As one exits LSU’s North Gate, the picturesque Italian-style architecture gradually gives way to another world.
The once smooth Highland Road becomes a bit shaky, the glorious oak trees of campus suddenly disappear, and dilapidated and deserted buildings become common sight as trash blows aimlessly in the wind. Mike the Tiger would not be suited for this jungle.
Welcome to Old South Baton Rouge, home of the former LSU Basketball star Tyrus Thomas and jailed rapper Lil Boosie.
The Old South Baton Rouge community between downtown Baton Rouge and LSU, once a vibrant African-American center, today shows little signs of its former glory. According to city-data.com, the neighborhood’s population is about 12,000, with the average yearly income less than $20,000.
Though steps have been taken by the University, more can be done for the community.
LSU’s reputation and involvement in the neighborhood varies depending on with whom you speak.
“They’re only involved with buying up the community area — other than that, I haven’t seen them doing anything for our community,” said Fayland King, 41, who was born and raised in South Baton Rouge.
Resentment for the University’s purchasing of property seems to be a common theme with many members of the older generation in the neighborhood who wish to preserve historical boundaries.
But Willie Lee, 56, who has since moved from the neighborhood, said LSU has made many positive steps to cooperate with residents of South Baton Rouge, though he added, “LSU still about LSU.”
So how is LSU involved in Old South Baton Rouge?
A visit to the Leo Butler Center, a care-giving facility in the heart of South Baton Rouge, proves that LSU is involved in the community, if only a little.
Among other services, the facility offers physical education classes for seniors, and the classes are heavily staffed by LSU kinesiology students. Theresa Townsend, fitness director at the center, said the ongoing partnership has existed for 10 years.
“Our relationship is intermittent — I would like for a more sustained presence. It helps to have an additional pair of hands, the children like that,” said Cherryl Matthews, principal of Polk Elementary, one of three elementary schools in the area.
Her school and University Terrace receive volunteers from our education department.
The University has also reached out to the community through LSU’s Community University Partnership “Fresh Cuts, Clean Health” initiative. The program funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana screens African-American and Latino men for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
“From what I see it’s not enough, a lot more can be done,” said Garrick Mayweather, director of the McKinley Alumni Association. Mayweather noted that more partnerships should be created between the University and community leaders.
Though the welfare of South Baton Rouge is not LSU’s responsibility, it should be kept a priority. How can students enjoy the campus but forget the route they took to get there? Especially when many of our custodians, landscape workers and caterers come from that community?
More should be done.
“He that does good to another does good also to himself,” said Lucius Annaeus Seneca.
