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New The Giving and The Getting Orleans Board Of Supervisors Meeting Full Of Surprises Welcomes First Female Mayor Tuesday . November 28, 2017
Volume 69 . Issue 12
www.southerndigest.com
BY JACQUELINE MORGAN
SOUTHERN DIGEST - MANAGING EDITOR
“Today what you saw was a transformation of sorts in terms of moving into a new mindset of giving,” board member Attorney Tony Clayton proclaimed of Friday’s monthly Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting. The new mindset of giving Clayton is referring to may have something to do with the $1.6 million the University raked in over the Bayou Classic weekend. In addition to the excitement of the 44th Annual Bayou Classic, New Orleans was buzzing with the spreading news of Southern University’s (SU) newest financial safety nets. SU Alumnus, Attorney Tony Clayton began the giving by presenting the Board with $1.1 million to fund the construction of the “Tony Clayton Championship Plaza.” The structure will benefit athletic programs and The Human Jukebox. According to Head Basketball Coach Roman Banks, “17 plots have already been paid for by Attorney Tony Clayton to be placed.” In the spirit of renaming structures, retired Head Coach of the SU Baseball Team, Roger
BY RASHEED WATKINS
SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
Southern University Law Center Chancellor, John K. Pierre, introducing New Orleans mayor-elect, LaToya Cantrell, at the Bayou Classic Board Meeting on Friday, November 24 in New Orleans at the Hyatt Hotel. (Arnita Dove/ DIGEST)
Cador received a special honor. SU System PresidentChancellor, Dr. Ray L. Belton, presented Cador with a token of appreciation on behalf of the BOS, announcing that the
Southern University Baton Rouge wins BizTech Challenge BY BRIA GREMILLION
SOUTHERN DIGEST - EDITOR-IN THE CHIEF
Four Southern University Baton Rouge (SUBR) students collected a $10,000 grand prize after placing first in the Bayou Classic Biztech Challenge on Friday. Their business pitch, Our Glass, caters to herbal tea consumers and is a 3-D printable, portable bottle that is insulated and allows consumers to brew tea on the go. Adorned in a white t-shirt with baby blue writing that spelled Our Glass, senior Mechanical Engineering and Supply Chain major from Mer Rouge, LA, Nathan Morrison, presented the problem of not being able to brew tea quickly without a heating element nearby. After coming up with the idea, Morrison sought out those who
he knew could help bring his vision to life. SUBR students, Polite Stewart. Jr., Rashad Pierre and Ashley Lewis were the three additional powerhouses behind Our Glass. “We have to get patented, trademarked and figure out who gets what,” Morrison stated in regards to the volume of investment offers that the quartet have recently begun to receive after their victory. The students received a $10,000 check in which they will split 4 ways. They were also gifted $10,000 in legal fees. Sophomore Electrical Engineering major and New Orleans native, Ashley Lewis, was a member of the team and speaks of how joyful she was upon defeating her competitors. “We put in the work. We used our expertise to the fullest
campus’ baseball facility will be named after him. “What I did over the 47 years I was with Southern University was not to have my name put on anything, but to have a job
well done. A community wellserved,” Cador affirmed as he humbly accepted the honor. The meeting was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Southern See BOS page 3
SUBR students, Nathan Morrison, Polite Stewart, Jr., Rashad Pierre, and Ashley Lewis present their business plan, Our Glass, during the Biztech Challenge on November 24. They placed 1st in the competition, walking away with a $10,000 check and an additional $10,000 in legal fees.
potential and it showed. The judges saw that,” said Lewis. “I jumped for joy initially. I realized I was the first AfricanAmerican female from SUBR within a group to win this contest. I realize that now young black girls from Southern, or from Grambling ... will see. The next winners will say, oh I can
do that too because she did,” proclaimed Lewis. Morrison admits that Our Glass was birthed after being unable to brew a tea bag while playing a Playstaion 4. “An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered,” finished Morrison.
“My soul found its home in New Orleans,” says new mayor elect, LaToya Cantrell. Cantrell defeated former Judge, Desiree Charbonnet, with a 60 percent victory. This is not only a victory, but a historic one. LaToya Cantrell is now the first African American female mayor to ever take office in the city’s 300 year history. “This has been the people’s campaign from Day one,” Cantrell said Saturday night after her win. “We are no longer about the haves and the have-nots. This win is not for me and my family. This win is for the city of New Orleans. We have work to do, and we are going to do it together. That’s the only way.” Initially, the race started off with 18 candidates all racing to replace former mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu, who has been mayor for the last two terms. At one point the race did get a little ugly. Charbonnet’s campaign team released documents showing that Cantrell used a city-issued credit card for personal expenses, then later repaid those expenses with campaign money or money from her own personal account. Cantrell’s campaign tried to paint Charbonnet as a bought and paid for candidate with deep ties to big money and corrupt politicians. Despite all of these actions, Charbonnet stated in her concession speech that she is ready to support LaToya Cantrell as mayor. “I do not regret one moment of anything about this campaign,” Charbonnet said. Hurricane Katrina was the backstory theme for both candidates. Desiree Charbonnet has been a lifelong native of New Orleans as opposed to Cantrell who moved to the city of New Orleans from Los Angeles. “I believe the city of New Orleans is in good reliable hands with Latoya Cantrell as upcoming mayor, I didn’t know much about her, but after reading about her good deeds and devotion to the community See CANTRELL page 3
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SUITE 1064 – T.H.HARRIS HALL – P.O. BOX 10180 – BATON ROUGE, LA 70813 225.771.2231 PHONE / 225.771.5840 FAX WWW.SOUTHERNDIGEST.COM The Southern DIGEST is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College. The Southern DIGEST is published once weekly (Tuesday with a run count of 4,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton Rouge campus fall, spring semesters. The paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every Tuesday on the SUBR campus. The Southern DIGEST student offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The offices are located on the first floor of T.H. Harris Hall, Suite 1064.
