November 25 - Volume 63, Issue 14

VOL. 86, No. 15

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

SPECIAL BAYOU CLASSIC ISSUE

see Making a Classic Entrance, page 3

www.southerndigest.com

VOLUME 63, ISSUE 14

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

A Tradition: ROTC Football Run

Exclusive content @

SWAC Volleyball see Sports, page 4

Bayou Classic: Why should you attend? see Arts & Entertainment, page 10

“My Bayou Classic Experience” see Commentary, page 11

See YEAR-IN-REVIEW page 3

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

Campus Briefs southerndigest.com

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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Jaguar Speakout

Save our Southern Voter Action month ends December 6, Visit Geauxvote. com for more information. #SOS2014

Keep our Campus Clean

What are your expectations for the 2014 Bayou Classic?

How does it compare to others you’ve been to?

Please remember to dispose of all trash and paper at the end of your class period. Help keep our university clean.

Jags Pack the Bus

If you are a registered voter under the campus address there will be transportation to the Baker area polling location to early vote this week from November 24th through the 26th at the top of each hour from 11a.m. to 5p.m.each day. The bus will depart from the SmithBrown Memorial Union. Remember to take a picture at the polls and hashtag #SUBOTV

ROY ROBINSON MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FRESHMAN MELVILLE “I expect it to be fun because I’ve never been before. My plans for this year are to go and check out the classic.”

State of the SGA

The Student Government Association will answer all of your questions on Tuesday November 25 in the T.H. Harris Hall Annex.

Please subnit questions ahead of time to the ask.fm link on the @ subr_sga Instagram page.

2014 Battle of the Bands

The Annual Battle of the Bands and Greekshow will take place on Friday, November 28 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome from 6:00pm-10:00pm.

Centennial Yearbook Yearbooks are now available to all students in The Office of Student Media. Stop by 1064 T.H. Harris Hall.

Last day of Classes & Finals

The last day of classes is Wednesday, November 26, 2014. Finals will begin on Monday, December 1, 2014.

Making a Classic Entrance STORY AND PHOTOS BY: Derylle Spears The Southern DIGEST The Bayou Classic is an event that weighs heavily with Louisiana natives, as the competition between the football teams of Southern University and Grambling State University is as long and fierce as the rivalry between students and alumni from both schools. Pregame events most people are aware of are the illustrious Battle of the Bands, the Greek Show, and of course, tailgating.

While the Greeks and Human Jukebox are the well-known contributors to this historic game, there is another SU organization that many may not know has been participating since 1992; the Naval ROTC Training Corps.

The tradition began with a few Marines who wanted to deliver the game ball in ceremonious

fashion. They decided to run from the Baton Rouge campus of Southern University to the New Orleans (now MercedesBenz) Superdome.

The runners train on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:45 to 7 a.m. before the actual run, which begins at the F. G. Clark Activity Center. From there, 100-mile journey to the Superdome begins at five in the morning.

According to Staff Sargent Bell Angel, 56 volunteers will run in a relay-style rotation, alternating every two minutes to preserve energy, and give everyone a chance to hold the football. Every year the group tries to beat the previous year’s time record, with last year’s being eight hours and 47 minutes.

JOURNE’ SAVOIE CRIMINAL JUSTICE JUNIOR OPELOUSAS “I expect this year’s Bayou Classic to have a higher attendance than last year. Both teams have been working hard and their outcomes have both been successful. I think this is going to be a great competitive game.”

DERRICK ESPREE HUMAN NUTRITION JUNIOR OPELOUSAS

PREPARING FOR THE

“I must say I have high expectations of excitement for this year’s Bayou Classic because of how good both football teams are.

Compared to previous years when it was obvious when one team was better than the other.”

KELSEA PIERRE NURSING FRESHMAN ST. MARTINVILLE

BIG BAYOU CLASSIC

GAMEBALL RUN.

“My expectations for the Bayou Classic is to be better than the years before. I say this because of the tie between Southern and Grambling. I think there will be more people for the game and battle of the bands.”

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Prepare for the career fair BY: Henry Williams News Editor The Gramblinite It is time for students to land jobs and internships at the upcoming Career and College Fair during the 41th annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans.

Before students and graduates come downtown, it is important to be fully prepared by researching the companies that will be in New Orleans and having multiple copies of one’s resume.

Graduate assistant for The Office of Career Development and Placement at Grambling State University Ahsaki Thomas has attended the job fair in New Orleans, and she believes it was beneficial to the college students.

“I think this career fair is an excellent opportunity for students,” Thomas said. “A lot of different employers were in attendance, and when I was there, they reviewed and critiqued my resume.”

According to Thomas, first impressions are important because that is how the employers will judge a certain individual. When students are going to the fair they will need to be open and engage in conversation.

“If you are shy and not speaking at these fairs, then you will

The Southern University Police Department along with the Southern University Marching band and Student Government Association launched the “Bayou Classic/Holiday Traffic Enforcement Campaign” on Monday November 17. The campaign’s goal is to promote safe driving in regards to obeying speed limits, the use of seatbelts and refraining from texting while driving. The campaign will end on December 12. SUPD is warning on campus motorists to be aware of the campaign and that there will be an increasing enforcement.

