Powerful words, music, and art fi lled the classrooms of Frank Hayden Hall during the Southern University Alumni Art Exhibition Monday.

To kickoff the 2010 homecoming week, students, faculty, alumnus, and friends gathered in the Visual Arts Gallery to view 50 years of artwork and traditions taught in the department.

After a wonderful introduction by gallery director, Robert Cox, the doors open, the sweet sound of guitar soloist Richard Walls fi lled the room. From wall to wall there were various styles displayed, from abstract, representational and

conceptual art, to photography, urban and religious art.

Nathaniel A. Landry, a 2000 graduate, brought a comic book style in his two oil marker and acrylic paintings “Brotha Buddah” and “Pilgrimage to the Holy City”. Both paintings show a similar style with heavy outlines and the character’s clothing adorned with patterns of bold fl owing lines. However, both paintings also share the message that the two characters are one with their religious beliefs.

Landry said it feels great to come back because he wanted to show the professors his progress since his graduation. He also

See exhibit page 3

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See comedy page 3

Congressman Bill Cassidy (r-la.) presents Chancellor Kofi lomotey with the inaugural flag that was hung at the White House on the day of President Barack obama’s inauguration at the “Chancellor’s day Parade given by the two rotC programs.

photo By april BUFFington/digest

PASSING IT ON

By patrick gallowaydigest staFF Writer

By Breanna paUldigest oPinions editor

lloyd g. Wade explains the message behind some of his artwork being displayed in the second annual Homecoming art exhibit monday. the exhibit features works from southern University alumni from different eras. the compilation of 39 works from 23 alumni artists will remain open until mid-november. the gallery is free and open to the public mondays through thursdays.

photo By norman j. dotson jr./digest

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Alums display works in exhibit

Comedians Jermaine “Funny Maine” Johnson, Lav Luv and Steve Brown kept the audience highly entertained throughout their performances during the Homecoming 2010 Comedy Show.

Former Southern University student Kory Simmons also known as “Head Bussa” or “The Questions Man” also took the stage, courtesy of headliner Brown.

Since Simmons is infamous for exposing student’s personal lives at SU and surrounding area colleges, Brown gave Simmons three rules that he could not break while doing a seven-minute stand-up routine. Simmons could not talk about any current SU students, anyone in the audience and he could not use profanity.

Simmons followed all of the rules but was ultimately booed off the stage after performing a dance as a last-minute approach to save his reputation.

Host Johnson made the audience applaud for Simmons. “If y’all don’t clap, I’m going to bring him back out.” He said.

Olusegun Adetoba, a junior Electrical Engineering major, still has respect for Simmons. “I know nerves got to him and the hostile crowd

wasn’t fun,” Adetoba said. “He had the guts to go out there and put on a show.”

Johnson also taught the audience a dance to Magnolia Shorty’s hit song, “Smoking Gun.”

Comedian steve Brown entertains the crowd at the annual Homecoming Comedy show.

photo By trevor james/digest

Comedians hold court at show

the WPE and are currently enrolled in Freshman

Composition 111 will take the WPE as their final examination during the last week of classes.

Students taking the WPE on Oct. 21 can begin signing in at 3:15 p.m. at their appointed sites. To

ensure the test begins on time, no students will be admitted after 3:45 p.m. Please report as follows:

•A-E: School of Nursing Auditorium

•F-L: Lee Hall Auditorium

•M-P: Harris Hall/Classrooms

•Q-Z: Stewart Hall Auditorium

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FALL 2010 DIGEST STAFF

PAGE 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS & PAID CLASSIFIED INFO

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFnorman J. dotson Jr.

MANAGING EDITORmary davis

COPY EDITORerica s. Johnson

PHOTO EDITORapril Buffington

LAYOUT EDITORdarrius Harrison

OPINIONS EDITORBreanna Paul

A&E EDITORBilly Washington

DIGEST STAFF WRITERSmorris dillarderin Fulbright

Patrick gallowaysamantha smith

evan taylor

DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERSdavid Clark iii

robert Florida Jr.trevor JamesPolite stewart

PROOFREADERdarryl J. edwards

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U.s. navy BirthdayThe Southern University

Navy ROTC will celebrate the creation of the United States Navy Wednesday, Oct. 13 at McNair Hall.

national society oF leadership & sUccessThe Southern University

chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success will be holding three information interest meetings for general membership for the 2010 semester.

The meetings will be Oct. 18, 20 and 21 in Classroom No. 1 on John B. Cade Library’s second floor. All three meetings are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

grad prep daysOrder caps and gowns,

official invitations and class rings at the SU Bookstore Oct. 20-21 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, contact the bookstore at 771.4330 or go to www.subkstr.com.

writing proFiciency eXamination

The Writing Proficiency Examination is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 21. Only those students who have officially registered (the WPE must appear of the student’s class schedule) will be allowed to take the test.

Additionally, those students who registered for

by and meet our staff, and give valuable information on the boards duties. If you have further questions about the governing board, please feel free to contact either Vanessa Toussant or Andrew Jackson at 771.2608 or stop by Room 210 or 213 in the union.

sU men’s golF teamThe Southern University

men’s golf team will be holding tryouts. For more information, contact coach Huston Williams at 225.771.4024 or go to Room 133 in the A.W. Mumford Field House.

eBr casaCASA of East

Baton Rouge Parish is currently looking for volunteers. CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocates, trains and supervises volunteers to speak up for the best interests of abused and neglected children living in foster care.

Volunteers must be 21 or older and must complete a 32-hour training course held on evenings and weekends. No special experience other than the desire to help a child is needed.

The first step is to learn more at a 45-minute orientation session, which provides an overview of the CASA program and requirements of being a CASA volunteer. Upcoming orientation dates are today, Oct. 16, Oct. 20, Oct. 26, Nov. 4 and Nov. 13. For more information, please call 379.8598.

mUmFord stadiUm noticeGate No. 3 at A.W.

Mumford Stadium will be closed for the remainder of Southern University home football games. Students will only be able to enter through Gate No. 6.

minorities in agricUltUre, natUral resoUrces and

related sciencesMinorities in Agriculture,

Natural Resources and Related Sciences is currently accepting membership ap-plications for Fall 2010 and Spring 2011.

Science major? Agri-culture major? Family and consumer science major? We want you. Apply now at Fisher Hall, Room 102. Ask about our annual national conference.

For more information, contact Allison Johnson at 771.3660.

Union stUdent governing Board

As a student enrolled in Southern University, you are eligible to join the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Student Governing Board. As a board member, you will be able to vote, hold office and exercise your ability to and host events at the union. There are no chapter dues or operation expenses.

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By evan taylordigest online manager

Friday, October 8, 2010 - Page 3

NEWSwww.southerndigest.com

comedy from page 1

miss southern University 2010-11 Kenya Warren, center, is presented with her court during Wednesday’s Coronation Ceremony.

photo By kenyetta m. collins/digest

“Whenever y’all hear this song, I want y’all to do the official SU dance,” he said.

Brown did a mix of old and new jokes. “My goal is to entertain the Dome,” Brown said. “A lot of people’s favorite jokes are the old ones, so I’m just going for pure entertainment,” he continued.

Brown, a member of Omega Psi Phi, poked fun at the different Greek organizations on campus. He called out to a member when he noticed him standing still while his fellow group members were stepping. “Hold up, hold up, hold up! I want to see you step!” Brown exclaimed.

Brown incorporated the audience, asking different sections to say a portion of a phrase. After each section said their portion a few times, he made has them repeat it quickly, then slowly and even backwards.

The headliner made the crowd jump to their feet as he mentioned how great the Human Jukebox was. Brown compared HBCU bands to predominately white institutions bands. He walked briskly while imitating PWI bands but marched with his knees up when imitating the Human Jukebox, among other HBCU bands.

Comedian Luv, who appeared on Def Jam talked about current issues that affect SU students. He made jokes about dating ugly girls and enjoying his college life. He also joked about everyone being able to get a record deal.

Luv told the crowd the formula for a hot music video. “First you have to have a slow scene. Then you have to have a sexy walk portion,” he said. “After that you have to be able to dance or at least look like you can dance. And last you have to have a light skinned girl,” he continued.

Margie Carlin, a sophomore Speech Pathology major loved the comedy show! “I couldn’t stop laughing! I hope they come back next year!” she said.

Read

the Digest at

WWW.

southerndigest

.com

Kenya Bernice Warren was crowned in celebration of tradition at the 80th Annual Miss Southern University Coronation, Wednesday in F.G. Clark Activity Center.

As part of the homecoming festivities the coronation featured tributes to the new queen from Reuben Lael, an SU graduate, and The Gold N’ Bluez dancers. Gifts were presented from the university officials, family and friends.

The theme of the night was a Tale: Nubian Royalty of Ages; the stage was decorated accordingly, including: a throne, seats for the royal court, and plants and symbols representing Africa. The SU Royal Court, Residential Queens, and visiting royalty were recognized.

“It was very different. I loved it. One of the best coronations thus far. Kenya and her court were beautiful,” said Kenisha Solete, a senior child development

major from New Orleans.The coronation was hosted by

Koi Eles Lomas and Perry Fontenot III. Attendees were in the presence of SUBR Chancellor Kofi Lomotey, SU System President Ronald Mason Jr., Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Darryn Meyer and former Southern University queens.

Warren was not only celebrating her coronation but also her 21st birthday. Balloons drooped, the crowd sung, and a cake rolled out for the celebration of the new queen’s birthday. Part of the SU band came out playing “Do What You Wanna”, while the queen and her court danced under SU umbrellas.

“I (felt) the coronation was very extravagant. Kenya fills

the position of Miss Southern well. She revealed her creativity and intellect. Congratulations Kenya,” said Kimberly Gore, a senior mathematics major from White Castle.

The program recognized visiting royalty from SU Lab School, SU at Shreveport, and SU New Orleans. Lomotey and Sabrina Whitney, Miss SU 2009-2010 crowned Warren. Meyer presented Warren with the scepter of power, and Mason presented her with a bouquet of yellow roses.

“The coronation was rather fitting for both Kenya the name, and (Kenya) the queen that she is and will be,” said Fontenot, a senior biology major from Opelousas.

Gifts were presented to

Warren as she sat on stage. Warren also crowned her royal court; Breanna McQuarter, Miss Freshman; Makaela Clark, Miss Sophomore; Chisolu Isiadinso, Miss Junior; and Bridget Moss, Miss Senior.

“I feel that the coronation was the best I have ever seen at Southern University. Everything was immaculate. The next Miss Southern has some real big shoes to fill,” said Brittany Robinson, a senior psychology major from Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Miss Southern University 2010-2011 is a native of New Orleans. She is currently working in her position to reach her goal to raise $15,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Warren crowned in ceremony

wanted to showcase his style of art which is usually favored by young people.

“As a people and as an artist I have to keep creating and keep putting it out there.” Landry said.

Not only did Landry showcase his outstanding talents, but he also provided excellent advice on the importance of creativeness from the black culture. He said that as creative people we have to stake our claim on the things we create.

The pieces that gathered the most attention in the gallery was Lloyd G. Wade’s “Adam” and “Eve”. These two are separate works but are connected through religious background and style. Both were created with charcoal and color pencil on watercolor paper which allows them to be very dark.

Despite the darkness, the two pieces show outstanding detail. In the body structure of Adam and Eve blending into the tree-of-knowledge-of-good-and-evil to show that they were once connected with the Garden of Eden before their pivotal decision.

One standout element of the two pieces was the green apple hanging from their bodies.

Even though the apple was the cause of their fate it brought a little life in the two pieces. Wade said coloring the apple green was a personal aspect because he does not like to stay with the norm.

There were few sculptures in the gallery but each piece that was displayed was crafted beautifully and showed the artist’s distinct style. For example, Morris Taft Thomas, graduate of 1960, brought a rugged style with his metal sculpture “Flowers and Insects”. As a whole it expressed clear detail with the petals and stigma of the flowers. Even though the piece was crafted from metal the insects surrounding the flower, and the cool color structure brought a realistic feel to the piece.

The “Entertainment Room”, room 12 in Hayden, featured Brothers of Rhythm and Sound, a live four piece band that had heads nodding and students dancing to the sounds of soul, jazz and popular songs like “Window Seat” by Erykah Badu and “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys.

In the “Spoken Word” segment of the exhibition some of the artists showed that their

talents surpass just physical art. One of the highlights of the segment was Antoine “Ghost” Mitchell’s teaching piece “Unlearn”. He expressed the struggles of lynching, police brutality, and senseless hate crimes that still affect the black

community and that we as a culture must unlearn these struggles and focus on the liberation of our people.

Beyond the art and entertainment the exhibition was there to do service for the Visual Art department.

exhibit from page 1

Former sUPd Chief michael morris browsing through the selections offered in the artist market. all proceeds made in the market will go towards scholarships for students in the art department.

photo By norman j. dotson jr./digest

www.southerndigest.comPage 4 - Friday, October 8, 2010

METAIRIE — A technician on Thursday challenged BP’s claim about how long it would have taken to install an additional number of a key device the oil giant had been warned was essential to prevent a severe gas flow problem in its Gulf well that later blew out.

Centralizers make sure the casing is running down the center of the well bore. If the casing is cemented off-center, there is a risk of an imperfect seal that could allow oil and gas to escape.

BP installed only six, against a Halliburton recommendation to install 21.

One issue in a federal investigative panel’s probe of the rig explosion and massive oil spill that followed is whether BP cut corners to reduce costs. The well project was nearly $60 million over budget at the time the centralizer warning was raised.

Four days before the April 20 Deepwater Horizon rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, a BP well team leader asserted it would take 10 hours to install

the additional 15 centralizers. But technician Daniel Oldfather told the joint U.S. Coast Guard-Bureau of Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement investigative panel it would have taken him only four to eight hours to do the job.

Oldfather, who works for oilfield services firm Weatherford, flew to the rig on April 16 with the 15 centralizers on board, but a pallet of screws and epoxy was missing. He testified that a BP engineer told him when he arrived that the missing materials would be sent out on a boat and arrive later the same day.

Oldfather said the materials never arrived and that he was told the next day the job had

been canceled. He said he was never told why and he never raised any objections over any safety concerns because it was BP’s decision to make.

BP drilling engineering team leader Gregory Walz testified later Thursday that he ultimately agreed with the decision to run only six centralizers because he believes the risk of a gas flow problem could be resolved by spacing the existing centralizers out and through the use of foam cement.

His statement came even though he had earlier sent an e-mail to well team leader John Guide telling him he could easily arrange for the extra 15 centralizers to be delivered to the rig. And, Walz later asked

another colleague to do just that.He testified that even though

the extra centralizers were on the rig, they were not the type he envisioned and therefore he was worried about using them. Walz said engineers made a judgment call about “which risk to take on.”

The testimony was part of the panel’s fifth session of hearings aimed at determining the cause of the explosion and how regulation, safety and oversight can be improved.

The explosion killed 11 workers and led to more than 200 million gallons of oil spewing from BP PLC’s undersea well. BP owned the well and was leasing the rig from owner Transocean Ltd.

By harry r. weBerassoCiated Press Writer

state & nationFriday, October 8, 2010 - Page 5www.southerndigest.com

Weatherford cementation service operator daniel oldfather, center, reviews a document with Weatherford attorney michael lemoine, left, and Halliburton attorney donald godwin, right, while being questioned by godwin at deepwater Horizon joint investigation hearings held by the U.s. Coast guard and the Bureau of ocean management regulation and enforcement thursday.

photo By patrick semansky/ap photo

GRAMBLING, La. — A new report has recommended Grambling State University reduce its spending on state audits, athletics and laboratory schools in the face of ongoing budget cuts.

The recently released financial status review report was commissioned by GSU President Frank Pogue after an unfavorable state audit, according to The News Star.

The suggested spending reductions are just a few of those recommended by McDemmond and Associates, a consulting firm led by Marie McDemmond, the former president of Norfolk State University.

A state audit released in June showed that in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2009, GSU violated two state laws and at one point lost more than $1 million on illegally purchased stock.

The new report recommended the university adopt corrective actions, including replacing certain financial and administrative personnel and hire others with adequate experience.

Pogue has already acted on several of the recommendations, including replacing former vice president of finance Daarel Burnette and moving to hire a financial comptroller and directors of grants and budgets.

But action on some of the more overarching recommendations in the report will take more time, interim vice president of finance Leon Sanders said in a statement released by the university.

“It is important to note that policy evaluation, development and implementation are time-intensive tasks, and many of the necessary changes will take time,” Sanders said.

The university’s statement didn’t address the report’s suggestions that GSU reduce its spending on state audits, athletics and its laboratory schools.

Because of previous problems, the school had asked the state for full audits each year. But such annual reviews aren’t legally required, and the school could reduce its expenses if it underwent fewer of them, said Tom Cole, director of financial audit services for the Legislative Auditor’s Office.

Report: GSU must cut spendingBy tHe assoCiated Press

Claims under fire

TUPELO, Miss. — When a Mis-sissippi judge entered a court-room and asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, an attorney with a reputation for fighting free speech battles stayed silent as everyone else recited the patriotic oath. The lawyer was jailed.

Attorney Danny Lampley spent about five hours behind bars Wednesday before Judge Talmadge Littlejohn set him free so that the lawyer could work on another case. Lampley told The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal he respected the judge but wasn’t going to back down.

“I don’t have to say it because I’m an American,” Lampley told the newspaper.

The Supreme Court ruled nearly 70 years ago that schoolchildren couldn’t be forced to say the pledge, a decision widely interpreted to mean no one could be required to recite the pledge.

On Thursday, the judge again

asked those in the courtroom to pledge allegiance to the flag, which stands to the right of the bench.

“I didn’t expect the Pledge of Allegiance, but he asked me to do it so I did it,” said Melissa Adams, 41, who testified in a child custody case that was closed to the public.

Lampley, 49, previously refused to say the pledge in front of Littlejohn in June. He was asked to leave the courtroom, but returned after the pledge.

The attorney told the newspaper Wednesday it was a problem for the judge and himself to work out, yet blogs across the country lit up with fiery comments and support for both sides.

And in the small town of Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis with a population of about 35,000, some were infuriated by Lampley’s silence.

“I thought he was a disgrace to the United States,” Bobby Martin, a 43-year-old self-employed maintenance worker, said of Lampley. “If he can’t say that in front of a judge, he don’t deserve to be here” in this

country.Others voiced support for the

attorney.“I’m speechless. The judge

needs a reminder copy of the First Amendment,” said Judith Schaeffer, a Washington attorney who, along with Lampley, successfully sued the Pontotoc school district in northern Mississippi in the 1990s to stop students from praying over the intercom.

Lampley also was victorious representing a Ku Klux Klan leader when a county in the Mississippi Delta tried to prevent a rally.

“Danny’s going to stand up for everybody’s principles,” she said. “Danny loves the Constitution. He’s a staunch defender of constitutional rights.”

Lampley was representing a client in a divorce case when he was found in contempt. The judge’s order, obtained by The Associated Press, said: “Lampley shall purge himself of said criminal contempt by complying with the order of this Court by standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in open

court.”An AP reporter tried to

arrange an interview with the judge at the courthouse, but a clerk said he was unavailable and the order spoke for itself. Lampley didn’t return telephone calls, and a voice message said, “In the aftermath of the event on Oct. 6, I am unable to respond to all of the telephone calls and at the same time take care of my business and clients.”

Littlejohn is in his mid-70s and has been a chancery judge for eight years, presiding mainly over divorces and child custody disputes. He was previously a state lawmaker, prosecutor and city judge. He’s also a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of New Albany and is known for running an orderly, professional courtroom.

“He respects God and he respects the flag,” Alcorn County Chancery Clerk Bobby Marolt said.

Adams, who testified in the custody case, described the judge as a good listener who likes to make jokes when appropriate.

Recite pledge or go to jail? Lawyer sent to lockupBy adrian sainz & holBrook mohrassoCiated Press Writers

SHREVEPORT — A loan — made in secret two years ago by the city of Shreveport to the Independence Bowl — has been repaid.

The Times reported on Thursday that the $494,410 check was handed over to the city Wednesday.

The city plans to use about $420,000 to put in new turf at Independence Stadium. That should be done before the next bowl game, set for Dec. 27.

Mayor Cedric Glover and the council unanimously agreed in private in 2008 to make the loan. They said keeping the deal confi dential for several months saved the city and game embarrassment.

Shreveport stepped in when the Independence Bowl’s former sponsor, Arizona-based PetroSun, quit making payments. The energy company, an oil

and gas well operator that has explored the use of algae as fuel, has a local connection in Shreveport native Gordon LeBlanc Jr. He founded PetroSun in 2001.

The bowl eventually sued PetroSun. The game faced NCAA sanctions if it missed payments to 2007 contenders the University of Alabama and the University of Colorado.

Current title sponsor AdvoCare, a nutritional and skin care products company, was to make an advance to the bowl.

Besides asking for help, bowl staff also made its own budget cuts to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

This year marks a change in conference partners for the bowl. Shreveport will welcome the ACC and Mountain West after years of matchups between Big 12 and SEC teams.

Standing at the podium during Tuesday’s press conference, Southern head coach Stump Mitchell stood assured in response to questions pertaining to his team’s level of improvement for Saturday’s game.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to play Mississippi Valley,” Mitchell said. “Everyone is excited about it, we as a coaching staff and as a football team, we’re excited about getting the opportunity to go out and have another shot at winning a SWAC game and trying to pull ourselves into contention.”

Therefore, this week’s practice sessions should address last week’s 41-23 loss at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and preparation for the winless Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils in the Jaguars’ homecoming game.

Almost everything in the fi rst month of the season has been a greater surprise than Mitchell’s fi rst win against Delaware State.

Shockingly, SU (1-3, 0-2) is nearly last in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, losing three consecutive games, including back-to-back conference losses against Alabama A&M and UAPB.

They’ve been outscored 133-81, allowed 33.2 points per game, and outrushed 613-322,

a year ago when SU led the SWAC in total offense (365.9), interceptions (23) and second in scoring offense (30.5).

How far? How much?Initial answers come Saturday,

when MVSU (0-5, 0-4) steps into A.W. Mumford Stadium. A week later, SU hits the road to take on rival Jackson State — the fi rst of three straight road trips.

The Jaguars played three of its last four games, including the UAPB and AAMU games, at Mumford.

Talk about an arched month.From Mitchell on down, SU is

content on what October awaits. “Any win will be a feel good

win for us,” said Mitchell. “I don’t care if it’s one point or twenty points, we just need a win.” “We need to try to get back in the SWAC, of course we need some other people do things for us to be even considered.”

“We’re defi nitely not going to take anything for granted. It’s not a given, you have to go out and play those football games…MVSU knows that, we know as well.”

If, indeed, its three steps forward, one or two back, it’s still progress. And SU will take it.

Silver lining on defense?Defensive coordinator O’Neill

Gilbert said he sees a bright side in his defense as Saturday steadily approaches.

“There’s a bit of frustration, but I still see a bright side,”

Gilbert said. “I’ve seen steady progress.”

When hired, Gilbert said he had high expectations on what his players and what they could attain.

A year ago, SU (1-3, 0-2) fi nished ninth in total defense (340.7). This season, Gilbert’s defensive unit ranks ninth, (401.8) in total defense-ahead of the Delta Devils.

So far this season, the defensive unit allows 33.7 points per game, Gilbert say’s big plays.

“We still give up way too many big plays. But there is a positive in all of it. They understand, we do the little things right, we gone be special at some point before the season is done.”

The possibility of seeing something special could happen Saturday. SU plays a MVSU club that comes into the weekend averaging seven points per game.

In many words to describe his unit, Gilbert uses chain.

“It’s like a chain,” he said. “Every part of that chain is

connected, if not, then it’s gone break down somewhere in between”.

Overall, Gilbert’s chain is rusty. Last week, Arkansas Pine Bluff passed for 366 yards and four touchdowns. SU allowed 461 yards of total offense.

True freshman Virgil Williams will start at free safety. Anthony Wells will move to strong safety. Pierre Warford and D’Mekus Cook will start at the two corners. Free safety Jason House will miss his second straight game (hamstring, ankle).

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by THe aSSoCiaTed preSS

Page 8 - Friday, October 8, 2010

sportswww.southerndigest.com

Southern defenders d’Mekus Cook (36) and anthony Wells (27) try to keep arkansas pine bluff’s raymond Webber from scoring during last week’s game. Southern hosts Mississippi Valley Saturday for homecoming. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. at a.W. Mumford Stadium.

photo by april buffington/Digest

Jaguars look to right shipby Morris DillarDdigeST SporTS WriTer

Bowl repays city for $500k loanby THe aSSoCiaTed preSS

www.southerndigest.comg online @

PHILADELPHIA — The son and second wife of Teddy Pend-ergrass are locked in a battle over the late R&B singer’s estate.

Teddy Pendergrass II and Joan Pendergrass have produced conflicting wills since the singer died in January.

The son claims a will from May 2009 names him executor and sole beneficiary. The widow claims a later document on which she signed her name as the singer’s attorney gives her control.

Teddy Pendergrass II tells The Philadelphia Inquirer that his father left him in charge of the family. Joan Pendergrass’ attorney denies a money grab, saying the estate has few assets.

Attorneys for both sides met with a judge last week about the case.

Teddy Pendergrass is best known as the singer of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” which he recorded with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes in 1972, and other hits.

Pendergrass’ seductive, smoky

baritone propelled him to fame in the 1970s, but his career stalled after a 1982 car crash in Philadelphia left him paralyzed.

In 2008, he married Joan Williams, a New Balance shoe company executive from Boston. He had three adult children and she had two.

Pendergrass was diagnosed with colon cancer in mid-2009, and spent most of his last eight months in a hospital until his death on Jan. 13. Two friends say he was lucid until the end.

His survivors organized separate funeral receptions, one hosted by his widow, the other by his ex-wife.

The divide is less about money than the singer’s legacy, a lawyer for Joan Pendergrass said.

“To say it’s a money grab is ludicrous — there’s just no money to fight about,” lawyer Kevon Glickman said.

Pendergrass did not write most of his songs so his estate has little royalty income.

A bank next month is set to auction off his home in Penn Valley, now worth perhaps half its former $1.5 million sale price.

U.S. jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, back, and his Jazz at Lincoln Center orchestra perform at the Mella theatre in Havana, Cuba, Tuesday.

photo by javier galeano/ap photo

by paul havenaSSoCiaTed preSS WriTer

Friday, October 8, 2010 - Page 9

arts & entertainmentwww.southerndigest.com

HAVANA — A country known for groundbreaking jazz is getting a visit from one of America’s leading trumpeters, who spent the weekend jamming with Cuban legends ahead of a concert series that will put musicians from the two Cold War enemies on stage together.

The visit by Wynton Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra kicks off a season of unprecedented cultural exchanges — with the American Ballet Theater scheduled to perform in Havana next month in honor of Cuban ballet legend Alicia Alonso.

Several Cuban musicians have also traveled to the United States in recent months, taking advantage of a more relaxed visa policy under President Barack Obama.

Marsalis, seated next to Cuban jazz great Chucho Valdes and Buena Vista Social Club diva Omara Portuondo at a news conference on Monday, said it was a thrill to be in

Havana for the concerts. While Marsalis has been in Cuba before, it was the first trip by New York’s Lincoln Center jazz group.

“It’s a great honor for us as musicians to come here to Havana because of the long tradition and the great musicians who have come from here,” Marsalis said.

Marsalis, 48, spent the weekend playing with Cuban musicians at an impromptu jam session, and also recording music with Valdes and Portuondo. The concerts run from Tuesday through Saturday, and there will also be master classes for promising young Cuban musicians.

Marsalis said it would be a particular pleasure to share the stage with Valdes, whom he grew up listening to as a boy in a supremely musical New Orleans family.

“When I was 12 years old my father came to me in New Orleans ... with an album with Chucho on it, and he said ‘Man, this is what cats are playing in Cuba,’” Marsalis said, adding

that his father would “ooh” and “ahhh” as they listened to the album together. “When I had the opportunity to record with Omara and Chucho I started to get full of emotion, ‘cause I thought of my father playing Chucho’s music for me.”

Marsalis wouldn’t directly answer any political questions, preferring to stick to jazz topics. When asked whether his visit could bridge the half-century political divide between the United States and Cuba, he gave the example of two musicians trying to play in rhythm.

“All night they are arguing about where is the beat, saying,

‘You are rushing. You are dragging. Pick it up. You are not listening.’ They love each other but (the arguing) is constant,” Marsalis said. “That’s what our swing is about, about working it out, because the music is going on the whole time.”

He added: “In our music, swing means come together and stay together, even if you don’t want to.”

A jazz legend, Marsalis received his first trumpet as a Christmas present at age 6. He was a teenager in 1980 when he signed his first record deal with Columbia Records. In 1997, he became the first jazz

musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for “Blood on the Fields,” combining jazz and the spoken word in an oratorio on slavery and freedom.

The Marsalis family includes patriarch Ellis, a pianist and educator, and his four sons: trumpeter Wynton, saxophonist Branford, trombonist Delfeayo, and percussionist Jason.

Valdes said Marsalis’ visit was an important moment for Cuba and its music.

“It’s the first time we’ve had a visit from a band of this quality with such important musicians,” he said. “It is a historic event.”

Wynton Marsalis in Cuba for historic concerts

Pendergrass survivors battle over estateby THe aSSoCiaTed preSS

by peter svenssonap TeCHnoLogy WriTer

www.southerndigest.comPage 10 - Friday, October 8, 2010

Dear Southern Digest, Mayor-President Holden, Police Chief LeDuff, and whomever else needs to read this,

“Somewhere along the way, people become more desirous of security and paid the price by selling their freedom.”

—Robert Kyosake quoting his father

Today marks the day of the announcement of the parishwide “anti-crime initiative.” According to LeDuff, more sheriffs, state troopers and any available agencies are coming together to patrol the streets to prevent violent crimes. This initiative is meant to make the neighborhoods safer.

Safer is how I should feel right now. As a matter of fact, I’m keeping my hands from trembling, as I write of my experience with the initiative, thus far.

Around 4 p.m. Thursday, I went to the Palisades to pick up someone to do a photo shoot. I was canceled on earlier, so this was last minute. We quickly came up with an idea for the shoot and were on our way. The location was a park in the nearby area. As I made a right turn into the park, I noticed a police car that was in the opposite lane. I thought it was going on its own way, so I went on my way. I parked, and went to the back seat, and offered the person I was with a snack, which I tossed back on the seat, after hearing a “no thank you.”

As I closed the door, I heard a voice say, “hands where I can see them!”

Initially, that didn’t register to me. But as I looked to my right, I saw a cop, repeating it. At that point, I’m pretty much at a loss for thought or words. I put my hands up, as I notice two more cars surrounding us. I start to get nervous, as I tried to figure out what was going on. Was the park closed to the public now, did I not signal as I turned, was my fly open? In this situation the first thing I thought came out of my mouth; “Is this a joke?”

One of the other cops from the other three cars asked me “what were you in such a hurry to put in your car?” In disbelieve and a bit of frustration I said, “I was just offering a cream pie.” Voices were coming from different directions, and I wasn’t sure what to think. I pointed towards the pies in the back of my car and repeated, “Look, it’s just a cream pie.”

Another cop came by and told me to put my hands on the car. That wasn’t registering, as I was being searched and asked for ID and if I had weapons on me. At that point, too much was happening for no reason, and my mind was focused on answers. I went towards the car where the original officer was and asked what was going on. “You didn’t hear what happened today?” he replied. I answered no, with a surprised face. Was I named a terrorist suspect for refusing to watch Jersey Shore? What a vague question to ask. I was thinking the worst, as I looked over to see what was going on with my passenger,

while the officer explained that there was a new crime initiative that started today.

I heard the explanation and I’m not sure how I felt, but I know I was two things: unnerved, and upset. Thoughts of “what’s going to happen” turned into “I know they didn’t,” as they searched my car, and questioned my friend. Apparently, they asked what high school she went to, or something… I recognized one of the cops and asked if he remembered me from my job in the court. As he said he did, I noticed one of the cops searching my car was going near my trunk, looked over at him before moving away from it.

They started to leave, and one of them, with his body half out of the door asked, “Are you going to give her a cream pie?” Just like that, it was over. They left and we just stood there, distraught… Wondering, “why?”

Perhaps we got unlucky? Then again, perhaps we got very lucky? We were only distraught, by today’s action. Sure we have lots of unanswered questions (as to wtf did this happened to us),96 but went on to do what we went to do. Someone got to make a cream pie joke, at our expense. I got to see firsthand the price of keeping the streets safe. Now, I get to write letters to the Mayor and Police Chief of Baton Rouge, respectively.

Wil NorwoodSU Alumni

Baton Rouge

Friday, October 8, 2010 - Page 11

VIEWPOINTSwww.southerndigest.com

1. What was Head Bussa thinking?

2. What was that dance he performed?

3. Who told him he could go without a belt?

4. Why didn’t he comb his beard?

5. Why weren’t his jokes funny?

6. Is that enough questions for the “Questions Man?”

7. Who does the dance to Smoking Guns every time they hear it?

8. Who taught it to their friends?

9. Who actually went to coronation (not including freshmen)?

10. How obvious was the coronation theme?

11. The Lion King? Really?12. Why did Trina back out for

the concert?13. What was her excuse?14. Who hasn’t gotten their

refund check yet?15. Did the check bounce?16. Will we get more lighting

or basketball courts now?17. Will the Human Jukebox

give a shout out to O’Keefe?18. Do the students at Valley

have too much time on their hands?

19. Who thinks the football team is actually going to win?

20. Do they kind of have to?

I’M JUST ASKING STATEMENT

i’M JUST aSKing is for entertainment purposes only. These remarks do not represent the opinions of the digeST staff, Southern University or the office of Student Media Services.

Read

the Digest at

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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.edu.

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.

How are you enjoying the Homecoming

events so far?

KennethMoye

MoSS poinT, MiSS.Senior

arCHiTeCTUre “I haven’t had the change to enjoy the activities because of school work.

Moye

KevinlafleuropeLoUSaS

SeniorarCHiTeCTUre

“The School of Architecture is keeping me really busy. I haven’t had much time to go to

any events.”

LaFLeUr

MarlanaMccants

oaKLand, CaLiFJUnior

SpeeCH CoMM./THeaTre

“I really enjoyed the Comedy Show. I hope that others understand the

true art of comedy now!”

robertKearse

LaKe CHarLeSgrad STUdenT

Urban ForeSTry

“I’m just going to see how the concert is this year.”

speaK outby breanna paul

digeST opinionS ediTor

McCanTS

KearSe

A letter to the editor

www.southerndigest.comPage 12 - Friday, October 8, 2010