Southern DIGEST The
LOUISIANA’S LEADING COLLEGE WEEKLY VOLUME 63
About the layout
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA NOVEMBER 18, 2014
Number 13
This original layout was used for the volume 55 issues of The Southern DIGEST in the 1980’s.
Page 2, THE SOUTHERN DIGEST, November 18, 2014
Viewpoints
News Briefs
"An Unloved Community"”
Operation Warm
Ambrosia Williams Staff Writer
Miss Sophomore along with Jag Ambassador and the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi presents “Operation Keep Warm.” Participants can drop off coats for kids on the 2nd Floor of the Union. The deadline is November 24.
Jags Got Talent
The Senior Class presents “Jags Got Talent,” November 19, at 7pm in the Cotillion Ballroom. There will be prizes for the three top winners. For any questions or concerns contact Diamond Moses at lanae985@gmail.com or Josh Ross at joshjross93@gmail. com.
Save our Southern
Voter Action month begins November 12 and ends December 6, Visit Geauxvote.com for more information. #SOS2014
Centennial Yearbook
Yearbooks are now available to all students in The Office of Student Media. Stop by 1064 T.H. Harris Hall.
AWS Food Drive
AWS will host a Thanksgiving Food Drive November 5-21. Benefits will go towards the Office of Student Organizations Annual Big Buddy Luncheon. Please bring non perishable items to AWS office loated on the 2nd Floor of the Student Union, 300 Apartment Office, Shade, Totty, Or Boley Hall.
Mission Possible Leadership Conference
Will be held November 21 in the SU Global Conference Center in T.T. Allain from 9 a.m. – 5p.m. The event will be hosted by Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards, Banks Consulting, Southern University College of Business, and Good Work.
Keep our Campus Clean
Please remember to dispose of all trash and paper at the end of your class period. Help keep our university clean.
Jag Ambassadors
Will host #25DaysofThanksgiving project lasting from November 1-25. JagAmb wants to give #teamsu a chance to post pictures and captions of your SELFLESS acts of kindness from November 9-19. There is no limit to the number of “different“ posts you can submit. Hashtag #Amb25, post a pic of your act-of-kindness with your best caption, tag your classification ad you may have a chance to win one of many Bayou Classic prize packs #teamsu #payitforward
University Choir Fall Concert
The Southern University Concert Choir under the direction of Charles Lloyd, Jr. will hold it’s Annual Fall Concert entitled “We’ll Walk In The Light” today at 3:30pm in the Stewarr Hall Auditorium. Guest performers will be Jacqueline Paige-Green and Richard Hobson, baritone. The concert is free to the public.
World Aids Day SU be S.A.F.E. & The Senior Class presents World AIDS Day. Thursday, November 20 in Boley Hall at 7pm. Event will feature trivia, carnival games, food, free HIV Testing.
Students, faculty, alumni, and fans, we have an issue. There seems to be a major lack in support from the Jaguar Nation. What happened to the loyalty to our great university? When did we decided that our school events were not important or worth showing up to? It is time to stop picking and choosing event to go to and support any and every event that benefits the flourishing Southern University. For some weeks, the attendance at the SU football games have dwindled tremendously. It could be blamed on the drop in temperatures, or it could be that our attention is directed elsewhere. How many Southern students supported Louisiana State University as they battled against the University of Alabama? On the other hand, how many LSU students came to support the Southern Jags? Did they even know who our opponent was or what the score was when the clock struck zero? Based on social media, some of the Jaguar Nation was outraged by the ones who went out of their way to watch LSU play when we needed their support at home under the lights at A.W. “Ace” Mumford stadium. Besides small turnouts at football games, other athletic programs do not get the support they deserve such as Women’s Soccer and Volleyball and Men and Women’s Track and Field. We must show our pride to those men and women that represent the Jaguar Nation
on the court and field and track. Not only are we neglecting to support the athletics at Southern, we are neglecting our right to vote even when the opportunity presents itself right here on campus. Tuesday, November 4 was Election Day. That Wednesday, the Men’s Federation hosted a pageant, searching to crown the best female candidate as Ms. Men’s Federation 2014-2015. A representative from Mary Landrieu’s campaign dropped by to express her disappointment that there were more students in the Cotillion Ballroom that night than there were students that came to vote on campus the day before. She then extended the opportunity for attendants to register to vote online. Is a pageant really that much more important? Is a block party at the pavilion just that much more interesting or fun? Time has to be set aside to support all aspects of our great Southern University. Back in the day, it was natural to show support. It was considered almost abnormal not to go. The generation of today has lost that “die-hard fan” mentality. Things just seem to get done whenever he or she feels like doing it. Southern University is our community. It is our home. We must make it feel loved. We must show the world that our HBCU is the best place to be. Support your community, Jaguar Nation!
* Disclaimer: The views expressed in this commentary are solely the writers opinion and in no way reflect the views or thoughts of the Southern DIGEST.
