November 15, 2022 . Volume 79 . Issue 9
Often Celebrated Never Compensated: What it takes to be a JUKE
Ashley Lovelace
THE SOUTHERN DIGEST Southern University’s Human Jukebox is not just your regular band, it is a band that transcends all time. Within its 75 years of existence, the Human Jukebox has not missed a beat. They have been recognized across the nation by USA Today, Time Magazine, ESPN, and the NCAA as one the best marching bands in the country. Just to think even amidst all the notoriety, the Human Jukebox prides itself on prioritizing events on the Bluff. The band students work DIGEST Journalist, Ashley Lovelace sits down for a candid conversation with Director of Bands, Kedric Taylor tirelessly daily to perfect their inside the Isaac Greggs band hall on Tuesday, November 8. (DIGEST) craft, sacrificing their college experience so that their peers an inquiry arose as to why meeting. However, this time “I have struggled while being a can have memories that will last the Human Jukebox was not the band members were ready. student and a bandmember; I them a lifetime. able to perform at every pep Kobe Kelson, sophomore and also have a job, so working on top Although that sacrifice is a rally scheduled by the Student president of SU’s Department of that [is difficult].” warming sentiment, it seems Government Association (SGA). of Bands Academic Program, Student Journalist Ashley some of the Student Government That inquiry led to a senator gave just a glimpse into why Lovelace was able to sit down Association members don’t contacting the Human Jukebox the band can’t be at every event. with the Director of Bands, think that Southern’s band does to gain some more insight on He simply stated they don’t Kedric Taylor. They had an eyethat very matter. have the time or the resources enough. to make that happen. Gregory opening interview that was able To follow up, on Thursday, On Thursday, October 13, Johnson, a sophomore tuba to give some poignant insight November 3, the students found during the public business player, emphasizes how finding as to what onlookers may not themselves in another senate portion of a Senate meeting, a balance is difficult at times, see in the preparation of a
performance from the mighty Human Jukebox. Taylor began by stating, “For every student, there’s a cost. I think one of the things we miss a lot of times, is we don’t realize how much it costs per student.” Taylor was adamant by stating that “When we recruit, we recruit the best.” The disheartening thing about that is, although Taylor and his staff recruited over 500 students to join the band, students get lost in the recruitment process due to finances. “Our entire budget for band expenses is Pine Bluff ’s budget for scholarships alone. They have a million-dollar scholarship budget, we’re not talking about travel--nothing else it’s just their scholarships. We can’t compete with that.” Taylor expressed after revealing that he only has $120,000 to give in scholarships to his students for the year.
Outside of financial woes, Mr. Taylor emphasized the importance of the mental health of his students. With juggling See JUKEBOX page 3
Where Are A New Bill and Legal Matters: SGA Senate Meeting They Going THE SOUTHERN DIGEST Now: Fees Kamryn Eugene
Isaiah Clay
THE SOUTHERN DIGEST Fee bills: we all have to pay them. From band, to athletics, to even a Jaguar Lanes fee, it can all be seen in your self service banner account. It is said that these fees are going to organizations and establishments on campus that add “value” to the university and the student body. Though this is true, there is much speculation as to where the funds for these fees are actually going, especially after the fee amounts have been changed.
“Where are these fees going to?” Asked a boldly straightforward Kobe Kelson at November 3rd’s senate meeting. This same question is one that rang in the halls of departments all over campus. Kelson’s issues were presented on behalf of the Human Jukebox, whose fee was dropped from $60 to $55. The musician stated that the 5 dollar decrease took an immeasurable toll on the band’s funds for the
the senate. “The senate shall consist of twenty-one senators. The senate shall be represented as follows; two from each academic college, three from residential life, four representing athletics, one representing the Human Jukebox Marching Band and Fabulous Dancing Dolls, and one ex officio member representing the Joint Greek Council.”
On Thursday, November 10 at 6:30pm the Student Government Association Senate held their biweekly meeting in T.T. Allain to discuss a few matters regarding Southern University.
Senate President Armani Pink began the meeting by allowing the different committees to speak on their progress in relation to different events and/or programs that they’ve held.
As she presented this bill she discussed the qualifications November 13 on Louisiana State needed to fulfill these positions on University’s parade grounds Southern University’s Senate. For Senator Jamarik Allen from 11am-3pm. On behalf of example, a student wishing to be spoke on behalf of the NPHC the Southern University Joint elected to represent an academic committee, where he discussed Greek Council, Allen invited college must be a student of that the success of the collaboration students to come out and enjoy respective college. A student with NAACP and SGA for a day filled with good music, free wishing to represent residential the “Super Tuesday” voting food, and community service. life, must be residing in on event, as well as their upcoming Further in the meeting, Senator campus housing. The senator that Unity Blood Drive. The Unity Pink introduced a new bill to desires to represent athletics, the band, or the Joint Greek Council blood drive was held on Sunday, DIGEST FILE
must be a member of a university sports team, the Human Jukebox or Dancing Dolls, or any NPHC organization. The fellow senators agreed to move forward with the passing of this bill. Last on the agenda, Senator Pink opened the floor up for conversation regarding public expressions throughout Southern University’s campus.
It was brought to the Senate’s attention that students were having a hard time finding out information concerning Senate meeting times and locations. Senator Samuel, head of the Senate’s social media, replied by stating that as a whole they have been having issues with getting building requests and flyers
See FEES page 3 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
See SGA page 3