The Daily Mississippian | February 8, 2024

THE

Daily

MISSISSIPPIAN theDMonline.com

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Readying the response: EMS adapt to annual influx of students As 20,000 students return to Oxford, emergency management services face increased call volumes without an increase in personnel.

Volume 112, No. 17

UM LEASES MORE APARTMENTS UM has coordinated lease agreements for additional beds at The Lark and Gather Oxford and the entirety of The Quarters.

SEE PAGE 3

KYLE WAKEFIELD Kyle Wakefield has become an internet sensation for his vital position at Ole Miss Men’s Basketball games, but you will not find him playing on the court.

SEE PAGE 11

ANTONELLA RESCIGNO / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Jariy Copeland, a firefighter at Oxford Fire Departmet Station 1, loads the fire engine in preperation for the next callout on Feb. 6.

JACK CLEMENTS

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When fall classes commence, the University of Mississippi’s emergency medical services gear up for what is always their busiest time of year.

Oxford boasts a population of roughly 26,437 according to data from the 2022 US Census. During the academic year, that number swells, as UM brings nearly 20,000 students to town — plus students arrive for classes at Northwest Community College’s Yalobusha-Lafayette campus.

This nearly 76% increase in population forc-

CLAY HALE

es emergency services in the city to adjust their operations to keep up with the crowds.

“Our busiest times of the year are during August and October,” Joey Gardner, Oxford Fire Department chief, said.

His department receives the most calls – many of them for emergency medical services – during the start of classes and the height of the college football season.

Sharon Kraun, the vice president of media and communications with Priority Ambulance out of Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi, con-

SEE OXFORD EMS PAGE 2

Umprov sets late-night hysterics to the max

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Loud interruptions are encouraged and even instrumental to the functioning of the University of Mississippi’s only improvisation club, cleverly dubbed Umprov.

“Grandpa’s poop house!”

“Austin Powers!”

“A giant swan boat!”

Audience members at one of Umprov’s bi-weekly club meetings on a Monday night shouted out suggestions for a scene when the group’s vice president, junior acting for stage and screen major Maxwell Glasser, prompted them. He was leading an improv game for dozens of UM students who made their way to Isom Hall for an evening of laughter and unrestrained expression.

Glasser has been with Umprov since its debut in 2021 when he was a freshman. He was christened “first mate” by the club’s co-founders, current Umprov

SEE UM IMPROV PAGE 7

LYN MOORE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Kayla Fifer and Ward Sikma perform during a night of improv on Jan. 29.

‘It’s a chick’s world:’ Meet the woman behind Ole Miss Chicks LILY GISCLAIR

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Twenty-five thousand users follow the viral Instagram account Ole Miss Chicks (@olemisschicks). The page is owned by sports media heavyweight Barstool Sports, which has extended its reach through smaller, college campus-specific accounts like Ole Miss Chicks. The managers of that particular account have always remained anonymous — until now.

Few know that Madison Roeske, a junior hospitality management major from The Woodlands, Texas, has been moonlighting as the account manager of Ole Miss Chicks for over a year now. The account’s other manager has chosen to remain anonymous.

As a fan of the account, Roeske decided to apply to manage it when the position was vacated.

“I was a huge fan of the account, and so I was so shocked when the torch was passed to me,” Roeske said.

The original Barstool Sports accounts, such as @barstoololemiss, are typically

SEE OM CHICKS PAGE 8

PAGE 2 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 8 FEBRUARY 2024

OXFORD EMS

continued from page 1

firmed this increase in call volume.

“We work alongside fire, so our information is the same,” Kraun said.

There are many reasons why EMS officials believe calls increase during this time.

“For a lot of these freshmen, this could be the first time they’re away from their parents and really exposed to certain stuff,” Gardner said. “They may not be accustomed to drinking like that or whatever else and end up in some tough situations and need help.”

Ahmer Khan, a former residential assistant in Stockard Hall, said that in his one semester working in the dorm, first responders from the fire department were required on the scene at least 20 times.

“It was usually for someone who passed out because they had too much to drink,” Khan said. “I’d say easily 80% of the time it was for someone usually drunk or having something to smoke.”

Khan could not remember

the building ever being on fire, but he recalled two times the fire alarms were pulled anyway.

In addition to the local population and the students, football fans pack Oxford on game weekends, causing EMS call frequency to spike.

“Big games, especially when Ole Miss is winning, bring in the most people, and we are super busy with that,” Gardner said. “There are just so many people out and about. Hotels are full. People are drinking and carrying on and just having a good time.”

Celesia Dunn, a dispatcher for the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, said the calls come not only from people on the Square after the games, but also from people attending football games at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

“We have a lot of issues with pocket dials. It’s really bad,” Dunn said.

Most of the time, this is due to people, mainly students, accidentally activating their cell phones’ SOS systems.

“We spend a lot of valuable time just calling people back, so we try and tell them before the game starts, please turn off the emergency SOS on your phone.”

Despite the dramatic increase in the

number of people they serve, the fire department does not receive additional manpower during these times of the year. According to Gardner, the state sets the required number of firefighters based on county and city numbers.

“The way (fire department service areas) are zoned is almost like its own county. The university does not factor into that count,” Gardener said.

The OFD is staffed with 76 people, three engines, two ladders and one rescue truck, with which it must shoulder all the additional weight.

This has required emergency services in Oxford to adapt in different ways.

To manage game day crowds, the fire department started stationing two to six people on the Square each night to assist with minor medical issues and injuries to take some of the strain off the ambulance service.

They now do this every weekend because of the growing number of students in Oxford.

“If you slip coming out of The Library and cut your leg, there is no need for an ambulance to have to deal with that when they are busy enough as is,” Gardner said. “The ambulances

cover all of Lafayette County, which stretches all the way 30 minutes north to Harmontown, so they really don’t have time for minor things.”

Dunn said that having more personnel in the area has been effective.

“With students, it’s mostly intox(ication) calls when they’re on the Square at night and overheating,” Dunn said. “There are also a lot of fights, but some of that has gone down due to there being security guards out there now that deal with some of that.”

The fire department has also applied and been successfully funded for more life-saving equipment “Recently, in the past few years, we were able to get Jaws of Life for each station,” Gardner said. “For a while we only had one set, but we received a grant and purchased another and then another.”

Despite the challenges, Gardner is proud of the fire department and its team.

“It does create some extra stress, but we make it work,” he said. “But, like I said, our numbers are set and they don’t adjust just because more people come to town.”

University community to commemorate Ole Miss Eight, 1970 protest TANISSA RINGO

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The University of Mississippi was not always as accepting or inclusive as it is today. In 1970, Black students at UM faced a racially divided and often discriminatory campus, with issues ranging from segregated social gatherings to restricted access to academic advising. Despite this racist, hostile environment, students did not back down.

Ninety Black students formed the Black Student Union and rallied against administrators for change. Eight Black students, referred to as the Ole Miss Eight, took the stage at Fulton Chapel on Feb. 24, 1970 and peacefully listed the BSU’s 27 demands. The students were quickly arrested and not only sent to prison, but also expelled from the university.

The students who participated in that 1970 protest will be commemorated at Fulton Chapel on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m.

“The purpose of this commemoration is to ensure that the memory and impact of the Fulton Chapel protest is preserved for future generations. So many current and former students are unaware of this protest,” Ellie Moore, director of UM’s Speaking Center said. “We must continue to speak up about it or those moments will be lost.”

Moore believes that it is important to commemorate the 1970 BSU members.

“They were instrumental in pushing for positive change through activism and advocacy,” Moore said. “Their efforts contributed to the advancement of civil rights and the creation of more inclusive and equitable university environments over time.”

Acclaimed author W. Ralph

Eubanks, UM visiting professor and writer-in-residence, approached Moore because he wanted the commemoration of the 1970 Fulton Chapel protest to be student-focused.

Eubanks began studying the 1970 Fulton Chapel protest when he wrote an article for the New Yorker in 2020.

He also teaches a class on activism in the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, where he is a Black Power at Ole Miss Faculty Fellow.

“While I was not here during the 1970 protest, discussions of the events surrounding the protest were part of my experience at the university as an undergraduate,” Eubanks, a 1978 UM graduate, said.

Students from the Department of Writing and Rhetoric Debate Team and the Speaking Center will engage with the 27 demands made in 1970

by Black students and evaluate whether the university has since met these demands.

“They are engaging with the legacy of the protest and thinking about not only what has changed, but also with what is left to be done to fulfill the demands the students made,” Eubanks said.

“I believe that when you understand how the past influences the present, it can help you understand the world.”

Seven students will present during the event. The presentations will range from the reenactment of the 27 demands protest to a poetry reading and the singing of the Black National Anthem.

Aminata Ba, a freshman public policy leadership and economics double major, will recite the 27 demands during the presentation.

“What’s interesting about the event is that the 27 demands are going to hold a light up to whether or not the university has since met the needs

FILE PHOTO: THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

African American students were arrested on the Ole Miss Campus on Feb. 25, 1970, and held overnight in the Lafayette County Jail. This photo was procured from the Feb. 26, 1970, issue of The Daily Mississippian.

of Black students 50 years later,” Ba said. “I feel that the 27 demands portion is going to help students track the progress that the school has made over the last 50 years in terms of inclusion and diversity.”

The presentation is free and open to the public. Ba believes that it is important for the entire community to commemorate how much the university, as well as the nation, has progressed.

“I agreed (to participate) because when I was reading the 27 demands, I cried,” Ba said. “I saw myself in those students — basically children asking to be treated as human.”

Amirhea Bishop, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Southern studies,

will also unveil a new Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker memorializing the courageous figures of the Fulton Chapel protest as pivotal in the state’s civil rights movement.

“Questions of power and knowledge are central to understanding the movement that transformed the South like the 1970 Fulton Chapel protest,” Eubanks said. “I hope that because of this program those who attend will think more about the relationship between power and knowledge and begin to talk about the ways protest movements can be transformative and can reset power imbalances.”

Following student presentations, those in attendance will get the opportunity to

engage with two individuals who participated in the 1970 protest, Kenneth Mayfield and Donald Cole. Two members of the cast of Up With People, a non-profit arts group that was performing at Fulton Chapel on the night of the protest, will also attend the event.

“We will be conducting oral histories with (protest participants) to get a fuller picture of what they witnessed that night in 1970 as well,” Eubanks said.

After the presentation, Ba hopes that the audience will take home the message that change is possible.

“Change starts with each and every single one of us,” Ba said. “It’s important to stand up for what is right even in the face of adversity.”

THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 8 FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 3

Make way for freshmen: UM leases additional apartments in Oxford

h s ” . e ” f DENTON JENKINS n thedmnews@gmail.com

Beginning August 2024, the University of Mississip- pi will lease 130 furnished - bed spaces at the Lark Oxford t complex and 65 bed spaces at , Gather Oxford Apartments.

This plan is the latest in a ser ries of efforts by the university to accommodate increasd es in enrollment and greater ” demand for student housing. s The lease with Gather Ox. ford Apartments will cost - $1,038,360 for the first year. ” The Mississippi Institutions r of Higher Learning Board of y Trustees board book also oute lines a potential plan to lease ” the space for the next four years. The number of beds would increase to 104, with the annual cost of the lease increasing 4.5% annually.

The agreement between the university and Lark Oxford will cost the university $1,403,084 for a one-year lease with no current plans to renew in the coming years, according to the IHL Board of Trustees board book. For both of these projects, funding will come from the revenue generated by student housing.

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Director of Student Housing John Yaun elaborated on the room availability and rates at the Lark.

“We will offer two, three and four-bedroom apartments

to upperclassmen at the Lark,” Yaun said. “Rates will vary depending on apartment style.

We will not know the specific rates until later this semester.”

Junior biology major Brandon Williams, a resident of the Lark, shared why he believes the complex has great appeal for college students, but he also voiced some frustrations around parking.

“The amenities are what make the place stand out,” Williams said. “They have a pool, hot tub, putting green, cornhole boards, half basketball court, pool table and ping pong table. The only issue in my opinion is the parking. Parking spots are kind of small, so bigger vehicles are harder to park. I can’t imagine it being much better than living here.”

The agreement between the university and the Lark comes after a similar deal with The Quarters at Oxford apartment complex in 2023, a deal that the university has expanded.

“We have expanded our original master lease agreement with the Quarters to lease the entire complex for 2024-25,” Yaun said.

Aminata Ba, a freshman public policy leadership major who lived off campus at the university-leased Quarters apartments this year, expressed frustration with her housing situation, saying it made her feel isolated from campus.

“As a freshman living off

campus, I find that it has been incredibly difficult integrating myself into traditional first-year student life,” Ba said. “Simple things like seeing friends or grabbing dinner become increasingly complicated when you are physically separated from the heart of the campus. I feel isolated.”

Ba also highlighted problems faced by Quarters residents with no access to a vehicle.

“I feel for first-year students that can only rely on the OUT bus system for transportation, because it can be unreliable,” Ba said. “I believe more needs to be done in helping first-year students that live off campus. We deserve to enjoy the freshman experience well.”

Other students echoed Ba’s sentiments, citing how living in dorms shaped their first year at the university.

“I think that living on campus has helped me get used to being at Ole Miss,” Caroline Croley, a freshman public policy leadership major, said. “I would not have lived off campus given the choice because of the convenience of having everything you need on campus. And now that I know about the parking problems that have happened, I really would not have wanted to live off campus because it would have been extremely difficult to park this year.”

While leasing off-campus apartments for UM students

JAN’NISE THOMAS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

The university is leasing space at Lark Oxford as a temporary housing solution. resolves immediate student housing issues, the university has implemented various plans to accommodate a growing student body in the future.

The recent demolition of Kincannon Hall has made way for the construction of three new dorm buildings in that area.

“The current housing environment at the university and in Oxford is an example of supply and demand,” Yaun said. “We need to offer more university housing and will soon begin construction on three new residence halls that will add 981 additional on-campus beds that are scheduled to open in 2026.”

Until the completion of the

new dorms, the university plans to continue leasing off-campus bed spaces. UM also began converting double occupancy dorm rooms to house three students last year, a practice that will continue in fall 2024.

“We will continue to utilize lease agreements with local apartment complexes,” Yaun said. “Existing double rooms have been converted to triple rooms, and other short-term solutions have been implemented to offer as many university-managed beds as possible. Public universities like ours also rely on privately-owned housing in the local community to house the majority of students.”