The
Southern
DIGEST
The Sentinal of an Enlightened Student Body DIGEST STAFF
Editor-in-Chief................................................................ Managing Editor............................................................. News Editor ................................................................... Layout Editor ................................................................. Photo Editor ................................................................... Sports Editor .................................................................. Copy Editor..................................................................... Multimedia Editor .......................................................... Staff Writer ..................................................................... Staff Writer ..................................................................... Staff Writer ..................................................................... Staff Writer ..................................................................... Staff Writer ..................................................................... Staff Writer ..................................................................... Staff Writer ..................................................................... Staff Writer ..................................................................... Staff Photographer ......................................................... Staff Photographer ......................................................... Staff Photographer ......................................................... Staff Photographer ......................................................... Staff Photographer .........................................................
Meagan L. WIliams Lauren Johnson Laquencia Parker Marcus Tomlin Joshua Mckight Felix Cunningham III Samantha Johnson Alliyah Moore Kayla Foster Marchandrea Seals Lavarius Cotton Keylan Scott Laquencia Parker Sage Edgerson Torrance Latham Joshua Slyvester Alliyah Moore Astavven Cotton Nia Becnel Courtney Jacobs Melinda Dupas
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SUITE 1064 T.H. HARRIS HALL POST OFFICE BOX 10180 BATON ROUGE, LA 70813 PHONE: 225.771.2231 FAX: 225.771.5840 ONLINE @ www.southerndigest.com
Page 3, THE SOUTHERN DIGEST, November 18, 2014
Campus Headlines The history of SU and its surroundings Why we should Celebrate BY: Keylan Scott The Southern DIGEST Ask yourself, “As a member of society and Southern University, why are things the way they are?” The Answer: Simply because we don’t know our history. We have no notion of when or where we are derived from. We lack the notion of the history behind Southern University and the area in which it resides. We all acknowledge that it is the Centennial Year for Southern University and A&M College, but that isn’t the only organism that has been around for one hundred years; so has the area of Scotlandville. Many consider this area mostly urban, but initially, Scotlandville was once a very rural community. The area was initially named Scot’s Bluff, after the cotton planter Dr. William Bernard Scott, whose plantation was on the banks of the Mississippi. The plantation was titled the Kernan Plantation, from which the lake on campus derives its name. The area was high in slave trafficking, as those enslaved were shipped to and from New Orleans from the banks of the Mississippi. The Civil War put an end to this, with many casualties, blacks and whites alike. Some of these slaves who worked the plantation are buried on the grounds of Southern. After the Reconstruction era, the area was officially named Scotlandville, Louisiana. It began to be industrialized with grocery stores
A Masterpiece: The Frank Hayden Story
run by merchants from Italy, by way of New Orleans; the Dragos and the Crumbholts. It wasn’t until 1915 that blacks began populating the area as merchants and not sharecroppers. The first blacks to own a business in the Scotlandville area were Amanda and Arteal Kelly. They ran a grocery store, bus station, and a gas station. Shortly after, other blacks began to build businesses in the area as well; most notably the London and Franklin families, who also ran bus stations. A year prior to the expansion of black businesses, a black owned and operated system spawned; Southern University. The university originated in New Orleans as an institution for higher education of blacks. In 1910, Joseph Samuel Clark, who was president of the Baton Rouge College and the Louisiana Colored Teachers Association, noticed that there was a lack of teachers in rural areas. Clark created a committee whose goal was to make a request to Governor J.Y. Sanders and the General Assembly that a school for blacks be founded in a more rural area of Louisiana. Sanders opposed establishing a second institution of higher learning blacks, but he was in favor of moving Southern University from New Orleans to a rural area. Clark took the measure to the polls; it passed in the House but failed in the Senate. He gained help from his friend and Superintendent T.H. Harris. Harris proposed that the new institution would train teachers in agriculture, manual training, and domestic services.
He also presented the idea that institution be located in a rural area for the best training, and that they sell Southern University in New Orleans, and invest those profits into building a new Southern University in a rural area. There were issues about which rural area to choose from; Donaldsonville, New Iberia, Alexandria, and Grambling. After whites voiced their disapproval, each idea was defeated by vote. Clark then turned to three rural areas in Baton Rouge; The Shaffer’s Plantation in South Baton Rouge, a plantation near Greenwell Springs Road, and the Kernan Place, a plantation in north Baton Rouge. Clark recommended that the Kernan Plantation was the best place, and the state of Louisiana purchased the 531 acre plot. The bill was introduced again in 1912 and passed both houses. The bill was signed by Governor Luther E. Hall. A year later, Clark was elected President of the new Southern University. In September of that year, Clark and his companions moved all their chairs, desks, buggies and tally hoes, mules and horses, school records and reports, tools, printing equipment, pianos, dump carts and band instruments to the new location in Scotlandville via boats and the Mississippi river. Today, those same chairs, desks, buggies and tally hoes, mules and horses, school records and reports, tools, printing equipment, pianos, dump carts and band instruments still exist at this new yet old location; celebrating 100 years.
BY: Kayla Foster The Southern DIGEST
The Southern University Baton Rouge campus is filled with many great statues that students can view every day, such as the Red Stick located at Scott’s Bluff and River Front Plaza. However, many may not know much about the creator Frank Hayden, for whom the University’s art department is named. Hayden was a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and after graduating from St. Augustine he received a scholarship to Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts while minoring in the German language. Hayden won ten scholarships to different graduate schools, but chose to attend Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana to study under one of the most powerful European artists, Ivan Mestrovic. There he earned his Masters of Fine Arts. He also received the Fulbright Scholarship and the opportunity to study under other twentieth-century European instructors and masters. Hayden became an internationally known artist and a member of the SUBR Visual Arts Department faculty. Frank Hayden remains significant, not only because of his creative contributions to the university, but also because of his desire to inspire others. His views are reflected in his artwork and the passion that went into them. “Frank Hayden was an excellent professor and made learning fun. He’d done a lot of talking and really engaged us in discussing art
DID YOU KNOW?
Astavven Cotton (right) Located on the Southern University’s campus, the Red Stick is the English translation for French Baton Rouge where the city acquired it’s name. It was sculpted in 1976 by the late Frank Hayden a former Southern University Faculty Member. (photo left) credit: Modern Art Foundry works and ways to find beauty in art and also beauty in life,” said Associate Professor of Art, Randell Henry. “I was influenced by him to make my own artwork and also to show my works in galleries. I watched him make his sculptures here at Southern University. Between his class work and his art work he did really significant things.” finished Henry. Hayden’s time came to an end in January 1988 when his mentally unstable son shot him while he was sleeping. Although the sculptor has passed, his work still lives on and art
“ The Triangle”
art courtesy:Bernette Braden - SU Alum
students today are still impacted by his work. “I think he was significant to the university and the Art Department because of his carbon footprint,” said Jessica Keys, a junior Visual Arts major. “He influenced students to get their art exposed to the world and create a signature style of art. His sculptures inspire me every time I sit on a bench at the union or the bluff.” finished Keys. Frank Hayden’s art will always remain and continue to encourage others.
Remembering Denver Smith and Leonard Brown BY: Allison Shay Publishing the Long Civil Right Movements
“Southern University recognizes the tragedy that was the murders of Denver Smith and Leonard Brown through the renaming of the student union to the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. The building houses the campus post office, bowling alley, food court, and other various activities and offices. The university recognized the 42 anniversary of the deaths of Smith and Brown on Sunday, November 16.” - Laquencia Parker On November 16, 1972, two African American students from Southern University (Baton Rouge) were killed on campus by white sheriff’s deputies during a peaceful protest. The two victims were taking part in a peaceful, unarmed protest by African American students who gathered at the university’s administration building to protest against the administration officials and their policies. Protests were ongoing as students fought for a greater voice in school affairs and the resignation of certain administrators. Several student protesters had been arrested the previous night, and the students who entered the administration building on November 16 sought their release. State police and sheriff’s deputies entered the administration building with firearms and tear gas; when they left, two students, Denver Smith and Leonard Brown, lay dead. Louisiana’s governor, Edwin Edwards, ordered the campus closed and declared a state of emergency for Baton Rouge, claiming that these “militant” students posed a threat. National Guard troops and police wearing riot gear patrolled Southern University. Sheriffs denied shooting the young men; Governor Edwards said the fatal shots might have accidentally come from the deputies’ guns, or might have come from any of several other sources: “It is obvious there are discrepancies and questions…In the heat of that kind of situation even if someone accidentally took a buckshot shell out of his pocket and loaded it and shot it, he would not be able to tell himself afterwards whether he had done it.” Although Edwards ordered an investigation, the shooter or shooters were never identified. This was not the first such shooting; two years earlier, unarmed students at Kent State had been killed by the Ohio National Guard during a protest against the American invasion of Cambodia. But this time, the shooting did not receive as much media attention-and most of the coverage that did appear cast the students as “militant”. Southern University’s Smith-Brown Memorial Union was named in honor of the two students.