Interim Chief of Police Joycelyn Johnson said that it was an appropriate time to begin the campaign because of the holiday and graduation seasons.

“Students need to be safe. I know this is the time where students will be on the road going home, and to New Orleans for the Bayou Classic.” Johnson went on to say, “ I have seen several crashes due to students not paying attention or texting [while driving.]”

Currently SUPD has issued about 15 tickets due to students violating these laws.

According to Johnson after giving those tickets the students became aware, and are starting to buckle up.

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Tuesday, November 25, 2014- Page 3

A True Concerto Emerges

BY: Derylle Spears II The Southern DIGEST

just be a another body there, and you will not get looked at period,” Thomas said.

Thomas also feels that you should scope out the career fair at first and to gain more confidence, she advised, students should approach the employers they are not interested in to get the feel on what to say and how to talk to the other employers.

Professional appearance is another requirement for the career fair. The dress code is business casual, meaning a shirt and tie is preferred for men and a shirt with a skirt or slacks for women.

“Dressing nice is a huge part of landing a job because that is the very first aspect that an employer will look at before you speak or anything,” said Thomas.

Employers will hand out materials, and students who will attend the fair are encouraged to take the items that are passed out.

“Always take an item that an employer hands out because that is a form of respect to the person,” Thomas said.

The career fair will be held on Friday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown New Orleans from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, contact Valerie Huntley at val.bayouclassic@gmail.com.

SUPD, SGA, and the SU Human Jukebox kick off a safe driving campaign BY: Lauren Johnson Managing Editor The Southern DIGEST

THE

“I hope that it will first get the students aware, but also get the point across,” said Johnson.

To keep students updated on news and information, Johnson has the help of current SGA President Nick Harris, who has and will lead all of the student events. Students will be able to attend scheduled seminars and have the opportunity to take the pledge and ask questions in regards to motorist laws. Johnson wanted to ensure that students were aware of the current increase in seat belt violation tickets.

“The first offense is 25 dollars, the second fifty and the third will be fifty dollars plus court fees,” said Johnson.

When asked how the campaign would make a connection between SUPD and the student body Johnson responded saying, “I was once an SU student, I understand what it’s like to be a student, and an official.

I’m hoping that the student will see it as in their campus police are actually involved.”

Junior mass communications major from Houston, Texas Raquel Simms says, “It is important for the student body to participate in this campaign. So many people die from car accidents, and by us being a pedestrian related campus I think it is not good for drivers to speed.”

The voices of the Southern University Concert Choir graced the ears of many at their Fall Concert on Tuesday, November 18 in the Stewart Hall Auditorium.

This Concert, themed “We walk in the Light”, included nothing more than a piano and the strong voices of the choir. The concert focused on old school gospel music, but featured opera, solos and, of course, the choir.

The theme for the concert with the choir as well as Director, Charles Lloyd, who gave brief mention to the numerous hurdles that were placed in their way. The music department did fall upon troubling times with the lost of their degree program at one point, but after working diligently for two years, it was reinstated. The celebration was short however, as they soon found out that the music building had accumulated a substantial amount of mold. This forced them into a different building. This did not stop them from meeting every day, Monday through Friday, to prepare a well-put together concert in order to showcase their talents.

Among the performers was

Derylle Spears II/DIGEST The Southern University Concert Choir, under the direction of Charles Lloyd, grace attendees with an array of selections during their Fall Fall Concert themed “We walk in the light.” classically trained singer, Jacqueline Paige-Green, and she sang a few opera songs. She has been doing so for 20 years. She effortlessly sang three songs, when asked if it was difficult to prepare she responded, “No because that’s in my repertoire because I sing it all the time. If it was new music it might have been.”

The choir ended with a song named “We Walk in the Light”, a nod to their theme.

“This song somehow had meaning to me as well at the student,” said Lloyd. This was no mere concert, this was a statement , and a story of over coming, and this statement was heard loud and clear.

SGA Student Senate initiative committees provide progress reports BY: Marchandrea Seals The Southern DIGEST

however they only received one report. The senators are also developing a housing Swipe System, and have contacted several companies and scheduled an administrative meeting.

The goals for the Childcare Committee were discovering a location for an on-campus day care.

A possible location would be the building located near Pinkie Thrift Hall, but according the Senator Bianca Brewington, “No one would speak about the

The final Official Senate meeting for the fall semester held in T.H. Harris Annex Hall on November 19 discussed the updates of the Senate Initiate Committees. The committees are built to improve situations and dissolve problems on the Southern University Baton Rouge Campus. Currently, the Initiate Committees are for: Campus Beautification, Campus Dining, Campus Safety, Childcare, Recycling and Sustainability, Special Events and Public Relations.

The goals for the Campus Beautification Committee listed on the agenda were to repaint the Lacumba statues located in front of the John B. Cade Library and the hedges in the front of campus, also painting flowers around the statues. The committee contacted Superintendent of Grounds, Cordell Veal, in regards to these changes, and is Meagan Williams/DIGEST currently awaiting a response.

