Volume 67 - Issue 13

Volume 67, Issue 13

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

www.southerndigest.com

Board of Supervisors Transition for Spring Eddie Bynog/DIGEST President-Chancellor of the Southern University Ray L. Belton, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Dr. Leon Tarver II, and Vice-Chairman Calvin Braxton II. preside over the twelfth Board of Supervisors meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Friday, November 25.

BY BRIA GREMILLION / EDDIE BYNOG SOUTHERN DIGEST

On the second floor of the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, Louisiana, the twelfth board meeting of 2016 approved a host of ambitious raises, appointments and measures that many students will come to see throughout the year.

On November 25, the Board of Supervisors meeting began at 9 AM with its routine call to order, roll call, and adoption of the agenda.

Afterwards, the meeting was opened for public comments and several students and faculty members approached the podium in support of Dr. Lisa MimsDevezin as the Chancellor of Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO).

President of the faculty senate at SUNO, Dr. Cynthia Ramirez spoke on behalf of the faculty senate and stated that a letter was written in support of Mims becoming the new Chancellor.

The floor was then opened for

presentations, one of which consisted of the Commissioner of the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.

The commissioner was present to thank the board for its cooperation in efforts of allowing alcohol to be served at different University sporting events.

The meeting proceeded as Dr. Tarver announced that his tenure as the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors was coming to an end.

After serving for two years, Tarver thanked everyone present for allowing him to fulfill the position.

“It’s been an extraordinary opportunity once again to have served my University.

Its been a great pleasure and a great challenge to serve with my colleagues, the public, students, and also the state and the nation,” said Tarver.

The board also participated in electing its officers for 2017.

Mrs. Ann Smith was nominated and chosen as the Chairman of the board for

Eddie Bynog/DIGEST Alumni Affairs and Executive Associate to the President-Chancellor Robyn M. Merrick, SUBR President-Chancellor Ray L. Belton and Board Chairman Dr. Leon Tarver II preside over the twelfth Board of Supervisors meeting held in New Orleans, Lousiana Bayou Classic Weekend.

2017.

“I did ask you to allow me to become your servant as the chair of the board and you’ve afforded me that opportunity, so now I am requesting your continued support so that we, together, can move this great system of Southern University

to a higher level,” said Smith.

Along with Smith assuming the new position, Reverend Donald Ray Henry was nominated as the Vice Chairman of the board in the new year.

“Southern University is waiting on See YOU NAME IT page 3

Bayou Classic takes off: HBCU fans crowd the Crescent City

BY BRIA GREMILLION / EDDIE BYNOG SOUTHERN DIGEST

The 43rd annual Bayou Classic had no shortage of entertainment during Thanksgiving weekend as the Battle of the Bands, Greekshow and Fanfest entertained Jags and Tigers alike.

The “Human Jukebox” and The World Famed marching bands went head to head with one another Friday night in the Mercedes Benz Superdome as a part of the 2016 Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands.

Fans and spectators packed the dome in anticipation of both bands using their instruments to grace their ears with listening pleasure.

Positioned on the left side of the stage, under a gold spotlight, the Grambling Tigers performed

popular hits such as “No Problem”

by Chance the Rapper, “Earned it”

by The weekend and “All the Way Up” by Fat Joe. On the opposite side of the stage, the Human Jukebox performed for an audience under the rays of a royal blue spotlight.

The band performed with live singer, Christina Rogers, while she crooned soulful ballads of “When the Saints Go to Worship”.

The band also produced popular hits like “Sex With Me” by Rihanna and “Got My Whiskey”

by Mel Waiters.

The Jukebox respectfully ended the performance with the New Orleans classic, “Do What You Wanna”.

Pre-nursing major and Freshman, Nazsha Demoulin, from Baton Rouge spoke of how

she enjoyed the musical battle of the cats.

“I liked the support from the crowd when it was time for their school to play,” said Demoulin.

Before the crowd began to groove in the stands, fans participated in the 2016 Bayou Classic Greek Show.

Sororities and fraternities from both SU and GSU competed in the step show.

Fans were encouraged to download the Bayou Classic app in order to vote for their fan favorite.

Southern University’s Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was crowned the winner of the fraternity segment and the Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was crowned the winners of the

sororities.

Both Greek organizations left the Superdome with three thousand dollars each.

Presented by Cox Communications and iHeart Media, the Bayou Classic Fan Fest was held in Champions Square, located outside of the MercedesBenz Superdome Saturday morning.

The event featured sponsors from Q93.3, Cracker Barrel, Jack Daniels, Coca Cola and Metro PCS. In addition to scoring free t-shirts, drinks and bags, fans in attendance were also given a free concert featuring performances ranging from local artists, up and coming talents and established musicians.

King Bronze, a New Orleans native and former Southern University student was the first to take the stage.

Bronze described his music as being a mix of Hip Hop, Jazz and realness.

“It’s real. I’m not speaking about anything I haven’t been through or seen with my own eyes,” said Bronze.

“Everything that I talk about in my music is something I’ve experienced before.”

Bronze performed 3 songs for

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

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Campus Briefs

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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 & Friday morning 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.

ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2016

by The Southern University Office of Student Media Services.

All articles, photographs and graphics are property of The Southern DIGEST and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the Editor in Chief and Director of Student Media Services.

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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DIGEST STAFF WRITERS Konner Johnson Tyler Gibbs Patricia Foster Cathy Mcleod Trevor Moore Andrew Evans Jhaylon Green

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DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS Arnita Dove Robert Harris Destinee Jordan Stephen Rideau Ealiya Toplin Brandon Tucker Alliyah Moore Julian Alvarez Drakkar Broussard Dennis McGrew

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THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK TUES. NOVEMBER 29

WEDS. NOVEMBER 30 THURS. DECEMBER 1

THUNDER STORMS

PARTLY CLOUDY

HI - 79° / LO - 61° 80% CHANCE OF RAIN

HI - 78°/ LO - 55° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN

MOSTLY SUNNY

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Campus Briefs

FRI. DECEMBER 2

PARTLY CLOUDY

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

(SUBR) Annual Security and Fire Safety report includes statistics for the previous three (3) years concerning reported crime that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings owned or operated by SUBR and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning campus security, policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, SIGMA GAMMA RHO sexual assault, and other matters. You The Beta Alpha Chapter of Sigma can obtain a copy of this report by Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is hosting contacting the SUBR Police Department an Informational on Wednesday, or by accessing the following web site November 30 at 6:22 p.m. in the John http://www.subr.edu/supd.

B. Cade Library Classroom #1. For more information please contact their USDA SCHOLARSHIP Advisor, Ms. Jocha Gordon directly USDA scholarship is available for by emailing Summertime70812@aol. students studying agriculture, food, com. natural resource sciences or other related disciplines. Deadline to apply CLOTHING BANK will be Saturday, December 31, 2016.

Students in FCSC 497: Sustainably For more info, go to: http://www. in Design will host a clothing bank outreach.usda.gov/education/1890/ on Thursday, December 1 from 9 index.htm a.m. - noon. The event will be held in Southern Niche, the student-run retail MARDI GRAS boutique-laboratory, located in Pinkie MASQUERADE GALA Thrift Hall, Room 155. Individuals who Southern University’s Department were affected by the flooding in Baton of History present Mardi Gras Rouge will be able to select clothing, Masquerade Gala feturing The Michael shoes, and other accessories at NO Foster Project set on Saturday, Febuary COST. 18 from 8-12AM. Tickets available for purchase coming soon.

DoIT FOOD DRIVE The Division of Information BLUFF STUFF Technology is accepting donations of All notices for Bluff Stuff: SU Campus food items for the community during Notes should be submitted by 5 p.m. on the Christmas Season. Help out and Wednesday or Friday in order to make bring your non-perishable items to it in the next Campus Notes. either Moore Hall, 4th floor of J.S. Please send information to erin_ Clark Admin Building or the John B. fulbright@sus.edu or Cade Library. rachel_carriere@subr.edu.

Follow us on social media: Instagram & CHRISTMAS ON THE BLUFF Twitter @SouthernU_BR or Facebook Southern University Concert Choir’s at Southern University and A&M Candlelight Christmas Concert College featuring The Heritage Choir of Baton Rouge.

SEE SOMETHING, The event will be held Sunday, SAY SOMTHING - TITLE IX December 4 at 6 p.m. in the Debose Members of the SUBR campus Music Building Performance Annex. community which includes students, faculty, staff, administrators, guests, Enjoy the sounds of the holiday season and visitors have the right to be free during pre-concert performances from sexual misconduct of any type. beginning at 4 p.m. throughout the Therefore, SUBR is firmly committed Debose Music Building including to maintaining a climate of respect and musician John Gray and his jazz safety for everyone. ensemble, The Michael Foster Project, For more information or to contact the other guests and alumni artists, and SUBR Title IX Coordinator, Dean of music ensembles from area middle Students Marcus Coleman, please visit and high schools. www.sub.edu/DOS #KeepJagsSafe #WeAreSouthern Proceeds from this festive event will support the Music Program at NOW HIRING! Southern University.

The Jaguar yearbook is currently General admission at the door is $10. seeking copy editors, writers, Student admission is $5 with a student photographers. For more information ID. call: (225) 771-5812 or email: jermaine_ proshee@subr.edu.

For more information contact Charles Lloyd Jr., music program director, JAGUAR FOOTBALL Southern University, 225-771-5894, We would like to congratulate the charles_lloyd@subr.edu, or call 225Southern University Football program, 771-3440. our student athletes, and the coaches for a great season! We are proud of ANNUAL SECURITY/FIRE what they accomplished this season and SAFETY REPORT look forward to next season!

The Southern University-Baton Rouge If you see any of the players or coaches, be sure to yell “Go Jags!”

SELFIE NIGHT It’s Selfie Night with Southern University Jaguars Men’s Basketball vs Paul Quinn on Tuesday, November 29 at 7 p.m. Everyone will get an opportunity to take a selfie with the Men’s Basketball team and free admission to all kids. That’s right, all kids get in free!

Jaguar Nation come out and support your Jaguar Basketball Team.

Go Jags!

What do I want my fellow students to know about the Office of Student Media?

JOSHUA MCKNIGHT BATON ROUGE SENIOR LAYOUT EDITOR

“This year marks the 90th Anniversary of The Southern DIGEST. We encourage all MCKNIGHT students to join a team that encourages growth and professionalism while building a solid career path.”

TYLER GIBBS SNELLVILLE, GA FRESHMAN WRITER PHOTOGRAPHER

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EALIYA TOPLIN FORT WORTH, TX FRESHMAN PHOTOGRAPHER

“It’s a place where you can meet new people, likeminded student professionals, and grow as a TOPLIN team. You also get priority access to certain events. I’m so glad I decided to join student media.”

JAMILAH STITH WASHINGTON, D.C. SOPHOMORE PHOTOGRAPHER

“Student Media is dope! EGO Magazine STITH encourages students of all types to come together and express themselves.”

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SOUTHERN DIGEST

Tuesday, November 29, 2016 - Page 3

YOU NAME IT from page 1 everyone in this room,” Henry began.

“Examine yourself and ask yourself are you really fully participating on the high calling of representing Southern University,” Henry went on to say.

The Board of Supervisors then proceeded to vote on several action items on the agenda.

Those items included the approval of three endowed professorships; The Joy Clemens Endowed Clinical Professorship, The Louisiana Outside Counsel Louis A. Berry Endowed Professorship, and The Louisiana Outside Counsel Judge Freddie L. Pitcher, Jr. Endowed Professorship.

All professorships, which consist of a position permanently paid for with the proceeds from a donation, were approved.

In addition, it was approved to award an Honorary Doctoral Degree of Humane Letters to Xernona Clayton. Clayton is a broadcast executive and civil rights leader with a plethora of achievements and contributions to the world.

The certification of SUBR candidates for the Fall 2016 graduating class was approved in addition to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and the Southern University Law Center (SULC) for the SULC Study Away in the Caribbean Program.

The approval to use prior year funds at SUBR for new community use washing and drying machines in residential halls and apartments, the installation of new air conditioning units in Boley Hall and the installation of new air conditioning units in the University apartments was passed in a memorandum penned by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Dr. Brandon K. Dumas, to President-Chancellor, Dr. Ray L. Belton.

Lastly, the request to improve the sidewalks, pavement and potholes along E.C. Harrison Street as a part of the Small Capitol Project was passed.

In the second portion of the meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted on new appointments and replacements to the positions of Dean of College of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies (COH) , Sciences and Engineering and Government and Social Sciences.

The Board appointed Dr. Cynthia Bryant as the new Dean of the COH and Dr. Patrick Carriere as the Dean of College of Sciences and Engineering.

The appointment of Dr. Carriere was met with some pushback by board members after being confronted with what some saw as a pay increase.

When it came to the appointment of Dr. Damien Ejigiri, the board entered

into executive session to discuss the appointment before subsequently approving it.

“As it relates to the current dean salary was it adjusted upward?” asked board member Myron K. Lawson, “Or is this consistent with what the previous Dean was making?”

The Dean of the College of Engineering has a salary of 127,398 dollars while the Dean of Science rakes in 103,000 dollars.

Provost and Executive Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. M. Christopher Brown II, agreed that this was a cost saving measure as the new Dean over both the engineering and science schools would be making only 7,000 more a year.

Southern University Baton Rouge President-Chancellor, Dr. Ray L. Belton, defended the salary increase stating, “We’re asking them to assume more responsibility in that regard so this salary does reflect an adjustment.”

This led board member Tony M. Clayton to warn Brown about his statement.

“You guys got to be careful when you say that,” said board member Tony Clayton, “In fact that’s not, right?”

According to chair, Dr. Leon Tarver II, the current Dean of the College of Engineering would step down. A decision about whether to maintain his current salary has yet to be made.

“So, it’s not a hundred thousand dollars savings as Mr. Brown is shaking his head as if it were,” said Clayton.

Lastly, Dr. Verjanis Peoples was appointed as the new Director of the School of Education, coming as a surprise to some of those in attendance.

Peoples, who is Grambling alumni and former Dean of the College of Education, had initially applied to the position of Dean of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies.

In a memorandum sent from chair of the Humanities and Interdisciplinary Search Committee, Dr. Damien Ejigiri, Peoples scored the least amount of points with weaknesses in the areas of vision, management and resolving conflicts.

The board meeting ended with an overview of information items and updates on the NCAA, Priority Projects, President’s report and campus reports.

Interim Athletic Director and head basketball coach, Roman Banks, presented to the board an update on the state of Southern University’s Baton Rouge campus athletics and the progress that’s been made.

The Board of Supervisors’ last meeting of the year will be held in December.

A definitive date has not yet been determined.

the crowd of hundreds including his single, “Dreams” currently being played on Q93.

Bronze also stated that the main thing he wanted the audience to take away from his music was that no matter what, to keep elevating.

Rapper Tweeday, who performed his hit single, “Bust That”, stated he was excited to be in New Orleans for Bayou Classic weekend.

“This my first time performing for

TAKE OFF from page 1 something big like this outside my region,” said Tweeday.

“Im actually working on a mixtape and EP that’s untitled, ”the rapper continued.

Tweeday also stated that his advice to anyone aspiring to become a success is to never stop or give up on your dreams.

The concert wrapped up with performances from Young M.A., Dee-1, Master P, Lil Rome, Cymphonique Miller and “Cut it” rapper, O.T. Genasis.

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SOUTHERN DIGEST

Page 4 - Tuesday, November 29, 2016

The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926

BAYOU BEAT DOWN Tigers dismantle Jaguars

Kayla Foster/DIGEST Senior running back, Lenard Tillery, is brought down by a Grambling defender during the 43rd Annual Bayou Classic. This year’s Bayou Classic attendance reached a record high of 67,845 fans.

Grambling extended its streak against Southern to 2.

BY BRANDOB PRINCE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

On Saturday, the Southern University Jaguar football team (SU) took on the Tigers of Grambling State (GSU) at the 43rd annual Bayou Classic, held in New Orleans, Louisiana for what was hyped to be a very intense contest between two of SWAC’s undefeated teams.

Both teams came into the game with an 8-0-conference record in hopes of

leaving New Orleans with a win and punching their tickets to Houston where Alcorn State University (ASU) awaits the winner’s arrival. However, for SU, those tickets turned into a sad bus ride home as the Jags fell short to the Tigers by a score of 52-30.

“We were behind, trying to get some points on the board,” said Odums. “Field goals won’t beat the good football team we played tonight. You’ve got to get

touchdowns.”

In the first quarter, the Jags struck quickly with a touchdown pass from junior quarterback, Austin Howard to SU’s all-time reception and receiving leader, senior wide receiver Willie Quinn.

However, GSU wasted no time striking back with two straight touchdowns of their own; one from their leading rusher, junior running back Martez Carter and a passing touchdown on a trick play from

senior wide receiver Chad Williams to senior wide receiver Verlan Hunter.

SU had a chance to take the lead and momentum on their 2nd drive but during 2nd and goal, Howard lost the ball on an attempted effort to give the Jags the go ahead touchdown while stretching for the goal line.

“That was huge,” said GSU head football See BEATDOWN page 5

Saints suggest sense of desperation has improved their play

BY BRETT MARTEKL AP SPORTS WRITER

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Saints linebacker Craig Robertson sounded confident that he knew the main reason why New Orleans looked as locked-in as the club has been all season during a lopsided victory over Los Angeles Rams.

It wasn’t because of a motivational speech. It wasn’t because of a desire to show up a certain former Saints defensive coordinator now serving in the same capacity in Los Angeles.

And it wasn’t because the Saints have adopted as their theme song “The Circle of Life” from the Disney movie, “The Lion King,” which blared from the Superdome sound system after a secondhalf touchdown.

“Really there’s only one factor,” Robertson said. “We just know we have to win. That’s it.”

In their 49-21 victory over the Rams on Sunday, the Saints improved to 5-6, keeping them two games behind Atlanta (7-4) in the NFC South and 1½ games behind Washington (6-4-1), which is in the final wild-card playoff spot.

Like Robertson, right tackle Zach Strief suggested that a sense of desperation might have brought out the best in the Saints.

“I don’t know how exceptionally

motivated anybody was by the Rams game so much as the fact that we’re essentially in a win-or-go-home situation,” Strief said.

“This team right now feels like its back is against the wall and we don’t have any room for error.

“And maybe, for this team, that’s what we need,” Strief said.

New Orleans has five games left to make up ground, starting when the Detroit Lions (7-4) visit the Superdome this Sunday.

The recent adoption of the “Lion King” theme song is coincidental, said Strief, who declined to get into specifics of why the song has meaning to the club beyond saying it has to do with “the position that we’re in and the mentality that we need to have going forward.”

The Saints have played in a slew of close games this season, but often struggled to pull them out. Five of their six losses have come by six or fewer points, including four by a field goal or less, one by two points and one by a single point.

Saints coach Sean Payton said that with so many close games across the NFL, the ability to minimize errors and make plays in the clutch can be the difference See IMPROVED page 5

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Tuesday, November 29, 2016 - Page 5

2 for 2: Jags defend Homefront

BY ANDREW EVANS DIGEST STAFF WRITER

Last week the Men’s basketball team and the Women’s basketball team played in a back-to-back double header at home.

The men’s team defeated the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 80-68 making their record 1-3 while the lady Jaguars beat the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats in a close game 61-59 increasing their record to 2-2.

Both the men and women are undefeated at home.

Forward Shawn Prudhomme led the team in scoring with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. For defense Prudhomme made 8 defense rebounds and 1 block.

The second highest scoring Jag was

guard Chris Thomas. Thomas came off the bench and scored 13 points and had 7 rebounds.

All together the Jags scored 80 points, had a field goal percentage of 43.5, a threepoint percentage of 34.8, and a free throw percentage of 81.8.

The Jaguars are now 1-3 for the season and 1-0 at home.

Tennessee Tech scored 68 points in the final score. They had a field goal percentage of 39.1, a 24.0 3-point percentage, and was 85.7 percent from the free throw line.

For the Lady Jags, forward Briana Green, led with 22 points, 3 assist, and 8 total rebounds. On defense Green had a total of 3 blocks and 4 steals.

The second highest scoring Lady Jag was Cortnei Purnell. Purnell scored 16

Drakkar Broussard/DIGEST Senior guard Cortnei Purnell block a shot attempt during Southen’s matchup versus Bethune-Cookman on November 22 at the Southern University Mini Dome.

points, had a total of 7 rebounds, and 1 assist. On defense Purnell had 2 blocks and no steals.

As a team, the Lady Jags scored a total of 61 points, combined for an average of .321 for field goals, averaged .187 percent from the 3-pointer, and had an average of .641 from the free throw line.

The Lady Wildcats had 59 points, 37.3 field goal percentage, 11.1 3-point percentage, and an 80.0 precent from the free throw line.

This week the (1-3) men play the Paul Quinn Tiger at home on Tuesday and then on Saturday the men will play the Florida A&M University Rattlers (2-5). The (2-2) Lady Jags play Ohio State Buckeyes on December the 7th. Upnext for the men’s team will be Paul Quinn tonight at 7PM.

Drakkar Broussard/DIGEST Senior forward Shawn Prudhomme goes up for a basket against Tennessess Tech defenders. Prudhomme is averaging 18.5 ppg and currently ranks second in scoring in the SWAC.

BEATDOWN from page 4 coach Broderick Fobbs. “We always talk about momentum, and he who has the momentum normally wins the game.”

The pace slowed down in the second quarter as SU’s defense held the Tigers to only a field goal. However for the Jags offense, SWAC’s all-time leader rusher senior running back Lenard Tillery rallied the troops with a 85yard touchdown to bring them within four for a one possession game heading into halftime (17-13). Tillery finished the game with 1 touchdown and 269 all-purpose yards with 234 of those on the ground and 35 receiving. He finished the season with a career best career best of 1665 rushing yards. In the loss, Tillery commented on the flow of the game and how the team as whole didn’t take advantage of it.

“You can have the momentum on second, but all it takes is one play to lose that momentum, and we didn’t ride the momentum like we should have,” said Tillery.

Unfortunately, GSU’s offense and defense kicked into high gear for the second half as they steamrolled over the Jags by outscoring them 35-17.

The duo of GSU’s junior quarterback Devante Kincade and Carter helped that happen with a combined 174 rushing

total. Carter put the game out of reach with a late fourth quarter touchdown on a kick return from 88 yards out. However, Kincade became the big reason for the SU’s downfall. Although SU’s defense was able to get to Kincade for three sacks, the threat of him using his feet to extend plays and taking off for big chunks of yardage in the Tigers rushing attack appeared

to freeze their linebackers long enough to find open wide receivers and allow GSU’s lineman advance to second level to block for Carter and other running backs.

“Those guys were triggerhappy,” said Carter. “They was trying to fill those lanes. My O-line did a good job of getting to that second level and making it easy for me to make guys

miss.”

With the loss, Jags finish the season at 8-3 and 8-1 in conference. As for GSU (9-1, 9-0 SWAC), they move on to the SWAC championship to face the Braves of Alcorn State University. The showdown will take place in Houston, Texas on Saturday, December 3, at 3 p.m.

IMPROVED from page 4 between a successful season and a disappointing one.

“It’s an emotional game to begin with,” Payton said. “If you had the exact recipe each week, it would be a lot easier.”

The Lions, Payton noted, have “found a way to win some of those (close) games, and as a result of that, they’re having a real good football season.”

Detroit has won five games by four or fewer points, including its most recent triumph over Minnesota on Thanksgiving Day, won by a late field goal set up by an interception.

Time will tell if the Saints are evolving into the type of team the Lions have been to this point.

There are several reasons for optimism, though, starting with a league-leading offense that put up a whopping 555 yards on a Rams defense that arrived in New Orleans ranked sixth in the NFL. Meanwhile, New Orleans’ defense has steadily performed better while benefiting from the return of key players who’d been injured earlier this season — namely, defensive tackle Sheldon Ranks, linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and cornerback Delvin Breaux.

Rankins, a first-round draft choice last spring, had a sack and strip that resulted in a turnover in the red zone against the Rams.

Ellerbe also had a sack for a third game in a row.

And while Saints defenders lambasted themselves for firsthalf breakdowns that allowed the Rams to score 21 points, they were pleased at their ability to make adjustments at halftime and shut out Los Angeles the rest of the way.

By game’s end, the Saints had limited a second straight foe to fewer than 300 yards — a far cry from their first five games, when four teams gained more than 400 yards.

“This team feels we’re better that our record shows,” Strief said.

“We put ourselves in this situation, but this team still has a chance to do something special and I think there’s confidence in the building that we can still do that.”

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Julian Alvarez/DIGEST Senior runing back Lenard Tillery blazes pass the Grambling secondary for an 85 yard rushing Jaguar Touchdown.

TIllery finished with 234 rushing yards.

Photos of the Week Page 6 - Tuesday, November 29, 2016

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Kayla Foster/DIGEST Members of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. perform their routine during the 2016 Bayou Classic Stepshow on Friday, November 25 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Tyler Gibbs/DIGEST The Human Jukebox Media cymbals off their twirls during the “Battle of the Bands” competition on Friday, November 25 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Kayla Foster/DIGEST Senior running back Lenard Tillery evades a Grambling defender and rushes for the first down.

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Julian Alvarez/DIGEST Young M.A. preforming her hit single “OOOUUU” at the “Bayou Classic Fanfest” on Saturday, November 26 outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome inside Champions Square.

Tyler Gibbs/DIGEST Members of the Alpha Tau chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. take home 1st place in the Sorority category during the Bayou Class Greekshow held on Friday, November 25 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Kayla Foster/DIGEST Members of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. step team pause during a precision step during the 2016 Bayou Classic Stepshow on Friday, November 25 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Julian Alvarez/DIGEST Southern University Dancing Dolls dazzle fans in attendance during halftime of the 43rd Annual Bayou Classic held on Saturday, November 26.

Julian Alvarez/DIGEST SU Cheer squad poses for a quick snap during the 43rd Annual Bayou Class held on Saturday, November 26 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome .

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Photos of the Week Tuesday, November 29, 2016 - Page 7

Kayla Foster/DIGEST Members of the Beta Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. step team iced the competition taking first place during the Bayou Classic Greekshow on Friday, November 25.

Julian Alvarez/DIGEST The Southern University Human Jukebox drum major, Brendon “The MVP” Guerin, executes the signature backbend during halftime of the 43rd Bayou Classic.

Julian Alvarez/DIGEST The Human Jukebox Trumpets wearing their gamefaces against Grambling during the “Battle of the Bands” competition on Friday, November 25 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Julian Alvarez/DIGEST New Orleans recording artist, Denisia, performs at Bayou Classic’s FanFest on Saturday, November 26 in Champions Square.

Julian Alvarez/DIGEST Southern University Football Team does their pre-game hype ritual prior to the start of the 43rd Annual Bayou Classic held on Saturday, November 26 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome .

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Young, Black, Politician: Jewell Jones Makes History,Again

BY CATHY MCLEOD DIGEST STAFF WRITER

While most adolescents are still trying to figure out their place in society, Jewell Jones (D) is fighting for justice from within the Michigan City Council and bridging relations between the African American community and those who police them.

Now the youngest state representative, serving others is nothing new for Jewell Jones.

At the age of 21, he recently made history in Inkster, Michigan.

First, he became the youngest person to ever sit on the City Council, which represents the city’s 4th District. As of November 2016 Jones will be the youngest state representative ever!

Jones, won the election on November 8th in Michigan’s 11th House district. He’s said to be the youngest ever elected to the state house. In 2015, the people of Inkster voted then-20-year-old Jewell Jones to the city council.

On January 1st, he’ll become

COURTESY OF JEWELL JONES (TWITTER) ACCOUNT

the official State Representative.

The Democrat is a senior at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, studying political science and business. Jones is still planning to graduate in the spring of 2017.

Debt: Black Vs. White

BY RASHEED WATKINS DIGEST STAFF WRITER

The rising costs of education happen to impact African Americans far more than their white counterparts, especially when it comes to debt.

Most minorities have to depend on financial aid in order to properly pay for

Finding the balance between the campaigns and being a fulltime student was the difficult part. On top of double majoring, Jones is involved with several on-campus organizations —

including the Army ROTC, Black Student Union and Student Veterans Association. “I was taking it day to day, but it was just a daily challenge of seeing if I focus on the campaign right now, or should I focus on school,” the newly minted councilman said.

“But my support system was really good.”

Some people have questioned his experience and ability to lead.

Jones says that it was because of his young age. He isn’t worried about being unprepared. “I have quite a lot of responsibility and roles right now that I’ve had for quite some time now,” Jones said.

“It kind of molded me to be good at this job.”

David Knezek, who was the youngest senator in Michigan at age 29, says he met Jones when the councilman was 16 and immediately saw his potential for leadership.

“We need more Jewells in politics across this country. We need more young people who

won’t simply settle for sitting on the sidelines complaining about how others are running things,” Knezek told another media outlet.

As a city councilman of Inkster, Jewell Jones has stood on the frontlines throughout hardships such as: urban blight, high poverty and illiteracy rates. The town has also grappled with police brutality, including the beating of 57-year-old Floyd Dent during a traffic stop earlier this year.

The newest and youngest state representative pledges to continue to tackle the relationship between the police department and the residents they serve.

“We are definitely going to be more focused on community policing, making police officers more visible by attending different events as opposed to residents only seeing and interacting with officers when they are enforcing the law,” Jones explained to the media.

Blacks are the only group in America that have not had the opportunity to accumulate any sort of wealth in order to thrive in society. The Department of Education and the Census Bureau, examined two groups: 1993 and 2008 college grads. Not surprisingly, the amount of debt owed four years after graduation was much larger for the class of 2008 than for 1993. The largest increase occurred among blacks.

In 2012, black grads owed an average of 52,726 dollars in student debt.

Whites owed almost half of that 28,000 dollars. Asians owed 26,253 dollars and Hispanics fall directly in the middle portion of 29,949 dollars.

More than 7 percent of black 2008

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their schooling.

Financial aid is any grant, scholarship, loan, or paid employment offered to help a student meet his/her college expenses.

Aid like such, is usually provided by various sources such as federal and state agencies, colleges, high schools, foundations, and corporations.

Four years after graduating college, the majority of black students owe nearly twice as much in student debts and are more likely to default on the loans than white students according to a newspaper article by Brookings Institution.

The analysis done by the institution later found that the past decade’s dramatic rise in student debt affects black students more than any other racial group and could heighten wealth inequality.

This is not only due to the major setbacks in society that blacks have had to endure, but the unfair treatments and access to wealth enriching resources.

grads deferred on their loans within four years of their graduation date. Only 2 percent of white grads and 1 precent of Asian grads defaulted in that time period, while almost 6% of Hispanic grads did.

“The researchers attribute the disparity in debt between blacks and whites to several factors” reported by the Wall Street Journal. African American students tend to owe more starting out in college because white families typically have more accumulated wealth and savings while blacks have less. By the end of graduation blacks owe 23,400 dollars in student loans versus the 16,000 dollars owed by white peers.

Another factor that plays a part in the varying debt amounts is the fact that black grads are also more likely than whites to attend grad school within four years of earning their undergraduate degrees, and to do so, they must, again, borrow more money. Almost half of 2008

black grads entered grad school within four years, compared to 38 percent of whites.

The pursuit of higher education may have made larger gaps in financial wellbeing rather than slimming them down. It is apparent that the American experience for colored people still remains a struggle

to survive as African Americans are constantly plagued by inequalities and injustices like police terror and financial instability.

This has made the American experience for some drastically different when it comes down to individuals with contrasting racial backgrounds.

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Tuesday, November 29, 2016 - Page 9

Brandy, Dru Hill bring back 1990s at Soul Train Awards

For Colored Girls, the Stage Play

BY CATHY MCLEOD DIGEST STAFF WRITER

Ntozake Shange’s musicaldrama, entitled ‘For Colored Girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf’ [“for colored girls”] (1976), consists of poetry, music, and improvisational dance.

In a series of twenty poems, Shange creatively self-describes her work as a “choreo-poem” of pain, suffering, abuse, strength and resilience, and imbues it with a joy. The text is a collection of ultimately cathartic for each of seven Afro-American women. What does it mean to be a woman of color in a both racist and sexist society?

For Colored Girls is the second play by an African American woman to be presented on Broadway. The first was ‘A Raisin in the Sun.’ The stage play of For Colored Girls differs from the film version. Behind the monologue are strong vocal performances.

Performers include: Kelly Price, Angie Stone, and Lillie McCloud.

‘For Colored Girls’ was based on Shang’s personal experiences.

In the early 1970s, she was suffering from depression, loneliness, and a profound sense of dislocation after her failed marriage. Following those tragedies, she began to ponder her identity as a black woman living in America. She began writing as a way of addressing her personal issues related to race, womanhood, and identity.

Shange wrote, “The poems introduce the girls to other kinds of people of color, and other worlds. To endeavor kindness, and cruelty. Cruelty that we usually think we face alone, but we don’t. We discover that by sharing with each other we find strength to go on.”

The choreo-poem has accumulated immense critical praises over the past four decades.

In the play, the characters struggle to accept their race, gender, and their places in the world.

They make mistakes in early

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Courtesy Musichall.org

relationships because they are desperate for love but behave as though they do not deserve it.

The women learn to celebrate their physical appearance, female friendships, scars, successes, and their connections to something more powerful and divine.

By the end of the piece, they become human beings that are self aware, unique and powerful.

They are glorious even when flawed.

While there are no white characters featured, Ntozake

Shange makes it clear that race forms an important part of her characters’ identities.

All of the main characters in Shange’s choreo-poem are women of color, and their racial identity and gender affects the perspective through which the audience experiences all the various anecdotes.

The “For Colored Girls” stage play will be touring during the Summer of 2017, however it is now touring various cities in Michigan.

Third Time’s a Stand-up: Chappelle returns

BY BRANDON TUCKER DIGEST STAFF WRITER

November 12th, 2016 marked a thirteen-year sketch comedy return for popular comic, Dave Chappelle.

The award winning show, Saturday Night Live selected Chappelle to host the sketch comedy television show.

Chappelle flexes his comedic chops throughout the night’s episode, he even plays former characters from his now syndicated hit television series, Chappelle’s Show. Chappelle

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doesn’t seem to miss a beat while in front of a live televised audience, which prompts most of his fans to wonder “why doesn’t he have another show!?”

According to Chappelle’s IMDb biography, his rise to fame begins at an early age attending Duke Ellington School of The Arts in Washington, D.C. Soon after graduation, Chappelle moved to New York City where he lands his first acting job in the film, Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

Chappelle begins to land more notable roles that include the popular Eddie Murphy’s, The Nutty Professor as well.

In 2003 Chappelle, along with longtime collaborator and friend, Neal Breannan, created and wrote The Chappelle’s Show. The Chappelle’s Show uses sketch comedy that address issues on race, stereotypes, pop culture and much more.

After two hugely successful seasons, Chappelle abruptly leaves production on the third.

The production of the third season would have landed Chappelle a $50 million deal. According to an interview with Time Magazine, Chappelle fled to South Africa on a “spiritual retreat” due to stress and pressures of the industry.

See STANDUP page 10

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Soul Train Awards has served up a night of nostalgia with performances by Brandy and Dru Hill, two artists who dominated the R&B scene in the 1990s.

After receiving the Lady of Soul award from Jill Scott, Brandy performed a medley of some of her biggest hits, including “The Boy Is Mine” and “I Wanna Be Down.” Mase joined her on stage for their duet, “Top of the World.”

The show opened with a Dru Hill reunion that featured some of their hits, including “In My Bed” and “Beauty.” Lead singer Sisqo performed his 1999 smash hit, “Thong Song.”

As for the awards at the Sunday ceremony in Las Vegas, Beyonce dominated the night with four trophies, including best R&B/soul female artist and album of the year for “Lemonade.”

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Since the abrupt departure of Chappelle from television in 2006, he is touring his stand-up comedy (sometimes un-announced) across the country to rave reviews.

Chappelle’s recent hosting appearance on Saturday Night Live reminded many of us just how good he is on TV. Netflix the popular movie and television streaming service takes notice of the buzz surrounding Chappelle and his SNL performance.

Netflix signs Chappelle to a $60 million deal that will produce three stand-up comedy specials.

The stand-up specials provide Chappelle another opportunity for exposure to both old and new fans alike.

The three new stand-up comedy specials mark the first for Chappelle in twelve years. Two of Chappelle’s standup comedy specials are already shot and ready for release, according to business Insider.

Southern University Junior, Briana Greene, from Atlanta, Georgia is a “huge fan” of Chappelle and is “very excited to see what he has in store” for his stand-up comic specials.

Sophomore, Darren Smith, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana isn’t very familiar with Dave Chappelle’s show and work, but “hears he is a great comedian, and that he is very entertaining.”

When asked about Chappelle’s Show and his three new stand-up comedy

STANDUP from page 9 specials, senior Delmonte Hayes from Opelousas, Louisiana says, “the show’s lit!”

Hayes also says “He’s funny and he’s always himself.”

The overall reception of the new stand-up comic specials is very positive.

Expectations for Dave Chappelle’s comic specials will only continue to grow as we get closer to the start of 2017!

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My First Bayou Classic

BY TYLER GIBBS

DIGEST STAFF WRITER

Bayou Classic 2016, my first official classic as a student here at Southern University and A&M College! I feel as if I experienced a lot during the many events that were held during this past weekend.

To begin, I went to some friend’s house so I could even attend the classic, so I got to meet and bond with their family, which made me feel like their brother. From there, I was supposed to try to attend the Thanksgiving Parade early that Thursday morning. Let’s just say I rolled out of bed around 11.

My friend and I got dropped off at the Bayou Classic Career Fair in the Hyatt around 12PM. I honestly thought it’d be in a huge ballroom but I was so surprised at its location being in the small side area it was in. I feel as if it was fine, but just

too small to be a group of sponsors that supported both schools.

Besides that, we ended up wandering around Decatur Street near the River Walk. We felt that we would find a place to eat that wasn’t full, but I was very mistaken. Literally we were just strolling down the street praying for food. After we ate, finally, we headed to the Greek Show. I can’t lie here, but I know I wasn’t the only one getting tired of that freaking “Greens, Beans, Potato, Tomato” song. I just felt like the Grambling Greeks danced more as opposed to showing their skills through steps like our Greeks profoundly do. Especially our Alphas and our Deltas who took home the first place prize.

Following the Greek Show, (30 minutes after to be precise) Grambling and Southern marched in and assumed their spots on the field.

All Grambling did was show out for

the masses who had no musical sense, and only cared for the many visuals they preformed, while Southern showed the audience who the real “World Famed” band was.

Grambling had several dance sequences that were not in sync, they were very unenthusiastic and the cymbal challenge on stage was not that nice.

Everything was more of a talent show to Grambling than a “Battle of the Bands.”

We all know which band isn’t afraid to get in the others face and give them the business.

I feel that Grambling did not win the victory of the battle after playing their rendition of Purple Rain by the one and only Prince. I didn’t feel it in my soul if you know what I mean.

The next day was crazy, I dealt with lots of unique indifferent individuals, the sidewalks of New Orleans became

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Tuesday, November 29, 2016 - Page 11

full of blue and gold (you already know the Black and Gold were late). It was also very hard in my efforts of being lazy, to try catch an Uber to the hotel, which was coincidentally down the street (true story). After having so much trouble getting back to the room, we missed half the game so we stayed and watched it in the lobby.

It was fun being away from the University for some time and going places and seeing things I would’ve never saw before. Honestly, after everything that happened during the whole Bayou Classic week, I love getting the chance to be able to attend the Battle of the Bands 2016, and getting the chance to explore the city of New Orleans.

Even in spite of our team’s lost, I feel such a greater love for my HBCU and will always bleed Blue & Gold until I can’t anymore.

Boley for the Holidays: Thanksgiving on campus

BY ARNITA DOVE

DIGEST STAFF WRITER

Well Jags, welcome back. I hope your break was filled with family, laughter, and intense card games. I hope you enjoyed enough beans, greens, tomatoes, potatoes… to curve your hunger through finals week.

For many, the Thanksgiving break is a time to relax and celebrate family as a glimpse of what the semester break has in store. However, for many out of state students, that wasn’t the case. I was apart of the lucky bunch of students who were unable to travel home over Thanksgiving break. At first it was intriguing to see the campus lose its life as students packed their cars last Monday and Tuesday to head their separate ways.

Once everyone had left and campus activity had officially subsided, and the few that had stayed behind retreated to their skeletal like residence halls, the silence was quite peaceful. No one above you “moving furniture” or not having to bang on your wall to signal your suite mate to turn the volume of their bounce music down. I reveled in the stylistic sounds of HGTV’s television series Flip or Flop and House Hunters. Being that this was my first Thanksgiving here at Southern University and A&M College, I was not prepared for this break. I had not prepared for the extent in which campus would be closed. It wasn’t until Tuesday that I realized that the cafeteria would be closed after Wednesday’s lunch hour.

At this point, most of the people I associate with have already headed to one of two places, New Orleans or home, wherever that may be. Therefore I had to put on my big girl pants and figure a way to eat for the rest of the week. I would say I got pretty lucky when a local ministry cooked a nice home cooked Thanksgiving meal for those of us still on campus.

They provided a nice spread of all the foods we love this time of year, and kind

of gave us an idea of who would be staying over break as well.

After dinner came the real struggle.

With no car, and being an out of state student with no real knowledge of how to get around in BR without one, I was pretty confined to the back of campus. I had few options of food such as Subway and Domino’s delivery, which I apparently wasn’t as tired of it as I had once stated days prior.

About Friday, the socialite in me kept inching its way to the forefront, I began to miss the “litness” of the circle when walking to Shade to get snacks.

Realizing that every time I walked through Boley’s lobby, Walter wasn’t sitting by the TV with his computer connected and playing his keyboard to hit singles he found on YouTube. Not even a talkative house parent lurking in the shadows waiting to spark conversation. I felt like I was the only person on my floor, if I hadn’t met so many new people on the elevator I would have sworn I was alone in Boley.

Besides the little visitors who kept crawling through my window, making my skin crawl, not knowing that lady Beetles creep me out. By the time Sunday arrived I was excited to hear my suite mate come back. After catching up about our breaks we decided to take a ride to Walmart. While riding through campus I was excited to see students moving about unpacking freshly washed laundry and enough groceries to hibernate for the rest of the semester. Seeing familiar faces, the socialite in me was most excited to be around people. I honestly had a pretty bittersweet Thanksgiving.

For the nerd in me, that was PRIME studying time, but for the socialite in me it was complete torture. However, if you ever plan on staying on campus for a Thanksgiving, I highly suggest you go grocery shopping before being stranded on campus for 5 days.

Be sure to check our website for more stories from today’s Issue. www.southerndigest.com

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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 Commentary 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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