The Triangle was built in 1959, consisting of four dorms. 1) Ollie Butler Moore Hall 2) Morris Henry Carroll Hall 3) Mildred Mc Kinley Saterwhite Hall 4) Octavia Head Clark Hall
Page 4, THE SOUTHERN DIGEST, November 18, 2014
Jaguar Sports ‘14
SWAC: “We’ve Been There” BY: Felix Cunningham III The Southern DIGEST
Southern University’s football program, in recent years has not been incumbent to seeing the Southwestern Athletic Championship, and by all means the fans have been ushering hope into seeing such majestic feats again. Alumni and students gather their Jaguar pride into collectively hoping the Jags pull it off. Since former Head Coach Pete Richardson’s last conference title victory in 2003, Southern hasn’t seen such gratuity. Well the lie detectors will show, that is a lie. Head Coach Dawson Odums stepped up after the departure of Coach Stump Mitchell; who stepped upon the fiery mantle and captured the SWAC Championship in 2013 after that ten year deficit. Let’s transverse ourselves into the present and see that Southern is on a rocky yet golden road to defend their championship posture in Texas for a repeat upset against clinched eastern opponent Alcorn State. Their first goal is to overcome Grambling at the 41st annual Bayou Classic and this game is to break the 20-20 tie and after their win on Saturday night against Mississippi Valley State 44-13, it is in sights. This rivalry will bring brightness back into the game of football and Southern can once again drink from the chalice of victory once again. As they take a two-week “break” of harsh discipline and skull bashing tactics to allow the cavalry to repeat history. The 10 teams within the SWAC have had some centurions within their grades but somehow there’s always been a surprise in the woodworks in which team will gather the trophy. Southern has became a bloodied gladiator in a fight of all fights. “We overall are not a bad team,” said present day coach Dawson Odums, “We sometimes have our off days but that will never stop our drive.” History has proven that. Let’s go back through time for a moment and remember those times. 19 SWAC Championships and nine Black College National Football Championships since 1921 can attest that Southern’s name is among the greats. 11 of those championships were by the illustrious and deceased, Arnett “Ace” Mumford in his football career from 1936-1961. Next runner up is the silent prototype, Pete Richardson acquiring 5 championships from his 17 season reign in 1993-2009, and runner ups are Robert E. Smith, Charles Bates, and Dawson Odums with one championship in their career. The football program has had challenges such as Rick Comegy, Eddie Robinson, Marino Casem, W.C. Gordon, Doug Porter, and many other coaches that have been through the ringer with Southern University and each and every time, Southern has found their way out of dark times and came through victorious whether with a trophy or with spirit.
4see SWAC on P. 5
The Prototype
Former SU Coach Pete Richardson BY: Felix Cunningham III The Southern DIGEST
A.W. Mumford Stadium has seen many sights; it has been the base for highlighted victories and extreme losses and has turned out to be one of the most excruciating home fields for other Southwestern Athletic Conference teams to come atop Southern University. The sneaky teams that have come through the SWAC conference have always found some ways to disappoint teams on the gridiron and there were no ways of knowing who would capture a title. But before the silent “prototype” appeared, there were many cold winters at the bluff of the Mississippi in which SWAC Championships couldn’t be found in the stars. Before the release of former head coach Marino Casem in 1992, Pete Richardson, virtually unknown in Louisiana, a man with a slender build, thick glasses and a quiet demeanor fumbled onto the campus and within those thick lens was a plan to invest change in the Jaguar locker-room. The Ohio native was the seventh draft pick, defensive back, of the Buffalo Bills from 19691971 was hired by former Southern University President, Ms. Dolores Spikes in 1993. When he first arrived his guarantee was to change the culture of Jaguar football. His arrival was indeed not a fluke. History has proven it. His first season in 1993, Richardson began his reign with 11 wins that season, the first double digit win by Southern since A.W. Mumford 1954 team winning 10 games and also celebrating a 30-13 win over Northwestern State and also capturing the SWAC Championship title.
In his first year, his means of change were indeed immediate as well as the outlook on Jaguar football for years to come. It was to prevail and overcome the seemingly losing Jaguar squad that was accumulating upsets from Grambling and letting Grambling acquire wins in the SWAC Championship and the Bayou Classic. His constant wins brought the winds of change on the field and it churned a crowd of an unusual large proportion and they came by the loads to see the Jaguars overcome leaps and bounds on the field. After his first season, he continued his well-oiled team to win four more SWAC Championships. Of those championships there was a 3-peat from 1997-1999 in which Southern did not relinquish a losing season and yet he kept the other teams in the SWAC from being sneaky. In his last reigning season in 2003, he had a 12-1 run in which he captured the conference gold merrily. With those SWAC Championships titles in order, in those years he collected four Black College National titles as well as being 12-5 in the illustrious Bayou Classic held in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in the hearth of the Crescent City. In those games against legend, Eddie Robinson, he is the only SWAC coach to have never lost against him and Robinson acquired 409 wins under his belt. In his 17 seasons, Robinson career record with SU was (136-62) with 68.4 percent of wins in which he trailed legend Arnett “Ace” Mumford 70.4 percent career win (176-60-14). His career record including his five seasons at Division II Winston-Salem State was (176-761). In 2012 he was named in the Louisiana Hall of Fame for coaches and in 2014, he was put into the Southern Hall of Fame and
with a smile on his face and an acceptance from Athletic Director, William Broussard, he
Former Jaguar Football Coach Pete Richardson led Southen University to five SWAC football Championships. He is the second winningest coach in SU History. smiled not to see his name in lights but to see that the fans never forgot him. Richardson was released in 2009 but he will always be remembered as the prototype to turn Southern University football into the football program for champions. He may not have been outspoken but his actions spoke louder than his words and nine championships proves it.
