The Blue & White Flash April 13, 2023

MBAT Summit at JSU delves into human trafficking awareness and prevention

The Mississippi Businesses Against Trafficking (MBAT) Summit was held on April 4, 2023 in the Student Center Auditorium. Secretary of State Michael Watson sponsored the event in collaboration with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI), the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), and the Jackson State University (JSU) Public Safety Department led by Chief Herman Horton.

“I wanted Jackson State University to be the first HBCU to host this important summit on human trafficking. It is my hope that other HBCUs follow suit and host this summit on their campus also,” said Horton. “As Chief of Police for the Jackson State University Department of Public Safety, I’m compelled to be a driving force behind spreading the word about the ever-increasing issue: human trafficking.”

MBAT is a statewide initiative to raise awareness and empower Mississippi businesses to combat human trafficking. It is open to any business, nonprofit organization, or association in the State of Mississippi that is interested in promoting human trafficking awareness both internally and externally.

In the welcome by JSU Acting President Elayne H. Anthony, she stated, “We’re very pleased to be a part of this because we see it is very important for our community. We want our community to remain safe.”

Secretary of State Watson gave opening remarks and an introduction of the keynote speaker, Brian Montgomery.

“When I learned about the stories they were talking about, one

was out of Lincoln County and it was about a grandfather who was trafficking his granddaughter for drug money and it stuck with me and it hurt because I’m a father of three little girls. So when I think about something happening to small little girl and little boys… it really hurts my heart. I couldn’t help but to get involved with this topic,” explained Watson.

He added, “We worked a great deal with Speaker (Philip) Gunn and several other legislators to get a lot of legislation passed in the state senate and the state house and on to be signed by the Governor. But more importantly than just the legislative piece, but the knowledge that evolved to all of us in the legislature and the idea that we need to spread this and make sure people are aware of what’s going on. And it really just kind of grew out of that.”

Watson explained that MBAT programs not only offer training to employees at the over 100 businesses who are members, but the summits allow the organization to be active within the communities and spread the word about the seriousness of human trafficking even farther.

“You need to be looking for trafficking everywhere, not just your convenience store or truck stops. It’s everywhere you’re going to be,” said Watson An overview of human trafficking was presented by JSU Professor and Hinds County Sheriff ’s Department Lieutenant Kevin Lavine.

Lavine began the overview with a definition of human trafficking, which is a serious crime and violation of human rights involving force, coercion, or fraud to exploit a person into slave or sexual exploitation.

Lavine, who stated that human trafficking is multi-billion-dollar industry, reported that most people think that trafficking comes with

certain criteria and always involves sexual exploitation, but labor trafficking is also a serious human trafficking issue.

“Believe it or not, it doesn’t matter about your age, race, physical appearance and make up, we are all vulnerable,” said Lavine. “You are more vulnerable when you are apathetic.”

According to Lavine, women are often used for sexual exploitation and men are typically used for forced labor. Although this is the case in most instances, this is not for every situation.

Lavine stressed that police, businesses and the community must work hand in hand to combat human trafficking.

“We cannot just police our way out of this, we have to have our community stakeholders and forums like this help us to bring factual information that we can all take back and share with our employees and our community,” said Lavine.

The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime has listed a series of indications that help people identify victims of human trafficking. These indicators include:

• Appearing malnourished

• Appearing injured or having signs of injury or physical abuse

• Avoiding eye contact, social interactions and law enforcement

• Responding in manners that seem rehearsed or scripted

• Lacking personal identification documents

• Lacking personal possessions

Situational awareness will only not save you, but also the victims from being further harmed. Be sure to ask questions and report anything that seems suspicious.

Lavine stressed that private

citizens should never try to intervene if human trafficking is suspected, they should contact local authorities who are trained to handle these situations.

Next, keynote speaker Brian Montgomery gave an emotional testimonial about his son Walker, who was a victim of sextortion, another component of trafficking. Walker was a 16-year-old student who played football and enjoyed the presence of people.

Brian told the audience that on the night of Dec. 1, 2022, Walker received an Instagram direct message from someone pretending to be a young girl from his school. One thing led to another and the conversation led to Walker sending the person explicit information of himself.

The trafficker in return wanted $5,000, threatening to expose the information to friends on his social media contact lists. Walker begged them not to release the footage. When he refused to send the money requested, the traffickers told him that they sent the information to friends and if he didn’t comply, they would send the explicit information to his mother.

According to the emotional father, his son, unable to deal with the threat of his mother seeing the information, committed suicide. The hackers, although never caught, have been traced to Nigeria.

“I think it’s easy to think that these types of problems only attack the people that find themselves in those situations. That’s not the case,” said the Brian Montgomery.

Brian hopes that his son’s story can be shared and also encourages parents to take extra precautions when it comes to the safety of their children.

Next, a panel discussion was held that included: Dana Hunter, executive director of Louisiana’s Governor’s Office of Human

Trafficking; Matt Bogue, vice president of Dutch Oil Company/ Sprint Mart; Deputy Helen Brown, CEO of No More Tears, an organization that empowers as well as guides victims of human trafficking and domestic violence; and Joy Jones, director of the Office Against Interpersonal Violence. The panel offered more information on recognizing and reporting suspected human trafficking situations.

Chief Horton was pleased that JSU was able to host the event.

“I want to make every effort to educate our students as well as our faculty and staff about human trafficking. I am thankful that Michael Watson, Secretary of State, brought the Mississippi Businesses Against Trafficking (MBAT) summit to the JSU campus. Businesses play an integral part of helping to identify victims of human trafficking by working with local, county, and state law enforcement agencies as they are often the ‘eyes and ears’ of the community as they have first-hand knowledge of human trafficking occurrences around their places of business,” said Horton. “We (law enforcement) are appreciative of their involvement by simply contacting law enforcement. JSU Department of Public Safety will continue working with Mr. Watson’s office to help share the knowledge of the dangers and impact of human trafficking in our community”.

Horton added, “I feel it is our (JSU Department of Public Safety) responsibility to help educate our campus community about human trafficking. If any student ever finds themselves in a human situation, we encourage them to contact the JSU Department of Public Safety and report it immediately and provide as much information as possible: If you see something or hear something, please, say something.”

Shakell James Staff Writer

1)Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson speaking during the MBAT Summit.

2)Acting President Elayne H. Anthony delivering the welcome during the MBAT Summit.

3) Lieutenant Kevin Lavine giving an overview of human trafficking during the MBAT Summit.

4)Keynote speaker Brian Montgomery speaking during the MBAT Summit.

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Everyone should be aware of human trafficking

COMMENTARY

to see what you need, and then they’re going to try to jump in and fill that need for you,” Lasinsky said. While working to identify potential problems with the campaign, Lasinsky concluded that there was a need for training with campus law officials.

Through extensive research and interviews with campus safety officials, the “Human Trafficking Response Guide for Campus Law Enforcement and Public Safety Officials, was launched.

and strategies that human traffickers use to prey on potential victims.

In recent news, leaders and personnel at JSU were approved for a federal transportation alternative program.

This $659,000 federal program will add more sidewalks and lighting near the campus and surrounding areas.

The announcement was made by Acting President Elayne Hayes-Anthony and Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District Commissioner.

improving our communities said DRMS officials.

I’m excited to hear that individuals with different disabilities will benefit from the advancements because of my mobility disability.

Besides the JSU Safe App and buddying with peers, the sidewalks and extra lighting will help me to be more comfortable while I’m on campus.

Each year, there’s an estimated six to eight hundred thousand men, women and children trafficked across the world, with numbers soaring annually.

Maraya Lasinsky, chief advisor for the U.S. Department of Home Security, has labored with the Blue Campaign, a group that educates the public, law enforcement agencies and other affiliates, to notice the indicators of human trafficking and how to

respond to possible cases.

Although one group of people are not directly affected, there are a number of vulnerabilities and factors that make individuals a bigger target.

In an interview with Campus Safety, Lasinsky said that victims who lack stability in housing, food and shelter makes them more susceptible to trafficking.

“If there is a lack of a social support network or strong family networks around them because we know traffickers are looking for hardships. They’re looking for your vulnerability, they’re looking

The guide is to help inform and educate campus law enforcement and public safety officials on indicators of human trafficking so that they can be better prepared to recognize potential victims at a college or university.

Colleges and universities are working with organizations to address and combat the widespread of human trafficking. JSU being one, held a student summit with speakers and activists with Mississippi Businesses Against Trafficking (MBAT) and the Secretary of State’s office that provided vital information.

During the MBAT event at JSU, there were speakers, a parent of a victim and activists present that talked with students about tactics

“It’s going to move the traffic, but it’s also going to create the ability for the students in the community to be able to walk and be safe. In addition to that, we’re going to have lights all the way from the beginning of the project down to the end of the project. That’s going to really give us the ability to provide safety,” said Simmons.

Officials with Disability Rights Mississippi (DRMS) also stated that individuals with disabilities are being kept in mind and that they will have access to these resources.

Access and safety for all people, including those who may use a wheelchair, have a visual impairment, or other disabilities, is of the utmost importance when

The JSU Safe App gives students 24-hour access to campus police if students are needing extra security to and from different buildings while they’re on campus as well as resources for their concerns and safety.

Although I have never had to use the Safe App for those things, I find sovereignty with knowing it’s available.

I urge all my fellow students and anyone reading this to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Traffickers often prey on those who are not consciously remaining aware of what is going on around them.

Human trafficking must stop and it will take everyone concerned about this issue to stop it!

The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.

Alivia Welch

Managing Editor

Cartoon by Elizabeth Duncan

Flash participates and wins awards at annual journalism summit

On March 30, The Blue & White Flash student newspaper won a total of 10 awards in the Better Newspaper Contest (BNC) during the 25th Annual O.C. McDavid Journalism Summit.

The summit was held at the Mississippi Ag & Forestry Museum in Jackson, Miss. and was sponsored by the Mississippi Press Association Education Foundation (MPAEF).

After the welcome, students were treated to an art presentation by artist Candy Cain.

MPA General Counsel Donna Jacobs then presented a session entitled: Libel Law and Dealing with Defamation.

Jacobs gave the students in attendance several examples of defamation and libel and offered advise on how to avoid lawsuits.

Next, attendees were treated to a panel discussion from newspaper editors and publishers on the impact of community journalism and its future.

The panelists included: Lyndy Berryhill from The Stone County Enterprise, Jackie Hampton from The Mississippi Link, Peter Imes from The Commercial Dispatch and Stephanie Patton from The Leland Progress.

Hampton weighed in on the Mississippi Link’s designation as one of the few African-American owned outlets in Mississippi.

“Our niche market would be our African-Americans readers. The Black Press, which is the same as the National Newspaper Publishers Association…that organization was started in 1827. This year we are celebrating 196 years. It was established because we needed to tell our own stories as AfricanAmericans. Way back in the day in the 1800s, if you read anything about what was going on in the black community, it was who murdered who. There was never anything

published about the successes, or the education or the careers,” said Hampton.

Patton, who began her career at Southern Living magazine, moved to Leland to be closer to family. A piece she did about the son of a friend who was receiving his Eagle Scout badge that was submitted to the newspaper led to an offer to buy the newspaper. She first declined but eventually took over the operation and immediately began to make changes.

“I had a lot of work to do on building relationships in the community with the newspaper. Leland is about 70 percent AfricanAmerican, but you did not know that by reading the paper. I had a lot of work to do to get those stories about everyone in the community, not just a certain segment in the community,” said Patton. “I rely heavily on connections in the community that I have built over the last decade to send me content and pictures and to let me know what’s going on.”

Imes, who had the largest newspaper and newsroom on the panel, gave the students advice on resumes and portfolios when looking for jobs.

“One thing is how important it

is to curate the clips that you send along with your resume when you are applying for a job. (Having) A lot of clips doesn’t necessarily mean good clips. I think you want to send three maybe four clips that show your diverse writing styles and those are the ones that really stand out to us,” said Imes.

He also stated that references, cover letters and appropriate dress stand out to employers.

Berryhill told the attendees why she preferred working with a smaller newspaper.

“…I had an internship in Washington, D.C. and that’s what I thought I wanted to do. I wanted to work at a big publication, big city, like big news. I got there and I hated it. A lot of the times when you are covering a big area, you’re competing with a lot of other journalists who’ve done it for a lot longer time and it’s almost like resource scarcity because there are so many people trying to cover the same story and the impact you have is so minimal. You might do an important story and you just never see the end results of it. But if I do a story in my local newspaper about a family whose home gets burned down, I’ve got people calling my office the next

morning saying ‘How can we help them or I want to do something for them,’” said Berryhill.

She added, “It is so much more rewarding to be at this level, I would never go to a bigger newspaper or national publication.”

Universities and community colleges from around the state of Mississippi attend the conference and participate in the Better Newspaper Contest which includes categories like: Best General News Story, Best Feature Story, Best Cartoon, Best Series or Investigative News Package, Best Website and more.

Cameron Adams, the editorin-chief of The Blue & White Flash campus newspaper, said that one of the things he learned from the conference was that he had a lot more work to do.

“To manage a successful staff, I need to acquire new ways to communicate effectively with my staff, which will take a lot of practice. I also learned that as an HBCU, we must work twice as hard as PWIs to gain recognition.”

Adams said that he plans to institute more meetings and also stress the importance of meeting deadlines to ensure the staff remains

focused on producing a high-quality newspaper every week.

“I gained a lot of insight from the panel about how to get the staff to meet deadlines. They advised me to build a stronger staff, who will then contribute consistent and quality work at all times,” said Adams.

He added, “They also advised me to be stricter by having consequences for missing deadlines.”

The highly anticipated BNC awards presentation was next.

The Blue & White Flash won the following awards:

1st Place - Tatyana Ross for Best

Graphic

2nd Place - BWF Staff for Best

Editorials

2nd Place - BWF Staff for Best

Front Page

2nd Place - Monica McGhee for

Best General News Photo

2nd Place - Monica McGhee for Best Feature Photo

3rd Place - Tatyana Ross for Best

Cartoon

3rd Place - Tatyana Ross for Best

General News Story

3rd Place - Tatyana Ross for Best

Sports News Story

3rd Place - BWF for Best Layout and Design

3rd Place - BWF for General

Excellence

According to the MPA, since 1999 the O.C. McDavid Memorial Fund, administered by the Mississippi Press Association Education Foundation, has underwritten the cost of the conference to promote journalism education in the state of Mississippi.

The conference is named after the late O.C. McDavid, former managing editor of the Jackson Daily News, who actively pursued a second career as an artist and sculptor after retiring from journalism.

MPAEF always includes sessions dealing with art during the conference. All attendees receive a copy of the autobiography, “My Name is O.C.”

Clery Act presentation educates students on campus safety reporting

Matthew Adams Managing Editor

On every college campus there will be incidents of crime prompting most college students and their loved ones to want to stay informed about campus safety. The Jackson State University Department of Public Safety presented a program to help educate students on what the Clery Act is and what it can do for the university.

The Clery Act was started as a result of freshman Jeanne Clery, a student at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Penn., who was raped and murdered in 1986. The crime was not reported to the university so this led many universities to question the activity on their own campuses.

With unreported crimes on college campuses coming to light, more and more universities would begin to rally for a change leading to a bill being passed in 1990 by Congress that would be named the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

Tonisha Thomas, Clery Act Compliance Officer for JSU Public

Safety said, “The Clery Act helps Jackson State as a campus get more involved in campus safety, personal safety, and crime reporting. A more robust Clery Act program is underway and there is so much more to come.”

The act requires integrity and honesty from universities. The act would also require universities that receive federal funding to disseminate an annual report, that would include the three preceding calendar years of crime.

The bill was able to categorize the different types of crimes that can potentially occur on the typical college campus.

These categories include: hate crimes, criminal offenses, VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) offenses, and arrests and referrals for disciplinary action.

They all have several crimes that encompass the categories that include some common crimes such as rape, burglary, aggravated assault, and a myriad of other crimes that can potentially occur on campus.

Even though the Clery Act is directed more toward college campuses, this act does not exclude the surrounding geographical areas of the campus.

According to the Clery Act website, the institution must include the crime statistics that occur on non-campus buildings and property owned or controlled by the organization that is used for educational purposes and frequently used by students but not a part of the core campus, or those owned or controlled by a student organization officially recognized by the institution.

This would help students not just be cautious on campus but to be cautious in non-campus settings. If students are victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking they are provided special rights and resources that can help them navigate through their emotions. These resources include prevention education, disciplinary proceedings, and a written explanation of student and employee rights.

Some Jackson State students had similar opinions on the effectiveness of the Clery Act.

Lauren Temple, a junior biology/ pre-medicine major from Slidell, La., feels the Clery Act can improve campus safety.

“Students would be encouraged to report incidents if there is public information on safety, policies, and procedures for all students and those who come to JSU,” said Temple.

Chyna Jordan, a junior business administration major from Chicago, Ill. stated, “Admissions to the university don’t require a background check which leaves the door open for individuals to be dishonest about their past, which can lead to preventable situations.”

Jordan further explained by saying, “Allowing campuses to report certain crimes and acts to the local police department could help prevent future incidents from occurring on campus.”

Timely warnings and emergency

notifications are other measures the act has enacted to help further the protection of students.

Universities are obligated to evaluate and report if a crime is ongoing or a serious threat to the community. If this is found to be the case, a timely warning is issued to all staff and students.

An emergency notification is issued if there is an immediate or significant danger to the health or safety campus community, according to the website. The notification can include a limited area or the entire campus.

With the Clery Act in place, people can learn about the area they are living in and learn to be more cautious.

Jackson State and Google extend partnership with students and faculty

Jackson State University (JSU) and Google are furthering their partnership to help HBCU students access technology and training to prepare for the workforce. The latest collaboration includes Google donating a new line of Chromebooks to Jackson State CSET students so they can transition from school to professional life with a versatile laptop for work and play.

The donation builds on JSU’s existing HBCU Career Readiness program with Google and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which helps prepare HBCU students for the workforce through digital skills training and career workshops.

“This contribution will assist an important part of our mission at JSU, which is ensuring students have the necessary tools to maximize their learning potential and improve outcomes as they work on ideas and methods that address societal needs,” said Acting President Elayne

H. Anthony, Ph.D., “I cannot think of a better asset that could increase the quality of the higher education experience for our students.”

Wilbur Walters, Ph.D., dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, cited the extended partnership with Google as an opportunity to engage students with cutting-edge technology like robotics, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

“This partnership is another example of academic and corporate partners teaming to directly benefit our students at JSU,” said Walters.

“This contribution represents the continuation of exciting opportunities for our students and faculty to engage and benefit from the amazing Google brand.”

“As a proud HBCU graduate, I’ve experienced firsthand how access to technology can help to heighten the educational experience and inspire students to create,” said Adrienne Lofton, global vice president, Consumer Marketing, Google.

“Google is proud to support Jackson State University in our continued

efforts to create equity in tech.”

Along with the Chromebook donation, the Google partnership will continue providing students with the Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program. Started in 2020,

the program combines Grow with Google workshops with custom jobseeking content for Black students, including design thinking, project management and professional brand building. To bring the program to JSU,

Google worked with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. TMCF— the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community—has a track record of successfully connecting HBCU students with scholarships, training and jobs as they navigate college and careers.

JSU CSET students seeking a Chromebook must submit a short video explaining how the laptop will enhance their higher-education experience.

Videos must not exceed two minutes and must be emailed to Jacqueline Jackson, Ph.D., associate professor of computer science & interim chair of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science at jacqueline.m.jackson@jsums.edu by April 14.

Selected CSET students will be notified the week of April 17 via email.

For more information on Grow with Google’s HBCU Career Readiness program, please visit the website.

Flash staff holding awards won in the Better Newspaper Contest at the O.C. McDavid Journalism Summit.

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Kyle Kidd-Buckner JSU Public Relations

Photo by JSU Public Relations

Photos

Photos 1-6 taken by Jamall Morris

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New Beginnings rewrites stereotypes of African-American men

Cameron Adams Editor-in-Chief

Fast forward hundreds of years later and black men and women continue to be held down by inaccurate depictions of their characters and culture.

On April 3, 2023, Jackson State University’s theatre organization, known as M.A.D.D.R.A.M.A, presented an exclusive performance which embraced and dispelled the inaccurate narratives placed on African-Americans.

The show began with eight Jackson State students displaying the colorful personalities of their characters. Each character represented a different stereotype of black men.

The stereotypes included, “The Dumb Athlete”, “Bubba Baxter: Prisoner #2023”, “Ice Man”, “Junebug Johnson: The Ladies Man”, “D-E-L-IC-I-O-U-S: The Pimp”, “Killa Black: The Gangsta”, and “Alfalisha”.

“The Dumb Athlete” was played by JaShaun Wilkerson, a senior journalism and media studies major from Tunica, Miss. This stereotype displayed society’s description of a “typical” black athlete; A tall, athletic, black male, who succeeds on the court but struggles in the classroom.

Lil Charles, the name of

Photo by Cameron Adams

Wilkerson’s character, was a college basketball player who appeared to have a third-grade level of comprehension.

The character had the crowd hysterical as he continued to express his frustration while reading the wellknown kid’s tale, “Jack and Jill”.

Wilkerson claimed to enjoy playing this character since he was able to incorporate basketball into his performance. “My experience with

the character Lil Charles was fun and I had a chance to mix my favorite sport with acting,” stated Wilkerson.

Another crowd favorite was “D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S: The Pimp”, played by Ethan Goode, a senior journalism and media studies major from Memphis, Tenn. Delicious was a representation of the average pimp: an expressive and flashy black man who verbally and physically abuses several women

who adhere to his every request.

The character made several “pimp-like” jokes and comments degrading women and openly discussed his abusive habits.

Goode claimed that his performance as Delicious gave him an opportunity to step out of his comfort zone.

“I have never played a pimp in a production nor have I ever had to perform on stage by myself for that long,” stated Goode. “It was a great experience and this definitely expanded my acting experience.”

Although Goode did not have much experience in being a pimp, he did have a history of being placed in a stereotype.

“I have been caught in the stereotype of being an only child. People think since I am an only child that I am spoiled,” claimed Goode.

While some people are comfortable with being categorized, Goode chose to overcome his stereotype. He stated that despite being an only child, he has never been given anything without working for it.

“Once you meet my parents, they will tell you I’ve always had to work for everything,” claimed Goode. Goode also displayed his ability to overcome stereotypes in the play.

After each character expressed their personality, the narrators of the play reintroduced the eight stereotypes in a new light.

The once humorous

performance turned into an empowering segment, as the eight characters approached the stage in all-black suits. Each cast member held a distinct souvenir from their character and placed it in the trash, saying goodbye to their stereotypes.

Chair of the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre and producer of the play, Mark G. Henderson, claimed that the message of the performance closely relates to society’s depiction of AfricanAmerican culture.

“The message of the play is that we, as black people, both male and female, need to listen less to how society labels us and more to how we label ourselves,” stated Henderson. Although the play was based on today’s society, Henderson said he wrote the play over 20 years ago.

“I actually wrote it 1998 and have been presenting new and improved versions of it since then,” said Henderson.

As “New Beginnings” continues to inform the African-American community about the importance of rewriting the narrative, Henderson hopes that his role as a theatre practitioner will also encourage change.

“All of us play a part in changing the narrative. As a theatre practitioner, this play represents my little contribution to help uplift and positively promote the AfricanAmerican culture, specifically the Black male,” Henderson said.

Dominique Fishback and great supporting cast elevate Swarm series

Aaliyah Jones Staff Writer

Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, has stepped back into his realm of creativity with his new Amazon Prime series “Swarm”.

“Swarm”, which some sources call a psychological thriller and others a comedy horror, made its debut on the Amazon streaming service on March 17.

The show has taken the masses by storm with the drastically new online series which has changed how people view the ordinary horror thriller.

According to IMDb, the series was written and created by Janine Nabers and Donald Glover. Producers include Donald Glover, Stephen Glover, Adamma Ebo, and Ibra Ake.

The storyline is centered around Andrea or Dre (Dominique Fishback), a socially awkward girl from Houston, Texas.

Dre has a troubled past and a love for only two things— her best friend, her sister, and an R&B singer many believe to be a version of Beyoncé.

When her best friend committed suicide after having a major argument with her boyfriend, something within Dre snaps and sends her on a murderous rampage with one thing on her mind— taking out anyone against her favorite singer.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the show is currently sitting at 85

percent on the Tomatometer and an average audience score of 72 percent ,“Swarm” has made a very good impression on its viewers despite some oddities that might have caused some to avoid viewing or finishing the first season in its entirety.

Some scenes include full-frontal nudity, graphic death scenes including blood, substance abuse, and other sexual content. I don’t think anyone would be prepared to watch what was creatively conjured in all seven episodes in one sitting.

There are so many things shown in just the first three episodes that would cause the average person to completely rethink what is normal in a young person’s life, the oddities

are also what makes this show so unique. It’s following the guidelines that nothing is normal and therefore there is no limit.

At first glance, it looks like a show about a girl who is secretly and romantically in love with her best friend and depends on her for survival.

It later transforms into a story detailing the mental deterioration and reformation of a crazed fan into a completely self-sufficient murderer with a noticeable ability to adapt and reconfigure who she is to meet her goal by any means necessary.

The show is also only as strong as the actors who are cast in these roles.

Fishback did an excellent job

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in displaying the mental breaks, yet extreme intelligence of Dre throughout the series. She was able to shift between identities while keeping the original character’s cues consistent.

Even in the seventh and final episode, though Fishback originally played Dre as an overtly feminine woman who even plays into men’s desires at many points of the series, she transitioned into a very masculine lesbian version of her character to get close to her final victim of the season, Rashida.

The transformation of her character even broke the previous rules set for the identities that Dre would take on to ensure that she would actually be able to get close to Rashida.

The real Dre does not smoke or drink, but does Carmen?

Going back to the opening scene starring Chloe Bailey, who plays Marissa Jackson, Dre’s best friend, and Damson Idris who plays Khalid, Marissa’s boyfriend, where the pairing was engaging in intimacy with each other and Dre watched in the hall before walking away.

You can see where the slightly obsessive traits in Dre start to surface but get pushed down.

I think Bailey’s performance of the character was phenomenal and noteworthy.

The only drawback that I can truly note is the absence of transitional stories between the new identities and places Dre tends to end up in.

Otherwise, I think the writers did a great job of showing how trauma manifests itself in different ways in different people based on what their triggers are.

It was also a very great move on the behalf of the casting team to choose Billie Eilish to play Eva, a life coach/ cult leader, and Rickey Thompson as Kenny, a sales associate in a cellphone store. The characters’ personalities fit both their natural auras and perceived personalities which only enriched their performances.

Truly, the supporting characters throughout the series carried it that small way to the finish line of excellence that the main characters couldn’t reach on their own.

Xscape, SWV, DDG, Halle Bailey and Blac Chyna top trending topics

Amaya Baker Staff Writer

Xscape vs SWV Drama

A lot of controversy has been going on with the two 90s R&B groups Xscape and SWV. They are currently airing their reality show on Bravo called “The Queens of R&B: SWV and Xscape”.

The issue that has been a main point of argument with the two groups is who should headline a show they want to do together.

SWV feels they should co-headline while Xscape feels they should headline. Xscape’s Kandi Burris argued that with Tiny and her being famous for reality TV, they should headline because they will sell more tickets than SWV. SWV felt slighted by that.

On social media the groups have been going tit-for-tat showing receipts on why the other is wrong. Ultimately, they did end up deciding to co-headline, but it seems the groups will never work together in this way again.

Latocha Scott vs Tamika Scott/Xscape

The drama continues within the group as documented in “The Queens of R&B: SWV and Xscape”. Another point of contention

between the Scott sisters is $30,000 in royalty money that Tamika alleges was stolen by Latocha and her husband Rocky. After being called a liar for weeks, Tamika decided to drop the receipts on her YouTube channel, The Real Tamika Scott and y’all, the receipts don’t lie.

Latocha then followed with an Instagram live video still proclaiming her innocence but now she wants to reconcile with Tamika.

It is noteworthy to understand that she didn’t seem to want this before the receipts were dropped. The live included lots of tears, runny noses and tissue.

Tamika also accuses Latocha and Rocky of extorting her over a sex tape made in the 90s that was left for safekeeping in Latocha’s safe. The tape mysteriously came up missing and was followed with a threatening text to stop accusing Latocha and her husband or the tape would be released.

To add salt to the wound, the Kandi, Tiny and Tamika also accuse Rocky of taking kickbacks off of their shows from a promoter and had receipts to back it up. Both Latocha and her husband denied the allegations but then said it was payment for booking the shows.

It seems like the group is done with Latocha. They have been performing as a threesome lately.

DDG and Halle Bailey

A lot of drama has been surrounding this young couple. Halle is an actress and singer set to make her blockbuster premiere in a live action remake of “The Little Mermaid”. DDG is her boyfriend and a media personality/ rapper. Recently the couple has made headlines because DDG’s ex-girlfriend, Rubi Rose, has been making waves in the relationship.

Rose leaked DMs earlier this year that seemingly showed DDG trying to get back with her. Rose also has made mean comments toward Bailey.

Bailey seemingly does not respond in any way to the receipts but appears to be doubling down on standing by her man. Fans have been really all over the place with them mainly because of the comments from DDG’s comments on social media. The couple is still together. But fans hope the little mermaid realizes quickly that there are more fish in the sea.

Blac Chyna’s transformation

Blac Chyna has recently made headlines for getting her fillers removed. She is known for being a social media influencer and reality TV personality as well as for her extensive plastic surgery. People have made comments before

about how much she has had done to herself. Recently though she has shut everyone down. On her transformation journey, she has also quit “Only Fans”.

a Doctorate of Liberal Arts from Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College. Time will tell if this transformation will bode well for the celebrity.

views

*SPOILER ALERT*

D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S the Pimp as played by senior Ethan Goode.

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LSU and UConn victorious in March Madness matchups

Men and women’s NCAA championships presented college basketball’s top teams.

The men’s championship consisted of a team that is known for making appearances (University of Connecticut’s aka UConn) and a team who hasn’t made a championship at all (San Diego State). This would be UConn’s fifth championship appearance with the prior championship being won in 2014.

With an unexpected championship matchup, viewers were not sure what to expect during this matchup.

To begin the first half the Huskies and the Aztecs were playing a tight game that would encompass back-and-forth buckets.

Not too long after the 11-minute mark the Huskies began to dial in on the game and score at will.

This would put Aztec fans in a state of unease because it would show how hard the Aztecs would have to play to win this game.

The Huskies’ lead would be credited to their first-half defense. The Huskies were able to grab steals that would end up being easy transition points.

These easy-point possessions and the Huskies’ great play would subside for over a minute with missed shots.

The lead would be carried from the 11-minute mark to the end of the quarter.

The first half of play was dominated by the Huskies with them having a 12-point lead.

The score at the end of the first half was 24 to 36.

The Aztecs were in a hole from which they had the possibility to come back.

During the second half, the Aztecs were able to make it interesting

The start of the second half resembled the first half and this

was concerning for Aztec fans. This would not last with the Aztecs cutting the lead down late in the second half to seven.

This sliver of hope would disappear for the Aztecs with the Huskies’ offense pushing the envelope on scoring.

Getting back to stellar play, the Huskies would rally to win the game in a blowout win. The end score was 79 to 56. The Huskies would win this game by simply making more shots.

The Huskies would shoot 23 for 53 from the field while the Aztecs would shoot 19 for 59.

In contrast to the Men’s championship, the women’s championship would garner massive attention with over 9 million viewers.

Two of the NCAA’s top scorers were going head-tohead with each other and left it all on the court.

Louisiana State and Iowa would reel in over 9.9 million viewers which would surpass other major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and the

Men’s NCAA championship.

All eyes were on both teams and players had a nuanced understanding of that.

The Tigers would commence the first quarter with great offense and this would be a trend throughout the game.

Iowa would strive for a lead but LSU would make winning a championship inevitable. The remaining quarters would show the intensity that the Tigers were playing with.

Ajani Griffin a sophomore social work major from Chicago, Ill. felt pride in this win.

Griffin stated, “This was more than just a game it was a win for the culture.”

Nick Buzzelli, Ph.D., a professor at High Point University was elated with win and felt a shift in society as a result.

Buzzelli stated, “I am excited to see where things head in terms of more people gravitating toward women’s basketball as an entertaining sport.”

LSU’s Jasmine Carson was a major contributor for the team’s win. She amassed 22 points with a 83 percent field goal percentage.

Even with great solo performance Jasmine’s 22 points were piled on top of all the other remaining stars on the team who were able drop shots.

Angel Reese was able to have great performance as well with a solid double-double. Her stat line was helpful as well with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.

This loss was devastating to Iowa but they had players who showed their talents on the court.

Caitlyn Clark was one of those players and she had a stat line of 30 points, 2 rebounds, and 8 assists.

As NCAA basketball comes to a close on both ends, female players are looking forward to WNBA draft that looks to have some promising players join a team.

Reese brings attention to racism and double standards in NCAA

had little to no outrage, with many viewers complimenting Clark on her aggression and passion for the game. She was even complimented by John Cena himself, who retweeted the clip of her doing the gesture with the caption “Even if they could see you … they couldn’t guard you! Congrats on the historic performance and to Iowa’s women’s basketball for advancing to the Final Four.”

Reese is black. Clark is white. One can’t help but wonder why there was only outrage when Reese used the gesture vs when it was used twice by Clark. What’s so different when Reese does it? Is this an example of racial double standards?

During the post-game interview, Reese took time to address the hate she’d been receiving during her time playing with LSU.

going to tell Joe I think Iowa should come too, because they played such a good game.” Reese took to social media and responded to Biden’s invitation for both the winning and losing teams to visit the White House and said “A JOKE” and “WE NOT COMING. Period.”

Never has both the winning and losing team been invited to the White House and many felt this was disrespectful to LSU- not only as a team, but as a majority black team.

Vanessa Valdiva, press secretary of Jill Biden, wanted to address the uproar after Biden’s comments, saying, “We intended to applaud the historic game and all women’s athletes. She looks forward to celebrating the LSU Tigers on their championship win at the White House.”

Bayless. Sharpe stated, “When have you ever invited losers to the White House Ms. Biden?!”

The Bayou Barbie, otherwise known as Angel Reese, the forward for Louisiana State University women’s basketball team, is currently making headlines for their historic win in the NCAA’s Championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes and for calling out the double standard in NCAA basketball.

Unfortunately, the LSU Tigers did not get to celebrate their title for long before Reese was heavily criticized for her on the court trash talking, being called “classless” and “ghetto.” Many took offense to Reese gesturing towards her ring finger to Iowa’s point guard Caitlin Clark, insinuating that the LSU Tigers would win the championship and receive their rings.

Viewers were outraged, sports commentator Keith Olbermann even took to Twitter to call Reese “a f*cking idiot.” However, Clark did the infamous “you can’t see me” hand gesture twice in their game against Louisville, after defeating them and entering the Final Four. Why such selective outrage?

Clark’s enthusiasm for the game

“I don’t fit in the box that you all want me to be in. I’m too hood, I’m too ghetto. You told me that all year. But when other people do it, y’all don’t say nothing. So this is for the girls that look like me, that want to speak up on what they believe in. It’s unapologetically you. It was bigger than me tonight.”

Social media was in a frenzy after Reese’s comments. Her boldness, authority, and activism was inspirational and many took to social media to voice their support, such as quarterback Robert Lee Griffin III, former basketball player Shaquille O’ Neal, and sports journalist Holly Rowe.

Traditionally, winners of the NCAA’s Championship title are invited to the white house as an award for their hard work. Jill Biden, first lady and wife of president Joe Biden, was in attendance of LSU and Iowa’s game.

After LSUs Tigers defeated Iowa and won, first lady Jill Biden stated, “I know we’ll have the champions come to the White House, we always do. So, we hope LSU will come but, you know, I’m

Clark declined the offer to go to the White House stating, “I don’t think runners-up usually go to the White House. I think LSU should enjoy that moment for them and congratulations, obviously, they deserve to go there. Maybe I could go to the white house on different terms though. That’s for LSU. That’s a pretty cool moment and they should enjoy every second of being a champion.”

Reese appeared on the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast hosted by Brandon Marshall and Ashley Nicole Moss. The three had a discussion about LSU’s historic win and how Reese felt about First Lady Biden backtracking on her initial invitation of both teams to the white house.

“I don’t accept the apology because you said what you said. You can’t go back on certain things that you say,” said Reese. “They have that spotlight. We’ll go to the Obamas. Well go see Michelle. We’ll see Barack.”

The topic was even discussed on Skip & Shannons “UNDISPUTED” - a popular sports talk show hosted by Shannon Sharpe and Skip

His co-host also weighed in.

“Jill Biden obviously meant well, and that’s the problem,” said Bayless. “To me, from my point of view, from this side of the table, this was a classic example of naive white racism. Unintentional, unwitting racism.”

It’s clear that the selective outrage towards Reese and lack thereof towards Clark, is a prime example of racism. Neither of these ladies should be attacked for showing aggression in the sport they love. Neither should be deemed “classless” or “ghetto” for being competitive, traits women often aren’t allowed to portray. And if the issue was truly against women showing aggression during games, Clark would be just as deserving of the backlash as Reese.

Reese and Clark are very accomplished athletes. Neither should be pitted against each other in the manner that they have, taking this basic portrayal of competitiveness between two passionate athletes and turning it into a race war. This is not black vs. white

issue and LSU’s win should not be expected to be shared with the defeated. They accomplished the very first NCAA’s Championship win for LSU’s women’s basketball team and Reese was named women’s NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Both accomplishments are being unfairly overshadowed by the controversy but the attention has brought record breaking views to women’s basketball, averaging 9.9 million views.

I hope in the future, black female athletes are able to display their love for their sports, without worrying about being labeled aggressive, ghetto, and classless.

Reese is a pioneer for young black female athletes. Not only is she a beast on the court, but she fights for what she believes in. She will continue to gain much support throughout her career and shine a light on what it means to be unapologetically you.

The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.

Matthew Adams Managing Editor

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Jai’den Smith Variety Editor

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