VARIETY
G.O.O.D. Music mixtape not so good Page 8
Vol. 73 / No. 6
October 4, 2012
www.thejsuflash.com
Students reflect on Muslim outrage due to video
Tiffany Edomondson and De’Arbreya Lee Staff Writers
The man responsible for creating an anti-Islamic video that sparked violent protests around the world has finally been arrested. Fifty-five year old Nakoula Basseley was arrested last Thursday, Sept. 27 for violating terms of his probation, which had nothing to do with the video. Nakoula has been identified as the primary individual behind the United States produced anti-Islamic video entitled “The Innocence of Muslims”, which portrays the Prophet Muhammad as a fraud, womanizer and a child molester. The video was released on YouTube in July and has since sparked controversy and violence in North African and Middle Eastern countries.
Photo:
Anas Alfarra The high profile video has also contributed to several killings and uprisings in several countries, including the death of United States Ambassador Christopher Stevens, a diplomat and two American State Department security officers
Rim Marghli who were killed by a mob attack on the U.S. Consulate in Bengazi, Libya. Dozens of other people have been killed in recent protests. President Barack Obama and other international leaders have tried to block the video
Corinthian Sanders in several countries but it has not ended the riots and people’s perceptions of the muslim’s reaction to the video. People around the world are now pointing the finger to decide who is really responsible for bashing and rocking the
Muslim nation and if the violent murders and riots are justified because of the 14 minute video. Thousands of miles away, Rim Marghli, a Jackson State University graduate English Literature student from Tunisia, Africa said that the video does not justify a backlash of violence. “Based on the facts, these riots in the sake of Islam led to acts of vandalism and thievery of the American Embassy in Tunis and the American School. The American government is going to reopen the school and fix the embassy with the financial support of the Tunisian government,” said Marghli. She added, “Shocked by these unusual types of riots orchestrated by the group of IsStudents Reflect, Cont. on pg.5
For announcements and event information, go to the Student Life homepage @ www.jsusms.edu/studentlife
Good gives good entrepreneurial tips
Jeff Good, owner and operator of Mangia Bene Inc. Trerica Roberson Staff Writer
INSIDE
Jackson State University’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Professional Development af-
firmed its motto, “Where Every Path Leads to Opportunity,” on Oct. 2, at the College of Business First Tuesday Forum. The lecture series gives business students the opportunity to
interact with business entrepreneurs, top researchers, executives and managers from businesses and industries in the Jackson metropolitan area and around the nation. Jeff Good, owner and operator of BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar, Broad Street Baking Company, and Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint, all located in Jackson, Miss., was the guest speaker. All of his restaurants operate a full service catering business, Mangia Bene Catering, with partnerships in dozens of venues throughout the Metro Jackson area. Good, a 1986 graduate of Milsaps College, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Marketing Research degree and is active in the community through several civic and professional organizations. Good said, “A business is an entity that has to be represented; if
JSU Events & Weather .......................................................... 2 Opinion .................................................................................... 3 News ......................................................................................... 4 Variety ...................................................................................... 6
you want to have a business tomorrow then you have to represent it today.” He also explained what it takes to write a good business plan. He advised that when writing a business plan it’s best for your plan to be half written pros and the other half to be itemized financials. Good described his first attempt at securing funds for his business. “How does someone borrow half a million dollars? If you have half a million dollars in liquid assets to pledge against it, boys and girls, men and women, that is the key variable to a capitalistic society; access to capital,” he added. Good gave the three key steps to starting a business without liquid assets to fund it: • Network with people that have means you need. • Asks questions and if you don’t understand, ask more questions until you do understand. • Learn about taking on partners
and limited partnership. Students in attendance explained what they learned from Good. Ode O. Jones, a senior entrepreneurship major said, “What I learned is, quite frankly, there are different ways to finance a business. One way is partners and the little critical details to partnership. You can still get into your market, advertise, set up venues and promote without acquiring the finances right from the beginning.” Quincy Grant, a senior entrepreneurship major said, “I learned a lot of down home things, from the entrepreneur point of view it felt as if we were speaking one on one. It wasn’t what he was saying but what he was showing; you have to be a people person and you have to be able to connect with people of all genres male and female young and older.”
Sports ........................................................................................ 11
• OPINION- Student speaks out about anti-islamic video • SPORTS- The JSU Tigers pounce on Prairie View A&M
The Blue & White Flash Page 2 - October 4, 2012
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Awards & Honors The Blue & White Flash has received numerous awards and honors from the Mississippi Press Association, Black College Communications Association and the Southern Regional Press Institute. The Flash proudly hosted the 2003 and 2010 HBCU Newspaper Conference and Job Fair at Jackson State University.
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DIAMOND JENKINS Associate Editor
TIFFANY EDMONDSON Associate Editor
CANDACE CHAMBERS News Editor
Anna Baynham Taylor Bembery Mark Braboy Tiffany Edmondson Terry Haley, Jr. Donald Hewitt Charmeise Jackson Kachelle Pratcher
Trerica Roberson Crystal Shelwood Davon Tillett Lestine Thomas Mary E. Thompson Nekeisha Walker Derrick Walton Alan Wells
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Publication/Distribution Information The Blue & White Flash is a weekly newspaper written and edited by the students with the counsel of the adviser. Editorials and letters to the editor represent the views of the writer(s). Views expressed within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the faculty/staff, the administration, the student body, or the Board of Trustees. The editors determine the time of the publication and the ethical qualities of all articles. Articles and other materials in The Flash cannot be republished without the expressed written permissions of the editor, adviser and the Student Publications Board at Jackson State University. The Flash is published during the fall and spring semesters, but not during university-recognized holidays, mid-semester and final examinations. The Flash is distributed at various locations around the Jackson State University campus, free of charge to students, staff and faculty. Additional copies may be obtained from the Office of Student Publications.
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JSU Campus Briefs FALL 2012 GRADUATE COMPETENCY EXAM All Master’s level students must submit applications for the Fall 2012 Graduate Competency Examination by 4 p.m. Oct. 11th. This is test is taken prior to registration or during the first term when the student begins work beyond the undergraduate level at JSU. The examination can be taken only once. The test will be administered on Saturday, Nov. 3rd in the Charles F. Moore Building, Room 100. For more information, contact the Division of Graduate Studies at 601-9790342. “MONEY IN THE BANK” PRACTICAL WAYS FOR FAMILIES TO SAVE The “Money in the Bank” Practical Ways for Families to Save presentation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6th on the 3rd Floor of the JSU Student Center, Room 3213 from 9-11 a.m. Lunch will be provided and door prizes will be awarded. For more information contact Human Capital Development at 601-979-0663. J. LEE PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS THE MOVIE “MURDERER” Jackson State University Alumnus J. Lee presents the movie, “Murderer” on Saturday, Nov. 3rd at 7 & 8:30 p.m. in the Russell C. Davis Planetarium located at 201 East Pascagoula Street in Jackson. The ticket price is $10 and may be purchased at jleeplays.com. JACKSON STATE PEP RALLY DATES
JSU vs. MVSU (Homecoming) 10/19/12 12-4 p.m. Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway JSU vs. Alabama A&M 11/9/12 6-7 p.m. Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway JSU vs. ASU (Homecoming) 11/16/12 6-7 p.m. Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway
For more information call the Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion 601- 9794224 or visit www.jsums.edu/ studentlife.
HEALTH EDUCATION The Jackson State University Preconception Peer Educators, College of Public Service and the Department of Physical Education and Recreation will present a seminar on: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder during National Health Education Week. Muktar Aliyu, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Preventive Medicine & Family Medicine will be the guest speaker. The event will take place on Oct. 15, 2012 in the Jackson Medical Mall. For more information, call 601-9798836. BLACK GREEK 101 The Campus Reading Community will host a discussion on: Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs, and Challenges of Black Fraternities and Sororities on Oct. 25, 2012 at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Theater. The book, written by Walter M. Kimbrough analyzes the customs, culture, and challenges facing historically Black fraternal organizations. The text provides a history of Black Greek organizations beyond the nine major organizations, examining the pledging practice, the growth of fraternalism outside of the mainstream organizations, the vivid culture and practices of the groups, and challenges for the future. For more information call 601-9791562, 601-979-1563 or email: HamerInstitute@jsums.edu
TRANSPORTAION TO OUT-OF-TOWN FOOTBALL GAMES JSU Tiger fans can reserve seats on buses to all out-of-town football games. The pick-up and drop-off location will be the parking lot of the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center at JSU. The cost and reservation deadline for each game is listed below. Please add $35 to the cost of the bus if you would like the association to purchase your ticket for you. Montgomery, Ala. $65 Deadline Sept. 28 Grambling, La. $34 Deadline Oct. 16 Lorman, Miss. $24 Deadline Nov. 1 Birmingham, Ala. $53 Deadline Nov. 20 To make a reservation, call business manager Nita Welch at 601-946-0705 or president Joann Jones at 601-214-9574.
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People Speak
Opinion
The Blue & White Flash Page 3 - October 4, 2012 Cartoon: Alan Wells
“DO you feel that the YouTube video that negatively depicted the prophet Muhammad warrants the violence in Libya and other parts of the world?”
Compiled by De’Abreya Lee, Tiffany Edmondson and Terry Haley, Jr. and Diamond Jenkins
Jermaine Patrick Graduate Student Jackson, Miss. Mass Communications “I understand their outrage about their culture being disrespected but they shouldn’t hold all Americans responsible.”
Steven Marshall Senior Mobile, Ala. Accounting
“Violently reacting to the video is wrong. Regardless of what people’s different beliefs are, it doesn’t give people the right to react a certain way.”