Members of the SGA Senate prepare to begin their last meeting of the semester.

The Campus Dining Committee discussed goals such as: extending cafeteria old daycare.” hours, offering work-study for students dining afterThe Recycling and Sustainability Committee is hours, and opening “late night snack shops”. So far, considering adding a Recycling and Sustainability Senators Jasmine Williams and Armond Duncan, who Committee in the Student Government Association, in head this committee, have made contact with Aramark order to get more students to be aware of sustainability and are scheduling a meeting with Vice President in their daily lives. The senators proposed adding Sara Mortin. new bins around campus to promote the movement, The Committee for Campus Safety discussed as well as using waste bins already in place for meeting with SUPD to discuss on-campus lighting recycling. and creating a GPS feature on the SUBR app that The goals for Special Events Committee listed on would provide the current location of the nearest bus. the agenda were creating Thanksgiving Baskets, and In meeting with the campus police department, the beginning a “Senate Night Out”. The group also has senate discovered that the police force does perform partnered with Association for Women Students for a lighting checks on campus three times a week, Thanksgiving food drive titled “Thanks for Giving”.

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Do you Remember?

BY: Felix Cunningham III The Southern DIGEST

The human mind is a tricky thing that attains memories. It has been proven with football fans all over the world. With one team possibly climbing the ladder with 12 wins straight, humans cannot forget is a mere fumble that may end with a surprising touchdown, ending a loss. No matter how many times a team wins, the worst they can do is fall from grace, entering into turmoil that is hard fought or not.

Sometimes humans are cruel creatures.

In the case of Southern vs. Grambling in the Mercedes-Superdome last year, ignited fans, alumni, and students collided into what they thought would’ve been a showdown. Yet, the win only made first year head coach, Dawson Odums, legendary with their win 40-17.

All season, the Jaguars awaited their chance to score with Grambling 20-20. One would call the next one destiny, but the glory and fame that came with it was another story.

Just to jog your memory.

Do you remember SU running back, Lenard Tillery scoring his first rushing touchdown in the last Bayou Classic game? If that doesn’t touch your ears or soften the hearts, there’s more.

Former SU football player and walk-on, Lee Doss, had two touchdown catches in his last season and his last Bayou Classic game, but with nostalgia he had to end it well. Ending the season, Doss surpassed Juamorris Stewart for most receiving yards during a season, which at the time was 1,047 and he finished the season with 1,172 receiving yards.

Do you remember the 27-3 halftime offered by such a collegiate force?

The team may have surprised the Jaguar Nation with two touchdowns back-to-back and made them nervous due to the 27-17 that scared the audience into thinking there’s only a field goal and a touchdown to tie. Grambling’s quarterback, Jonathon Williams and his offense moved near the goal line and threw 11 yards for a touchdown and then another eight yards to account for another touchdown.

But Grambling faced a revamped Jaguar squad in which losing was not an option in the playbook. Though the fans gasped and gave each of their team hurrahs.

In the back field, former Southern quarterback, Dray Joseph finished the game with 226 yards and three touchdowns.

Do you remember the Jaguar defense forcing Grambling to turnovers in the deciding quarter?

Keep in mind, the interception made by Virgil Williams and the forced fumble by Southern’s linebacker Daniel Brown, turnover on downs, and incomplete passes made by senior D.J. Williams to finish the game was something to remember. In memory, his last game was bitter, due to the opponents being bitter rivals to the core.

The sad thing about it is that everyone that witnessed the game, got alerts via Sportscenter, Twitter, Facebook, or saw posts on Instgram.

It can and always will be remembered and viewed via the worldwide web.

However do not let this affect the drive that enters the game ahead of the jags. The Jaguar fans amongst all others even in light of a new season will remember glory and hold steadfast to it. As fans, they are spoiled to see Southern win the gold.

Sometimes humans can be so cruel to remember a loss but hopefully the 41st will change things.

Road to Glory: Southern finishes strong

Derylle Spears II/DIGEST Sophomores Middle Blocker Leilani Lealaimatafao and Phalen Clark attempt to block an Alabama State spike at the 2014 SWAC Volleyball Tournament.

BY: Felix Cunningham III The Southern DIGEST Former head coach of the women’s volleyball team, Nathaniel Denu, predicted that the Lady Jags will not be the underdogs in tournament play but surpass limits that they haven’t before.

He was absolutely right.

The road to the championship isn’t an easy one in women’s volleyball as it has been fifteen years since Southern University has reached the pinnacle they have now when they hosted the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship double elimination tournament at Clifford Seymour Gym and Horace Moody Sr. Intramural Complex, November 22 through the 23.

Unfortunately, in tournament play, Southern went undefeated until they faced Alabama

State on November 23, in which they were eliminated from the tournament and Alabama State was named SWAC Champions. The first game wasn’t a clean sweep by the Lady Hornets but Southern held onto the first set and stretched to the fourth set (25-20, 14-25, 19-25, 17-25). The second game ended in a clean sweep by the Lady Hornets (17-25, 16-25, 18-25).

