In amazing turn of events Student Government Association Senator Clifton Blouin delivered a bombshell charge that implicates those who have been elected to serve as SGA officials.

In an early morning meeting Monday, Blouin revealed his disagreement with SGA senators falsifying documentation for this election’s referendum No. 3.

Blouin contested his name on a bill listing him as an author and a cosigner without his

knowledge regarding referendum No. 3. “Referendum 3 was first introduced by

Timothy Pickett to create a scholarship and loan program to be presented before the Senate. The bill was shutdown, later revised and re-presented adding language for a bus, which was defeated after its introduction,” said Blouin.

Referendum No. 3 was presented to senators Friday in an emergency meeting called by SGA Vice-President Bryson Alexander in his office.

Blouin and others were not aware at the time Referendum 3 had no written bill, which

is required to place it on the ballot.A mass text was received from Senate

President Pro-Tempore Sara A. Martin advising him of a meeting at or around 9:00 a.m.

According to Blouin, Bryson Alexander presented the bill verbally and asked if there were any questions. There was no written bill, only a transcription of what would be on the actual ballot.

Blouin said, “He had just an overview of what would be written on the bill, but there was no official bill written before then to be voted upon. You can’t officially vote on a

referendum or a bill unless it’s in written form, not verbal form. And signed.”

Blouin confirmed bills are to be signed by all parties involved (The author(s) of the bill, the president of the senate, the SGA president and the SGA advisor)

“Yesterday (Sunday), Bryson called and asked me for a template. I was really busy with my campaign and couldn’t help him at the time; he said he would call Sara. I met with Sara at nine, we went campaigning together,”

Simone Bray, Ayanna Spivey win big while Sara Martin and Di’Shun Melbert look towards a run-off election.

All the referendums and constitutional amendments were passed by large margins.

For Student Government Association President Bray won outright with 50 percent plus one votes.

Simone Bray, 20 year old from Baton

Rouge, La. garnered 780 votes. Bray lives by Romans 12:2, and is the 2012-2013 Student Government Chief Justice. Others in the running were, Isaiah Edah-Dike, Phillip Cox, and Tywond McGee in order of most votes.

For Spivey, Mayweek proved a good-luck charm for her and her sorority sister Bray.

Spivey a 20 year old from Moreno Valley, Calif. garnered 751, the lion’s share of the vote.

She loves to smile and wishes to make Southern University a better place for the

student body. Breanna McQuarter came up short with

376 votes.Sara Martin, 20 year old from Denham

Springs, La. earned the majority of the vote garnering 477 votes. The 20 year old Lives by “work hard” Loves “God and his favor on my life.” Even that collective wasn’t enough to knock Di’Shun Melbert, completely out of the election.

Gary Williams II and Steffen Lewis followed behind in third and fourth respectively.

For Chief Justice, Vance Mitchell , 21 year old from Atlanta, Ga. garnered 671 votes. He loves food and hates snakes. While Clifton Blouin a 2012-13 senator fell below in voters.

For Junior Class President, Nicholas Harris, garnered 131 votes of the total junior class electorate.

He wants to Strengthen Leadership and promote Academic Achievement.

Exclusive content

thE official studEnt nEwspapEr of southErn univErsity and a&m collEgE, baton rougE, louisiana

today wednesday thursday friday

87/69 87/68 85/50 65/43

Tuesday, april16, 2013 Volume 60, issue 13

Evan TaylorThe Southern Digest

See elecTion resulTs page 4

See Blouin speaks ouT page 3

www.southerndigest.com

Jonas Vanderbilt, director of student programs along with Willie McCorkle III, 2012-13 Student Government Association President announced the winners of the 2013-2014 SGA elections in front of T.H. Harris Hall Extension, Monday. Vanderbilt explained A run-off between Sara Martin and Di’Shun Melbert for SGA Vice President.

Ariana Triggs/DIGEST

Bray earns top office, Referendums & amendment passes

Megan Henderson, a senior apparel merchandising and textile major from Shreveport smiles after it is revealed she is the Association for Women Students president-elect. Henderson clinched victory with 523 votes.

Ariana Triggs/DIGEST

An emotional Simone Bray cries after the news of her new position is delivered, Monday in front T.H. Harris Hall Extension. Bray became the SGA President-elect by 780 votes over Isaiah Edah-Dike (156 votes), Phill Cox (138 votes), and Tywond McGee (41 votes).

Ariana Triggs/DIGESTOverwhelmed with emotion of winning Miss Southern University, Ayanna Spivey (right) cries tears of joy with her God-mother Jeannathan Anderson outside the T.H. Harris Hall Extension, Monday. Spivey garnered 751 votes.

Photo courtesy of Wil Norwood

Referendum No. 3, SGA procedure questionedCaEsar smiTh Jr.The Southern Digest

Student ChoiCe AwArdS

Please nominate one person and/or organization per category. Favorite NPHC Fraternity, Favorite NPHC Sorority, Best Car, Best Heels, Best Kicks, Miss Pretty Wednesday, Mr. Pretty Wednesday, Favorite School/College, Favorite Rapper, Favorite Vocalist, Best Figure, Best Physique, Favorite Dancer, Favorite Male Sports Team, Favorite Female Sports Team, Mr. Instagram Model, Miss Instagram Model, Favorite Auxiliary Team, Favorite Male Staff Member, Favorite Female Staff Member, Cutest Couple, Favorite Organization, Favorite City, Most Valuable Player – Female, Most Valuable Player – Male, Who’s Who Freshman Male, Who’s, Who Freshman Female, Who’s Who Sophomore Male, Who’s Who Sophomore Female, Who’s Who Junior Male, Who’s Who Junior Female, Who’s Who Senior Male, Who’s Who Senior Female, Mr. Twitter, Miss Twitter, Favorite Louisiana Area Code, Active Achiever – Female, Active Achiever – Male and Favorite Cameraman. Submit Nominations to subr.sga@gmail.com Deadline for Nominations is Friday, April 12.

Are you An iBMer?Can you identify trends? Can

you think strategically? Are you an innovator? Are you ready to make the world smarter? IBM is coming to campus; The IBM information session today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in T.T. Allain room 120. Refreshments would be served.

BiBle StudyWay of Holiness Ministries

monthly bible class: Wednesday, April 17 @ 7-8:30pm in Higgins hall, Rm 118. You do not want to miss this! Invite a friend or two. Contact me for concerns or questions at tonyeamccaleb@gmail.com

Study ABroAd in london, PAriS or

AMSterdAMWant to study abroad in Summer

2014? Come to the informational sessions April 17 and April 24 at 3:30 p.m. in Moore Hall Auditorium. For

more information please contact Chanika Jones at chanika_jones@subr.edu or 225.771.4225.

ViSuAl ArtS Student exhiBition

Come see the works of artists in the Visual Arts department, join the artists and see the gallery will be open until May 2. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have any questions contact Robert Cox, gallery director at 225.771.4103 or via e-mail at Robert_cox@subr.edu.

the nutrition ZoneDo you have an interest in

preventing or managing any nutrition-related health issues? Stop by the Nutrition Zone can meet your needs. Dietetic interns and senior dietetics can offer weight, height and BMI measurements, dietary analysis, nutrition counseling and nutrition and wellness education classes. The Nutrition Zone is open every Thursday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in 154 Thrift Hall.

oPPortunitieS to Study ABroAd

Want to travel and study? Want to gain some language skills and credits? Study abroad with the Center for International Education. You could spend this summer in Belize, Senegal, China or Liberia. Trips range from $3,000-$3,500 and financial aid can be used to study abroad. For an application contact 225.771.2613.

new SerViCeS At John B. CAde

Want to try out a tablet? Check out a Kindle Fire from the library. Need a quiet place to study and use the computer? Individual and group study rooms are available for 3 hour checkout. Faxing and printing services are now available in the 1st floor copy center. Need to do an job interview via skype, there’s a room for that. For more information in these new services visit the Ask Here desk at John B. Cade. All you have to do is show your valid SU ID.

SoCiology CluB MeetingS

The Sociology Club will hold weekly meetings from 5-6 pm on Thursdays (twice a month) in Higgins room 218.

BookStore hourSThe Campus Bookstore is open

Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about specials and updates like the bookstore on Facebook at www.facebook.com/southernuniversitybookstore

weSley FoundAtionLooking for a place to study

the word? Join us for Bible Study Wednesdays at 6:30p.m. The foundation will hold a Jambalaya fundraiser April 18 form 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 225.778.0076 for orders and tickets. The Wesley Foundation is located at 748 Harding Blvd. Next to Villa Apartments and across Harding from the football practice field. For more information contact us at 225.778.0076.

writing ProFiCienCy retAke

Graduating Seniors can retake the Writing Proficiency today at 9 a.m. in Harris Hall Room 2024. If you have any questions regarding the WPE, students may email Mrs. Wellons, florence_wellons@subr.edu.

SeniorS And grAduAteS

The class of 2013 yearbook and cap & gown graduation portraits are being photographed; Monday April 15 through April 19. Pictures can be taken Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday until 4:30 p.m. The sitting is free and you can view your proofs online. Cap and gown will be provided by the photographer. To make your portrait appointment, go to www.thorntonstudio.com then go to schedule your appointment, click new user, complete form with registration password: subr click submit and login.A SerenAde to SPring

A serenade to spring the Southern University chancellor’s concert will be held April 21 at 5 p.m. at F.G. Clark Activity Center. The concert will include performances by The Southern University Wind Ensemble, Lawrence Jackson, director. The concert is free and open to the public.

AMBASSAdor SeArChAre you a defender of the Gold

page 2 - Tuesday, april 16, 2013

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classifiEdthe southern digEst is not responsible for the contents, promises, nor statements made in any classified and reserve the right to reject any ad request with explanation. No classified ads will be accepted or processed over the telephone and must accept the type font sizes of the digEst.

all classifiEd must bE paid in advancE by cashiErs chEcK or monEy ordEr. no pErsonal chEcKs accEptEd. students must have proper id and phone numbers to get student advertising rates.

rates do not apply to students who are representatives & employees of the com-pany. in the event an error is made in a classified ad, immediate claims and notice must be given within 15 days. the digEst is only responsible for onE replacement or run in the next publication. Classified are due ONE wEEK prior to run date.

paid classified can be ordered by contacting the student media advertising manager at 225.771.5833.

pagE 2 / campus briEfsall submissions must be received by 3 p.m. each friday prior to tuesday’s issue and by 3 p.m. each monday prior to thursday’s issue.

PAGE 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, southern university departments. all briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number.

submit announcements to:the southern digEst - suite 1064 harris

hall, attn: pagE 2

corrEctionsFact and accuracy is our goal and our job. As the voice of the southern university student body we are committed to ensuring to most fair, truthful and accurate accounts of our work. in the event of an error we will make all corrections on page 2.

bring corrections to the southern digEst office located in Suite 1064, Harris Hall.

ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2013 by The Southern University Office of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College.

All articles, photographs and graphics are property of The Southern DIGEST and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the Editor in Chief and Director of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is published twice-weekly (Tuesday & Thursday) with a run count of 5,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton Rouge campus fall, spring semesters.

The paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every Tuesday & Friday morning on the SUBR campus. The Southern DIGEST student offices are open from 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.

Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org.

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.

PAGE 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS & PAID CLASSIFIED INFO

and Blue? Are you S.O.L.D. on serving SU? The office of S.O.L.D. is currently seeking new students for the Fall 2013 semester. Answer the ‘Call of Duty’ and become an university ambassador today! Email your resume with your concise class schedule to su@subr.edu. The deadline is Monday April 22.

hAlF PriCe FridAySWhile there is no class on Fridays,

Smith-Brown Memorial Union is open. Burger Klng, The Bowling Alley and Lacumba’s playpen are open. If that’s not enough to bring you out of your room Lacumba’s playpen and bowling are half price on Fridays.

SuS dAy At the CAPitolSave the date…Southern

University System Day at the Louisiana State Capitol, is Monday, April 29.

newsTeusday, april 16, 2013 - page 3

southerndigest.com

The senTinel of an enlighTened sTudenT Body since 1926

Blouin speaks ouT from page 1

See referendum TargeTs page 4

SGA and social mediaThe debate was taken to social media pg.4

Want to join us? See your opportunities pg.5

Boston BombingsSee the latest on Boston marathon bombings pg.6

420 Tours?Pot tours in Colorado pg.7

‘42’ is a class actGood movie but needs more engagement pg.8

Alicia Keys on HIV educationKeys starts new campaign pg.9

Trickery and TreacheryCaesar talks campus politics pg.10

Pissing it all awaySee the latest political cartoon pg.10

‘Everybody’ is not enough for me Choose for yourself pg.11

The Grace Column Jasper talks depression pg.11

iNSiDe

marCus GrEEnThe Southern Digest

SGA President

Simone Bray 780

Isaiah Edah-Dike 156

Phill Cox 138

Tywond McGee 41

SGA Vice President

Sara Martin 477

Di’Shun Melbert 250

Gary Williams II 209

Steffen Lewis 176

Chief Justice

Vance Mitchell 671

Clifton Blouin 422

Miss Southern

Ayanna Spivey 751

Breanna McQuarter 376

Miss Sophomore

Allison Bonton 276

Keona Daniels 89Miss Junior

Channing Evans 181

Shamaya Stewart 78

AWS President

Megan Henderson 523

Candice Perriloux 185

Junior Class President

Nicholas Harris 131

Ricky Robinson 71

Quitney Touissant 55

**Sara Martin and Di’Shun Melbert will be in a runoff election held Wednesday.

Blouin said. Blouin said Martin, didn’t mention anything

about authoring the bill, Monday Blouin woke to an email from Sara and a forwarded e-mail time-stamped from the night before.

“From the forward Bryson sent to me, Sara had written the bill yesterday and sent it to him about eight-thirty last night, this was right before we went out on our campaign,” Blouin said.

After opening the document attached Blouin found his name on the bill for the referendum.

“It was the actual bill, I guess per say, for Referendum #3, which had my name on it, which I didn’t approve of and I didn’t sign off on any bill with my name on it. So that’s number one. Number two, as I said no bill was ever written prior to the Senate passing Referendum #3. So that made that illegal as well,” Blouin said.

When asked if this made referendum No. 3’s presence on the ballot illegal he said, “totally illegal.”

Students until Friday were unaware of any referendums to be up for vote. Push flyers were distributed in the dormitories throughout the weekend, followed by information distributed via social media from SGA. (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram)

In an impromptu meeting Saturday night, with Timothy Pickett, SGA chief of staff and

representatives of The Student Media office suggested a bus would be contracted, purchased or leased for those who will take trips by bus.

He made a statement regarding those who will be on that bus. He said “we are,” meaning the SGA. Members of the staff asked and he confirmed his statement.

Blouin said, “It’s not that we don’t care about the student body and giving scholarships out. But the bottom line is as student leaders we have to set the example and we have to push for

it in the right way. We have to do everything in a right way, not necessarily what’s popular, but what’s right.”

Blouin said he wanted to go on record confirming referendum was not passed with validity.

“As I’ve stated to you and as I’m going on the record, referendum number three was not passed in a valid way. Therefore it makes it illegal to be on the ballot today (Monday) for students to vote on.”

Blouin made a statement regarding referendum No. 3 was the only referendum where proper protocol was not followed to bring it student’s vote.

“Everything else was passed accordingly; there is a written bill prior to us voting on it. But Referendum 3 in this instance is not valid and therefore, it should not be put on the ballot. I’m asking that it be taken off, or if it does pass that it be null and void,” Blouin said.

Blouin clarified the time line in which the bill was written and confirmed the bill was never signed and brought to vote of the senate.

“At the emergency meeting called by Bryson (Friday) there was nothing said about anything regarding student media, any funds from student media, they never specified where the funds were going to be taken from, nothing. I assume all of this was in the bill. But like I said, there was no written bill,” Blouin said.

In an attempt to curtail the success and productivity of Southern University’s Office of Student Media, the SU Student Government Association Student Senate has created a referendum cutting 40 percent of its surplus funds.

Southern University students voted to entrust SGA to disburse surplus funds for ‘student initiatives’ despite continuous questions that loom over the referendum’s destination to the student ballot.

The ballot for the Spring 2013 General Election Ballot contains three referendums and one constitutional amendment.

The first two referendums suggest self-assessed, non-refundable fees for SU cheerleaders ($3.00) and Jaguar Ambassadors also known as The Office of S.O.L. D.(Student Orientation and Leadership Development) ($1.00).

The third is of a referendum proposed to redesignate 40 percent of Student Media Funds for various university uses.

The first amendment is for an amendment to the Constitution of the Student Government Association, Article XIII, Section 1, which currently states;

“The unanimous vote of the full membership of the Student Senate and approval of the University Administration, or”

So it may now read as follows:“The vote of 2/3 of the current membership on

roster of the Student Senate(only with quorum) and approval of the University Administration, or”

The amendment passed with 893 votes in favor and 212 against.

According to SGA President Willie McCorkle III in a letter to the student body (released via instagram, Sunday evening and sent via university e-mail time stamped at 10:35 p.m. Sunday), he stated that after assessing all student self-assessed fees and various university issues, SGA proposed to seize $668,140.00 of Student Media Surplus funds.

McCorkle said, “that these seized funds will go towards scholarships for all students, with emphasis on out-of-state students, facility upgrades, i.e. Student Union, residential facility enhancements; campus beautification, i.e. new landscaping to make the university more appealing; and transit enhancements, i.e. exploring the options of purchasing or leasing versus continuing to utilize expensive contracted transportation services.”

This referendum has sparked speculation around the campus as to SGA’s motives and plans for its student body and the lack of communication of both.

The Southern Digest (campus newspaper and part of SU student media) serves as a voice for students and has uses its funds to advance its mission to prepare students with practical experience for the workforce (journalism, design, advertising and business).

This was not the first sign of trouble between The Southern Digest and the 2012-2013 SGA

(Under the leadership of president McCorkle).Tension began fall 2012 with a dispute over

a student written commentary article published in The Southern Digest criticizing Willie McCorkle’s performance as SGA president.

SGA perceived the article to be opinionated filled with lies, biased opinions and personal accusations towards McCorkle.

Tensions boiled over when members of SGA and the student body threatened the writer with various threats via “social media.”

The issue was put to rest but tensions have continued to this point with the Spring 2013 General Election ballot as the latest concern.

In the letter McCorkle said, “SGA does not look to offend the Office of Student Media by this notion, but to simply appropriate these funds for a positive and useful cause.”

Many students voiced their opinions on twitter about the issue.

Caesar Smith, Jr.,(@CaesarSJ) said, “Vote “NO” to Referendum 3 on April 15, 2013.”

The Southern Digest also questioned students about the issue on Twitter as well after Office of Student Media staff’s comments and questions were deleted.

Evan Taylor, editor-in-chief, The Southern Digest tweeted, “Ask @subr_sga What you want to know and see if they can answer it for you…Ask them what they think you deserve.”

The same writer whose commentary began what is called, “The Digest vs. SGA beef,” her

Referendum targets Student Media

This post was posted via Instagram by SUBR SGA’s account Asking questions concerning the Student Media surplus. Estimated amounts that would be redesignated were listed without plans for funds.

Collected via Storify

newspage 4 - Tuesday, april 16, 2013 The senTinel of an enlighTened sTudenT Body since 1926

southerndigest.com

Twitter account was reported and temporarily suspended. The source of the report has yet to be confirmed.

The social media conversation between the student body, SGA representatives and Student Media representatives continued via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram from Friday until Monday.

CJ (@ImFocusedMan28) said, “I would have to say that The Digest and other SU Publication have had a voice that can reach farther than the SGA. TRUST!”

Students have chosen to dedicate the surplus funding to SGA for their dispersal in the 2013-14 year but, the question of why Student Media funds were targeted in motive and execution is still in question.

referendum TargeTs from page 2

This post was posted via Instagram by SUBR SGA’s account Telling to students to vote yes to Referendums 1,2 and 3. At this point the referendum language had yet to be released to students.

Collected via Storify

Ricky Robinson and Quitney Toussaint fell behind in double-digit votes.

Miss Junior was crowned to Channing Evans, a 21 year old from Slidell, La. who earned 181 votes and hates racism and loves her family. Shamaya Stewart found herself below by over 100 votes.

For Miss Sophomore, Allison Bonton, a 18 year old from Dupont, La. retained 276 votes and lives by the saying “do unto others as you want them to do unto you.” She also loves to socialize and network while giving God praise. Keona Daniels, her competition was in the double digits with 89 votes.

To take the post of Association for Women Students, Megan Henderson, 22 year old from Shreveport, La. garnered 523 votes. Megan loves crawfish and hates waking up before her alarm clock sounds. Candance Perrilloux fought for the female vote and finished with 185 votes.

Referendums 1,2, and 3 passed with large numbers for and the constitutional amendment passed with 893 for and 212 against.

Referendum one to dedicate $3 to cheerleaders passed with 727 for and 394 against.

Referendum Two to dedicate $1 to the office of S.O.L.D passed 765 for and 352 not in favor.

The controversial referendum three concerning the student media surplus passed with 927 for and 169 against.

The run-off election will be held in the SGA Vice Presidential category. Students who voted for the other VP candidates will have to choose between Martin and Melbert in the run-off.

elecTion resulTs from page 1

Have a point you want to get across?

see sometHing on campus you don’t like?

let your voice Be Heard!

suBmit a letter to tHe editor

For more information concerning the discussion of Referendums and Constitutional Amendments from social media take a look at our Storify collection at http://storify.com/SouthernDigest/the-no-1-hbcu-newspaper-is-being-threatened

Tuesday, april 16, 2013- page 5The senTinel of an enlighTened sTudenT Body since 1926

BOSTON — Two bombs exploded in the crowded streets near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, killing at least three people and injuring more than 140 in a bloody scene of shattered glass and severed limbs that raised alarms that terrorists might have struck again in the U.S.

A White House official speaking on condition of anonymity because the investigation was still unfolding said the attack was being treated as an act of terrorism.

President Barack Obama vowed that those responsible will “feel the full weight of justice.”

As many as two unexploded bombs were also found near the end of the 26.2-mile course as part of what appeared to be a well-coordinated attack, but they were safely disarmed, according to a senior U.S. intelligence official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity because of the continuing investigation.

The fiery twin blasts took place about 10 seconds and about 100 yards apart, knocking spectators and at least one runner off their feet, shattering windows and sending dense plumes of smoke rising over the street and through the fluttering national flags lining the route. Blood stained the pavement, and huge shards were missing from window panes as high as three stories.

“They just started bringing people in with no limbs,” said runner Tim Davey of Richmond, Va. He said he and his wife, Lisa, tried to shield their children’s eyes from the gruesome scene inside a medical tent that had been set up to care for fatigued runners, but “they saw a lot.”

“They just kept filling up with more and more casualties,” Lisa Davey said. “Most everybody was conscious. They were very dazed.”

As the FBI took charge of the investigation, authorities shed no light on a motive or who may have carried out the bombings, and police said they had no suspects in custody. Officials in Washington said there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

WBZ-TV reported late Monday that law enforcement officers were searching an apartment in the Boston suburb of Revere. Massachusetts State Police confirmed that a search warrant related to the investigation into the explosions was served Monday night in Revere but provided no further details.

Police said three people were killed. An 8-year-old boy was among the dead, according to a person who talked to a friend of the family and spoke on condition of anonymity. The person said the boy’s mother and sister were also injured as they waited for his father to finish the race.

Hospitals reported at least 144 people injured, at least 17 of them critically. The victims’ injuries included broken bones, shrapnel wounds and ruptured eardrums.

At Massachusetts General Hospital, Alisdair Conn, chief of emergency services, said: “This is

See BosTon BomBing page 7

Jimmy GolEnThe Associated Press

The senTinel of an enlighTened sTudenT Body since 1926page 6 - Tuesday, april 16, 2013

BOSTON MARATHON BOMBS 2 041513: Satellite map of downtown Boston shows locations of explosions; 3c x 9 inches; with any related stories; PH; ETA 7 p.m.

Editor’s Note: It is mandatory to include all sources that accompany this graphic when repurposing or editing it for publication

Marathon route

Boston Marathon explosions leave at least two deadTwo bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing at least two people and injuring nearly two dozen others in a terrifying scene of broken glass, smoke and sev-ered limbs, authorities said.

AP

CITY OF BOSTON

Museum ofFine Arts

MIT Campus

HarvardUniversity

QuincyMarket

BostonCommon

CopleySquare

LoganAirport

Charles River

Boylston St.

Dartm

ou

th S

t.

Newbury St.

Finish line

Race direction

Boston Public Library

Mandarin

Oriental Hotel

CopleySquare

FIRST EXPLOSION occurs around 3 p.m. near the finish line of the race.

SECOND EXPLOSION occurs momentslater near the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

1/2 mi1/2 km

90

93

1

3

20

Firstexplosion

Second explosion

Boston Marathon bombing kills 3, injures 140

DENVER — Thousands of people are expected to join an unofficial counterculture holiday celebrating marijuana in Colorado and Washington this coming weekend, including out-of staters and even packaged tours. The events and crowds will test the limits of new laws permitting pot use by adults.

More than 50,000 are expected to light up outdoors in Denver’s Civic Center Park on April 20 to celebrate marijuana legalization. Thousands more are headed here for the nation’s first open-to-all Cannabis Cup, April 20-21, a domestic version of an annual marijuana contest and celebration in Amsterdam. Expected guests at the Cannabis Cup, a ticketed event taking place inside the Denver Convention Center, include Snoop Lion, the new reggae- and marijuana-loving persona for the rapper better known as Snoop Dogg.

Marijuana activists from New York to San Francisco consider April 20 a day to celebrate the drug and push for broader legalization. The origins of the number “420” as a code for pot are murky, but the drug’s users have for decades marked the date 4/20 as a day to use pot together.

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and its sale without a doctor’s recommendation isn’t allowed yet in Colorado or Washington. Neither state allows open and public use of the drug. But authorities largely look the other way at public pot-smoking, especially at festivals and concerts, and entrepreneurs are finding creative ways to capitalize on new marijuana laws.

One of them is Matt Brown, co-owner of Denver’s new “My 420 Tours,” which gives traveling pot users everything but the drug. Brown has sold 160 tour packages to visiting pot smokers for the April

20 weekend. Prices start at $499, not including hotel or air.

The tour sends cannabis tour guides to pick up marijuana tourists at the airport in limousines, escort them to Cannabis Cup and other Denver-area marijuana celebrations and deposit them at a hotel where smoking — tobacco or reefer — is permitted on room patios.

Marijuana tourists on Brown’s tour can add extra days of touring medical marijuana dispensaries and commercial growing operations. A cannabis cooking class is another option. Five-day tours run $649 to $849.

Brown, a medical marijuana patient who is new to the travel business, says his tours will enable sharing of pot but not selling it. Eighty percent of his clients are coming from outside Colorado — meaning it’s illegal for them to bring marijuana from home. And because commercial pot sales in Colorado don’t start until January, out-of-state visitors can’t yet buy pot at Colorado’s 500-plus dispensaries.

Despite the legal barriers, Brown said his tours quickly filled to capacity and he had to turn away would-be cannabis tourists. He’s hoping to book future pot-themed weekends if the April 20n weekend does well.

“People are fascinated by what’s happening here, and they want to see it up close,” Brown said. “We want to make sure people don’t come here, land at the airport, rent a car and drive around stoned all weekend.”

The tour group isn’t affiliated with the Cannabis Cup, sponsored by High Times Magazine, which has run similar events for medical marijuana in nine cities. The magazine’s editorial director, Dan Skye, says this month’s U.S. Cannabis Cup was timed for the April 20 weekend.

“4/20 is the national stoner holiday, for lack of a better word,” Skye said. “It gets bigger every year, and this year, after the legalization votes, it’s going to be absolutely huge.”

The magazine planned to award Snoop Lion with a “lifetime achievement” award at a Denver ceremony Friday. A Cypress Hill/Slightly Stoopid concert was planned Saturday at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater just west of Denver. Both events sold out weeks ago.

A few dozen miles northwest of Denver, the University of Colorado in Boulder will try to dampen pot celebrations on April 20. The campus once held the nation’s largest college 4/20 celebration, drawing an estimated 10,000 in 2010. The legendary smokeout was cited by Playboy magazine when it named Colorado the nation’s top party school in 2011 .

After the Playboy mention, the university stepped up efforts to

shut the celebration down. Campus officials last year roped off the site of the smokeout, Norlin Quadrangle, reducing the 4/20 crowd to a few hundred protesters. The school planned another shutdown Saturday.

Celebrations were planned in Washington state, too, though April 20 isn’t as broadly celebrated as Seattle’s annual Hempfest, which draws hundreds of thousands of people to a waterfront park every summer.

The April 20 celebrations in Washington included a Seattle party being put on by DOPE Magazine at an artist work space and studio. About 1,500 were expected for glassblowing demonstrations, music, dancing and a bar where revelers can vaporize their pot, plus the judging for the “DOPE Cup” — an award for the best

bud. There will be a smoking tent set up outside, along with food trucks to combat any cases of the munchies.

“It’s pretty monumental,” said DOPE editor in chief James Zachodni. “This is the first time in the U.S. there’s been a cannabis holiday with a legal aspect to it.”

Back in Colorado, longtime pot user Andrew Poarch says this year’s April 20 observations in Colorado have taken on epic significance. He’s joining dozens of friends to hire a bus from Colorado Springs to attend Denver’s Cannabis Cup.

“It’s going to be a lot bigger, a lot more people,” he predicted. “People are trying to outdo themselves because it’s a party and a celebration. We beat prohibition. It’s a pretty big deal.”

This photo shows Matt Brown, co-owner of Denver’s new “My 420 Tours,” looking over a sampling of marijuana edibles at a dispensary in Denver. “My 420 Tours,” gives traveling pot users everything but the drug. Brown has sold 160 tour packages to visiting pot smokers for the April 20 weekend.

Ed Andrieski/ AP Photo

Tuesday, april 16, 2013- page 7The senTinel of an enlighTened sTudenT Body since 1926

BosTon BomBing from page 6

something I’ve never seen in my 25 years here ... this amount of carnage in the civilian population. This is what we expect from war.”

Some 23,000 runners took part in the race, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious marathons.

One of Boston’s biggest annual events, the race winds up near Copley Square, not far from the landmark Prudential Center and the Boston Public Library. It is held on Patriots Day, which commemorates the first battles of the American Revolution, at Concord and Lexington in 1775.

Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis asked people to stay indoors or go back to their hotel rooms and avoid crowds as bomb squads methodically checked parcels and bags left along the race route. He said investigators didn’t know whether the bombs were hidden in mailboxes or trash cans.

He said authorities had received “no specific intelligence that anything was going to happen” at the race.

The Federal Aviation Administration barred low-flying aircraft within 3.5 miles of the site.

“We still don’t know who did this or why,” Obama said at the White House, adding, “Make no mistake: We will get to the bottom

of this.”With scant official information to guide

them, members of Congress said there was little or no doubt it was an act of terrorism.

“We just don’t know whether it’s foreign or domestic,” said Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

A few miles away from the finish line and around the same time, a fire broke out at the John F. Kennedy Library. The police commissioner said that it may have been caused by an incendiary device but that it was not clear whether it was related to the bombings.

The first explosion occurred on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the finish line, and some people initially thought it was a celebratory cannon blast.

When the second bomb went off, spectators’ cheers turned to screams. As sirens blared, emergency workers and National Guardsmen who had been assigned to the race for crowd control began climbing over and tearing down temporary fences to get to the blast site.

The bombings occurred about four hours into the race and two hours after the men’s winner crossed the finish line. By that point,

more than 17,000 of the athletes had finished the marathon, but thousands more were still running.

The attack may have been timed for maximum carnage: The four-hour mark is typically a crowded time near the finish line because of the slow-but-steady recreational runners completing the race and because of all the friends and relatives clustered around to cheer them on.

Runners in the medical tent for treatment of dehydration or other race-related ills were pushed out to make room for victims of the bombing.

A woman who was a few feet from the second bomb, Brighid Wall, 35, of Duxbury, said that when it exploded, runners and spectators froze, unsure of what to do. Her husband threw their children to the ground, lay on top of them and another man lay on top of them and said, “Don’t get up, don’t get up.”

After a minute or so without another explosion, Wall said, she and her family headed to a Starbucks and out the back door through an alley. Around them, the windows of the bars and restaurants were blown out.

She said she saw six to eight people bleeding profusely, including one man who

was kneeling, dazed, with blood trickling down his head. Another person was on the ground covered in blood and not moving.

“My ears are zinging. Their ears are zinging,” Wall said. “It was so forceful. It knocked us to the ground.”

Competitors and race volunteers were crying as they fled the chaos. Authorities went onto the course to carry away the injured, while race stragglers were rerouted away from the smoking site.

Roupen Bastajian, a state trooper from Smithfield, R.I., had just finished the race when he heard the blasts.

“I started running toward the blast. And there were people all over the floor,” he said. “We started grabbing tourniquets and started tying legs. A lot of people amputated. ... At least 25 to 30 people have at least one leg missing, or an ankle missing, or two legs missing.”

The race honored the victims of the Newtown, Conn., shooting with a special mile marker in Monday’s race.

Boston Athletic Association president Joanne Flaminio previously said there was “special significance” to the fact that the race is 26.2 miles long and 26 people died at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“420” tours draw a new travel audienceThousands are expected to flock to Colorado is search of 420 tours where everything except the ‘pot’ itself will be available April 20-21. Events include the Cannibus Cup and Snoop Lion.

KrisTEn WyaTTThe Associated Press

Jackie Robinson was the ideal class act to break the barrier and become the first black player in Major League Baseball.

Writer-director Brian Helgeland’s Robinson biopic “42” is a class act itself, though not always an engaging act. It’s such a familiar story that any faithful film biography almost inevitably will turn out predictable, even a bit routine.

With an earnest performance by Chadwick Boseman as Robinson and an enjoyably self-effacing turn by Harrison Ford as Brooklyn Dodgers boss Branch Rickey, “42” hits every button you expect very ably. It riles with its re-creations of the heartless, ignorant racism to which Robinson was subjected. It uplifts with its depictions of Robinson’s restraint and fortitude. It inspires with its glimpses of support and compassion from teammates and fans.

Yet like a sleepy, low-scoring ballgame, “42” is not the jolt of energy and entertainment we wish it could be.

Unlike No. 42 Robinson’s daring on the base paths, “42” plays out safely and methodically, centering on the two most critical years in his rise to the majors and letting that time unfold with slow, sturdy momentum.

The film starts in 1945 with Boseman’s Robinson among many great talents stuck in the Negro Leagues because of the whites-only code that rules the majors. Rickey, played with crusty, jowly curmudgeonhood by Ford, is scanning the black rosters, determined to find the right mix of skill and temperament to make a mark in the big leagues — and withstand the certain firestorm of bigotry with grace and self-control.

Robinson is Rickey’s clear choice. “I want a player who’s got the guts NOT to fight back,”

Rickey tells Robinson. “Your enemy will be out in force, and you cannot meet him on his own low ground.”

By spring 1946, Robinson had secured a spot on the Dodgers’ minor-league team in Montreal. As eventful as that season is — with white fans booing Robinson, opponents taunting him and Deep South police insisting he can’t play on the same field as whites — it’s only a warm-up for what comes in 1947 after Robinson dons a Dodgers uniform and steps out of the tunnel at Ebbets Field.

Some of his own teammates already have balked at playing with Robinson, a rebellion quickly quelled by Dodgers manager Leo Durocher (Christopher Meloni, in a small but delightful performance).

There are death threats, savage verbal abuse, pitchers deliberately aiming to bean Robinson, hotels that turn away the entire team because of his presence. Alan Tudyk takes on an ugly role and delivers perfectly as Philadelphia Phillies manager Ben Chapman, who mercilessly hurls racial slurs at Robinson each time he comes to bat.

It’s that sort of hatefulness that stirs and shames others into acts of decency. As Dodgers shortstop Pee Wee Reese, Lucas Black gets to re-enact a classic baseball moment, when he responds to a jeering Cincinnati crowd by throwing an arm around Robinson’s shoulders and standing shoulder to shoulder with his teammate for the world to see.

The filmmakers show nice restraint in the baseball action, focusing on Robinson’s sneaky, speedy base-running rather than laying on montages of towering home runs. Boseman resembles Robinson physically, and he clearly put in his time at training camp to imitate Robinson’s unique batting and base-stealing styles.

Ford and Boseman bond to present a

big-hearted friendship between Rickey and Robinson. With a slouchy mix of dapper but rumpled elegance, Ford is a pleasure to watch and especially to listen to as he rumbles with phlegmy, folksy conviction to defend Robinson’s right to play.

The one thing you generally can say about Harrison Ford movies is that you’re always aware you’re watching Harrison Ford. With some facial prosthetics, geeky glasses, the brims of his Fedora hats flopping over his eyes and character-actor wiles we rarely see from him, Ford manages to disappear into this role.

Helgeland’s dialogue becomes preachy at times, and away from the ball field or front office, “42” often languishes in soapiness. As Robinson’s wife, Rachel, Nicole Beharie is sweet and saintly but not very interesting. The

story of black baseball writer Wendell Smith (Andre Holland) parallels Robinson’s, but the film burns up a lot of time trying to establish camaraderie between the two that never quite gels.

Still, it’s the best work Helgeland (“Payback,” ‘’A Knight’s Tale”) has done as a director (he’s had better results as a screenwriter, winning an Academy Award for “L.A. Confidential” and earning a nomination for “Mystic River”).

And for all the hate and hostility it depicts, “42” is a film about decent-hearted people. Hate can be infectious, but so can decency. It’s the decency you’ll take away from “42.”

“42,” a Warner Bros. release, is rated PG-13 for thematic elements including language. Running time: 128 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

DaviD GermainThe Associated Press

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This film image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson in a scene from “42.”

Warner Bros. Pictures, D. Stevens/AP Photo

“42” a class act like Robinson but, not engaging

WASHINGTON — Alicia Keys says she wants to spark a global conversation about HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

The Grammy Award-winning singer met with women who are part of an HIV program at United Medical Center in the nation’s capital Monday to discuss their experiences with the virus, including the fear and stigma associated with the disease.

Keys, who has also traveled to Africa and India to meet with women who have HIV, said she felt connected to the women there and here because “they looked like they could be my sister, or they could be my aunt, or they could be my cousin.”

And now, she said, she wants to “bridge” the gap between domestic and international conversations about the virus.

Keys is working with the Kaiser Family

Foundation for “Empowered,” a campaign launched last month to educate women about HIV and provide grants to community-based projects that will do that.

According to Kaiser, one in four of the 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States are women. Women of color account for about two-thirds of new HIV infections among women.

“Black women are disproportionally affected, making up for the majority of all new infections,” Keys said. “That’s a must-have conversation.”

The campaign includes outreach through public service ads, social media and community programs. It encourages women to learn about HIV and AIDS, talk with family and friends, protect themselves and loved ones, get tested, prevent spreading the disease and stay on treatment.

Keys is also leading the Empowered Community Grants program with Kaiser and AIDS United that will give up to $25,000 grants

to community-level projects that focus on women and HIV.

“To identify those community-based organizations is a very important part of the puzzle,” Keys said.

Valerie Jarrett, a White House senior advisor who has worked with Keys in the past on women and health issues, said she supports “Empowered” because it is part of President Barack Obama’s vision for comprehensive health.

“You really have to have a holistic and comprehensive approach to this and what’s so special about what Alicia is doing now is that it will highlight how every single person can play a role in this,” Jarrett said.

The campaign is scheduled to run for five years and publish a report annually on women’s experiences with HIV and AIDS and examine cultural changes regarding education, misconceptions and the stigma associated with the disease.

Stacy a. anDerSonThe Associated Press

TueSdAy, APril 16, 2013 - PAge 9The SenTinel Of An enlighTened STudenT BOdy Since 1926

Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys speaks as she visits an HIV women’s support group at United Medical Center in Washington, Monday. Keys is working with the Kaiser Family Foundation for her “Empowered,” campaign.

Charles Dharapak/ AP Photo

Keys advocates for HIV education

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southerndigest.com

Talking Politics with Caesar Smith Jr.: Trickery and Treachery

cAeSAr SmiTh Jr.

There was confusion this weekend regarding three referendums listed on Monday’s ballot.

All of it could have been prevented if it was simply sent to this publication in a timely manner.

Concern came Friday morning regarding a card to vote for Referendum 3.

After close observation it was vaguely written to re-designate surplus funds from the Office of Student Media for the purpose of student scholarships, facility upgrades and campus beautification.

While there is nothing is wrong with it on the surface, the biggest problem was no one really knew what this referendum was about.

After calling several members of the SGA it was discovered this referendum was passed without a bill being authored.

A source close to the issue has indicated it was Brandon Dumas, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs who called an emergency meeting Friday morning to pass this measure for it to be placed on the ballot Monday.

I called, pleaded and begged to see the language contained in the bill.

It was apparent that there was a problem. The problem is these things can occur

without going through proper channels. Some of the procedures used that totally

disregarded the policies and procedures of the SGA by laws, the very thing all SGA officials are sworn to protect and uphold.

It is has been found that Referendum 3 bill being written is illegal, ultimately making it not valid.

After making attempts to several SGA officials there was never a return call from President Willie McCorkle or Vice-President Bryson Alexander from Friday until now.

The bigger question was why these referendums and amendments not sent to the Office of Student Media to be published to inform the student body to prepare and give the students a choice in a timely

manner and to clarify any questions they may have?

If things are done in proper and decent order there are no problems.

Instead, things are done in such a way that creates chaos unnecessarily so, resulting in battles on various media outlets when it should not be an item for discussion.

It was after 10:00 Sunday night when SGA President Willie McCorkle in a post on Instagram asked to support all three referendums.

It was alarming that the Office of Student Media would have had no say in how their funds were to be distributed, nor was there any consideration or notice given to their office in light of this prior to being put on the ballot.

Still, it did not clearly spell out how the funds would be dispersed in detail by dollar amount or percentage.

So many people cited or referenced me being angry because they had a different view than I did regarding Referendum 3.

It was not that my view varied, it is because I DO NOT and WILL NOT vote on or support things that are vague and no details are given.

That is perfect way of getting the shaft. Before I vote on any referendum I must

see what it is, If by any chance I cannot see what is contained in the bill in detailed questions will be asked.

If the question(s) cannot be answered it WILL NOT be voted on.

The most disturbing thing was that it was resulting in a one-time referendum for funding an ongoing expense. That is not a good recipe for success.

The proper thing to do would be to raise fees for buses, scholarships and campus beautification by putting it on a referendum and sending it before the student body in an election to be held at least one week prior to the election.

For the students to be tricked into this under the guise of promoting goodwill for

the students is beyond me. The bill was signed early Monday, the

day of election by Senate President Pro-Tempore Sara A. Martin, Senator Isaiah Edah-Dike, President of the Senate and SGA Vice President Bryson Alexander, Student Government Association President Willie E. McCorkle, III and Student Government Association Advisor Jonas Vanderbilt, according to a source close to the issue.

The bill was signed after it was made a referendum which is against and in direct violation of their own policy.

Violating policies as such are grounds for impeachment of those who willingly participated and signed those documents.

One Senator has stepped forward, now there only needs to be two more to initiate impeachment proceedings.

In the future do not allow yourself to be tricked, had or bamboozled into voting for something you have very little to no knowledge of.

A prime example is how Senate District 34 in north Louisiana, a federally protected district that resulted from Section 5 of Voter’s Rights Act of 1965 nearly took the choice of selecting one who looked like them away, due to those who were elected to office by them. It should be no surprise that I was in their committee meeting fighting for them, because they did not deserve to be given the shaft.

When I put on a suit, go before the Senate

or any governing body taking to task a violation I have found there is wrong doing, before taking them to task there is a small window of opportunity to make it right. Do trust it is small, fix it then, not later or you will lose.

Sara Anne Martin said she would make it right, she was given the opportunity and advised in a not so subtle way.

Instead she chose her current position over the best interest of the students she represents after admitting to “making a big mistake,” citing she will learn from it. I don’t see the lesson learned in that.

She would have been a great choice for Vice-President as you make your way to the polls to vote in tomorrow’s election.

I wish Di’Shawn Melbert the best, he seems to be clean and an excellent choice in light of what has transpired over the past four days. His term should be promising.

The much-ballyhooed $1,670,370.04 belongs to Student Media.

When the students voted to change the Student Media Fee last spring, it actually cut our budget this year by $7 per full-time enrolled student.

An agreement was made that we would not fight those cuts if we could use those surplus funds to supplement our budget and other ways we see fit.

It is a surplus, not an operating budget. By the way, our operating budget, thanks to last spring’s student vote, was reduced by nearly $100,000 for the 2012-13 academic year.

We used a portion of our surplus to negate that loss while continuing to provide opportunities for our staff and any student who would like to join it.

Since SGA pursued those funds inappropriately and recklessly, they are no longer available for discussion. They are also not available or entitled to or for any other entity in the Southern University System.

Be a challenge! Rejoice for a great injustice has been undone!

Pissing it all Away By SHUGDAVINCI

Being a young black man growing up in America is a challenge that not a lot of people understand but tend to sympathize with.

You watch a movie like roots and say “Wow, black people were treated like crap and were more so pets than people.”

Yet when we see a movie like “Django Unchained,” we tend to feel bad for black people, but yet have some small sense of pride when we see a slave rise up and deliver the same suffering to those who have done it to us.

I used to think the same way until I sat back one day and compared those movies to my college experience and realized that at their core, these films displayed a time old tradition and one that we as students know all too well which is the abuse of power.

See it wasn’t enough for the white slave owners in these movies to just own slaves, but they had to beat, degrade, and defile them as well for the pure pleasure and sport of it.

Getting some form of power and taking it too far.

Remind you of anything?Think about that teacher you took that

wasn’t too fond of you and changed your grade to one that you didn’t earn just

because they could.Or that boss you worked for that had you

doing his job because they were too lazy to do it themselves but knew that being your boss they could get you to.

How about that campus security guard that doesn’t let you get to your dorm because you forgot your student ID even though they’ve seen you a thousand times and know you live on campus but gives you a hard time anyway?

Yeah, as students I’m sure you see this abuse of power situation all the time but all you can do is shake your head and keep going right?

Well everybody doesn’t think that way.Reminds me of a certain publication

that’s ranked number 1 in the nation

among HBCUs … A publication referred to as petty on

their own campus despite their efforts to be inquisitive on the students’ behalf.

The unfortunate and sometimes sad fact is that this power abuse trend seems to be very strong in the black community.

Maybe it’s because we’ve been without the power for so long that when we finally get some, abusing it becomes second nature.

Or maybe it’s not that deep and it’s exactly what it seems like, a peasant goes from serving to ruling and now the kingdom is a mere casualty in a war that doesn’t even exist.

It’s kind of like if someone was drowning and another person jumped in the water to save them and once they did the person who was drowning pushes them under water.

Does anybody have a bucket I can put these crabs in?

If you’ve ever watched a Spider-Man movie or have ever been a fan then you know that his life motto is “With great power comes great responsibility.”

If the people who are always in or have power are the most irresponsible, then who are we to trust when those powers are abused?

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-mailed 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.

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Have a Grievance?

LeT YOUr vOice Be HearD!

SUBmiT a LeTTer TO THe eDiTOr

mArcuS green

“Everybody does it”... I do not think that way

According to the Centers of Disease Control, persons aged 18-24 are most likely to get depressed.

I have a personal testimony from my deliverance from depression.

There would be instances, when I felt as if there was no hope.

I felt like I was destined for failure. I felt as if my past dictated my life’s

future outcomes. That was simply not the case. You may

very well be experiencing those same sentiments and thoughts.

Those thoughts are rooted deep in the devil’s manipulative tricks to deter you from reaching your destiny.

Everyone’s bout with depression varies.

Some degrees of depression are greater than others.

But I am writing to you, to remind you, we have a God who grants freedom from depression.

As young people, depression is the primary tool of the devil. I cannot help but notice the vast number of young people who carry the weights of burdens around daily.

God did not make us to live in depression and misery, but rather in his freedom, grace, and continual presence.

The seeds of depression are rooted in failed relationships, seemly impossible goals, family disputes, broken friendships, and struggles in school.

As young and seasoned middle-aged adults, we must remember God is the key. The solution to our pain and misery lies solely in God and his grace.

The point of life we seemly forget, God designed each of us with a void only he can fill.

Yes, it is alluring to turn to a relationship, membership in a prestigious organization, or attainment of a certain level of prestige for fulfillment, but they will never heal the wounds of life and grant the freedom we so desperately desire from depression.

It does not matter how long you have been bound by the scars of a failed relationship or deep childhood wound.

The maliciousness of a wound does not matter. There is freedom awaiting you.

God has an abundance of blessings in store for each of us.

In order to receive those blessings and freedom from depression, we must yield to God’s will. We cannot make it without God.

I know being young breeds a sense of invincibility.

I am here to remind, we are not invincible.

We cannot live free lives and put God on the backburner. God wants to bless us in our youth.

I guarantee, if you turn to God, he will deliver you from depression. In God, there is an unfathomable freedom this world cannot offer. Be encouraged.

There is hope. There is freedom in God’s grace from

your struggles with depression. I am praying for you. You are blessed!!!-This coming week, meditate on these

scriptures. Ask God to grant you freedom from

depression.Psalm 16:11Isaiah 26:3Philippians 4:8Jeremiah 29:3

The Grace Column: Freedom in God’s grace from Depression

** The Grace column is written by Jasper Knighten. This week Travel Itinerary: Departure: Depression and Destination: Freedom in God’s Grace. The Grace column will discuss God’s grace and how with it one overcome obstacles and apply it to universal situations.

Jeff amyThe Associated Press

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