Volunteer with a Purpose BY: Felix Cunningham III The Southern DIGEST In the motherland of Africa deeply rooted in the country of Liberia, young Nathaniel Denu knew he wanted to impact a nation known as the United States of America. It wasn’t known that he would enrich Southern University’s history to its extreme potential in the field of women’s volleyball. It wasn’t known that he would bring a coach’s potential to the players but he had a dream. As a student of the Liberian school of volleyball in his adolescent days and also becoming a member of the Liberian national team he fell one game shy of earning its nation’s bid to the 1968 Summer Olympic Games. Four years later in 1973 with his inception to the prestigious HBCU located on the bluff of the Mississippi he grasped the engineering department by storm when his major was civil engineering. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1976. He ventured back to the university to become an instructor to the civil engineering program in what he holds dear to and it was then that he was asked by Southern women’s basketball coach, Jackie Murphy, to help maintain a hardened volleyball team. In his 19801981 hiatus from the university, he gained control of the program in 1982 and didn’t relinquish control of the team. “You might not believe this,” said Christopher Rogers, leader of Multimedia Works “he volunteered for more than 20 years.” “Actually it was 32 years,” said Denu to correct his statement, “I loved what I was doing because for me it wasn’t a job; it is an extreme passion of mine to shift someone’s
growth to something positive.” Denu, the quiet yet intelligent man, still held steadfast to his “volunteer practice” but in actually changed the program around. He was very incumbent on discipline for the ladies on the team to be on time and to be well respected. “My philosophy was that black woman is the very catalyst of human society and she has to be disciplined then the kids will be disciplined. Not only that, but for our ladies that have to be the sole reason that Southern has to be named one of the greats,” said Denu. 90 percent of students in their four year career graduates in their field as lawyers, entrepreneurs, and doctors to appear in society. In 1986, he was a pure catalyst to stir the volleyball program back alive. He was in part of getting the conference volleyball program, which was sanctioned by the NCAA, back for he was the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s first chairman for volleyball and issued a readied plan of action to begin a tournament for volleyball. He is also the key instrument in devising the current east-west divisional play format that is present in the SWAC because he shown that it was cheaper and the board agreed. After introducing the SWAC Champsionship to the board, he captured three SWAC titles in the years 1988, 1993, and 1998. With capturing those titles he is a director of recruiting of engineering on the campus. He relinquished his position to assistant coach, Venessa Jacobs and he did not want to leave the job to someone who wouldn’t treat it as a job. “I felt like my job was coming to an end and I wanted to leave the program in some capable hands. I believe Jacobs would take care
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of the team well because she had a passion for the sport like I do and that’s the best way to leave the team,” said Denu.
(above) Former SU Volleyball Coach Nathaniel Denu currently serves as the Director of Recruting in the Engineering Department.
Indeed he misses the sport but he stays a true loyal fan to his alma mater, Southern University.
Page 5, THE SOUTHERN DIGEST, November 18, 2014
Former SU Football Star Aeneas Williams’Hall of Fame Induction Shines A Bright Light on HBCU’s BY: Torrance Latham The Southern DIGEST Last week, former Southern University standout Aeneas Williams was placed into the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. Williams, among several others inductees, will be honored at a private ceremony leading up to the SWAC Championship in Houston, Texas. It has been quite the journey for Williams, who was also inducted into the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame this past August. Before he was a probowl defensive back, starting in the NFL for 14 seasons, he was an above average student, studying accounting at Southern University. It was not until his junior year that Williams decided to try-out for the SU football, he made the team and the rest was history, literally. Though, he’s most notably celebrated for his on-the-field accomplishments, it’s his off-the-field character that has been able to sustain him. Williams graduated from Southern in 1991 with an accounting degree, finishing with a 3.2 grade point average. He cited discipline and maximizing opportunities as being the key ingredients to his scholastic/ athletic success at Southern. “I think that college is big on time and priorities,” said Aeneas Williams, “The first thing that I tell a football player is to never let a person tell you that you’re just an athlete. Sports is your first reality television, you don’t get a chance to rehearse it during the game after the play is over. It is what it is.” Williams stressed the value of attaining good mentorship. Adhering to wise counsel has allowed him to cultivate vital principles that he now shares with audiences around the country during speaking engagements. Though he has traveled around the world, being afforded a chance to come back “on the Yard” to celebrate with his alma mater for homecoming last month, offered a feel that’s unparalleled to anywhere else. “It feels like home. My parents and brothers are here. I got to see a lot of my friends. It’s like I never left the place,” said Williams. He was elated to be able to reconnect with so many old acquaintances. It had been over five years since his last visit to SU for homecoming. With his children now of age, he felt it was the appropriate time to teach them about the HBCU experience. “As my kids are getting older, I want to expose them to the Southern spirit and the black college experience as well,” said Williams softly. Over the years, Williams has been a public
Notable SU Sports Alumni
FINAL SCORE:
Southern Jaguars
44
13
Mississippi Valley St. Delta Devils
Keylan Scott Southern University System President Ronald Mason presents SU Alum/ NFL Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams with the coveted key to the city of Baton Rouge during half time of the homecoming game. Williams was inducted into the Southern University Hall Fame and the National Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2014) . advocate for Southern University. His free advertisement during the NFL Hall of Fame ceremony proved that there are other ways to contribute beyond monetary principles. “I attach my notoriety and fame, that God has given me, in connection with this great university. Everywhere I go, even in my Hall of Fame speech, I talk about THE Southern University. It’s more than just resources. We’ve done that. It’s also leveraging the influence that I have nationwide,” said Williams. This year’s hall of fame class had seven members total; out of those seven five were modern day players. Breaking down those five, three came from Historically Black Colleges: defense ends Michael Strahan (Texas Southern) and Claude Humphrey (Tennessee State) to go along with Williams. For the first time in recent memory, HBCU’s were represented significantly at
Rich Jackson Mel Blount Bob Love Avery Johnson
this year’s induction. Without a doubt, that will go down as one of the most unique classes in the NFL shrine’s storied pastime. Among the several awards and accolades that have been bestowed upon Williams this year, being given the keys to the city (of Baton Rouge) by Mayor Kip Holden, left him at a loss for words. “Being apart of that rich history is huge and it’s really humbling to be honored the way that we have. It’s truly a blessing,” said Williams in pure homage. The keys of the city were not merely homage being paid to a great human being, but it also serves as symbolism for current HBCU athletes to unlock their dreams from the stronghold of past stigmas to open the doors of endless opportunity that lie ahead.
Bobby Phills Rickie Weeks Jerry Wilson Lou Brock
* The Jaguars will face the Grambling State Tigers for the big 20-20 showdown at the 41st Annual Bayou Classic. The winner will stamp their ticket to the 2014 SWAC Championship in Houston, TX
4SWAC from P. 4 “Southern indeed is not a fluke school and does not have a weak program, we are indeed underestimated but we will always find a way out of the locker-room and challenge these teams and gather discipline to see the light ahead,” said Odums. In football history we indeed have reached an echelon of excellence and the program has conquered whatever the SWAC has thrown at them even what the NCAA has barred upon them. Each and every time, they’ve rushed from the tunnel and showed night after night that for that trophy, they’ve been there, they will return, and in a positive light, they will repeat history and add upon those numbers. Texas will sign a signature into those documents that will say, Southern University has come, saw, and conquered.
Campus Structures
T.H. Harris Hall was built in 1956 after Thomas H. Harris, who aided Dr. Joseph S. Clark in the relocation of Southern University and A&M College.
Southern University bookstore was built in 1975.
Students entering the Student Center on the campus of Southern University(1953).
Horace G. White is a two floor male dormitory and was built in 1954. White was Southern University’s first graduate, in the class of 1924.
Home Economics Building. In 1922 it was called Girl’s Trades Building. Located on the Bluff of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Camille Stivers Shade Hall is a three story female dormitory and was built in 1999. Shade was a Southern University librarian for 40 years.
Historical buildings on the campus of Southern University. Left to right: Auditorium [formerly called the Martin L. Harvey chapel. Now called the Southern University Museum of Art (SUMA)] Science Agricultural; Laundry room; Home Economics and the Academic building.
Southern’s band hall was built in 1984 in honor of former Band Director of “The Human Jukebox,” Isaac Greggs.
The William W. Stewart Hall on Southern’s campus was built in 1971.
Early Southern University Cottage Overlooking the Mississippi River.
The Southern University Mueseum of Art was built in 1928 and houses Africans and African Americans art work.
Southern University’s School of Architecture was constructed in 1956.
This building was located in New Orleans between Magazine and Soniat Streets. The original site for Southern University was in an old building on Calliope Street (No. 158) in New Orleans in 1881.
John W. Fisher Hall was constructed in 1956.
The University 200 Apartments are female apartments and was build in 2008.
Now and then
Jaguar Speakout
What legacy do you intend to leave at Southern University?
Higgins Hall was named and built in 1994 to honor former chair of the Department of Political Science, Dr. Rodney Higgins.
Southern University’s library was built and renamed to honor former University Dean and Director of Extension Services, John Brother Cade in 1987.
[Music Building]. Construction of the classroom building. Built around 1957.
Hayden Hall was built in 1965, to honor former Southern University professor and sculptor Frank Hayden Jr.
TRAVIS HARRIS HISTORY SENIOR HARVEY “I want to leave the legacy of love for self, individuality, and love collectively.”
ELISHA JENKINS NURSING FRESHMAN BATON ROUGE I plan to leave the legacy of starting college as soon as i graduated high school and maintaining a 3.5 GPA.
The F.G. Clark Activity Center was built in 1975 in honor of Southern University’s former president, Dr. Felton Grandison Clark.
Home Economics Building. In 1922 it was called Girl’s Trades Building. Located on the Bluff of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
DESHUND JACKSON ENGINEERING FRESHMAN BATON ROUGE “I plan to leave the legacy that no matter where you came from , you can succeed in life.”
Built around 1917. Location: Was located on what is now Netterville Drive, east of the Mississippi River, adjacent to the old Administration Building. Due to aging and the inability to meet fire code standards, it was demolished in 1994. It was primarily a wood structure repairing it was not cost-effective.
The Pinchback Engineering building constructed in 2001, was named after Lt. Govenor P.B.S. Pinchback.
Southern University’s police station built in 1957, and was named in honor of William L. Pass.
NICOLE AYERS MASS COMMUNICATIONS SENIOR ZACHARY
Mary Booker Baranco-Hill Health center was built in 2006 and is the infimary building. Baranco-Hill was a physican. Historic Black & White Photos: Physical Rights are retained by the Archives Department - Souhtern University. Copyright
“That it’s never too late to to what should’ve been done to begin with. It’s never too late to start over. I stopped going to school after having my kids and decided to go back after eight years. Now i’m getting ready to graduate. Through the the love from God, my faith and support from family and friends... I made it. Oh lawd Jesus I made it!”
The Main Features
Page 8, THE SOUTHERN DIGEST, November 18, 2014
Mama Jag: An SU Legend BY: Lauren Johnson The Southern DIGEST Jewel Jefferson better known, as “Mama Jag” was more than a # 1 fan, spirit leader, and supporter, but a mother to many Southern University students. Jefferson was described as a Mom away from home, and a legend. Born on March 12, 1926 in Columbia, Mississippi, Jefferson grew up in a trying time of depression, poverty, and racism. After working odd jobs, Jefferson landed a job in the SU Athletic Dinning Hall during the early 1960s, where she remained until she passed in 2005. Jefferson ensured that each player ate before and after the games, even the opposing players. “ I loved them all,” said Jefferson “ the athletes, the out of towners, and the band kids,” finished Jefferson during a previous interview. Leading her Jags to victory, Jefferson made sure to attend every game. “Come on in Sweetie, make yourself at home,” a common greeting that Jefferson would give, when someone came into her presence. Jefferson helped several students; whether it was supplying meals, shelter, or support.
Yearbook File “My mama would help any one, she has bought clothes, books, and even housed students,” said Mavis Durr the daughter of Jefferson. After serving more than 35 years Jefferson was named as the first “Freedom Fighter” on the Baton Rouge Campus. Jefferson received the name “Mama Jag’ in 1972, after leading several students to safety during the Smith Brown student protest, that turned into a riot. “ Police were throwing tear gas. I saved many kids that day,” said Mama Jag during a previous interview. Mama Jag received over 75 awards and special honors for her notable dedication to the Jag Nation and community. In 2001 Mama Jag was selected by the Homecoming Committee to serve as Grand Marshal for the Homecoming Parade, in 2002 the former President of the Louisiana Chapter of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Ernest Johnson Sr. commended Mama Jag at the 59th
4see Mama Jag on P. 10
Page 9, THE SOUTHERN DIGEST, November 18, 2014
Life without LACUMBA
Yearbook File (1993) Joseph Johnson
BY: Melinda Dupas The Southern DIGEST Many new students who only know about Southern through sports, the band, and academics probably have no clue who Lacumba is or was to the Southern University family. Many people have forgotten the impact of Lacumba on students, faculty, and fans of the university. I for one was an excited little girl when my mother would take me to see Lacumba before every home football game. It made my day to see the jaguar sleeping or eating, or whatever he was doing at the moment it made me proud to be a fan of my someday university. Fact Number One: Lacumba was brought to Southern by former Student Government president of 1961, Henry J. Bellaire, and Helen Williams. They presented the jaguar to the university as a gift. Born on May 26, 1961, Lacumba was purchased from the Baton Rouge Zoo for 450.00 dollars on July 12, 1971. She soon thereafter took the reign as the head cat on “the yard” that same year. She was then succeeded by Lacumba II. who was born on May 12, 1991. Fact Number Two:Lacumba was loved by many of the Jaguar Nation could be seen often eating, sleeping, and walking around his cage which can be found outside near, A. W. Mumford Stadium and right next to the tennis courts. Lacumba was the only live mascot at a Historically Black College and University in the nation. A tragedy to the Jaguar Nation, the 15 year old 200 – pound Lacumba II, died of’ Kidney failure on December 26, 2004 as a result of old age. Lacumba’s name meant “Heart of Africa”. Since the time of his death, many questions have arisen from fans, students, and visitors in
general, asking what happened to purchasing another Lacumba. While there are various answers that have been given to this question including a fundraiser, economic hardship, and tuition issues. PETA, known as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals was the school’s biggest problem. The organization asked Southern University to end its “use of exotic animals” as mascots. During this time the university was looking for someone to donate a jaguar after the sudden death of Lacumba II. Reportedly in 2010, the university under the direction of former chancellor, Kofi Lomotey gave up efforts to acquire a new live mascot, and also on building a larger animal habitat. According to Lomotey, he didn’t think it was good idea to hold animals in captivity. He stated in the interview that he never supported the idea. So the question remains, where does Southern University go from here? Should there be another Lacumba? Or should that cage remain empty? These are questions that are asked by students, and fans. Years have passed by and little kids don’t have the privilege as I did to stop by and say hello to their live mascot. Some don’t even have a clue that there once lived a jaguar in that cage. Some people have also made comparisons between LSU’s Mike the tiger and Lacumba saying isn’t there a way that we could get our mascot back? Well that would be for the university to decide. However, even without Lacumba, the university’s athletics, academics, and overall standards have risen. Lacumba is and will always be a part of Southern University.