Southern overcame many teams before they reached this point. First on November 22, the Lady Jags extinguished Alabama A&M in a desired clean sweep (25-18, 25-18, 25-20).

On the same day, they also took down Texas Southern once again in the same fashion as the previous team (25-19, 25-23, 25-23).

Their road block from the sweep was Jackson State in which Southern took it to the

Finish Strong from P. 4

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DIGESTFILE The Southern Jaguars showed all muscle last year as they dismantled the Grambling Tigers with a final score of 40-13. The two rivals will face off this saturday in New Orleans, LA to determine who will face Alcorn State for the 2014 SWAC Championship.

20-20 Who Will Break the Tie? BY:Felix Cunningham III The Southern DIGEST

Bitter rivals Southern University and Grambling State University, both tied for first place in the Western Division of the SWAC have a date with destiny at the 41st Bayou Classic on November 29 in the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

Whichever team breaks the 20-20 tie will face the Eastern Division Champs, Alcorn State.

For Southern, defending their championship is all but a short reach, but a journey that will implement everything that they can exhaust.

Grambling State wants to acclaim their notability as SWAC Champions by winning against the pesky Braves in Houston, Texas on December 6, but first the face a hungry Southern team ready to repeat as champions.

Star-struck by their last win against Mississippi Valley State 44-13 on November 15 in A.W. Mumford Stadium, Southern reaches the pinnacle of the season facing a revived Grambling. Southern won six games in a row after their horrific loss against Alcorn 16-56 in Lorman, Mississippi.

In their boost of intensity of another SWAC victory, head coach Dawson Odums said, “We play playoff games every week.”

Yet they played as if everything is on the line and bringing back soul and reputation to the Bayou Classic. Grambling, excusing the insufferable season called 2013 mimicking Mississippi Valley State this season with one win now has struck gold with winning a lucky number seven in a row.

Their acclaimed luck ran out when they faced Alabama State losing 37-23 on the same night that Southern secure the tie for the first place spot.

Southern and Grambling had a five game stretch of wins.

Southern at their homecoming on October 4 took the win and trampled Arkansas-Pine Bluff 51-36 and on the same night Grambling shone light on Alabama A&M on their home field, 38-28. Southern the following week on October 11, turned a downfall into a 35-

34 win in Huntsville and Grambling showed up Southern when they harshly battled Alcorn State at home and won 28-21. While Southern took a well needed break after a hard fought war, Grambling on October 18 trounced Arkansas-Pine Bluff 63-39 at home. Grambling took the next week off and Southern slid their time cards in at Veteran Memorial Stadium near the heart of Jackson, Mississippi and beat Boombox Classic rivals, Jackson State 42-28. With both teams tying their cleats on November 1, Southern surprised the SWAC when pulled the stingers off of Alabama State, 28-21. In the same night at primetime, Grambling caged Texas Southern and extinguished their scoring game 35-7. On a Thursday, November 6, Grambling tended to sneaky Mississippi Valley State with their last streak win, 38-23. That Saturday, November 8, Southern surprised the SWAC when they copped the win against Texas Southern 30-20.

On Southern’s end, true freshman, Austin Howard, tested his hands on the cockpit called Jaguar football and had a throwing average of 139-272 with only seven interceptions with 51.6 percent for completions, 1924 yards and 14 touchdowns.

On Grambling’s side seasoned, Jonathon Williams had a throwing average of 114183 with only slipping with five interceptions with 62.6 percent completion, 1,719 yards and 13 touchdowns. Williams opened the defense with his dual threat option and quick feet having attaining 373 net yards and seven touchdowns under his belt.

Grambling’s defense only allowed two teams to score more than thirty points and only one game against Alcorn was the only close game that existed.

Those two will show their worth as they will lead their teams to glory and breaking the tie will be what the Bayou Classic is all about. Either the young team, Southern or the revived contenders will grasp the reigns.

Both team’s momentum will be tested on the field and fans will be awaiting the players at the Superdome with 20-20 vision to see who will be the finest.

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Tuesday, November 25, 2014- Page 5 Finish Strong from P. 4

Total Touchdowns Total: 45

Wins 1979 1981 1982 1987 1988 1991 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2002 2003 2006 2007 2012 2013

20

Overall Defense Rank: 5th

Scoring Defense Rank: 6th

Overall Offense Rank: 4th

Scoring Offense Rank: 3rd

Total Points:

369 points scored this season 33.5/Game

Wins 20

Overall Defense Rank: 8th

Scoring Defense Rank: 5th

Overall Offense Rank: 6th

Scoring Offense Rank: 4th

Total Points: 341 points scored Avg. 31.0/Game Total Touchdowns Total: 41

1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1980 1983 1984 1985 1986 1989 1990 1992 2001 2004 2005 2008 2009 2010 2011 Statistics (Based on 11 Games Played) Courtesy SWAC.ORG

fifth set at home (25-21, 18-25, 2521, 23-25, 15-11) At primetime on the same night that Southern took the win from Jackson State is when they lost in the championship round against Alabama State. Head coach Venessa Jacobs despite the odds said that she is proud of the team for going all of the way.

