Edition Vol. 75 / No. 14
INSIDE
January 15, 2015
www.thejsuflash.com
JSU celebrates MLK Birthday Convocation
JSU Events....................... 2 Opinion............................ 3
News................................. 4
Variety.............................. 5
Sports.............................. 11
Yes, We’re Social Jackson State Flash @the_jsuflash JacksonState-Flash @thejsuflash
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JSU Newsroom
Jackson State University’s 47th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday Convocation and the For My People Award luncheon will be held Friday. Jan. 16th beginning at 10 a.m. in Rose E. McCoy Auditorium. The event is free and
open to the public and will be immediately followed by the For My People Awards luncheon in the JSU Student Center Ballroom. According to Dr. Robert Luckett, director of JSU’s Margaret Walker Center for the Study of the AfricanAmerican Experience, the birthday celebration will
kick off the Margaret Walker Centennial year with a keynote address by renowned scholar and author Paula Giddings. This year’s For My People Award recipients include Giddings; Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., President Emeritus, Jackson State University ; the Smith Robertson Museum &
Cultural Center in Jackson; and Pamela D.C. Junior, manager at Smith Robertson. Seating at the luncheon is limited, and tickets are $10 and can be reserved through the Margaret Walker Center at 601-979-2055 or mwa@ jsums.edu. This annual award is named after Walker’s classic poem, “For My People”, and past recipients have included James Meredith, Unita Blackwell, Robert Clark, Lerone Bennett, Andrew Young, Jesse Mosley, Reena Evers-Everette, Charlayne Hunter-Gault and others. Giddings, a professor of African-American studies at Smith College, attended one of earliest Black Studies conferences in the nation, the Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival hosted at Jackson State by Margaret Walker in 1973. Giddings is the author of three books on the social and political history of AfricanAmerican women: “When and Where I Enter: The Impact
MLK Convovatiom. on pg. 10
Tiger’s roar at annual JSU Day at the Capitol Guy King News Editor
Former New Orleans mayor Marc H. Morial is the featured speaker for the Jackson State University Fall Con closing the economic gaps between white and black and rich and poor Commencement will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center. A live streaming and o Distinguished senators and representatives were introduced to the Tiger’s roar on Jan. 8, 2014 at the Mississippi State Capitol. Information on Jackson State University’s academic colleges and departments filled the foyer among the marble floors and pillars at
the annual JSU Day at the Capitol event. “This event is to showcase Jackson State University as one of the partnering schools in the state of Mississippi and to be a part of the legislative process,” said Mary White, Chair of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Professional Development. Several JSU students and employees attended the event and discussed with legislators what JSU does for its students. These representatives also provided pamphlets on the legislative priorities of Jackson State in 2015. Mea Ashley, 2011 Miss Jackson State University and current program specialist for Alumni and Constituency
JSU Day Cont. on pg. 10
Photo: Guy King Legislator receives information about Jackson State University.
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
Page 2 - January 15, 2015
The Blue & White Flash
New associate provost for Student Affairs aims to help students develop leadership, interpersonal skills shape the lives of young adults. “I would like more of our student leaders to shadow CEOs and create dialogue so that when they graduate there will be a greater opportunity for internships and coop programs leading to employment.”
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.
Diplomatic service program
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The Blue & White Flash SHANNON D. TATUM Publications Manager
KIERRA D. THOMAS Graphic Designer
MARK BRABOY Associate Editor
GUY KING Associate Editor
WILLIAM KELLY Photographer/Student Designer
Jeremy Anderson Orionna Brumfield Mia Brooks Kris Campbell Dejha Carlisle Christoper Chapman Dwayne Joeseph Jr. Kenya Johnson
Octavis Lawson Elissa McCool Dominique McCraney Ashton Nash Alexis Neely Brittney Snell Alexis Scott Reese Tornes
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.
Dr. Charles N. Smith JSU Newsroom
Although the thought of relocating to the Magnolia state never crossed his mind before, Jackson State University’s new associate provost for student life says he’s excited to be part of “the great work” occurring at the urban institution, describing it as a campus “on the move.” Dr. Charles N. Smith grew up in Petersburg, Va., where he attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, majoring in psychology. Before transitioning to academia, he worked in rehabilitation counseling, helping individuals overcome substance abuse. He would go on to teach psychology in Panama City, Fla., and eventually moved up in the administrative ranks at universities in Alabama, Delaware, Illinois, South Carolina and Virginia. He landed in Mississippi this spring semester – intrigued after hearing professional colleagues and JSU alumni from various parts of the country extol the institution’s rich legacy and boast of its extraordinary development
– academically and structurally. “When I looked at Jackson State I saw that it had a whole lot of great things going on, including infrastructure and programmatic initiatives,” Smith said.
Cultivating leadership, interpersonal skills So, in his new role at JSU, he says he has a mission. “I want to heighten the importance of student affairs and help build non-academic skills that are also important. It’s very crucial for students as they move into the work world to develop leadership and interpersonal skills,” Smith said. Along with urging improvements in communication abilities, Smith says students must embrace diversity. “We have to understand that we must work with people who may not look like us, may not come from the same state or may not come from the same country. We want to help students develop that competitive edge with critical leadership
and verbal skills.” Smith said another goal at JSU will be to cultivate opportunities for students to participate in team-building, and he’d like to bring a diverse cadre of programs to Jackson, in general, to expose more people to a wider spectrum of cultural arts.
Importance of learning two languages He spoke reflectively of the time when his mentor reminded him that success also comes from being able to speak two languages. Bilingual skills notwithstanding, the message about dual languages, he said, is that young people must understand when it’s proper to use professional or vernacular communications. An inability to engage in substantive conversations can impact future business careers, Smith said. Because many students may not have attended underfunded high school programs, he says his goal at JSU is to push specialty programs to
His other desire is to create a diplomatic service program to train African-Americans to become liaisons because only a fraction seeks such opportunities. The few who work in embassies throughout the world, Smith said, mainly earned their positions through political appointments. “This would be an ideal program to launch at JSU. The more students who become fully rounded, or internationalized, the better chance they have for top-level jobs.” Last week, Smith joined students, faculty, staff and alumni for JSU Day at the Capitol, where university executives and other constituents networked with state legislators and city leaders. He credits JSU for showcasing its talents and successes. He said the Capitol event allowed JSU to thank lawmakers for their support, and he encourages other politicians to join their peers in supporting the university. Besides his work as an administrator, the 100 Black Men member and former psychology counselor has penned two books. “The Last Shall be the First” is a historical account of AfricanAmerican achievements. And, “This Morning My Father Died … So, What?” provides an emotional account of a young man reflecting on his deadbeat, nonchalant, absent father. Sith says he aims to apply his professional background, experiences and skills to help students prosper. “I’m always interested in how we do the best job possible for all students but specifically black students because it’s still a challenge after they graduate with their degrees to get top-shelf jobs,” he said.
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW
Page 3 - January 15, 2015 The Blue & White Flash
2014
I AM NOT A NI**A! ARE YOU??
November 13th, 2014
“Do you feel JSU students have lost their school spirit?” Why or Why not?
Compiled by Deon Butler
Kris Campbell Staff Writer
Cleophaus Carson Senior Computer Engineering Canton, Miss.
“JSU school spirit isn’t the same, it is poor support.”
Kennedi Cox Sophomore Mass Communications Chicago, Ill.
“JSU has lost their school spirit because the students don’t get excited or involved in school events as much as they should.”
Darrel Moreland Freshman Healthcare Admin. Jackson, Miss.
“The band is the only group that has the most school spirit.”
Hey ni**a. Yes, you ni**a. How would you feel if someone addressed you in such blunt demeanor? Would you nicely greet that person back or would you be offended? Would you ask
Jackson State students, what do you stand for?
“Do you feel that the Ferguson grand jury decision not to indict Darren Wilson was correct?” Why or Why not?
Compiled by William Kelly
Taylor Bembery Associate Editor
“I don’t think it was correct. The officer shot the victim and his actions were unnecessary. Therefore, the officer should go through the correct judicial process.”
Ilona Zaishhuk Freshman Mass Communications Ukraine Chemerivtsi
“I think that police officers need to be responsible for their actions on or off duty. The decision was not fair; if you do something you must face the consequences. ”
Makayla Brown Freshman Marketing Chicago, Ill.
“After I heard more details, I felt the cop had more reason because he was scared. People should listen to cops because they can shoot if they feel threatened.”
October 30th, 2014
Due to high number of African-American deaths from police encounters, there has been one question many people are asking across the world: Do black lives matter? Since the
Domestic Violence: the cycle stops here!
“I would encourage them to get help; you should never be abused by someone you love. Love is kind, not violent. ”
Clell McCurdy Senior Therapeutic Recreation Forest, Miss.
“I would talk to them about the issue and assist them because I would feel bad if something happened. ”
Kayla Isles Freshman Biology/Pre-Med New Orleans, La.
“I would try my hardest to get them help. It’s easy to say that you would take them out of the situation but it’s not always that easy when you don’t know their relationship situation.”
In reality, I am a product of
The abuse began when
man who has been forever scarred and now hides behind a smile. Domestic violence not only scars the victim, it also traumatizes the family members who witness the abuse both mentally and emotionally for the rest of their lives. It also affects their actions and responses towards many situations. Growing up, even though my biological parents were separated, I was blessed to have them both active in my life. I lived with my mom, my two little sisters, and my step-dad, a man who brutally abused my mom throughout my childhood.
school. I will never forget the first time I witnessed my mom being abused. I was in my room watching television and I heard my mom and stepdad arguing as many couples do. Suddenly I started hearing hard bumps against the wall and grunting. I ran into the next room and froze in fear as I witnessed my mom being choked from behind struggling to scream for help. I screamed her name and screamed for him to stop but he continued to choke her.
2014 COMMENTARY domestic violence: a young I was only in elementary
“If you knew someone was involved in an abusive relationship, what would you do? Compiled by William Kelly
Nikyta Wilkins Senior Mass Communications Chicago, Ill.
grand jury decision in Ferguson, Brown did differently? Do not get me wrong, I am Wilson, a white police officer not siding with Darren Wilson that fatally shot unarmed black in any way. His procedure was teen Michael Brown, there has not the best because as we all been a worldwide movement know Brown was unarmed for justice. and did not deserve to die. As Now as a journalist, I have a young adult (of any race), I to look at this case from both know we may act differently spectrums and play the devil’s around our friends. To his advocate. As a human, the family, Brown might have situations we put ourselves been a respectful high school in usually end positively or graduate that was on his negatively depending on our way to college and could do conflict resolution. How do no wrong. To his friends, he we know that Brown wasn’t might have been somebody a neighborhood terror or did cool to hang out and used his not follow the police officers large stature as power. instructions? Why was only this Let’s be real, it’s time young man gunned down and to start looking at the not his friend Dorian Johnson, bigger picture and start whom Brown was with at the having accountability in our time. Was there something actions.
2014 COMMENTARY Mo. of no indictment for Darren
December 4th, 2014
Eric Brea Junior Civil Engineering Barcelona, Spain
that person to not refer to you as stability, and importance to its definition. Today, some say the “N” This debate on the “N” word seems to never end. My questions word’s meaning has changed are simple, why do we continue and no negative connotations to use the “N” word in our should be attached to it. It has everyday language? What does become an everyday word of the “N” word mean to you? Since brotherhood like, “that’s my the originating definition of the nigga” or “What’s up nigga?” word was placed upon African- Many songs from popular artists Americans during slavery to promote the use on a daily basis. I feel that the meaning African-Americans now educated enough to walk the campus of has not changed but we have Jackson State University, I think become ignorant to the fact that that it’s time to put the word in its the word was created to degrade our community and what we deathbed. The word ni**er was originally have done by accepting the created to demean and devalue the word is become ignorant to the African-American race, taking a advancements we have made Spanish word for the color black as a people and are still making. and attaching its definition to the Keeping the word relevant is only people of the similar color but creating a barrier from reaching adding lack of intellect, social our true potential people.
2014 COMMENTARY “ni**a?”
William Kelly Staff Writer When analyzing my actions and personality, some people may see an optimistic, free-spirited, social young man with big dreams and the “good life”.
The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW
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No graduation cap, if you JSU students march to do not give service back! keep the “Dream” alive Taylor Bembery Associate Editor
Photo: Taylor Bembery JSU students learn about community service agencies at CIA Fair.
Taylor Bembery Associate Editor Genesis Light Center, the Salvation Army, and American Cancer Society were among the many agencies that participated in Community In Action Fair, hosted by the Alice Varnado Harden Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014. The three-hour event on the 3rd floor of the Student Center provided students with information for community-based organizations to take action on earning the required 120 service hours to graduate.
Community agencies filled the room with display tables to showcase their organization to faculty, staff and students. Traci Wade, a community events specialist at the American Cancer Society Mid-South Division, said that organization has a lot of different aspects for students to participate in. “A lot of it is event based but a good portion of it is helping out in our offices and also helping with patient services that we do have available in the area,” said Wade. “We have one program that is called ‘Road to Recovery’ and basically we have volunteers help families that have difficulties .....
Students at Jackson State University and Senator Sollie B. Norwood participated in the “We are The Dream” march and rally on Feb. 25 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. The rally began on the GibbsGreen Plaza with a route that took students around the campus to commemorate those who marched, protested, and died during the Civil Rights era. The march also served as a reminder to students of what “The Dream” really is and what needs to be done to make sure it continues. Sen. Norwood was the guest speaker at the rally which took
place before the march. Norwood is a graduate of Jackson State University Class of 1974. “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free,” said Norwood emphatically at the beginning of his speech. His message to the students emphasized how important they are; not only to their university but to the community. “We have gotten relaxed; this march will serve as a reminder. Every once in a while we need to be reminded that freedom is not free. A lot of people fought and died. We need to be reminded. We need to be encouraged to continue to fight,” said Norwood.
Photo: Taylor Bembery
JSU students participate in the ‘We Are the Dream’ march.
Twenty-nine Alternative Sampson library provides creative space Spring Breakers serv e Tiffanie Herron MC 301 Contributor
JSU Photo: Athletics Eltease Media Moore
JSU student helps feed the homeless in Atlanta. Zhao Dan MC301 Contributor/Staff While many students were lounging on the beach or visiting family and friends at home, twenty-nine Jackson State University students volunteered to focus on hunger and homelessness during spring break in Atlanta, Ga. from March 9-14, 2014. The JSU students worked with organizations which included the Gateway Center, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Southwest Emergency Shelter
and Project Open Hand, to help relieve poverty and hunger. Each day the group provided community service to a different organization and gained hands-on experience in various projects. They also had the opportunity to hear the stories of people who used to be homeless. “I learned things about homeless people that I didn’t know before. I learned not to judge them because they all have different reasons that put them in the situation,” said Shukundala Smith, a Tenn.....
Jackson State University held a grand opening of its new creative space at the H.T. Sampson Library on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 10:00 a.m. The new digital center, called Create, will be accessible to students and will include new Apple Mac computers and other devices in order for them to complete digital projects, assignments, and access resources online. “Create will definitely catapult students to the next level,” said Doug Stringfellow, tech director for JSU’s Division of Information Technology. “It is the first of its kind and one of the first for a historically black university,” Last semester, JSU opened Innovate, a digital education center accessible for faculty and staff. Innovate includes a press conference room for meetings, Macs, podcast recording equipment, digital multimedia equipment and a green screen. Like its predecessor, Create will also include a green screen for
Photo: Dominique McCraney Students explore new equipment and programs at “Create” in the Sampson Library.
students to record and display their Powerpoint presentations. “Students learn differently nowadays. We are trying to move away from the standard teaching in front of chalkboards and move towards more interactive and grouporiented methods. We need to put students ahead for learning with technology,” Create will be housed next door to Innovate, which was the original computer lab used
for students to surf the web, type and print documents and projects. The computer lab will be moved across the hall from Innovate and will include better computers with newer software. Some students have found it challenging to find other computer labs to use during the new labs completion. “It’s a hindrance to us,” said Devonte Collins, a senior English major from Jackson, Miss. “We have to find .....
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW
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Apple is doing it BIG with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Dominique Lacey and Shelbi Ware Staff Writers
Google Image
Apple presented bigger and better smart phone technology on Sept. 9 during an Apple Live Special Event video on their website. Expanding and creating high tech and innovative products since 1976, the recent updates to their product line are the thinnest and largest iPhones to date. The iPhones will come in three different colors; gold, silver,
and space gray. The iPhone 6 screen measures 4.7 inches and is 6.9 mm thin with the iPhone 6 Plus measuring in with a 5.5 inch screen and a thickness of 7.1 mm. The new iPhones will be equipped with better resolution, a powerful A8 chip with an M8 motion coprocessor, better battery life, an even more powerful camera, faster LTE download speeds, and when connected to Wi-Fi, the speed will be up to three times faster! Both iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus can be purchased with
up to 128 GB of flash memory. Prices for the iPhone 6 ranges between $199 and $399 depending on the gigabytes. Prices for the 6 Plus range between $299 and $499, depending on the gigabytes. “I am so excited about the iPhone updates. I am personally a huge fan of the new advances being made. I currently have an iPhone 5s and I am ready for a bigger screen and better picture,” said Tanesha Johnson, a freshman elementary education major from Coffeeville, Miss.
Students speak out to get to-go boxes back in dining hall
Tenesha Hughes Staff Writer
Many students at Jackson State University want the “to-go” option brought back to the Heritage Cafeteria to accommodate their busy lifestyles. On Oct. 16, the Student Government Association released a survey on Instagram asking students to voice their opinion. The social media post read: “Help Us, Help Y.O.U” Got To-Go Boxes? Michael Gordon, SGA vice president and mass
communications major from Stone Mountain, Ga., hopes the input from students will reverse the current policy of not offering to-go meals. “We created a survey to get to-go boxes back in the café. It’s a survey for students to voice their opinion. It pretty much just serves as a record of students who find to-go boxes to be useful or not useful. The majority of the students want to-go boxes back so once we get enough students saying yes from the surveys we will be able to get them back.” Food services at Jackson State are under the operation of SodexoMagic,
a premier food contractor in the dining business known for providing a restaurant style dining experience. Sanford Winfield, SodexoMagic General Manger at JSU, explains why there is no to-go option in place. The problem is a technical one with the card system. He stated that students have unlimited swipes when they come in during the meal period and the system is not set-up to disable the card for a to-go option. “The meal plans are designed for students to consume as much food as they care to, that’s why we are called “All You Care to Eat” within the dining facility.
Remembering Latasha Norman, one stride at a time Taylor Bembery Associate Editor
What better way to celebrate the life of Latasha Norman than to come together to put an end domestic violence, one stride at a time. The Latasha Norman Center for Counseling in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs will host the Latasha Norman 7th Annual Run/Walk on Nov. 8 at 8:00 a.m. Registration/check-in will start at 7:00 a.m. in the Jackson State University Student Center.
The walk is held to commemorate the life of former JSU student, Latasha Norman, who lost her life to domestic violence in 2007 and to bring awareness to domestic violence prevention. According to dosomething. org, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States, more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Last year, 250 JSU students, staff, faculty and community supporters, braved the early
morning 40 degree weather to participate in the annual event. At the run/walk, participants can expect to meet Norman’s family. Danny Bolden, Norman’s stepfather and domestic violence awareness advocate, still finds time to teach others about the affects of being in a domestic violence situation while dealing with the loss of his loved one. He is scheduled to speak at this year’s run/walk. Bolden has worked untiringly to sound the alarm against
domestic violence, homicide, and dating violence in middle schools, high schools, colleges, and churches. Bolden has spoken to approximately 10,000 students in Washington, Bolivar, and Sunflower counties throughout the state of Mississippi and told how domestic violence affected his family with the untimely death of his stepdaughter, Latasha Norman. He has also worked with Our House, Inc., in Greenville, Miss., which offers an array of services for domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide.
Jackson State receives the ‘Magic’ touch by Johnson
Taylor Bembery Associate Editor
Messages of motivation, inspiration and encouragement were delivered on Nov. 4 at Jackson State University by former NBA player and Entrepreneur, Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Johnson, a native of Lansing, Mich., in his early career was known for his dominance as an All-Star Point Guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Taking his focus from basketball to business,
he now uses his experiences as a testimony to attest that anything can be accomplished through having a hard work ethic. Johnson was welcomed to the campus by JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers, and her entire Presidential Cabinet. “I’ve taken this university to the next level and this is only my fourth year. We have led the state in increases in enrollment. We are one of two HBCU’s that are designated as research intense and our students are winning awards.,”
said Meyers. “We reinvented ourselves and everybody got on the same page. We’ve held hands as we remodeled and together we can do anything. So we’re delighted to have Mr. Johnson holding our hand as a partner through SodexoMagic.” SodexoMagic is one of Johnson’s businesses and he made sure that he met the entire staff and cafeteria workers inside of The Legacy in the JSU Student Center. Workers were completely shocked that he took time out during his visit to appreciate them for a job well done.
Photo: Taylor Bembery Magic Johnson speaks in the College of Business.
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW
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JSU remembers Jackson JSU students participate Mayor Chokwe Lumumba in ‘Hands up/Walk out’ protest
Taylor Bembery/ Mark Braboy Flash Editors
Guy King Staff Writer
The Jackson State University family along with the citizens of Jackson were shocked and overwhelmed to learn that the Mayor of Jackson and crusader for human rights, Chokwe Lumumba, passed away suddenly on Feb. 25. Born on Aug. 2, 1947 in Detroit, Mich. as Edwin Taliaferro, he later changed his name to Chokwe Lumumba. Lumumba, 66, was well known for his work as a human rights attorney and activist. Lumumba garnered national attention after successfully defending the late Tupac Shakur in a 1993 aggravated assault case as well as other political prisoners. In 2011, he was heavily involved in gathering support for pardoning of Gladys and Jamie Scott, two sisters who were serving life sentences for a controversial conviction of armed robbery. He was also a member of the Republic of New Afrika, the Malcolm X grassroots movement, and co-founder of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations.
Photo: University Communications
The late mayor of Jackson, Chokwe Lumumba. Lumumba took office in July 2013 after defeating incumbent mayor Harvey Johnson in the Democratic primary and Jonathan Lee in the general election. During his short term, he was able to garner overwhelming support for the passing of a one percent sales tax in order to pay for infrastructure upgrades across the city of Jackson. The estimated $15 million in revenue that will be raised from the tax will used to fix issues that have plagued the city, including the cracked and crumbling roads and revitalizing Jackson’s outdated water and sewer system.
Approximately one hundred Jackson State University students gathered on Dec. 1 to participate in the “Hands Up Walk Out’ rally and silently protest the non-indictment of Officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. Students with their mouths covered with duct tape held signs displaying “I am Black Excellence” and “Black Lives Matter” walked from the Student Center along the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway to the pavilion across from the Jacob L. Reddix office complex.
Freshman Justin Roach, a Jackson, Miss. native and industrial technology major said, “It felt like I was being a part of history. I am a member of our chapter of NAACP and when I heard about the protest I knew this was something I needed to be a part of to make a difference.” Some protestors stood as others lay on the ground while a moment of silence was held for four minutes to symbolize how long Michael Brown laid on the ground after being shot and killed by Wilson. Henry Goss, JSU NAACP president, read a statement explaining that the silent movement was for all victims of police brutality.
Photo: Reese Tornes Jackson State students silently participating in the national movement, ‘Hands up, Wallk Out’.
Civil Rights veteran speaks One Tiger, One Roar, One JSU Homecoming during Founders’ Day Dwayne Joseph, Jr. MC 301 Contributor/Staff
JSU Media JSUAthletics Media Relations Freedom Rider, Hank Thomas.
JSU Athletics Media Today, Jackson State University celebrates its past, current progress, and future developments as a university with the 137th Annual Founders’ Day Celebration. The convocation and Bell Ringing Ceremony was held at 10 a.m. at the H.P. Jacobs Administration Tower Lawn and Quad. The keynote speaker for this year’s convocation is Hank Thomas, a civil rights veteran and a 1961 Freedom Rider. Thomas, a Jacksonville, Fla. native, joined the 1961 Congress of Racial Equality
Freedom Ride at the age of 19, and was a student at Howard University. He was imprisoned at the Parchman State Prison Farm for his participation in the May 24, 1961 Montgomery, Ala. to Jackson, Miss. Freedom Ride. Thomas was honored at a Freedom Fighters Appreciation Banquet at the Willie Galimore Community Center in 1992. He was formerly a Vice Chair of the Piney Woods School in Mississippi, and now serves on the board of trustees of Talladega College and Morehouse Medical School.
The new parade route around campus and a much anticipated matchup between current Jackson State University head coach, Harold Jackson and former head coach, Rick C omeg y are just two of the many things fans can look for ward to at the 2014 JSU Homecoming. Homecoming is a time when students and alumni come together and celebrate the school’s histor y and heritage. The themed event, “ The Blueprint: One Tiger, One Roar” will begin Sunday Oct. 5 and end on Sunday, Oct. 12. On Saturday, Oct. 4 students will paint paws at the campus entrance. Students and others are anxiously awaiting Pastor Dewayne Pickett and the New Jerusalem Church congregation, who will host the Homecoming Week worship ser vice. Tanika High, a freshman biolog y major from Atlanta, Ga., is excited about her first college homecoming
experience. “I have heard people talking about New Jerusalem Church but I never knew where it was. I can’t wait to hear what that pastor has to say and what the rest of the week holds,” she said. Another event that will bring the JSU family closer together is laughter and that is what the Tiger family will get on Wednesday night in the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly C enter. The comedy show will feature comedians like Lil Duval, J.J. Williamson, and Ms. BPhlat. “Lil Duval is so crazy and so funny that I have to go to the comedy show without a doubt. I really don’t care
how much it costs, I’m going,” said Robert Tolds, IV, a junior engineering major from Houston, Texas. L acey Jones, a senior earth systems science major from Meridian, Miss., is looking for ward to the party atmosphere. “ The hotspots and the parties on The Plaza is what I can’t wait for,” said Jones. “ There will be so much going on ever yday on the Plaza. The Street Jam will be jumping and the Hotspots will be just as fun,” said Jones. The coronation of Miss JSU Anissa Butler is scheduled for Thurday night and promises to be a great event.
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2014 YEAR IN REVIEW
A Graduation Story: JSU graduating senior fight for life Taylor Bembery Associate Editor
Jackson State University was saddened by the loss of Shawniece Nicole Wilmore, who succumbed on December 16, 2014, four days after her Bachelor of Social Work degree was conferred. She will truly be missed at Jackson State by her peers, faculty and administration in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program. While many Jackson State University seniors were preparing for life after JSU, Wilmore was fighting
for her life. A social work major from, Raytown, Mo., she battled stage IV cancer during a time that she should have been celebrating a milestone in most young people’s lives: graduating from college. During her matriculation at JSU, she was an all around student. She was involved in organizations such as the Social Work Student Association, Essence of a Lady Tiger, SGA Street Team, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping,
listening to music, writing, and arts and crafts. The 23 year-old was very excited about completing her last semester at JSU this fall. In the midst of enjoying the times with her classmates and sorority sisters, her health took an unbelievable turn. She had no idea that a rare deadly cancer was growing inside of her body. After several ER visits, biopsies, and PET Scans, on Oct. 1 in Jackson, Miss., Wilmore was diagnosed with Stage IV Renal Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) which is linked to the sickle cell trait.
NSE Program was life Holi Fest brings color and diversity changing for Brown Zhao Dan Staff Writer
Photo provided by: Dalvin Brown
Taylor Bembery Associate Editor
In the song ‘Empire State of Mind’ by Alicia Keys, she refers to New York City as the concrete jungle where dreams are made. Former Jackson State University student and rising fashion mogul, Dalvin Brown, is definitely making his dreams come true in the Big Apple. Brown is a 21-year-old native of Meridian, Miss. and the oldest of eight children. Growing up, he was always creative and had a passion for art. His love for sketching fashion
flourished in the sixth grade, from then on he knew his purpose, despite what others thought. “People always tried to sway me away from my dreams, saying things like ‘boys don’t do fashion, go be a coach or something’ but fashion just felt right. I could not throw away my gift,” said Brown. Living in a small town all of his life, Brown knew that he would have to move to a larger city to be immersed into the lifestyle that he wanted to live. The thirst for culture led him to Jackson, Miss. where he attended JSU in fall 2011.
The Jackson State University received a colorful gift of Indian culture at the Holi Festival held on March 19, 2014. The festival is part of a Hindu tradition that celebrates the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil. Festivities typically begin the night before with prayers and rituals, followed by the main celebration, when participants throw colored powders and liquids on one another, eat, sing, dance, and drink. JSU students gathered at the Intramural Field to play with colored powder and water balloons, taste Indian cuisine and learn more about Indian culture at the event sponsored by International Programs. Most dressed in white and decorated each other with bursts of color. “This is the Indian style to celebrate the festival; we play with the colors, water, dance and have fun with music,” said Swatantra Kethireddy, a doctoral student majoring in environmental science from India. An important holiday, Holi has spread throughout the United States and the world, celebrated
Photo: Zhao Dan
Jackson State students enjoying the Holi Festival.
in Hindu homes, college campuses, and major cities. Chinese student Yue Dai, a junior accounting major student at Belhaven University participated in the festival of colors. “This is my first Holi Festival; I had a lot of fun. I learned history about the Holi Festival; it actually takes place at the same time in India. I’m excited that JSU can hold this
event for us,” said Dai. “I felt thankful and happy for having the opportunity to experience cultural diversity.” Kenneth Fiawoyife, a senior civil engineering major from Ghana, Africa agreed. “I really think this is a great experience. I got to experience a different culture and learn about people who are not from where we are from, that was very good,” said Fiawoyife.
Future television meteorologist sheds light on autism
Taylor Bembery Associate Editor
Jordan Darensbourg, a sophomore Meteorology major from Smyrna, Ga., is one of the friendliest guys you could meet on the campus of Jackson State University. He’s active on campus and many people don’t know that Jordan has Asperger syndrome, which is an autism spectrum disorder. April is National Autism Awareness month and
Darensbourg wants to raise awareness about the disorder on campus by sharing his story. Asperger syndrome belongs to a distinct group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties, and restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. “Autism is an issue that has never been addressed as much as it should, and that really saddens me because this is one of the biggest
issues among us as Americans, and the fact that certain people have not been able to understand people with Autism is highly nonsensical,” said Darensbourg. “Too often people like us are not seen as the face of autism. I want to be an example of how successful people with Asperger’s can be if they receive the help that they deserve early on.” He added: “It is not talked about in the African American community because mental health is looked down on.
Photo: Aralynn Davis
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW
Page 8 - January 15, 2015 The Blue & White Flash
Aaliyah biopic proves Jackson State alum Cortez Bryant not to be ‘one in a million’ shares his blueprint to success Taylor Bembery Associate Editor
Mia Brooks MC 301 Contributor/Staff
“Before there was a Beyoncé or Rihanna there was an Aaliyah,” said talk show host Wendy Williams, whose biopic “Aaliyah, The Princess of R&B”, which aired on Lifetime Nov. 15. however, left many fans angered and disappointed. An Aaliyah biopic has been highly anticipated by fans as rumors spilled that Vh1 would be creating the movie like they did with 90’s group TLC. The film was written by
Michael Elliott and directed by Bradley Walsh, and starred Nickelodeon actress Alexandra Shipp. Known for her “street but sweet” style, smooth vocals and distinct dance moves, Aaliyah Dana Haughton shocked the world and became a star at the tender age of 15 with her debut album “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number” which went triple platinum in the United States. Aaliyah was poised to become a global icon with top-selling albums, a hot movie career and an adoring fan base.
Homecoming is here, which means the campus will be flooded with alumni all week. There are plenty of successful people that have graduated from Jackson State University. Cortez Bryant, an alumnus of JSU and music industry mogul, has exemplified the true meaning of receiving a quality education and gaining lifechanging experiences from his dear ol’ college home. Bryant, who grew up as a disadvantaged youth in the streets of New Orleans, La., started his journey to JSU after receiving a scholarship for the Sonic Boom of the South band program under the leadership of Band Director Lewis Liddell. “I didn’t want to go the Southern University route like everybody else that were friends of mine, so I decided to go to Jackson State and become a part of the Boom. It was probably the best decision I made in my life,” said Bryant. He believes his experiences in the Sonic Boom molded him into the person he is today. “I didn’t have any family while
Photo: The Blueprint Group
out in Jackson, Miss., so the band became my extended family. It is like a big family environment and it’s a big organization. I learned all my leadership skills there. Being a part of the percussion section, WT. I was the section leader, so I was able to be instilled with values that I even use with my
employees today,” said Bryant. After graduating from JSU in 2004 with a degree in mass communications, Bryant decided to go into the music business. He was introduced to the industry by his friend Dwayne “Lil’ Wayne” Carter, Jr. Bryant faced some difficulties when starting his career.
To c u f f o r n o t t o c u f f ? T h a t i s t h e q u e s t i o n Ashton Nash and Alexis Neely Staff Writers
Photo: Reese Tornes
It is that time of year again! CUFFING SEASON! The weather is cooling off, and time is winding down for finding a “bae.” “Bae is a cool nickname for the person you’re dating, and cuffing season is a time a lot of people start getting together,” said Demarcus Johnson, a freshman computer engineering major from Jackson, Miss. The deadline is approaching to
hurry and find this significant other to claim and to cuddle with on those chilly nights, and many people find themselves becoming a bit desperate for attention and affection. Although the pressure to avoid being single at this time of year can sometimes seem unbearable, it is not always the best idea to force an encounter that simply is not meant to happen. If the circumstances are not ideal, the results for the quest to “cuff” someone can prove to be quite disastrous.
This season may mean everything to some but others may feel that there isn’t a reason for this unmarked holiday season or feeling. “I don’t really care about cuffing season because it’s pointless to have a season made for that,” said Devonta Woods, senior physical education major from Shaw, Miss. Cuffing season is not really a season, it is a feeling. Some may feel that being “cuffed” is a must just to fit in with the crowd. While others may feel that getting cuffed helps overcome the notion of loneliness.
Big K.R.I.T releases new album called ‘Cadillactica’
Taylor Bembery Associate Editor
With his newly released senior album entitled ‘Cadillactica’, Big K.R.I.T takes listeners deep into space to a planet where his subconscious thoughts and creative mind spark. The Def Jam recording artist has made it clear that he only wants to make classic and timeless music. “I want to make timeless music because I want it to be relatable. I want to make sure I give my
all to the maximum and that it is always quality. When I’m doing a mixtape, I treat them as if they were albums. It wasn’t just me trying to put something out. Timeless, is to follow behind all the legends that I grew up listening to. I wanted to make that kind of music…with timeless music it doesn’t matter how far down the line you listen to it, it makes you feel a certain way. It always brings you back to the first time when you heard it. That’s what timeless music embodies,” said Big K.R.I.T.
The Meridian, Miss. born rapper grew up listening to artists such as UGK, Outkast, Bobby Womack, Curtis Mayfield, Scarface, 8 Ball and MJG, just to name a few. He said they definitely impacted all of his music. “They made me want to say something important,” said Big K.R.I.T. Being from a small town in the deep South, K.R.I.T often struggled with people underestimating his lyrical talent. With his new album ‘Cadillactica’, it is time to pay attention.
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on Black Women on Race and Sex in America”; “In Search of Sisterhood: Delta Sigma Theta and the Challenge of the Black Sorority Movement”; and, most recently, a biography of anti-lynching activist Ida B. Wells, “Ida: A Sword among Lions”. Students at Jackson State believe continuing to recognize the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through this annual convocation are beneficial to keeping his legacy alive. “I feel like celebrating Martin Luther King is
JSU Day
Cont. from pg.1 Relations, volunteered at the event. “JSU Day at the Capitol is very necessary because it shows the legislators that we are here and we need legislations for JSU so we can get more things done in the near future,” said Ashley. One of the hot topics discussed at the event was the issue of health care. JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers is proposing a School of Public Health to promote health care as an economic driver. A fully accredited school, Meyers maintains, could educate and prepare professionals to provide public health services in the state’s urban and rural communities. Creating Mississippi’s only accredited School of Public Health at Jackson State University “would definitely help us to educate on health,” said state Sen. Sollie Norwood at JSU Day at the Capitol, pledging “whatever I can do to help.” A 1974 alumnus of JSU, Norwood said he is a strong proponent of education and Jackson State. His daughter, Ashley Norwood, is a 2014 JSU graduate in journalism, a department in transition. The JSU Department of Mass Communications is being transformed into a School of Journalism and
important in my eyes because it’s recognizing his contributions to making a change in society. He was a great leader,” said Triandous Little, a senior music major from Memphis, Tenn. Ernest Izvebigie stated that the King’s struggle for equality for all people is still relevant. “Martin Luther King was an excellent leader and his legacy does not need to be in vain. We’re still currently fighting the demon known as racism,” said the senior criminal justice major from Jackson, Miss. Mark Braboy, Associate Editor contributed to this article. Mass Communications. Media training today, Meyers says, must shift to produce “digital storytellers equipped for emerging occupations.” Mass Communications students gained hands on media experience by conducting interviews with legislators discussing the progress and needs of the university. “I asked legislators who they represented and what message they would like to let students know to help benefit them. I feel that students should know that there are JSU alums in congress in place to help us in any way,” said Avi’Yam Jordan, a senior mass communications from Chicago, Ill. Jordan, who will graduate in December, said she hopes to be a news anchor in Chicago and own her own media studio. As special entertainment for the legislators, the MADDRAMA Performance Troupe performed “creation” at the event. The piece focuses on how JSU was established. “We wanted to put on a show for the capitol to show in detail how talented and bright our students really are,” said Mark G. Henderson, chair of the JSU Speech and Theater Department. “Our students put in hard work and I was delighted to showcase a performance to legislators.” Contributor: JSU Newsroom
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW
Page 11 - January 15, 2015 The Blue & White Flash
JSU wins with hail mary pass The Ivy brothers face off
University Communications
WR DeSean Mckenzie scored the game-winning
Kris Campell Staff Writer In a thrilling, game ending Hail Mary pass that touched the hands of three players, the Jackson State University Tigers defeated the Florida A & M University Rattlers in their season opener on Aug. 30. Wide receiver DeSean Mckenzie scored the game-winning touchdown from a 49-yard pass by quarterback La Montiez Ivy with 1.6 seconds on the clock to end the game. The exciting game winning play had fans and spectators going wild. Lianna Norris, a senior biology major from Big Rapids, Mich. said, “In the last play of the game when
that pass was thrown and that winning touchdown was scored, I felt like the tension of the game was lifted off all of our shoulders. I felt a rush and I was proud to be a Jacksonian.” The T i g e r s struggled offensively during the first half of the game, scoring two field goals after failing to capitalize in the redzon. FAMU’s kicker, Chase Varnadore, kicked a 22-yard field goal and Damien Fleming scored a 25-yard touchdown with the extra point to follow, putting the Rattlers up in the second half of the game 10-6. During the 3rd quarter, RB Rakeem Simms blazed the field, quickly scoring a touchdown for the Tigers. Punter Darcy Williams kicked the extra point putting the Tigers ahead 13-10. With the game heating up, Fleming pushed for a 44-yard gain putting Rattlers 3rd and 1 but the Rattlers fumbled on the next drive, giving the Tigers possession at 10:41 in the 4th quarter.
in JSU vs MVSU matchup Jeremy Anderson Staff Writer
The Jackson State University Tigers will host their second game of a four game home stand on Oct. 11 against the Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley State University. This week is the annual homecoming game, and many JSU fans are eager to get the festivities started to squash the bad memories of last year’s no-show by Grambling State University. The script is set for Saturday, and Hollywood could not have made it any better. Not only is an in-state rival
coming to Jackson; but former JSU Head Coach Rick Comegy will be returning to Jackson for this first time with his new team, the MVSU Delta Devils. For Comegy, this game is personal. Despite a 56-35 record, SWAC championship in 2007, and back to back trips to the SWAC championship in 2012 and 2013, Comegy was let go after last season at Jackson State. Shortly after his firing, MVSU hired him as head coach. To add even more spice to the storyline of this year’s homecoming game, the two starting quarterbacks for this week’s game, Patrick Ivy of MVSU and Lamontiez Ivy of JSU, are brothers.
Graphic by The Flash
NFL decides to revamp Wayne Brent shares personal domestic violence policy journey with breast cancer Tamarick Johnson Staff Writer
feels the new policy would have been unwarranted in Rice’s situation. “Well I think it shouldn’t matter, she didn’t press charges. Had she pressed charges he should have had a fine along with a suspension,” said McGee. Rice however has acknowledged that he made a big mistake. “There’s not much that they could have done because they didn’t actually get him on camera hitting her,” said DeShaun Allen, a junior business administration major from Clinton, Miss. The two-game suspension is all they really could do.” The NFL has had a lot of issues with players off the field this year. From players facing DUI charges, possession of marijuana charges and just recently Ray McDonald, a San Francisco 49ers player, was also charged with domestic violence against his pregnant fiancé.
There has been nationwide criticism of the National Football League’s player conduct policy these past couple of weeks and rightfully so. Star running back Ray Rice was suspended only two games after admitting to knocking his wife unconscious, on Feb. 15, 2014 in Atlantic City, N.J. The two game suspension made by NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell, have many feeling that the NFL does not take the issue of domestic violence seriously. Recently however, the commissioner realizing his mistake, promises stiffer penalties for this offense. According to CNN, Goodell said “I didn’t get it right. Simply put, we have to do better. And we will.” The NFL has now made it an automatic six-game unpaid suspension for a first incident of domestic violence. If a second incident occurs, the player Well I think it shouldn’t matter, she will be banned for life from didn’t press charges. Had she pressed the NFL. charges he should have had a fine Bentrell McGee, an athlete along with a suspension. and senior mathematics - Bentrell McGee major from New Orleans, La.,
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Dwayne Joseph Jr. Staff Writer Jackson State University Head Basketball Coach Wayne Brent shared his personal journey with breast cancer at the Breast Cancer Awareness Kick Off Event Hotspot on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Brent, guest speaker at the event sponsored by the Residence Hall Association (RHA), shared how he was affected when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. He says that he never missed a day of work until he “ran into cancer.” “My mother died in 2009 on Valentine’s Day after we won the District Tournament against Ridgeland. Seeing my mother die was a change in my life,” said Brent. He has given at least $30,000 over the years to the campaign for finding a cure for breast cancer. Brent encouraged any and everyone to get tested for breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and
Photo: William Kelly Students sign the Selfies2Survive truck sponsored by Patty Peck Honda.
the second-most common cancer overall. About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. In 2014, an estimated 232,030 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. alone Alarming statistics like these is why Darnell Barksdale, RHA advisor, believes it is imperative to raise the awareness of breast cancer in the community. “This is why RHA has decided to join the fight against breast cancer and
hopefully encourage others to join the fight too,” said Barksdale. The event highlighted ways students can practice proactive measures to prevent or detect the disease early. Lacy Jones, a senior earth system science major from Meridian, Miss., lost an aunt to breast cancer and offered advice to students. “Do your self exams and go to the doctor at least twice a year so that if you are diagnosed with it, the doctors can catch it at an early stage,” said Jones.
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW JSU Soccer wins 2013-2014 SWAC Championship game
Page 12 - January 15, 2015 The Blue & White Flash
2014 SWAC Championship Baseball overcomes adversities
JSU Athletics Media
Dashawna Wright Staff Writer After an intense season last year, the 2013-2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) soccer champions want everyone to know who they are what they are all about. Last season, the team had a record of 10 wins, 10 losses and two tied games, that led them to the SWAC championship. It was a tough battle between JSU and Alabama State University. However, the Lady Tigers won the game with a score of 1-0 and took home the victory. This
is JSU’s third consecutive time winning the SWAC soccer championship. Passion, dedication, critical thinking, hard work and education are some of the necessities needed to keep a D1 team on top in order to have a great season. Dean Joseph, the head coach of the Lady Tigers, believes that these are important factors for the young ladies to use on and off the field. This is coach Dean’s third season with the Lady Tigers and he enjoys every part of it. “I was interested in coaching the team because I felt that JSU had potential. I saw that they had great pride in the university and in the program.
JSU Athletics Media
JSU Athletics Media The Jackson State baseball team overcame adversity, to post one of the most memorable seasons in Tigers baseball history. Led by one of the SWAC’s best pitching staffs, veteran leadership and an eXperienced group of returners, JSU recorded its second straight league championship. For the first time in program history, JSU recevied votes in the final Baseball Writers of America Top 30 Poll. In just his eight season at the helm
of the Tigers program, head coach Omar Johnson led JSU to a third straight 30plus win season. Under Johnson, JSU has seven 30-plus win seasons, back-to-back league championships and the program’s first win in the NCAA tournament. Jackson State earned one of the most significant wins in program history by beating the No. 1 ranked Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 1-0 in the opening game of the 2014 NCAA Baseball Tournament in the Lafayette Regional at M.L.
JSU hires new football JSU defeats Alcorn Braves in coach Harold Jackson biggest rivalry game of the year Mark Braboy News Editor
Jeremy Anderson Staff Writer
Students have mixed opinions following a Monday press conference announcing Harold Jackson, an alum and former NFL and Big 12 Conference Coach, as the new Jackson State University head football coach. Photo: Tommeia Jackson The Hattiesburg, Miss. native, JSU’s Head Football Coach Harold Jackson replaces Rick Comegy, who was let go Dec. 17 following an from Carthage, Miss., said, “I unsuccessful trip to the SWAC felt that they made a bad choice Championship game. because of the history that our JSU students say they are coach has. He took us to four anxious to see what Jackson can SWAC championships, and do with the program. I don’t understand why they James Holloway, a music fired him. That’s good coaching technology major from to me. I don’t understand why Memphis, Tenn. said, “I think they would do something like it’s good that we have a guy that’s that to a person with such great actually from the university. He experience.” does have experience and he Jackson is a five time Pro has been known for working Bowler who played for Jackson for a few NFL teams. Honestly, State in the 1960s as a wide I don’t know how I feel about receiver and played in the NFL him because I’ve never see any of for 16 years. After an illustrious the teams he actually worked for career with many teams, he play before, but I’m looking for it began coaching, starting with to be a pretty good season.” the New England Patriots in Eldria Coleman, a freshman 1985 until 1989. mass communications major
The Jackson State football team did what many in the Southwestern Athletic Conference thought could not be done, defeated the SWAC East Division Champion Alcorn Braves 34-31 at Casem Stadium on the Alcorn State campus. Formerly known as the Capital City Classic or Soul Bowl, the match-up between the
two teams is the most historic and storied rivalries among all HBCUs in the state. Every year, the two premier HBCUs compete on the Saturday before Thanksgiving in a Mississippi tradition that has been annual since the 1940s. The past 12 meetings between the two schools have resulted in six wins for each team. This was the first time
the majority of the new JSU coaching staff was included in the heated rivalry, including first year head coach Harold Jackson. After his years playing against Alcorn State as a wide receiver at JSU, Jackson adapted to a new role in coaching against ASU. The Braves eventually took a 38-24 victory over defending SWAC Champion Southern University in front of 39,583 fans.
JSU Athletics Media Forward, Ayanna Hardy-Fuller, goes up for a lay-up.-
SWAC.org JSU player taking an Alcorn player down.