Thursday, December 20

SU Ag Center mourns the loss of a legend- James Archie


BATON ROUGE, LA— The Southern University Ag Center is saddened to announce the death of legendary Livestock Show Director James Archie at the age of 76. Known in agriculture circles by his dedicated service and trademark cowboy hat, Archie contributed more than four decades to the profession at Southern University and Louisiana State University.  He ended his service in March 2003. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family.



The Service
Friday, December 21, 2012
6:00 pm
Halls Davis & Sons Facility
9348 Scenic Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Dismissal Service
Saturday, December 22, 2012
1:00 p.m.
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery
726 Pleasant Hill Road
Spearsville, Louisiana 71277

Mr. Archie was dedicated to his work in the field of agriculture.  He earned both his BS and MS degrees in animal science from Southern University. Archie started his career in 1963 as a county agent in East and West Carroll Parishes impacting the lives of thousands of young farmers and their families statewide. In 1969, he became a joint employee of LSU and Southern University as the Livestock Show Director.  He served in this capacity and continued after the creation of the SU Ag Center in 2001. In this position, he built up the program to include annual Horse and Rabbit Shows.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Friday, December 14

SU Ag Center teaches gardening skills, shares holiday cheers


BATON ROUGE, LA— the SU Ag Center collected winter coats for needy youth in the community. The majority of the coats were distributed on December 12, 2012 at From the Bottom to the Top Community Garden on E. Washington Street, Baton Rouge. Stephanie Elwood, Extension Associate for Community Gardens teaches youth healthy lifestyles through gardening at the community garden. The coats went to youth that participate in community gardens in South Baton Rouge.
Youth and adults select coats

“Special thanks to all who donated coats as well as Bridget Udoh, Communications Specialist; Angela Jackson, Administrative Assistant; and Zanetta Augustine, Research Associate, for assisting with the coat distribution,” says Elwood.

We are still entertaining monetary donations to cover the cost of coats for the few youth that we did not have their sizes.

For further information or to donate, please contact Stephanie Elwood at 225-771-2134

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Ms. Jackson helps girl try on a coat

Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Thursday, December 13

Spread cheer with SU college gear


BATON ROUGE, LA— Southern University college gear makes great holiday gift. Check out the attached Collegiate Licensing Company's Holiday Cheer Section SU Gift Guide or view it online at: http://issuu.com/clcdf/docs/hr_71632_clc_sugiftguide.pdf?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222

For further information, please contact Henry Tillman at 225-771-5497 or henry_tillman@sus.edu        
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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Friday, December 7

SU Ag Center to hold free business development seminar in White Castle


BATON ROUGE, LA—The Center for Rural and Small Business Development at the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold a free business development seminar on “How to Start a Sustainable Business,” on Thursday, December 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. aboard the E-Learning Center, which will be parked in front of the White Castle Community Center, 32725 Bowie Street, White Castle, La.

The seminar is free and open to all current and potential small business owners. Participants will learn how to start or expand an existing business and receive the forms and applications needed to legally operate a business in the state of Louisiana, as well as, information to ensure that an existing business continues to operate efficiently.

In the event that more participants attend the seminar than can be accommodated in the E-Learning Center, the seminar will be conducted inside the Community Center.

To register or for additional information about the Center for Rural and Small Business Development or its E-Learning Center, contact LaKeeshia Giddens at lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.2160, Eual Hall at eual_hall@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.4105.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Thursday, December 6

YouTube: Southern University Ag Center Slated for 70th Annual Livestock Show


Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold its 70th Annual Livestock Show for youth participants and families, February 28-March 1, 2013 at the Maurice Edmond Livestock Arena, 14600 Scenic Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70807.  During the three-day event, young farmers and ranchers from across the state will have the opportunity to display animals that have been showcased or have won in parish competitions. To this end, the Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain speaks in support of the show. Watch a short video clip from Commissioner Strain at:

 The purposes of the show are to: Stimulate a greater interest in increasing the production of livestock among farmers in Louisiana; Serve as a basis for improving breeding practices for livestock; Create interest in producing livestock products as business enterprises; Assist in developing a better spirit of cooperative effort among rural and urban residents; and Provide an opportunity for youth to develop ownership and leadership skills.

For further information, please contact Christie Monroe at Christie_monroe@suagcenter.com or 225-771-4350.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, December 4

SU Ag Center Breaks Ground for School Garden in Lake Charles

BATON ROUGE, LA— John J. Johnson Elementary School recently received a mini grant from Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center to establish a model community garden. On December 3, SU Ag Center administrators joined the grant Project Director Carol Sensley, School Principal Tiffany Washington and other community partners for the ground-breaking ceremony at the school. Participating in the event were SU Ag Center officials, Chancellor Leodrey Williams, Executive Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Research, Adell Brown, Jr., Vice Chancellor for Extension, Gina E. Eubanks, Communications Specialist Bridget Udoh; CARET Representative Walter Guidry; Parish Chairman James Meaux, Master Garden Volunteer J.J. Window, LSU AgCenter; AmeriCorps representative; John Johnson staff, students and parents.

Walter Guidry is currently one of Southern University’s representatives at the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET).

Carol Sensley serves as Assistant Area Agent in Calcasieu and Jefferson Davis Parishes.
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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Saturday, December 1

SU Ag Center holds free business development seminar in Roseland

Event announcement

BATON ROUGE, LA— The Center for Rural and Small Business Development at the  Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold a free business development seminar on “How to Start a Sustainable Business,” on Thursday, December 6, from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Powerhouse Praise and Worship Center, 12323 Highway 1048 in Roseland, La.

The seminar is free and open to the public. Participants will learn how to start or expand an existing business and receive the forms and applications needed to legally operate a business in the state of Louisiana, as well as, information to ensure that an existing business continues to operate efficiently.
The Center for Rural and Small Business Development was established to provide technical assistance for business creation in economically challenged rural communities and conduct educational programs that develop, improve upon the professional skills of rural entrepreneurs and provide outreach.

The Center also has an E-Learning Center that is equipped with computer workstations and can travel to any location in more than 30 parishes to perform onsite business development and computer training.
Other training topics conducted by the E-Learning Center include: how to develop a business plan, how to start a non-profit organization, how to market a business, the basic use of a computer, QuickBooks, the legal aspects of starting a business and other topics applicable to entrepreneurship.

To register or for additional information about the Center for Rural and Small Business Development or its E-Learning Center, contact LaKeeshia Giddens at lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.2160, Eual Hall at eual_hall@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.4105.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Wednesday, November 21

SU Ag Center Conducts Non-profit Training in Roseland


Event flyer
BATON ROUGE, LA — The Center for Rural and Small Business Development in the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold a “Non-Profit Start-Up” workshop from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, November 27 at the Roseland Town Hall, 62438 Commercial Street (Highway 51), in Roseland, Louisiana.

The workshop is free and open to the public.

Workshop attendees will receive information on how to start a viable, operational non-profit organization and the steps to receiving 501© 3 tax exempt status.

The Center for Rural and Small Business Development was established to provide technical assistance for business creation in economically challenged rural communities and conduct educational programs that develop, improve upon the professional skills of rural entrepreneurs and provide outreach.

The Center also has an E-Learning Center which is equipped with computer workstations and can travel to any location to perform onsite business development and computer training in more than 30 parishes within the state of Louisiana.

For additional information about the Center for Rural and Small Business Development or its E-Learning Center, contact LaKeeshia Giddens at lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.2160 or Eual Hall at eual_hall@suagcenter.com or via phone at 225.771.4105 or 225.771.2242.

Written by LaKeeshia Giddens, 225.771.2160 or lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, November 20

SU Ag Center workshop teaches women in agriculture farm skills


Alice Davis shows fence building techniques
Baton Rouge, LA - Southern University Ag Center’s practical skills training designed for women, and conducted by women started promptly at 9:00 am on November 17 at the Maurice Edmond Livestock Arena, with administrators, faculty and staff ready to bring greetings. Women on the farm, in gardening clubs, master gardeners, and others came together to sharpen their skills and ask questions in a friendly environment. 
Victoria McMullen demonstrates tool use

Handling small ruminants was an interactive session that focused on basic skills needed to manage small animals, including how to catch a goat, examine for wellness, hold for FAMSCHA testing and give a pedicure. Presenters were Lisa Gray, Research Associate, Renita Marshall, Veterinarian, SU Ag Center, and Roberta McKowen, Veterinarian and producer, West Feliciana Parish.

The session on using and handling small hand and electric tools taught the use of various small farm tools, including hands-on demonstration. Presenters were Victoria McMullen, Ag Sciences Teacher, Woodlawn High School, Alice Davis, Farmer, Tangipahoa Parish and Mildred Richard, Handywoman, East Baton Rouge Parish.

The importance of keeping farm records was discussed by Edith Gross, Farmer, Tangipahoa Parish. Center for Rural and Small Business Development Director Gloria London, assisted by Lakeeshia Giddens, Program Director of the E-Learning Rural Mobile Unit, SU Ag Center taught participants how to use record keeping software for the farm and home.

Concurrent session topics included gardening by Mila Berhane, Senior Research Associate, Stephanie Elwood, Extension Associate; troubleshooting engines, by Christie Monroe, Livestock Show Manager; using 4-wheelers by Dixie Hamilton, Farmer, Franklin Parish and Zanetta Augustine, Extension Associate; and operating a tractor and implements, taught by Kimberly Chapin, Farmer, Franklin Parish.

The event was organized by Dawn Mellion-Patin, PhD, Extension Specialist and Emily King, Extension Outreach Specialist.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Monday, November 19

Toyota comes to the Bayou Classic!!!


Event flyer
Baton Rouge, LA – Toyota will demonstrate its Green Initiative at the 2012 Bayou Classic in New Orleans, November 22-24. Events will take place in the Toyota Village on Poydras Street, across from Champions Square on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm.; Friday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm; and Saturday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Attractions will include 2013 model displays, Toyota’s “Green” Museum, Free Agents Brass Band on Saturday, 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Stationary Bicycle Challenge, and Cell Phone Charging Station. 

For further information, contact Henry Tillman at 225-771-5497.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Friday, November 16

SU Ag Center Trains Jetson Youth on Gardening

Elwood works with youth in garden

Baton Rouge, LA - Every Tuesday and Thursday, the SU Ag Center holds the Jetson (JCCY) Garden Trade class at the JCCY facility in Baker, LA. On Tuesdays, an average of 17 incarcerated boys, ages 12-18 gather to hear a guest speaker from the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center emphasize  the importance of knowing how to grow food, explaining the doors of opportunity that open up when individuals learn how to grow their own food. The speaker also describes the important role that African Americans play in the progression of modern agriculture, and shares life skills associated with gardening, proper communication, healthy eating, and family life.  On Thursdays, Extension Associate Stephanie Elwood, Project Director Christie Gremillion-Monroe and program participants spend time in the Jetson 800-square foot garden, planting, watering, weeding, harvesting and overall maintaining the health of the garden.

 Recently, Kasundra Cyrus, specialist, family and consumer sciences, and Monroe received a USDA/NIFA grant to enhance the Ag Science class taught at Jetson Correctional Facility, and are implementing the program. Currently, the garden is blooming with mustard greens, turnips, collards, cabbage, radish, carrots and beets. The garden saves the JCCY cafeteria money and provides fresh, healthy, local produce to the incarcerated boys, as well as a sense of pride knowing that they grow the food themselves.

The youth that participate in the Garden Trade program receive a certificate of achievement through the Southern University Ag Center. This certificate serves as supporting document when successful participants attend their court dates, and when released from JCCY to seek employment. 
For additional information, contact Christie Monroe at 225-771-4350.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Thursday, November 15

The Shreveport Times Mentions SU Ag Center


The Shreveport Times features one of our editorial board participants in the paper today at http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012211150309 and an opinion

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Wednesday, November 14

National Great American SmokeOut on SU Baton Rouge Campus


Baton Rouge, LA - Southern University Ag Center’s Communities of Color Network will hold the national Great American SmokeOut in the SU Baton Rouge Union Courtyard, Thursday, November 15, 11:00 am-1:00 pm. “Come learn how to kick the habit.” There will be free refreshment, prizes and tobacco cessation information.

For additional information, contact Linda Brown at 225-771-2242 or Frankie Poland at 225-771-6237.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, November 13

Bayou Classic Photo Contest


Baton Rouge, LA - Think you’ve got what it takes to be the Bayou Classic Spirit Champion? Upload a photo of you in your best Southern or Grambling gear onto the Bayou Classic Photo Contest for your chance to win the ultimate tailgate prize pack along with Bayou Classic game tickets!”  

Here’s a direct link to the contest: https://www.facebook.com/BayouClassic74/app_252462461545938

For additional information, contact Henry Tillman at 225-771-5497

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Great American SmokeOut on SU Shreveport Campus


Baton Rouge, LA - Southern University Ag Center’s Communities of Color Network will present the 2012 Great American Smoke Out on SU Campus in Shreveport, Thursday, November 15, 11:00 am-1:00 pm at the Johnny Vance Activity Center to celebrate 100% tobacco-free campus.

For additional information, contact Urina F. Holt at 225-200-1639 or 318-344-8065

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

SU Ag Center Presents the Helpful Holiday Workshop


Baton Rouge, LA - Southern University Ag Center will hold a free workshop on Saturday, December 1, 10:00 am-1:00 pm in A.O. Williams Hall, to teach families smart and safe holiday practices. Breakout sessions will be hosted by distinguished Center administrators, faculty and staff. 

Sessions will include holiday budgeting skills; smart Christmas tree selection and care; Hibiscus product taste testing and free family photo.

 For further detail, contact Charisma Deberry at 225-771-2242 or Alice Dyson at 225-771-2262.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Friday, November 9

The SU Ag Center conducts a free seminar on starting a sustainable business


Baton Rouge, La - The Center for Rural and Small Business Development and E-Learning Center will held a free seminar on “How to Start A Sustainable Business” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, November 12 at the Father Rodney Community Center, 812 New Roads Street, in New Roads, Louisiana. Seminar participants will learn the basics of starting or expanding a business and will receive all the forms and applications needed to legally register a business in the State of Louisiana.

For additional information about the seminar or the Center for Rural and Small Business Develop and it’s E-Learning Center, call 225.771.2160 or 225.771.4105.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

SU Ag Center’s workshop for women in agriculture is November 17

Event flyer

Baton Rouge, LA - Southern University Ag Center will hold a workshop on farm skills for women in agriculture. The workshop titled “Women Learning Practical Skills for the Farm” will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at the Maurice Edmond Livestock Arena, 14600 Scenic Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, from 8:00 am-3:00 pm. Lunch will be provided.

“We are excited to announce our first ever, Women in Agriculture workshop. This practical skills training is being designed for women and will be conducted by women. We want to create an atmosphere where women on the farm, women in gardening clubs, master gardeners, and even women, who tinker around their homes, can come and ask questions in a friendly environment,” says  event organizer, Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin.

For further details, contact Dawn Mellion-Patin or Emily King at 225-771-2242.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Thursday, November 8

SU Ag Center holds canning demonstration for seniors

Jars of hibiscus jelly made at demonstration
Lucile H. Perkins harvests hibiscus calyx while
Riley Underwood observes

Baton Rouge, La – Southern University Ag Center held on-site canning demonstration for senior citizens at the H.B. Williams Tower of Strength Outreach Center, New Light Missionary Baptist Church located on Blount Road. The group paid a visit to the Ag Center in October and liked what they heard about the hibiscus products such as tea, jelly and chutney. Consequently, the seniors asked for a demonstration of how to add value to hibiscus flower in their Center’s kitchen. Fatemeh Malekian, professor of nutrition and Mila Berhane, senior research associate conducted a jelly and chutney canning demonstration at the H.B. Williams Tower of Strength Outreach Center, on November 7.  The demonstration started from harvesting the calyces from the plants, along with explanation of tools, saving the seeds for planting, and safety tips. Following that was the cooking and canning of the value-added products. 

Mr. Riley Underwood is the event coordinator at the Outreach Center. Mrs. Angela Jackson, administrative assistant at the SU Ag Center coordinated the event.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Win a cruise at the 2012 Bayou Classic!


Baton Rouge, LA - Attend the Bayou Classic game on November 24, 2012, for a chance to win a Caribbean Cruise!
 
One lucky ticket holder will win a 5-day Western Caribbean cruise for two aboard the Carnival Elation.

Be in your seat during the 3rd Quarter of the Bayou Classic in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for your chance to win.
 
Prize is a cruise for two departing from New Orleans with ports of call of Cozumuel and Progreso Yucatan. Travel dates January 15, 2012 – December 13, 2013. Blackout dates apply. Cruise courtesy of Getaway Travel Entertainment LLC.

For further information, contact Henry Tillman at 225.771.5497.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Thursday, November 1

SU Ag Center 4-H National Youth Science Day Video now available on YouTube

EBR Mayor Kip Holden interacts with students

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Ag Center held a successful 4-H National Youth Science Day on October 10.  The video is now available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9G05Nd4WJA

For further details, contact Tiffany W. Franklin at 225)771-2775 or via email at tiffany_franklin@suagcenter.com

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Tuesday, October 23

Southern University Ag Center to Hold 70th Annual Livestock Show


Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center will hold its 70th Annual Livestock Show for youth participants from February 28, 2013-March 1, 2013 at the Maurice Edmond Livestock Arena, 14600 Scenic Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70807.  During the three-day event, young farmers and ranchers from across the state will have the opportunity to display animals that have been showcased or have won in parish competitions. To this end, the Southern University System president and the SU Ag Center chancellor have said a few words about the history of the show. Watch President Mason at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLmcnQVRiXQ; and Chancellor Williams at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd26eKIr2iw

 The purposes of the show are to:
Stimulate a greater interest in increasing the production of livestock among farmers in Louisiana; Serve as a basis for improving breeding practices for livestock; Create interest in producing livestock products as business enterprises; Assist in developing a better spirit of cooperative effort among rural and urban residents; and Provide an opportunity for youth to develop ownership and leadership skills.

For further information, please contact Christie Monroe at Christie_monroe@suagcenter.com or 225-771-4350.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Monday, October 22

SU Ag Center to hold workshop, teach practical skills for the farm

workshop flyer

Baton Rouge, LA Southern University Ag Center will hold a workshop on farm skills. The workshop titled “Women Learning Practical Skills for the Farm” will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at the Maurice Edmond Livestock Arena, 14600 Scenic Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, from 8:00 am-3:00 pm. Lunch will be provided.

For further details, contact Dawn Mellion-Patin or Emily King at 225-771-2242. 
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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Saturday, October 20

Team SU Ag Center’s “Step Out to STOP Diabetes Walk” Huge Success


Team SU Ag Center ready for the walk
Baton Rouge, La – The Southern University Ag Center participated in the STOP Diabetes Walk October 20, 2012. Team SU Ag Center stepped out onto the streets to help change the diabetes growing epidemic. The goal of the walk is to raise awareness and funds towards preventing and curing this deadly disease. The SU Ag Center team showed up and collected more than $2,600 for the event. All proceeds go to the American Diabetes Association. The walk took place at Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

“This is an exceptional year for our team. The support is amazing. By yesterday, we placed third in contribution level. I’m really having a great day,” said Erica William, Team SU Ag Center Leader. The team highly appreciates everyone who showed support, morally, financially, or otherwise.

This annual event is organized by the American Diabetes Association whose mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
  

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

Friday, October 19

Above the Influence Week, a Success

L-r: Lorenzo Harris, Dameka Asbery, Ashanta Randolph, Ja’Shay Baker Brumfield, Greg Martinez, and John Guitierrez, III


[Baton Rouge, La]. Above the Influence (ATI) week came to a close on Wednesday night at the Southern University Ag Center studio. The three-day “Above the Influence” summit was the result of a partnership between Southern University Ag Center and 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge, Ltd.

On Monday, October 15, ATI participants from Capital High Academy took part in a closed door “Influence discussion” where the teens engaged in an intimate conversation about their thoughts and perspectives on the topic of influence. On Tuesday, the ATI participants took part in “Tag it” at Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge, La. “Tag it,” an official ATI activity designed to increase teens’ awareness of influence in their environment and how they may prompt them to make decisions. 

On the final day of ATI week, an open panel discussion was held on the influences that affect teenagers and how they play a role in their daily lives. The teenagers gave everyone in attendance a glimpse of their personal lives and how they handle positive and negative influences everyday.

“It’s okay to be above the influence,” said Lorenzo Harris. “It’s okay to talk to your peers because they’re going through the same thing.” The majority of the teenagers in attendance echoed that same sentiment. “What I learned from ATI is that I’m not the only one going through problems,” said Antonio Davis. 

Shaquille Dillon, President of the Collegiate 100 Black Men Southern University Chapter, expressed that there is pressure in college as well. “There’s peer pressure in college too, you have to look at it from a broad standpoint,” he said.

Because of ATI, the participants said they feel more empowered and better equipped to be young leaders in their communities. “After today I’ll be a great leader because of ATI,” said Keandra Thomas. “The experience has changed me and now I can be better.” ATI has given Capital High Academy students an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns, about important issues that are often overlooked by adults according to the teenagers.

Parents and adults in the audience expressed their concerns as well. “Maybe your parents have that same mentality and want the best for you because they know your full potential, “said Jana Snowden, in response to panelist John Brumfield’s comment about how he is protective of his younger sister and tries to steer her away from the negative influences of being in high school.     

ATI gave the participants an arena to express themselves openly and freely, without judgment or punishment, something that many of them have never experienced before.

“Sometimes we need someone to talk to or someone to just listen, said Sundae Brumfield. “Look at it from our point of view.”

The National Above the Influence campaign aims to provide new ways to engage youth in dialogue about both positive and negative influence in their lives and to empower them to make healthy decisions.

Charisma Deberry, research associate and Kelli Palmer, graduate research associate coordinated the ATI activities and wrote the story; photo taken by Palmer.

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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

SU System Celebrates One-Year Milestone 100% Tobacco-free Policy: Leading the Way for Others to Follow


Baton Rouge, La - October marks a major achievement in the history of the Southern University System.  It was one year ago, October 28, 2011, that the SU System Board of Supervisors approved the proposal for Southern to become the first HBCU college system to achieve the status of 100% tobacco-free campus.  This proposal was presented by the Southern University Ag Center where Linda Early Brown serves as the director of the tobacco initiative - Communities of Color Network.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the country and some 47,000 African Americans die each year due to its use. The CoC Network has been educating the African American community, statewide, for a number of years on this issue.  It was a logical next step to challenge the University to take the lead in helping to educate the future leaders of this country.  Through our ongoing efforts, the CoC Network is committed to providing educational programs that stress the need for a healthy environment.  The policy, in general, states that smoking and use of any tobacco products is prohibited in buildings, facilities, dormitories, or any other campus grounds or property owned or leased by the System.

Linda Early Brown states, “This policy will enable students, faculty, staff and the community to be able to live, work and learn in a healthy environment.  Brown, an SU graduate, states, “Southern University has historically set exemplary standards for others to follow and this policy is not an exception!”

Please direct any questions to Linda Early Brown, Director Communities of Color Network-SU Ag Center at 225-771-4456.
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Contact:
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714