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Page 10, THE SOUTHERN DIGEST, November 18, 2014
Centennial Fashion Edition BY: Sage Edgerson The Southern DIGEST
Through the decades, we’ve seen fashion become something more than a need, but a necessity to exude who we really are to the world. To give more insight into the 100 years of fashion that has matriculated at Southern University, I had to call in the King of Vintage, Joshua Holder, owner of Time Warp Vintage Boutique in Baton Rouge, a premiere vintage clothing store. The store procures men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from the 1930’s to 19990’s. Time Warp also carries a unique selection of gifts and local jewelry. Time Warp strives in finding the best garments from decades past, bringing you style and comfort that is truly one of a kind. Located in the artsy downtown Government St. Community, 3001 Government St. to be exact, Time Warp is no stranger to the unique and one of kind. I would know, I was an avid shopper once moving to Baton Rouge and now proud employee. I had privilege to get great insight from Holder just on the strength that I learn every day at work about the true one of kind clothing pushed out every day. His personal definition of fashion is that it is the ultimate form of communicating selfexpression; it allows us to be whoever we want, any time we want. Fashion is a direct unspoken language between you and the world. Through the century Fashion has been widely shaped
4Mama Jag from P. 9 Annual Conference. Mama Jag was also an inductee in the SU Hall of Fame in 2003, and was commended and awarded by the US Congress for her efforts in supporting HBCU’S educational fund. After Jefferson’s death in 2005 Judith Martin Davis continued on the legacy with the approval of Mama Jag as Her Eminence Lady Jag. She has served at the SU Flagship campus for 9 years. During an interview Lady Jag described how she admired Mama Jag, and wanted to meet her, and once she did they built a special bond. “No one can ever take the place of the late great Mama Jag. “I don’t want to take her place, but fill her space,” said Lady Jag. Lady Jag supports SU sports through sponsorships, food drives and donations. When asked if she felt her job was an obligation Lady Jag responded, “No, it’s a mission, I am on a mission for the needs of the students,” Lady Jag continued, “ If they need prayer, counseling, food or even gas, I go out of pocket. I’m not paid or funded, but I’m blessed. I got a nation, the Jaguar Nation.”
through the movements of its time. I was lucky to get a detailed timeline about fashion. First we’ll look into fashion before the 70’s. Holder explained that from 1900-1910, it was all about full figured silhouettes that were exaggerated and embodied modesty. From 1910-1914, narrower silhouettes became sought after by the elite and become popular by others, thus there was a change in trends. In the 1920s, it was the introduction of women’s and pants and shorter skirts just past the knee became popular. To create a youthful elegance, a tighter fit was the go to style. 1930s is where daywear and evening wear become distinctive. They used synthetic blends of rayon and cottons that became the choice for daywear and silks and metallic glimmered the evenings. With WWII in the 1940s, fashion became drabbed and full of uniformity as the women had to head to work. Skirts to the knee and feminine materials became scarce due to lack of trade. Women had to make due with what was readily available. Post WWII, women were tired of the drab uniform look and Christian Dior created a fuller skirt with a narrow waist and rounded shoulders became a sensation. Definitely less utilitarian. Mass production of clothing began and the youth of the 1960s rebelled against style and created trends for the next decade that production was hard to keep up with. In the 70’s it was no longer shocking to see women wearing pants on a daily basis and it was the decade of anything goes. People were dressing more conservative but I think a little free at the same time as the 60’s. In 1980 women wore power suits to symbolize wealth and power. Extravagant evening wear
and opulent high fashion was in full swing. The rise and hip-hop fashion and the grunge movement were all about comfort in the 90s. Comfort reigned fashionable into the 2000s and the casual dress goes from day to night. Now were all caught up on our fashion, let’s talk present day. Looking at today’s fashion many trends have come back as they always do, due to the fashion life cycle. How can we compare today to decades ago? Joshua stated “I believe we are in a movement similar to the 60’s. We are rebelling the mass production
from our peers, rebelling from what our parents wore. But in such a sometimes oversaturated market with the same styles and looks how can we keep fashion in its true essence alive? Joshua continues to look to the past to see our future. Find details that inspires and reinvent the wheel with current influences as well. He doesn’t see the future of fashion as a sea of uniforms like in the 40’s and non-gender descriptive garments. It’s a celebration of ones true identity in whatever way he or she sees fit. Making a big break in conformity at all
of cheap overpriced clothing; we are looking for new ways to interpret our history into our own unique story. I believe it is all about selfexpression and understanding one another in this generation.” Today everyone wants to be different but most importantly look different from the masses. Some way through fashion we yearn to stand out from the rest. Rebelling
times creating a sense of normal is how we can keep fashion going for the next 100 years. Going against the grain and defying whatever the odds that are presented is one thing fashion steadily conquers, effortlessly! To celebrate Southern’s 100 years on the bluff, I insist for everyone to head over to Time Warp Vintage Boutique and to come to the “100 Years of Fashion” centennial fashion show, presented by on campus organization Designers of Tomorrow, November 25 in the Cotillion Ballroom at 7 to see looks of the past 100 years put together by Time Warp and I strut down the runway! Stay Fashion Forward. XO
Page 11, THE SOUTHERN DIGEST, November 18, 2014
Playing to the PressBox
BY: Alliyah Moore The Southern DIGEST
Page 12, THE SOUTHERN DIGEST, November 18, 2014
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