Anas Alfarra Senior Gaza Strip, Palestine Computer Engineering
“I feel that every person is obliged to represent their own country. If not, we’ll leave the space for people who are not even from that culture to represent us.”
Student speaks out about anti-islamic video COMMENTARY Osha Thomas Senior Jackson, Miss. Senior Sociology
Ray Davis Senior Jackson, Miss. Political Science
“They don’t have the right to protest or kill out of anger because of the video but I do understand where they are coming from.”
“It’s their righteous choice to do those things, if that’s what they believe in. I know some people who would go all the way out if they talked about Jesus.”
Rim Marghli Graduate Student Tunisia, Africa English Literature
Whitney Harris Junior San Antonio, Texas Chemistry
Corvis Willis Sophomore Raymond, Miss. Civil Engineering
“Yes, it will potentially cause a religious civil war within the country and with other countries that follow the Prophet Muhammad.”
“Yes, because if someone were to talk negatively about someone we look up to, religiously, people in America would be angry about it.”
Darian Hamilton Sophomore Hazelhurst, MIss. Computer Engineering
Ashlee Brown Junior Jackson, Miss. Political Science
“I think it triggered the riots of an extremist group of Islamists that do not represent the common Muslim. These attacks have a bigger agenda than what it seems to be on the news.”
Antionne Ruffin Sophomore Meridian, Miss. Marketing
“Ultimately I believe that the situation will enlighten Prophet Muhammad’s followers on how he was as a leader.”
“Yes, because people look up to the Prophet Muhammad; you can’t negatively depict someone who is considered a religious leader.”
Reagan Harvey Sophomore Columbia, Miss. English “No, it does not warrant violence from Libya; but because they may not be able to exercise their rights as we are, it makes it a problem.”
“It does not justify, but because there is no major separation between the church and the country and he is what they believe in; it should not outrageously offend people.”
Stone Abdullah Guest Writer The recent anti-Islam video cryptically named “Innocence of Muslims” that has spread like the black plague over the MiddleEast and other nations where Islam is the dominant way of life, has indeed invoked violence and hatred. It is as if somebody—or some collective group of individuals flipped the proverbial “switch” and watched the chaos unfold like clock-work. Dozens have died with hundreds injured and no one is sure when peace will be restored. But who could be responsible for the construction of a film that blatantly accuses (without any evidence) a religions’ Prophet of being a child molester, womanizer and a fraud? The answer is far more sinister than popular news media would allow…and maybe that’s on purpose. First, what do most Americans know about Muslims? Many Americans believe that Muslims are either “terrorists”, “islamists”, “radicalists”, “militants”, “Islamic-radicals”, “Islamic-militants” and the list goes on but never are they Muslims. Many believe the 9/11 Commissions’ report on “Islamic-radicals” knocking down the Trade Centers when all of their passports were recovered and black boxes weren’t. That aside, the majority of Americans have little to no respect for Muslims, and those that do are marginalized or not publicized.
And it’s not just in America; remember in 2006 when a Dutch artist in Denmark produced a derogatory cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad? There was not much public outcry (aside from the Muslims), and it wasn’t treated as antisemitic—even though Arabs and Hebrews are semitic. And let’s not be mistaken, Christians, Jews and Muslims get mocked alike. But, mock a Muslim, things are fine; mock a Jew, pay a fine. Enter the anti-Islam video. According to thestar.com, a host of extreme individuals from Coptic and Evangelical Christians in America to so-called extremist Muslims in Egypt are to blame for the production and promotion of the video. Why? Political gain. I am a Sunni Muslim, meaning the majority of the 1.5 billion on earth, and it saddens me to see other Muslims react violently, however, against those not responsible for this grave slander. Muslims should not consider a “take it lying down attitude” towards mockery of Islam, but neither should Muslims exceed the limits set by Islam. For instance, the Shariah law in Islam for the penalty of slander is death to those who’ve done it— and this means proving their guilt, not by random choice. However, because Shariah law also tells us that we must obey the laws of the country we live in, common sense says we can’t exercise that penalty. Unfortunately, Islam is the most slandered on and berated religion on the planet; even so there is deep, emotional attachment with its believers. Regardless of such, our faith must take precedence over our emotions and I can only pray
that it happens soon. Secondly, if those who incite Muslims didn’t know how easily it was to incite them, they wouldn’t work so hard to do it. What they’ve perpetrated is evil and should be protested not only by Muslims, but any person of faith. Third, Muslims should know better. This sort of orchestrated incitement has been done before and if the Muslims cannot recognize when they are being manipulated, the joke is solely on us. That being said, the Muslims who violently reacted are of poor, unemployed younger aged males who have nothing to lose for their country is already disenfranchised. In contrast the American Muslims, who aren’t spoken about, do not react violently but speak of their discontent about the video. What does this mean? The framing of Muslims as nothing but uncivilized people must be perpetuated just to ensure that in America at least, little to no influence from them can exist. So far it has worked. My final reaction to this abomination is that it does not hurt me, my brothers and sisters in Islam, nor does it affect Islam in any way—contrary to our intolerance of slander. Why? We believe that those who commit such atrocities shall eventually face the ultimate penalty… which if I may, helps me sleep. The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.
The Blue & White Flash Page 4 - October 4, 2012
News
Charges to student organizations and refund checks top SGA meeting agenda
Thursday, Oct. 4 - SGA Meeting Student Center Theatre 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
For More Information Contact SGA President, Brian Wilks at 601.979.0494 Special to the Flash Brian Wilks, known for his motto, “For the People,” is using his “street team” to get the word out about what he calls student body meetings like the one scheduled for today (Thursday) at 5 p.m. in the Student Center. The meeting is opened to all students.
As president of the Jackson State University Student Government Association, Wilks shared the agenda for the meeting, which will include presentations from Dr. James Cox with the Office of Community Affairs and Events and Michael Thomas, vice president for Business and Finance. Both Cox and Thomas will address issues important to the student body, Wilks said
Cox will explain the university’s new policy for charging student organizations up to 30 percent cost for the use of campus facilities. Thomas will discuss issues with registration, financial aid, refund checks and financial services. Wilks said he invited the two administrators because students have questions and concerns. “I understand that there are bills to be paid in regards to facilities, and outside vendors that use Jackson State facilities should be charged, but I disagree with charging student groups and organizations that are engaged in fundraising for scholarships and good causes,” said Wilks. Also on the October agenda is: SGA book stipends and president’s scholarship; J-Tran Bus Service; SGA budget; Homecoming and other events; and voter registration deadline. Wilks said an estimated 390 students attended last month’s SGA meeting, due in large part to the efforts of the “street team” of volunteers who assist student leaders with reaching out to other students via various social media such as twitter, facebook and instagrams.
Consequences of hazing discussed during Symposium
Anna Baynham Staff Writer Anti-Hazing Week, held from Sept. 24-28, was a week designated to enlighten students on the consequences of hazing and also served as an opportunity for Jackson State University to promote the prevention of
hazing. Another key component of the week was to inform students, faculty and staff of how to identify hazing, along with the actions that should follow once it occurs. Marcus A. Chanay, Vice President for Student Life at JSU and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., was the speaker at
a campus-wide discussion with students and faculty on the difference between hazing and tradition. He spoke about personal experiences and talked about examples of hazing incidents locally and throughout the country. He reminded those in attendance that not only is hazing wrong, it is also a crime. Chanay, who recently attended a national forum on hazing, talked about new legislation that is being proposed in response to the death of Robert Champion, a band member at Florida A&M University. In response to Champion hazing incident, Florida Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson is trying to pass a bill that would deny federal financial aid to students who are punished by colleges or convicted by states for hazing others. The law would put hazing in the same category as assault and murder. Chanay added that hazing is not just common to Greek-letter organizations, but is found in other student clubs, organizations and groups, even at the high school level. William Jenkins, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,
Inc., and junior mass communications major from Mobile, Ala., said, “It is very important for students to not only be enlightened (on hazing prevention) but also to be shown how to implement hazing prevention.” “I am glad that Dr. Chanay informed the students the importance of knowing that you do not have to be a part of a Greek organization in order to be hazed,” said Shakira Wright, a senior criminal justice major from Chicago, Ill. “It’s important for the campus to be enlightened on how to prevent hazing.” Chanay encouraged all students, faculty and staff to take a stance on hazing and be bold enough to simply say, “No.” There are three options for reporting hazing incidents at Jackson State: 1. Submit a report to the Division of Student Life or Campus Police 2. Speak directly to Gary Crosby, Director of the Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion, Dean of Students Phillip Cockrell or Chanay. 3. Utilize the Red Flag Alert. The Red Flag Alert sys-
tem can be accessed at via the home page of the JSU website at www.jsums.edu and the Student Life website www.jsums.edu/ studentlife. Red Flag is completely anonymous. The Jackson State Anti-Hazing Policy as found in Appendix G of the Student Handbook, defines hazing as any action taken or situation or intimidation created, intentionally whether on or off-campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, or the breaking of the school’s rules. Aside from university sanctions for this offense, Section 973-105 of the Mississippi Code Annotated details the punishment for those found guilty of the crime of hazing. Some of the penalties include, but are not limited to: • Any person violating the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both.
News LN C u rg e s a w a r e n e ss a n d sa fe ty Candace Chambers and Mary Thompson Staff Writers
Songs such as “Because I Got High” by Afroman and “Blame It (On the Alcohol)” by Jamie Foxx, glamorize the effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Because of these media influences and others, it is essential to be aware of the risks of the improper use of drugs and alcohol. The Latasha Norman Center for Counseling and Disability Services presented an outreach presentation, “Let’s Talk. Say No to Drugs & Alcohol,” on Oct. 1. The center is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center. The presentation, conducted by Terrance Johnson, a therapist at the center, emphasized that alcohol and drug use can be a gateway during or after traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, death, and loads of stress. The substances are often easily accessible by college students. Johnson warned against partying and clubbing alone. He also advised students to use the buddy system because it becomes more dangerous when a person is alone in the event of intoxication. He encouraged students to know who is making the alcoholic drink and the ingredients mixed into it. Common items that are being wrongfully used to induce intoxication include: bath salts, mouthwashes such as Listerine, pain killers, antibiotics, glue, permanent markers, spray paint, and household cleaning supplies. “Molly,” a new form of the drug, Ecstasy, is a mix of plant fertilizer and synthetic fertilizers. It is the purest form of the drug MDMA (methylenedioxy and methyl amphetamine) in a powder or crystalline form. There is no explanation for the
Information on the next drugs and alcahol prevention outreach event. name; perhaps it was chosen for its simplicity, like the drug name, Mary Jane. A number of consequences can be a result of improper use of drugs and alcohol. For example, the use of marijuana is illegal. If a person dies as a result of an intoxicated driver, the driver can be charged with vehicular manslaughter. An expectant mother, who continuously drinks, puts her baby at risk for deformity and fetal alcohol syndrome. On the JSU homepage, students can anonymously report the use of illegal or prescribed drugs by clicking the Red Flag link, if they fear their safety or are in danger. Services at the Latasha Norman Center are available for individuals and couples, along
with group and relationship sessions. Johnson also emphasized the importance of students utilizing the services provided. “The campus culture is changing every year. With each population, different issues and problems arise. Students need to know their options and the resources that are available,” said Johnson. He stressed the seriousness of being proactive rather than reactive. “It’s important to know the services to prevent before it’s a problem,” Johnson added. The next outreach presentation on drug and alcohol prevention will take place on Oct. 4 in Alexander East Residence Hall.
The Blue & White Flash Page 5 - October 4, 2012
St u dents R eflect Cont. from pg.1
lamist radicals called Salafists, not Muslims, who went on and vandalized these locations.” The attacks in Benghazi, Libya, in Tunis, on the U.S. embassy in Cairo and the murder of U.S. ambassador Stevens, has led the State Department to issue new travel warnings in affected cities including Tunisia. Even though these raging rallies have mostly taken place overseas, there are students on campus who are from some of those neighboring countries. With the encouragement of diversity throughout college campuses, Jackson State University is called home by people of many nationalities, religions, and cultures. Even though many Muslims and other African and Middle Eastern religions have received negative stereotypes, one JSU student wants to help shed a positive light on them as well. Anas Alfarra is a senior computer engineering major from Gaza Strip, Palestine and he said that the stereotypes don’t effect him but it gives him the opportunity to talk to more people and convince them to change their perception. “My problem is that this country has a lot of great examples of Muslims and Middle Eastern people starting with this place, Jackson State University. People do not know how many Muslim and Middle Eastern people are very effective in this country and they are proud of being American and serving this country; and teaching Americans and nonAmericans like me to build and improve this country,” said Alfarra. Improving his home country and representing it is a personal obligation for Alfarra. “I feel that every person is obliged to represent their own country. To be a good representation and ambassador of their country, their culture and religion. If not, we’ll leave the space for people who are not even from that culture to represent us,” added Alfarra. Corinthians Sanders, a sophomore art studio and urban development major from Chicago, Ill., is a Muslim and said that his religion is one of the fastest growing religions in the country but too many people try to associate them as being terrorists. “Terrorism was done by the Ku Klux Klan and this happened before this place in time. People fail to learn and realize
their own history, only what’s portrayed in the media and they go on and believe that,” said Sanders. “What’s portrayed in the media and the contents of the “Innocence of Muslims” has caused chaos internationally and on American soil. Some of the violence could have been prevented if YouTube would have accepted the government’s request to block the video in certain countries where the riots were increasing.” Why did it take Google so long to respond to the President’s request while knowing how much this affected people? is the question that Sander’s keeps asking himself to help him understand the video and the reaction behind it. Sanders said that you can’t fault the people because they took it personally. “They gathered in honor to defend their religion but those people didn’t have to get hurt or die. Google could have taken the video down,” said Sanders. In addition to causing outrage, the video has also contributed to a few problems for students. Something that has been overlooked is the fact that there are many international students from the countries affected studying and living in America. “This video has created religious tensions and will make it harder for students who are studying in the U.S. to return to their home countries,” said Sanders. “Once these students return home, their communities may turn their backs on them and may call them cowards for studying in the country where a film was made they degraded their religious faith and culture.” Other students at Jackson State feel that the Islamic reaction to the video was extreme. “It’s morally wrong to react in such a wrong way. I’m sure the Prophet Muhammad wouldn’t want them to react in that way at all if they truly believed in that religion,” said Jesse Leech, a senior criminal justice major from Columbus, Miss. Cedric Sorrel, a sophomore civil engineering major from Atlanta, Ga. said, “A video like that can cause other religions to go against other countries and religions even more than they are today.” Time will pass but the mental scars that were created from the anti-Islam film may take months, years or a decade to heal. First, it was the terrorist attacks that changed the world’s perception of the Muslims and now it’s a video that influenced the Muslims perception of Americans.
The Blue & White Flash Page 6- October 4, 2012
News
Miss JSU implements her “Molding the Minds” program
Taylor Bembery Staff Writer Sarah Brown, Miss Jackson State University 20122013, has put her “Molding the Minds” mentoring program into action. “Molding the Minds” pairs JSU freshmen with
upperclassmen, and upperclassmen with JSU alumni and employees in an effort to provide guidance to students and produce student leaders and academic scholars. More than 100 freshmen have signed up for a mentor, and over 50 upperclassmen have enrolled to mentor
them. “When I first came to JSU as a freshman, I had no one who was around my age to talk to about general advice only an upperclassmen would know ; simple things like that. I said that once I got in a leadership position, I would give the incoming
JSU Celebrates High School / Community College Day
freshmen what I never had,” said Brown. Mekel Johnson, a junior marketing major and mentor in the “Molding the Minds” program from Los Angeles, Calif., believes that the program has given her the chance to better herself. “I wanted to be a mentor because I didn’t want anybody to start school how I started school with no positive guidance,” said Johnson. Johnson also believes that the program is helping her gain more responsibility. “I’m learning that my actions affect other people and they can be mimicked by my mentee. I’m trying to better myself by mentoring someone else in a positive way,” said Johnson. Jessica Stubbs, a freshman psychology major from Ridgeland, Miss. and Mekel Johnson’s mentee in the “Molding the Minds” program, explained that being in a mentoring program was nothing new to her. ”During my senior year at Ridgeland High School, I
was a mentor at an elementary school and I thought it would be interesting to actually be a mentee to someone,” said Stubbs. Stubbs added that being in this program gives her the opportunity to call someone her “Big Sister”. “I encourage freshmen to get mentors because it gives them a chance to have guidance from someone they can relate to easily,” said Stubbs. Brown encourages students to join this program because they will have a chance to build friendships, connections, and bridges that will help them through their college matriculation. “My platform is all about bigger service, bigger impact, and bigger success. This mentoring program falls under impact,” said Brown. Brown encourages all students, faculty, staff and alumni interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee in the “Molding the Minds” program to send an email to missjsu2013@gmail.com or call the Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion at 601-979-4224 for more information. Photos: Dominique McCraney
Hundreds of students participate in various JSU High School / Community College Day activities on Saturday, Sept. 29.
Variety
The Blue & White Flash Page 7 - October 4, 2012
Risque’ t-shirts: fashion statement or foolishness
Photo: From 1967 Jacksonian Yearbook
JSU students in 1967 Taylor Bembry Staff Writer Most of us have seen the tshirts that are sold at Spencers, Hot Topic, and other places with obscured and x-rated graphics and sayings on them. Some Jackson State University students wear these t-shirts as a fashion statement. Are these t-shirts a trend or a sign of ignorance and disrespect? The Jackson State University 2012-2013 Student Decorum Policy in the Student Handbook states that students are expected to dress in a manner representa-
tive of a higher education institution and an educated person. Because of this, students wearing t-shirts with x-rated expressions, vulgar pictures and other offensive images may be in violation of this policy and subject to sanctions. After perusing several editions of the JSU Jacksonian Yearbook from the 1960s to the late 1970s, JSU student in 2012 it was evident that most students dressed in attire that was both fashionable and tasteful while at- tion of higher learning. tending class. However, this ideal no longer Their dress seems to reflect, as seems to be in fashion for the 2012 the Decorum Policy states, their student. Risqué t-shirts, clothing educational status at an institu- that leaves little to the imagina-
THE FLASH and eXperience
Photo: Terry Haley, Jr.
tion, sagging pants and more can be seen on students in class and around campus. Student’s opinion of this behavior varies.
Carlos Smith, SGA Associate Chief Justice and a junior psychology major from Jackson, Miss., said, “I feel that at Jackson State University we came here to get an education and we are scholars. People are walking around with different profanities on their shirts. I do not feel that’s a good representation of the students here,” said Smith. Smith added that he feels these t-shirts are not a fashion statement in any way. Shaquilla Williams, a sophomore biology pre-nursing major from Flora, Miss., had mixed feelings about the issue. “I feel like it’s very disrespectful especially if it’s towards women. If I see a guy with a shirt like that on I will judge him automatically just because he has on a shirt like that,” said Williams. Williams feels that student representations in the past and present should be different. “Times have changed, so our clothing is very different now,” added Williams. “I think students wear risqué t-shirts for fashion but I don’t think they know how bad they look with it on because it is somewhat disrespectful. However, some students just wear them for fun.” Some students cannot wait to put on their favorite t-shirts for this year’s homecoming social events, which will probably range from traditional JSU blue and white to everything in between; however, students just ask yourself “Do I want this t-shirt to be a representation of me and JSU?”
JOIN
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4. French Montana - Pop That 5. Future - Turn On The Lights
The Blue & White Flash
Page 8 - October 4, 2012
Variety
G.O.O.D. Music mixtape Chinese Moon Tea Festival not so good celebrated at Jackson State MUSIC REVIEW
Candace Chambers News Editor
Photo: Google Images
The Chinese Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, occurs on the 15th day of the 8th Chinese lunar calendar every year. On this day, families unite and the moon is its brightest and fullest. Sure enough, the moon was shining, Sept. 28th, through the windows of Ballroom A of the Student Center. On this evening of a glowing full moon, Jackson State University students of different ethnicities gathered to experience Chinese culture through music, food, language, and dance. The program included Chinese poetry, folktales, and a skit, all performed by students of both Chinese and American culture. The ladies wore brightly colored Cheongsams, which are Chinese garments. Musical instruments included a harmonica, guitar, and a hulusi. Some foods for the evening were sweet and sour chicken, fried dumplings, sushi, and moon cake. Moon cake, a thick pastry filled with red azuki beans, is often served with tea at Chinese Moon Festivals. The audience interacted with laugh-
ter and through singing. The students also performed “Jambo Bwana,” a Kenyan greeting song in the Swahili language, welcoming all cultures, including the Chinese, into the country. Shantelle Hughes, a Chemstry graduate student from Centreville, Miss. enjoyed the festival. “It was really good. I know a lot about Chinese culture because my professors, whom are Chinese, teach us different things,” said Hughes. Mei-Chi Chen Piletz, Director of Jackson State’s Office of China Initiatives expressed her joy of the work and participation of the Chinese students. The evening ended her 17 year tenure at JSU. She told her students and the audience, “I am so blessed.” Hongato Yu, professor and Chair of JSU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, felt that the festival was great for the mingling of different cultures. “The mixture of people provides an opportunity to get to know about Chinese culture. The Chinese students can feel at home,” said Yu. He added, “JSU international interaction can bring Chinese students to JSU and JSU to China.”
“Cruel Summer” album cover. Anna Baynham Staff Writer Another anticipated album was dropped recently by G.O.O.D Music, founded by rapper Kanye West. “Cruel Summer” was released Sept. 13 and to some the album was a big letdown, for others it was the album they had waited on after a summer of hype. Kanye West made sure that each of his artists signed to the G.O.O.D Music label got their shine on more than one track of the album. Feature artists like R.Kelly, Common, Kid Cudi, The Dream, and Ma$e also made an appearance on different tracks of the CD as well. With 2Chainz, Pusha T., Teyana Taylor, being the newest members of the G.O.O.D Music label, the appropriate track for the new members would have to be “Clique”. The lyrics of the song are pretty self explanatory. The song is basically stating that no other music label could possibly compare to G.O.O.D Music. The progressions of Big Sean enhancing his lyrics are definitely shown on the track. His confidence also shows that he is capable of going toe-to-toe with rap genius’ Kanye and JayZ. In spite of other music reviews saying that they loved the album, I on the other hand do believe that the album could have been better. Personally, I did not like the album at all. I believe that that the album did not stand up to
all of its hype. After listening to the CD over and over again, I could not force myself to even begin to like the album. I was not really shocked that I was not the only one who viewed the album this way. There seems to be a 50/50 split on the topic. Robert Roberts, a senior computer engineering major, from Jackson, Miss., said, “The rapping is okay but the production is great. Overall I would give the CD an 8/10.” Michael McElroy, a senior business management major, from Jackson, Ms., “It’s really just a bunch of pretty good songs put together. It’s just not a consistent sound.” “Cruel Summer” debuted number two in the music charts. The CD was beat out by singer Pink’s album entitled “The Truth About Love”. This was surprisingly the first time since 2004 that Kayne West has not debuted at number one on the charts since his high acclaimed album “College Dropout” was released. Those of you who are major Kanye fans will of course go out and purchase the album or buy it on iTunes if you have not already. I am a huge Kanye fan so maybe that is why this album release is a major let down. Inspite of this disappointment, just like rest of you, I too will be anticipating more music from not only Kanye but also from the rest of the G.O.O.D Music group.
Photo: Dominique McCraney
Performance by students at the Chinese Moon Tea event.
The Blue & White Flash Page 9 - October 4, 2012
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The Blue & White Flash
Page 10 - October 4, 2012
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Sports
The Blue & White Flash Page 11 - October 4, 2012
The JSU Tigers pounce on Prairie View A&M Panthers
Photo: JSU Media Relations
JSU football players during game earlier this season. Donald Hewitt Staff Writer The Jackson State University Tigers came into the game against Prairie View A&M University with a record of 1-3 (1-1) in the SWAC. Before a small crowd of 6,566, JSU looked to start this game with energy and intensity after showing a sluggish
start to Southern University last week before in the loss of their first home game. Prairie View (0-4) came into the game the hoping to gain momentum with a win in one of the toughest stadiums in the SWAC, The Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. On this wet and rainy afternoon, Prairie View elected to receive. The
Panther’s offense broke through after a fumble by RB Tommy Gooden which was recovered by Tyler Dickson. It didn’t take the Panthers long to capitalize on the Tigers turnover. The Panther offense was rewarded for their efforts as sophomore RB Courtney Brown rushed in from eight yards for the team’s first score of the night. Chris Barrick’s extra point attempt was successful as the Panthers claimed an early 7-0 first quarter lead. On the ensuing drive, JSU drove all the way to the PVAM 5 yard line but the Panther defense came up with a huge fourth down stop as Jackson State’s Dedric McDonald threw an incomplete pass out of the end zone. Entering the second quarter, the Tiger’s defense entered thirsty for a turnover. JSU was able to get what they wanted as Qua Cox intercepted the pass thrown by Jerry Lovelocke. Despite the interception, the Panthers came out on top after the next JSU offensive possession as JSU missed a 28-yard field goal attempt. In the second quarter, PVAM fullback Krys Watkins took a fake punt 34 yards to the JSU 17 on fourth down. however, the Panther offense stalled and they had to settle for a 30-yard field goal from Barrick en route to a 10-0 lead that stood until halftime. Jackson State made a quarterback switch to begin the second half and came up big as backup Clayton Moore led the Tigers to the PVAM 11 yard line before suffering an injury on the opening drive. Despite the injury, JSU managed to find the end zone for the first time all afternoon as Rakeem Sims punched it in for a 1-yard run. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful though as the panthers led 10-6 at the 11:31 mark.
The next drive began in favor of the Panthers as wide out Robert Primes caught a 28-yard pass from Lovelocke to move into JSU territory. However, the drive crashed and burned two plays later as Lovelocke’s pass was picked off by Cox. Jackson State used the momentum to drive down the field and move ahead as Sims scored on a fourthdown conversion. The extra point attempt was good as the Tigers jumped ahead 13-10. The Sonic Boom of The South and fans celebrated as the Tigers took the lead. Freshman kick returner Johnta’ Hebert broke free for a 69-yard kickoff return on the next play to excite the Panther faithful. A personal foul was attached to the play, which gave the Panthers outstanding field position at the JSU 10. But once again, the dark side defense stepped up and stopped the Panthers attack. PVAM couldn’t capitalize as the Tiger’s defense forced a tackle for a loss, sack and incomplete pass on the drive. Prairie View did manage to get something out of the drive, as Barrick’s 32-yard field goal was good for a 13-13 tie. The Panther defense forced a three-and-out on the next possession but went backwards offensively as a penalty and two tackles for loss were recorded deep in their own territory. Forced to punt on 4th-and-8, the punt was mishandled in the end zone and JSU moved ahead by a touchdown after Willie Bell jumped on the ball with 27 seconds left in the third quarter. The Tigers virtually shut down their offense as the defense was able to hold the PVAM offense to 0 points in the fourth. The Tiger’s offense woke up and tacked on two more touchdowns in a 34 -13 rout of the Panthers.
Lady Tigers send U of NO back to the swamp with a loss William Owens Staff Writer Jackson State University’s volleyball team won 25-20 against University of New Orleans. The match took place on Sept. 25, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the T.B. Ellis gym at Jackson State. The JSU Lady Tigers warmed up the crowd with their pre-game ritual. The first points were scored by JSU, including an ace by senior Christine Edwards. “We all played hard, passes were there which created a good offense which caused the opponent to struggle,” said Edwards. This led to a quick 5-1 lead by JSU, and an opposing team timeout. JSU kept their foot on the gas leading 16-7 throughout the first set. The first set concluded with another ace by Edwards. The second set began with another ace by Edwards. U of NO rose to the competition tying the game 4-4 in the
second set. The Lady Tigers took control of a 13-7 lead half way through the second set. A quick score by U of NO cut the lead to 20-11 for JSU. Three quick scores rapidly decreased JSU’s lead to 22-14. U of NO fought to decrease the lead by five for a score of 24-19. The second set was won by JSU with a lead of 25-19. U of NO started off the third set with a 2-0 lead. The Lady Tigers overcame their early struggles to lead 13-9 half way through the third set. A spike extended the Tiger lead to 18-14. A miscommunication on the offense by U of NO leads to a 23-18 score. A kill on the last play leads JSU 25-20 sending the University of New Orleans alligators back to the swamp and the Lady Tigers to another victory. After the game, Edwards commented again stating, “I feel like when the game is close, we can push through better until the end, basically remain headstrong.”
jsums.edu/homecoming
Photo: Dominique McCraney
JSU volleyball players during previous game.
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