One Love: Cane’s Donates $1 Million to Southern University

On Tuesday, October 17, Founder and CEO of Baton Rouge based company, Raising Cane’s, Todd Graves, announced a $1 million dollar partnership with Southern University (SU).
Graves declared that Raising Cane’s is now the “Official Chicken of The Human Jukebox,” who gave a live performance outside of the 3rd Street restaurant; where the conference was held.
According to the press release, “The agreement includes an endowed academic scholarship, an athletics partnership, and a sponsorship of The Southern University Marching Band.”
Graves spoke of his excitement about the new partnership and how he has always been a fan of the Jaguar Nation.
“It just makes me real proud. Growing up in Baton Rouge, I’ve always been a fan of Southern and The Human Jukebox is just pride for me across the nation so it’s great for us to be the Official Chicken of The Human Jukebox,” stated Graves.
SU System President-Chancellor Dr. Ray Belton was in attendance and was awarded the check on behalf of the university, alongside Director of Bands, Nathan Haymer and SU Athletics Director Roman Banks.
“What this represents is an opportunity for Southern University to receive resources in the amount of $1 million dollars over the next 10 years, dollars that would supports athletics, that would help stabilize the Human Jukebox, and also provide needed scholarships for students who matriculate at our institution,” said Belton.
“Literally, we’re grateful to Todd Graves and Raising Cane’s for standing beside Southern in this environment that is always fiscally challenging,” the Chancellor went on to say.
Also in attendance were SU alumna and Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, Sharon Weston-Broome, Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Luria Young and CEO of the SU System Foundation, Alfred Harrell.
Drum major and sophomore Psychology major, Tre’Von Ceasar, expressed how he felt the partnership was an exceptional venture.
“Being the leader of the band, I think towards the future. Money like this, this gracious donation, it offers more opportunities for students to come and be apart of the band and students to come and be apart of the family that is Southern University. It’s a great feeling,” Ceasar finished.
The Jukebox will spell out C-A-N-E-S during their half time performance on November 4 at the final home game of the season against Prairie View A&M to show their appreciation for the partnership, the press release reads.
East Baton Rouge Parish Councilwoman representing District 10 and two time graduate of SU, Tara Wicker, spoke of how the partnership came at the right time for the university.
“I bleed blue and gold and I love Southern University so to have Todd and Gwen and the Graves family to see that investment as something that’s necessary and critical to the success of our university is just huge,” stated Wicker.
The festivities and celebration caused many bystanders to gather in the streets.
Some were lucky tourists, who happened to be in the right place at the right time. Even the construction workers across the street stopped their workflow, in order to enjoy the spectacle.
Others were there intentionally to support the university; including Mentorship STEAM Academy. Many of the supporters waved pom-poms in hand, and danced along with the entertainment provided by the Human Jukebox as they played a variety of songs, from the classic “Do What You Wanna”, to the school’s alma mater, and even a modern song by artist, Bruno Mars.
“It feels great because it’s much needed finances to our school. More importantly, Raising Cane’s is about a sense of community and I think Southern University needs to reach out to the community more and this a step forward in the right direction,” stated Director of Bands, Nathan B. Haymer.
At the end of the press conference, Todd Graves closed with a taste of humor saying, “Who wants some chicken fingers?” Laughter ensued as the patrons entered the restaurant for more food and festivities.