“I’m proud of them no matter what because we were four and four in the season and nobody expected us to be where we were but we got here. We set goals and we accomplished all but one but next time we have to be the one holding those hats,” said Jacobs.

The one recruited by Jacobs, senior Marisol Macias, was talked positively by her teammate sophomore Phalen Clark with, “She played her heart out and that’s all we can ask for.”

Macias ends her last night with her spirit intact but with nostalgia for the sport.

“I told Marisol that when I recruited her that we were going to change the culture of our program and that’s what we did tonight,” said Jacobs in high spirits after the tournament.

In high hopes at the end of the season Southern might not have captured the gold but next year, they will be contenders as they will be known to be tournament runner ups instead of underdogs.

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The Bayou Classic Experience BY: Courtney Jacobs The Southern DIGEST

During this time of the year, students here at Southern University are preparing to spend their time with their families at home for the Thanksgiving holiday, along with studying for final exams to finally wrap up the Fall 2014 semester.

Students—even alumni, faculty, and the entire Jaguar Nation in general—are also preparing to take that one hour and 45 minute ride to the city of New Orleans to enjoy the rivalry and festivities of the 41st Bayou Classic.

Everyone knows the basics of the Bayou Classic—the intense rivalry between Grambling State University and Southern University, then afterwards the night life festivities of Bourbon Street.

What everyone doesn’t truly realize is that the Bayou Classic is more than just a football game. It’s a cultural experience— the culture and festivities of city of New Orleans is at its peak during this time of the year (during this time and during Mardi Gras, of course).

Vendors are lined up and down the streets near the MercedesBenz Superdome, selling quick foods to curve someone’s hunger after a long day of walking throughout the main parts of the city.

Walking along Bourbon Street is more than just clubs, places to eat, and alcohol. One would also see street performers, painters, and just about everything else one can imagine that one would usually see in a motion picture.

Keona Daniels, a 20 year old junior urban forestry major from Waldorf, Maryland, has been to the Bayou Classic both with family and friends.

“My mom is a Southern University alumn, so it was enjoyable to be with her and to see her interacting with her old classmates, and to hear her talking about previous Bayou Classics,” said Daniels.

Daniels also mentioned that while going with her family, she

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was still in high school, so she was able to get a taste of the experience before even attending Southern University.

“Going with friends is different than family because I have more freedom and I can enjoy the night life. New Orleans is more than just New Orleans at the time of Bayou Classic—it’s like a huge family reunion,” finished Daniels.

Daniels mentioned that if someone from the Jaguar Nation saw her with a Southern University shirt, they would greet her as if they were family members.

Jaquel Watts—a 21 year old junior biology premed major and chemistry minor from Donaldsonville, Louisiana remembers her first Bayou Classic.

“My very first experience at Bayou Classic was during my freshman year and it was amazing,” said Watts.

“I remember walking the streets of New Orleans, staying in the luxury hotel, and eating the best Southern food. Seeing the sites of the French Quarter made me cherish my history.”

Watts also mentioned that watching the game, cheering on the Jaguars, and even watching the Human Jukebox and Dancing Dolls perform is what really made her experience enjoyable.

“I am definitely attending the Bayou Classic again this year. It’s an experience you can’t miss!” finished Watts.

Besides the long awaited game, there are many events being held, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Fan Fest concert series, which will be featuring artists such as Adrian Marcel, Teyana Taylor, and bounce artist 5th Ward Weebie. The full schedule of events can be found at www.mybayouclassic.com.

All in all, besides the intense but friendly competition between Southern University and Grambling State University, the Bayou Classic is also a culture-shock of an experience that will have its visitors wanting to visit again for many years to come.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014 - Page 7

The Southern Digest encourages the Jaguar Nation to be safe during the 41st Bayou Classic weekend in New Orleans, LA by following the safety tips above . GO JAGS!

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Night at the “Groove Lounge”

Alliyah Moore/DIGEST

The Kappa Kappa chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota close the “Groove Lounge” with a group performance in Java City, Friday, November 21, 2014.

BY:

Alliyah Moore The Southern DIGEST

The Kappa Kappa Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) held their annual “Groove Lounge” on Friday, November 21 at the Java Café. SAI was chartered on Southern University campus on April 20th, 2002 and was formed to “uphold the highest standard of music” and to “further the development of music in America and throughout the world.”

Through the emplimentation of these standards, SAI presents a series of musical programs and concerts which are open to SU students,

faculty, community and alumni.

Friday’s event began with an opening performance from SAI members who did a rendition of Erykah Badu’s “Boogie Nights.”

Other selections soon followed such as solo performances and spoken-word poets. DeAundra Holmes performed a whimsical performance of Frank Ocean’s “Forrest Gump” following CheVon Allen’s rendition of Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie.” Shortly after, SAI members opened the floor to several students who wanted to recite poetry. Among the line up was Ariel Pierre, a music education major from Edgar and member of SAI for almost 2 years. Pierre stated, “ I joined for the sisterhood. I have a strong love for music and if we all love music why not share it.” After the event, current SAI President, Joy Sims said, “ I am very satisfied with tonight’s turnout. It was amazing to see so many people and get such a great amount of support.” For more information on upcoming events from Sigma Alpha Iota, follow on Instagram @kappakappa_sai.

Derylle Spears II/DIGEST Che’Von Allen, Sigma Alpha Iota member, harmonizes on the microphone during SAI’s “Groove Lounge” in Java City, Friday, November 21, 2014.

Alliyah Moore/DIGEST Ariel Pierre, Music Education major and member of Sigma Alpha Iota, performs during “Groove Lounge” in Java City hosted by SAI, Friday, November 21, 2014.

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) BY: Lavarius Cotton The Southern DIGEST Many have heard of the “ice bucket challenge,” but do you truly know the meaning behind it or are you just conforming to the latest trend. The goal of the “ice bucket challenge” is to bring awareness for a disease known as ALS. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disease (ALS), sometimes referred to as “Lou Gehring’s Disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost.

This effect is present when performing the “ice bucket challenge.”

There are three forms of ALS. These forms include Sporadic, Guamanian, and Familial.

The Familial form occurs more than once in a family line and accounts for a very small number of cases in the United States. The Guamanian form is mostly observed in Guam and the Trust Territories of the Pacific. The most common form is Sporadic. It can affect anyone, anywhere.

When ALS first begins, signs and symptoms are so mild that they may be overlooked.

Some symptoms may include impairment of the use of the arms and legs, “thick speech” and difficulty in projecting the voice, and twitching and cramping of the muscles. Other symptoms may include muscle weakness in the hands, arms, or legs, and trouble with breathing in more severe cases.

ALS is a difficult disease to diagnose.

There is no one test or procedure to ultimately establish the diagnosis as ALS. A diagnosis can be established through a clinical examination and series of diagnostic tests. A comprehensive diagnostic test may include a thorough neurological examination, myelogram of cervical spine, spinal tap , a muscle or nerve biopsy, or MRI. The most commonly used diagnostic tests are electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and simple blood and urine studies.

No cure has yet been discovered for ALS. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved drug treatments Rilutek or Riluzole. Riluzole is believed to reduce damage to motor neurons by decreasing the release of glutamate. Riluzole does not reverse the damage already done to motor neurons.

Patients taking the drug must be monitored for liver damage and other possible side effects.

All other treatments are simply designed to relieve symptoms and improve one’s quality of life which can often be painful.

“My granny had ALS and you could see how she was trying to continue her daily life but she just couldn’t [it was difficult],” said Tiffany Broussard, a 19 year old sophomore nursing major from Lake Charles, Louisiana.

With the help of the many ALS foundations located around the world, researchers are working to formulate many medications that could hopefully reverse this neurodegenerative disease. Though the “ice bucket challenge” is a fun and easy way to bring awareness, there are more productive ways to do it. Donate to the numerous ALS foundations and their research departments. Spread the word : ALS is an epidemic that must be retained.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014 - Page 9

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In the 40 plus years that the Bayou Classic has existed, this is bound to be the most epic Classic ever with Grambling State University and Southern University having 20 wins a-piece, Nov 29 will be the tie-breaking game.

“It gives them (students) a chance to appreciate the history and legacy of HBCU football.

These are two major schools that get to compete in the arena,” said Charles Gidney, a GSU alumnus from the class of ’93.

“One team will have bragging rights for the next 364 days or until the other team wins,” said Zimblist Chalk, a GSU alumnus from the class of ’89.

Aside from the game, there are other activities and events that add to the Bayou Classic experience like the Battle of the Bands, Greek Step Show and the various attractions of the New Orleans area.

Specifically about the bands, Gidney said, “You get to see the bands to a much further extent compared to what you would see during a halftime show.”

Chalk said, ”The parties changed over the years but the experience has always been good.” He expressed to me that experiencing the Classic is a must - especially as a student.

“The energy you will feel by going to the Classic is something you can’t fathom, you can’t imagine,” said Chalk.

Chalk went on to further elaborate on his experiences saying that he remembers the camaraderie he had with other GSU students in New Orleans as well as his fraternity brothers from Southern.

“You are able to interact and build a bond with student’s from Southern,” said Chalk, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. The Thanksgiving holiday as well as the New Orleans atmosphere is more than enough for one to find something to do.

“The culture of New Orleans is very unique,” said Gidney. The different parties, the exotic food, the second lines and just the atmosphere are just some of the things one has the chance to experience in New Orleans during the Bayou Classic.

“I met students that didn’t even go to Grambling or Southern but just wanted the experience,” said Chalk. He added that it is up to alumni and students to take the university seriously.

“We are the armor bearers of our school. If you’re not wearing the shirts or if you’re not talking about Grambling then who is?”

Chalk also says that the experiences at Grambling helps students to grow and that if students and alumni don’t support the University and team at the Classic then one isn’t truly giving back.

“If you want to turn up and see a good game between Grambling and Southern you should definitely go,” said Paige Robinson, a senior biology major from New Orleans.

2014 Bayou Classic Event Schedule Bayou Classic is typically known for the Southern University vs. Grambling State University football game, Battle of the Bands and Greek show, but what about the other events held outside of the dome? The full list can be found at mybayouclassic.com.

Wednesday November 26, 2014 • One event is Business of the Future: A United States Black Chambers & New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce (NORBCC) Solutions Series, which takes place November 26 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel from 8:00a.m. -12:00p.m. The series is made up of a half panel series with national corporations that give advice on how to grow and sustain your business.

Thursday November 27, 2014 • The Bayou Classic Smoke-Free Thanksgiving Day Parade will be held November 27 from 3:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. The parade will start at the MercedesBenz Superdome and end at the French Market.

Friday November 28, 2014 • The Bayou Classic Golf Tournament will take place at the Joseph Bartholomew Golf course in Pontchartrain Park from 10:00a.m.-until on November 28. This event gives participants an opportunity to show off their golf skills and it is the third year third year of attendance of the Bayou Classic.

• The University Business Summit will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel from 9:00a.m.-11:00 a.m. on November 28. Panelists such as Microsoft, Presidents from Southern University, Grambling State, and ULL will discuss the future of business, and ways they are keeping up with the business trend.

• The University Business Summit is the Black Enterprise Elevator Pitch Program from 11:30a.m.12:30p.m. directly after the University Business summit in the Hyatt Regency Hotel. There will be a contest, allowing participants to pitch business ideas, and those 10 finalists will pitch ideas before a live panel of judges. Pre registration was required, and entry is now closed.

• The Bayou Classic Business Challenge 2014 will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel from 2:00p.m.-4:00 p.m. on November 28.

Small businesses will be awarded cash prices to help create more jobs and growth. Capital One Bank sponsors this event.

• The Career and College fair will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel from 10:00am-3:00pm on November 28. This event allows current students and graduates to connect with companies for job opportunities. The small businesses can win up to 25,000 dollars.

Saturday November 29, 2014 • Fan Fest will take place in the Champions Square from 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. on November 29.

This event free showcases of musicians such as Young Greatness, Dee-1, Adrian Marcel, 5th Ward Weebie, Kirko Bangz, Luke James, Teyanna Taylor, and Rae Sremmurd.

Sunday November 30, 2014 • Kirk Franklin will present The Gospel at the House of Blues from 10:00 a.m. on November 30.

To register, RSVP spots and buy tickets for the Golf Tournament and Gospel Brunch, go to mybayouclassic.com for links.

All events are hosted in New Orleans, La. For more information about Bayou Classic, go to mybayouclassic.com.

Other events that are would be inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome is the Kick-Off Press Conference on November 25, Battle of the Bands and Greek Show on November 28, Doe Griggs 2X’x Around the Dome on November 29, and the 41st Bayou Annual Bayou Classic on November 29.

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VOTING TIPS ON ELECTION DAY • Where can I vote?

The Secretary of State’s website has a full list of locations, so you can pick the one more convenient for you. There is also a free app for iPhone and Android to check voting locations, named GeauxVote.

• When can I vote?

On actual election days, polling hours will extend from 6 AM to 8 PM. However, during early voting, which ends on Nov. 29, polling hours will be from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. • Do I need to bring anything with me?

All you need to bring with you to the polls is a picture ID. • Is there still time to register to vote?

No, the last day for voting registration for the December 6 election was November 17.

• What am I voting for?

Votes will be cast to decide who will be given the title of Senator of Louisiana.

For more information, visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.la.gov, or www.rockthevote.com.

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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

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The Southern DIGEST BY: Felix Cunningham III The Southern DIGEST

The Southern Digest has been covering campus news since 1926 and as a whole, the students of free speech have been busting their behinds to bring the campus news, sports, culture, and an opinion section for a minimal fee.

For the money that is made, we output more work than we are being paid.

We are the pinnacle of Southern University history because we blatantly cover Southern University as a whole. If you don’t believe that we do then all we can do is try with the information that we have or receive.

First of all to get the informalities out of the way, we don’t have to cover you. At all.

We choose to and in my opinion I feel that it would be a divine pleasure to be featured

in a newspaper especially one that focuses on the writers’ future as well as features the faculty, staff, student, or anyone who has an effect on the university.

We are not a Public Relations firm, but we are the newspaper, we have to report the good along with the bad, otherwise, we aren’t doing our job and that’s not why we get out of bed in the morning. We get out of bed remembering the right to free press.

Secondly, we work too hard on this paper to be printed for your entertainment just for anyone to glance at errors. I see the students in the office stare blankly into the computer screen fighting writer’s block and issues of self-consciousness. We urge them to move forward and push out excellence in the paper.

That being said, we are human and we do make mistakes and we are pieces of our departments and using this as a stepping stone to gain experience for job opportunities and beyond. If you are salty about mistakes or if we “left out something,” feel free to call our advisor and not take your negativity out on the student. Let’s not forget we are

The Southern DIGEST vs. The Gramblinite not born perfect but we strive to be. Also if your curriculum is sad, don’t try to tell the class to copy-edit a paper because it only shows that Southern pays you too much to come up with work on the fly. Every paper has errors.

Plus if you want to name mistakes, then sweep the dirt off of your own porch before you try to come at us. I want to name all of the mistakes that our university has made, but for your sake I don’t think it’s a good idea; it just might be a best-seller. If you have any issues feel free to call our office and we will gladly invite you to apply and become a copy-editor. in return that will make you apart of the entity of known as “The Southern Digest.” If you don’t like that idea then take the advice your mother should have taught you: if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.

For the people who haven’t complained and but have given us constructive criticism in an effort to make us better, thank you.

We humbly appreciate your readership and hope to maintain your support and constituent words of encouragement.

My Bayou Classic Experience: The Bayou Classic is a tradition for all generations. If your parents graduated from Southern then you most likely have experienced at least one Bayou Classic. For me, I was privileged enough to experience the Bayou Classic at least ten times in my life. Before the Hyatt Regency hotel was rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina, the unique hotel had a mall, a Café Du Monde, and so much more. I remember enjoying beignets, shopping, and enjoying a buffet breakfast before game time. I was so excited to get to the game, to see the band, the dancing dolls, and to cheer my jags onto victory. I’ve enjoyed going to Bayou Classic with my whole family including my mom, my grandparents, my aunts, my uncle, and all of my cousins. We would eat Popeye’s, get off on Loyola Street and buy Tastee donuts, and of course endure the drama of finding a parking spot. I would have my blue and gold shaker, my jaguar print ribbons in my hair and a smile on my face. I knew Bayou Classic would be the highlight of my year.

Later on in my teenage years I got to experience actually staying in New Orleans at the Crown Astoria hotel, with my mom, aunts, and uncle. This would be my first time witnessing the Greek show and the battle of the bands. At this point I had never been to a Greek show, I sat back with my nachos and I enjoyed the fraternities and sororities stepping. The battle of bands was fun also; just a piece of advice the

battle of bands and Greek show is a big event, so I would arrive early! After the Greek show was over, my uncle, aunt, and I walked back to our hotel, and we stopped for some famous New Orleans hot sausage. This hot sausage was like one I had never seen before. It was made with onions, peppers, and all the mustard you wanted.

For me bayou classic was an experience I would never forget. I was blessed to be able to spend the weekend or game day with my family and have the most amazing time ever. The food, the atmosphere, and the rivalry were a part of my experience. The concert outside of the dome was also a treat. Different artists would participate and perform for fans, I would somehow always make it out the dome late and miss the concert, I guess 5th quarter with the band always had my attention. My mother would hold my hand as we walked out of the dome, because people would be everywhere. Grambling fans and Southern fans would take over the dome. If you sat next to a Grambling fan then you knew that some arguing was about to go down. I remember shaking my shaker in the face of a girl whose mom was obviously an alumnus from Grambling, as my mom is an alumni of Southern. I didn’t mean to harm to her, I was just letting her know which school was best. It was the little things that made the Bayou Classic so fun for me. Those donuts with my family, my mom laying out my Bayou Classic outfit, and my family piling in our cars to get to New Orleans, was what I wanted every November. You can’t grow up a Jag, and not enjoy the infamous Bayou Classic.

WE’RE SOCIAL!

For Live Bayou Classic Tweets, follow us on twitter @southerndigest

BAYOU CLASSIC SCORE PREDICTIONS

Who will break tie?

Meagan Williams Editor-In-Chief The Southern DIGEST

42- 0

Evan Hale Copy Editor The Gramblinite

35-21

Lauren Johnson Managing Editor The Southern DIGEST

58 -12 Tierra Smith Editor-In-Chief The Gramblinite

21-7

Felix Cunningham III Sports Editor The Southern DIGEST

41-27

From a fans perspective BY: Melinda Dupas The Southern DIGEST

Tuesday, November 25, 2014 - Page 11

Poem of the

BY JOSHUA SLYVESTER

STAFF WRITER

Poem of the week

“Broken Dreams” Dishonest promises Mixed with a false sense of confidence Incompetence Hoping one day that I wake up and regain consciousness And realize my accomplishments But If I could I’d turn back the hands of time Go back to when the stars were aligned And pray that I could somehow make you mine But at least not in this life Cause I really want to make this thing right While I’m struggling through the night As I’m looking at the knife on the table Thinking maybe if a cut a few cables That I’ll begin to bleed And you’ll come heal me And prove to be the one that need Or should I just wait on destiny To say what’s best for me Rest in peace from pain Conceived from life Then speak HIS name People are looking at me talking about he’s insane Because they don’t know what it’s like to get caught up when you hope that things gone change Until you realize that you were focused on broken dreams.

Nobel Michael Voices Editor The Gramblinite

41-40 Torrance Latham Sports Writer The Southern DIGEST

31-24

DID YOU KNOW? (1. )The First Bayou Classic was played November 23, 1974 in Tulane Stadium (2.) Southern has the most consecutive Bayou Classic wins with 8 games (1993-2000) (3.) Grambling holds the longest winning streak in the overall series with 9 games (1970-1979) (4.) A waterford crystal trophy is awarded to the winning team.

Page 12, THE SOUTHERN DIGEST, November 25, 2014