TEDxUM brings new ideas and conversation ISABELLE FROST

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Showcasing six speakers across a variety of disciplines, TEDxUM is hosting its ninth annual event on Friday, Feb. 20 at The Gertrude C. Ford Center.

TEDx, a TED-affiliate registered student organization that is dedicated to spreading TED’s message of “ideas worth sharing,” puts on an annual talk and hosts TED Chats.

This year’s event will feature David Hamilton, Jazmine Kelley, Bryn Loftness and Jaylin R. Smith — all of whom have ties to Oxford

and the University of Mississippi.

Jason Bouldin and Alisha Rai will bring their expertise and fresh perspectives from other places in the world to Oxford for the night.

Hamilton, founder of the partially Oxford-based Anubis Improv, will be “sharing the lessons of improv with the world.”

Kelley is UM’s diversity education and strategic initiatives Director for the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. She will explore the relationship between student success and institutional effectiveness for systematically excluded groups.

Loftness will talk about her

experience with new technologies aimed at revolutionizing the modern-day mental healthcare system. She is working toward her doctorate at the University of Vermont and is a National Science Foundation Fellow.

Smith is a native of Greenwood, Miss., and a graduate student in UM’s School of Journalism and New Media.

Her talk will focus on cultural competency and Black women’s hair through the lens of her experience as a Black woman from the Mississippi Delta.

Smith sees TEDx as an important tool because it provides

THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN EDITORIAL staff VIOLET JIRA editor-in-chief

CLAY HALE arts and culture editor

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ERIN FOLEY LIBBY FLANAGAN design editors

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ASHLYNN PAYNE news editor

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JUSTICE ROSE opinion editor

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CAMERON LARKIN WILL ROMANO sports editors

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an opportunity to unite the Oxford and university communities.

“Sometimes there’s a disconnect between academia and scholars and the community in which we’re writing about and researching. TEDx provides the opportunity for all of us to come together to share ideas and teach and learn from each other,” Smith said. “Anytime you can bring people together in Oxford from all different walks of life, I think it’s amazing.”

Bouldin, a nationally-renowned portrait painter, will talk about the term “artist,” what it means and how it can be re-

S. Gale denley student media center

imagined to help us incorporate creativity into our daily lives.

Rai, a disability activist and Canadian family physician, seeks to inspire hope by sharing her journey to and through motherhood.

With speakers from a diverse range of disciplines, the organizers hope to spark important conversations on campus. After the event, there will be a TED Chat at Circle and Square brewery, where interested audience members can grab a beverage and talk with the speakers about their presentations and ideas.

READ MORE AT THEDMONLINE.COM

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PAGE 4 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 8 FEBRUARY 2024

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: LYN MOORE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated: yellow roses and Black excellence

ASHLYNN PAYNE KHARLEY REDMON

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If you walk into the student union on a Tuesday, you might be greeted with a yellow rose. While some may see it as merely a flower, to the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the yellow rose represents a profound history and a way of life.

Founded in 1906 on a cold, snowy Tuesday night at Cornell University, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the oldest Black fraternity in the United States.

As Black men at a predominantly white institution, added pressure was placed on the founders to present themselves as men of excellence and exemplary character.

In honor of these efforts and in remembrance of their cherished history and values, members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. participate in Ice Cold Tuesdays, when they dress in their finest suits and hand out yellow roses — the fraternity’s official flower — to women around campus.

Jatoni Donelson, a senior public health and health sciences double major, explained what the yellow rose means to him.

“To me, the yellow rose is not only a symbol or repre-

sentation of our fraternity’s flower, but it is also a token of appreciation that we are able to share with women to make them feel valued,” Donelson said. “It is how me and my brothers showcase our respect for womanhood to the best of our abilities.”

Junior Frederick Williams, a political science and African American studies double major, finds joy in the tradition because of the positive impact it has on those around him.

“The vast majority of the reactions that I get from giving out a yellow rose are positive,” Williams said. “There’s at least one person that tells me that I made their day.”

Participating in Ice Cold Tuesdays is just one of the many traditions associated with being a man of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Williams explained that being an Alpha man is something that informs every part of his life.

“I could honestly go on and on about what being an Alpha man means to me, but to keep it short, it means being the one to lead by example,” Williams said. “It means shattering the limitations that are placed on Black men in society; it means being a community servant as well because we can only be as good as the community around us.”

PHOTO COURTESY: ALPHA PHI ALPHA

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated members offer roses on Ice Cold Tuesday on Aug. 29, 2023.

Williams serves his community in various ways, namely by being the political action chair for UM’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

“I do not take any of my roles lightly, as I know that putting my best foot forward means that something positive will result from this,” Williams said.

“I believe that advocating for the social justice of minorities is a fight that is ongoing and is of the utmost importance.”

Donelson agreed that being an active community member is an integral aspect of membership in the fraternity.

“Being an Alpha man to me also means being a strong leader in every aspect of life regardless of whether it’s in a position on campus or within your community,” Donelson said.

Similarly to Williams, Donelson is involved across campus. He serves as the 2024 National Pan-Hellenic Council president and pres-

ident of the Black Fashion Society, in addition to being an active member in a variety of other organizations.

To Donelson, being an Alpha man is about honoring the founding values whilst living a life of Black excellence.

“Being an Alpha man to me is being a man of distinc-L tion, upholding the high val-t ues and standards that my jewels founded the organizas tion on and making sure that I d live by those,” Donelson said. i m l t

Black Student Union fosters community at UM CLAIRE REYNOLDS

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Founded seven years after the University of Mississippi admitted James Meredith, its first Black student, the Black Student Union at UM has been fostering a community of support and growth since its incorporation on March 25, 1969.

Senior integrated marketing and communications major Quiana White serves as BSU President. The Jackson, Miss. native has found and built community within the organization since she joined her freshman year.

“I came to Ole Miss in 2020, so the year of COVID-19. I would say the Black Student Union was the first organization I joined that piqued my interest in wanting to know or wanting to see where other people were who looked like me,” White said. “This is a predominantly white institution, so I wanted to know where other people that looked like me, talked like me or had some of the same backgrounds as me (were) and find how to get connected with them.”

According to their mission, the BSU aims to “stimulate the intellectual, political, cultural and social growth of all University of Mississippi students, primarily African American students.”

To do this, the BSU hosts monthly events that help students form connections with their peers.

“Throughout the semester, there are different smaller events, which may just be quick study nights, game nights, trivia nights and things of that nature,” White said. “In the fall, the big event is an ‘I Am BSU’ week, which is full of events.

One of them normally is kind of a fall festival. This year, we did it a little differently and did a cookout edition, which was fun.”

Senior journalism major Lauren Hite has also found community through events and involvement with the BSU. “The Black Student Union has provided me with a sense of community from the moment I stepped foot on campus my freshman year,” Hite said.

“What I love most about the BSU is that no matter where you are from, your major or in-

terests, there is space for you in the organization, and in it, you have value. I recommend joining the BSU to every incoming freshman I speak to.”

White expressed that one of the greatest benefits she has received is a sense of familiarity with other minority members of the student body.

“I don’t think that there’s a time I’m anywhere, I wouldn’t even say just on campus but like in Oxford, that somebody doesn’t recognize me or somebody doesn’t know me and I’m having a conversation with somebody,” White said.

Outside of creating bonds with fellow students, White’s position on the executive board has pushed her to develop the skills required to be a leader in such a large organization.

“I never really realized the impact (the BSU had) because I’ve never been the person who craved or wanted attention from a lot of people,” White said. “When I first got the position, I was like, ‘Oh this is going to be a lot different of an adjustment for me because so many people are going to know me.

I’m going to be doing so many

PHOTO COURTESY: BLACK STUDENT UNION

Members of the Black Student Union at the Bowling with BSU event at Premier Lanes in Oxford. things out of my comfort zone.’”

The BSU has more than 400 active members. To become a member, simply fill out the membership application on the BSU’s website and pay a $15 membership fee that ensures access to all of the BSU’s events.

“We recommend and ask that you come to the events

and when we have our general body meetings where we provide updates, but you don’t get kicked out if you don’t attend a certain number of events,” White said. “We encourage people like hey, you’re paying for this, this is something you are a part of, definitely come out whenever you’re able to.”

THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 8 FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 5

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‘Find your passion, purpose and your people:’ Scurlock offers words of wisdom

JANE DUNN

thedmfeatures@gmail.com

Currently serving as the dean of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, Ethel Young Scurlock is one of the most important figures at the University of Mississippi.

Hailing from Memphis, she found her way to the university in 1996, thinking this would just be a temporary position to get her footing after graduation. Soon enough, though, she fell in love with the campus and community.

“I felt like it was a place I could thrive intellectually, but I got here and found out it was a place my family could thrive,” Scurlock said.

Scurlock has been on campus for 18 years now.

Before taking the position as honors college dean, she was the director of the Department of African American Studies.

She is currently an associate professor of English and African American studies, as well as a senior fellow of the Luckyday Residential College. She

graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Tennessee and received both her Master of Arts and doctorate from Bowling Green State University of Ohio.

In addition to her work at the university, she is a preacher on Sunday mornings, ministering at two churches outside of Oxford: Alvis Grove Baptist in Oakland, Miss., and First United Baptist in Batesville, Miss.

Scurlock, who became the SMBHC’s first African American dean in 2022, shared that one of her primary ambitions is to have all manner of Mississppians enrolled in the honors college.

“I want every county of the state of Mississippi represented in our honors college. I want to reach our rural students, private academy students, public school students — I want the best and brightest in the state of Mississippi,” Scurlock said.

Among her many accomplishments, she was also recognized by the Mississippi House of Representatives for her work in helping cultivate

a more diverse community. Scurlock shared how she wants to continue making UM a more inclusive place.

“Continued growth to me means we are all integrating principles of diversity, equality and inclusion in everything we do,” Scurlock said.

“Every time we are sitting at the table to make major decisions, policies, practices and procedures, we (should) have a diversity of viewpoints so that we can make a decision that is healthy for everyone.”

Scurlock’s biggest motivator is feeling like she is making a positive impact.

“I want to be able to wake up and feel like something I did gave somebody an opportunity to do something that they may not have done if I didn’t show up,” Scurlock said. “(I want students) to feel like my presence can mean that a student that didn’t have a voice for themselves, or didn’t know how to use their voice, is able to use their voice and get the resources that they need to be the dynamic person

ASHTON SUMMERS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College Dean Ethel Young Scurlock. that they were created to be.”

Scurlock offered advice to students about their post-graduation journey, advancing into their careers and life in general.

“Be authentically who you are. Trust your process. Devel-

op all the skills you can at every level. Make sure you have people in your circle that encourage you to see things that you don’t see in yourself,” Scurlock said. “Find your passion, purpose and your people.”

The most notable Black athletes from Ole Miss playing today

dent-athletes. To celebrate Currently, there are 23 Black Black History Month, we high- Rebels on active rosters in the thedmsports@gmail.com light the most recent success NFL. Some of those players are: The University of Missis- stories of Black athletes who sippi has a long history of pro- studied and played at UM. Jonathan Mingo, wide ducing professional athletes receiver in almost every sport, with Football (Carolina Panthers) most of this legacy of athThe football program has Mingo is the latest wide reletic success stemming from produced the most notable ceiver to come out of Ole Miss. the hard work of Black stu- Black athletes at the university. In his final season in Oxford, he had 51 receptions for 861 yards and five touchdowns. He was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft to pair with the Panthers’ first round pick, Bryce Young. He had a decent first pro season, with 43 receptions for 418 yards.

LUKE DUNAVANT

l t d ” e g u e ”

More opportunities More opportunities for Mississippi for Mississippi At Entergy Mississippi, we prioritize working with

local suppliers and contractors to help growwith the At Entergy Mississippi, we prioritize working economies and communities we serve. local suppliers and contractors to help grow the

economies and communities we serve.

If you are a Mississippi supplier or contractor who performs work related to construction extension If you are a Mississippi supplier or contractor who and/or repair of electric facilities and would like to performs work related to construction extension learn about training and bid opportunities, visit and/or repair of electric facilities and would like to entergymississippi.com/hiremississippi or call learn about training and bid opportunities, visit 844-387-9675. entergymississippi.com/hiremississippi or call 844-387-9675.

A message from Entergy Mississippi, LLC ©2023 Entergy Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Laremy Tunsil, left tackle (Houston Texans) Tunsil was a standout on the 2015 Ole Miss offense. He quickly made every team regret passing on him in the draft – he eventually was selected 13th by the Miami Dolphins – as he became one of the best left tackles in the NFL. He was then traded to the Texans, where they made him the highest paid left tackle at the time.

FILE PHOTO: HG BIGGS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Wide reciever Jonathan Mingo jogs off the field after an Ole Miss touchdown against Kentucky on Oct. 1, 2022.

Terence Davis, guard Eagles during the 2021 NFL Davis, who was most reDraft. He is a perennial top10 wide receiver in the NFL. cently a part of the Sacramento Kings, was very good at Ole Miss and cemented himself as D.K. Metcalf, wide receiver (Seattle Seahawks) one of the best players to make Metcalf was a part of the his way through the program. dynamic duo with A.J. Brown. He made a name for himself in He also could have gone in the NBA as a part of the NBA championship Toronto Raptors the first round but was releMississippi, we prioritize working with A.J. Brown, wide At Entergy team with Kawahi Leonard. gated to the second round in receiver (Philadelphia local suppliers and contractors to help grow the At the Entergy Mississippi, we prioritize working with He is currently a free agent.

2019 draft in which the Eagles) economies and communities we serve.

Seahawks selected him.

He local suppliers and contractors to help grow the Brown is one of the most Track and Field has quickly established we himfamous players to come outeconomies and communities serve.

Brittney Reese, long self as one of the best wide If you are a Mississippi supplier or contractor who of Ole Miss. He was paired jumper receivers in the NFL and perwith wide receiver D.K. Metperforms work related to construction extension who If you are a Mississippi supplier or contractor Brittney Reese is the only haps one of the most unstopcalf during the 2018 season. and/or repair of electric facilities and would like to alum to win a gold Ole Miss pable when playing his best. performs work related to construction extension Many thought that he could be learn about training and bid opportunities, visit for Team USA, which medal drafted in the first round, butand/or repair of electric facilities and would like to she won for the long jump Basketball entergymississippi.com/hiremississippi or call he fell to the second round in learn There about training andnobid opportunities, visit at the 2012 Olympics. She is are playwhich the Titans scooped him 844-387-9675. also the only woman to win ers in the NBA from Ole entergymississippi.com/hiremississippi or call up. He was incredible during Miss. There has only been three straight world chamhis time in Tennessee, but he844-387-9675. has risen to a different level one in the 21st century. pionships, marking her as A message from Entergy Mississippi, LLC ©2023 Entergy Services, LLC. Allof Rightsthe Reserved. one best athletes to ever since he was traded to the

More opportunities More opportunities for Mississippi

for Mississippi

PAGE 6 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 8 FEBRUARY 2024

Black Fashion Society models more than just fashion MARY EVANS

thedmfeatures@gmail.com

The Black Fashion Society at the University of Mississippi has been redefining fashion standards through its growing campus presence. Combining models’ individual flair with school-uniform fashion in their recent photoshoot, “Gentlemen White,” members of the BFS do not shy away from expressing themselves authentically.

Senior public health major Jatoni Donelson serves as both the president and photographer for the BFS. According to Donelson, BFS is more than just a student group. It is a community that fosters self-expression, inclusivity and empowerment among its members.

“The inspiration (for the photoshoot) was actually from one of the members. She sent it to me last semester,” Do-

nelson said. “And because I’m juggling two roles as president and photographer, my goal is to try and have photoshoots so the Instagram can stay active and have content to post in between shoots.”

Marje McGregory, a freshman integrated marketing and communications major, has been a member of the BFS throughout this year. Reflecting on his experience, McGregory emphasized the role of the organization in creating a haven for members to express themselves. But the organization has not always been in the spotlight on campus.

“Because we are a Black organization, I feel like sometimes we’re kind of pushed to the end,” McGregory said.

“A lot of times, especially in the media today with fashPHOTO COURTESY: JATONI DONELSON ion, you have to look a certain way, but in the Black Fash- Members of the Black Fashion Society model in their “Denim and White” photoshoot on Jan. 30. ion Society, you can come as you are and experiment.”

For Mesha Brown, a senior African American studies and business major, the BFS is a safe place for Black expression.

“I feel like it’s a very safe space. Our organization is different. We’re able to amplify Black expression into something that is entertaining, and you can see we put a lot of work into it,” Brown said.

Donelson shared that the organization’s growing numbers pose new difficulties for photoshoot logistics, especially when it comes to featuring individual models’ styles.

“The past two semesters, the organization basically rebranded. Usually our shoots would be about five to 10 people. Last semester, the first shoot after

the rebrand, I had 30 plus people. It’s a struggle to capture individuality with such large numbers,” Donelson said.

Despite these challenges, the BFS has seen members go on to walk in New York Fashion Week and Los Angeles Fashion Week, demonstrating the organization’s impact on personal confidence and modeling skills.

As the BFS continues to grow, Donelson envisions a future in which members take their involvement more seriously and eventually turn their college experiences into careers.

“I want it to be something that people take seriously to actually make a career out of, and it would be more

than just something they did for fun in college. It could be something they grow from and say, ‘This is where I started, here,’” Donelson said.

The BFS is currently gearing up for a Valentine’s Day shoot featuring pink and red themes. The organization encourages members to bring their own unique styles to create a supportive environment for students to experiment with fashion.

“I always tell members to do something bold with your outfit, because I want it to be an open space where you don’t feel like you have to dress in a way that’ll be accepted by society,” Donelson said. “Be able to express yourself through your outfit.”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: LYN MOORE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 8 FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 7

UM IMPROV

continued from page 1 president and senior multidisciplinary studies major Don Waller and UM alum Leah Blevins.

When Umprov was formed, the group leaders could barely crack a double-digit attendance.

On Monday, Jan. 29, there were more than 50 people present.

“At first, we were averaging about 10 to 12 people coming if we were lucky, because a lot of us have rehearsals,” Glasser said. “Fast forward to now, we’re averaging 40 to 50 people.”

An typical evening at Umprov consists of various games, including audience favorite “Blind Freeze.” In this game, two participants act out a scene, stop when someone in the audience yells for them to and then rotate one player

dLYDIA WATERS thedmfeatures@gmail.com e m Vintage clothing pop-up -shop PopUpOx4d gave UM .students and Oxford locals an -opportunity to explore fashyion on Sunday, Feb. 4 at the dOld Armory Pavilion. Pop-up clothing shops and vensdors — some without brickeand-mortar locations — sell -clothes in temporary settings. s Joe Hogue Jr., an Oxford .native, created PopUpOx4d. sThe junior marketing mahjor has a love of clothing tand a passion for business. e “Freshman year, me and ea few of my friends…all had ea similar interest in vintage -clothes and I just kind of figsured all these people sell cool ”clothes,” Hogue said. “They carry the same vibe, privately, like their Instagrams (and) like Depop, so why don’t I do a live market for this?”

This event began two years ago during the Double Decker Arts Festival. It has since moved from the Oxford Skate Park to a house and later to the Old Armory Pavilion.

Now, through a deal with the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, Hogue and the pop-up vendors have the space to spread out.

The vendors were given about a week in advance to reserve a 10-feet-by-6feet booth. There were about 25 spots available, all of which were claimed by sellers within 24 hours. Spots were $70 each, including the $10 sales tax deposit.

“It’s first-come first-serve, and there’s a few people who show up early. They get the same spots every time, which is super cool,” Hogue said.

The vendors are the key part of this entire experience.

“I could not do this at all without any of the vendors, as this is insane,” Hogue said.

“But it’s only insane because all the pieces come together and every piece is vital for this to be successful at all.”

Oxford native and recent UM graduate Lilly Hunter enjoys the opportunity to

out so that a new player takes the place of one of the participants to pick up a new scene. There is also the charades-inspired “Late to Work.” In this game, one player must guess why they were “late to work” by having two other players act out who the audience says player one is, what they drive and who they were with. When player one guesses all three, they win.

After the ceremony on Monday, Jan. 29, Glasser and a few other organization members revealed that Umprov received its first sponsorship. Social media outlet BeReal will give the club $7 for every new member who joins the organization on the app’s new feature, RealGroups.

“BeReal reached out to us a couple of weeks ago, and basically they’re collaborating with a bunch of different organizations around the United States on campuses to create BeReal group chats,”

Glasser said. “Their deal with organizations like Umprov is (that) we currently have a GroupMe with over 97 members, and they want us to slowly move all of our communication onto their new group chat format. For every new person that we get to sign up and then join our group, they’ll give us $7 towards our organization.”

One of Umprov’s members, sophomore acting major Jacob Matthews, says that he has enjoyed his time with the organization.

“There’s so much that happens (in a meeting) where you can genuinely let out a good belly laugh.

I think being able to laugh and connect with the people around you is really fun,” Matthews said.

That theme of laughter carries over into Glasser’s philosophy of the group, too.

“I think that with a big campus, especially when it’s hard to find your group of people to hang

out with, organizations like Umprov, where you can just come and hang out and laugh, feel like home on campus,” Glasser said.

“I know it was a big help for me.

Especially during finals week, we’ll have a really big turnout, shockingly, because people will take a break from their studies and come laugh real quick. We provide that little outlet, that brain break you need just to be stupid and laugh and be silly.”

Sophomore exercise science major Laura Counts was a firsttime attendee to Umprov on Monday, Jan. 29., and her experience echoed Matthews’ and Glasser’s hopes for the organization.

“I thought it was really cool, it was really funny. Everyone seemed to be really enjoying it; I think I had a really good time,” Counts said.

“It made me laugh a lot.”

Counts shared that

she would definitely return for another meeting.

Matthews gave his onthe-street style pitch for anyone who has never been to an Umprov meeting.

“Do you just want to sit down and laugh? Do you wanna have a good time? Come to Umprov,” Matthews said. “We have a club on campus that meets kind of late at night … but we’re all up late. Just come have a good time — you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll do everything.”

Umprov teeters between a 9:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. starting time and consistently meets every Monday and Thursday.

Students interested in attending a meeting should keep up with the club’s Instagram to see which time the meeting starts on that particular evening. More information is on their Instagram (@um.prov).

Vintage clothing vendors pop up in Oxford

LYN MOORE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Customers shop at PopUpOx4d on Feb 4. be a vendor at PopUpOx4d. “(The clothing) is a lot of stuff that I remember my mom or dad wearing when I was growing up,” Hunter said. “It’s stuff I have distinct memories of, and then I like seeing people walk away with it. It’s like new, fun, happy memories for people.”

Oxonians and students are given an opportunity to buy clothing and accessories that typical Oxford boutiques do not sell. Instead, pop-up vendors deal in vintage styles, providing a curated thrifting experience. Sophomore psychology and political science double major Miller Johnson loved attending the event.

“It was sort of like going thrifting, but all of the pieces were hand-picked. I enjoyed that aspect of it,” Johnson said. “There were some super cool vendors and pieces.

I went with a friend, and we both had a great time looking through every booth and talking to the sellers about how they found each piece.”

Hogue shared his enjoy-

Clothing on a rack at PopUpOx4d on Feb. 4. ment of and dedication to organizing the pop-up and the future he hopes that it holds.

“It really is worth it at the end of the day when all

these things come into fruition, and there’s still so much work that I want to put into this event,” Hogue said. “I’m just so excited for

LYN MOORE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

what’s on the horizon for it.”

PopUpOx4d typically hosts events every month, meaning the next one could be here as soon as a few weeks.

PAGE 8 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 8 FEBRUARY 2024

OM CHICKS

continued from page 1 geared toward a male audience.

Barstool Sports posts general sports updates, chaotic student memes and Ole Miss sports morale boosters. Chicks accounts, simply put, are for the girls.

The Ole Miss Chicks page showcases campus shenanigans and hosts returning gags like Tinder Tuesday, a series where fans can submit their most wild online dating conversations for public exposure. The account encourages fan participation via submitting memes.

“Our account started in April of 2020. When you think of Barstool Sports, it’s more of a male following and fanbase. So, the Chicks accounts were started, and it was just something kind of more for the women to enjoy,” Roeske said.

The account has skyrocketed in popularity since Roeske took

the wheel, growing from 5,000 followers to 25,000. Roeske discussed account’s success, crediting the student body of Ole Miss.

“Really, it’s the students and their content that allowed our account to grow so quickly.

You know, Ole Miss, it’s kind of a crazy college. A lot of people do some pretty funny things,” Roeske said, laughing. “We wouldn’t have Ole Miss Chicks if it weren’t for the students.”

The account’s inclusion of any student’s content submissions has helped it to become Ole Miss’ own Gossip Girl equivalent with a positive, yet often brutally honest, twist. Some have speculated about who is behind the amusing account.

“I have sometimes wondered who runs the account, especially because sometimes I’ll respond to a story post and the admin will respond to me. The admin always responds like a friend would, so it does make me wonder who it is,” Sam Hendrix, junior integrated marketing

communications major and follower of Ole Miss Chicks, said.

As the account continues to grow, it has become a staple in the Oxford social media scene.

“I know a lot of people absolutely love seeing their friends on the account. Even before I started running the account, my friends would be on it and we’d all be tagging each other like, ‘Oh my gosh, she’s on it.’ And you know, we go to school with all these people. So it’s cool to see what they’re up to,” Roeske said.

As simple as Roeske’s memeing methods are, they are exactly what has attracted her large following.

“I followed the account during my freshman year at Ole Miss because I thought it was a funny account that showed all of the shenanigans that go on on our campus,” Hendrix said.

Roeske credits many ideas that have had huge successes on the account to the female community she has found.

“One of the great things

about running the Chicks account is that there are a lot of other Chicks accounts for a bunch of different colleges across the United States,” Roeske said. “We all come up with ideas together. It’s almost like being in a sorority. We’re all like sisters. We really all share ideas with each other like Tinder Tuesdays, which is really awesome.”

When looking to the future, Madison and her anonymous partner have high hopes.

“As far as content goes for the future, we have a lot in store,” Roeske said.

Plans include a Valentine’s Day lovers night party at Round Table and an interview-based video series, which involve letting go of her anonymity.

“You know, the internet can be kind of a harsh place. I was just a little worried. But now I’m like, okay, we run an awesome account, and I want people to know. So that’s one of the reasons I’m most excited about throwing the party at

Round Table,” Roeske said.

Roeske anticipates that diving headfirst into the spotlight will start a new era for the account. She only hopes that her followers accept her in the way she has accepted them and devoted hard work to their happiness.

“Once I feel more comfortable, we’re gonna start doing a lot of videos and being a lot more interactive with the students,” Roeske said. “It makes me really happy to see everybody just having a good time and having a great college experience.”

Roeske’s still-anonymous partner echoed all of what she said and offered her own appreciation for the account they have built.

“Honestly, we love them and support them. Sometimes people will DM our account just asking for advice. We kind of feel like a big sister to the people at Ole Miss so really, we just love them all,” the anonymous manager said.

Top 10 places to cry on campus

under the bells of Peddle Tower works perfectly in a pinch. Bothedmfeatures@gmail.com nus points if you catch the bells Winter is in full swing, and while they are ringing to drown with its icy fingertips come sea- out your young adult angst. sonal depression and the start of the spring semester. AdjustCoulter Hall ing to minimal daylight hours Calling all STEM majors: and a new class schedule may The tables on the stadium side be overwhelming — and there of Coulter Hall are ideal for is no shame in letting your the inevitable mid-chemistry tears flow as you deal with the homework breakdown. Grab pressures of college. Here is a your coffee and hunker down. list of the 10 best spots on campus to sink into your sorrows Brandt Memory House and turn on the waterworks.

When sunset hits, this hidden gem becomes an idyllic J.D. Williams Library hideaway for a sad college kid With hundreds of book- seeking a colorful sky and seclushelves to shield you from oth- sion. Wallowing on the iconic ers’ lines of sight, the library Southern porch feels like a scene serves as the perfect shelter for straight from the movie screen. a sob. To blend in with your surroundings, you can select a Rebel Market floor based on how loudly you Behind brick walls in the cry. For exclusive solitude, the campus dining hall sit many Department of Archives and tables hidden from view. With Special Collections on the third a cup of ice cream and a slice floor offers a minimally traf- of pizza, Rebel Market alficked maze of shelves for fleeing lows you to stuff yourself with from the troubles of academia. comfort food unbothered.

RAEGAN SETTLE

Shoemaker Hall While mainly housing faculty offices, Shoemaker’s study areas on the upper floors are sparsely populated. For a scenic view of the Circle and a quiet space to weep, Shoemaker checks all the necessary boxes.

Peddle Bell Tower Hear me out: When in need of a quick bawl without time to search for isolation, sneaking

Lamar Hall The concrete jungle of Ole Miss contains countless nooks and crannies fit for a midday cry. When general education classes are weighing you down, do not be afraid to claim a couch in Lamar and embrace your depressed mood.

Sally M. Barksdale Honors College Home sweet “Sally,” where

honors students spend late nights chipping away at todo lists and powering through assignments. When a class is not in session, honors students are welcome to utilize the building’s classrooms. If you are lucky enough to find one empty, shut the door and let your cry commence.

Dorm rooms For unbridled comfort in a haven of your personal belongings, dorm rooms cannot be surpassed in terms of privacy and security. Stay as long as you would like, turn on your comfort show and dig into your snack collection. There is no place like your home away from home.

University Counseling Center Director of the University Counseling Center Juawice McCormick chimed in to share the benefits of crying.

“People cry to express grief, sadness, frustration, joy, relief and even anger,” McCormick said. “There are therapeutic and biological benefits: When we cry, our bodies release oxytocin and endorphins, which help us to feel better physically and emotionally.”

The UCC offers in-person individual, crisis and group counseling during the regular clinic hours of 8-5 p.m. on Monday through Friday, as well as medication monitoring and management. Li-

Tableau photograph.

HAILEY AUSTIN / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

censed counselors are available dents can call the UCC or visit by phone after hours for men- the center’s website to book an tal health emergencies. Stu- appointment with a counselor.

Mississippi Press Association Education Foundation

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THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 8 FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 9

Penny Bar deposits late-night fun into Oxford

. t r s r ISABELLE FROST - thedmfeatures@gmail.com d Tucked away beneath Moe’s . BBQ on South Lamar Bou- levard, Penny Bar attracts a people from all walks of life. e In an unconventional loca” tion, the divey bar offers a - host of late-night activities t for visitors, including triv- ia nights, open mics, bingo ” and monthly TED Talk-style - chats featuring guest speakers. f Owner John Allgood strives d to create a unique environr ment where members of the . Oxford community can relax. m “It’s kind of a little hideout s sort of bar off the beaten path t and downstairs,“ Allgood said. e ”It’s a little different than the o other places that you can find - readily available around here.” ” In 2016, Allgood had the . idea to revitalize the down-

stairs bar area. Penny Bar got its name from the top of the bar, which is home to 17,542 pennies — plus one hidden dime.

This creative bar top is just one unique aspect of the venue.

“We get a really fun mix of people. We have some from an older crowd who are kind of your locals. Then, you’ll get a lot of the service industry people,” Allgood said. “We also get a lot of the college kids to come in. It’s a nice mix and you see them all kind of mingling with each other and having fun.”

Open mic night is one of the most popular parts of Penny Bar culture. Ayric Bradley serves as the emcee, using

his position to warm up the crowd and encourage audience members to sign up if they are interested in speaking.

“I have been through a lot in my life — whether it was battling homelessness as a teen with my mother or times I had gotten in trouble,” Bradley said. ”Comedy allows me to use my life experience to tell stories so that maybe someone else who is going through things can hear it and know they aren’t in it alone. It’s jokes, yeah, but a lot of the time those jokes come from somewhere real.”

Penny Bar’s open mic spurs creativity and community.

“Open mic comedy gives people a chance to come have a couple of laughs, a couple of drinks and if they feel like they want to share a story they can,“ Bradley said. ”A place with such rich history like Oxford, there is always a story to tell here.”

Even after performing at open-mic nights all over the state, Bradley coined the Penny Bar as home.

“What separates Penny Bar from all the places in the past where I have been and the plac- A performer takes the stage as open mic night is underway on Jan. 31. es in the future where I will go is, this is home. For a person like me, home is a big thing,“ Bradley said. ”They have given me a place to cultivate this mic and call it home, and when I’m no longer the host and have found what I define as success in comedy, I plan on still coming back to Penny Bar and doing that open mic and never forgetting where it made me.”

LYN MOORE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

The crowd listens as a performer takes the mic at Penny Bar on Jan. 31. Customers enjoy drinks at Penny Bar on Jan. 31.

LYN MOORE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

LYN MOORE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

PAGE 10 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 8 FEBRUARY 2024

Sammy’s Deli brings Yemeni flavor to the Oxford food scene

GRACEY MASSENGILL

thedmfeatures@gmail.com

Walking into Sammy’s Gourmet Deli & Gyro, a newly renovated deli right off of the Square, you will find a dream playing out behind the counter first-hand. Smoke rises from the fryer and gyro meat slowly crisps as owner Abdul Shami “Sammy” Mohammed artfully prepares sandwiches and wraps.

Adding to Oxford’s culturally rich and diverse food scene, Sammy’s Deli is a dream come true for Mohammed, who traveled to the U.S. from Yemen over three decades ago and began his foray into the food business. Mohammed started working in the deli business at 16 years old after leaving his home country and landing in New York City in 1991.

His early days in New York were challenging, and he often worked 84-hour weeks all while speaking little English.

“They say in life, tough roads make good drivers,” Mohammed said. “Don’t sleep and think you are going to reach your dreams — you have to work.”

With hard work and time, Mohammed mastered English and the craft of sandwich-making while working at a Lebanese-Italian deli in New York City.

In 2001, Mohammed made the move to Mississippi and found work in multiple gas stations, including one that he now owns, the James Food Center. However, it has always been his dream to get back to where it all started

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Abdul Shami “Sammy” Mohammed in the kitchen of Sammy’s Gourmet Deli on Jan. 27. and open his own deli shop.

Mohammed felt that Oxford was lacking a sandwich shop that had authentic gyros, falafel and Philly cheesesteaks, so he decided that he would be the change he wanted to see in the world.

“I haven’t seen anything (like that) around here, and it’s a college town with multinational people and people from everywhere. So it was my dream to find a good spot,” Mohammed said. “And hey, the chance came and the opportunity came, I said ‘Why not?’”

Working hard to achieve one’s dreams can often be grueling, but it is evident that Mohammed loves his job. His favorite thing about running the deli is meeting the peo-

ple that come to get a sandwich and asking them what they think about his food.

“I got a Philly cheesesteak and it was really, really good, and he asked how our food was, which was super sweet,” freshman mechanical engineering major Morgan Brown said. “Definitely great customer service.”

Mohammed hopes to grow Sammy’s and keep the deli open until 2 a.m. on weekends to provide late-night sandwiches for those on their walk home from the Square. Mohammed also hopes to expand his offerings to include traditional Yemeni food such as mandi, a specialty dish made of meat, rice and spices cooked in an underground oven.

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THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 8 FEBRUARY 2024 | PAGE 11

Ole Miss invests heavily in softball program LUKE DUNAVANT

thedmsports@gmail.com

The Lady Rebels Softball team played its last game in the old softball complex on the south side of campus last season, and demolition of the stadium began in November.

Construction on the new $30 million complex on the site of the old field will take time to complete, but the stadium is still suitable for play for the 2024 season. The keyword here is suitable, not ideal. There will be no seating prepared for the upcoming season, but most of the home games will be streamed on television, according to Jake Thompson from OM Spirit ON3.

The new stadium will be reoriented so that home plate faces the main campus, where right field used to be. The press box will be enlarged and moved to face northeast toward Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Fan amenities, including restrooms and concessions, will be improved.

Awnings will be added to provide more shade in the stands.

Bullpens will be enlarged and team offices improved.

This renovation is a part of the university’s CHAMPIONS. NOW. campaign that also included the updating of the Manning Center.

Might the renovations impact player performance this season?

“I don’t think it will affect the season overall. We’ve been putting in the work all fall and January to be successful,” junior softball player Catelyn Riley said. “If anything, I think it’ll be harder for the opposing teams’ outfielders because that’s where most of the seating will be. I personally think that will be a cool experience to have that many people in the outfield like what baseball has, in a way.”

Obviously, the university and the CHAMPIONS. NOW. campaign believe in this program and deemed it necessary to upgrade the stadium to match expectations for the team.

“I am really excited for the renovations to the field.

It was time for an upgrade,” Riley said. “Once it’s completed next season, I think we have a chance to have one of the best home field advantages in the SEC.”

ANTONELLA RESCIGNO / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Softball complex undergoes construction on Feb 6.

A brand-new stadium is thrilling enough, but even more exciting is the level of commitment that Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter is showing

to Head Coach Jamie Trachsel.

“They’re committing to Ole Miss Softball,” Trachsel said. “Not everyone can say that where they’re at. ... To not just compete, but to com-

pete and win championships here, whether that’s in conference or postseason play, it just takes what it takes.

And (the administration) is willing to go to that space.”

Kyle Wakefield: the ‘electric mop man’ of Ole Miss Men’s Basketball IAN SPARKS

thedmsports@gmail.com

If there ever was a walking personification of lightning trapped in a human body, it is Kyle Wakefield, student manager for Ole Miss Men’s Basketball. As the team currently sits at 18-5 and an even 5-5 in the SEC, maintaining energy on and off the court has been top priority for first year Head Coach Chris Beard. This management philosophy is especially evident in Wakefield.

Hailing from Katy, Texas, Wakefield has quickly become a hero in Oxford. His official role in the program is that of a student manager, but his elite work ethic and passion elevate him from being “just” a student manager

to a university-wide inspiration.

“I help set up practices, and (I’m) a professional floor scrubber,” Wakefield said. “I’ve been called the ‘electric mop guy’ or just the ‘mop man.’ I just go out there and give it 110% day in, day out, and wake up with a positive state of mind.”

A video of Wakefield enthusiastically mopping the court after Ole Miss’ win against Mississippi State on Tuesday, Jan. 30, has made the rounds on campus and across the media landscape, including ESPN’s Marty and McGee show.

“My end goal every game is to put the team in the best position to win a ballgame. That’s the number one goal and priority for me,” Wakefield said.

“Everything has to be set up

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in a way that allows the coaches and the players to succeed.”

Wakefield’s love for Ole Miss Basketball and the university itself knows no bounds, which is evident in everything about him. If you happen to spot him on campus, he usually sports Ole Miss gear and an infectious smile — he truly eats, sleeps and breathes Ole Miss.

“He’s always bringing the passion and energy to the student section every game he’s out there,” junior sports management major Sebastian Hineman said. “It’s obvious that he genuinely loves what he does and that fires us up as well.”

That he does, as you can often see him throwing his arms up to the student section as they cheer him on for cleaning the floor or completing his other managerial duties. Many coaches, Beard included, will tell you that it is crucial to have someone like Wakefield as a part of your program. Someone that can take some of the pressure off of the players while keeping the crowd engaged is priceless. PASS “We’re trying to get players 3.792 x 4 that have the heart and unselfishness and competitiveness and just love what they do, as Wakefield does,” Beard said.

Wakefield brings a much-needed spark to Ole Miss Basketball. He does it not out of self-gratification, but for the betterment of a team that he loves so much.

“I’m just there for the players,” Wakefield said.

“I think they see my energy and me giving it my Kyle Wakefield. all and it fuels them even more than they already are.”

ASHTON SUMMERS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

PAGE 12 | THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN | 8 FEBRUARY 2024

Personal finance education is lacking in American schools LIV BRILEY

thedmopinion@gmail.com

Like many college students approaching graduation, I am apprehensive about being financially independent in just a few short months. It worries me just how little most students are prepared for handling their own financial futures. We take classes on things like English and history, but not on the more practical aspects of navigating adult life. Fortunately for me, I grew up in a family of accountants, meaning budgeting and savings accounts have always been a part of my life.

Growing up, my parents would give my brother and I an allowance of $10 a month, which we promptly had to split – 10% to give, 20% to save, and 70% to spend. They taught us the value of budgeting, the dangers of debt, and had us set up savings accounts as soon as we got our first jobs.

I was probably one of very few 12-year-olds in the country actively contributing to a mutual fund (thank you, babysitting money). Because of this background and my somewhat compulsive need to plan, I have been doing my own research on the things I need to know as an adult managing my own money.

As I read more and discuss these topics with my financially-conscious family, I am amazed that there

is no requirement to teach these concepts in the public school system or within public universities. All too many financial horror stories start with ignorance.

When people aren’t taught how to properly manage their money and believe things like “everyone has debt,” “you have to have credit cards,” or “it’s normal to live paycheck to paycheck,” they are set up for failure. Personal and business bankruptcy filings rose a whopping 10% from 2022 to 2023, and our education system is largely to blame.

We are exposed to constant marketing efforts that drive us to spend more money, achieve certain lifestyles, and rack up more debt. We teach our students how to succeed in their given careers because the skill sets required for advanced careers are not innate. Personal finance skills are no different; if no one teaches you how to develop them, you won’t.

Things like investing and retirement funds sound daunting and scary, but are actually incredibly simple to understand once they are broken down. If students were given a personal finance education, they would be set up to succeed as soon as they graduated. The earlier you start investing in your future, the greater it pays off down the road. Everyone who understands investing understands this, so why wouldn’t we want our students to be encouraged to start as soon as possible?

Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are the three most financial literate countries in the world. What do they all have in common? They have programs in place to offer financial education in schools.

The United States is nowhere near the bottom of the list when it comes to overall financial literacy, but in a nation that prides itself on its financial systems, shouldn’t we be more concerned that 77% of Americans are financially anxious? Financial issues contribute heavily to divorce rates, depression, and even suicide, yet we are somehow still okay with the fact that the average American household is in over $100,000 worth of debt. And that’s just the average.

There is a lot of talk about government spending and national debt in the news, but these issues are hitting Americans on a more personal level every single day. If implementing personal financial education into American schools and universities could ease this burden, why not do it?

It would certainly cost a lot less than the thousands of bankruptcies happening each year.

Money may not be able to buy happiness, but it sure can buy peace of mind, and it’s my opinion that this peace is well worth the effort.

Liv Briley is a senior Integrated Marketing Communications major from Lemont, Ill.

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