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Director Heather Freeman ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2017 by The Southern University Office of Publications/Graphics Manager Student Media Services. Jermaine Proshee All articles, photographs and graphics Advertising/Sales Manager are property of The Southern DIGEST Camela Jackson and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the Editor in Chief and CONTACTS (Area Code 225) Advertising/Sales Office- 771.5833 Director of Student Media Services. DIGEST Newsroom - 771.2231 The Southern DIGEST is the official The Jaguar Yearbook - 771.5812 student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Articles, at Baton Rouge is accredited by features, opinions, speak out and the Commission on Colleges of the editorials do not necessarily reflect Southern Association of Colleges and the views and opinions of the Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, administration and its policies. Signed Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org.
Fall 2017 Staff
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bria Gremillion
MANAGING EDITOR Jacqueline Morgan COPY EDITORS ---------NEWS EDITOR Christina White MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Arnita Dove A&E EDITOR ---------SPORTS EDITOR ---------PHOTO EDITOR Arnita Dove DIGEST STAFF WRITERS Araina Akins Devon Fedrick
James Eaglin, Jr. Rocelyn Hamilton Tyler Hayes Gabrielle Hutchinson Debrandin Brown Stephanie Mbaya Jeremy Nettles Camryn Hawkins Caleb Penn Yasmere Rashada Najeri Evans DeJohn Richardson Jordan Victorian Ace Wheeler Kerry Wilson Devin Hadrick
DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS Olivia Brock Shomari Moore Julian Alvarez D’Aryn Thomas Jeffrey Owensby Kyndall Jones
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WHAT’S HAPPENING MEN’S BASKETBALL The Jaguars will face Wiley College (Texas) at home on Wednesday, November 29 at F.G. Clark Activity Center at 6:00 p.m. SOUTHERN NICHE Apparel Merchandising and Textiles will open the Pop-up Store at Southern Niche in Thrift Hall on November 29 from 11AM - 2PM. All SU students are welcome to shop. Items are starting as low as $1 and only cash is accepted MOZART TO MOTOWN Southern University Music Deparment Presents “Mozart to Motown” on Wednesday, November 29 at 7:15p.m. inside Hayden Hall Theater. Admission is $10 and $5 with a student ID. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The Lady Jaguars will hit the road to face Oklahoma State in Stillwater, OK on Thursday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. TUTORING SERVICES The Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement Tutoring Center offers free and friendly
academic tutoring to Southern University students seeking to improve or maintain their knowledge base in Math, Chemistry, Biology and Nursing classes. Our center offers assistance on hand Monday – Friday from 8:30AM to 5:30PM. The Tutoring Center is located in Stewart Hall, Room 155. CENTER FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT The pre-registration period has commenced and classes are now open for registration. FAFSA opened October 1. Reminder! Renew your FAFSA applications immediately. FINAL EXAMS Final Examinations will begin Monday, December 4 - Thursday, December 7. Conflicts in examination times should be mediated by the student and the course instructor. FINAL GRADES Final grades will be posted to the web for all students due by 9AM on December 12.
SPEAKOUT BY: DEVONTE LANDRY QUESTION: If Trump is impeached,then Pence, are you ready? MICHAEL ROWAN PSYCHOLOGY FRESHMAN BATON ROUGE
“No, they’re one in the same.”
ROWAN JERA’NAE GARNERDONALD BIOLOGY FRESHMAN MIAMI, FL
“Honestly, either way it goes, America DONALD will suffer. All three branches of government are corrupt so it would not make a difference. Trump and Pence are just puppets for the world’s eyes.”
KRYSTAL NORRIS MENTAL HEALTH COUSELING GRADUATE STUDENT ALEXANDRIA, LA
“NO, I’m not ready for it, however, I NORRIS wasn’t entirely ready for Trump to become President . . . I am ready to see if this decision could possibly help the U.S.”
EUGENE WILLIAMS, III POLITICAL SCIENCE GRADUATE STUDENT BATON ROUGE
“No, he will possibly be worst. His comments and WILLIAMS actions have shown that since he and Trump been in office.”
D.W. LATHAN
SUSLA CONNECT INSTRUCTOR BATON ROUGE
“He would have a better understanding of how government works, and LATHAN hopes that his decision would be fair and just, for all people.” The Southern DIGEST is the official student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. Signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body.
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Moving Forward: CATS Buys Electric Buses
Source: BRCATS.COM
BY GABRIELLE HUTCHINSON SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
As announced in 2016, at $800,000 each, Capital Area Transit System (CATS) recently purchased three new electric buses, majorly funded by federal transit grants. This will be a refreshing addition to Baton Rouge’s 66 outdated buses, 28 of which were purchased in 2005. Along with the new buses will come a new system called Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) which will focus on expediting service along Plank Road and Florida Boulevard. The buses are currently unreliable and unsafe, which is why CATS CEO, Bob Mirabito, and CFO, Connor Burns, introduced a plan for the board to purchase 12 new buses every year until 2020. Standard procedure is to retire a city bus after twelve years. Our city buses currently average 11.9 years old, and in 2015, buses as old as 18 years were still in use. The average city bus can cost anywhere between $400,000 and $450,000. Louisiana reportedly receives $4.9 million which is allocated among 60 transit systems, including CATS. Much like many other departments, CATS has been underfunded, consequently making buses last as long as possible. In recent years, the wheels have literally been falling off CATS buses. After a mechanical malfunction caused a bus to crash into a home, injuring three passengers. Representatives from Amalgamated Transit Union came down
to discuss improving transit conditions and operations. They met CATS board members with photos and reports of leaking roofs, naked wires, broken wheelchair lifts, and several buses without simple functioning horns. “We’ve noticed employees are forced to take equipment out on the line that is not viable,” reports Anthony Garland, international representative with ATU. “[...] They don’t even know if they can make it into the garage without some sort of incident.” Passengers are fed up. In a popular 2014 interview, frequent rider April Williams complains that, “The buses are nasty. The buses are filthy. The buses are not new.” In the past, CATS has defended itself claiming lack of funding as the reason dilapidated buses are sent onto the roads. However, they have been rallying for increased local and federal support. The US Environmental Protection Agency also reached out with monies to replace diesel buses with the more environmentally friendly electric option. Today, with the aforementioned federal transit grants covering 85 percent of the new electric buses’ cost, CATS assures that it has the other 15 percent taken care of. The electric buses are expected to arrive Spring 2018 -- just in time for SU commuters to try them out in the new semester. “I think it can help out with the convenience of those without vehicles. They should probably drop the price down for the rides as well. It will save energy, of course,” sophomore Baton Rouge native, Va’Len Glasper, commented.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - Page 3
As her husband Jason Cantrell, left, cheers, LaToya Cantrell hugs her daughter RayAnn as she celebrates her victory in the New Orleans mayoral election during her election party at the New Orleans Jazz Market in Central City Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in New Orleans. Cantrell, a City Council member who gained a political following as she worked to help her hard-hit neighborhood recover from Hurricane Katrina, was the victor Saturday night in an election that will make her the first woman mayor in New Orleans’ history. (Michael DeMocke/NOLA.com The Times-Picayune via AP)
I must say it is inspiring,” says Freshman. Cantrell grew up in Los Angeles and watched her single mom’s work ethic and passion for service as she went from welfare to a career as a devoted social worker to her clients. Through her maternal grandmother, LaToya learned the importance of community involvement and grassroots organizing. By 8th grade, she was secretary of her neighborhood chamber of commerce. LaToya’s grandfather wanted her to attend college in Alabama, but she convinced him to let her go to Xavier University, based on a single visit to New Orleans years before. She spent just one afternoon there, but she had never seen a more uniquely beautiful city and had never met warmer people. She attended Xavier in 1990, and knew she would never leave. Her work ethic as a neighborhood activist in the aftermath of Katrina in the hard-hit Broadmoor neighborhood helped shape her mind in politics. But University’s host for the weekend, so the SU spirit was flowing from the hallways and into the meeting. In with the spirit came The Crescent City’s newly elected mayor, LaToya Cantrell. The meeting paused as Southern University Law Center (SULC) Chancellor, John K. Pierre, introduced Mayor Cantrell, listing her many accomplishments leading up to her new position in office. Cantrell quickly expressed her platform as the first African American woman to become Mayor of New Orleans, speaking to the Board members and the audience simultaneously. “As I move, we move. . .we want to uplift and uphold the values that we know are dear to the nurturing that we get from our Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” she said. The Academic Affairs Committee continued the meeting by awarding posthumous degrees to two fallen members of the Jaguar family. Senior Elementary Education major, Cynthia L. Howard, and longtime volunteer for the Jaguar Football Team, Dr. Debra Fountain were both unanimously granted degrees for their completed matriculation at the University.
CANTRELL from page 1
it was her daily bus ride to Xavier that opened her eyes to the two truths of New Orleans. Living in an apartment on Third Street and St. Charles Avenue in Central City, LaToya would take the streetcar every day to transfer to a bus that took her down Louisiana Avenue to Washington Avenue onto Xavier. She spoke on the stark change in the mannerisms and mentality between the passengers on the streetcar, the bus, and the contrast in environment from the mansions and stores of St. Charles to the devastating poverty of the Magnolia housing project. Erika Johnson, a Therapeutic and Leisure Studies major stated, “I feel she is setting fundamentals for young ladies and men alike. She has elevated pure thought of politics in the black community. Almost like Michelle Obama, very classy, and it truly shows in her work. I think it’s safe to say she’ll walk the walk for the people of New Orleans.” BOS from page 1
As the agenda moved forward, President and CEO of Research Park Corporation and Nexus Louisiana, Dr. Byron C. Clayton presented Chancellor Pierre with a $20,000 check for SULC Professor, Mark Thurman for his diligent work with technology in the Law Center. The giving continued as Southern University became one of only two entities to receive a $500,000 gift from Capital One, the only institution of higher learning, and most certainly the only HBCU to receive the gift. “Capital One has been a champion literally. A corporate friend and partner of Southern University for years,” Dr. Belton gleamed. As the giving spirit faded from the room, newly re-elected Chairwoman, Ann Smith, wrapped things up with a video presentation, “Year-InReview.” “I would like to introduce a video. There was so much we could have put here, but it would have taken so long. But, if you pay attention you may see yourself. You’re going to see where we tried to reach out and be a part of making a success for Southern University to grow to another level,” Smith concluded.
