Vol. 76 / No. 5
September 24, 2015
Photo: Haley Thomas Dr. James C. Renick, Dr. Elayne H. Anthony and Mass Communication students Kendra Brown and Jeremy Anderson listen to MC Advisory Board President Ronnie Agnew during open house.
Mass Communication Open House exciting Students, faculty and staff get a sneak peak at upgrades and plans for the department
William H. Kelly III Associate Editor The Jackson State University Department of Mass Communication gave an excited audience a sneak peak into the future of media at JSU on Sept. 22 at the Mississippi e-Center. A packed room of students, administrators, and guests learned of the upgrades in facilities, equipment, new faculty members and the new directon of the program during the department’s open house. The program began with greetings from two students within the mass communication department, juniors Jeremy Anderson
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and Kendra Brown, who introduced the Director of the Mass Communication Department, Elayne H. Anthony. Anthony said JSU has a solid foundation on which to build, including a radio station, two television stations, access to two radio stations, WeatherVision, a newspaper and a magazine. “There are not many universities that have this kind of structure already set up. We will utilize these resources, coupled with quality instruction and practical applications. And now, we have a national internship program, where students can work anywhere in the United States because we have that
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kind of contact. The media have been absolutely fantastic in helping us.” Anthony introduced what she has dubbed as ‘the dream team’ of faculty, staff, and adjunct professors. Many mass communication students in attendance were pleased to hear of the improvements and the universities committment to the department. “I thought the open house was really beneficial. To see everyone come together, especially the advisors and the director, come in to give their insights and their overview of how the department is going to go and where it’s headed. I thought it was encouraging and motivational, especially
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for me to continue to work hard this semester,” said Xylan Epps, a junior mass communication major from Jackson, Miss. Among the many special guests and mass communication contributors, Chair of the MC Advisory Board Ronnie Agnew, was ecstatic to be in attendance. “I cannot tell you how excited I am to be the board chair this year for this incredible program. What you guys need to know is that I came to Jackson 15 years ago to be the editor of the Clarion Ledger and when I got to that newsroom, it was full of Jackson State University students and alum,” said Agnew.
He added: “When I look around the television stations, they are full of Jackson State University alum. It is our goal to make Jackson State University one of the top programs in the country, and we will not stop until that happens.” James C. Renick, provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs, described the refinements as a watershed moment in the history of JSU’s College of Liberal Arts. “The Department of Mass Communication is on track to becoming a free-standingschool. The open house was Mass Comm, Continued on page 10
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Tiger Events The Blue & White Flash Jackson State University
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Opinion
“Should JSU extend dining service hours?” Compiled by Myuna Jones & Haley Thomas
Patrice Hudson Junior Finance Kansas City, Mo.
“Yes, the cafe should have longer hours. As a student I pay a large chunk of money to eat. There should be a compromise.”
Kierra Foster Junior Criminal Justice Tunica, Miss.
“Yes, because some people have night classes and don’t have transportation or money to go to other places.”
Maximillian Tabb Freshman Music Technology Chicago, Ill.
“Yes, because people have different schedules and classes that prohibit them from eating.”
Cartoon: Kristen Hudson
Akeelah Jones Freshman Therapeutic Recreation Heidelberg, Miss.
“Yes, the cafe should because the lines are long and people tend to get hungrier closer to midnight.”
Jalia Lee Freshman Chemistry Mobile, Ala.
“I think the hours are okay but they could be better for other students who have difficult schedules.”
Sierra Perkins Sophomore Entrepreneurship Chicago, Ill.
“I believe the cafe should stay open longer because dealing with athletes they don’t get out of practice until late and people with night class have to eat too.”
Robert Lee Hurt Sophomore Finance Leland, Miss.
“Yes, I think the cafe should stay open longer because after my night class I want to sit down and have a cafe meal and not pay for it.”
Jarielle Gibson Freshman Speech Communication Jackson, Miss.
“Yes, I think that the hours should at least be extended an hour especially in the morning when people have early morning classes and the late night classes.”
Shemelia Burns Freshman Biology Cleveland, Miss.
“Yes, it’s a lot of night activities and after being active, people become hungry. Which means they have to settle for something they don’t want to eat.”
Stephanie Agusiegbe Biology Sophomore Jackson, Miss.
Are you a part of the problem or solution? COMMENTARY
“Yes, because people get hungry late at night and I believe the Legacy should stay open later as well. “
Alyssa Drake English Sophomore Ridgeland, Miss.
“No, the cafe shouldn’t stay open later because it’s bad to eat too late.”
Kayla Gambrel Freshman Psychology Tampa, Fla.
“I believe the hours should definitely be extended because after getting up from a nap I want to be able to go to the cafe and eat instead of waking up early to go eat.”
William H. Kelly III Associate Editor The Heritage Dining Hall, known to some as Le’ Café, and many other unique and shady names, has been the talk of the semester. But I feel the University needs to look at accommodations for more than just the cafeteria. Let’s face it, Jackson State is a growing University. Every year we announce record enrollment increases. Along with these enrollment increases, accommodations for these students must increase as well. According to Sanford Winfield, SodexoMagic Food Services Manager at JSU, the Heritage Cafeteria has a seating capacity of 425; however there are approximately 3000 students with meal plans. You do the math. If even
half of those students want to eat lunch in the café’ from 12 – 1 p.m., there is no way all these students will be able to eat at the same time. While I do feel the students request for to-go-boxes in the cafeteria is a valid one, I also feel they should be requesting larger facilities to accommodate a growing student population. Also, we as students have to be more considerate of our peers. For example, now that you know how many students have to come into the cafeteria to eat and how many spaces are available, try not to spend three long leisurely hours eating and socializing. The to-go-box option could however help to alleviate some of the overcrowding. Once students enter the café’ and see that there is no room to eat, they can take their food to go. But we must look at other student services as well. We have all seen what JSU has done to accommodate the influx of students needing housing. But it doesn’t stop there. More students will get sick. Can the current Health Center accommodate these students? More students will be faced with stress and other psychological issues. Can the Latasha Norman Center accommodate these students? More students will want to
take advantage of fitness services. Can the Recreation Complex accommodate these students? And the list goes on. Moving forward, we must urge the administration to look at the current facilities and plan for the future. It is a great accomplishment that Jackson State is such a premiere institution that more and more students want to come here. But we must be prepared to offer the necessary facilities and accommodations for these students once they get here. With that being said, the Legacy and Heritage Dining Hall should consider extending their hours even if it is only for certain days out of the week. To help accommodate the large number of students needing to eat. To my peers, I recommend patience and understanding. JSU is not the only university with growing pains that has to think of ways to accommodate its students. Let’s be a part of the solution, and not the problem. The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.
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RUF sponsors ‘Poets in Autumn’ tour
Jordan Darensbourg MC Contributor A fun-filled night was had by many who attended the “Poets in Autumn Tour” at Redeemer Church on Northside Drive in Jackson, Miss. hosted by the Reformed University Fellowship (RUF). The event featured four popular poets, including married couple Preston Perry and Jackie Hill-Perry as well as Ezekiel and Janette…IKZ. The event was a perfect profession of the Christian faith and taught those in attendance the importance of faith through their poetry and music. “I do Christian Rap and God guides me to express myself in an artistic way,” said P. Lo Jetson, a gospel rapper whose performance of his single, “Light of the World” rocked the sellout crowd to open the show. Jetson had a deal in the secular music world, but stated that a certain supernatural power intervened.
“I got the call to ministry in 2009,” said Jetson, “I was doing secular music for Universal (Records) and upon finalizing it, God saved me and I declined that offer.” Throughout the night, the poets depicted several scenarios that involve the Christian faith, ranging from an interpretation of Satan by Ezekiel in which the poet rejoices in the fact that this is a broken world, then gets upset that God is accepting of all no matter what mistakes people make, to a duet by the Perry’s that depict the struggles of Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis. There were some great performances, but that wasn’t the main point of the night. “The performances were great,” said Charence Higgins, a senior psychology and theatre double major from Madison, Miss., who serves as the 76th Miss Jackson State University. “What I liked the most was that it wasn’t a performance, but rather a ministry.” In addition to the many interpretations that these
poets made, some also gave testimonies, or real-life stories of how they were able to overcome mistakes, and were able to accept the call to ministry. MADDRAMA opened up the show with a performance that depicted the journey that Jesus went through in the gospel. In it, the members speak on his journey from life to his crucifixion on the cross Right before the performance, Mark G. Henderson, MADDRAMA director and Professor of Speech, asked, “How can I speak on how they should live their life without talking about the Giver of Life?” RUF is a campus ministry on the campus of Jackson State University, and their weekly large group bible study takes place every Thursday in the New Student Center Theatre. Food and fellowship starts at 7:30, and the praise and worship start at 8:30. For more information, contact Pastor Elbert McGowan at 601-662-8505 or text JSURUF to 41411.
Photo: Eldria Coleman Scene during Poets in Autumn show.
Jackson State observes annual Constitution Day
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1) Dr. Elayne H. Anthony during Know Your Rights panel discussion. 2) Students sign up during voter registration hotspot. 3) Student asks question during Know Your Rights panel discussion.
William H. Kelly III Associate Editor Jackson State University celebrated civil rights and liberties with a three sessions during its annual Constitution Day observance on Sept. 17, 2015. Constitution Day observances became law in 2004 for any education institution receiving federal funds. The first session held at 8 a.m. included a reflection on the Constitution as students listened to Charance Wright, Student Government Association Chief Justice, read the articles of the Constitution.
Sophomore Class President Faith Ambrose, a political science and elementary education double major from Jacksonville, Ill., served as one of the Constitution Day committee members. “Miss Sophomore, Jesslyn Course, was really passionate about having a ‘Know Your Rights’ forum. It was discussed between the executive board that we should make this a part of Constitution Day,” said Ambrose. Transitioning into the second session brought a festive atmosphere as students gathered on the Gibbs-Green Plaza at 12 noon for a Hotspot. During the event, students were encouraged to register to vote as volunteers passed out applications and
American flags. The third session of the day was held in the Jacob L. Reddix Hall General Purpose Room at 6 p.m. An overview of the first amendment was delivered by Attorney Rhonda Cooper, assistant professor of political science at JSU. During the overview, Cooper discussed the importance of knowing the law with students. “Even if you’re not studying law, you should be more abreast of what’s going on. I understand and I appreciate social media but you can read the newspaper. You can read here on campus, you have the USA Today, the Jackson Free Press, the Jackson Advocate, read those periodicals,” said
Cooper. “Read them weekly, read them daily, read your assignments and sometimes go outside for additional sources. I think the more students read the more empowered they will be because they have the knowledge and then they know it for themselves.” The major focus of the third session was a panel discussion entitled: Know Your Rights, which examined the First Amendment. The panel included Cooper, Officer Jeremy Gordon of the Jackson Police Department, Lindsey Horton, Vice president for JSU Public Safety, and Elayne H. Anthony, Director of Mass Communication. Darryl Brown, a
Photos: William Kelly
sophomore computer science major from Carson, Calif., appreciated the discussion on the current divide between law enforcement and the public. “I feel like these events give us a chance to fully talk with and understand the police side of things because we always have our point of view and how we feel like we’re being profiled just because of the things that we see,” said Brown. “There are always two sides to a story so I feel like having this opportunity to ask them the questions that are on our minds helps develop more of an understanding and releases some of the tension.”
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Essence of a Lady Tiger group molds minds
Jennifer Wiles Staff Writer
Many people dedicate themselves to mentoring young girls, but there is actually an organization composed of women whose mission is to help mold young ladies into Jacksonian women. The ladies of Essence of a Lady Tiger (EOLT), teamed up with two Jackson State University class queens, Miss Junior Destiny Harris, and Miss Sophomore Jesslyn Course to mentor freshmen ladies at JSU on Sept. 15 in the Reddix Building General Purpose Room. Side by side, the women took charge in getting to know the freshmen girls with their intimate forum, “The Do’s and Don’ts of Freshman Year”. Diamond McCray, a junior political science major from Magnolia, Miss., and one of the hostesses of the event, relies on guidance. “They need mentorship! They need mentorship because they’re kind of in their selves and it’s hard for them to come out so they need someone who can help them break out of their shells,” said McCray. The ladies enjoyed open conversation between EOLT and interested members over cupcakes,
cookies, brownies, and juice. A question/answer session delved into many trending topics including: “How do I stay cute and classy on my off days?” and “How do you ask a guy if he’s been tested?” just to name a few. General members of EOLT strongly suggested that women should not just ask their partners about whether or not they have been tested but ask what the results were so that there is clarity in the relationship before there is intimacy. Destiny Harris, a junior biology/pre-dental major from Memphis, Tenn., believes the freshmen in attendance benefitted from the advice of the upperclassmen. “The most important thing that I think the ladies learned is to put themselves first in all situations they have to think about themselves before they can think about anyone else,” said Harris. Charence Higgins, 2015-2016 Miss Jackson State University and other royal court members also came to support and give advice. “There are three things you need to keep: One, a mentor, two, someone who inspires you, three, someone you don’t want to be, and four, a mentee,” said Higgins.
Photo Provided by Jennifer Wiles Students participate in various team building activities during EOLT event.
Proactive measures taken to prepare for campus emergencies Orionna Brumfield Staff Writer Universities across the nation are proactively tacking the issue of campus safety when the unexpected happens. The recent campus shooting on Sept. 14 at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. brought this issue even closer to home for the Jackson State University community. Jackson State currently has emergency plans in place to handle emergencies including Everbridge Aware, which enables emergency response team members to communicate with students, faculty, and staff in minutes by sending a message via a number of contact methods – email, text messaging, and cell phones. Students, staff and faculty can also report suspicious behavior and persons through the Red Flag reporting system located on the University’s website. All faculty and staff were also required to complete active shooter training this semester to prepare for active shooter situations. News of the shooting of Professor Ethan Schmidt by
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former Professor Shannon Lamb in his office at DSU quickly spread throughout campus via news alerts, emergency text messages from university officials and social media. Edward Williams, a DSU sophomore mathematics major from Jackson, Miss. has classes in the building Schmidt was shot in.
“I think how if the shooter had waited just a day, how much more danger I could have been in… I learned to value these numbered days I have on this earth because it is a blessing to be alive,” said Williams. During the incident, students stated on local newscasts that professors made sure that the
students stayed somewhere safe in the campus buildings. Not only was safety a priority in the buildings on campus, but students made sure to contact their friends, family, or loved ones by text messages or phone calls to let them know that they were safe. LeDarion Robinson, a DSU
senior exercise science major from Raymond, Miss. immediately thought of his line brothers after the shooting occurred. “I went to go find my line brothers and we stayed in the apartment complex off campus… I went back on campus to pick my other line brother up because he needed a way home,” said Robinson. The incident at DSU could have happened anywhere. A candlelight vigil was held Tuesday night in honor of Professor Schmidt. Many people mourned over the loss of him as professor and his past commitment to the university . “The toughest thing for me is that I look at the professor and see that he has three kids, a wife, and their lives have been completely impacted and ruined at this point,” said Professor Ramsey, an adjunct professor at Jackson State University from Jackson Miss. Some of the students interviewed stated that this incident reminds them of how important life is. “Always let the people you know that you love them because you never know when that’s their last goodbye,” said Robinson.
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‘Choose to Reuse’ program and more introduced William H. Kelly III Associate Editor The students at Jackson State University were given the opportunity voice their concerns and hear from student leaders and administrators at the first student body meeting of the semester on Sept. 17. The meeting, held in the Student Center Theatre, began with a ticket giveaway for the JSU versus Southern University football game. After introductions from the Student Government Association (SGA) and Royal Court, the class council presidents took the floor to update students on upcoming events. A judicial report was also shared during the meeting. “We have had 30 judicial hearings for 30 students. Of those students, 17 were female and 13 males. There have been five dismissed cases and zero appeals. We are also proud to say we have had no suspensions this year so far,” said Charance Wright, SGA Chief Justice. Miss Jackson State University 2015-2016, Charance Higgins, shared
upcoming events hosted by the royal court. “We’re all aware of the school shootings that have been happening at our universities right? Most recently, we’ve had Delta State and also a few weeks ago, Savannah State University, Texas Southern University, and several others just within this semester. So if you would like to, I’m starting an initiative, it’s called love letters for our universities and you can write a letter of love to those students who are affected by those tragedies and bring them to the SGA office,” said Higgins. For students with questions about dining services and bringing back to-go-boxes in the Heritage Dining Hall, Sodexo representatives Valarie Greenwood and Clarence Dunmore were on hand to share information on the ‘Choose to Reuse’ program. “Choose to Reuse is a reusable container program designed to reduce waste and help achieve Sodexo’s better tomorrow commitment by replacing your single-use foam containers that you’re used to with an actual plastic reusable
containers that you can bring back,” said Greenwood, Sodexo Operations Manager. To participate in the program, students must fill out an application using their basic information and pay $10 for the set, which includes a large container and 16 ounce beverage cup. “You have to have a meal plan and you have to be a student in order to participate in this program. “The way this works is when you walk in, you tell the cashier you want to apply for the application. She will give you a green clip with a logo on it and you will take that clip over to the salad area. There will be a young lady that will hand you both sets to go fill up,” said Greenwood. When you come back in to eat, you will bring your used container back rinsed out, hand it to the cashier, she’ll put it in a bucket and give you a brand new clean one each time. We are looking to be up and ready depending on our general manager getting back from our district meeting.” Contact a class council senator for the next student body meeting.
Photo: William Kelly
1) Top: SGA President Rashad Moore gives prize. 2) Bottom: Choose to Reuse containers.
JSU techies prepare to take a bite out of Apple
After months of anxiously waiting, the much anticipated iPhone 6s and 6s Plus has finally been revealed. Apple unveiled its newest edition to the iPhone on Sept. 9 during a live keynote event in San Francisco, Calif. Although the phone looks
iPhone 5, so I’m excited to get the new iPhone and experience all of the new features,” said Wright. Zakaria Gary, a sophomore biology pre-med student from Greenwood, Miss., on the other hand, is not so interested in the phone. “I already have the iPhone 6, so I feel like the phones are the same physically. Plus, we’re soon to get an update so the phones will basically work the same,” said Gary. Ahead of the company’s big iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus releases, the company’s released its ninth version of its popular iOS software, for its iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch lineup. iOS 9, the successor of iOS 8, was released to customers as a free update on Sept. 16. According to the company’s website, the latest version of iOS touts a bevvy of new features, including better battery performance, added multi-tasking gestures for iPads, and a smarter Siri, Apple’s intelligent personal assistant. Speaking of Siri, swiping to the right of the home screen in iOS 9 offers a brand new view,
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Siri Spotlight Suggestions. So now with just a swipe of the finger, your favorite contacts, apps, restaurant, shopping, and travel suggestions, along with a news feed, live within the suggested material. In the past, adoption rates for the newest version of Apple’s on-the-go software, as with iOS 8, have been so extreme that download times, which are normally estimated at about only an hour, were stalled by as many as 12 hours, according to Yahoo! News. Authorized Apple retailer,
people had more information about what it did and the process to update versus iOS 9” said Escobedo. “They’ve also been hearing how iOS 9 has made people devices slower, so people want to avoid that.” Still, the recent enhancements that come with the operating system were more than enough to persuade Jackson State University junior political science major, Diamond Phillips, of Magnolia, Miss., of making the jump to iOS 9. “I like the look and feel of it,” said Phillips. “I like how you can go back to things you were doing previously more easily now. Each I currently have the iPhone 5, so I’m update gets better.” excited to get the new iPhone and According to CNET. com, the iPhone 6s experienceall of the new features. is expected to have record setting pre- Jamarion Wright orders surpassing the 10 million pre-orders from Nicacio Escobedo, auxiliary the previous phone. enterprise manager at Tiger Tech The price of the iPhone has @ JSU, believes one of the reasons remained the same with the why people are choosing to wait iPhone 6s starting at $199 and to upgrade their iOS devices is the iPhone 6s Plus starting at because a lack of familiarity with $299. the latest overhaul. The phone became available “iOS 8 probably had more for pre-order on September 12 people updating to it because and will go on sale Sept 25.
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Kennedy Jones & Breanna Stewart MC Contributors/Staff Writers
exactly the same as the previous iPhone, it has undergone several major improvements. The most notable change is that the iPhone 6s now comes in rose gold. According to phonearena.com, the new color is already an early fan favorite. Apple also announced an all new feature called the 3D touch, which determines how much pressure is being applied to the screen. The 3D touch brings about a new gesture called the “Peek and Pop”. “Quick Action” is another new gesture. As described on the Apple website, Quick Action allows you to do the things you do most often faster and in fewer steps. You can start a message to your favorite contacts, instantly bring up the camera to snap a selfie, or immediately get directions home. Jamarion Wright, a junior speech communications major from Jackson Miss., is anxious to get the phone in his hands. “I plan on purchasing the new iPhone 6s. I currently have the
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Variety
Viola Davis rests her case at the Emmys Breyionna Flowers MC Contributor As Hollywood stars and celebrities strutted down the red carpet and fans took their places on the couch in front of their televisions, many were unaware of just how groundbreaking the 2015 Emmy Awards would be. On Sept. 20, 2015, history was made when Viola Davis became the first AfricanAmerican actress to win a primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as a professor of law in “How to Get Away with Murder.” The Emmy Awards, like other artistic award shows, have always been a battle for AfricanAmericans, according to the acceptance speeches of many African-American actresses throughout the years. Prior to Davis’s win, only five other actresses have been nominated for the award since 1982. One of them, Debbie Allen, had been nominated four consecutive times for her role in “Fame”, and still never won. Only five other AfricanAmerican actresses were nominated that night: Taraji P. Henson for Outstanding Lead
Actress in a Drama Series in “Empire”; Regina King for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series in “American Crime”; Mo’Nique for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie in “Bessie”; Niecy Nash for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in “Getting On”; and Uzo Aduba for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in “Orange is the New Black”. Out of these, King and Adubda walked away with the prize. In her acceptance speech, Davis addressed that battle, quoting Harriet Tubman: “In my mind, I see a line. And over that line I see green fields and lovely flowers and beautiful, white women with their arms stretched out to me over that line. But I cannot seem to get there no how,” said Davis. Davis went on to speak about the struggle for black actresses in a white-dominated industry. She said, “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.” Yolanda Williams, a visiting assistant professor/production manager in the speech communication department
said, “Her speech touched on everything that affects black women, women of color, black people, and people of color. With everything going on in the world, this is why we have to push for diversity in film, diversity in television and diversity in theatre.” While many professionals, such as Taraji P. Henson of “Empire, Tracee Ellis Ross of “Black-ish”, Lori Loughlin of “Full House”, Kerry Washington of “Scandal”, and Vanessa Bell Calloway of “Coming to America” all tweeted their admiration for Davis’s speech, others’ thoughts were the exact opposite. “General Hospital” soap opera star Nancy Lee Grahn faced extreme backlash after she created several tweets, condemning Davis’s speech. One of her tweets said, “and I heard Harriet Tubman and I thought, it’s an f****** Emmy for God’s sake. She was not digging through a tunnel.” Another of Grahn’s tweets even went so far as to discredit Davis’s speech and insist that there is no struggle or lack of opportunity for black actress. It said, “As brilliant as she is, she has never been discriminated against.”
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Despite the negative comments, others found Davis’ win to be a long-overdue victory for black actresses and black women as a whole. Attorney Rhonda C. Cooper, clinical assistant professor and pre-law advisor, noted the progression of film roles for black women from mammies and drug
addicts to lawyers and business owners. “Viola’s role does away with all the negative stereotypes. It shows that you can be a 100 percent woman of color and be valued and appreciated on the screen. We’ve come a long way from the Hattie McDaniel and Halle Berry roles,” said Cooper.
Primack African Art exhibit opens in Margaret Walker Center Deirdra Harris Glover MC Contributor/Staff Writer
Photo: Deirdra Harris Glover ESL students visit Primack African Art Exhibit.
The Aron and Karen Primack African Art Collection, housed in the Margaret Walker Center in historic Ayer Hall, is a testament to ancient arts crafted by modern hands. The collection is wholly comprised of 20th century art conveying the sense of history and place of earlier times. The sixteen piece exhibit, on loan from the collection of Aron and Karen Primack, was unveiled Sept. 15, and emphasizes the beauty in everyday objects created in the style of artifacts. The collection showcases traditional art and cultural pieces like ebony sculptures and decorative chairs, as well as more utilitarian pieces like bowls, a reliquary, and even a lunchbox. The three hide-drums speak to Nathan Kirui, an English as a Second Language student from Nairobi, Kenya. The drums remind him of good times back home. Softspoken in a boisterous room, he leans in to describe the role of drumming in his home community.
“They are used for cultural ceremonies, traditional weddings and special occasions. You need special people to operate the drums: (drumming) is passed down as knowledge of the culture,” said Kirui. Nancy Ying Liu, interim director for the English as Second Language program, excitedly steered Kirui and a group of fellow ESL students through the exhibit. “It is wonderful to see students make connections to the art,” Liu said. Brittany Calhoun, a senior fine arts major from Jackson, Miss., is the principal curator of the Primack exhibit, and she is elated Kirui had such a profound connection to the displayed objects. “As African-Americans, we know the culture but we don’t know the deeper meaning within it,” said Calhoun. “It was interesting for me to learn that these drums weren’t just used in ritual, they were used for weddings, funerals, not in a sad way but as a way of bringing life back into the community.” Dr. Yumi Park Huntington, JSU Assistant Professor of Art,
praised Calhoun’s research for the collection. “(Calhoun) worked so hard to research each individual object in the collection. She is an expert on these items.“ Calhoun’s favorite piece is the lunchbox, or meal carrier. “As soon as I was told what it was, I could clearly imagine a woman in the village bringing this out to her husband working in the field with all types of food in it. Africans as a whole used art not only for aesthetics but also for functional pieces. ” Calhoun has apprenticed with a silversmith, and is accustomed to working difficult materials with her hands. “Growing up in a society where mostly everything was mass produced, you can really sit down and appreciate the artistry in an egg basket, that someone took these wires and made those art forms. I know that these objects are not technically (antiques) but they still give you a sense of culture and care,” said Calhoun. The Primack African Art Collection is on display in Ayer Hall until December. Admission is free. For more information call 601-979-3935
Variety
Page 8 - September 24, 2015
The Blue & White Flash
Schwarzenegger replaces Trump on show “Apprentice”
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Kayla Blue MC Contributor/Staff Writer After 13 seasons and 11 long years of being the host of the hit series, “Celebrity Apprentice,” Donald Trump is replaced by to actor, philanthropist, and politician,
This week in trending topics, Chris Brown wins big, hip-hop fans are furious at Drake and Future, and Vanessa Williams finally receives a long awaited apology.
Chris Brown wins joint custody of daughter
Singer Chris Brown has scored a huge victory, winning joint custody of his one year old daughter, Royalty. Brown has been involved in an ongoing custody battle with the mother of his daughter, Nia Guzman, for several months now. According to TMZ, Brown is ordered to pay Guzman $2,500 a month in child support and
Arnold Schwarzenegger. The show, which was originally named, “The Apprentice,” first aired in January 2004. It featured 16 to 18 business people competing in an elimination styled competition with the prize being a one-year, Royalty will go back and forth between her parents (who both live in LA) every four days. While getting joint custody is victory for Brown, Guzman, on the other hand, may not be so happy. Guzman initially wanted Royalty’s child support to be upped to $15,000 in addition for visits with her father to be supervised after Brown’s house was robbed, according to E! News. Unfortunately, the Houston judge shot both of Guzman’s requests down. Brown seems to be a doting father to Royalty based on his Instagram posts. He notes his “Queen Royalty” for changing his life and being the best thing that ever happened to him. As told by TMZ, Guzman looks at the hearing as temporary victory for Brown, since there will be mediation in weeks to come.
Drake and Future release collaborative mixtape?
Rumors surrounding a Drake and Future joint mixtape
$250,000 start-up contract to run one of Donald Trump’s many companies. In 2008, after six seasons, the current format, “Celebrity Apprentice” was introduced. The objective of the show is pretty much the same, but the celebrities are competing against each other to give money to the charity of their choice rather than for a job opportunity. Although Trump’s camp was adamant that he was not fired from the television show and that he quit voluntarily so that he could focus on his presidential campaign, NBC released a statement saying that the network decided to cut all ties with the billionaire after he made a few derogatory statements regarding immigrants. On Sept. 14, 2015, NBC hired Arnold Schwarzenegger to replace Donald Trump as the show’s host. “I think what Arnold Schwarzenegger could bring to “The Apprentice” is a fresh new face,” said Luis Almeida, associate professor of mass communication at Jackson State University.
has hip-hop fans buzzing with excitement. News of the mixtap e h it t h e n e t l a s t w e e k w h e n A n g e l a Ye e of Ne w Yor k’s Pow e r 1 0 5 . 1 r a d i o s h ow “ T h e B re a k f a s t C lu b,” a c c i d e nt a l l y s l ipp e d up a n d s pi l l e d t h e b e a n s a b out a p o s s i b l e m i x t ap e b e t w e e n t h e t w o r app e r s . The m i x t ap e was c on f i r m e d t o b e re l e a s e d on S e pt . 1 1 by c re d i b l e h ip - h op DJ ’s , DJ S k e e a n d DJ M i k e C h e h a d e , w h o a re c l o s e l y a f f i l i at e d w it h b ot h Futu re a n d D r a k e . DJ S k e e t o o k t o Tw itt e r a n d s a i d , “ Tw o p e op l e a re a b out t o bre a k t h e i nt e r n e t t om or row w it h t h i s m i x t ap e c om i n g out of l e f t f i e l d .” Fo l l ow e d by DJ M i k e C h e h a d e t w e e t i n g , “Sup e rs e c re t D r a k e a n d Future mixtape drops tomorrow. Yeah, I’m telling secrets.” Sept. 11 came, but no mixtape was released, leaving fans confused. On Sept. 16, Future and Drake both took to Instagram posting picture in the studio with each other. These posts gave an even bigger rise to speculation that fans may not have to wait much longer.
He said that watching the same show with the same person on it could get old and that bringing a new person on to the show could be just what the show needed to get some more of its excitement back. Schwarzenegger is mostly known for starring in “The Terminator” franchises and being a body builder in the 1970’s. He also made a name for himself when he became the governor of California in 2003, entering politics himself when he helped push for a recall of then-governor Gray Davis and reelected in 2006. According to Tech Times, Schwarzenegger’s tenure as governor gives him credibility and presence in the boardroom but overall his draw is that he is a much more likable person than Trump. “I for one will d miss Trump,” said Kawyer Thigpen, a senior mathematics major from Georgetown, Miss. “Even though he’s not America’s most liked person right now, he’s a great businessman and he’s pretty
hilarious. I guess I heard him say “You’re FIRED!” for the last time in March.’” Trump seems to be pleased with his successor. He made a tweet saying congratulations to his friend Schwarzenegger. He went on to say that he will be great at it and that he knows that he will raise lots of money for charity. Ibrahim Finley, a junior chemistry major from Morrow, Ga. said that he’s never been a fan of the show but he might start watching because of Schwarzenegger. “I’ve watched all of the Terminator movies and I think Arnold Schwarzenegger is pretty cool, so I might check out this season of the show,” said Finley. Schwarzenegger said in a Deadline Hollywood interview that he has always been a huge fan of “Celebrity Apprentice” and the way it showcased the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork. He also added stated “I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let’s get started!”
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Vanessa Williams finally receives Miss America apolog y
Vanessa Williams finally received an apology from the Miss America Pageant organization 32 years after being stripped of her crown following a nude picture scandal. Williams became the first African-American to win the Miss America pageant in 1984. Williams was serving as head judge for the 2016 Miss America pageant on Sunday when she received an
unexpected apology from Miss America CEO, Sam Haskell. Haskell apologized for the way the controversy was handled. After the pageant, Williams spoke to press expressed her gratitude. “I want to thank everyone who has come up to me over the past 32 years and said, ‘You’ll always be my Miss America.’ I got a change to be on that stage and represent what I represented back in 1984. Thank you so much for being so welcoming to me,” said Williams.
The Blue & White Flash
Variety
Page 5 - September 24, 2015
Tips for staying healthy and fit while in college
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Rashundra Powell Staff Writer Staying healthy and fit during college matriculation is a goal of many students. Unfortunately lack of motivation and health knowledge hinders many from reaching these goals. When school starts, many students become so stressed out due to the new environment and heavy work-loads that their health and fitness routines suffer. Here are five tips to help students stay healthy and fit in college:
Tip 1: Eat Breakfast
A lot of students skip this step every morning even though it is no secret that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast will not only keep you more alert in class, but it will also prevent binging throughout the day. Even if it is only a cereal bar, or simply a piece of fruit, anything is better than nothing at all.
Tip 2: Healthy Snacks
Students who live on campus will usually keep snacks in their
dorms for to snack on during homework and study session or simply to munch on when relaxing. Instead of the usual chips, cookies, cakes, and sodas try keeping more healthy snacks such as, fruit, vegetables, and snacks that are low in sugar and fat. And most importantly, drink lots of water.
participate in including boot camps, aerobics, intramural sports, Zumba, cycling and much more. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Moreover, students who become involved in sports have a major advantage in staying shape.
Tip 3: Stay Active
Stress is a major problem when it comes to getting in shape. Stress can cause sugar and fat cravings. Stress can also cause depression which leads to inactivity. Physical activity
Almost every college has a recreational center. Jackson State University’s Recreation Complex has a number of activities for students to
Tip 4: Avoid Stress
and eating healthy can prevent stress.
Tip 5: Ask For Help
If you need help with staying fit and healthy, ask for it. JSU has several programs available to help you. If stress is your issue, contact the Latasha Norman Center for help. If you need a fitness routine, the Recreation Complex has trainers available. And there is much more help available, but you will not know until you ask.
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The Mississippi Department of Corrections is looking to hire an estimated 100 new correctional officers statewide at our three state prisons-- Mississippi State Penitentiary (MSP) at Parchman, the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Pearl and the South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI) in Leakesville. Interviews and screening will be conducted at all state prisons on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 8:30 am. Correctional officers are responsible for the supervision, care, custody, and control of inmates. Starting pay is $1,886.61 per month. Applicants who accept the correctional officer job must attend a paid 8-week training academy and work a 12-hour shift. Job requirements include an applicant must be at least 21 years of age, provide proof of a high school diploma or G.E.D., possess a valid driver's license and Social Security card, and have no felony or domestic violence conviction. Males between the ages of 2125 must show proof of Selective Service registration. Potential applicants must also pass a math quiz, a written report, a physical agility exercise, a drug test (at no cost), a background investigation and a polygraph test. Individuals may apply online at the MDOC website, www.mdoc.state.ms.us or the Mississippi State Personnel Board website, www.mspb.ms.gov. Or, contact MDOC Personnel Services at (601) 359-5696 or the Personnel Departments at the facilities: MSP (601) 745-6611 ext. 2366, CMCF (601) 9322880 ext. 6701, and SMCI (601) 394-5600 ext. 1217.
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Week of September 20, 2015
another milestone in the development of the new school,” he said. Guests at the open house were then given the opportunity to visit all facets of the depar tment and speak to staf f and faculty.
The tour included: classroom facilities, JSUT V, WJSU, Weather vision, and Student Publications. “I believe it was really benef icial for ever yone else because they really get to see what the depar tment has to of fer and the oppor tunities,” said Lorenzo Smith, a sophomore mass communication major from Natchez, Miss.
HISTORIC SOUTHE SOUTHERN RN GE GEM M ON 10± ACRE ACRESS 42 '5 &9&$65*7& &45"5& t 1&340/"- 1301&35: 4 2 ' 5 & 9 & $ 6 5 * 7 & & 4 5"5 & t 1 & 3 4 0 / " - 1 30 1 & 3 5 : SAT, SA AT, OCT 10 Antiques, Art, Collectibles, Furniture, Crystal & More 11 AM CT AUCTION: 454 East Tate Rd, Glosterr, MS 39638 R Registration egistration -*7& 0/-*/& #*%%*/( "7"*-"#-& beg begins ins 10 AM AM
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The Blue & White Flash
Page 11 - September 24, 2015
Sports
Big cats meet in annual Boombox Classic showdown Simon Cotton MC Contributor
Jackson State University’s football team and marching band traveled to Baton Rouge, La., for the annual Boombox Classic. The Jackson State Tigers and the Sonic Boom of the South battled the Southern University Jaguars in one of the biggest games of the season. Jackson State fell 50-31 to the Jaguars. Despite a productive passing game from quarterback La Montiez Ivy, who passed for 357 yards and three scores, the Tigers could not keep up with Southern’s high-powered offense. Southern totaled 675 yards of total offense. Of the 67 yard, 395 were passing yards. The Tigers fought diligently, but simply could not keep up with Southern. William Golston, a senior interdisciplinary studies major and wide receiver for the Tigers from Mobile, Ala., said that he felt the team needed a game this big to be this soon so they could gauge where they were as a team. Golston also said that the team is focused on reaching their goal of being SWAC champions. “The game plan for the season is to stay together, correct mistakes and not lose
sight on our goal,” Golston said. Walter Hinton, a senior music education major from Tuscaloosa, Ala. and a trumpet player in the Sonic Boom, said that having big games early in the season are not new to him. “To have a game this big isn’t a strange feeling to me. My freshman year, Southern was the third game. Hopefully we will see them again at the SWAC Championship. I’m not counting the football team out yet,” Hinton said. Hinton also said that there were some notable differences between Boombox Classics at Memorial Stadium and the classics in Mumford Stadium. “When the Boombox is at home, it’s usually just a heated rivalry. The bands are playing, crowd cheering, and football team handling business on the field. However, once we step foot on to Southern’s campus it turns into a battle zone. All types of things are going on but the most important thing is that Southern definitely hates us more than we hate them and their fans are constantly reminding us when we visit. ” Hinton said. Keiara Bailey, a junior mass communication major student from Southern University, said that this was the first Boombox Classic she ever attended and that it was a great game.
Photo: William H. Kelly III During the half-time show the Sonic Boom of the South held an “offering” for the Human .Jukebox to help fund their band
“It was kind of exciting. This is our first game, so it was a really big home game and it kind of made it a lot more exciting because we just finished with other games and it was like ‘first home game; it’s going down’ and then we played Jackson State so it made it a whole lot better,” Bailey said.
Bailey also said that her main reason for going was because she wanted to see the tow most talked about bands in the SWAC. “Well of course Southern was great. We have a great band, great band director, great dances and what not and I got the chance to go on Jackson State’s side and it wasn’t bad;
very precise and very good band. It’s all fair, both bands did good though,” saidBailey. The Tigers and the Sonic Boom’s first home game will take place this week at Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss. at 6 p.m. where they will battle the Texas Southern University Tigers in their second SWAC game of the season.
Aniecia Brewster MC Contributor/Staff Writer
Cornelius Henderson Hometown: Dallas, Texas Major: Criminal Justice Classification: Junior Sport: Football Position: Defensive Tackle/Nose Guard Number: 93
It’s more than just a game for Cornelius Henderson, defensive tackle and nose guard for the Jackson State University football team. Henderson is well known for being a part of the football team, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Vice President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He plans to play in the National Football League (NFL) or work for the U.S. Marshall Service or homeland security. Henderson also plans to a strength-training certification and open up his own gym one day. The standout player fell in love with Jackson State on his tour while considering where to bring his talents. He stated that JSU’s winning tradition and family environment swayed him to choose Jackson State as his ‘dear ole college home’.
Photo: JSU Athletics Media
While on the field, Henderson becomes a dominant game changer in his efforts to help his team get the win. He rehearses strategies, executions, and plays for every competition every day, both physically and mentally. Henderson has more than enough support from those around him including
family, friends, teammates, and fraternity brothers. He compares football to his daily life in so many different ways. Henderson feels that once the team focuses and eliminates mental mistakes they will not be stopped. “We will end our season in Atlanta,” said Henderson.
Sports SPORTS COMMENTARY
Page 12 - September 24, 2015
The Blue & White Flash
The s e F a n s A i n ’ t L o y a l
Jeremy Anderson Associate Editor So it’s no secret that the Jackson State University Tiger football team is struggling. Jackson State is 0-3 for the first time since 2009 and they’re just coming off of the first losing season since that same year. Frustrations are evident and explicit on social media but I urge the JSU fan base to be patient. Building a championship program normally takes time. Now I love Jackson State just as much as the next student or alumnus, and I also want to see our Tigers succeed, but fans must be mindful of the situation at Jackson State, and HBCUs in general. In case anyone isn’t aware, Jackson State competes in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The FCS is the second largest division in NCAA athletics and includes all schools in the two largest HBCU conferences (the MEAC and SWAC). FCS schools are usually much smaller in size and operate on lower budgets
Cartoon: Kristen Hudson
than schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Schools in the FBS include universities such as the University of Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi. In the world of college sports, money matters. And FBS schools have
considerably more money than FCS schools. For example, FBS schools can afford to hand out 85 full scholarships to their athletes. In comparison, FCS schools only have 63. In order to make up the difference, many FCS schools spread their scholarships out by awarding athletes half or quarter scholarships.
FBS schools also attract the best players around the country due to the stateof-the-art facilities and vast recruiting budgets they operate on. Massive weightrooms, plush player lounges, unlimited equipment and apparel, and first-class travel methods are all assets that bigger schools enjoy that are normally not
found in FCS schools. In addition to players, top-tier FBS schools can afford to have the best football coaches in the nation because of the multimillion dollar contracts they are financially able to offer. The more money you can offer your coaches, the more stable your program will be. If no one is offering you more money than you current school, then why leave? Often when any FCS coach has sustained success, he is offered a job at a much bigger school that pays more money than he can refuse. That coach in turn leaves his former FCS program to rebuild all over. With these factors at hand, FCS schools go through much more transition than FBS schools. Rarely will you see any FCS school, including schools in the SWAC, be dominant for longer than maybe five years (at least since this century). This is because the quality of talent and coaching are much more fluent at lowerlevels of football. So I urge all Tiger fans, until you find a way to build a two-story, 37,000 squarefoot weight room with a nutrition bar included like Alabama, or find a way to pay a coach a Nic Sabansized contract, please keep your rude, irrational and unsupportive comments about our coaches and players to yourselves. The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.
Should fans support their team, win or lose? Compiled by Aniecia Brewster Why or why not? Charance Wright Senior Mass Communication Atlanta, Ga.
“Yes, were a family at JSU and that means we stick together win or lose.”
Julian Bell Junior Recreation Admin. Greensboro, N.C. “I think you should because I grew up on pride and taking pride in your team and where you come from. When I was in high school that’s what we did, win or lose. Even at Jackson State we might be losing but I guarantee people will still going to pack out the stadium. ”
Sydney S. Forbes Senior Mass Communication Jackson, Miss. “Win, lose, or draw you should always support the athletic teams of the university. Everyone has their good days and everyone has their bad ones too. School pride and spirit runs deeper than just the games.”
Breyionna Flowers Senior Mass Communication Little Rock, Ark.
“I definitely think that our students should support our sports teams whether they lose or win. I definitely believe that playing in winning a game is only half talent. The rest comes from inspiration. The teams draws their inspiration from fans that show up to support them and without that support that talent will not draw them over the edge.”
Jordan Darensbourg Senior Meteorology Smyrna, Ga.
“Absolutely, you have to support them no matter what, win or lose. Don’t just turn away from a team just because they arer not doing well. That makes you a bandwagon fan and that’s not always great.”
Nick Warren Junior Mass Communications Jackson, Miss.
“Being that I am a former athlete I do feel that win or lose fans should always support.”