The Blue & White Flash February 06, 2020

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www.thejsuflash.com

INSIDE

Vol. 80 / No. 14 OPINION

Celebrate Black History all year page 3

February 6, 2020

VA R I E T Y

NEWS

Fred Hampton page 6

Latasha Houston book signing page 4

S P O RT S

Bowling team wins FAMU Invitational page 8

JSU networks during Day at the Capitol event

Photos by Jordon Canada Jackson State University students, staff, faculty and administrators during the JSU Day at the Capitol event.

Jordon Canada Staff Writer Jackson State University students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered at Mississippi’s State Capitol in downtown Jackson on Jan. 29 to network with state legislatures and advocate funding for the 2020 fiscal year. This annual event has proven fruitful for Jackson State over the past few years. JSU Day at the Capitol not only helps to build and maintain relationships between university leaders and Mississippi’s elected officials, but it also gives JSU the opportunity to advocate for financial assistance from the state. During last year’s Day at the Capitol event, JSU requested a total of $6.5 million to revitalize

three academic programs: School of Public Health, the Institute of Government, and the College of Education. Autumn Moore, a sophomore biology/pre-med major from Alton Ill., explained some of the changes she has witnessed since last year. “In the John A. Peoples building, I noticed that the lecture rooms have been renovated and has all new seats. I also noticed that the labs in that building are also being renovated,” said Moore. This year the University leaders wanted to take a different approach from the previous year. “What we’re trying to do is take a day during the legislative session in order to thank the legislature for all they’ve done for Jackson State. We want to

also let them know that we’re an outstanding investment,” said JSU President William B. Bynum, Jr. Bynum continued, “We’re also highlighting our School of Education. We want to let them know that we are being good stewards with the tax dollars, so we are highlighting our College of Health Sciences, School of Social Work, School of Public Health and also our School of Education.” In the marble decorated foyer of the capitol building, several booths were setup; two of those booths were organized to highlight the excellence of JSU’s College of Education and the College of Health Sciences. The College of Education booth informed legislators and city leaders that the

department has one of the highest enrollments at JSU. The booth also highlighted the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education explaining the ways in which the program prepares educators to teach in a very diverse field of learners. The College of Health Sciences booth highlighted the School of Social work and the School of Public Health. At the booth, students were informed of what they would receive from being enrolled in the school. The School of Social Work not only prepares students to be a social work generalist, but also focuses on the students’ identity as an ethical professional in the field of social work. Keiterrious Powell, a senior recreation administration

major from Clarksdale, Miss., said attendance was necessary so legislatures can know how passionate and hard-working students really are. “It is important for students to show up at this event, so they can be aware of the great deal of networking that goes into getting funding for the school.” Powell continued, “Students are giving the time to come to the event, so students should be given an incentive for giving their support to the school.” Adrienne Jackson, a senior marketing major from Grambling, La., said JSU Day at the Capitol was very beneficial. “The event was critical to have so that state leaders can realize the importance of funding JSU,” shared Jackson,” said Jackson.

Creativity encouraged at Innovation Center Candice Tinnon Staff Writer/MC301 Jackson State University hosted the grand opening of a brand-new center on campus – The Center for Innovation on the 3rd floor of the H.T Sampson library on Jan 30. Students, staff, sponsors, and other individuals who played a crucial role in bringing the center to life attended the ceremony, including Almesha Campbell, director of Technology Transfer Commercialization and Research Communications. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Linda BrownWright said she is elated to see this moment finally come to fruition. “The center is a place that would foster creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship among our faculty, students as well as the community. We are pleased about what we have achieved thus far, and we know the potential is endless. We are so excited,” said Brown-Wright. Brown-Wright continued, “We have so many creative students and this center will provide the opportunity to explore ideas,

engage in innovative and creative activities, collaborate, and realize their full potential.” Brown-Wright also announced a new partnership with Blackburn Middle School. The collaboration will provide a way for youth and teens to explore their creativity. “Through our newly established Young Innovators Program, this program will provide opportunities for middle and high school students to engage with our students in innovative projects and activities,” said Brown-Wright. “This program will use project-based learning to encourage critical thinking and introduce principles of design thinking as well as immerse students in virtual reality and 3-D printing.” President William B. Bynum, Jr. also stressed the importance of being able adapt to the technological advancements and educational changes in the world. “One of the things I am always on my faculty staff about making sure we understand today’s students, not how we were. How they act, how they interact, how they behave—this space is

responsive to today’s students and what they are looking for and what they are seeking,” stated President Bynum. He added, “Very few folks are checking out books now-a-days. So, this library will become our learning resource hub. This again is why you’re seeing some of the changes that are happening in the H.T Sampson Library.” After Bynum cut the ribbon, attendees were allowed to tour the facility and even interact with some of the equipment with Innovation Fellows and sponsors of the center such as HP (HewlettPackard). The Center for Innovation offers a button maker, a podcast studio, sewing machines, 3-D printers as well as necessary software, virtual reality equipment, computers and more. Angel Foster feels the center will be beneficial to all students. “I feel like it’s a really big improvement for Jackson State University. I believe it will give students an outlet to express themselves and allow people to release ideas that they had in their head all along,” said Foster,

Photo by Kalin Norman Attendee uses virtual reality equipment during grand opening of Innovation Center.

a junior computer science major. “It lets them let it out and show their creativity in more than one way than they are already use to,” Foster states. Foster also expressed her belief on what the center means for the entire student body and not just

YES, WE’RE SOCIAL!

some of the student body. “It’s not just for technology majors. I feel like it’s for all majors of any interest. You can find something to do in here and expand what you want to do,” she said.

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