The Blue & White Flash February 23, 2023

www.sites.jsums.edu/jsufl

JSU Lady Tigers crush rival Alcorn State in basketball matchup

Cameron Adams

Sports Editor

Jackson State University

Lady Tigers basketball team continues to be an unstoppable force to be reckoned with throughout the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

On Feb. 18, 2023, the JSU Lady Tigers completely dominated Alcorn State University in front of a packed home crowd, defeating the Braves 81-49.

With this victory, the Lady Tigers extended their winning streak to ten games, cementing themselves even more as the leaders of the SWAC.

The story of the game revolves around the bench unit, which supplied 29 points to Alcorn’s 12.

Jariyah Covington, a 5’5 guard from Starkville, Miss., put up an amazing

offensive display. She notched 22 points and only missed three shots throughout the game, making seven out of ten shots.

Covington was the leading scorer of the Tigers’ dominant performance, earning her SWAC honors for Women’s Basketball Impact Player of the Week.

Liz Martino, a 6’ 0 junior guard from Lanham, Md., was the second highest scoring player of the team, putting 11 points from the bench, thanks to her three shots from behind the arc.

In the first quarter, the game was a close matchup. Alcorn was looking dominant, forcing several stops on the Tigers. The score was 11-7 with a couple of minutes remaining in the period.

Britney Taplin, a junior marketing major from Byram, Miss., believed

that the Tigers were on the verge of facing defeat.

“I was a little worried at first since they started the game aggressively,” Taplin stated. “But then JSU started to heat up.”

Jackson State immediately responded with a seven-point run, stopping Alcorn in its tracks. JSU continued their scoring efforts, causing Alcorn to enter the quarter break down 19-13.

The Lady Tigers’ offensive efforts weren’t the only problem for Alcorn. JSU displayed their patented defense, forcing several stops and turnovers on the Braves.

The second quarter was the deciding factor of the game. Jackson State completely outscored Alcorn due to their defensive pressure, forcing seven steals in the period and converting

them into easy points.

The Tigers held Alcorn to just 25.8 percent shooting, causing the Braves to be timid from the field. JSU also racked up 11 steals and gained 16 points off of their turnovers.

Bryson Reems, a replay manager for Jackson State’s Athletics program and junior healthcare administration major from Oakland, Calif., was impressed with the defensive performance of the Tigers.

“They were able to make some big time stops and force several steals which dictated the whole game,” stated Reems.

She also believes that the Tigers can keep their momentum going and finish the season as SWAC champions.

“At the rate that they’re going, I believe that they can win the championship yet again,” said Reems.

The Tigers managed to wrap up the game by halftime, going into the break leading 40-23.

Despite having the huge lead at halftime, the Lady Tigers refused to let up. Thanks to several sevenpoint runs, JSU closed out the game emphatically, rewarding the fans for their constant energy.

Lady Tigers head coach Tomekia Reed thanked the Tigers fans who packed the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center way before the game started.

“I want to thank our fans for coming to the gym early,” stated Reed. “We need you guys in this final stretch with Texas Southern and Prairie View on the clock.”

Jackson State faces off against Texas Southern at home on Saturday Feb. 25 and look to extend their winning streak to 11.

Photo by Cameron Adams

Photos 1-3 JSU Lady Tigers dominating Alcorn State University on offense and defense during the in-state rival matchup.

Photo by Cameron Adams

Photo by Cameron Adams

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Tiger Events

JSU’s

The time is now to rise above the stigmas and stereotypes

King, Jr. that sadly continues to ring true today.

As I reflect on the harsh conditions many inmates have faced while being incarcerated in Mississippi prisons, I can only wonder how long. I can only imagine the cries for help but soon silenced by death. However, I just can’t seem to imagine the countless fatalities within walls supposedly created to groom and challenge the lives of men for better—not for worse.

Cianna Hope Reeves Former Editor-in-Chief

The following commentary was written in 2020. Please enjoy!

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” It is a famed saying by Dr. Martin Luther

When I think about the mass incarceration rates nationwide, yes, it’s mindboggling. America is the only country with the highest imprison rates than any other county, and guess who makes up that population? Black folk.

Black men, to be exact. Black women aren’t leading too far behind.

Where did we go wrong?

What did we ever do? Why us? All of these questions, I ask myself, I ask others and there’s no specific answer.

Statistics say, it’s our economic and social status. I can agree that it is about our environment, but how much of our environment is actually controlled by us black folk?

See, I am a strong believer that a man is a product of his own upbringing. People behave how they were raised—it is all learned behavior. However, we were born powerful. We had everything. Our own land. We were the rulers. We were the handcrafters; we were the hard workers, yet because of our strength in numbers and the power in our minds and hands, it became clear to others how to destroy black mankind— make us suffer.

That suffering was slavery, to lynching and now mass incarceration. Whips to water hoses to chains and prison bars. Each of these practices continued to eat away at our minds, our character, causing us to forget the strength we once had and

still have within.

The black communities and businesses that once thrived are only imaginations of what it used to be. The black stories shared today about our gifted lineage, are stories of hope to inspire, and the ill-treatment of prisoners nationwide, specifically in Mississippi, is a constant reminder of the story waiting to be written.

What will we do? How will we ignite change? Well, we have already begun.

They may take away our dignity, they may work hard to take away our pride, but one thing they will not do is silence the voice of the people—the voice of black folk.

To organizing marches at the state capitol, to headlining national news, to rallying with people from across the country, it’s all working. We are working.

The cries of no more have reached the necessary people, as Unit 29 at the state penitentiary in Parchman

has been instructed to close down after the death of more than a dozen inmates in January 2020, alone. This is what reclaiming our power looks like. This is what not stepping down looks like. This is the result of consistency. If we continue to use our power, manifest our wants and make it happen, we will rise above.

If we continue to pour wisdom into black boys and girls, direct them on the right path and encourage them to embrace their creativity, we will rise above.

If we continue to fight for our rights, unite during trying times and successful moments, and believe that we were created to conquer, WE WILL RISE ABOVE.

The time is now. Mamba Mentality forever.

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

“Do you think African-American Studies should be offered at all colleges and universities? Why or Why not?”

James

Ladarrius Brooks Junior Health Care Admin. Memphis, Tenn.

“I feel like it should be taught everywhere. There are a lot of things black people have done that’s not necessarily covered in books for us to understand.”

Tyra’

London, England

“It should be offered everywhere. A lot of our history has been erased so it’s only fair that we get to learn the history of our own culture from our perspective.”

Stephanie Marsh Freshman Accounting Buford, Ga.

“It should be offered everywhere. I want to know where I come from like what tribe and part of Africa I come from.

Kennedi Mason Freshman Sociology Memphis, Tenn.

“It’s imperative to know our history. Other races can at least try to understand or get an idea of the oppression that still goes on today.”

Kayla Stubbs Freshman Biology/Pre-Dental Terry, Miss.

“I feel a lot of blacks don’t know their history. We, especially those at HBCUs, need to have that in school.”

Atlanta, Ga.

“Since I know about African-American studies, I would say other cultures should know about slavery and every other event.”

Apollo Criglar Freshman

Journalism and Media Studies

Kansas City, Mo.

“I think it should because my schools were predominantly white for most of my childhood until my senior year of high school.”

Thamar Scipio Junior Biology/Physical Therapy Los Angeles, Calif.

“The class should be offered everywhere because the country was built by Africans who were then forced to be African-Americans.”

Houston, Texas

Studies

“Everyone should know the history behind black culture. It’s equally as important as other cultures. There are foreign language classes so there can be an AfricanAmerican studies classes.”

Allison King Freshman Biology/Pre-Medicine Memphis, Tenn.

“I believe that no matter what your race or background is, African-American studies can be a vital part of education. Learning our culture gives people a better understanding of who we are.”

Ontario Linson Freshman JournalismandMediaStudies

Silver Springs, Md.

“I feel like everyone should learn it to better their future. It’s inspiring for non-African-Americans to see and hear about people that came before them and also who made a change.”

McKensie Edwards Freshman Business Administration

Jackson, Miss.

“It’s offered here at Jackson State, but we’re not the only school with students, which is why the whole nation should acknowledge our influence.”

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COMMENTARY

Compiled by: Shakell

Nicole Whyt Junior Civil Engineering

Samuel Slay Freshman Biology Pre- Medicine

Zion Norris Sophomore Journalism and Media

Outspoken Arts Collective hosts Poetry Café for Black History Month

Jai’Den Smith Staff Writer

The members of Outspoken Arts Collective stunned their classmates with breathtaking performances at their Poetry Café on Feb. 8, 2023. Many students watched as they performed original pieces that had the audience hooked.

The event took place in Starbucks, located on the first floor of the H.T. Sampson Library, and joined the many Black History Month programs hosted at Jackson State University.

Outspoken Arts Collective is an organization dedicated to bringing all student body artists together to share and exercise their craft. The organization includes a collection of young talented artists, performers, singers, rappers, photographers, musicians, and poets.

The performance-based group aspires to create a welcoming community for all students interested in voicing their emotions and experiences.

Jamie McAdoo performed an original poem titled “Admire Me” that received much praise from the crowd. McAdoo, a senior journalism and media studies major from Little Roc, Ark., currently serves as Miss Outspoken for the 2022-23 school year.

She stated that the poem was inspired by the idea that all women

are pieces of art and should be treated as such. McAdoo’s passion for poetry was on full display on stage.

“My passion for the arts is what motivates me to perform,” said McAdoo. “I love the emotions that spoken word poetry can invoke in

audiences and I feel free as I share my experiences on paper and on stage.”

Another performer who took the hearts of the crowd was Jasmine Thomas, a graduate student majoring in journalism and media studies major from Jackson, Miss.

Thomas, who currently serves as a DA for Alexander Hall, claimed to have experience in writing poetry since she was eight years old.

Her piece was titled “The Eternal One Night Stand” where she expresses the internal struggles of love and the complications of these feelings at a young age.

“I wrote this piece before deciding to enter into a season of celibacy. It gave me the courage to let go of all the anger and open a new chapter,” said Thomas. “I still desired and deserved real love.”

Parker DeLoach, a senior business administration major from Chicago, Ill., entertained the crowd with his performance of his song “Away” featuring Ekio, Quin B and Eli. He also serves as a mentor of the Outspoken, offering support and guidance for newer members.

“My motivation for sharing my art is simply rooted from how music makes me feel,” said DeLoach. “I know what music does for me and makes me feel every day, so I just want to share that love and energy every chance I get.”

Not all performers were a part of Outspoken, but they still took advantage of the opportunity to perform.

Dorian Coleman, a junior criminal justice major from Chicago, Ill., performed her poem “I Forgive You”. She was inspired by the complications of her emotions after the ending of her relationship. She noticed she blamed herself for the downfall of the relationship but found clarity in forgiveness.

“Overall, ‘I Forgive You’ is just a message to myself and a release of those past feelings. When you first hear it, you think I’ve forgiven them, when really, I’m forgiving myself,” Coleman stated.

Rufus Carl Jones, a junior interdisciplinary studies major from Montgomery, Ala., got the crowd hype with his performance of “Closeatomine” and “Search Far Too Hard”. He took a different route by performing live music and it was a crowd pleaser.

He was motivated to perform because he knows that this year his music is supposed to be heard.

The energy in Starbucks was amazing as students supported and cheered on their classmates. The participating students brought all different types of styles and individuality to the stage and rocked the house.

For those who missed this event, Outspoken plans two more showcases this spring: Exposed and Resistance is Fuel.

Cryptocurrency industry under intense scrutiny by investors and regulators

Levon Campbell III Staff Writer

“If you got into crypto late, then you’re most likely getting scammed, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing,” Terri Madden, the director of Community Lending from Atlanta, Ga.

Many people do not know what cryptocurrency is. According the Associated Press, cryptocurrency is a type of digital money that uses encryption technology to make it secure. Cryptocurrency is not the same as virtual currency, which is used in virtual worlds, such as online games.

Recently however, the world of cryptocurrency has proven to not be as secure as once believed.

The cryptocurrency industry has caused many firms that used it to go bankrupt last year, including FTX, a centralized cryptocurrency exchange that specialized in derivatives and leveraged products which filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 22, 2022.

According to Investopedia, FTX filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. FTX, which was once valued at $32 billion, now cannot pay as many as 1 million creditors.

Investopedia also reports that FTX was widely known for heavily

used cryptocurrency exchange that allowed users to buy, sell, and enter into derivative contracts for coins and tokens. Now because of their bankruptcy, getting hacked and their CEO stepping down and getting arrested, FTX is now getting recognized as a Ponzi Scheme.

A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investing scam promising high rates of return with little risk to investors. A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investing scam which generates returns for earlier investors with money taken from later investors.

John J. Ray III, the new chief executive of FTX, said that it is unlikely that the investors and creditors will get all their money back. Ray also told a U.S. House of Representatives committee hearing on Dec. 13, that FTX appeared to be a case of “oldfashioned embezzlement”.

Sam Bankman-Fried, the former and disgraced owner of FTX, was indicted by the U.S. District court in Manhattan on eight counts, including securities fraud and money laundering according to Investopedia.

Following a court hearing on Dec. 22, a federal judge decided to release Bankman from custody after he agreed to a $250 million bond, the largest one in history

On Jan.3, the former CEO pled not guilty in a New York federal court and his trial will be held on Oct. 2. A lot of investors and creditors who have lost money because of cryptocurrency and now they want their money back. Many blame the advertising from celebrities for their predicament. According to www.forbes. com, some celebrities are being sued because of their affiliation with FTX. People like Tom Brady are facing lawsuits of endorsing failed cryptocurrency exchanges and because of Bankman-Fried, at least 11 celebrity endorsers have been wrapped up into the FTX drama without facing jail time, like NBA star Stephen Curry and tennis phenom Naomi Osaka. The complaint argues that FTX’s customers were buying and selling “unregistered securities,” regulated by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Brady and the other celebrity endorsers were required to reveal the details of their financial agreements with FTX. The plaintiffs allege that these celebrities violated securities and consumer-protection laws by failing to provide specific information on their financial arrangement with FTX, and not going through the right terms

before promoting the company.

Madden does not think the celebrities should be sued but feels they should have encouraged more research.

“I wouldn’t blame the celebrities because the people should’ve done their research first,” Madden stated. “On the other hand, celebrities were the reason people got into it, especially because of their influence. We buy shoes, clothes, and makeup because of them so they should’ve told people to do more research so they wouldn’t lose their money.”

Some JSU students agree with Madden and also feel the celebrities should not be sued.

Jamal Walker, a senior graphic designer major from Atlanta, Ga. said, “They shouldn’t sue the celebrity just because they were advertising the product.”

Andre Jones, a freshman with a biology pre-physical therapy major, from Birmingham, Ala., has a similar stance on the issue. “They just did promotion for crypto so there should be no reason for them to get sued for it,” Jones stated.

JSU partners with Trustmark to get students career and corporate ready

William H.Kelly III

JSU Public Relations

Jackson State University’s Tiger Career Closet, in partnership with Trustmark bank, hosted up to 128 registered student participants during a three-day open house event in the Jacob L. Reddix building at JSU from Tuesday, Feb. 6-8.

“Trustmark so graciously volunteered to help us assist our students as they come in and peruse the closet and get clothing items so that they can use them for any career development activity such as career fairs, interviews, and anything jobrelated that our students are trying to do,” Lashanda Jordan, Ph.D., director of the Career Services Center said. “So, we deeply thank them for coming in and helping us out. They’ve been here since 10 am and just sharing their time interacting with students on our behalf and assisting our students.”

Over three days, students were greeted by eight Trustmark representatives, along with JSU faculty and staff from the Career Services Center, from 10 am to 3 pm to get styled and equipped with the latest business attire needs.

“This is our first time partnering with a corporate partner to come in and help us man the career closet. I

think it shows our students that our corporations, such as Trustmark, are invested in their well-being. They want to know and be involved in what we have going on across campus, so it just really signifies a strong partnership between Jackson State and our corporate partners,” said Jordan.

April McClung, vice president, diversity officer, and talent acquisition manager at Trustmark, was thrilled to assist students in looking the part for future business opportunities with an engaging, fun, and hands-on approach.

“It’s our pleasure to partner with the JSU’s Tiger Career Closet and volunteer today to assist students in their clothing selection for future professional events and interviews. Our hope is to provide tips on professional dress versus business casual and tips on how to style your personal brand. We enjoyed this event and look forward to future events that will aid students in transitioning from campus to career.”

Many students arrived at the career closet to prepare themselves for future happenings around campus, such as the Career Expo on Feb. 16. The expo will introduce students to over 127 potential employers from around the country who are visiting Jackson State to

recruit students for full-time jobs, part-time jobs, and internship opportunities. The event will be held in the Walter Payton Center gym.

Sophomore MaKenna Collins, an earth systems science major, came to the open house for a suit and to prepare for a presentation during the annual Mississippi

Academy of Science meeting, where she’ll discuss climate variability and severe weather impacts in the southeast region of the United States. The presentation will be held on Feb. 23 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

“As a college student, financially, it’s a great opportunity to get free clothing. I actually have

gift cards to go to other stores, but this is right next to my dorm, and they have really good stuff in there,” said Collins. Students can utilize the career closet throughout the school year by visiting the Tiger Career Closet website to schedule an appointment.

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Photo by Cameron Adams

Senior Jamie McAdoo performs during Poetry Café event.

Photo by William H. KellyIII MaKenna Collins, a sophomore earth systems science major at JSU, came for a suit to wear at an upcoming presentation. She said the Career Closet is convenient and stylish.

by The Blue & White Flash Photography Editor Monica McGhee. Photos 1-5 were taken at the Spring 2023 Career Expo at the Walter Payton Center. The event was sponsored by the Career Services Center.

Student Center Ballrooms.

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Entertainment industry should educate during Black History Month

Jai’Den Smith Staff Writer

Black History Month is coming to an end, but the appreciation, celebration, and honor of culture of African-Americans in the United States continues.

Over the years, BHM has evolved tremendously and it is important to recognize the challenges and struggles African-Americans faced throughout history and continue to face today.

One way to learn about the culture is through films. Films are not just for entertainment but they can be used to educate in large quantities. There have been many movies that have become staples in the African-American community.

Despite the impact of AfricanAmericans in the film industry, there is a clear underrepresentation present in major roles.

UCLA Hollywood Diversity

Reported in 2022 that the percentage of leading roles played by people of color in last year’s top 200 films has nearly quadrupled since 2011; that their share of writing credits has more than quadrupled; and that their percentage of directing jobs has nearly tripled.

The African-American Film Institute released a Black History Month Film Guide highlighting a list of films to celebrate black storytelling, from classics that heavily influenced their culture.

“The Learning Tree” (1969): Newt Winger (Kyle Johnson), an African-American teen in small-town Kansas in the 1920s, largely shrugs off the racial prejudice of his time and place. His calm and self-controlled

perspective is in direct opposition to that of his quick-tempered friend, Marcus Savage (Alex Clarke). But when Marcus’ father, Booker (Richard Ward), murders a man, and Newt witnesses the crime, Newt realizes that going to the police could jeopardize both his friendship and his life.

“Sounder” (1972)” In this film, the Morgans, a family of poor black sharecroppers in the Depression Era South, struggle to find enough to eat despite the help of their hunting dog, Sounder. When Nathan (Paul Winfield), the father resorts to stealing food, he is captured by police and sent to prison, and his wife, Rebecca (Cicely Tyson), is left to care for their son, David (Kevin Hooks). Though Sounder has run away, David never gives up hope that his dog will return, just as he believes that he will see his father again someday.

“Do The Right Thing” (1989): Salvatore “Sal” Fragione (Danny

Aiello) is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito), becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria’s Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin’ Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin’ Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise.

“I’m Not Your Negro” (2016): In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, “Remember This House.” The book was to be a revolutionary, personal account of the lives and assassinations of three of his close friends: Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. At the time of Baldwin’s death in 1987, he left behind only 30 completed pages of this manuscript. Filmmaker Raoul

Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished.

“One Night in Miami” (2020): On the night of Feb. 25, 1964, in Miami, Cassius Clay joins Jim Brown, Sam Cooke and Malcom X, and they discuss the responsibility of being successful black men during the Civil Rights Movement.

Some Jackson State students shared some of their favorite black films they enjoy watching during BHM. Vivian Harrington, a junior early childhood education major from Charlotte, N.C., said her favorite film to watch is the “Black Panther”.

“Black Panther demonstrates that African-Americans have preserved numerous treasures that white people have attempted to eradicate,” stated Harrington.

Amani Dickenson, a junior chemistry major from Indianapolis, In., said that “Hidden Figures” is her favorite film to watch because it

highlights the struggle of women from a different period of black history. She said that she felt an immediate connection with the characters because she is a chemistry major.

“It’s a favorite because I am a black woman pursuing my degree in chemistry. It just inspires me to keep pursuing my chemistry degree,” Dickenson said. “Maybe I’ll be able to make a huge impact like the black scientist before me.”

She added, “Despite their contribution to the success of NASA, their work was hardly recognized. They were overlooked by their white counterparts. Yet, they were the brains of the operation.”

Whether choosing to dive into nonfiction biopics of the lives of fearless black activists, or enjoying more comical films with moral underlining- all these films are a reflection of black culture and history.

Da Brat, Starbucks recall, Judge Mathis and more top trending topics

Tatyana Ross

Editor-in-Chief

Da Brat is expecting first child at 48 Rapper Da Brat has announce pregancy with wife Jessica HarrisDupart. In a People interview, The 48 year old “Funkddafied” rapper said the pregnancy journey started as a joke about extending their family. Dupart has three children from previous relationships.

Starbucks vanilla frappucinos recalled

According to a notice from the Food and Drug Administration, over 300 thousand ready-to-drink bottles of chilled Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccinos have been recalled due to possibly having pieces of glass in them. Despite the large number of recalls, this product was not sold at Starbucks locations but only at separate retail stores.

Affected bottles have the following expiration dates: March 08, 2023; May 29, 2023; June 4, 2023 and June 10, 2023.

Law and Order actor passes away Family, friends, and fans are

disheartened after the passing of American actor Richard Belzar on Feb. 19,2023. He was most known for his role as “Detective Munch” on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Belzar’s death was confirmed by his friend Bill Scheft who was also working on a documentary showcasing the life and career of the actor. Scheft also confirmed Belzar struggled with circulatory and

respiratory issues prior to death.

Ninetendo has four more game releases left in 2023 All video game descriptions were acquired from the official Nintendo website.

Feb. 24: “Kirby’s Return to Dream Land™ Deluxe” - The tough puff Kirby is back for a 4-player* platforming adventure. Copy

enemies’ abilities and use their power to attack with a sword, wield a whip, and float with a parasol. You can also laser blast with the new Mecha Copy Ability that makes a series debut!

Feb. 24: “Metroid Prime Remastered” - Explore Tallon IV from the perspective of Samus Aran. But beware: There’s more to this alien planet than meets the eye. When hostile creatures attack, fight back with Beams, Missiles, Bombs and more. In addition to remastered visuals, this version adds modern dual-stick controls, allowing you to move around while separately changing your point of view.

March 17: “Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon”Experience a new take on the Bayonetta series starring Cereza, a young apprentice witch before she would come to be called Bayonetta.

Harness Cereza’s magic and her infernal demon partner Cheshire’s ferocity to travel through a mysterious and dangerous Avalon Forest filled with puzzles and enemies. You’ll control both Cereza and Cheshire at the same time.

May 12: “Legends of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” - was not given a description on the website

but the game has released two official trailers for the game.

July 21: “Pikmin 4: Meet Pikmin” - the small, plant-like creatures you can grow, pluck, command and also overpower your enemies with during your grand mission on a strange planet!

Judge Mathis canceled and picked up in one week

Days after announcing the cancellation of the hit court tv show “Judge Mathis”, which ran for 24 seasons, it seems the show has already been picked up by another network.

The new show, “Mathis Court with Judge Mathis” was picked up by Byron Allen Media Group for a one-hour show scheduled to begin in fall of 2023.

The show will air on the television network Justice Court which is available in 50 million U.S. homes. Other shows on the network include: “Justice with Judge Mablean”, “Supreme Justice with Judge Karen” and “Equal Justice with Judge Eboni K. Williams.”

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

J-SUEDE dance ensemble wins first place in regional championship

Anthony Howard JSU Public Relations

The Jackson State University Elite Dance Ensemble (J-SUEDE) brought home the first regional championship in the program’s history on January 29, 2023. J-SUEDE claimed the first-place title in the Birmingham College HipHop Division of the Dance Team Union Regionals.

“We have been working towards this goal for eight years,” said Creative Director and Coach Travis Burks. “Our coed team entered the HipHop Division for the first time and came out in first place with zero deductions. Coach Michelle Houston and I are extremely proud of how the team represented our university. The future is very bright for J-SUEDE!”

After placing ninth in the World of Dance in the 2019 Miami competition and sitting out the 20212022 competition season, J-SUEDE made a stellar post-pandemic turnaround, scoring an 80.47 without deductions. This win qualified the team for the Dance Team Union College Classic in Orlando in April.

“I feel great about winning and leading our team to a championship. The moment they announced our name made all of the practices worth

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it,” J-SUEDE Team President Jalen Jones recalled.

J-SUEDE is known for its performances at athletic, recruitment, and school-sponsored events. The team also performs in the Jackson Metro Area and competitions

throughout the southeastern region of the United States.

The dance organization, established in 1966, has represented Jackson State on many platforms, including two appearances in the 1997 and 1998 Black College Expo

in Washington DC, the 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands, the 2017 and 2018 Prelude Urban Dance Competition in Tampa, the 2018 World of Dance in Atlanta, and more. J-SUEDE is currently fundraising to raise money for

its next competition in Orlando. For more information on how to support the team, you can visit their website, www.theeidance. com, or their social media accounts @gojsuede on Instagram and J-SUEDE on YouTube.

Graphic by Tatyana Ross

The J-SUEDE dance ensemble has qualified for the next round of competition in Orlando, Fla.

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Jackson State students react to blockbuster NBA trade deadline

Matthew Adams Staff Writer

Going into the All-Star break, the National Basketball Association (NBA) trade deadline ended with some gamechanging trades.

Although Dec. 15 marked the official start to trade negotiations, many NBA teams waited until the trade deadline on Feb. 9, 2023 to make their moves.

Speculations ran amuck throughout the NBA as teams began to make drastic changes to their team with significant trades.

A trade that had critics talking was the trade of Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns. Durant, a former Brooklyn Nets forward, was traded to the Suns for a multitude of pieces.

The trade package included Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, Cameron Johnson, and four unprotected future first-round picks. They will be sent to Brooklyn.

The Phoenix Suns will acquire superstar forward Durant and NBA bubble star T.J. Warren.

Durant and Warren will be joining a star-studded team that contains two multiple-time all-stars, including Chris Paul and Devin Booker. While also being teamed up with a dominant center in Deandre Ayton.

Leaving the Nets, Durant averaged 29.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 6.7 rebounds. With Durant leaving the Nets he was

the last of the big three that the Nets front office assembled at the start of Durant’s stint with the Nets.

Jaylen Seymore, a sophomore business entrepreneurship major from Chicago, Ill., feels as if this team will not last with Durant on it.

Seymore states, “I think that the Suns acquiring Durant will not last no longer than 2 seasons. It’s either championship or bust.”

The big three contained James Harden (Philadelphia 76ers), Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks), and Durant who is now on the Phoenix Suns.

With the Nets acquiring Warren, they get a solid bench player who averaged 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.

Another trade that shook up the NBA was the three-team trade that sent D’Angelo Russell back to the Los Angeles Lakers with All-Time Scoring Champ Lebron James.

Russell has been in the trades for a good amount of time and hasn’t found a home yet. Even with him being in trades he is still able to perform at an All-Star level.

The teams that were included in the trade were the Los Angeles Lakers, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Utah Jazz.

The trade specifics were that the Lakers traded Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz. This trade sends Russell to the Lakers from the Timberwolves. This was a threeteam, eight-player trade.

Although Westbrook has been traded, teams are looking to trade him again and there are plenty of teams who want him which include the Chicago Bulls.

Although the acquisition of Russell was significant to a lackluster Lakers team, the Lakers acquired Malik Beasley and Jared Vanderbilt.

The Timberwolves were also able to acquire some pieces that include Mike Conley and Nickiel AlexanderWalker.

By acquiring Russell, the Lakers can gain more talent to pair up with James. Russell joins the team averaging 17.8 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.1 rebounds.

The Lakers were also able to change their lineup with another acquisition with Mo Bamba who they acquired

from the Orlando Magic. With the trade deadline behind us, these two teams are looking to climb the rankings of their respective conferences.

The Western Conference contains both of these teams and the West has teams that can compete with each of these teams.

The Laker’s record before the Russell trade is 26-32 and they are 13th in the West. The Suns are 4th in the West with a record of 32-27.

The final trade that shook the NBA was the Dallas Mavericks, who were able to acquire Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets.

In exchange for Irving, the Nets will receive Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, an unprotected 2029 first-round draft pick, and two

future second-round picks.

Irving was the second out of the big three from Brooklyn to get traded and this trade dissipates a promising Nets team.

Irving left the Nets averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. He now looks to be paired up with talents such as Luka Donicic and Christian Wood.

Benard Johnson, a senior business administration major from New Orleans, La., was never the less excited for the trade and hopes for possible contention.

Johnson stated, “I love the fact that [Irving] could possibly win a ring with Luka.”

Joining this team Irving joins a team whose record as of now is on the verge of being a 500 team with a record of 31-29.

The Nets get back Dinwiddie who was the former starting point guard for the Mavericks.

He averaged 17.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds.

Finney Smith was able to make an impact with the Mavericks and now looks to do the same thing with the Nets.

Finney-Smith averaged 9.1 points, 1.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds

These trades around the league look to help to liven the lineup of their respective team and give these teams a better sense of contention moving forward.

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