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Work in Progress: Despite Bayou Classic loss, Jags see bright future ahead
Page 4 - Tuesday, November 28, 2017
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
BY JAMES EAGLIN, JR.
SOUTHERN DIGEST - SPORTS WRITER
The 44th Annual Bayou Classic was the latest opportunity for Southern University football to block out the negative criticism and focus on winning the right to play for a SWAC Championship. In front of a crowd of over 66,000 people, the Jaguars and the Tigers of Grambling State played a close football game this past Saturday, November 25, 2017 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. Senior quarterback, Austin Howard and the Southern offense received the ball to start the game, but an interception on the first play quickly gave the ball back to the Tigers. Following the takeaway, Grambling scored the first points of the game for an early 7-0 advantage. This game proved to be more of a defensive showcase compared to last year’s offensive shootout. Both teams were prepared to perform all four quarters. Big plays were few and far in between for most of the game, and points were hard to come by. Methodical drives were key for Southern when they had the ball. The Jaguars’ first opportunity to score was voided after freshman kicker, Caesar Barajas, missed a field goal. “When you have a freshman kicker, you [are going to] have some of those mistakes,” said Head Coach Dawson Odums during the postgame interview. Grambling responded by throwing a touchdown pass on their next possession, expanding the lead to 14. Senior tailback, Herbert Edwards, is one of the best backs in the SWAC, but through the first half, he was limited to just five rushing yards on four carries. With less than 10 minutes to go before halftime, sophomore running back, Devon Benn, was able to pick up the slack and have an impact on the run game. Benn would be rewarded in his hometown by running into the end zone for Southern’s first touchdown of the day, making the score 14-7 in favor of the Tigers. Grambling would add a field goal before halftime to increase their lead to 17-7. The third quarter was where Southern began to hike the comeback trail. Grambling could not sustain a drive on offense. However, the Jags had issues of their own. Another field goal opportunity from Barajas was blocked, and other drives were cut short due to Howard being sacked on third down. “When you got a chance to create separation in a football game, you got to take advantage of those moments,” said Odums
Grambling’s offensive lines up against Southern’s Defensive line during the 44th Annual Bayou Classic on Saturday, November 25 inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. (Devin Hadrick/DIGEST)
following the game. Howard was able to find freshman receiver, Kendall Catalon, for a touchdown with three minutes left in the quarter, reducing the lead to 17-14. To start the fourth quarter, Grambling added another field goal to extend the lead to 20-14. The next possession, the Jags roared down the field to take the lead for the first time, thanks to senior tight end, Dillon Beard, catching Howard’s second touchdown pass with roughly five minutes left in the game. The rush of adrenaline could be felt across the dome. The Jags’ special teams could not hold up during the ensuing kickoff, allowing Grambling to have great field position with a chance to retake the lead, which they did, adding a rushing touchdown to give the Tigers a 27-21 advantage. Howard would turn the ball over twice on Southern’s last two drives to end the game. Grambling would add another field goal, which caused the 30-21 final score. Despite the close loss, the Jaguars had a lot to be proud of. “To come into a game like this,” said standout senior defensive back, Danny Johnson, during the postgame press conference, “where no one picked us to win, and for us to fight like that, that’s why the
Senior Defensive Lineman, Aaron Tiller, fights off a Grambling State lineman during the 44th Annual Bayou Classic on Saturday, November 25. (Devin Hadrick/DIGEST)
emotions were so high.” After the game, Howard explained how he never fully recovered from a Grade 2 PCL Sprain suffered in his knee earlier this season. “This whole season I was never 100 percent. My heart was on 100 though, so the knee wasn’t a factor.” The 2017 Southern Jaguars finished the
season with a respectable record of 7-4. Expectations will be high heading into the offseason, seeing that most of this year’s team will be returning. As long as the Jaguars follow Coach Odums’ advice and ‘chop wood and carry water’, the Jags will be alright.
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Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - Page 5
Jags Basketball Bounces Back; Gets 1st Win of the season vs Tennessee-Martin
team, contested every jump shot, and secured rebounds, while protecting the offensive glass. UTM failed to make a single field goal in the final 8 minutes of the game and got many of their points from the free throw line. “This has been a tough stretch for us,” said Coach Scott as he spoke on the adversity his team has faced early on this season. “The one thing is that we continue to stand together.” While it is true that the Jags may not have been as good as they could have been in their first five games of the season, this contest against a good UTM team proved that if they play together, they have a shot against any team that steps in the gym. If the Jags manage to get healthy and continue to play with a sense of unity on defense, there is no limit to how good they can be. One thing that is for certain is that this team is on the rise, and the rest of the SWAC should be on notice that the Southern Jags are indeed a threat to be taken seriously.
BY DEBRANDIN BROWN
SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
After losing the first five games of the 2017-18 season, the performance of the Jaguars’ men’s basketball team thus far could only be described as disappointing. In a season riddled with injuries, defensive inconsistencies, and an overall lack of communication, it was clear coming into Wednesday night’s game versus Tennessee-Martin that the Jaguars were looking for a change in their season. To start the first half, a lack of communication on the Jags’ defensive end of the court led to an early lead by Tennessee-Martin. The defense’s inability to make stops led to the Southern offense struggling to put up points in the early goings of the game. Unlike the past few games, however, the Jaguars refused to fold under the pressure and showed heart on the court that has not been seen by the Jags all season. The defense of the Jaguars, which had been their achilles heel thus far, led the team to erase an early 12-4 deficit in the early in the 1st half. The team contested shots, fought through picks, and for seemingly the first time this season, showed pride on the defensive end of the court. Once the defense found its groove and started making stops, the offense followed suit and forced the issue in the paint, led by former Scotlandville standout, senior forward Jared Sam, who
BY DEBRANDIN BROWN
Senior forward, Emanual Shepherd, goes up for a layup in the game against TennesseeMartin on Wednesday, November 22 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. (Arnita Dove/DIGEST)
led the team in scoring with 27 points. The Jags proceeded to outscore UTM 39-31 at the half. The second half saw the Jags’ offensive potency starting to fade, but they were sound enough defensively to hang on to the ‘W’.
Interim Head Coach Morris Scott’s message to his boys in the second half prior to their suffocating defensive stretch was clear: “If they hit some tough contested shots against us, then so be it.” Needless to say, his team went out and did just that; smothered the opposing
gained significant media coverage, and as a product of this, has become somewhat of a household name, along with the Ball family. It is no secret that the majority of the support that the Ball family business has garnered has come from the African American community, and if the Big Baller Brand was to give any type of endorsement to the Trump Administration, you could almost surely expect the Big Baller Brand to suffer in more ways than one in backlash from the African American community. While this may seem morally shortsighted by LaVar Ball, there was little else that a man in his position could have done. The boisterous, alpha-male mentality he has shown the world in the last year has made him a target, along with his family. However, this issue is far bigger than just LaVar or his family. Whether he wanted this burden or not, LaVar has become black America’s voice in Donald Trump’s America. As such, he is expected to be in opposition of the man and all of that which he stands for. At the same time, however, the question must be asked where the line must be drawn. It can be argued that both men are in the wrong in this instance, and should that be the case, then the battle for America has reached a pivotal point. If both of the voices of the two halves of warring America are speaking nonsense, then what is truly being accomplished? These two individuals are perhaps the most outspoken men in America, yet it seems as if they never truly have anything worth hearing
to be said. As Americans, on both sides of this battle for equality, there must be a change. There must be someone with a willingness to stand and speak on the nonsensical status of our country, and its leaders. There is a right way to achieve peace and equality in this country. That way does not include name-calling or mass marketing through the manipulation of a struggling middle class. This way requires someone with a platform
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LaVar vs Trump:America’s Race War Personified
SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
Since assisting in the freeing of LaVar Ball’s son from prison in China, it has been made clear that the president wants his credit for his assistance in the matter. LaVar on the other hand, has made it clear that he has no intentions of thanking President Trump, and has publicly stated those sentiments on CNN. President Trump replied to Ball’s refusal to thank him by saying that LaVar is, “very ungrateful” and that [he] should have “left the UCLA players in Chinese jail.” Regardless of how you feel about President Trump or LaVar Ball, the prospect of the leader of the free world saying that he should have let U.S. citizens rot in Chinese jail because his feelings are hurt is appalling on more levels than one. “Did you thank the doctor when he brought you into this world?”, LaVar asked the CNN reporter questioning him on national television as to why he refuses to thank the President. He went on to elaborate by saying that he sees no reason to “go around saying thank you to everybody.” It can be implied from these statements that LaVar believes the President’s actions, while noble, were not something he believes requires his gratitude. While the Ball family patriarch may seem at fault in his refusal to thank the man that brought his son back on U.S. soil, his actions may be more strategic than anything else. In the past year, the Big Baller Brand has
DIGEST ART
that is willing to speak and actually has something to say. Regardless of which side of the political and social spectrum that you fall on, it seems that such a leader has yet to make themselves known, and until this happens, this nation will continue to spiral in the abyss until the people choose to stand for themselves and make a change happen.
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The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Sophomore running back, Devon Benn, dives into the endzone for a Jaguar touchdown during the 44th Annual Bayou Classic game on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. (Arnita Dove/DIGEST)
The fabulous Dancing Dolls throwing counts during the Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands on Friday, November 24, 2017 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA . (Arnita Dove/DIGEST)
Stephenson High School of Stone Mountain, GA marches on Canal Street in New Orleans during the 44th Annual Bayou Classic Parade on Saturday, November 25. (Camryn Hawkins/ DIGEST)
Students enjoying snacks provided by host, Sean Griffin Jr., a junior Rehabilitation services major from Baton Rouge at Karaoke With a Twist in Bethune Hall on Monday, November 20.
Singer-Songwriter, Jacquees shows the crowd of New Orleans a good time at the 2017 Bayou Classic Fan Fest in Champions Square on Saturday, November 25. (Camryn Hawkins/DIGEST)
Sophomore guard, Brendon Ganaway, works around a double team in the game against Tennessee-Martin on Wednesday, November 22 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. (Arnita Dove/DIGEST)
Rapper T.I. pours his heart out through music during his performance at the Bayou Classic Fan Fest in Champions Square on Saturday, November 25. (Camryn Hawkins/DIGEST)
Rapper, K CAMP, lets the crowd have a momentary spotlight during his song “Comfortable,” at Bayou Classic’s 44th Annual Fan Fest on Saturday, November 25. (Camryn Hawkins/DIGEST)
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Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - Page 7
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Battles, Bands, Greeks and Fans
Page 8 - Tuesday, November 28, 2017
BY JACQUELINE MORGAN
SOUTHERN DIGEST - MANAGING EDITOR
The Human Jukebox of Southern University and the Grambling State’s World Famed Marching Band took over the MercedesBenz Superdome in The Big Easy: New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday, November 24. Fans of both marching bands gathered in crowds as lines formed to gain entry to the most anticipated event of the weekend: the Bayou Classic Battle of The Bands and Greek Show. Inside the dome, the Greeks were gearing up for battle. Last year’s Battle of the Bands brought the Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. out on top. This year, there were six groups to compete, and the best two were awarded a check for $3,000, sponsored by McDonald’s. Southern University’s Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity Inc. took first place for the male Greeks for the second year in a row. Although two chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. were representing for the female Greeks, Grambling’s Psi Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta took home the bragging rights and the $3,000 check. As the Greeks cleared the stage, the crowd began to wait in anticipation for the tunes of The Human Jukebox to fill the space to capacity. The ‘often heard before seen’ band marched into the Superdome with over 200 members in formation, giving the crowd a preshow performance. Following close behind were the sounds of The World Famed Marching Band as they marched in with just under 200 members, giving the Jukebox equal energy. As the crowd settled, State Representative, Edward “Ted” James took to the field with a special announcement, “I have
The Southern University Human Jukebox performs during the 2017 Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands on Friday, November, 24 inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. (Arnita Dove/DIGEST)
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Members of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. perform a precision routine during the 2017 Bayou Classic Greek Show held on Friday, November 24, inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. (Arnita Dove/DIGEST)
the perfect opportunity for you to represent the Human Jukebox every single day and for you to send your financial appreciation to the Jukebox . . . [Mr. Haymer] the Southern University Human Jukebox is the first band in the state of Louisiana, the only band, to have an official license plate.” The overjoyed Jukebox wasted no time kicking the battle off with a short opener, cruising into GoldLink’s “Crew”, which proved to be a crowd favorite as fans sang the lyrics aloud. After patiently waiting their turn, The World Famed Grambling State Tiger Marching Band took the crowd to church with Tamela Mann’s “Take Me to the King,” in tribute to the lives of New Orleans
Matriarch, Dolores Marsalis and New Orleans jazz legend, Fats Domino. They wasted no time picking up the tempo, blaring their own rendition of Post Malone’s “Rockstar,” and the crowd couldn’t help but to rock along. Tossing it back to Southern, the Human Jukebox slowed it down a bit with an impressive performance of Tank’s “When We,” followed by DJ Khaled’s “Wild Thoughts.” Grambling responded with an equally striking rendition of SZA’s “Love Galore” and continued with The Isley Brothers’ “Contagious,” a throwback that encouraged yet another crowd singalong. More than 16 songs were played on each side as the night rolled
on. Both bands played back and forth, blaring some of the crowd’s notable favorites. By the end of the battle, it was clear who the winner was: The Human Jukebox. A member of the Jukebox stuck around to share just why they thought the Jukebox came out of the battle as the obvious champions. Band Member, junior Criminal Justice major, Joshua Johnson has participated in the event for the past 3 years. “I had a really good time. We put in lots of hard work and dedication. Late nights and early mornings just to leave it all on the field. Grambling definitely took a major ‘L’,” Johnson said.
History has been made: Tiffany Haddish and Chance the Rapper host Saturday Night Live
BY DEVON FEDRICK
SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
History has been made. Tiffany Haddish, an actress and comedian from South Central, California, and Chance the Rapper, a musician from Chicago, Illinois, showcased their acting skills as they hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) on November 11th and 18th. For the second time since the comedy sketch show debuted on October 11th, 1975 it has welcomed two black entertainers for two consecutive Saturday’s. The first time SNL saw two black hosts for two consecutive Saturday’s was in March of 2009 with pro-wrestler turned Actor, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Actor/Comedian, Tracy Morgan. On Saturday, November 11th, Tiffany Haddish took the stage and made history as the first black female stand-up comedian to host SNL. She kicked off the show as usual, with an opening monologue.
Haddish was granted extra time during her monologue to perform a short standup act. She spoke briefly about her recent Film “Girls Night”, which hit theatres this past summer, earning over $100 million in box office sales. She followed with light humor regarding her profit from the movie and her astonishment after discovering her two-million-dollar net-worth which she jokingly claimed, “I aint seen this money.” She continued, joking about her dress that she openly admitted to wearing prior to that night. Haddish admitted to having previously wore the $400 thousand dollar dress to the red-carpet premier of “Girls Night” and she carried on stating that she would wear the dress in the future as well. Haddish appeared in multiple skits throughout the night. One of the best was the Tournament Fighter skit, where Haddish played a See SNL page 10
In this Nov. 11, 2017 photo released by NBC, comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish appears during the opening monologue on “Saturday Night Live,” in New York. (Will Heath/NBC via AP)
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Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - Page 9
“The Problem with Apu” Documentary: Is Racist Comedy Truly Outdated?
BY ACE WHEELER
SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
The Problem with Apu is a documentary-style film, written and narrated by stand-up comedian, Hari Kondabolu. The film includes commentary and criticism about a made-up character, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, on the long time animated show, The Simpson’s. Multiple interviews are included, with celebrities like actress Mindy Kaling, television host and actress Whoopie Goldberg, and comedian Dana Gould; who also serves as writer and coexecutive producer of The Simpson’s television show. According to the documentary, the depiction of Apu is considered a negative aspect of the already risqué TV show. The stereotypes surrounding Apu include; a foreign accent, bobbing of the head, and his job working as a clerk at the local gas station. Many South Asian celebrities who were interviewed in the documentary stated that characters like Apu have brought mockery and constant bullying from their peers while living in America. Southern University students were
This image released by Fox shows the Apu from the animated series “The Simpsons.” The character is the subject of a documentary called “The Problem With Apu,” airing on truTV. (Fox via AP)
Expanding the Brand: Ray J launches Raytroniks Inc.
BY DEJOHN RICHARDSON
SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
Ray J, R&B singer turned Love & HipHop: Hollywood reality television star, isn’t quite done building his successful empire. The entertainer always seems to be moving steadily. Recently, the 36-year-old artist has launched his newest venture, Raytroniks Inc. which is a leading global consumer electronics brand. Ray J’s company has been popularizing its first invention, the Scoot-E-Bike®. It is a foldable, two-wheeled, electric vehicle with a top speed of 20 miles per hour. The 39-pound device can support a person weighing up to 264 pounds. It needs three to five hours to charge and when fully charged, can travel up to 30 miles.
According to a press release, during the week of November 9, 2017, he closed a new $31 multi-million-dollar deal after teaming up with Cowboy Wholesale, a leading distributor of consumer based electronics based in New York City. They will become the exclusive distributor of his Raytroniks Inc. products. Stemming from the major success of his electric scooters, Ray J’s collaboration with the department store, Neiman Marcus, and a designer brand, MCM, led to the opening of his Raytroniks Inc. store in Los Angeles, California. “We are proud and love the way things are going with our partnership with MCM and Neiman Marcus,” says Ray J. “We are in the forefront of bridging the gap with fashion and electric transportation.” Do not think that he is only a fading
asked their opinion of the portrayal of Apu. First-year Law student, Jasmine Copper, from Shreveport, Louisiana says, “I think it is offensive, just because in today’s world, everything is politically correct and so cartoons like Family Guy and even The Boondocks offend different groups of people. I think the difference may be that with shows like The Boondocks, it’s Black people making fun of Black people. And so that’s okay, as opposed to other races making fun. It’s all offensive. It’s unfortunate. And they make money off of it.” Student Aaron Ray from Middletown, New York, was told that many South Asians find Apu’s character repulsive. Ray was asked if he would be offended if the situation was reversed and they changed Apu to a Black American with all the negative stereotypes that followed. He answered, “Yeah, I find that very offensive if somebody does, like an act, to be a black person. And you know…it’s still racism going on, and we just don’t know how to react to it.” In the documentary, Kondabolu See APU page 10
producer or has slid off to become this reality television personality. He is now one of the latest celebrity entrepreneurs to join the network of emerging technology businesses and infrastructures. It will be quite interesting to see what Ray J. brings forth to the table for his next set of products since his Scoot-E-Bikes® were a major hit amongst celebrities such as rappers, Diddy and Snoop Dogg, actor Terrence J., and R&B singer, Chris Brown. Check out rayconglobal.com to read more about the deal or to purchase a Scoot-E-Bike®. Talk about Black Excellence at it’s finest!
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character in a fighting game “Death Fight 12”, who ironically possessed no fighting skills. Other skits for the night included, Lion King Auditions, The Last Unicorn, The Dolphin Who Learned to Speak, Get Woke with Tamika and Whiskers R We. Chancelor Bennett, who goes by Chance the Rapper followed Haddish, hosting SNL on Saturday November 18th. During his opening monologue he announced that he would be donating $1 million dollars to CPS (Chicago Public Schools), and much like Tiffany, Chance followed up his announcement by saying, “The only problem is, I talked to my accountant, and I do not have it.” Chance jokingly suggested that, “you can make some serious cash off a holiday hit,” before mentioning that there are no good Thanksgiving songs. He wasted little time jumping into one
Source: rap-up.com
of his own. “I wanna become the Mariah Carey of Christmas,” Chance stated after poking fun at Mariah Carey’s annual, All I Want for Christmas tree lighting special. Following a group sing-along of the SNL original It’s Thanksgiving Time, which Chance dedicated to “all you outcast and weirdos in the family.” He performed in several skits that night. One of which has been received warningly by many, was the skit Come Back, Barack, which was a parody of old R&B music video clichés. Chance, along with two, seasoned cast members, Kenan Thompson and Chris Redd sang about their desire to have Barack Obama return to office. Other skits of the night included Family Feud, Career Day, Wiki Links, Wayne Thanksgiving, Porn Pizza Delivery, Sports Announcer and Rap History.
interviewed random people on the street and told them various facts about Apu. One fact that was made known was that Apu was not voiced by a South Asian actor, but instead a white male actor. A few of the bystanders stated that they now felt “uncomfortable” watching those scenes, after realizing the truth. Criminal Justice major, Raven Wells, shared a similar experience she had. She stated, “…with Apu, the character, I’m not familiar with him, but he kind of sounds like Cleveland off of Family Guy. Wells admits that after she realized
APU from page 9
Cleveland was not voiced by a Black person she “literally stopped watching the show.” She can relate to South Asians who may feel the same way about Apu in “The Simpson’s”. Black-face; yellow-face; brownface; you name it, are all considered very offensive and an outdated form of comedy. So what happens next? Will the show go on with the same jokes or will writers and producers try to correct the way South Asians are portrayed on The Simpsons.
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I’m Staying: Thanksgiving on the Yard
BY DEVON FEDRICK
SOUTHERN DIGEST - STAFF WRITER
Thanksgiving on campus isn’t so bad. Don’t get me wrong, missing out on a home cooked meal is never fun, and missing out on Thanksgiving dinner is like missing out on the best home cooked meal of them all! Well get this...I have missed out on the last three Thanksgiving dinners back home. For the last three years I have been on campus while most are eating turkey and ham with family and friends. But, Thanksgiving on campus isn’t so bad. I may not have my family with me on campus, but I do have my friends who are the closest you will get to the real thing. A lot of people think that staying on campus during Thanksgiving is the worst, but
when you have good people around you, it doesn’t matter who they are, there is always a reason to be thankful. Although the food isn’t prepared by my mother, I have had a Thanksgiving meal every year that I’ve spent on campus. For those who do not know, Ms. Perry is a Professor of Sociology here on campus and every year she prepares a Thanksgiving meal for all students who spend their holiday on campus. Every year, more students gather in Higgins Hall, and every year Ms. Perry feeds them all. This year was the biggest turn out that I’ve seen. Before blessing the food, her Minister spoke shortly with us about the importance of being thankful for the things that we have. His words spoke to me and gave me a new perspective. He told
us that God has a way of taking what seems to be not enough, and stretching it until it is more than enough. Staying on campus is the perfect example because I am away from all the things that make Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving. You know… mom and dad. Siblings and cousins, aunties and uncles and grandparents. Pretty much everything you would see on a Thanksgiving-themed postcard. What I am left with, however, is simply the feeling of giving thanks. It’s not like I don’t see my family during the holiday. My sister Facetimes me every year and walks her phone around the house and I get the chance to speak with all my family. So, I am thankful that even though I am not there in person, I can still see all their faces. Thanks, Steve Jobs!
Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - Page 11
I realized that I am also thankful to be able to go out and do things. Just because you spend Thanksgiving on campus doesn’t mean you have to spend it cooped up in your room all day. There are some restaurants that are open during the holidays. IHOP is always a good option if you ask me. Although IHOP is not known for serving turkey with stuffing and dressing on the side, it is still a meal, and with the right people, I promise you won’t tell the difference. So here I am, on Thanksgiving without family and family tradition, and I am more thankful than I have ever been before because it has shown me that Thanksgiving is about more than those things. Thanksgiving is about being happy and thankful for the things you do have.
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Songbook Sings About Southern
BY BRIA GREMILLION
SOUTHERN DIGEST - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
“It’s something about them girls in the gold and blue, wonder why them others always imitate you,” croons Mass Communications senior, Byron Wicker on his latest R&B single, Golden Blue. As a 21-year-old Baton Rouge native, Wicker, who also goes by Byron Songbook, uses Southern University to influence his creativity when writing music. The initial creation of Golden Blue was the result of a final exam project and based on true events. Wicker recounts how much his professors and classmates enjoyed the song when he performed it during his presentation. Upon the urging of his professor, Wicker was able to orchestrate a video shoot for his latest single, with “selected members of the Gold N’ Bluez”. “I was able to get those students on board and right now I’m just putting everything together because everybody is waiting to see it,” stated Wicker. Songbook recalls the events that got him to this point, sharing how he decided to take a break from pursuing a music career after facing disappointment and setbacks. After the release of his first single, entitled Pretty Wednesday, Wicker was disappointed that people were not as receptive to the song as he initially believed. The singer even overheard a classmate voicing her distaste for his work. After an unsuccessful attempt at organizing a video shoot for Pretty Wednesday, Wicker decided to step away from the music scene. “Rejection is a part of this process … I went through 100 no’s to get that one yes,” stated Wicker. Excited about the completion of the video for his second single, Golden Blue, Wicker says he expects the visual to be released in early December. “You gotta keep moving in multiple directions in order to reach the destination that you’re trying to get to. You can’t just give up, just because one person said no,” stated Wicker. You can follow him on Instagram @bsongbook or on Twitter @byronsongbook
EDITORIAL POLICY The Southern DIGEST is the official student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. Signed articles, feedback, opinions and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body. The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its Editorial and Opinion pages (Including Sports Commentaries) The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be emailed to digest@subr.edu
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