October 6, 2020 . Volume 75 . Issue 5
Alexis Easton The Southern Digest
SU Give Day:
A Commemoration of Community
On September 9th, 2020, Southern University held their annual career fair, only with a twist this year. Normally, the career fair would be held on campus but since the unfortunate pandemic we are currently going through by the means of COVID-19, it was forced to have to take place virtually on Zoom. In total, Southern University’s first Virtual Career Fair had a turnout of approximately 350 students and featured forty five different companies.
“Traditionally our career fairs are held in the F.G. Clark Activity Center each fall however this year the career center was prepared to host its first virtual career fair and we were excited to introduce this new and innovative career fair platform to our students,” said Tamara Montgomery, the Director of Career Services, in regards to Handshake, the platform used by Career Services to help facilitate interactions between student paticipants and venders at the Virtual Career Fair. For this event, students had to use the link that was sent to their student emails to claim access to their Handshake account before they could even participate. Southern University and A&M College recently partnered with Handshake to help provide more opportunities for potential internships or careers beyond college. This tool is designed to learn student interests, skills and backgrounds from information students provide when they sign up. Once that is complete, it recommends opportunities based off the information provided. After a Handshake account is confirmed and the student is registered, they were able to attend any session of the virtual career fair. This is where it got different. At a usual career fair, all the organizations and businesses are there at the same time so that students can walk and talk with as many as they please. This career fair gave them a similar opportunity, but not all at once. This year, students had to individually sign up for each session that they were interested in. They all had different times and even some one-on-one See CAREER FAIR page 3
SUSLA SGA representatives talked about their college experience during the COVID-19 pandemic during SU Give Day inside the Valdry Center on Wednesday, September 30. (Diamond Butler/ DIGEST)
Keenon Glover The Southern Digest
Although the presence of COVID-19 has disrupted many functioning aspects of the school year, it did not halt the annual fundraising event known as SU Give Day. Started in 2014, the event serves to increase representation, attendance and funding for the Southern
University school system, with alumni and various other members of the Jaguar family participating and leading.
SU Give Day is typically held in The Valdry Center for Philanthropy, a collaborative space founded by the SUS Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as well as Leon, Warren and Virginia Valdry, natives of West Baton Rouge
parish and Southern alumni.
SU Give Day acts as the last day of the Million Dollar March; which is described by the Southern University System (SUS) Foundation as “a viral and direct mail volunteer-led fundraising campaign that endeavors to encourage alumni and friends See SU GIVES page 3
Southern University Joins Hands with LSU and the BRAC Diamond Butler The Southern Digest
To help improve students with their future careers Southern University teams up with LSU and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC). For those who may not know, the BRAC is an organization that leads the economic development of nine parishes in the Baton Rouge area.
Along with the Career Services centers of Southern and LSU, the BRAC entered an agreement to help connect students to career opportunities and internships through programs like Handshake, a talent recruitment platform. According to the Southern University website, the purpose of Handshake is to “…learn your interest, skills,
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Virtual Career Fairs: Yay or Nay?
Digest Ilustration
and background and then recommend opportunities for you based on the profile that you upload to the new system.”
For clarification, Handshake
connects employers to over 900 universities while being able to post jobs, view student’s resumes, See HANDSHAKE page 3
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ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? Deadlines:
The deadline to register to vote online at geauxvote.com is October 13.* For voter registration information for non-Louisiana residents, including students who do not reside on campus, go to whenweallvote.org. *Louisiana residents with valid ID.
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Carrying on the Legacy: The Next Class of C100 Black Women of SU Te’yanah Owens The Southern Digest
On September 23, 2020, 34 young women were inducted to the Collegiate 100 Black Women of Southern University and A&M College via Instagram and Facebook Live. For the past five years, they have been upholding this great legacy of sisterhood. The Collegiate 100 Women of Southern University organization is devoted to creating leaders, providing opportunities to empower, to improve the quality of life for women and to influence development at all levels of society. While accomplishing the objectives of the organization, the Collegiate 100 Women of Southern University is fully committed to displaying transformational actions for women that will give a power shift to motivate women to take action and achieve their goals. The objectives of the Collegiate 100 Women of Southern University are to supply professional mentoring for the members, serve as mentors and role models for the youth in the community, as well as to issue programs for leadership and fellowship development. They also establish entrepreneurship and business initiatives to increase the financial independence of the women, form new and creative advantages that positively impact women, and increase collaborations with organizations of similar missions and influence.
Decor setup inside the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union inside the Royal Cotillion Ballorom for the Fall 2020 C100 Women induction ceremony on Wednesday, September 23. (Digest File)
With COVID-19 impacting this semester as much as it has, things took unexpected turns for the newest members of the Collegiate 100 Women of Southern University, with more than a few noting how the road was not easy.
Kelsey Perine, the Vice President of C100 said, “It was extremely difficult to have an induction during COVID. We wanted the young ladies to be able to have the same experience as the clusters before them because they deserved it, but we had to ensure that we could do it in the safest way possible. Our President, Samiria Shields, made extra sure of that with her planning and ability to come up with a set up that would allow for that experience safely. She pushed
really hard for us to have and the executive committee and myself followed suit. We experienced a lot of hiccups but she was able to get it done for our new inductees.” Perine and Shields are both Fall 2018 inductees, and according to Perine, that history between the two has made working together in sync all the more efficient in a situation where nothing has been the same as it would normally be. Just being inducted into the organization in the Spring 2020, Tayler Trahan had this to say about her own induction process, as well as her own experiences during her time as member have been tested by COVID-19. “I joined because I wanted to surround myself with other young black women who want to make a mark on
campus and in the world. If you surround yourself with greatness you’re destined to be great! The induction process was definitely something to remember. We started back on March 1, 2020. I had the opportunity to learn from 33 other women. I have a different relationship with each of my sisters. It’s all a learning process. This cluster “34 ACTS” is truly something special. We like to say Corona tried to stop us but we had to set the tone. I learned that I am stronger than I thought. A lot of obstacles were thrown my way but I will always persevere. Consistency is key. I always remember the saying “Delayed not Denied” and that’s for anything in life.” Fellow Spring 2020 inductee Natchez Stanton asserted, “I joined C100 because I’ve always admired their community service as well as their bond for sisterhood is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m very happy I’ve got the opportunity to join such a great organization. I learned a lot about myself. How to be a more confident woman, how to trust people, and how to brainstorm quickly. I have definitely become a more virtuous woman.” The induction process is a different experience from where it was before, but according to the new inductees, it was worth it and very much of a time in the end.
HANDSHAKE from page 1 filter candidates, and schedule interviews. This platform has been utilized by Southern University and LSU since 2018 with roughly half of the student body of both universities having active Handshake accounts. While helping graduating students become aware of available careers in Baton Rouge, this agreement will also help small to mid-size companies interact with the university’s career centers. In an interview about the agreement the President and CEO of BRAC, Adam Knapp comments that “This is a historic joint commitment of our region’s traditional four-year institutions to be intentional about connecting students to local internship and job opportunities.” Further along in the interview, Knapp
continues by stating that “This new collaboration will make it easier than ever for businesses to hire college students and graduates into local jobs, accessible through one single login… this is the kind of technology disruption that’s going to make their student recruiting and hiring much, much easier.” According to Southern University President and Chancellor Ray L. Belton, “Southern University, in its 140th year, continues to prepare students for a global workforce... and we know that this starts at home in the Capital Region. With this partnership, our students have enhanced access to valuable training and ultimate employment with companies that positively contribute to the economic health of our city and state.”
Overall, this agreement will help increase the number of students obtaining careers in Baton Rouge once they graduate from their respective universities. Along with helping to retain graduates and future employers, BRAC plans on hosting workshops with Southern University and LSU. In these workshops, employers will set up Handshake profiles and be educated on the most effective ways to engage with the platform as well as to connect with additional resources available from the career service centers. The first workshop will occur on October 14th. For more information on Handshake, you can go to the Southern University website or visit and talk to Mrs. Tamara Foster-Montgomery in the Office of Career Services located in T. H. Harris Hall, suite 1100.
NEWS SU GIVES from page 1
to join together and secure philanthropic contributions for the campuses and departments of the Southern University and A&M College System.” Alfred Harrell III, CEO of the SUS Foundation and director of the Valdry Center, gave an in depth explanation on the nature of the event, and how it relates to Southern’s growing philanthropic relationship with supporters :“It was one of [the SUS Foundation’s] volunteers - and now one of our board of trustees - James Brown. He had the idea of bringing a group of alumnus together and asking each one of them to give a thousand dollars, to raise a million dollars...Why not expand that more than individuals who are giving a thousand - whatever someone can give,” said Harell.
While the event would traditionally bring in crowds of supporters to the Baton Rouge campus, this year’s SU Give Day was held instead in a virtual setting, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of viewing this change as an inconvenience, Harrell noted how this played a factor in boosted participation: “It’s actually helped us grow and use multiple platforms to develop deeper relationships with alumni as well as students. So, we’ve gone pretty much 95% electronic, and what we’re doing here today is all viral... Our team of volunteers, donors and students have been great, we’re running right now about $800,000 ahead of what we were at this time last year.” Harrell emphasizes that regardless of circumstances, the mission of the Valdry Center shouldn’t be lost on students,”College is the best of your time. Understand that your responsibility once you graduate - after you study hard and have a good time - is to invest back into your school.” While there’s hope that next year’s SU Gives Day will take a step back towards normal with more traditional proceedings, organizers of this year’s event made the most of the circumstances provided by the pandemic and boasted a successful virtual turnout.
CAREER FAIR from page 1 sessions that they could sign up for if they were interested in going more in depth than just what they provide in the group session. Every company had their own Zoom session that students were able to join once the time came for that session.
“We are committed to staying connected with our student no matter the distance. We are here for them. We did not see this as a challenge but an opportunity to be creative and do something different,” said Director Montgomery when asked about the trials associated with hosting the Since the time of the Career Fair was between 10am-4pm, Career Fair on the new platform during COVID-19. if attendees only wanted to attend two company Zoom Although some things are very much different in the call sessions for example, you literally only had to log back academic world, the University and Career Services are in when the time for the session was happening and click doing the best they can that all students stay on track and on that company’s link to access it. don’t miss out on opportunities that can help them in the long run.
“We are planning for an in person Spring Career fair however, we will remain vigilant and follow the guidelines provided by the university leadership,” said Director Montgomery in relation to the status of this upcoming Spring’s Career Fair.
To inquire about Handshake or make an account you can go to the official SUBR University website and under Career Services you will be able to find all things Handshake. You can also contact the Career Services Center at 225-771-2000 or visit their office in T.T. Allain Suite 1100 for any questions
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A New Deal: SWAC partners with Academy Sports and Outdoors
Ain’t no stopping us now: Bayou Classic moves to Shreveport Evan Funchess The Southern Digest
On Monday, Southern University and Grambling State University came together along with the city of Shreveport to announce the movement of the 47th Bayou Classic to Shreveport. The press conference was held in Shreveport to formally announce the game. Mayor of Shreveport Adrian Perkins kicked off the event with a great amount of graciousness. He thanked all parties that were involved in the making of this announcement. “I’m honored and pleased to have you all in our city for this important announcement.” This announcement comes on the heels of the news about the renovations to the Mercedes Benz Superdome in the spring. Perkins was quick to acknowledge the gravity of this event. “This is a huge day for us.” This isn’t the first meeting between the budding rivals in Shreveport however, this is the first time it has been labeled as the Bayou Classic though. “We are not taking
Evan Funchess The Southern Digest
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this opportunity for granted.” Southern President Raymond Belton who is a Shreveport native, spoke glowingly about the partnership and the growing number of students enrolled. “This year despite the pandemic the university is enjoying it’s fourth consecutive year of growth,” Southern reported a 14% growth in enrollment just last week.
This announcement coincides with the SWAC moving its season to the spring. This game also typically decides who wins the SWAC western division. Coach Odums described the current situation surrounding the game as “unique.” “There was a time when we didn’t even know if we were going to play.” Odums also thanked the city of Shreveport for allowing
both schools to keep the game in Louisiana. The SWAC has made strides to ensure player safety and moving the season to the spring was another example of that. Last year the Jags came away with the win and bragging rights and look to repeat that performance in the spring. The game will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021.
Going Back to HBCUs: Chris Paul enrolls at Winston-Salem State Jayln Garner The Southern Digest
When it comes to support of HBCUs, it looks like Chris Paul is not only walking the walk, but talking the talk. Over the past few years Paul has been very vocal about the importance of HBCUs, with him being one of very few in his family to not attend one. He has now crossed that path and enrolled into his hometown University, Winston-Salem State. Breaking the news on ESPN’’s “First Take” was fellow Winston-Salem State alumni Stephen A. Smith, who graduated in ‘91. He was very happy to support Paul’s actions, saying to him, “Your contributions to HBCUs throughout the many many years— in some circles has been well-chronicled — in other circles it hasn’t been chronicled enough. So I really just want to thank you, my man, I really appreciate it.” So since Paul will eventually become an alum of a historically
black university, the question looms: Will more famous athletes decide to go back to school, and if so,
will it be at an HBCU? There are athletes in the NFL and NBA that have already attended HBCUs, such as Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Lenoard of South Carolina State,
Philadelphia 76ers center and power forward Kyle O’Quinn
f rom Norfolk State, and Southern University’s own Danny Johnson, who is a cornerback for Washington’s football
team. Going back to school to finish your degree is a great thing, but being a part of an HBCU family is something that not many will experience. More opportunities for students, higher HBCU enrollment, and financial leeway to improve our institutions can be the result of having wealthy alumni and supporters who are highly active in giving back to these often overlooked institutions. Seeing an athlete such as Chris Paul using his voice and expertise refer to himself as “WinstonSalem adjacent,” regarding his tenure at Wake Forest gives hope that one day we may see your favorite celebrity walking on an HBCU campus.
On Tuesday, September 28, the SWAC announced a new partnership with Academy Sports and Outdoors. Academy Sports and Outdoors is a onestop-shop that specializes in sports merchandise and outdoor equipment. This partnership seeks to strengthen relationships in the community. Dr. Charles McClelland spoke about his past experiences seeing Academy Sports and Outdoors engaging with the community. “Growing up in Houston, Texas, I am familiar that Academy has been synonymous with outreach to the community.” The SWAC looks at this as an opportunity to enhance the communities that surround and support the conference. “Partnering with the SWAC is a great opportunity for both entities to come together and significantly influence our communities.” It is unknown at this point as to how the partnership will be implemented but SWAC Commissioner McClelland is still excited about it. “We look forward to the partnership,” he says.
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FEATURE
First Presidential Debate: A National Disaster Jalexis Edwards The Southern Digest
The presidential election is occurring on November 3, 2020 and numerous polls show that mail-in voters will be voting early due to the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, it was time for Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the Democratic and Republican party presidential candidates, to take to the stage for their first debate on September 29, 2020. In some ways the debate was traditional. There was a well-known moderator, Chris Wallace, a journalist and television news anchor and the two nominees. According to Politico, the debate was divided into six segments: “Trump’s and Biden’s records, the Supreme Court, the coronavirus pandemic, race and violence in cities, election integrity, and the economy,” with each being approximately fifteen minutes in length, which is typical of presidential debates. However, many viewers thought the debate was anything but normal, partially due to the climate of the current administration, as well as
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the scandals and controversy plaguing it. This includes journalist Bob Woodward’s release of his second book criticizing Donald Trump, as
well as The New York Times publishing an article showing Donald Trump’s taxes, which showed the billionaire only paid 750 dollars’ worth of taxes
the year he won the presidency. The tensions increased when it was revealed recently that the United States hit 200,000 deaths due to Covid-19. These
events could explain the unusual opprobrium felt by millions of Americans while watching the two candidates. Unlike previous presidential debates, it proved difficult to stick to the time limit, with Trump often interrupting Biden during his allotted time. This occurred enough for Wallace to chastise Trump numerous times, and for Biden to ask Trump “Will you shut up, man?” The interrupting and improper speaking were not the only moments to surprise and displease viewers. Dajah Askins, a freshman on Southern’s campus said, “The two candidates were arguing like little kids more than they were debating,” concerning several of the irrelevant comments made throughout the debate. One of these moments include Biden calling Trump “a clown.” Despite the name calling, other moments stood out from the debate on their own merit. Most notably, when asked about white supremacy groups, Trump told the “Proud Boys,” a far-right neo-fascist group, to “stand See DEBATE page 6
Franchise: Travis Scott Takes on the World of McDonald’s
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Terronesha Lubom The Southern Digest
Since his debut in 2012, Houston-native artist Travis Scott has made his place in various creative lanes, from collaborations with Frank Ocean to his own shoe being released through Jordan Brand. The latest of these collaborations is one that hasn’t occurred since 1992, with McDonald’s releasing the Travis Scott Meal. This is the franchise’s first celebrity collaboration in 30 years, since the “McJordan,” named after renowned basketball player Michael Jordan. Available until October 4th, the Travis Scott Meal consists of a Quarter Pounder with cheese, bacon, and lettuce; fries with barbecue sauce; and a Sprite. If you’re trying to order it from Grubhub or UberEats, you’ll have to build your own Travis
Scott Meal by selecting the Quarter Pounder Meal and then customizing it to match. The discount won’t apply through these apps either, and you’ll be charged $12.65 for the exact same meal if you order through GrubHub. McDonald’s is working to proactively get ingredients to the restaurants that have reported short supply, rather than sending all products to the entire supply chain to ensure appropriate distribution. McDonald’s collaboration with Cactus Jack now includes clothes, hats, a lunch box and even a $90 nugget body pillow. A day after the limitededition Travis Scott meal debuted at restaurants across the nation, a line of exclusive merchandise went on sale on Scott’s website that includes See FRANCHISE page 6
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Cease Fire: March for Awareness Tiffany Williams The Southern Digest
October is well known as the month to bring awareness to breast cancer, bullying, and health issues of various sorts. On October 1, a collection of Baton Rouge community organizations with a variety of different causes such as the NAACP, The Butterfly Society, and the BRidge Agency, joined together to raise awareness of another issue: the fight against violence throughout the city of Baton Rouge. Bringing out more than forty people, these organizations conducted a march that started at the Chase Bank on Plank Road, and spanned to the Delmont Service Center on Riley St. With a handful of media bodies also in attendance, the four dozen citizens took to the streets, came out, and marched in solidarity against intra-community violence. With traffic being backed up down the highway, those driving throughout the area saw the event’s slogan emblazoned on red shirts and signs saying “CEASE FIRE.” “[The demonstration is built] on a shared goal and a shared vision for peace in our community to stand against violence in our community,” said Mayor Sharon Weston Broome on the defining driving force behind the collaborative effort of so many organizations showing up to make such a statement. Attendees marched in order to show support for those who are going through strife, as well as those who have lost their lives to all types of violence, whether it be domestic, street, racial, or sexual. Families held signs to
Organization leaders and members from the Baton Rouge community march for the stand against violence at the “Cease Fire” march on Thursday, October 1. (Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, speaks on the importance of the community coming together to stop the violence at the “Cease Fire” march on Thursday, October 1. (Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)
pay respects to their loved ones that have fallen victim to the violence in their community. Stopping violence requires more than just police officers,
but for the community as a whole to make sure their voices are heard. “Everybody has responsibilities to stand up and to fight in solidarity to
make sure that Baton Rouge is unified,” says Nicole Scott, an organizer of the event and social justice advocate in the Baton Rouge area. According to Scott, the goal is to make sure children make it back home safe to their parents and parents back to their children. “You go back to the beginning of 2020, right down the street there was a gun fight in broad daylight. I believe Tuesday an 8 year old was killed,” said Eugene Collins in reference to an incident that took place weeks prior, only down the street from the area where the march started. Collins, a social justice advocate in his own right, stated how occurrences such as these have become the norm and that this march is the city’s way of taking a stand against these issues.
DEBATE from page 5 back and stand by.” Later in the debate when Biden mentioned that Trump should get “a lot smarter,” Trump responded saying, “Don’t ever use the word smart with me…There’s nothing smart about you, Joe.” These are just a fraction of the rather unexpected and unusual comments made throughout the debate. In the end, viewers seemed preferential to Joe Biden, as A CNN poll showed 60 percent of debate watchers believed he won the debate, while 28% thought Trump did so. Interestingly, a CBS News poll showed that 48 percent of viewers thought Biden won, compared to 41 percent of viewers who thought Trump won. The other ten percent thought the debate was a tie. Freshman student Ashlynn Batiste expressed the frustrated view of many watchers. “I feel Biden won because Trump’s answers were not focused on the economy,” she stated. “He had to be reminded to focus on the economy rather than irrelevant topics.” Viewers can anticipate more interactions between the candidates during their future debates on October 15th and 22nd of this year. FRANCHISE from page 5 clothes, hats, a lunch box and even a $90 nugget body pillow. Scott and McDonald’s say they are “exploring opportunities to support charitable organizations during the month-long program.”
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Invasion of Privacy: Lockdown Browser/RP Now Spencer Williams The Southern Digest
I think many of us are familiar with and have had our own personal experiences with Lockdown Browser and RPNow. We know the reasoning for it is to prevent cheating on assignments, exams, and other assigned material. But is this software becoming an invasion of privacy on students? Since COVID-19, things have become more technologically focused. With classes and exams becoming virtual, protocol to prevent cheating did have to tighten up. These protocols require you to do certain routines before even entering your exam. For example, the new software “RPNow” makes you record your living area and take profile pictures with and without your ID all while simultaneously recording your every move. This begs the question: Has virtual software become an invasion of privacy for students? Before the pandemic arrived, there was a certain sense of normalcy. All students were able to come to class, and never had to discuss information about their living environment unless it was by choice. Now it seems with these mandatory softwares, students can no longer keep their living environment private if they choose to do so. What if a student feels as if their living environment is inadequate and did
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not want anyone to know? The confidentiality that students once had is now gone. If having to scan your room is not already intrusive enough, you must be recorded the entire time as well. The testing software is designed to track movements during the recording; too much movement alerts teachers of possible cheating. However, there are many students who genuinely get anxiety or lose their train of thought during an exam. Some ways students try to relax is by looking around, looking up or down, or closing their
eyes. These methods that students try to use to relieve themselves during test taking are also the same triggers that software uses to signal cheating to professors. The result is students having to act in such a way that may seem or feel abnormal to them. The stress and anxiety of already trying to do your best and still operate during a pandemic is more than enough for students to handle. Statistics show that 8 out of 10 students are reporting an increase of stress and 44% worry about their ability to enroll or stay enrolled in college. Now the stress and anxiety of trying to maintain a decent or “normal” composure during a test is now a new problem presented to students. The software being used to monitor students is equivalent to a surveillance camera. Students are being monitored and watched during this new virtual process. When will someone finally say enough is enough? After having to scan your entire room and recording what is under, behind, and around you then you are permitted to take an exam testing your mental knowledge of the material. It seems that college has almost turned into a “Big Brother” game where every move of a student is being watched and critiqued. I question if there will ever be a limit to how far these virtual classes can go and record in the name of academic integrity?
Breonna Taylor: Saying her Name Jalynn Jacobs The Southern Digest
On March 13, 2020, Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman, was fatally shot over 20 times by the white Louisville Metro Police Department officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison, and Myles Cosgrove. Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, thought they were intruders and said he fired a warning shot at them. However, it was the police who were looking for two men that were selling drugs. Later it was determined that they were at the wrong place, and now there is a black woman dead. The police failed to realize that even though they had a warrant, the court ordered for a “knock and announce” type of warrant, meaning that the three policemen were supposed to make themselves known before entering Breonna Taylor’s home. Instead they
acted as if they had a “no-knock search warrant,” as if they could freely come into Breonna Taylor’s home without knocking. The Taylor family won the settlement against the police and got $12 million. But that did not serve Breonna Taylor justice, because the grand jury refused to charge any of the officers who shot her with murder or manslaughter. Even though it is documented that the policemen did not follow the right protocol during this invasion, they can still go live their lives freely, knowing they killed a woman while she was asleep in her home. So many celebrities voiced their opinion on social media about the Breonna Taylor case, especially after the decision was made by the court. Many of the celebrities began to join the “Black Lives Matter” movement and started to protest as well. More protests began to start back up after the
source: twitter
decision was made in Kentucky. It does not make sense, and this is why the whole 50 states of America are marching and doing protest. The killing of our black people and their killers being set free has to stop. Black
A Change in the Entertainment World? Diamond Butler The Southern Digest
When I heard that Yara Shahidi was going to play as Tinkerbell for the live-action Peter Pan remake, I was excited and thought this was a great role for her. I also thought of how this announcement was going to be taken by others who are much less enthusiastic. Let’s be honest, in this day and age there is a lot of social media outrage when there is an African American person playing a role that is stereotypically Caucasian. To some, an African American cannot play outside of a role that does not depict them as a slave, thug, villain, or a simple n-word.
One example is when Chloe & Halle singer Halle Bailey was announced to play as Ariel in a remake of the “Little Mermaid.” Even though it was a great opportunity for her and black culture, many intolerant people were using the hashtag #NotMyAriel on social media and claimed the black actress messed up the traditional story. Now I am not here to talk about how the movie industry is racist or anything of a negative nature. What I want to talk about is how seeing African Americans outside of stereotypical roles is such a positive thing. Growing up when you see an African American playing in a stereotypical role most likely you
OPINION
think nothing of it. For you, it may not matter if the black man was playing a thug, pimp, or drug dealer. For some people it’s what we see in real life. It was something that even I saw as wrong even when I was young. From a young child, I saw a majority of my favorite shows and movies played by a Caucasian. The first time I saw an African American in a positive role, as the main character or the hero, was a surreal moment for me. At first, I could say that I was shocked, but overall, it made me happy. One of the moments I remember having that feeling was when I saw the singers Brandy and Whitney Houston play as Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother in Rodger
people are being slaughtered by the police without any remorse. Personally, the policemen should have gone to jail because they were at the wrong house, automatically shot someone coming in while she was asleep in her home, and they did not follow the order that their Chief gave them. In general, all policemen should be in training longer and learn how to not always shoot thoughtlessly. In some scenarios, the police feel so threatened that they shoot. However, they should actually look at their surroundings before pulling a trigger. Also, they have other weapons, including stun guns, tasers, tear gas, and batons. They don’t always have to pull out a gun. If these measures were in place, Breonna Taylor would still be alive today. If the world placed more value on the lives of black people, especially black women, Breonna Taylor would have received her due justice in court.
and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” It made me glad to see someone who looks like me portraying a positive role. For many young African American children that same feeling can be felt from seeing Chadwick Boseman play as the Black Panther, or when they saw Princess Tiana in the “Princess and the Frog.” Even some of the older generation took pleasure in seeing Earth Kitt playing as Catwoman, or when Toni Braxton played as Belle in Broadway “Beauty and the Beast”. As a child when you see someone who looks like you in a high status position, it is a magical experience. It is because you have someone who can be or is a positive role model for
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you. Now I am not saying that actors of other races cannot be positive role models as well. It is to important, however, to see other African American on the screen doing things outside of what is seen every day. At the end of the day, the cinema world is constantly changing. In the future, there will be many announcements like Yara Shahidi’s. While they may not be what you imagine, these types of actors and actresses deserve the change to being able to portray characters outside the normality and expectations of society. Being that one character for a moment may inspire or change the life of whoever it is watching them.
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Page 8 | Tuesday, October 6, 2020
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THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA