VOLUME 76 ISSUE 7 by Southern Digest

March 23, 2021 . Volume 76 . Issue 7

Jags SGA Senate Meeting: What’s happening Lucky Student

Roundtable

Whitney Thomas The Southern Digest

On Tuesday, March 16th, the SGA held a senate meeting via Zoom. The two bills that were discussed were the resolution for Residential life & housing and Smith-Brown student union increases. Aliyah Strickland began the meeting by introducing the Resolution for Residential Life and Housing. This resolution focused on addressing the faded lines on parking spaces across multiple areas in Resident North parking lots. After all parties agreed with passing the bill, the resolution was set to be in effect by spring of 2021. Shawn White, a junior majoring in criminal justice, says he is happy this bill was passed. Mr. White comments that “The parking has been raggedy for a while now. I’m happy they care enough to do something about it.” The next bill to be introduced was the Smith-Brown student union fee increase. The resolution

Phi Beta Sigma and The Bentley Wellness host “Talk in Mental Health”

Bianca Jones The Southern Digest

During COVID-19, mental health has become a major issue in society. The world is experiencing newly enforced laws such as curfews and mask requirements. Half of the world has also experienced the loss of their job, a loved one, and the experience of life itself. This is causing most people to convert their problems into stress. To help the Omicron Beta Sigma Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity partnered with The Bentley Wellness Association for a discussion on March 18. It was a mental health forum hosted on Zoom by Fraternity Brother Eugene Bentley and Mrs. Robyn Bentley. Together they talked about how the negative effects of stress can be both physical and emotional health. In this discussion, two types of stress were discussed, external and internal stress. See MENTAL HEALTH page 3

Brian M. Bolden The Southern Digest

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focuses on raising the student union fee from $45.00 to $150.00. The decision was pushed to better the student’s experience while being on campus. Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs,

Anthony Jackson spoke out is including in a movie theater during the meeting saying that and incorporating more study the plan is to expand. He states, outlets.” “We want the student union to Nichole Ray, a junior majoring be more convenient for students. Some ideas we’ve thought about See SENATE page 3

Years of Planning: Lacumba’s Landing Launched

Jalexis Edwards The Southern Digest

Lacumba’s Landing, a website that features different organizations on campus, was recently updated with new features by the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement to help students more easily find activities and niche groups on campus. Winton Anderson, the Assistant Director of the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement says, “…the goal [of the website] is to take the antiquated process of students having to go physically find the information to now transitioning over to a virtual model that is going to allow students to explore the possibilities.” Its home page features organizations such as Bio Jags, Code Blue Stomp N’ Shake, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and more. In total the website highlights over forty organizations varying from honors, academic, social, and Greek organizations. Along with including all the student-led organizations on campus and their respective events, students who choose to make a profile can also document and track their service

Homepage for Lacumba’s Landing/Coutesy OSLE

hours throughout the year and follow specific organizations to receive announcements of their upcoming events. The website also features an area for “campus forms.” As of March 15, 2021, there are two uploaded forms, one for applying to become a new student organization on campus and another for the student activity fund. The website page also features a “Connect with Us” section that, as of March 6, 2021, shows current tweets from the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement and the official Facebook page of Southern University.

Naomi Ward, a freshman business major from Maryland noted how the site makes connecting with other areas of campus efficient and convenient. She commented that “I enjoy using Lacumba’s Landing because it makes it very easy to find organizations on campus. This allows me to stay connected with the university.” Kennedy Browne, a freshman computer science major from Virginia, shares Ward’s perspective of LaCumba’s Landing being a worthwhile resource for the student body.

The high achievements of past, present, and future generations in our institution are always worthy of conversation and commendation. In celebration of Southern University’s Ag Center, its 2nd annual inspirational executive forum was hosted by faculty, agricultural staff, and Chancellor-Dean Dr. Orlando McMeans. The theme of the forum was “Lucky Jags,” and the College will be “going green” by highlighting the Department of Urban Forestry. Chancellor-Dean Dr. Orlando McMeans elaborated on what leadership means to him. McMeasns states that “My advice is, just jump in! A lot of people you admire had to go through public speaking. Everybody struggles with speaking. We are speaking from our heart and from experience. I got a chance to meet Stewart Orlando Scott of ESPN. We met in an airport. It was so amazing.” He continues by saying “I coined the phrase M.A.N.R.R.S., in 2008 [then] I was the National President of M.A.N.R.R.S.” MANRRS at Southern University stands for Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences. Mrs. Beattra Wilson, an 2002 Alumna of SU Urban Forestry, USDA Forest Service Assistant Director of Cooperative Forestry and Urban and Community Forestry in the “World Wetlands Week” column reiterates that the simple tasks of “Going green” are essentially everyone’s responsibility to leave the planet in a better condition than we inherited it. Science has proven that humanity can slow the pace of climate change by reducing our footprint in the simplest ways, such as reducing, reusing, and recycling or carpooling to reduce emissions from our vehicles. These are small steps everyone can try. Mrs. Wilson takes us on a closer look at, how we all can play our part in going green by: 1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, See LUCKY JAGS page 3

#MASKUP JAGUARS

See LAUNCHED 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. SGA ELECTION WEEK Tuesday, March 23, 2021: Walk It, Talk it

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SUITE 1064 T.H. HARRIS HALL POST OFFICE BOX 10180 BATON ROUGE, LA 70813 PHONE: 225.771.2231 FAX: 225.771.5840

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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

Page 2 | Tuesday, March 23, 2021

President’s Debate Live Stream 6PM ON Campus Campaigning Day: AWS|Men’s FED Class President’s and Vice Presidents SGA President|SGA Vice President Wednesday, March 24, 2021: Crown The Queens Campus Campaigning Day: Class Queens Miss Southern University and A&M College

The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body Since 1926

Café Lacumba 12:00-1:00pm Pinkie E. Thrift Hall, Room 161 Preorder by March 22, 2021

Thursday, March 25, 2021: A Cultural Queen Miss Southern Revue Premier 7PM

via Email:sungpo.yi@sus.edu

Friday, March 26, 2021: BIG ON BIG Elections Day| Voting Will Take Place via Student Email| 8AM-5PM Jaguar Sports Southern U Football (Bye Week) Southern U Softball vs Alabama State (3 game series) March 26 Friday @3PM, March 27 Saturday @1PM, and 3pm Southern U Baseball vs University of South Alabama @Mobile, Alabama (March 24, Wednesday @6:30PM) Southern U vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff @Dr. Pepper Ball Park (3 game series) March 26 Friday @1pm, March 27 Saturday @6PM, and March 28 Sunday @12PM Soccer vs Grambling State March 26

$8 SPECIAL Cajun Shrimp Pasta served with Broccoli Chocolate Brownies Served with Salad and Yeast Rolls

SULC ESPORTS SUMMIT 2021 SAVE THE DATE! Panel Discussions & Gaming Competition Saturday, April 10,2021 1PM-5PM CST. www.sulc.edu/esports for more information and registration

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

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.

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Tuesday, March 23, 2021 | Page 3

Lunch and Learn Webinar: Women Owning Their Own Businesses Traci Maddrick The Southern Digest

them. Some problems include, missed documentation, new deadlines, certification management and much more. The women During all the empowering and uplifting expressed that in the business world things events that took place on campus, this 2021 are always changing, not only economic wise Women’s Week, an online seminar called but certifications as well. “Lunch and Learn” took place via Zoom. The The conference’s targeted audience for online seminar focused on teaching young this specific online seminar was for the business owners the particulars of starting a business and finance majors here at Southern business and how to properly go about the University. The women who presented gave different application processes. tips on how to navigate a small thriving The online seminar consisted of well- business based on their individual experiences, established and thriving female African from economic requirements for application American business owners such as Jo certification and goals we should have when Lawrence, De’shoin York, Trudy Turner, starting a business. Marjorae Ball, and many others. During One specific discussion topic that stood the online seminar, the ladies spoke about a out was poor women who owned small range of topics such as the common problems business. This topic was a major thumbnail females face in the beginning stages of in the conversation due to our current state their business journey and how to navigate

as a nation during this pandemic. The ladies talked about things such as how to go about getting a loan or financial support during this time. The pandemic has put a strain on our economy, and with this being a nationwide economic struggle, I found it helpful that the women such as Ms. Lawrence felt the need to explore the options that a potential small business owner could have to properly pick their business up off the ground and become a success. As the semester ends, many of the events are ending as well, leaving students with seeds of knowledge from all past events. The Southern University school of Business will hopefully have more events such as the Lunch and Learn online seminar to give students a better outlook on their future business endeavors.

LUCKY JAGS from page 1 2. Plant or Maintain a tree or greenspace in your surrounding community, 3. Carpool, 4. Control energy use—Limit heat/air conditioning with smart thermostats, and 5. Monitor weather conditions for drought conditions—limit lawn watering or install rain-catching barrels.” Happening on campus, the Southern University College of Agricultural, Family, and Consumer Sciences (CAFCS) has always been a discussion topic collaborating for the annual forum. The event this month consisted of a network hosting its second virtual forum for its Ag student on March 17, 2021, via Zoom. With organizational endeavors and successes, upon the forum’s conception one year prior, this year’s expectations were focused on a better personal exploration of natural benefits and green economic outcomes. Dr. Zhu Ning illustrates “A green planet is a healthy planet,

going green improves the quality of our lives. Trees remove air pollutants, sequestrate CO2, prevent stormwater runoff, produce O2, lower temperature, help in reducing energy use, and much more.” Dr. Ning dives deeper in an affirming way by mentioning, “Students should play an important part in going green and should because they are our future managers of our natural resources and environment.” Mrs. Wilson believes the heart of every advocate is the unique self-expression of exhibiting “the benefits [of ] cleaner air, water and cooler days. When communities are healthy, sustainable benefits can also be economic and social. Well-maintained tree-lined streets and roads with bike lanes promoting reduced vehicle traffic often sustain and increase real estate values in the communities and attract new businesses. Socially, when families and friends can gather outside in a common green space for play or a picnic, their health experiences the benefit

of breathing fresh air and gaining vitamin D through sunlight and any physical fitness activities improve heart and mental stress conditions.” This 2021 Ag Week Events showcased how Southern University College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences and LSU College of Agriculture is making a difference in Louisiana and across the world. Everyone who took part was quite excited to host this event and looks forward to more rewarding, empowering Ag events in the future to come! For more information, contact the Urban Forestry Department Chair Dr. Zhu Hua Ning at (225) 771-6292 (office), or zhu_ning@ subr.edu, or visit the Department website at www.subr.edu/subhome/urban-forestryandnatural-resources. For undergraduate admission, visit www.subr.edu/index.cfm/ page/1707/n/1523. For graduate admission, visit www.subr.edu/index.cfm/page/1567.

MENTAL HEALTH from page 1 External stress is physical stress when you are gaining or losing weight, experience the loss of hair, and cause health problems like high blood pressure. Internal stress is mental stress caused by emotions, mood swings, anxiety, which can also lead to depression and unhealthy coping skills such as drugs and alcohol. The Bentley Wellness Association also talks about things that cause stress such as school, work, relationships, the environment, and living situations just to name a few. Stress can be different for each person. Most people have problems concentrating while others have a challenging time making decisions or have a loss of memory. One major issue that people have is sleep deprivation. Most people either stay up all night or sleep all day, think about committing suicide, and experience hopelessness and guilt. As the Bentleys state, there are some ways to prevent stress and keep your mind healthy. A way consists of staying in touch with

friends. “Do not be afraid to check up on friends even when they say they are fine when you know they are not. Another is engaging in physical activity every day. Be active, keep your heart pumping, and your body moving,” recommended Bentley. There is also the tactic of saying “No” to new responsibilities when your plate is full. It is ok to say “no” when you have overbooked yourself. You have too much going on just stop and take a break. There is getting enough sleep since the body needs its rest. Finally, seeking help from a mental health specialist is very important when stress becomes overwhelming. There is an unlimited number of ways to alleviate stress. When it comes to these ways Mrs. Bentley says “…a person needs Vitamin D, a healthy snack and to just breathe. Practicing on your breathing is very important.” Mr. Bentley chimed in by saying to “Create a to-do list, take breaks, take time off, and just relax if it becomes too much.” Similarly,

another call speaker, Yovonda Hill suggests, “Try to figure out your why. What’s the reason you feel the need to do so much?” After much discussion, the event soon ended. If you or a friend or even someone you know suffer from a mental health issue such as stress, depression, anxiety, or even suicidal issues do not be afraid to ask for help. Know that there are organizations like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800273-TALK (8255)), the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline (1-800-950-NAMI (6264)). For more information, you can find The Bentley Wellness Association on Facebook and Instagram at @Bentleywellnessassociates. Or they can contact them by phone at 225-9605111 or by email at bentleywellnssassociates@ gmail.com.

NEWS SENATE from page 1

in psychology, says that she is unsure about the passing of this bill. Ms. Ray stated that “I think that the vision is perfect, but I feel like the school should find different ways to fund it, not us. We’re already having to face unnecessary charges in our accounts sometimes. Once the bill is completely put to motion the controversy amongst more students will begin.” Blake Reddick replied with transparency stating “I believe the student body will not be comfortable with the increase of the student union fee. Simple fact of the matter than anytime tuition is increased you will have problems or a student who doesn’t like or agree with the decision.” After discussing these bills the senate meeting came to a close. For more information on the SGA Senate and its meeting, feel free to follow them on Instagram at @susgasenate. LAUNCHED from page 1

She says, “I like that when I’m using Lacumba’s Landing I have access to all what’s going on with all organizations on campus.” Students can find Lacumba’s Landing at https://subr. presence.io/organizations or by downloading the app which is available on the Apple App Store as well as Google Play. Either through the website or the application, Jags can stay connected with different

Help keep the campus safe! Let’s all commit to wearing a mask at all times and adhering to the safety protocols to keep everyone on campus safe.

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SPORTS

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Page 4 | Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Still Tipping:

Jags decimate TSU in four quarter rout Evan Funchess The Southern Digest

On Saturday night, the Jags traveled down to Houston for a SWAC showdown against the Texas Southern Tigers. Coming into the game Southern was fresh off a bye week and looking to get back into the win column. Texas Southern was also coming off a loss in their last game at the hands of Prairie View A&M. In the first half, the Jags offense came out with a bang as they secured a touchdown on their very first drive. Redshirt Senior Ladarius Skelton and the Jaguar’s offense would not be denied as they marched down the field. Taking their cue from the offense, the defense then went on to secure a safety score on the very next drive due to a bad punt from Texas Southern. The Tigers then went on to return fire via a 3-yard rush and made the game 7-9. In the second quarter, Southern’s offense was once again able to put points up See STILL TIPPING page 5

Freshman, tight end Ethan Howard streamrolls Tiger defensive back, Matthew Williams during the Jaguars inner conference matchup against Texas Southern on Saturday, March 20 at BBVA Compass Stadium. (ISSAC ARMSTRONG/DIGEST)

Close One: The Jaguar Baseball Team falls short against the Lamar Cardinals Alexis Easton The Southern Digest

This past Tuesday, March 16, the Southern University Jaguars faced off against Lamar University Cardinals in what was a battle against defenses. After a few hard losses and then a few great wins, Southern was hoping to regain their winning energy and add more wins to their overall record for this season. Within the first inning, the game and players were already fast-paced and scoring. Lamar put two runs on the board at the top of the first, then followed by Southern scoring one extra run on top of their opponents, ending the first inning 2-3. Come the bottom of the second inning, Southern had 5 while Lamar trailed behind with 2. Although they did come up short in the end, the Jag’s defense and determination in the next couple of innings is what stopped Lamar from pushing forward tremendously. Their outfield catchers were a main priority and advantage in this game and allowed the Jaguars to stop the

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Cardinals from scoring so much. Because of this, they were able to hold them off for 2 straight innings without allowing them to make a point before they tied the game up 5-5 in the 6th inning. After it became tied, it became a battle of the defenses as both teams did not allow the other to score a run for four more straight innings until the eleventh inning. The Cardinals fought back and

caught up with a blink of an eye and although the Jags did hold their composure well, once it got to the 10th inning and they were tied, both teams knew it was a 50/50 chance on who would win. It then became a heated and tense game of baseball. The tension was mounting as everyone continued to watch and wait as neither team was letting the other score. The game against the Lamar

Cardinals went on for 11 innings before two Cardinal players scored a point at the top of the 11th inning and the Jaguars were not able to score any at the bottom. This ended the game with a score of 7-5 with Lamar University winning this game. Unfortunately, Lamar was able to outlast the Jags, as they defeated See CLOSE ONE page 5

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Triple Threat:

STILL TIPPING from page 4

Softball splits threegame series against Bulldogs Alexis Easton The Southern Digest

This past weekend, the Southern University Jaguars softball team traveled to Huntsville, AL to face off against Alabama A&M University in a three-game series. This threegame series would be a split series as both teams won games and were determined to have success to add on to their overall for the season. On Friday, going into game one of the series, the Jaguars and Bulldogs started off a little slow. The Jaguars scored one run at the top of the first inning as a result of an RBI made by Redshirt Junior Mariyah Sandoval causing Lauren Parks to score their only point of the inning. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, obtained none at the bottom of the first inning. As game one continued, the Bulldogs were able to come back in the second inning and score three runs. This gave them the

SPORTS

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lead on top of Jags, as they were able to put an abrupt stop in Jags scoring again until the fifth inning where they scored their final and most runs of the game which was 4. Bulldogs would score their winning points in the bottom of the fifth and sixth inning, granting them the win for game one with a close score of 5-6 with Jags falling short by 1. RBI’s played a big part of game 1 as most of the points from both teams came from those. On Saturday, in game one of the two that day, Southern came with demolishing energy as they swept Alabama A&M away in a

20-0 game. The Jags jumped ahead in the very first inning alone managing to score seven runs. At the top of the first inning within the very first few plays, the Jags showed a side of their offense that hadn’t been shown yet during the season. Jags were able to keep their run streak in innings two and three where they scored six and seven runs in each inning respectively. Although there were a few points gained by some errors, the Lady Jags still were able to come out with the victory while not letting the Bulldogs put any points on the board in game one

of Saturday. In the second game of the day, the Jags dropped to the Bulldogs with a score of 5-3 as they failed to out hit Alabama. Southern University softball ended their weekend series against Alabama A&M University with a record of 1-2. The Jags were scheduled to play against Jackson State next, but due to being postponed, the Jags will not be playing again until March 26th, when Alabama State University travels to Baton Rouge to start their 3 game weekend series.

Student Athlete Feauture

One Year into the Pandemic: A Change in Campus Life Christoher Hunter The Southern Digest

On March 13th of 2020, students across all three campuses of Southern University’s system received an email informing them that their semester was being cut short due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Everyone had one week to evacuate their housing assignments and return home to continue the semester online. The transition from a traditional learning style to a virtual experience was something that was new for everyone and was something all had to adapt to very quickly. The pandemic has completely altered campus life for Southern University. One student had the chance to voice her side of how things were being a college student and living through a pandemic. The DIGEST had a chance to chat with Natchez Stanton, a 22-year-old cheerleader and nursing student

on the board through the air. Redshirt Junior John Lampley was the passer this time as he threw a 22-yard pass to sophomore running back Jarod Sims. Texas Southern then responded with just over two minutes to go in the second with a passing touchdown. The Jags still left the half with the last laugh however as Redshirt Junior Shykee Thomas returned a kickoff for a touchdown with just over two minutes to go. Southern then took the lead into the half in remarkable fashion. The second half looked to be a repeat of the first as Southern struck first once again. This time on a rushing touchdown from Sims. The Jags were not done offensively as they then scored once more on an 18yard touchdown pass from Ladarius Skelton. Their offense became a runaway train as they steamrolled their opponents drive by drive. In the fourth quarter Southern only further cemented their win with two more touchdown drives. One coming from another five-yard rush from Sims. The other coming from a six-yard pass from Lampley. The Jags put up a season high total for points as they defeated Texas Southern 51-23. Throughout the entire game Southern was able to consistently score while keeping their defense fresh. The defense then followed the lead of the offense in keeping the Tigers offense in check for the majority of the game. Southern was also able to utilize both of their quarterbacks in Skelton and Lampley at various times in the game. Their offensive creativity assisted them in their execution and led them to a victory. Their next game will come against Deion Sanders and Jackson State on April 3. CLOSE ONE from page 4

at Southern, who is highly active and involved on campus. When asked about how it was handling changes in school during the pandemic, Stanton says, “When nursing made the switch to online a year ago it was kind of a challenge, but now I’ve learned how to handle online courses.” Though it might have been easy to adapt to the online style of learning, it may have been a little more difficult to accept the fact that campus life would see a huge change this school year. Due to restrictions and guidelines, most events went virtual. The entire football season was canceled and for the first time ever, students were left without a Homecoming and a Bayou Classic. But thankfully

we did get one football game, and the spirit and love for Southern was still the same. As a cheerleader, Stanton says, “I felt like the game atmosphere was pretty similar to what it would be in other years.” Now after a year into the pandemic, Southern University and other various schools are slowly making the return to campus. However, most students have gotten accustomed to online learning. Stanton says, “When we switch back to in-person it’s going to be very different because I’ve gotten too used to waking up and listening to my lecture.” She continued “At some point, we will see things begin to return to normal causing us to readjust to school

pre-covid. While it may be a task to get back on schedule with physically going to class, it is certainly going to happen.” Being that we are more than a year into the pandemic, many students on campus might have gotten comfortable with waking up and logging on to Microsoft Teams for class. With things slowly beginning to get back on track, campus might start to see some type of normalcy. The pandemic may have put a pause on campus life, but with safety protocols being followed and the use of masks, SU might soon be able to gather in the union for pretty Wednesdays and numerous other events!

them in a game of longevity and celebrated victory. “We played hard but didn’t have enough to do it at the end,” Southern Jaylen Armstrong, a sophomore from Southaven, Mississippi said. “We’re going to come back out here tomorrow and work and get ready to go for this weekend. (Home run) First one, it felt real good. I didn’t even feel it off the bat so I knew it was gone. Great swing, great approach and a good way to get on top.” “At the end of the day it’s baseball,” Armstrong said. “It’s a tough game. Three out of 10 is considered good. We’ll come back and get right tomorrow.” With the Jags trailing behind in this game, this brought their overall record to be 5-10 as they waited to play their next game against Rice University,

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FEATURES

Chasing the Dream; Jags Gets Shot at Stardom Te’yanah Owen The Southern Digest

Aspiring singer-songwriter Natalie Harrison, a sophomore Mass Communications major, had the chance to get on Instagram Live and talk with singer-songwriter and record producer Ne-Yo. The student was thrilled when the award-winning artist surprisingly reached out to her. “One day on Instagram NeYo DM’d me and was like ‘Hey, what you got working? So that was kind of crazy. I guess maybe he clicked one of my songs or he saw something and messaged me.” Being on Live with NeYo made Harrison nervous and the moment was surreal for her because everything happened so fast. “I’m excited and grateful that it happened. It also feels great to know that he’s in my corner and we’re working together on things.” The Baton Rouge native went to McKinley Senior High School and was involved in the Glee Club, talent shows, and served as Miss Sophomore. She discovered she could write songs at the age of eleven when playing with a piano at her uncle’s house. Harrison took piano lessons for a while before stopping. She credits her family for support and her mom for creative abilities. “I know this sounds funny but when I say my mom rapped, she used to write stuff back in high school. She was also a Pantherette, but I can’t dance,” Harrison laughed. Old school singers that have influenced her singing are Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Mary J. Blige, while her newer influences consist of Beyonce, Summer Walker, and Tink. “I like a mixture of everything. I’m

Courtesy Natalie Harrison

See STARDOM page 5

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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body Since 1926

TRIUMPHS OF THE PEN: Student Media Alumna Feature

DeBrandin Brown The Southern Digest

It could be said that Journalism majors in colleges around the country have a few possible career paths postgraduation. For many who have found their passion in the field for reporting the truth and being voices of the people, they have taken roles in the many areas of news production and reporting in the competitive field of journalism. For others however, their passion for journalism came from a love of putting pen to paper. For Nicole Jocleen and other such writers who still make use of pen and paper to record notes and take pride in the artform of writing with a purpose, being a journalism major was simply a means to an end. “Writing for that web series put me back into writing. I had already published a poetry book and a fiction novel, but [the web series] put me onto screenwriting,” said Jocleen regarding her shift in writing niches as she evolved into more creative spheres. Jocleen noted how she had always naturally

Courtesy/NIcole Joleen

aligned with poetry when it comes to her creative literary safe space. As noted by Jocleen, being a news writer prepared her in many ways for the career path that life would later bring her on. This yielded results in the form of multiple book publishings, which would ultimately lead to her some of her first large creative collaborations with filmmaker and activist Kevin Powell. The turning point for Jocleen ultimately ended up being the decision to turn one of her books into a web series, which eventually nudged the progressing writer to forums such as that of Kevin Powell’s Writing Workshop,

a collaborative effort that featured one of her more recent poems titled Thank God For the Internet. “The things that I’ve learned at Southern fall in place in everything [else that I’ve done]. Even with journalism, it’s just storytelling [based on the facts],” said Jocleen on how she adapted to writing in different formats. A repeating factor that Nicole mentions many times is how different writing techniques and practices in journalism are applicable to both creative writing and screenwriting. Co-founding the Devoted Media Group in Oklahoma City, Jocleen used this introduction into the web series world to propel herself into the genre wholeheartedly. Since 2015, the Devoted Media Group has developed three web series, two feature length films, and around half a dozen short films. “In Oklahoma City, it’s hard to get mainstream recognition, so we’re working to compete with not only international See TRUIMPHS page 8

A Woman of Many Words: US Poet Laurette Natasha Trethewey Destiny Morris The Southern Digest

On March 18, English 311 students hosted a panel on U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Tr e t h e w a y ( 2 0 1 2 2014). Dr. TRETHEWEY Mary Clare Caruth opened the Zoom call by wishing everyone a Happy Women’s History Month. She continued by thanking the Department of English and the College of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies. She also showed her gratitude towards the communications department by saying, “They did a great job of producing a professional flyer and communications across the university about this event.” As viewers joined, Dr. Caruth gave students background information about Natasha Trethewey. She was the child of a white Canadian father and an African American woman a year before the Supreme Court banned laws against interracial marriage. After leaving the state, they married but later

Courtesy Zoom

divorced, whereafter moving to Atlanta, her mother met a second husband who was physically abusive. Tragically, her mother, Gwendolyn Turnbough, was murdered by that ex-husband. Natasha wrote her poems in the National Guard as a monument to her mother. Her experience of loss and being biracial largely shaped her poetry. In recognition of those that have been a victim of intimate partner violence, the English Club, under the direction of Dr. Toadvine will be sponsoring a drive for donations for local shelters. They will be accepting household items, toiletries, etc. Donation bins will be available in Harris

Hall (near the Registrar’s office) and in Mayberry Dining Hall until March 31st. After reading the history of Natasha Trethewey, Dr. Caruth introduced the panel. The panel was tasked with reading a poem by the poet and then the analysis of the said piece, consisting of Christy Kelly, Ladonia Semien (Junior English Major), Olivia Samuels, and Noland Johnson (Junior English Major Minor). Christy Kelly began the discussion by reciting, “Again, the Fields” an ekphrastic poem (a vivid description of a work of art) See WORDS page 8

Lawsuit filed over hit-andrun death of Nicki Minaj’s father AP Entertainment

FILE - In this Monday, May 6, 2019, file photo, Nicki Minaj attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala in New York. Minaj’s mother has filed a $150 million lawsuit against the man who is accused of killing the rapper’s father in a hitand-run crash in February 2021. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) — Rapper Nicki Minaj’s mother, Carol Maraj, has filed a $150 million lawsuit against the man who is accused of killing Minaj’s father in a hit-and-run crash last month, an attorney for Maraj said. Charles Polevich, 70, is accused of striking Robert Maraj, 64, on Long Island on Feb. 12 and then driving off without calling 911. Maraj died at a hospital the next day. Polevich was arrested on Feb. 17 on charges of leaving the scene of an incident and tampering with physical evidence. He pleaded not guilty and was freed on bail and ordered not to leave New York state. Newsday reports that Carol Maraj’s lawsuit, filed in Nassau County state Supreme Court earlier this month, claims that Polevich was negligent, reckless and careless when he hit Maraj with his car and allegedly left him at the scene. “He was not only irresponsible and negligent, but more concerned about running away and hiding than seeking help,” Benjamin Crump, one of the attorneys representing Carol Maraj, said in an Instagram post Friday. A telephone message was left Sunday with Polevich’s attorney, listed in online court records as Marc Gann of Mineola. Nicki Minaj, who was born Onika Tanya Maraj, has not made any public statement on her father’s death. Carol Maraj, the victim’s estranged wife, told Newsday last month that she was “very, very, very happy” about Polevich’s arrest and said all of Maraj’s children “are pleased” that the alleged culprit was caught.

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Hello Spring: A breath of Fresh Air Brian M. Bolden The Southern Digest

As we enjoy the sun and vacations, let us be mindful that Spring Break does not always equal fun for everyone. Our mental health can sometimes be affected by the seasons. A particular type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder can be seen in the spring, summer, and winter months as the seasons change, which can affect how a person feels about themselves, how they interact with others, and what anxiety issues can come to the

surface. We often find that anxiety-based issues become apparent due in part to the lack of structure. Though most young people and older people claim this is the time of year they most look forward to, many become listless and irritable because of a lack of structured activity. To enjoy the Spring season and keep our mental health in check, use these three helpful tips to ensure we all have a great summer! 1.) Create a spring schedule 2.) Eat nutritious foods

3.) Get fresh air, exercise, and stay hydrated Speaking of fresh air, it’s only the second or third month of the spring semester and we are experiencing very high temperatures. It is important to stay cool, and out of direct sunlight, especially if you suffer from a mental illness and take medication for it. Mental health professionals have stated individuals with a mental illness are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and death. The British Journal of Psychiatry

study estimates that when temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, those diagnosed with mental illness and treated with psychiatric drugs have a 40 percent greater risk of heat-related death than the general population and are more susceptible to heat stroke, and are more likely to develop certain types of medication toxicities. Please stay hydrated and ensure that your loved ones are hydrated as well as properly sheltered as we combat this summer heat. Stay cool JAGS!

Reliving The Brees: A Hall of Fame Career Douglas Taylor Jr The Southern Digest

For a moment that was soon to come and was finally presented, famous NFL Quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees has officially announced his retirement from the NFL. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Brees’s passion for the sport of football can be traced back to when he was recognized for his incredible IQ while playing for Purdue University located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Brees’s professional career would begin in San Diego as the rookie from Purdue would be viewed as their new franchise quarterback. Brees would suffer a dislocated shoulder injury in 2005, and this would affect his position in San Diego. In the 2006 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers began to pursue another potential franchise quarterback by drafting Philip Rivers and releasing Brees into Free Agency. During

this time, Brees began the process of healing his shoulder injury with little to no hope of coming back from it. Sooner than the estimated time given by his physician, Brees’s shoulder healed in three weeks and he was back like he had never left. The phenomenal quarterback would go on to be signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2006 to restart his NFL career as this would go on to have made the biggest impact of his life. September 25, 2006 is known to be the first game Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints were welcomed back to play in the Mercedes Benz SuperDome for the official reopening after the tragic Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city of New Orleans. The game set the tempo for New Orleans and gave the city hope to overcome the tragedy for the following years to come. On February 7, 2010, Drew Brees would go on to lead the New Orleans Saints to a tremendous 31-17 victory against the

Indianapolis Colts in the 46th Annual Super Bowl. This champion alone gave the city of New Orleans an opportunity to worship and relief to know that anything is able to be overcome even if things get

rough. Drew Brees would go on to finish his career with the New Orleans Saints, breaking an enormous number of records, and retiring after the 2020–2021 season. Brees has gotten an outstanding amount of love upon the final decision of his retirement. The NFL star will forever be recognized as a monumental athlete who brought hope to a city where it was needed, as he and the city of New Orleans were introduced with a fresh start. The impact Brees had can be viewed beyond the city of New Orleans, as his effect was noticed statewide, as the state of Louisiana will always cherish the weight number 9 holds to their hearts.

In-Person on Zoom: Invasion of Privacy or Classroom Etiquette? Jalexis Edwards The Southern Digest

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all Southern University students have at least one class that is virtual; most virtual classes do not require students to turn their cameras on, but for the select few that do, students have voiced various opinions and concerns. For some students having to turn their cameras on with no where to go, feels pointless while others do not seem to mind having their cameras on. This has led to a debate amongst students and professors, both all around the country and at Southern University, if having students turn on their camera is essential for virtual classes. Some students have expressed that

having their camera on for a virtual class does not make sense to them. Those students with this opinion have various reasons as to why they do not want to have their cameras on. Students have said that sometimes they only have one class in a day, so they do not want to get dressed for an hour class citing it as a wasted outfit and wasted time. Other students have given the reason that having their camera on does not affect how they learn, and they would rather their professor and peers not be able to see them and their respective learning environment. Others have said since they are not in school, they have no control of their learning environment and would rather their peers not see what is occurring, often in their homes, while in class.

However, on the other hand, some students do not mind having their cameras on for classes. These students have said if they were in class their professors and peers could see them, so it reminds them that they are still in a classroom environment despite being in a pandemic. Jaidyn Nix, a freshman criminal justice major from Austin, Texas, said, “At first I hated having to turn on my camera for my early morning class, but I began to get accustomed to it especially because my professors were nice. The only thing I do hate about it is that I have to get ready and look presentable, but otherwise, it’s fine.” Nix says that her teachers encourage her to turn on her camera, so she is okay with doing so because they are nice. Another student, Noland Johnson, a junior

English major from Dallas, Texas, had a similar opinion. Johnson said, “As much as I hate having the camera on in class, it makes me pay attention more, and I guess that’s the main goal of it. Plus, it keeps me involved in the classroom, so it’s cool.” The overall opinion of Southern University students seems to be that having to turn their camera on for an in-person class is not something they enjoy doing, but if it means interacting with kind professors or increasing learning, students are willing to have their cameras on. Whether students are a camera on or camera off type of individual, their perseverance and determination to learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been relentless.

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.

OPINION

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Down 1. America's first black female self-made millionaire Madam C J Walker aka 3. Guiding Light of the Little Rock Nine. 4. Helped hundreds of American slaves escape via the underground railroads. 6. First female African-American Secretary of State. 7. She coordinated lunch counter sit-ins and freedom rides. 9. Posing as a man, she became the first documented African-American woman to enlist and serve in the U.S. Army. 10. The world’s first licensed black civil aviator. 13. President of the National Council for Negro Women for 40 Years 15. An iconic image from "Bloody Sunday".

Across 2. She was only 15 years old and the first person to be arrested for defying bus segregation in Montgomery. 5. Led literacy and citizenship workshops for African Americans during the civil rights movement. 8. Continued as activist in the Civil/Human and Womens’ Rights Movement after the death of her husband. 11. Activist for the young people. 12. Sang O Freedom at the 1965 March on Washington. 14. One of America’s Greatest Gospel Singers. 16. Poet, Actor, Activist 17. Arrested for not giving up her seat on the bus. 18. The first black woman to be elected to Congress 19. Spoke at Democratic National Convention in 1964.

filmmakers, but filmmakers from other cities [across the country] as well,” said Jocleen in response to being asked about the high number of projects being produced in recent years. Being a student at Southern and an editor for the Office of Student Media, Nicole spoke at length about how working on both sides of the writing sphere has helped her make an observation on the similarities and differences between more creative niches of writing and the traditional formatting of news writing. “With journalism, it’s like you’re telling someone else’s story…but when you start script writing or poetry, it’s like ‘I can put my opinion in my poetry or in a book’, and there is more freedom [in that regard],” noted Jocleen. “At the same time, after

doing journalism [for a certain amount of time], I see the story in everything. So when people say, ‘ How do you get your ideas?’, I point at that background in journalism,” continued Jocleen. While the Mass Communications department and Student Media have both produced their fair share of capable journalists in the field post graduation, it’s also created just as many great writers who now operate outside of the journalistic sphere. So even if the journalism lifestyle and approach to writing isn’t appealing to all Jags, the resources made available by Southern University via their departments and student organizations do their best to enhance the pen of each student so that they can find careers in a wide range of writing professions. WORDS from page 6

by Natasha Trethewey that was based on a painting by Winslow Homer, “Veteran in the field”. She then read an analysis of the poem, informing the viewers on how her words were influenced by the painting. After this, Ladonia Semien read the poem, “My Mother Dreams of Another Country,” standing in place of student Natalie Thurman, who was unable to attend. After reciting the poem, she explained the different techniques Natasha used in detail. When asked why she believed celebrating Trethewey was important this month, Semien said, “I feel it was important to highlight Trethewey during Women’s History Month, because like most women, she has been through a lot in her life. She has dealt with being from an illegal bi-racial family in the 1960s. She has experienced her mother going through an abusive relationship and eventually dying from it. Not

most women are strong enough to deal with all of that before the age of 20 & a lot of them surely aren’t brave enough to put that grief and pain into poetry. She’s a strong woman and she embodies everything women’s history month is about; telling your story, not letting your circumstances break you down, but instead use what you’ve been through to empower you.” Noland Thomas contributed to the readings by reciting “Elegy for the Native Guards.” His analysis explained the different literary devices from the poem, and how that poem stood to respect soldiers who weren’t respected in monuments for the civil war. After Olivia Samuels recited her piece, the floor was opened to viewers who had anything to share or any questions to ask. Viewers and participants were thanked for attending the Zoom, and celebrating Women’s History Month.

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Let your voice be heard! Submit your letter to the editor. Send by Friday’s at 2pm. Send to digest@subr.edu

like old school mixed with new school because sometimes I bust out and sing some throwback stuff. Then I could sing some new generation songs too. So I guess a lot of singers have influenced me. I don’t have a favorite.” Ne-Yo and Harrison participated in an informative collaboration, with some wise advice and tips on life being shared. She recollected on this, “My favorite advice from him was just because I receive a ‘no’, that doesn’t mean anything. He told me that a ‘no’ builds character. I think I’m going to keep that in mind because sometimes I get discouraged when someone doesn’t pick me.” Besides socializing with Ne-

Yo, Harrison has been currently working in Los Angeles, California with Mixx, a producer who has collaborated with artists such as Teyana Taylor, Polo G, and Justin Bieber. They are finishing up her EP titled “Side-Switching,” at Paramount Recording Studios which comes out in April. Even though she is actively developing her up and coming career, Harrison still has her eyes set on education and plans on getting her degree. “I only have two years left so I’m going to be a hot girl and get my degree like Megan Thee Stallion.” She hopes in the near future to build her fan base, and make sure that she’s following her passion with dedication.

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