother’s child and seeing first hand how his mother was treated

during her tenure as “Princess of Sussex” before her death, Harry reacted the way in which his father did not. The Royal Family came into the situation being very racist, judgemental, and rude to Meghan. From the moment she stepped foot into Buckingham Palace Meghan was given the not-so-good end of the stick. When you have decades upon decades where there is a unruly tradition amongst a “family” and there is this bloodline where only their own can benefit from such privilege, the likelihood of you being garnered into the family married with open-arms is unlikely. The patriarchy of it all. When Markle let it be known the Royal Family did not

allow her and Harry’s son protection when they decided to leave their active duties was unbearable. To not want to protect the great-grand and grandchild who’s a “heir” is unheard of. Children are innocent. The day you can’t put your racism aside for betterment of the child that’s in your family is evil, but then again i guess there are “Karen’s” and “Kyle’s” in London as well. Thankful for his mother Diana’s wisdom and courage knowing that her son Harry would need the escape she was never afforded in that lifestyle, she left him an inheritance. That same inheritance was the very reason why once Harry and Meghan fled to Canada that they were able to afford a life of their

own. Then later down the line with billionaire and New Orleans native Tyler Perry paying for them security and opening the doors of his home on Los Angeles to them, you begin to think what would have happened had Meghan and Harry decided to do this move earlier? At one point Meghan admitted she contemplated suicide. Same as Princess Diana so many years ago. Mental health is serious and family is serious. When you have racism, bigotry, patriarchy, and classism coming at you in a world truly of its own with feeling of no escape; you then begin to think not everything glitters is gold and Buckingham Palace portrays to be is only a lot of incest laid over money.

OPINIONS/SUBMISSIONS POLICY The Southern DIGEST is not responsible for individual opinions expressed in speak out submissions, editorials, opinions and commentary pieces, including sports commentaries. It is the sole opinion of the writer and does not reflect the views of any professional faculty, staff or administrator of the University. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mailed to digest@subr.edu.

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HENSON from page 6

is something to learn everywhere even from those who are not doing anything. For the third point, Mr. Henson expands on the “Law of Attraction.” According to the law, everything in the universe is vibrating and working as magnets to move closer to each other. Here the old saying, “opposites attract” was proven to be wrong. In life people move to those who they are like. If one notices themselves starting to dislike or disagree with another person, it is simply a sign that someone is growing apart. Although it is hard to let go, sometimes it is easier to just “Let go and allow assistance on how to define yourself.” Often people try to hold on to relationships because they are trying to save the other person, but they are the ones who need the fixing. Growing is great, but when someone can not fully let go of the past they are not really growing. In the words of Mr. Henson, “your past does not equal your future unless you live there.”

For the final point, Mr. Henson spoke on the “Law of Correspondence.” With this point yet another old saying was proven to be false, “it is better to give, than receive.” As he spoke, it was explained that giving and receiving is the same thing. In order to give one must have their hand open and in order to receive, one must also have their hand open. It was taught that one must learn to receive in order to give. If one does not know how to receive then they have nothing to give. Knowledge is only potential power; it only becomes powerful once you know how to use it. To succeed one must have understanding to have over-standing to ultimately reach inner-standing, which ties back into being able to communicate with yourself promoting the inspiration that is needed to succeed. Nothing in life is handed to anyone, work must always be put in. The want to learn must be exhibited in oneself. Learning leads to earning, not just in the form of money,

but also in the form of satisfaction with oneself. Mr. Darrin Henson said, “you have to damn well learn to earn…don’t worry about the money or the fame, it will come. Nowadays you have to go that extra mile because it is not good enough to just be good anymore.” Everything in life happens for a reason. Allow your wisdom and knowledge to work for you. It is important to live now, for it will not be the end. Where focus goes, energy grows! Towards the end Mr. Henson emphasized the point that God made everyone for a reason. “You do not need a t-shirt, hat, or flag that says my Black Life Matters to know that you are more than enough. You are here for a reason. You are worthy and validated.” Remember that time is in the now. Once the time has passed, it is gone. One must be tuned in, taped in, and turned on. “When you’re outstanding, you stand out.”

ANTI-BULLYING from page 6

Department’s goal in its continued partnership with ICARE is to continue to give back to the community, and to allow college students to put into practice the techniques and skills that they have learned, “This gives students a chance to apply the skills they’ve learned in a real-life setting… Hopefully the students find where they can make a difference, and that they feel good about what they’ve learned

in the classroom,” said the Psychology Department Chair, Dr. Reginald Rackley. The continued partnership has also helped the elementary school as the students have a constant supply of positive influences. “The fact that we are nestled in the corner of Southern University’s campus, the students that are here are being impacted by the university. It gives our students

ANSWER KEY

the connection to the university and community, and sets them on a path towards going to college,” said Mrs. Blunt. Community service and giving back are a continued focus for the university and events such as these go a long way in continuing the Southern tradition of giving back to the community.

ANSWER KEY FROM WOMEN’S HISTORY QUIZ 1.) Lenora E. Jones-Washington 2.) Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes 3. ) Octavia Clark 4.) Emma Mayberry 5.) Mary Ann Craig DeLong, 1881 6.) Dr. Millie M. Charles 7.) 1957 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA