The Southern University Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People held the Willie Lynch Letter Forum Part II on Thursday in Room 313 of T.T. Allain Hall.

The Willie Lynch letter focuses on enslaving African Americans for 300 years, problems that existed when the letter was written in 1712 and problems that generations still face today.

Quantreal Williams, a sophomore majoring in secon-dary education concentrating in mathematics from Wichita Falls, TX and President of the NAACP Forum Committee, gave a brief synopsis of the controversial Willie Lynch Letter.

“The Willie Lynch letter focuses on the problems African-Americans have been

dealing with for decades and generations,” Williams said. “These problems will continue to go on unless we stop this silent slavery that is destroying our tradition, heritage and culture.”

Venese Morgan, a member of NAACP Forum Committee, moderated the event. Morgan read excerpts from the Willie Lynch letter, showed YouTube videos (people shared their opinions) and facilitated the question and answer portion about the letter and the videos.

Following a video featuring poet Morpheus entitled “Return of the Intellectual Soul Brother,” Morgan asked a question to the audience, “Do African-American women have an attitude,” which caused many comments.

Nyasha Fleming, junior majoring in biology and Baton Rouge native, feels as if African-American women are not angry,

just aggressive. “They have to take charge and be the mother, father, husband and wife at the same time,” Fleming said.

Yadeale Tamru, sophomore majoring in political science from Dallas, thinks the majority of African-American women are rude. Tamru feels that they have a lot of stress in their life. “They have to work 2-3 jobs, take care of children and deal with men all at the same time,” Tamru said.

After this heated discussion, Morgan played another video by Ty Gray El entitled “A Black Woman’s Smile.” This video shows the heartaches and pains African-American have gone through over the course of America’s history.

“She (African-American women) is carrying the load of America since its’ infancy.” The video also says that it takes “a miracle worker” to make a black woman smile. Ty Gray El

mentions that enslaved women have breast-fed children only to be called “pick-a-ninny or nappy headed jiggaboo” later in the (white) child’s life.

Marlana McCants, junior from Oakland majoring in Speech Communication, feels as though African-American women have their guard up. “It’s because what we have been through. We need to start within and not keep everything to ourself.”

Briana Brownlee, junior majoring in business from Griffi n, GA doesn’t think it should be a problem or an obligation for an African-American to smile. “When people ask me why are you so jolly all the time, I respond ‘why frown?’” Brownlee feels as though even black women have been through a lot, there is no reason to walk around frowning all the time.

Students eat, laugh, and recite their favorite lines from the movie “School Daze” shown in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Wednesday afternoon.

“Genres like romance, comedy, drama, suspense and various others related to African-Americans will be selected for the fi lm festival,” said Director of Student Life Kelvin M. Williams.

Films like Wednesday showing “School Daze” directed by Spike Lee and “Native Son”, which stars Oprah Winfrey in her fi lm debut, are just a few of the movies to be shown at the festival. In honor of black history month the University is hosting the Black Film Festival every Wednesday in the student union an also in the residents halls around campus. This newly developed event for black history month will show fi lms in a black “in today” point of view from the likes of older movies, “A” movies, blaxploitation fi lms and many others.

When asked about the screening of independent fi lms Williams said, “We will have to view them fi rst to make sure there is no offensive material or any content that will bring negative publicity to the

University. Movies that were shown in the theaters from the ‘60s on up will be shown at the fi lm festival,” Williams added.

Also Williams made mention to

there being plans to show a couple documentaries like the tragic murder of Emmett Till and have guest speakers to give a little perspective on the culture of

black fi lms and black history. “These fi lms will impact these students

especially in this month dealing with black history because they really don’t understand the struggle that was gone through to get where we’re at today,” said Williams. To help give that visual to student the fi lm festival will plan to show “Mississippi Burning” and other fi lm related to the civil rights movement, said Williams.

Even though black fi lms are not at its height as it was in the ‘90s with up and coming directors like Spike Lee and John Singleton and the rising talent of Denzel Washington, Mr. Williams still provided an optimistic standpoint.

“Black fi lms have fi nally got a chance to reach the mainstream with the fame of new inspiring directors like Tyler Perry and Lee Daniels,” said Williams.

Mr. Williams encourage the students to come out and support this event, which will have popcorn, giveaways ranging from books, scholarships, and other fun activities for students.

While only a handful of students showed up to see the fi lm the commuting spectator smiled and positively remark on the university effort to celebrate black culture thus showing the enthusiasm represent well among the student body.

By Breanna PaUldiGest opiNioNs editor

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students assembled in the lake front room of the smith-Brown Memorial Union to view movies during Wednesday Black Film Festival.

PHOtO By PatriCK GallOWay/diGest

Film festival pays homage to black history month

Students discuss Lynch letter in forum

See INTERVIEW page 3

Students refresh interview skillsBy eVen taylOrdiGest coNtriBUtiNG Writer

Southern University students engaged in interviewing sessions to gain more experience bringing them one step closer to success. An effort organized by Betty Johnson, Assistant Professor of Seminar/Advisor and Dana Carpenter, Dean of University College to prepare students for the college-work transition.

For the past 15-18 years,

still like to participate, please send your name, contact number and valid e-mail address to SouthernUSpanishClub@gmail.com

Pi Gamma mUPi Gamma Mu, the

international honor society in social sciences, is inviting juniors, seniors and graduate students to join. Students must be in the upper 35 percent of their class, have a grade-point average of “B” or better and 20 semester hours in social science courses.

There is an international initiation fee $40 and an additional local chapter fee of $10. If you are interested in joining Pi Gamma Mu pick up an application from Dr. Shawn Comminey, Louisiana Epsilon Chapter Adviser, in Room 429 of Higgins Hall.

Css seminarsThe Center for Student

Success is offering two seminars in upcoming days at Stewart Hall’s Lawless Auditorium.

CSS is offering its “Study Skills and Techniques” seminar Monday at 4 p.m. and Wednesday at 1 p.m. The seminar is designed to teach students college study tips and how to study smarter.

CSS will also offer the “Time Management Skills” seminar Tuesday at 2 p.m. and Thursday at 3 p.m. This seminar will teach students how to become more efficient learners and discover how

at 1 p.m. in Stewart Hall’s Lawless Auditorium. The meeting’s agenda includes discussion on potential budget cuts to higher education, and the potential impact on Southern University.

Speakers at the meeting include LSU Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope and University of New Orleans professor Steve Striffler.

BaPtist stUdent UniOnWant to become a

member of the Baptist Student Union? Want to fellowship with other students during the week? Need a place to worship? Need a place to attend for bible study, special events and trips? Need a quiet place to study? Need a place to relax and watch television?

Join the T.J. Jemison Baptist Student Union, located at 724 Harding Blvd., across from LaCumba’s Den and the tennis courts. For more information, call 225.774.8924.

sPades tOUrnamentToday is the final day

to register for the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Recreation Area’s spades tournament, which will be held Feb. 24 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. in LaCumba’s Playpen. The registration fee is $4 per team.

lOs JaGUares latinOsLos Jaguares Latinos,

Southern University’s Spanish Club, meets Wednesdays at 3 p.m. in Room 320 of T.T. Allain Hall. If you are unable to attend the meetings but

HelP miss sOUtHern assist st. JUde

Drink a lot of soda? Don’t know what to do with those can tabs? For every gallon of can tabs collected, you will give a sick child a free chemotherapy treatment. Save your tabs and turn them in on the second floor of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at any time or at the Letter Writing Party March 4.

BeeP meetinGsBEEP Meetings are held

every Tuesday at 11 a.m. in T.T. Allain Room 222. These meetings are open to all majors. For more information contact Toni Jackson at 225.771.5640 ext. 222 or at subeep@subr.edu.

Peer tUtOrinGPeer tutoring is available

in the Center for Student Success in Stewart Hall Room 107. Available hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays. Follow the Center for Student Success on Twitter to see exciting upcoming events: www.twitter.com/jaguar_nation.

sU FaCUlty meetinGA general meeting of the

faculty will be held today

to get good grades, work and have fun at the same time.

deF POetry CaFÉCalling all poets, musicians,

singers and anyone who has a special talent. Come out and showcase your talent at Def Poetry Café on Feb. 25, hosted by SU NAACP.

For more information, contact Terah Gibson at 225.650.2646 or terah_g i b s o n _ 0 0 @ s u b r . e d u or Jarquevious Nelson at 225.771.4585 or nelsonjarquevious@yahoo.com.

raCe FOr tHe CUreThe Susan G. Komen Race

for the Cure Walk/Run will be held on March 6 at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $25 before Feb. 26 and $30 after Feb. 26. For more information visit the Facebook group: Southern University – Race for the Cure Walk, email su.komen@gmail.com or contact Breanna Paul at 225.625.4252.

internatiOnal researCH eXPerienCe FOr stUdents

PrOGramThe National Science

Foundation’s International Research Experience for Students Program is accepting applications for its 2010 Summer Research and Educational Program. The research training will be June 5- July 15 in the African nations of Cameroon and Uganda.

The application process is open to students in the College of Business programs, computer science, journalism, nursing and English. The deadline for applications is March 15. The program is only open to U.S. citizens registered to Southern University.

For application forms, contact Marilyn Doherty at the Dean’s Office of the College of Business in T.T. Allain Hall or call 225.771.5640. For additional information, contact Dr. Victor Mbarika at victor@mbarika.com. Applications are also available online at www.ictid.com.

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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 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. the offices are located on the first floor of t.H. Harris Hall, suite 1064.

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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MISSION STATEMENTthe mission of southern University and a&M college, an Historically Black, 1890 land-grant institution, is to provide opportunities for a diverse student population to achieve a high-quality, global educational experience, to engage in scholarly, research, and creative activities, and to give meaningful public service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world so that southern University graduates are competent, informed, and productive citizens. Website: www.subr.edu.

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INTERVIEW from page 1

Ethnic Awareness DayNigerian culture will be the

focus of the Ninth Annual Ethnic Awareness Day celebration at Southern.

The event, which includes art, culture, food and music, will be held Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 155 of Pinkie Thrift Hall. Attendees are encouraged to wear ethnic attire.

For more information, call 225.771.4600.

Coke contest offers trip to South Africa

Coca-Cola has created the Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN) to provide access to safe drinking water to African communities. SU students could win a trip to South African this summer to attend a World Cup soccer match with a 3-minute video answering how does the RAIN program inspires them.

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28. The video does not have to be Hollywood quality. Entrants can use video shot from cell phones.

Coke is seeking inspirational words about the need for safe drinking water in Africa and what you think it means to the people of Africa.

If you need help shooting your video, the media relations, publications and electronic media and student ombudsperson offi ces have partnered to assist. From 10:30

a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday they will provide a videographer to video your 3-minute spot (you have to provide all of the images and words for the video).

Entrants will receive a Coca-Cola Black History Month t-shirt once the video has been completed.

Visit openhappinesstour.com for more information about the Coca-Cola Open Happiness Tour, the RAIN program and to upload your video.

SU to assist students with FAFSA

Southern has been selected as a site to host College Goal Sunday, an event to provide students and their families with free professional assistance in completing fi nancial aid applications.

College Goal Sunday will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the fi rst step toward obtaining various forms of federal student aid including Pell Grants, low-interest federal student loans and to participate in the federal work-study program.

Preregistration for the event is encouraged to ensure that that site has the resources needed to assist all participants. To preregister, log on to www.osfa.la.gov and go to the Louisiana College Goal Sunday link.

during career week mock-interviews were given to students to prepare for the real thing. Students who were enrolled in freshman seminar and upperclassmen were invited to participate and register for a time in their schedule to participate. Students are summed up by the resume presented to the interviewers. Participants were questioned about common goals. The co-op with the business cluster allows students to be exposed to the business people in their industry. The Business cluster offered representatives the opportunity to discuss all aspects of the interview including the feedback.

The interviewers looked at student’s motivation, leadership, initiative, communication skills, and approach for interview. Students were challenged to make fi rm decisions on who and what they want to be in life. Students were asked to disclose their leadership skills and positions for interviewers to understand what they are prepared for. Volunteerism and community service shows employers initiative. The ability to speak and write profi ciently with proper grammar proves communication skills. Phi Beta Lambda also hosted mock interviews in preparation for the career fair as a part of Phi Beta Lambda week. The interview process was created to expose those who may have never interviewed.

Corporate group sessions were also open to students after or before interviews. Group sessions could accommodate up to 200 students per session. Members of the Johnson & Johnson companies hosted the sessions. For students

who couldn’t participate in interviews the group sessions were open to everyone.

“Sessions were created to encourage everyone to feel more prepared for jobs and internships,” said Johnson

The feedback from the interviewer to interviewee allowed students to accept constructive criticism. The criticism was private and only to help the students understand their own ways to improve their overall interview performance and resume. Feedback was never made to discourage but, to motivate the student to do better and lead preparation to perfection. Make SU students and alumni aware of the careers available to them, Offer workshops and seminars to help students prepare for full-time employment, and Increase the number of students obtaining cooperative employment, internships, and full-time employment.

The Business and Industry Cluster, which is a consortium of more than 50 local and national companies that have provided fi nancial resources, equipment, human resources, and technical support to Southern University in an effort to grow and produce highly qualifi ed, Job-ready students. The Southern University Business and Industry Cluster is a dynamic student-oriented organization that, since 1950, has promoted dialogue between businesses and the University. This allows the University to help identify, develop, and implement programs that facilitate students’ transition from academia into professional communities.

Gov. Bobby Jindal proposed a $24.2 billion budget Friday that cuts health care services and government jobs, spares college campuses and uses a patchwork of one-time funding to close a billion-dollar state revenue gap.

The release of the governor’s spending plan for the 2010-11 fiscal year that begins July 1 is the starting point for budget negotiations that will continue through the three-month legislative session that starts March 29. Lawmakers will begin reviewing the proposal next week.

“We’re submitting a balanced, fiscally responsible budget,” Jindal said.

Among the reductions, Jindal proposes eliminating nearly 3,000 state government jobs. That could force layoffs for 1,000 workers, while more than half the jobs aren’t currently filled. Budget cuts would hit social services, mental health care and education programs outside the funding formula for public school districts. Nearly every agency would take a reduction.

The state’s Medicaid program for the poor, elderly and disabled would receive the biggest hit,

getting a $6.2 billion budget, a loss of about $300 million. A third of that cut would fall on the hospitals, nursing homes and other private health providers that care for Medicaid patients, said Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine.

John Matessino, president of the Louisiana Hospital Association, said community hospitals already are struggling with several rounds of budget cuts that have hospitals considering whether they should cut back on the services they provide to Medicaid patients. More cuts could worsen access for those patients, he said.

“There’s no such thing as a moderate cut anymore. You start slicing your hand over and over again, and sooner or later you’re going to bleed to death. This is getting to be very, very serious,” he said.

Levine noted that even with the cuts, Medicaid spending would remain nearly 19 percent larger than six years earlier, before Hurricane Katrina struck and pumped hurricane recovery dollars into the state’s coffers.

Meanwhile, elementary and secondary education would lose $214 million, though the $3.3 billion public school funding

formula wouldn’t lose any dollars. The formula also wouldn’t get an annual increase that had been built into it for most of the last decade.

Jindal’s budget proposal is an 18 percent drop from the current year’s $29.4 billion budget, but more than $3 billion of the reduction is due to a loss of one-time federal hurricane recovery money tied to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, not budget cuts.

The budget proposal contains shallower cuts than many lawmakers had predicted. About $1 billion in federal stimulus money would prop up several agencies, and the governor proposes using tax amnesty and surplus dollars to help fill gaps in lost federal health care funds.

College campuses would be protected, left to cope with three budget cuts they’ve taken over the last year and a half but kept from any further slashing. Jindal said he wanted to preserve the current state funding to the schools while the state embarks on a restructuring of Louisiana’s college systems.

“We thought it was important to give higher education time to make changes that we are demanding,” Jindal said.

College leaders thanked the governor for the budgetary reprieve, and Commissioner of Higher Education Sally Clausen said the next year would be used for schools to retool.

“We are very appreciative to Gov. Jindal for recognizing the pain that higher education has

endured during the past year, and we are most grateful for his efforts to protect us from future cuts,” said LSU Chancellor Michael Martin.

University system management boards, however, would lose $5 million, or 27 percent, of their state funding, under the governor’s plan.

By melinda deslatteassociated press Writer

Page 4 - Friday, Febraury 19, 2010

state & nationwww.southerndigest.com

in a thursday, June 11, 2009 file photo, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal addresses a news conference at the state capitol in Baton rouge, La.

PHOtO By Bill HaBer/aP PHOtO

Proposed budget spares colleges

The action that has taken place so far this season in the Southwestern Athletic Conference has the Southern University women’s basketball team a half game out of first place.

SU (16-7, 10-3) begins a three-game road trip in Huntsville, Ala., Saturday being challenged by Alabama A&M, who is positioned in third-place of the conference.

The two teams met earlier this year in a game where SU led by as many as 21 points but let down to earlier to win 67-57.

SU played without injured guard Tanesha Brown, who was out with chest pains but is prepared for this weekend.

The win moved SU into second place of the SWAC, behind league leader Prairie

View A&M.“We have to continue to

play strong defense, and be as proficient on offense,” said assistant coach Carlos Funchess.

SU defense ensured a solid finish in the contest while junior guard Hannah Kador recorded her eighth game with double digit points.

The former McKinley High standout has been a key component to the success of SU receiving SWAC Player of the Week honors for the first time. Kador averaged 18 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals in back-to-back wins against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Mississippi Valley State.

“She been doing a really good job for us come with a lot of offense and puts pressure on the defense because she can drive and hit the open

The Southern University team opens the 2010 season tonight with another West Coast swing as the Jaguars take part in the third annual Urban Invitational Baseball tournament.

Head coach Roger Cador’s defending Southwestern Ath-letic Conference club joins UCLA, Cal State-Northridge and Bethune-Cookman in the three-day, round robin event — including a nationally-televised game Saturday.

Southern takes the fi eld against UCLA at 8 p.m. Central Standard Time at Jackie Robinson in the second game of today’s games. The Bruins enter tonight’s game ranked No. 20 in the Collegiate Baseball preseason poll and No. 23 in Baseball America’s preseason poll. The Jags, along with fellow HBCU Bethune-Cookman, also received votes in the Collegiate Baseball.

BCU and CS-Northridge kick the tournament off against each

other at 4 p.m. CST at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton, Calif.

Cador said facing teams like those in this weekend’s tournament will help his team down the road, a road that Cador hopes ends this season with another SWAC championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

“Every year, that’s our goal to win the SWAC championship,” he said.

The Jags return key players such as SWAC preseason pitcher of the year Jarrett Maloy and preseason All-SWAC fi rst-teamers Frazier Hall, Gregory Whitfi eld, Gregory Whitfi eld and James Armstrong.

However, Cador said one area of early concern is fi nding a successor to All-SWAC catcher Michael Thomas. The Boston Red Sox drafted Thomas, considered by some to be the nation’s best defensive catcher, during the summer.

Friday, February 19, 2010 - Page 5

SPORTSwww.southerndigest.com

See west page 6

Southern’s Hannah Kador goes up for against Mississippi Valley State’s Ashley Brown at Monday’s night game. Kador earned SWAC player of the week honors for her performance against MVSU and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

photo by april buffington/DigESt

By morris dillarddigeSt SPORtS WRiteR

By JUsTiN WooTENdigeSt SPORtS WRiteR

Southern pitcher Brian Foster pitches during practice on Wednesday. Southern opens the 2010 season tonight against UCLA in the Urban invitational Baseball tournament in Los Angeles.

photo by april buffington/DigESt

West Coast swingJaguars open 2010 campaign at Urban Invitational Baseball Tournament; Bruins fi rst opponent for SU

SU prepares for key road games

See road page 6

Jaguars look to continue roll, stay on PV’s heels

The Southen men’s basketball team fi nds itself in a must-win situation as it hits the road for the fi rst two legs of the “Triple A” road trip.

The Jaguars (4-21, 2-11) heads into Saturday’s game against Alabama A&M (8-12, 5-7) two games out of the fi nal spot for the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament. SU follows that game with a Monday night tilt against Alabama State (10-13, 7-5).

Southern has one more road game, next week at Alcorn State, before hosting Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern to close out the regular season.

The Jags lost a close game to A&M earlier this season, falling to the Bulldogs 70-63. AAMU forward Bo Amusa’s double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds) helped pace the Bulldogs. Southern now must go into an unfriendly Elmore Gymnasium, where SU has not won since pulling out an 84-80 win over AAMU four years ago.

The Jags’ woes in Alabama is worse at the Alabama State’s Joe Reed Acadome, where SU has not won in over nine years. The Jaguars only posted two wins over the Hornets during that span — both wins at the F.G. Clark Activity by a total of fi ve points. Southern is also winless on the road this season, dropping all 12 games away from the Minidome.

The Jaguars also lost nine-straight SWAC games on the road and 19 straight nonconference games.

Last week’s losses to Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Mississippi Valley State put Southern on a four-game losing streak.

UAPB (10-14, 10-3) earned a season sweep of SU with a 66-62 win last Saturday, the Golden Lions’ third straight win over Southern dating back to last year’s SWAC Tournament. Valley (7-19, 6-7) also picked up the sweep, defeating SU 54-48 last Monday.

Valley rallied from a 10-point defi cit, outscoring SU 32-16 in the second half. Cor-J Cox led the Delta Devils with 17 points, 12 coming in the second half.

“Losing to Alcorn was a heartbreaker,” Cox said. “It drove us to play harder and bring out ‘A’ game more.”

Southern suffered shooting woes against Valley, going 1-for-

Jaguars in must-win situationBy JUsTiN WooTENdigeSt SPORtS WRiteR

See must-win page 6

While tons of people crowed the streets Mardi Gras 2010, the Southern University softball team trotted onto the field in their Tuesday season opener against Southern Miss.

The Golden Eagles displayed tough hitting to upset SU 9-1 on The Bluff.

USM (5-0) put the bat on the ball as they scored several runs off 15 hits through the six innings played.

On the opposite side, the explosion on the scoreboard prepared SU for a long outing. SU (0-1) managed only three hits out of 23 at bats.

“When you play a team like USM you have to have your best nine on the field,” said head coach Nancy Marshall.

SU’s only run came in the fourth inning-junior Kesha Tauriac stole home off of a passed ball by USM’s catcher.

True freshman Joie Gylnn made her first collegiate appearance in the top of the fourth inning. Glynn allowed five hits out of the 12 batters she faced.

SU returned to action Wednesday looking for

their first win of the season. The early two run lead wasn’t enough to

hold off the Lady Lions of Southeastern as SU suffered a 3-2 loss in their second straight home game.

SU (0-2) attacked Southeastern Louisiana early in the first inning. Kesha Tauriac and Aruba Nicholas had consecutive run-scoring singles off freshman Kati Morse to take a 2-0 lead.

Tauriac went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, while Nicholas was 1-for-3 with an RBI.

www.southerndigest.comPage 6 - Friday, February 19, 2010

west from page 5

L e t y o u r v o i c eb e h e a r d !

S e n d a . . .L e t t e r t o t h e e d i t o r

Southern’s Brittany Hymes makes contest during Wednesday’s game against Southeastern Louisiana.

photo by april buffington/DigESt

road from page 5

“We’ll play all of our catchers, but I haven’t decided on a set starter,” Cador said.

The Jaguars take on CS-Northridge at the Urban Youth Academy Saturday at 4 p.m. CST. The MLB Network (Cox Channel 254/DirecTV Channel 213) will broadcast the game. SU ends the tournament Sunday with a 4 p.m. CST contest against BCU in Compton.

Southern and Bethune Cookman, the defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion, have appeared in the tournament each year of its existence. The marching bands from the two schools will perform Saturday between the SU-CS Northridge and BCU-UCLA games.

Southern returns to Baton Rouge Tuesday for its home opener against New Orleans. UNO interviewed Cador for its head coach position during the offseason before he signed a three-year extension to remain at his alma mater through 2012.

“It’s ironic, but it’s no big deal,” Cador said.

jumper,” Funchess said. Against a handful for

opposing defenses, Kador has averaged 10 or points in nine of her last 11 games. She posted a career high 21 against in-state rival Grambling and recorded her first career double-double with 15 boards and 14 points against Jackson State.

Senior forward Ashley Augerson scored seven points and led the team with nine rebounds and six assists last week in their 60-44 win over Valley.

Junior guard Tiffany Foster added 16 points.

Foul trouble limited team leader Freda Allen’s time in the game, but Allen finished with four blocks and four rebounds.

SU has won three straight games against Valley whom they sent home early during last year’s SWAC tournament.

Head coach Sandy Pugh earned her 10th SWAC victory for ninth time and eighth time to reach 16 or more wins in her career at SU.

In total, SU has won for the 10th time in 11 games aging toward first place and next months SWAC tournament with five regular season games remaining.

Southern heads to Mont-gomery, Ala., to take on Alabama State Monday before next weekend’s road game at Alcorn State.

17 from 3-point range.“We were taking quick shots,” head coach

Rob Spivery said after the game. “It’s just crazy. We played as if we were trying

to catch up.”Southern shot 32 percent from the floor

for the game against MVSU, only hitting 20 percent of shots from the field in the second half. Southern only scored three points in a

seven-minute span as Valley rallied.“We came up short, we have to keep fighting

and playing hard,” swingman Bobby Lee said. Lee scored a career-high 16 points against UAPB and scored 12 in the Valley game.

“I just wanted to provide a spark off the bench,” said Lee, whose previous career high was eight points off the bench at Texas Southern.

must-win from page 5

SU softball falls in opening gamesBy morris dillarddigeSt SPORtS WRiteR

Dear Southern University,

Southern University and A&M College is an HBCU and one of the top universities in the country. Unfortunately, we do not seem to be holding to this as of late.

Some of the issues I am referring to range from the lack of communication from administration to the community at-large, what looks to be a cut-off-a-leg-so-the-body-can-live style of money management in this ridiculously backwards statewide budget cut, a seemingly apathetic Student Government Association and an even more apathetic student body (which, personally, I believe my generation to be lazy for the most part).

I’m not going to plead the Fifth: I cut class occasionally. However, I at least try to get what I missed from someone and do not get all Jersey Shore/Real Housewives of Atlanta when I’m called out about it.

I understand the pressures of being a student in today’s world, dealing with issues that previous generations simply do not understand. Some of you work. Others, like myself, are out-of-state students that sometimes consider “independent pharmaceutical distribution and sales” or “late night dancing” in order to keep pace with the ever-increasing out-of-state fees.

You care about not only your future, but the future of our world (which, by the way, we will be running when the old dies out). Not only do some of you work, but you’re also a part of campus life, giving your time to 0rganizations, sports, the

band, Greek life, the Office of Student Media or whatever else there is on this campus. There is also the personal stuff like families, relationships and all those other things that life has to offer anyone our age.

So you might need a break here or there, but that doesn’t mean you should abuse this or not expect there to be consequences to face. That’s what it means to be a “grown up” people! Lets get down to the point and have some RNS discussion here:

1: You’re here to get educated to carry your community and the world to higher heights, so stop acting like this high school and carry yo butt to class!

2: That means take some personal responsibility and make moves to stop you from falling deep(er) into a hole. Like Riley Freeman told Tom DuBois in the R. Kelly episode of “The Boondocks,” “When I see piss comin’, I move.” Which brings me to ...

3: Stay informed! Read sometimes, it’s actually fundamental. Instead of just looking at us (the media) as gossip slingers and muckrakers look to us as what we are, The Digest Staff, does not stay in that office till all hours of the night for you people to just read the questions or the editorials. There might actually be some “news” in the “newspaper,” warning you of grave danger ahead so that you can prepare for it.

4: Have the self-fortitude to stand up to the people who are in charge or in those positions you put them in and make them produce some answers and results. Its time out for the silence and “under your breath

talking.”While I’m on the subject of

silence ... Where is SGA? We put you people in these positions so you can make a change not sit on those stipends and park in your parking spots by the union. I know you all are good people and this is not personal, but to call you out on your BS is my job. I took this position because I wanted to make a difference and if The Digest has educated just one person then the staff as a whole has accomplished this feat. All I ask is that Student Government officials do the same. If you have done so, please say something. I know the media and politicians are always at odds with each other, but we all need to work together here at SU and stop acting like we are at war. If you have done something, speak up and let everyone else know. The Digest is the students’ medium to be heard and that includes SGA. So dust yourselves off, get back in the game and start to make some change happen.

Now that I’ve said that to the students I have to say the same to those in charge of everything else. To the Administration and System leaders:

(Throwing up hands) What in the Hell!

Why don’t we ever hear from you all until after the stuff

hits the fan? It would be nice to hear about the dog getting ready to bite us before it takes a chunk out of our rear ends. You might need to, no wait, you have to talk to us. Believe it or not, we pay your salaries. Now I know your argument is “No, we get paid through state funds.” You’ve got a point with that one, but the state determines how much money an institution gets based upon its number of ENROLLED STUDENTS. That means that the funds that pays your salaries depend on us enrolling and paying for school which means you need us. Communication between the higher-ups and the students should be the most important thing on your list.

It seems that our administrators love to grandstand and posture over the hiring of a football coach more than having their carcasses at the Capitol fighting for Dear Old Southern. Would board members have liked it if Piyush Jindal said “if you’re not at this meeting by 9 a.m., I’m kicking you off the board?”

Can someone tell me why the presidential search board hasn’t decided on a candidate yet? Can someone tell me who does interim president Kassie Freeman think she is fooling by calling these pay increases “temporary pay-overloads.” You’re giving them raises for doing the same thing they did last year. By the way, what do they do? Aren’t we facing budget cuts that could add up to $5 million? I don’t think raises — oh my bad “temporary pay-overloads” — are called for at this point in time. I think they were living just fine with their original pay and can hold out

until we are in a better financial position. Let’s instead manage what we already have and make precautions to lessen the burden on our institution.

While I’m on the subject money, alumni, GIVE SOME MONEY TO YOUR SCHOOL! I know we all have had a bad experience or three with Southern, from those ridiculously long financial aid lines, grumpy and sometimes rude school employees and that occasional butthole professor.

However, I know there were good times too.

Don’t forget how much good came from your college experience. Don’t be so mad that a few memories of the bad times allow you to rob someone else of the same experience. Swallow that stupid pride and give a little!

Maybe if you became more active in other areas (outside of what my staff reports on or puts in the viewpoints section) and get on these other people’s cases you might be able to make someone’s college experience more enjoyable. Do your part!

All in all, lets get real about our situation. If something new doesn’t happen Southern is not going to make it past 2025.

This is the winter of our discontent. If we don’t get together and try to work with each other to make it through this difficult season Southern is going to lose and fall to the wayside of history.

Sincerely yours,Norman J. Dotson Jr., Editor-in-ChiefThe Southern Digest

Friday, February 19, 2010 - Page 7

VIEWPOINTSwww.southerndigest.com

SUBMISSIONS POLICYthe Southern digeSt welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. this newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. 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 e-mail to digest@subr.com.

EdItOrIaL POLICYStaff editorials represent the opinions of the author and the majority opinion of the Southern digeSt Student editorial Board, which is comprised of the student staff of editors and columnists. the Southern digeSt provides an open forum to educate, inform and enlighten the students, faculty and staff at Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.

norManDotSon Jr .

An open letter to Southern University

www.southerndigest.comPage 8 - Friday, February 19, 2010