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Thursday , April 14 , 2016 VOL . 87 , No . 26
Student Government Association election
Winners relax after tough campaign
BRIA PATTERSON
The Gramblinite
Election week at Grambling State University is one of character and where all of the stops are pulled out to showcase and spread candidates ’ name around campus . From parades to dorm walks , candidates and their campaign teams are put to the test to ensure that their names are called as the winners .
The amount of time and effort is grueling , but the satisfaction of reaching your personal goal is more gratifying , and some say that ’ s why candidates put
Watts themselves through it .
“ I can thank no one put God ,” states Astra Watts , a junior biology major from New Orleans , and newly elected Miss Grambling State University . “ This feeling is one that I can ’ t put into words , and I would like to thank EVERYONE that encouraged and supporting me . Even when I doubted myself , you guys remained in my corner , and I am so thankful for that .”
The first round of events began with the parade and the queen ’ s showcase . The student body gathered around and watched candidates showcase their theme for their campaigns . The parade started at the Conrad Hutchinson Jr . Performing Arts Center , and ended on Main Street . Candidates played music and displayed their themes for all to see , throwing candy vowing for their peers ’ vote .
The parade was followed
President has a vision
BRANDON LAGARDE
The Gramblinite
“ Making power moves & no noise ” was the campaign slogan that won the election for Michael Meadows , Grambling State University Student Government Association president 2016-2017 .
Meadows , a Tallulah , Louisiana , native and youngest of five , calmly accepted the honor April 7 at Grambling Hall , on GSU ’ s campus . Meadows , who intendeds to be the third among his siblings to hoist a Grambling degree .
Meadows described himself as a hard-working , determined , bold individual who has a desire to be a difference maker . He wants to leave a life-changing legacy . Meadows is , most importantly , a spiritual guy who believes that wherever God sends him , he ’ s willing to share the glory .
“ I feel that I am called to be a difference maker and to empower youth in a major way ,” said Meadows , who aspires to become an international motivational speaker . “ That will play a major role in becoming an activist , to go out , teach the youth the importance to strive and be great to uplift , challenge and enhance student lives .” Meadows , when faced with adversity , confides in his grandmother , Margaret Sheppard . A devastating time in his life was when she was diagnosed with Steven Johnson Syndrome . Despite the diagnosis she still kept him going .
His grandmother , lying in a hospital bed , prayed and called on God . “ In spite of her going through that situation , she had a desire , a focus to
by the queen ’ s showcase . This is where the candidates were officially announced and
Courtesy photo Michael Meadows will serve as 2016-2017 Student Government Association president at Grambling State .
call on God .
“ Different things like that , and her lifestyle , showed me that life is going to knock you down , life is going to bump you , life is going to cause all kind of trials and tribulations . You have to have a strong spirit of determination , an engine called perseverance , most important , a driver called Jesus .
“ My grandmother my has been my backbone throughout my life , during
campaigning started immediately after .
Instagram was filled with candidate ’ s campaign fliers and themes . Instagram was set on fire with Astra Watt ’ s
campaign week she was more excited then I was ,” Meadows said .
In his hometown of Tallulah , Meadows is one of the founders of Young Men of Distinction ; a male mentoring program .
“ For those young males and the youth in the city of Tallulah , to see that someone came from the small city didn ’ t allow it to stop him from thriving and pursuing his own personal
See MEADOWS , Page 2
theme of “ Let ’ s Ignite a Fire ”; sent back to the yellow brick road with Miss Senior
Elect , LaSadie Dixon ’ s theme of “ There ’ s no Place Like Home ”; and “ Making Power Moves and No Noise ” was the theme of SGA President Elect , Michael Meadows ( this is just to name a few ).
“ The Wizard of Oz was one of my favorite movies growing up , and I wanted to imitate the theme for my campaign ,” stated LaSadie Dixon , a junior education major from Baton Rouge , and newly elected Miss Senior . “ When I heard my name announced as the winner I instantly broke down in tears . I was so happy , I knew at this moment that all of my sacrifices where worth it , and I can thank no one but God for this amazing opportunity .”
Campaign week ended with a bang this year . The quad was the location of choice and where the last full day of campaigning took place . Students came out to grab a variety of foods ; everything from crawfish to charbroiled oysters were on the menu . Candidates took this time to walk around and personally introduce themselves to people . They listened to their needs and expressed how they could make a change .
“ Running a clean race that was for the student body and within the favor of God was my main goal and priority during election week ,” stated Michael Meadows , a senior business management and economics major from Tallulah , Louisiana .
“ My campaign showed my peers how serious I was about my elected position . I thank the student body for having faith in me , and I pray that I live up to their expectations as their SGA President next year .”
Library Week under way
Bill Clinton runs afoul of ‘ Black Lives Matter ’
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STAFF & WIRE REPORT |
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JACKIE JOHNSON / The Gramblinite ( Top ) Speakers and guests were on hand Tuesday for the book signing and review session held Tuesday in A . C . Lewis Memorial Library as part of
National Library Week .
( Above ) Library director , Dr . Cecilia Iwala ( right ), presents a gift to Dr . Evelyn Wynn , one of the participants at Tuesday ’ s event .
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Bryant Purvis holds a copy of his book , My Story as a Jena 6 . |
Last Thursday in Philadelphia , former President Bill Clinton , was interrupted by “ Black Lives Matters ” protesters in the middle of a speech supporting his wife ’ s , Hilary Clinton campaign .
Protesters were carrying signs displaying the message “ CLINTON crime bill destroyed black communities ”. Seeing as how Hilary Clinton is depending largely on the black vote , the former president thought it appropriate to take more than 10 minutes to confront the protesters .
“ Here ’ s the thing . I like protesters , but the ones that won ’ t let you answer are afraid of the truth .” Clinton ’ s attempt to appeal to the protesters did him no justice .
The bill the protester ’ s referred to was signed by Clinton in 1994 in response to the rising rate of gang violence , which also made for longer sentencing for nonviolent offenders ; protesters were highly upset about the latter .
Clinton defended his wife ,
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AP
Former President Bill Clinton defended his wife ’ s use of the term “ super-predator ”.
stating , “ she was the first one to say ‘ let ’ s get these people out of prison .’”
He admitted to his and the Senate ’ s mistake at the time , but that still did not satisfy the mob as they called the bills for “ crimes against humanity .”
The same bill included a ban on assault weapons , more money for police officers , and more funding for out-ofschool activities for inner-city children .
Clinton argued that the Black Lives Matters protesters ’ anger was misplaced , saying they were “ defending the
people who killed the people you say lives matter .”
Clinton went on to make more logical points but the protesters were not willing to accept his claims . His biggest transgression was defending the term “ super-predator ,” which Hilary had used to describe gang leaders , not realizing that phrase has been deemed dehumanizing .
Since then the former president has admitted to regretting his response to the crowd “… that doesn ’ t mean that I was the most effective in answering it .”
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