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Vol. 75 / No. 26
PG.9
April 16, 2015
www.thejsuflash.com
Congratulations to the 2015-2016 SGA & Class Officers
Charence Higgins Miss JSU
Rashad Moore SGA President
Larry Strickland
Destiny Lawrence
Jasmine C. Jackson
Charance Wright Chief Justice
Jordan Turner Justice
Joyce Winston Justice
Alexis Armstrong Justice
Vernon Lee
Treyvian Durl
Tyinnia Jenkins Miss Senior
Lauren Taylor
Academic Council Senator
Tiffany Holland
Academic Council Senator
Congratulations to the winners of the 2015-16 Student Government Association elections held from April 1013 at Jackson State University. Students are to be commended for participating in the student leadership process and going out to vote for the candidates of their choice. Students who voted have made their decisions and not only should that process be respected, all the winning candidates deserve
INSIDE
Executive Vice President
Mr. Senior
the support of the entire JSU student body. Rashad Moore, a criminal justice major who has served as the business manager as a freshman, Mr. Sophomore, and currently serves as his junior class president, won the SGA President position. Moore’s platform was, “Time for Moore: More innovative and effective leadership; More philanthropic service; More student activism and
JSU Events................. 2
Executive Secretary
inclusion; and More elevation of the collegiate experience”. “I can honestly say that it’s the student morale that’s one of the biggest issues that we have this year. And I feel that not one organization can fix that, it takes a collective effort. Not only the SGA, but you have MADDRAMA, you have dance ensemble, you have the Sonic Boom of the South. We have to make sure that we build those relationships with other
Opinion...................... 3
Executive Business Manager
Special Interest Senator
Christopher Allen
Senior Class President
organizations on campus to then make us as a whole be prosperous,” said Moore. Charence Higgins, a speech major from Madison, Miss., will take over the reigns as 2015-2016 Miss Jackson State University. She currently serves as Miss Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., Delta Phi Chapter, and MADDRAMA member. Her platform was: No L.I.M.I.T.S: No Losing Insight on My Intelligence, Talent and Service.
News......................... 4
Variety................ 5
Ruqayya Calmes
Executive Parliamentarian
Kendall Bunch
Special Interest Senator
Raymond McCanks Senior Business Manager
“Winning the election feels surreal. It’s incredible and something I dreamt about since I was a freshman. I’m excited and ready to implement my platform. No L.I.M.I.T.S.’” See page 4 and 9 to view the complete voting tally and photos for all 2015-2016 SGA election winners. Jeremy Anderson, Laura Coleman, Xylan Epps, and Zerrick Hilliard contributed to this story.
Tiger Fest..... 7
Tiger Events The Blue & White Flash Jackson State University
P.O. Box 18449 Jackson, Mississippi 39217 Phone: 601.979.2167 / Fax: 601.979.2876 E-Mail: theflash@jsums.edu
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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Page 2 - April 16, 2015
JSU Campus Briefs
RESERVE YOUR JSU CHESS CLUB MAILBOX FOR THE CHESS DAY ATTENTION MAILBOX HOLDERS!!!!!All chess players are invited to FALL 2015 SEMESTER It’s time to reserve your the Open Class Competition mailbox forFOR THE theFALL 2015 next and Five Round Tournament. RESERVE YOUR MAILBOX SEMESTER semester. The great news is To play, individual players that it’s not easier than ever. fee is $5 and team players It’s time Use to reserve mailbox next the semester. youryour phone toforscan fee is $20. This event will be The GREAT is that it’s nowOnce easier than QRNEWS code below. youever. held Saturday, April 18 in the Use your phone to scan the QR code below. Once submit your reservations, Jacob L. Reddix Hall on the you submit your reservation, we’ll do all the rest. we’ll do all the rest. Don’t 3rd floor. It will be from 10 delay. It’s and quick Don’t delay. It’s quick easy. and easy! a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This event DEADLINE APRIL 24. is free for JSU students with an ID. For more information, contact Sirak at 601-5038609.
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HONORS AND AWARDS CONVOCATION Jackson State University will DEADLINE: APRIL 24, 2015be holding its annual Honors GRADUATING/ and Awards Convocation on NON-RETURNING Thursday, April 23 at 10:00 The Blue & White Flash MAILBOX HOLDERS am. Classes will be cancelled CLOSE YOUR between the hours 9:30 am and ATTENTION!!! MAILBOX 1:00 am. The event will take It’s time to close your place at the Lee E. Williams SHANNON D. TATUM KIERRA D. THOMAS GRADUATING/NON-RETURNING Publications Manager Graphic Designer mailbox. The great news Athletic Assembly Center. is that it’s not easier than MAILBOX HOLDERS ever. Simply use your 2015 JROTC 5K MARK BRABOY phone toYOUR scan MAILBOX the QR code ANNIVERSARY RUN CLOSE Associate Editor below. Once you submit On Saturday, April 15, JSU It’s time to CLOSE your mailbox. The GREAT NEWS is that it’s now easieryour than ever.closure Simply use your phonecation, to scan the QR notifi Tiger Battalion ROTC program code below. Once you submit your closure notification, we’ll WILLIAM KELLY we’ll do the rest. Don’t in conjunction with the do all the rest. Photographer/Student Designer delay. It’s quick and easy! Mississippi National Guard will Don’t delay. It’s quick and easy. APRIL 24. DEADLINE be hosting the annual JROTC 5K Anniversary Run. For more Jeremy Anderson Elissa McCool information or if you would Orionna Brumfield Dominique McCraney like to volunteer, please contact Gregory Davis, at 601-979-6810 Dejha Carlisle Ashton Nash or email at Gregory.l.davis159. Christoper Chapman Alexis Neely mil@mail.mil. Dwayne Joseph Jr. Brittney Snell Kenya Johnson Reese Tornes DEADLINE: APRIL 24, 2015 Octavis Lawson Da’Niecia Washington
Letters To The Editor
Letters to the editor are welcome. Editors reserve the right to print or reject for publication any letters received. Letters must include the author’s name(s), address, and phone number; phone number will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for space and libel consideration. Materials must be submitted by Monday at 5 p.m. for publication on Thursday.
Editorial Staff
The Blue & White Flash is open to contributions from all Jackson State University students. We encourage all students, regardless of major and/or classification, to participate in the production of their newspaper. For information concerning your contribution to “The Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University,” call 601-979-2167 or visit room 211 in the Blackburn Language Arts Building.
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.
The Blue & White Flash
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The Blue & White Flash
Opinion
“Would you send your child to an HBCU? Why or why not?” Compiled by Reese Tornes
Ashley T. Moore Senior Political Science Fayette, Miss.
“Yes I would because of the rich history and culture appreciation. Plus HBCU instills a sense of integrity for our race.”
Chai-Lee Hing Senior Biology New Haven, Conn.
“No, from my experiences here I wouldn’t send my child to one.”
Deon Ward Freshman Biology Chemistry Georgetown, Miss.
“Ultimately it is up to them. Just make them aware of the pros and cons; Such as cultural and environmental factors.”
Cartoon: Reese Tornes
Send your child to a Historically Black College Jerricko Veal Freshman Computer Engineer Jackson, Miss.
“I’m not sure, but as long as my kid get and education, it’s ok with me.”
Kamron Robinson Senior Biology St. Louis, Mo.
“With my personal experience, I would send my children to an HBCU to understand more about there culture and people.”
Kierra Watkins Sophomore Biology Pre-Med Jackson, Miss.
COMMENTARY
“Yes I would because I want them to get a excellent experience of an HBCU as such as this one.”
Mark Braboy Associate Editor
Marcina Stewart Senior Industrial Technology Milwaukee, Wi.
Michael Robinson Junior B.S. History Terry, Miss.
“It doesn’t matter as long as they get an education.”
“Yes I would but it would ultimately comes down to what my child wants.”
Nakiya Beaman Junior English Detroit, Mich.
Nylar Hicks Senior Sociology Florence, Miss.
“Of course I would send my child to an HBCU. Where else would he/she learn about their history of our people and share the culture experience?”
“I would because an HBCU can only really educate our children. It also makes a statement and empowers.”
Montre Brook Senior Accounting Memphis, Tenn.
“Yes, an education is an education. As long as the HBCU is an accredited institution, a degree from there is equivalent as any other institutional degree.”
Shamaree Burse Freshman Physical Education Jackson, Miss.
“I think it would be up to my kids to choose a college and me to support them.”
As a current student at an HBCU, I often wonder if I will encourage my children to follow in my footsteps and attend an HBCU. The relevance of HBCUs has been an ongoing debate since historically black colleges were founded. Honestly, despite what some critics say and even though the challenges historically black institutions still face, they are as relevant today as they ever were. Historically Black Colleges and Universities are cornerstones in this country for AfricanAmericans, especially those who come from underprivileged backgrounds. While there are many great predominately white institutions (PWIs),
historically black institutions address the needs of minority students with an understanding that can only come from those who have been where you have been, gone where you gone and done what you have done. HBCUs like THEE Jackson State University provide a nurturing academic atmosphere tempered with cultural understanding for many students like myself, a young African-American man from an urban city blighted by many of the social problems that plague America. But it’s not just the inner city youth like myself that have benefited from HBCUs. I meet people from all walks of life, state and countries at JSU. Every HBCU is different and comes along with different of set of experiences depending on where the location is as well as the background of the students. That is why I do not particularly believe in a singular HBCU experience because they are all different in their own way. The culture of Jackson State University is not the same as a school such as Tougaloo College or Hampton University. While some critics claim that HBCUs do not provide students an
opportunity to experience diversity that is totally untrue. While the vast majority of students here are African-American, many of these institutions include Caucasians, Chinese, Hispanic, African, European and the list goes on and on. HBCUs have been providing students with the opportunity to associate with people from diverse backgrounds, socio-economic levels, and different age groups outside of traditional students. Historically black institutions are answering the call to prepare students for the global market, just as much as PWIs do. Every university and college has its drawbacks and faults. However, an HBCU can make a student’s experience become one that can mold and shape them to be as great, if not better than they would if they attended a “PWI”. So to answer the question, yes, I will encourage my kids to attend an HBCU. Will you?
The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.
News
Page 4 - April 16, 2015
The Blue & White Flash
Jackson State 2015-2016 SGA election results
Treyvian Durr
The Department of Social Work goes Hollywood for a great cause
Photo: Charles Smith President Carolyn Meyers receives portrait at event.
Michael Anthony White MC301 Contributor/Staff The School of Social Work at Jackson State University hosted their first annual Red Carpet Gala on April 11, 2015 in the JSU Student Center. The purpose of the event
was to raise proceeds to provide financial assistance to students and fund faculty and student professional development activities. Attendees came out and enjoyed entertainment, food, door prizes, and a silent auction “We have three social
work programs. We are the only school in Mississippi that has all three, and we have been educating students since 1975,” said Shonda Lawrence, Chair of the Bachelor of Social Work Program. In January, Jackson State’s College of Public Service and School of Social Work were presented a $25,000 check for their outstanding services to the community. “Over the years, our department has really grown. Our students are required to do a field placement for their community service hours. They are expected to gain up to 400 hours of community service,” said Lawrence. According to the Council of Social Work Education, 452 programs provided information on 16,386 students in field placements as of Nov. 1, 2013. Among the field placement categories, child welfare continued to have the highest concentration of students,
followed by family services, school social work, mental health or community mental health, aging social work, and health. “I’m a transfer student; a lot of our transfer students are nontraditional. With the change in curriculum, I can graduate on time and they have treated me so well. It feels like I have been here the whole time,” said Hali Wszolek, a social work major. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), there are many job opportunities for people going to the field of social work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 15.1 percent employment growth for child and family social workers between 2012 and 2022. That translates to approximately 43,100 new social worker positions to fill. “My experience in the social work department has been awesome. I changed my major from business
administration to social work because I want to be able to help those that do not have a voice to speak,” said Tracey Davidson, senior social work major. BLS also reports that social workers who specialize in children and family welfare made a median salary of $42,120 in 2013, according to the BLS. The best-paid 10 percent in the field earned around $72,350, while the lowest-paid made approximately $27,420. This growth is thought to be due to the needs of children and of the aging population, as well as to the fact that substance abusers are increasingly being placed into treatment programs rather than being sent to prison. “Being at Jackson State with the Tiger family has been a wonderful experience, and I would not change it for anything in the world,” said Davidson.
The Blue & White Flash
News
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Tim Reid to teach filmmaking master class at JSU Orionna Brumfield MC301 Contributor/Staff “Are you ready to change the world?” This is the question American actor, comedian, and film maker Tim Reid asked mass communications students during his appearance in the e-Center at Jackson State University on April 9. This is Reid’s second visit to Jackson State and he stated that he was so impressed with the resources available at JSU he came back to offer mass communications students an opportunity to take his two week production master class with a chance to go to London in June. “I bring professionals in from Hollywood, BBC, and various skill sets to work with film makers… We work on the reality of show business for about a week, very intense. For the second week, we do a project of some kind that will be written, directed, produced by the students involved in the program… We’re going to pick two to go with me to London in June. We’re going to be working with filmmakers from all over to see how your skill-sets mesh” said Reid. An in-house news studio, TigerTV, editing lab, state of the art equipment and its own
iCloud are a few of the reasons Reid returned to JSU to offer mass communications majors interested in filmmaking this opportunity. Reid stated that he has been to many schools, but not many have JSU’s resources. “I think that the energy here is good. You have the tools, and don’t let anyone tell you different. For the new program, they (mass communications department) have already talked about getting more equipment,” said Reid. Along with this opportunity, Reid presented a presentation on propaganda and knowledge about it has affected black culture. Believing that negative propaganda against AfricanAmericans is a recurring cycle, Reid uses his presentation to enlighten students all over the country. Reid encouraged students to learn their history, read, and understand the role of mass communications. His presentation was enlightening to many students, including Mark Braboy, a senior English major and associate editor of The Blue & White Flash. “Tim Reid’s lecture was very informative and thorough. He told us about how inaccurate negative images of African-Americans in the media have been used against us since reconstruction and
Photo: Orionna Brumfield Tim Reid poses with mass communications majors at the eCenter@jsu.
continue today,” said Braboy, a Chicago, Ill. native. Elayne Haynes-Anthony, the incoming director of mass communications, stated that she was excited about this new opportunity for mass communications majors. “This is a great opportunity for students and we’re thrilled to have him on campus. He has so much of a passion about filming and since I have been appointed director, I have talked to a lot of students who share that same passion. This is going to give
students the opportunity to grow, to learn more about their craft and travel to see what the world of film making is all about,” said Anthony. Anthony added that the students interested in obtaining a spot in the program only have two weeks to submit their work. From there, they will be evaluated by the board along with Reid. “The master class regarding the program will be taught in May, and that’s after graduation and students need
to understand. He’s going to teach a two week course…He wants to see how many students he’s going to have in the master class and how many students are on board and excited,” said Anthony. Reid challenged all the mass communications students to take advantage of this opportunity as well as others presented at Jackson State. “There’s not an excuse for not having a good professional resume to show, no matter what your skill set may be,” said Reid.
Jackson State Honors College students tour the Mississippi Delta
Photo Provided by Jeremy Anderson W.E.B. Dubois Honors College students standing near statue of Fannie Lou Hamer.
Jeremy Anderson MC301 Contributor/Staff A group of approximately 30 Jackson State University W.E.B Dubois Honors College students toured the Mississippi Delta, one of the most historic regions in South, on April 8, 2015. Hilliard Lackey, associate
professor at Jackson State University, narrated the trip. Lackey, who is from the Mississippi Delta, gave students valuable insight on different facts and the history of places students were traveling through. Driving north on U.S. Highway 49, students arrived in Yazoo City, Miss., to get a look
at the first black hospital in the state of Mississippi. Founded in 1928, the Afro-American Sons and Daughters hospital was funded by citizens and provided low-cost health care for people in Yazoo City. The hospital, once the main provider of health care for blacks in the Mississippi Delta, has now become dilapidated. From Yazoo City, the students traveled to the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, Miss. King were born in Berclair, Miss., but considers Indianola his home. The museum contained videos of King’s life from his early childhood all the way to his older years as a world renowned artist. Different exhibits and artifacts assisted the students in understanding how King rose to the fame he has today. “The part that really stuck out to me was the B.B. King Museum because, as someone who does music, seeing how his music changed the world and really made an impact, I feel like that
could be something I could do as well so he just really inspired me,” said Andrew Jarriet, a freshman entrepreneurship major from East St. Louis, Ill. Mississippi Valley State University was the next destination for the group. MVSU was founded in 1950 and provided black students in the Delta with a place for higher education. Students got a glimpse of life at the rural university by the narration of Lackey, who also teaches at MVSU. Students then traveled through Money, Miss., to see the store where Emmitt Till supposedly whistled at a white woman. History records that the woman’s husband, along with others, kidnapped Till and performed one of the most heinous and gruesome murders in American history. The next destination was Ruleville, Miss. The small town is the location of Fannie Lou Hamer Gardens, the burial site of Civil Rights activist
and Delta native, Fannie Lou Hamer. Students took pictures of the gravesite and the statue dedicated to her. After a ride to Clarksdale, Miss., students were fed lunch at Coahoma Community College. After eating, students from JSU and CCC had a meet and greet. On the way back to Jackson, students were granted the opportunity to pass through Mound Bayou, Miss., a city that was founded as an all-black town in Mississippi. Students also toured Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. To end the tour, students enjoyed southern cuisine at Walnut Hillcrest in Vicksburg, Miss. For some students, the tour was eye-opening. “I just learned that today as young people, just because we didn’t go through the struggle of the Civil Rights Movement, segregation, the lynching … that I really have a privilege over my ancestors and forefathers because they went through that. Why am I living a mediocre
News
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The Blue & White Flash
Alysia Burton Steele inspires mass comm students Mark Braboy Associate Editor
Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist, author and professor, Alyssa Burton Steele is on a mission to tell the stories of women from the Mississippi Delta. Steele spoke to mass communications students on April 14 at the eCenter@JSU about her book, “Delta Jewels”, a collection of portraits and first-hand accounts inspired by the memories of her grandmother that pay tribute to 50 African-American women of the Mississippi Delta. Elayne HayesAnthony, director of the Jackson State University Mass Communications Department, said Steele’s visit is a great opportunity for students to hear from a multi-talented media professional. “We are so glad that Alysia Burton Steele has chosen to share her book with us at Jackson State,” said Anthony. “Her book is a treasure and her multi-media skills will be demonstrated to mass comm students as she answers questions about the field and her most recent research.” With the memories of her grandmother close at heart, Steele spoke to students about how her relationship with her grandmother inspired the book. “I started the book because I wasn’t thoughtful enough or insightful enough to interview my grandmother while she was still here. And when I moved to Mississippi and saw the cotton fields, I saw the Delta, I started thinking about my grandmother,” said Steele. Steele added: “I never
Photo: William Kelly Photojournalist and author Alysia Burton Steele during interview with the Blue & White Flash.
asked my grandmother of her childhood. I was too busy butting heads with her and fighting over things that didn’t matter and I wasn’t asking her about her. And she passed away 20 years ago, so I couldn’t pick up the phone and call her and be like, ‘you are not going to believe what I’m seeing in Mississippi.’” The project expanded from a personal independent project after publications such as Southern Living and the New York Times got word of it. From there, she partnered with the Delta Center for Cultural Learning at Delta State University to work and complete the book. “I wanted to see beautiful, strong, dignified, black women from my grandmother’s
Photo by William Kelly
Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony speaks with Alysia Burton Steele.
generation. These women are often overlooked and they’re the ones who held it down. They’re strong beautiful women who deserve to have these stories told,” said Steele. Some of the stories from these women are heartwarming and funny, while others provide emotional and chilling accounts of life in the Delta during the Jim Crow Era and Civil Rights Movement. The stories detail accounts of these women overcoming adversity, finding true love, and other themes that mirror many of the social problems seen today. Behind her bright white smile and glowing disposition hides a woman who endured hardships in not only the creation of the book, but throughout her life. Growing up, Steele was raised by her grandparents in Harrisburg, Pa. after her parents were divorced when she was three years old. She started practicing her craft when she was 15 and received many scholarships to college to pursue photography but her grandmother did not approve of her career choice. “I got scholarships to college, but my grandmother didn’t let me go. She said how many black photographers do you know? She told me to pick a real major and a real school,” said Steele. She enrolled at Indiana
University of Pennsylvania instead but admits because she was not following her heart. As a student in 1988, she stated that she also experienced a great deal of racism from both white and black students as a biracial woman. She details a frightening experience she faced during that time. “It was hard to find my place. Dealing with white males chasing you in a truck, you’re not sure what they’re going to do. It was six of them in a pickup truck and from where I stopped at the intersection, they would rev the engine. And when I would take my foot of the curb to walk, they would gun and when I put my foot back on the curb, they would back up,” she said. After this occurred several more times, she started running from them until the men got out the car and chased her into a wooden area to hide. Steele eventually withdrew from the university in 1990. Steele would eventually return to Indiana University in 1995 to conquer her fears and adversities and to finish what she started. Before this, she attended the Art Institute of Pittsburg, where she earned her associates degree in photography. With her book, “Jewels from the Delta”, Steele has
two of her objectives. “I hope it (the book) inspires other students and younger people to listen to their grandparents and get those stories out. I would do anything to hear my grandmother’s voice again,” said Steele. She added: “I think people are thirsty, I know I’m thirsty for hearing some positive stories coming out of the Delta. We are more than poor blacks with a lack of education, that whole stereotype that’s out there. We are more than the blues,” she added. “I was ver y intrigued by her presentation,” said Jeremy Anderson, a sophomore mass communications from Baton Rouge, La. “She almost made me feel a little guilty for not asking my grandparents about stories or recording their voices. Her book looks ver y interesting and I plan on reading it.” Steele currently teaches photojournalism, layout and design, multimedia and journalism writing at the University of Mississippi. She was picture editor and part of the Dallas Morning News team that won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news coverage of Hurricane Katrina. “Delta Jewels” hit bookstores nationwide on April 7, 2015.
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Tiger Fest
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1) Players during Blue & White game. 2) Students enjoying shaved ice at the festival. 3) Future Jacksonian dances at the festival. 4) Festival goers enjoyed cold treats. 5) Members of Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc. step during festival. 6) Members of Omega Psi Phi, Inc. step during festival. 7) Members of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. step during festival. 8) Large crowd enjoying Tiger Fest activities. Photos by William Kelly
VOTING ENDS APRIL 20 TH
News
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The Blue & White Flash
9th Annual Creative Arts Fest features civil rights dedication University Communications The collusion of art and activism can be a powerful force, a panel of nationally renowned writers and teacher concluded Friday as the Jackson State University’s 9thAnnual Creative Arts Festival began. The roundtable discussion, titled Margaret Walker and Toni Morrison: Arts and Activism, got the festival off to a good start, followed by the historic dedication of a Toni Morrison Society “Bench by the Road,” with more talks and activities on Saturday. “’For My People’ is ‘the’ activist poem,” Carolyn Denard, founder and board chair of The Toni Morrison Society told fellow panelists in the Arts and Activism discussion. “Margaret Walker once said, ‘Our greatest weapon is the word’,” Denard continued. Walker, known as Margaret Walker Alexander, her married name, among her fellow JSU professors, was a perfect example of that confluence of the writer as artist and the artist as activist, she said. Walker’s greatest activist act, Denard said, would be the institute for black studies that she founded, now known as the Margaret Walker Center for the
Study of the African-American Experience that she started in 1968 with nothing more than a desk and a telephone. Much of the discussion centered on how to get young people to embrace the written word and then go forward with it as a means of activism. “I want my students to find genius in themselves,” said Nikky Finney, a poet, National Book Award winning author and professor at the University of South Carolina, who also would give this year’s keynote address. “That’s activism.” The challenge is to make the written word meaningful, the panelists agreed. Finney recalled after one of her literature classes, a young black male came up to her in the wake of the Ferguson, Mo., police shooting which seemed to highlight the feelings of invisibility by that segment, and said: “I love this class.” The young man continued: “When I open my mouth, I know you hear me,” Finney recounted. Finney stated, “Students want to have a class where they seem whole, human,” she said, just as Walker “taught in the spirit of the whole child,” said Finney. Following the panel, a dedication ceremony was held
Photo: Deontae Williams President Carolyn Meyers unveils a Toni Morrison Society Bench By The Road.
for the Bench by the Road. The Bench is a black, weatherresistant steel memorial bench that is suitable for a moment of reflection. It has a bronze 6×9 inch naming plate mounted on it, commemorating its installation this week. As Denard, a 1974 JSU alum, recounted, the goal of the project is to create an outdoor museum that will mark important locations in AfricanAmerican history both in the
United States and abroad. The name “Bench by the Road” is taken from Morrison’s remarks in a 1989 interview with World magazine where she spoke of the absences of historical markers that help remember the lives of Africans who were enslaved. Denard read an email from Morrison expressing delight that JSU’s bench would be the 12th bench installed. Barnes, a Bench Society
board member, expanded on the reason and need for having such an installation. “The Bench by the Road is a low-tech remedy for a hightech problem,” Barnes said. So many people, particularly young people, are surrounded by electronic noise and the hustle and bustle of living. The Bench, Barnes said, is “a place to sit, read, meditate upon the world, or count your blessings.”
The World isn’t Too Young for Tyler the Creator Comeback
Google Image
Zerrick Hilliard MC301 Contributor/Staff Tyler, the Creator makes an explosive comeback with his first single since his 2013 album, “Wolf ”. The first half of 2015 has seen its share of surprise album releases and comebacks, and hip-hop artist, Tyler, the
Creator, adds his name to the list with his latest single, “Too F****** Young/Perfect.” The MC has also announced the release date for his newest album, “Cherry Bomb”, for April 13. The single shows a softer side to the Creator that does not usually get much time on his albums. The song tells the
story of the rapper falling for a younger woman, and having to reject her because of the age difference. The track is separated into two halves, the first being a mix between the R&B and HipHop, and the second being a duet between the Creator and singer Kali Uchis. The single is delivered in such a way that contrasts drastically from the hard and gritty style the rapper normally delivers his message. The song has a dreamy flavor to it with the Creator singing with the talents of Charlie Wilson, Chaz Bundwick, and Cole Alexander lending their aid for the R&B portion of the first half of the track. Tyler wastes little time leading in with a brief R&B intro before he reveals that something is awry with his lady friend the alarming line, “There go the police man knocking at my door. Do I leave out the back and grab my wallet and coat. Or do I answer real confused like “I don’t know” that offsets the
school-age dream highlighted when he hits on facetiming to kill boredom.” The first half of the track bleeds into a moody R&B duet with Uchis that contrasts the first half with young lady’s point of view. She insists that “there could be something for you and me. What’s your philosophy? You’re scared, scared.” The Los Angeles, Calif., native notes his own “confusion” mentioned in the intro surrounding the events in lines that both acknowledge the dilemma he found himself in although he insist that nothing illegal is taking place. He emphasized the “ten year sentence” for the “six year difference” in their age range before falling into a heavy rap tangent where he pushes his under aged love away. During the closing verse to the first half of the track, the Creator snaps about the consequences of the “relationship” as he tries to get his point across to a reluctant
and star-crossed young girl. He compares her meaning of “hanging” to that of hanging involving a “tree and a belt.” The Creator’s verse plays counter to Uchis’, reemphasizing the message from the earlier half of the track. However, as the story closes, the MC’s position seems to have wavered as he closes with “Cause you’re to f*****g young. And I know you’re the one for me.” The lead single from the upcoming “Cherry Bomb” offers a relatable story, not necessarily in the age difference the story revolves around, but in how the lovers are reluctant to let go due to governing circumstances. Along with “Too F******* Young/Perfect,” the Creator has also released snippets of another track off his latest album, “Deathcamp.” In a recent interview with Hot New HipHop, the artist also announced that Cherry Bomb will have features from rappers Kanye West, Schoolboy Q, Lil Wayne, and Pharrell.
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Page 11 - April 9, 2015
The Blue & White Flash
Destiny Harris Miss Junior
Kevron McMillan Mr. Junior
Jasmine Robinson
Laura Coleman
Olujide Oluade
De’Angelo Riddle
Faith Ambrose
Shelbi Ware
Tiara Todd
Senior Assistant Secretary
Junior Secretary
Mr. Sophomore
Kyren Garel
Sophomore Class Senator
Junior Class Asst. Secretary
Sophomore Class Asst. Secretary
Junior Class Parliamentarian
2015-2016 SGA
Kedric Hayes Junior President
Sophomore Class Senator
Not Pictured Roderick Blue- Senior Vice President Erin Miller- Senior Parliamentarian Alexander Gatewood- Senior Senator Tyler Harden- Sophomore Business Mgr.
Junior Vice President
Jerrica Johnson
Junior Business Manager
Th’Marves Brooks
Isaac Gaines
Jesslyn Course
Macalah Lang
Parri Swinson
Dwayne Jenkins
Junior Senator
Sophomore Vice President Sophomore Parliamentarian
Asean Davis
Bre’Ann Williams
Junior Senator
Sophomore Secretary
Miss Sophomore
Asst. Sophomore Secretary
Sports
Page 12 - April 16, 2015
The Blue & White Flash
Jackson State volleyball team goes 2-3 in tournament Jenna Siddiqui MC301 Contributor/Staff
Although short one player, the Jackson State University volleyball team came out of their spring tournament with a record of 2-3. Outside hitters, Kennede Banks and Tamisha Barry, are both out due to injuries. This left the team with seven players to play with, which meant that everyone had to play in every game. The Lady Tigers first game was against Belhaven University. They lost a close set with the scores of 24-26 and 21-25. Setter, Keirsten Howard, had eight digs, while right-side hitter A’lexsis Ford added on seven kills and four blocks. The second match was against University of Southern Mississippi. They were defeated 15-25 and a closer game of 2025. Ford had nine kills and four blocks, Howard had six digs and middle blockers, Mikayla Rolle and Kianna Shelton each contributed four kills. JSU played against Union University as the girls battled in three games to come out with a victory. They lost the first game with a close score of 24-26. They came right back to win 26-24 and dominated the third game 15-10. Rolle and
Photo provided by Jenna Siddiqui JSU Volleyball teams gets instructions from the coach during tournament.
Ford both hit over a .400 hitting percentage, while Howard and Karmen Jackson each had eight digs. Outside hitter, Jasmine Knight helped out the team with seven kills and nine digs. Right-side hitter, Taija Thomas, had 10 kills, while Shelton hit a .500 and dominated the net
with eight blocks. Taija Thomas, a freshman accounting major from Ontario, Canada said, “I thought the tournament was a good experience for me because I really had to fight through my frustration and be a team player to help my team
win. It gave me the chance to play all around and work on my passing of next season as well as see if we got any better from our off season training.” After winning the first game against Louisiana Tech, they lost the next two games 15-25 and 6-15, losing the
match. Ford had nine kills and five digs, while Knight, Howard and Jackson had eight digs each. Jasmine Knight, a junior biology major from Belle Rose, La., said, “I felt as though the tournament went well for us, although we were limited in numbers, we still found a way to execute and score. Our objective for the tournament was to stay focused, stay aggressive and have fun.” To close out the tournament, the Lady Tigers defeated Grambling State University 25-17 and 25-19. Knight had eight kills, Ford had six kills and Rolle was at the net with three blocks. Keirsten Howard, a junior art major from Austin, Texas, said,” I enjoyed this spring season. It gave the team a chance to become closer and take steps for the fall. We will be the SWAC Champs. Although the day was long and intense, we as a team managed to have a great tournament and end with a win against our own Grambling State.” This tournament was just a preview of the 2015 season for the Lady Tigers, as they battle for their third SWAC Championship.
JSU Tigers claim 1st place in four events at invitational
Photo: JSU Athletics Media JSU track team members.
JSU Athletics Media Tamarick Johnson led the Jackson State men’s and women’s track and field teams this weekend at the S outh Alabama Invitational,
posting a pair of victories in the running events. Johnson earned a f irstplace finish in the men’s 200 meter dash with a time of 21.04, which earned the team 10 points, and also the 400 meter dash with a time
of 46.89, earning another 10 points to help the team claim a third place f inish. After tallying scores for 19 events, the Tigers came in third place with a total of 110 pts. First place was claimed by the home team,
S outh Alabama, with a total of 227 points; while the University of LouisianaL afayette finished second with 155 total points. Another top performer for the Tigers was senior jumper B entrell McGee, who won the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 14.24, and also with the help of Carson Smith, Geoffrey Brady, and Tamarick Johnson, the men’s 4x100 meter relay was won. Other good performers were Deshaun Allen in shot put (4th place, 14.35m), R ahiim Aponte in the 800 meter run (3rd, 1:56.32) , James Curtis in the 1500 meter run (7th, 4:09.75), D`ante Almo in the 3000 meter run (3rd, 9:16.81), Deon Holder in the 200 meter dash (3rd, 21.51), William Carrol in the 400 meter dash (6th, 49.76), Tometrick Hemminghway in triple jump (2nd, 14.07m) and Jason Huresy in the 400 meter hurdles (5th, 57.13). The NCAA E astern Region rankings have
placed Tamarick Johnson 45th in the 200 meter dash and 21st in the 400 meter dash; B entrell McGee is ranked 33rd in the 110 hurdles, and the 4 x 100 relay team is ranked 20th (Carson Smith, Geoffrey Brady, B entrell McGee and Tamarick Johnson). The top 48 individuals and top 24 relay teams qualif y for the Regional Championships that will take place in Jacksonville, Fla. in May. Top performers for the L ady Tigers included sophomore thrower, Ky Bria Spell, who competed well in the shot put (5th, 12.56m), discus (5th, 41.35m) and hammer throw (8th, 44.58m) events; Cliffaniqua Tow bridge performed well in the discus (7th, 40.72m), Aniecia Brewster in the 200 meter dash (3rd, 25.83) and Quatasia Fantroy in the 400 meter run (4th, 59.28). The Tigers and L ady Tigers will be back in action on April 17 in Atlanta, Ga. for the Georgia Tech Invitational.