The Daily Mississippian April 20, 2023

MISSISSIPPIAN THE

Ole Miss inducts 10 seniors into Hall of Fame

UM student Ethan Blake Bailey dies at 22

The University of Mississippi announced 10 senior inductees to the 2022-2023 Hall of Fame class, with honorees being recognized in a ceremony held at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.

The honorees are Preston D. Antes, Jilkiah L. Bryant, Andy Flores, Kelly Li, Preston McWilliams, Rabria M. Moore, Sepp Cecil, Logan C. Thomas, Margaret Lynn Walker and Morgan B. Whited.

“I’m very proud of this year’s Hall of Fame inductee class,” Brent Marsh, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students, said. “They are a diverse group of student leaders who have made significant contributions on the University of Mississippi campus, the LOU community and well beyond.”

Andy Flores, a public policy and leadership major, thanked the university and many others for giving him the opportunity to succeed.

“As the first in my family to go to college, being inducted into the UM Hall of Fame is an honor. I am truly indebted to all of the friends, educators and staff members on campus who have guided me and inspired my path,” Flores said. “I am a leader because this university took

a chance on me. I hope to repay that one day.”

Rabria Moore, another honoree and the outgoing editor-in-chief of The Daily Mississippian, expressed her gratitude for the recognition.

“I’m grateful to receive this award because, in part, it acknowledges that my service to this university hasn’t gone unnoticed. The university has given so much to me, in terms of education, experience and opportunities,” Moore said. “I’m happy to know that I was able to give a little back to this university.”

Moore thanked her family and teachers for their support.

“It’s my name being added to the Hall of Fame, but this honor isn’t possible without my family, friends and the many educators who’ve poured into me over the years. I am who I am because they provided me with the resources to grow and thrive as an individual,” Moore said.

Moore recently received a Fulbright award for an English teaching assistantship in Zambia. She plans to teach in Zambia for a year and then pursue a Masters of Education in Education Policy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

“My ultimate goal is to work in the education field and hopefully facilitate positive change within the education

Twenty-two-year-old University of Mississippi student Ethan Blake Bailey died on April 14 in Oxford. Originally from Coldwater, Bailey was an accountancy major and member of the Epsilon Xi chapter of the Sigma Nu Fraternity on campus.

Don Fruge, president of Sigma Nu, described his fraternity brother:

“Ethan Bailey was a oneof-a-kind guy and someone that we were all blessed to have in our lives,”

Fruge said. “He was the type of guy that everybody wanted to be around, in the chapter or not.”

Fruge remembered Bailey as a passionate and active member of the fraternity, as well as a role model to others.

“He was always at the Sigma Nu house, whether that be studying, eating, hanging out with the people there or any other activities that were tak -

ing place,” Fruge said. “He was a role model for the people in this chapter. He would always offer advice about school and would make the effort to get to know more than just what is on the surface about people’s lives.”

Bailey graduated from Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, where he played varsity baseball. He was an avid fan of both of the New York Yankees and the Ole Miss Rebels, and he enjoyed fishing and the outdoors.

Those around him say Bailey had an infectious positivity about him that he brought to all he met.

“He brought a light to every room, and his laugh was contagious. His legacy will be remembered with love, and his impact on the Epsilon Xi Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity, the University of Mississippi and the people that he knew will be everlast -

system,” Moore

The 2023 Hall of Fame members at the University of Mississippi are (top, from left) Preston D. Antes, Jilkiah L. Bryant, Andy Flores, Kelly Li and Preston McWilliams, and (bottom, from left) Rabria M. Moore, Cecil Sepp, Logan C. Thomas, Margaret Lynn Walker and Morgan B. Whited. The honorees were announced on April 14 in a ceremony at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for Performing Arts.

PHOTO COURTESY: THOMAS GRAINING/OLE MISS DIGITAL IMAGING SERVICES

HAL FOX

Ethan Blake Bailey.

PHOTO COURTESY: SIGMA NU FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER

Mississippi Day provides open house experience

TANISSA RINGO

The University of Mississippi invited students, faculty, staff and alumni to campus to celebrate Mississippi Day on Saturday, April 15. The annual event took place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Mississippi Day is an outdoor event that mimics an “open house” for visitors to explore various exhibitions and demonstrations, mingle with university academic departments and engage in family-friendly activities.

Each academic department had a booth to inform prospective students and their parents about their programs.

Freshman biology major Destiny Kirksey volunteered

HALL OF FAME

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said. “These last four years have definitely been some of the best years of my life and receiving this honor is the perfect way to end my time at the university.”

Kelly Li, a public policy and leadership major from Hattiesburg, expressed her joy that she could celebrate her honor openly now that the results have been released.

ETHAN BAILEY

continued from page 1

ing,” Fruge said. “We will miss him dearly but will always remember the good times that we were able to have with Ethan and will always have him as a brother.”

Brent Marsh, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs

with the chemistry department to demonstrate a creation of edible slime worms for children at the booth.

“It was very eye opening to see so many people on campus. I didn’t expect to see so many age ranges of people that showed – to kids to parents,” Kirksey said. “It was a good experience to see all the different departments entertain the kids, and it was very interesting to see.”

Mississippi Day was one of several events held last weekend, offering a chance for the public, students, faculty, staff and alumni to highlight the university’s contributions to the state of Mississippi.

“One of my favorite parts about Mississippi Day is the opportunity to give children

“I’ve been keeping the news a secret for the past couple of months now. It feels surreal getting to finally share it and getting to celebrate it with others. Everywhere I go, someone is congratulating me on this honor, and it makes me feel like I did something right and accomplished something really special,” Li said.

Li is Chinese and a first-generation immigrant, and she hoped her honor could serve as inspiration and

and dean of students, urged students impacted by Bailey’s death to reach out to the University Counseling Center.

“Our hearts are heavy as we grapple with Ethan Bailey’s passing. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends and fraternity brothers as they navigate this difficult time,” Marsh said. “I encourage any stu -

of all ages memories at Ole Miss that aren’t just tailgating in the Grove, as fun as that is,” Emily Ferris, associate director of the division of outreach, said. She has held her position since 2018.

Ferris said the event opens up the possibilities at Ole Miss.

“They can have fun engaging with our amazing faculty and student volunteers — something they will remember forever — and at the same time, it exposes them to all the different opportunities we have at Ole Miss,” Ferris said.

Ferris has coordinated Mississippi Day for the past two years.

University of Mississippi students and faculty welcome hundreds of guests to the university’s annual Mississippi Day, highlighting various programs and opportunities on campus, on April 15.

“The whole day offers prospective students, families, visitors and even current students the opportunity to interact with the university in a new and exciting way,” Ferris said.

proof for other students of color that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

“I believe the biggest accomplishment is showing the next generation of students of color that come behind me that anything is possible, including the greatest honor on this campus,” Li said.

Li urged students to find something they were passionate about and pursue it.

“There isn’t a cheat code to being inducted into the Hall

dent impacted by this loss to connect with the University Counseling Center for grief support and related needs.”

Bailey is survived by his mother, Ericia Busby Marrone of Nesbit; his father, Kevin Corey Bailey of Coldwater; his sisters, Madelyn Savage of Nesbit and Maggie Marrone of Guliford, Conn.; his step-father, David Mar -

of Fame. You don’t have to be the smartest, the most involved or the most popular person on campus by any means,” Li said. “Find something that you are passionate about and work tirelessly to leave an impact in it. That is a true legacy and the biggest honor, getting to leave something better behind for others that come after us.”

Li, who plans on attending law school, is passionate about improving public school education, civil rights, criminal jus-

rone of Cordova, Tenn.; his grandmothers, Janice Bailey of Olive Branch, and Pamela Denham of Houlka; his grandfather, Sonny Busby (Susan Rikard) of Olive Branch; his great-grandmother, Virginia Sheppard (Bill) of Horn Lake; his uncles, Randall Bailey (Heather) of Olive Branch and Chris Oaks (Andrea) of Olive Branch; and his aunts,

tice, sports and entertainment law in the state of Mississippi.

“I could not have done this without the love and support of my parents, my brother Addam Li (a sophomore at UM), Justice Rose, Caleb Bohannon, Jonathan Mingo, Dr. Jennifer Simmons, Professor Chris Sparks, Dr. Bob Brown, Dr. Melissa Bass, Dr. Jennifer Parsons, Dr. Ashleen Williams, Donte Ferrell, and many more I wish I had the space to name and thank,” Li said.

Kim Arrington (Mario) of Olive Branch, Nikki Sanderson (Floyd) of Byhalia and Lisa Stegall (Matt) of Pontotoc.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Ducks Unlimited to honor Bailey’s memory.

Bailey’s funeral was held on Wednesday, April 19, at Compel Church in Olive Branch, Miss.

Ethan Blake Bailey (center) attends the final game of the 2022 College World Series on June 27, 2022.

ASHTON SUMMERS/ THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Creating communities is one of the biggest opportunities when attending college, and at the University of Mississippi, the Queer People of Color Club is an emerging community that aims to create a safe haven and voice for queer people.

Although the organization has existed previously, the pandemic put a temporary halt to the club, leaving it dormant for a few years. Recently, however, it has been rebranded and is set to host \events and meetings to spread awareness.

Sophomore Reagan Davis,

Queer People of Color Club seeks to form community

a public policy and African American studies major, is a co-founder of the organization and has been surprised to see the number of people who were interested in the club.

“We had our first meeting a couple of weeks ago, and the turnout was way more than I expected,” Davis said. “I was surprised and really happy because I was worried a lot of people wouldn’t hear about it.”

Despite the growing number of queer people embracing their identities, there are still several people that ostracize and alienate the queer community, and it

has led to extreme cases of unjust violence and bigotry towards the community.

Davis said the death of Jay Lee, an Ole Miss student, created paranoia among people about how they choose to express their queer identity.

“After his murder, I feel like even on this campus sometimes, and especially off-campus, I’m more careful about how I present myself and how I let people perceive my identity. It never occurred to me until his murder that something like that can happen to any of us,” Davis said.

Queer People of Color’s next meeting will be held

Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in Lamar Hall, and the main discussions will center around homophobia within ethnocultural communities while offering coping skills and advice of reconciliation.

“You don’t have to label

your identity right away. You can continue to learn, grow and ask people anything, so there’s no pressure for you to automatically know who you are at 18 years old. Be patient and let yourself continue to develop,” Davis said.

SEDLEY NORMAND / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Legal help hotline offered for tornado survivors

EMILY O’REILLY

A free legal help hotline is available for survivors of the recent tornadoes that ravaged several towns throughout Mississippi in late March.

The Young Lawyers Division of the Mississippi Bar, FEMA, American Bar Association, the Mississippi Bar, Mississippi Center for Justice, Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project and North Mississippi Rural Legal Services are collaborating to offer free legal services via the help hotline.

“MCJ has launched a dedicated hotline and response initiative to mobilize our lawyers, support staff and pro bono volunteers to host on-site legal clinics for impacted persons in Rolling Fork, Silver City, Winona, Black Hawk, Amory and other nearby communities,” Mandesha-Desha’ Thornton, communications and public relations specialist for the Mississippi Center for Justice, said.

The legal help hotline is free so that survivors of the tornadoes, who may have lost all that they owned in the storm, can afford quality legal advice.

“Survivors that are unable to afford an attorney can call

the hotline and be connected to a volunteer lawyer that can provide guidance and advice on their case,” ABA Director of Disaster Legal Services Amanda Brown said.

These legal issues may take the form of home repair contracts, property insurance claims, landlord or tenant problems, heirs’ property and more. They can also get assistance applying for FEMA and SBA financial benefits.

“Disaster survivors frequently experience legal issues in the wake of natural disasters. Landlord-tenant and housing issues are common in the first days and weeks after a storm,” Brown said. “Later down the road to recovery, other issues like insurance claims, contractor fraud, and help with FEMA appeals are extremely common. Over 4,000 Mississippians have applied for FEMA assistance, with many of those being low-income.”

To help Mississippi tornado survivors rebuild, service must be long-term.

“With some low-income communities come other issues such as food deserts, healthcare disparities, limited social services, etc. So, when a catastrophic event tears away what little you have, the aftermath is

devastating,” Executive Director of Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project Gayla Carpenter-Sanders said. “We also have to understand that help doesn’t just come from one day of service. We have to commit ourselves to providing service that has a lasting impact on these

communities as they face an even tougher time rebuilding.”

Brown emphasized the crucial nature of legal work following a natural disaster.

“These individuals will have legal issues that stem from the tornadoes for months or even years. Having the sup-

port of an attorney can make a difference in their ability to fully recover and thrive after the storms,” Brown said.

Tornado survivors in need of legal assistance can call 1-877691-6185 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Messages can also be collected after hours.

Bridging the gap: English, neuroscience and STEM in the humanities

The University of Mississippi Department of English invited Vanderbilt’s Cal Turner Chair in Pediatric Neurological Surgery Dr. Jay Wellons as well as UM’s own Caroline Wigginton, a chair and associate professor within the Department of English, for a public lecture entitled Next Chapters. The event took place on Monday, April 17.

Next Chapters is an annual, public discussion whose purpose is to present the life paths of accomplished alumni and clarify career possibilities for English majors.

Wellons earned an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Mississippi and received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Dr. Wellons and Professor Wigginton were joined by two senior students at the university, Edith Marie Green, an international studies major, and Lexie Carpenter, a biology major. Green and Carpenter plan to pursue doctoral degrees.

Dr. Wellons discusses the anxiety he felt going to college and deciding which direction he was going to pursue. The choice to seek a degree in English with the intent to later go to medical school satisfied this personal unease.

“It seemed very comfort-

able to both study literature and try to understand it from the wisdom of the people who have gone before us, but to also move into a field that I thought I could help people within,” Wellons said.

The decision to specialize in neurology was supported by Wellons’ undergraduate study of English, wherein his fascination with the nervous system was further shaped by his deep study and appreciation of soul-infused writing.

Both Wellons and Wigginton share similar, albeit opposing, journeys to their current professions. They compared their careers to “red and blue ocean” occupations. Both sides of the spectrum allow individuals to work creatively, but the red ocean theory is a field in which there is substantial competition.

Wigginton graduated from Ohio State University, earning a degree in both biochemistry and English with a focus in pre-med, and received her Ph.D. in English from the University of Texas.

Upon receiving her undergraduate degrees, Wigginton entered into a corporate job performing consulting work for a technology firm. After years of working within the corporate sphere, Wigginton decided to go back to school. Rather than medical school, she chose to pursue a career in English.

“I remembered how much

I loved the conversations that I had in my high school English classes and college English classes, and I missed the intellectual conversation and discovery. I also thought I would like to teach because I really enjoyed the teaching part and the helping people aspect of the things I had done,” Wigginton said.

Wigginton said that her interest in both the natural science and humanity discipline was widely beneficial to her total career trajectory. She was able to employ a narrative quality to the science she studied and an analytical quality within her literature classes.

Similarly, Wellons acknowledged that his decision to pursue English tremendously impacted his journey during medical school and throughout his career in medicine.

“It really opened up the world of the human condition,”

Wellons said. “It allowed me to see patients, to communicate with them and to understand what they were moving through. … I do know that when you do both the study of people who are writing about love, and grief, and disappointment, and joy and resilience, and then you move into medicine, where the human condition and all of those emotions are all laid bare, it is a time where having an understanding of the humanistic side of things really helps you talk to families.”

The two urged students to seek out mentors to cultivate their growth throughout life.

“You will find people you want to be like, and you want those people as your mentors,” Wellons said.

Wigginton similarly posited that obtaining a committee of mentors is the best guidance she can offer to un-

dergraduate students that seek a higher education.

Danita Chum, a freshman allied health studies major, and Kylee Pop, a freshman biochemistry major, were intrigued by the application of a humanities degree within the realm of medicine.

“As a sociology minor, I am excited to learn about the possibilities of applying my knowledge of the study of society within my future career as a nurse, specifically how this study will benefit my interactions with future patients,” Chum said. Pop felt similarly inspired.

“From a pre-med standpoint, Dr. Wellons’ journey into medicine and Professor Wigginton’s journey into English reveals that there are different outlets you can pursue and still achieve the same goal, especially within the medical field,” Pop said.

SEDLEY NORMAND / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

LILY GISCLAIR thedmfeatures@gmail.com

Countless women studying at the University of Mississippi or living in Oxford are familiar with the trendy boutique Miss Behavin. Situated on the Square, Miss Behavin proudly stands as a go-to shop filled to the brim with carefully curated clothing for all occasions.

As popular as Miss Behavin is, few know the name and story of the woman behind the shop.

Ivy Jackson has earned the distinction of being a role model in Oxford after years of building her business, along with building the confidence of the young women she employs.

Born and raised in Ripley, Miss., Jackson began her journey towards starting Miss Behavin when she was 21 years old.

“I went to Northeast Community College and played tennis for Northeast,” Jackson said. “I only went to a two-year university, and that was the extent of my college career because I opened my first door when I was 21.”

Jackson’s first store, “Clothes Minded,” failed to satisfy both her hopes and financial needs. In the face of adversity, she refused to give up.

Fortunately, Jackson possessed a female role model of her own to guide her: her mother.

“My mom had a shoe store called My Favorite Shoes in Oxford,” Jackson said. “She told me, ‘Oxford is busy, you

Arts&Culture

The ‘Miss’ behind Miss Behavin

know. If you’re doing this to make a living, you probably need to do it in a college area.’”

Heeding her mother’s advice, Jackson steered her sights towards Oxford. Having already started one store that wasn’t a success, she approached her new project with a different mentality.

“I had to rethink what I was going to do. I couldn’t just be in it because I love fashion. I had to make money with what I have here,” Jackson said.

She recognized that the University of Mississippi would be only minutes away from her new store, meaning that the college students would be her main clientele.

In the past, she sold mainly high-end clothes. However, due to her new location, she defied previous products and began tailoring her new business around her new buyers.

“I’m here to make money and provide a service, which is bringing the best fashion I can to Oxford at the most affordable price,” Jackson said.

The name of the store, she decided, would be a play on the words Ole Miss. In 2003, Miss Behavin was born.

As a 43-year-old woman, with three children, Jackson acknowledges her style may not be parallel with the fashion popular among college students. When asked how she stays up to date on fashion trends in a college town, Jackson credits her dedicated employees.

“Nobody wants to dress

like me anymore,” Jackson said with a laugh. “It’s my employees. It’s who I hire that creates the vibe over the season. Everybody has a say in what we buy. That’s kind of our secret too, you know. Most places want it their way, and they want to show their style in their store. I think that’s where a lot of stores, especially small boutiques, make mistakes.” Jackson said. She also makes a point to hire young women of different backgrounds and personal styles.

“What I try to do is em-

body every girl at Ole Miss, so I don’t have the same type of girl across the board,” Jackson said.

Entrusting her employees with a voice in decisions resulted in increased success for Miss Behavin, and it also provided a safe and uplifting environment for this generation’s upcoming business women while building their confidence.

“Miss Behavin is about empowering women. We try to build each other up and stay positive all the time. We help each other go up in life

you know?” Jackson said.

Though she said she could write a book on do’s and don’ts, she offers this brief piece of advice to women who have an interest in starting their own business.

“You’ve just got to be willing to work hard and not give up. I had a point in my business where I had to work extra jobs to get it (Miss Behavin) off and going at first,” Jackson said. “You’ll do whatever it is you have to do if you believe in what you want to do.”

Miss Behavin welcomes shoppers just off the Square on North Lamar Boulevard.

HG BIGGS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Country music superstar Morgan Wallen is gearing up to bring his “One Night at a Time World Tour” to Ole Miss’ Vaught-Hemingway Stadium Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23.

The country sensation broke onto the scene with his 2016 single, “The Way I Talk.” The double-platinum certified single reached the Top 30 on country radio and opened the door for his first No. 1 single, “Up Down,” to tear up the radio charts the following year.

Wallen’s Vaught-Hemingway appearance follows his chart-topping third studio album, “One Thing at a Time,” which was released in March. The record features his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single, “Last Night,” as well as four other Top 10 songs on the chart.

The project’s accompanying tour embarked on March 15, and Wallen fans in Oxford have been anticipating his visit ever since. One follower of Wallen’s that is

Morgan Wallen locks the Vaught

looking forward to his Saturday show is integrated marketing communications major Mallory Edgin from Dyersburg, Tenn.

“I love Morgan Wallen,” Edgin said. “All of his songs tell a good story. They all have a good beginning, good end — they all have their own special thing to them.”

Edgin went on to say that “More Than My Hometown” was her favorite Wallen song and that it felt relatable to her, since she was from a small town, as well.

Also securing tickets is “Last Night” fan Katelin Johnson, a finance and real estate student from Houston, Texas. She said that she has been anticipating the country concert for a long time.

“I’m so excited,” Johnson said. “I’m ready for it. It’s been a long time coming.”

The opening act for Wallen is fellow country hitmaker HARDY, who currently has a Top 10 song in the ominous “wait in the truck” with reigning Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year Lainey Wilson lending her vocals.

Rounding out the trio of Big Loud-signed country art-

ists performing this weekend is ERNEST, who has collaborated with both Wallen and HARDY on previous projects.

Fans of Wallen already cannot seem to stop singing about

“Last Night,” but after all the buzz he has been making recently around campus, it appears they will be talking about this weekend for, perhaps, even longer.

Morgan Wallen, HARDY

Glen Ballard to be awarded the Medal for the Arts

ed to appropriately and properly award artistic achievements,” Bramlett said.

In April 2022, the University of Mississippi’s Department of Music awarded the late Jim Weatherly the first Medal for the Arts.

On April 20 this year, the list of awardees will expand to include Glen Ballard.

The Medal for the Arts is a product of the university’s desire to honor the legacy of artists who have ties to the Oxford community. Despite the setbacks brought about by COVID-19, Professor and Chair of the University’s Department of Music Nancy Maria Balach collaborated with the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College Associate Director of Development Brady Bramlett to bring this idea to fruition.

While described as an awards ceremony, Balach also dubs it a “celebration.”

“With this medal we want-

Ballard graduated from Ole Miss in 1975 with a triple major and departed for California shortly after in pursuit of a career in music. After quickly getting a job at Sunset Sound Recordings, Ballard’s career kicked off.

He went on to win six Grammy Awards, including one for producing Alanis Morissette’s 1995 Album of the Year “Jagged Little Pill,” and garnered an Academy Award nomination for his work on the song “Believe” from “The Polar Express.” More recently, his work has extended into the realm of theater, including the highly anticipated “Back to the Future Musical” which will head to Broadway over the summer.

He has also served as a producer and songwriter for countless iconic artists.

“Glen is the epitome of col-

laboration,” Bramlett said. Balach describes Ballard as “a renaissance man,” someone who is artistically gifted but also highly appreciative of what art has to offer to the public.

Ballard now lives in Los Angeles. Balach and Bramlett visited him there last August in preparation for his award.

“Glen was ecstatic to come back to work with Oxford,” Balach said.

In addition to being awarded the Medal for the Arts, Ballard will host a series of master classes that began on Wednesday, April 19, and will conclude on Friday, April 21.

The Living Music Resource held a live event with Ballard on Wednesday at the Ford Studio Theatre.

The award ceremony will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at the Gertrude C. Ford Center. There will be performances by Ballard, Brady Bramlett and Addie Pratt, among others.

and ERNEST will perform at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23. The Vaught unlocks its doors at 5:30 p.m. each day.

Country superstar Morgan Wallen is set to bring his “One Night at a Time World Tour” to Ole Miss on April 22 and 23.

PHOTO COURTESY: NARA & DVIDS

Glen Ballard will receive the UM Medal for the Arts at the Gertrude C. Ford Center on April 20.

Environmental activist Heather McTeer Toney introduces new book

highly suitable to lead the future of the climate justice movement through global initiatives and discovering innovative solutions.

In commencement of Earth Week, Heather McTeer Toney spoke boldly about climate activism and debuted her new book, “Before the Streetlights Come On: Black America’s Urgent Call for Climate Solutions” on Monday, April 17 at Off-Square Books.

From becoming the first female, first Black and youngest mayor elected in Greenville, Miss at age 27 to serving as regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Southeast Region under President Obama, Toney has spent her career as an environmental justice leader. She especially strives to place Black communities at the forefront of the environmental movement.

Dedicated to her children, Toney shared that her book is inspired by her love for her family, faith and community as well as her lived experiences as an environmental activist.

“I have gone to places and they’re like, you’re from where? Black folks don’t care about climate change. What are you talking about?” Toney said. “It is so important that people from our part of the country understand that we’re probably more closely connected to the climate environment than a lot of people are.”

Toney shared that Black communities are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change, believing they are

“I use hope throughout this entire book because there’s a lot of climate despair that’s out there,” Toney said. “We need people who are willing to find innovative and creative ways to solve the problem and to listen to different groups about the solutions that currently exist.

In “Before the Streetlights Come On,” Toney discusses how climate change is integral to the conversation surrounding social justice issues.

“I wrote about the experience of connecting and witnessing the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breanna Taylor and how climate was an accomplice to that because of heat,” Toney said. “I wrote about not only how that felt but how it felt as being a Black mother of Black sons and wife to a Black husband.”

Reading from a section of her book titled “The Cultural Appropriation of Collard Greens, Food Insecurity, and the Climate Crisis,” Toney explained how impoverished communities are often burdened by environmental taxes and natural disasters, creating a widespread cycle of energy and resource waste.

Toney urged the audience to not only take part in climate activism by sparking conversations about environmental issues in their communities, but also by vot-

ing in local and national elections.

Toney also encouraged listeners to speak with specific government agencies that dedicate funding to restoration such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture.

At the end of each chapter of “Before the Streetlights Come On,” the author includes at least five things everyone can do to make a

small difference in their communities and offers a collective call to action in the book’s conclusion.

Rather than confining oneself to environment-specific governmental positions, Toney encouraged those seeking to influence public policy to prioritize environmental interests and pursue appointed positions on both a local and state level.

“We live in Mississippi,” Toney said. “We’re concerned

about our climate, our children, our planet, and our environment just as much as anybody else is, and I am so proud to be able to do this as a native Mississippian, as a woman of faith, and as a Black woman who is well educated and can speak just as well as anybody else on these issues.”

“Before the Streetlights Come On: Black America’s Urgent Call for Climate Solutions” is available at Square Books.

UM art alumna molds local pottery business

Brianne Powers uses clay to form her pottery pieces, but it is her adoration for the entire artistic process that inspired her to create her self-titled business, Brianne Powers Ceramics.

The young artist focuses on producing practical art that is also pleasant to the eye. Usually, this looks like eating utensils or common kitchenware.

“It’s all handmade ceramics and pottery,” Powers said. “It’s all functional, utilitarian objects that are meant to be used in the everyday: mugs for morning coffee, bowls (and) plates for the meals that you have. And it’s really to create an intimate moment with art. That’s why I love ceramics so much.”

Powers graduated from the University of Mississippi in Spring 2022 with a BFA in art and an emphasis in ceramics. Although she was initially destined to focus on graphic design, she developed a love for making pottery through a course at the university. The class proved to be formative, as she took a leap and decided to specialize in ceramics.

“I really fell in love with the process,” Powers said. “It’s just very hands on; any touch or mark that you put into it (is) directly on the clay, and somebody can go in and feel that exact mark that you left. It seems more intimate.”

Powers cites Head Professor of Ceramics Matt Long as someone who has been a strong advocate of her in her creative endeavors — both in and out of the art studio.

“Matt Long has been so supportive and so encouraging and just very helpful with how to navigate, not only making art but (also) pitching yourself as an artist to other people,” Powers said.

Surrounded by faculty and friends offering support, Powers’ artistic knowledge blossomed to new heights during her time at the university.

“Ole Miss really taught me the fundamentals of art, how to see your art and different perspectives,” Powers said. “The professors, as well, are just very helpful and understanding (of) where your concept is going.”

Part of Powers’ learned artistic knowledge included making various types of artforms. She believes that this

method makes her a better artist in her respective field.

“(The professors) very much make you touch every medium of art, so I had to do sculpture, printmaking, painting. And while maybe these weren’t my first choice for different art forms, I learned things from each of them,” Powers said.

Though currently making the best of her Oxford stay and learning the ropes of running a small business, Powers revealed that it is not a permanent arrangement. She is waiting for her boyfriend, who she says is another lead supporter of her work, to graduate from the university. However, despite the eventual departure, she admits she is in no rush to vacate.

“I just really like Oxford as a city,” Powers said. “It’s quaint, but it’s still big at the same time. And I just have really awesome resources here for continuing to do ceramics.”

When Powers’ boyfriend graduates, she predicts the duo will spend another year or two in Oxford and then what follows is, mostly, a question mark.

“We’re just going to see where the wind takes me, but it’s definitely going to revolve around ceramics,” Powers said.

Powers currently works at High Point Coffee as well as at her small business. At times, she even has some of her work available for purchase in the coffee shop.

Purchases can be made by messaging Brianne Pow-

ers through her Instagram (@ hb.powers.art) until her website (briannepowersceramics.com) is stocked with items for sale. She encourages visitors to her page to reach out so she can create something they would like.

Saturday, April 29

4am all cars towed left on the square, south lamar, van buren, jackson ave east, chancery builing, all city surface lots

FRIDAY, April 28 4am cars towed on north lamar & monroe ave FRIDAY, April 28

- 11pm Saturday, April 29

- midnight

Heather McTeer Toney introduces her book “Before the Streetlights Come On” at Off-Square Books on Monday, April 17.

CAROLINE MCCUTCHEN / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Rebels claw their way to a 6-3 victory over Arkansas State

Ole Miss (21-16) took care of business, defeating Arkansas State (12-21) 6-3 in their midweek matchup.

Right-handed pitcher Jordan Vera got the start in what would be a bullpen game for the Rebels.

Right out of the gates, Vera struggled to get in a rhythm and didn’t look comfortable. After giving up a leadoff walk in the first inning to Arkansas State’s Wil French, Blake Buriss hit an RBI-single to give the Red Wolves an early 1-0 lead.

Then, Kody Darcy hit an RBI-single and Arkansas State led 2-0 in the first inning.

In two innings of work, Vera gave up five hits and two earned runs. He also had a walk and a strikeout.

Right-hander Cole Tolbert came in the game to replace Vera in the bottom of the third inning.

Making just his third appearance of the season, Tolbert pitched well and silenced the Arkansas State bats.

He threw two hitless innings and struckout four batters.

“He looked super dominant,” head coach Mike Bianco said about Tolbert’s performance after the game. “We’re going to need that.”

The Rebels were finally able to get in the run column in the top of the fifth inning.

With runners on second and third base with one out, Ethan Groff hit a ground ball to the third baseman who threw it to Arkansas

State catcher Dylan DeButy to make the tag at the plate. But DeButy didn’t apply the

tag and Peyton Chatagnier was safe to give Ole Miss its first run of the game.

Then, with the bases loaded and one out, Calvin Harris drew a walk to bring in another run for the Rebels and tie the game 2-2.

Arkansas State ended up re-taking the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning, 3-2, after an RBI-sac fly was hit by Brandon Hager.

But the Rebels answered in the top of the

sixth inning and tied the game at 3-3 thanks to an RBI-single by John Kramer.

Ole Miss had the bases loaded with one out in the top of the seventh inning when all of a sudden Arkansas State threw a wild pitch to give the Rebels a run and their first lead of the game, 4-3.

Ethan Lege got things going in the top of the ninth inning, hitting an RBI-single to give the Rebels a 5-3 lead. Kramer then hit an RBI-sin -

gle of his own and Ole Miss extended the lead to 6-3.

Lege and Kramer both had good performances at the plate. Lege went 2-for3 with an RBI and Kramer went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI.

Despite their offense coming to life late in the game, the Rebels had their fair share of opportunities to tack on some more runs, but couldn’t capitalize.

They left 13 runners on base and were left

stranded with the bases loaded multiple times.

“We just didn’t take advantage of too many baserunners,” Bianco said after the game. “I think we left six guys at third base with less than two outs, so we could’ve made it a lot easier on ourselves.”

The Rebels will face a tough test this weekend as No. 1 LSU comes to Oxford for a threegame weekend series. Game 1 is on Friday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m. CDT on SEC Network+.

Ole Miss second baseman Peyton Chatagnier runs to first base after a hit during a game against Delaware on Feb. 18.

AIDAN GALLARDO

thedmsports@gmail.com

From the desk of the photo editor, When Billy Scheurman hired me as a staff photographer for The Daily Mississippian in the fall of my freshman year, I was shocked. I am now a junior who has served as the photo editor for the majority of those two and a half years. With both deep gratitude and sadness, I have realized it is time for me to move on from The DM, and I want to thank everyone that I have had the pleasure of working with these past years.

I want to thank several people by name. One of the first football games I covered for The Daily Mississippian was a night game against Tulane during the 2021 season. The game was delayed multiple hours due to weather. I mention this specific game because not only did the weather make it memorable, but it was also the first time I worked closely with many of the older photographers who would become my mentors. Joshua McCoy, Rogelio Solis, Thomas Granning, Logan Kirkland, Thomas Wells, Petre Thomas and anyone else I’ve interacted with in a media workroom, you all have had a significant impact on my life.

I would not be here today if I had not found this community of photographers through The Daily Mississippian. When I struggled with severe depression my sophomore year, this community and my work saved my life. I had nothing to get up for every day except the knowledge that I would get to go to work and shoot a football game if I made it to the weekend. Thank you for accepting me and guiding me as I began my photography career. Being told “You’re one of us, and we’ve got your back” by Rogelio after that football game meant more than I can put into words. I had

never been told explicitly that I belonged somewhere like that before. I sat in my car at 2 a.m. in the Pavilion parking deck and sobbed for about 15 minutes because I was so overwhelmed.

That was the night that I allowed myself to acknowledge that everything else I was pursuing in college was out of a desire to appear “smart” by the majority of society’s standards. That was the night that I decided to irrevocably place myself on the path of photojournalism, and I felt so clearly the freedom that I had found in this career. I dropped my double major in chemistry to focus on my Chinese language major and building my photography portfolio.

I didn’t realize until a friend pointed this out to me, but I was the only woman photographer who covered the 2021 Egg Bowl. In fact, much of the time, I was the only woman photographer in the media workroom that year — or one of two because Carleigh Holt Harbin worked her ass off for Sports Illustrated at many of those games. The point here is that I’ve never felt, at this university, that I am seen as a female photojournalist; I am just a photojournalist. I didn’t have to prove myself any more or any less to others because of my gender. Yes, the bar is on the floor and not being judged for your gender should be the norm, but I know many female photographers don’t have the same experiences I have been lucky enough to have here.

In the Student Media Center, thank you to Dennis Moore, who let me cry in his office when I had to redesign photo pages last minute and will give harsh critiques that somehow don’t feel too harsh; Jared Senseman, for resetting my passwords too many times and being a cheerful and encouraging presence in the office; and to Steven Miller, for always making sure our gear is in order, always being up for a good conversation, and coining

the term “photo boss.”

My final thank you is to professor Michael Fagans. I am not a journalism student. Professor Fagans had no obligation to mentor or advise me, but he did anyway. Thank you, Professor Fagans, for encouraging me when I lost faith in myself (which is frequent), for always being an open door for critique or just a chat and for becoming my de facto advisor and mentor for all things photojournalism.

I guess I’m also supposed to give some advice to the editor(s) and photographers who will come after me. That’s how these types of letters usually go, right? The most important thing, and I cannot emphasize this enough, is to never allow the people you photograph to become an object. Don’t pursue stories because they’re an opportunity to better your own name or add a line to your resume. You, and those you photograph, are humans first. The second you forget that, you lose the most important aspect of being a good photojournalist. Second, arrive early and stay late, that’s when you have the best opportunities to talk to people and scope out the situation. Third, talk to as many people as you can. Ask for people’s names. Know who you are photographing. Fourth, and finally, always take advantage of free food.

Once again, thank you all. My time at The Daily Mississippian has changed the trajectory of my life in ways I never would have believed when I first started working as a staff photographer. I might not wear my heart on my sleeve as I did when I was younger, but a piece of it is in every photo I’ve ever taken. From the late nights to even earlier mornings, it has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as your photo editor.

Live long and prosper, HG Biggs

CLASSIFIEDS INFORMATION

The DEADLINE to place, correct or cancel an ad is 12 p.m. one business day in advance. The Daily Mississippian is published on Thursdays during the academic school year.

Classified ads must be prepaid. All major credit cards accepted. No refunds on classified ads once published.

The DM reserves the right to refuse ads that appear to offer unrealistic or questionable products or services.

To place your ad in The Daily Mississippian Classifieds section, visit: http://www.thedmonline.com/classifieds.

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When thinking about what I would write for my farewell address, I thought about a traditional farewell telling you all how much I’ve enjoyed this experience and how much I’ll miss serving in this position.

I also thought about the journalistic farewell in which I would tell you how much I love storytelling and explain to you how a newspaper works. But I think you all know all of those things, so I’ve decided to go a different route.

My experience at this university and as editor-in-chief of The Daily Mississippian has largely been shaped by my identity as a Black woman — partly because Ole Miss is defined by its racial history and partly because the university celebrated the 60th anniversary of integration during the 2022-23 school term (October 2022). In this farewell address, I’ll instead talk about my hopes and fears for the University of Mississippi.

In a 1998 article for The Daily Mississippian, James Meredith, the university’s first Black student, mentioned that the last hurdle to overcome in regards to integration is making the Black student another regular student and committing to a one school, one student category by 2003. I would say this goal has been achieved. But one of the things I hope we can eventually acknowledge is that allowing Black students to enroll at the university doesn’t equate to accepting Black students as individuals who have earned the right to be here.

Choosing this university is definitely one of the best decisions I ever made because as a student here, I’ve been fortunate in a lot of ways. I’ve been able to be a part of many stu -

dent organizations on campus and meet some of the most wonderful people. I’ve been able to travel to many different places because of this univer -

the amount of Black students I’ve had classes with. The same issue is present when it comes to Black faculty on campus. It’s those things that many

that erase the fact that that is, in fact, a racist symbol?

“Can I touch your hair?” No.

Would I ask to touch your hair?

A lack of representation

In a place where you hardly ever see yourself represented, will it ever be possible to feel as if you belong? My fear is that we’ll never reach that place where Black students truly feel comfortable on this campus — a place where we don’t have to change the way we talk, the conversations we have, the foods we eat or how we wear our hair. I fear that the misunderstanding of Black life and Black culture will always be a problem. I fear that, despite our best efforts, the university’s racist history will linger in the shadows forever.

But my hope — and I have more hope than anything — is that we will continue to recruit Black students, and in a few years when a Black student chooses this university, they won’t enter a classroom and be the only Black student. Representation is vital, and without it, convincing other Black students that this is a place where they can get a quality education and feel they are welcome will be quite difficult. My biggest hope is that more Black students will choose to call this university home, and this university will choose to make Black students feel at home.

sity. But to say my experience is representative of the Black student experience is far from the truth, which calls into question whether this university is truly capable of creating spaces for minority students.

You can walk this campus for 20 minutes and never encounter another student of color. I can physically count

THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN EDITORIAL staff

RABRIA MOORE editor-in-chief dmeditor@gmail.com

VIOLET JIRA managing editor dmmanaging@gmail.com

ZACH SPOONER copy chief thedmcopy@gmail.com

HAL FOX MARY BOYTE news editors thedmnews@gmail.com

AIDAN GALLARDO sports editor thedmsports@gmail.com

JANE ROB PANNELL assistant sports editor thedmsports@gmail.com

HG BIGGS photo editor thedmphotos@gmail.com

ASHTON SUMMERS assistant photo editor thedmphotos@gmail.com

JUSTICE ROSE opinion editor thedmopinion@gmail.com

KHARLEY REDMON arts and culture editor thedmfeatures@gmail.com

WILL JONES assistant arts and culture editor thedmfeatures@gmail.com

ERIN FOLEY LIBBY FLANAGAN design editors thedmdesign@gmail.com

people think are small that worry me about this campus.

Wonder what I mean by those “small things?”

“You’re well-spoken.” Yes, I am well-spoken, thank you for the compliment? But what convinced you I wouldn’t be?

“We’re not using (insert any racist symbol) in a racist way.” I understand, but does

SAVANNAH SHOOK SEDLEY NORMAND visuals editors thedmvisuals@gmail.com

CAROLINE BEACH social media editor thedmsocialmedia@gmail.com

BRITTANY KOHNE multimedia editor dailymissmedia@gmail.com

LIZ HAYWOOD online editor

When it is decided that The Daily Mississippian will take an editorial stance on an issue, the following positions will make decisions as the Editorial Board: editor-in-chief, managing editor, copy chief, sports editor and opinion editor.

combined with those “small things” that happen too many times in a day deter Black students on this campus. What you consider small — the way I talk, those racist symbols (used for other purposes), my hair — is something big for me, and I hope that one day that will be acknowledged on this campus.

S. Gale denley student media center

LARZ ROBERTS Director of Student Media

DENNIS MOORE Editorial Director

ROY FROSTENSON Assistant Director/Advertising

JAYLIN JONES

Advertising Sales Manager dmads@olemiss.edu

SALES ACCOUNT

EXECUTIVES

Owen Pustell

Dylan Sheu

Caleb Perkins

Kendall Scott

In his article, Meredith predicted that Ole Miss would be the Harvard of America, and Mississippi would be the picture of the “Good Life.” For Ole Miss to be the “Harvard of America,” in a state that is the picture of the “Good Life” and the “model of equality, freedom and Free Enterprise,” the university needs to ensure that this is a place where minority students feel welcomed for who they are and all the differences they possess.

PHOTO COURTESY: RABRIA MOORE / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN