The Blue & White Flash January 30, 2020

www.thejsuflash.com

INSIDE

Vol. 80 / No. 13 OPINION

Rise Above the Stereotypes page 3

NEWS MADDRAMA Week page 4

January 30, 2020

VA R I E T Y

2020 Grammys page 6

S P O RT S

Kobe Bryant Tribute page 8

Mississippi citizens call for prison reform

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Photos by Wakil Atig

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1. Hundreds gathered at the Mississippi State Capitol to protest prison conditions. 2. Mississippi rapper Big Krit speaks during prison reform rally.

Halle Coleman Staff Writer/MC201 Hundreds of citizens rallied in front of the Mississippi State Capital on Jan. 24 to protest conditions at the state penitentiary, also known as Parchman Farm, a maximum-security prison located in Sunflower County, Miss.

Parchman has been in the spotlight for the last month in regard to the growing number of inmate deaths, unsustainable living conditions, and overcrowding.

Prior to the rally, newly elected Governor Tate Reeves held a press conference on Jan. 23 to discuss the plan created in collaboration with Interim Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner, Tommy Taylor.

According to Reeves, improving the conditions of the prison and bringing more leadership to the forefront are the first two steps of recovery.

Maintenance teams from across Mississippi have been called

to immediately begin work at Parchman. In addition, all wardens and deputy wardens have been ordered to work 12-hour shifts in order to have leadership present and available to correctional officers at all times.

Corrections officers will also be screened for any signs related to gang affiliation to prevent officers from assisting prisoners in these violent situations. An agent has been sent to Parchman to conduct a thorough investigation into criminal activity within the Department of Corrections.

Another part of Reeves’ plan includes increasing cell phone strictness. During the recent series of killings, gangs were able to communicate across the prison system through the use of smuggled cell phones. This enabled one isolated incident to escalate into a large-scale conflict that resulted in several deaths.

However, cell phones also played a huge part in documenting the conditions inside of Parchman.

Images and videos taken by prisoners have been posted to social media sites and shared across the country. Graphic images show moldy shower areas, peeling walls, stained and flooded floors, mattresses on the floor, and more.

These images caught the attention of rappers Jay-Z and Yo Gotti. Both men wrote former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and Commissioner Pelicia Hall about the conditions at Parchman following the reports of violence and death.

Yo Gotti, who is signed to JAYZ’s Roc Nation label, released a statement which read in part: “The conditions in the prisons operated by the Mississippi Department of Corrections are absolutely inhumane and unconstitutional. To see this happen so close to my hometown of Memphis is truly devastating.

That’s why we’re calling on Mississippi state leaders to take immediate action and rectify this issue. If they don’t right this wrong,

we’re prepared to take legal action to provide relief for those that are incarcerated and their families.”

R o c N a t i o n / Te a m R o c organized the reform rally held Jan. 24. Members of Yo Gotti’s team, former inmates, activists and family members of active and deceased inmates shared their concerns about the Mississippi prison system.

“Shut it down, shut it down!” advocates chanted in a video posted by WLBT in reference to Parchman.

Mississippi native and notable hip-hop artist Big K.R.I.T. was in attendance at the rally was also who hopes his stature will help promote awareness.

“I had to be here, get information and use my brand in any way I can to promote the fact that we need to close Parchman down and places like this and shine some kind of light on actually getting people rehabilitated, prison reform and how to change these kind of scenarios because

Parchman isn’t the only place this is happening,” said Big K.R.I.T according to WLBT. “We filed an emergency motion [Thursday – Jan. 23] night on behalf of 29 prisoners at Parchman to seek injunctive relief,” said Dania Diaz with Team Roc/Roc Nation.

According to published reports, at least 13 inmates have died within the state prison facilities during the span of a month. The majority of those deaths have occurred at the Mississippi State Penitentiary.

Reeves announced Jan. 27 at his first official State of Address as governor that he has instructed the Mississippi Department of Corrections to shut down Unit 29 at Parchman.

“I’ve seen enough,” Reeves said in the press conference.

“We have to turn the page. This is the first step, and I have asked the Department to begin the preparations to make it happen safely, justly, and quickly.”

Book may have Trump obstruction evidence Cianna Hope Reeves Editor-in-Chief As the Senate impeachment trial continues to unfold, a puzzling moment in this week’s hearing revealed that key evidence of President Donald Trump’s obstruction may be inside of a book.

White House lawyers spent their second day defending Trump, which has been considered the most critical impeachment trial thus far in history.

In an unpublished book by former national security adviser, John Bolton, he discusses Trump’s tie to Ukraine. This gave Democrats more edge to call on new witnesses in hopes to prove the president’s misconduct.

According to the New York Times, Bolton’s book is entitled “The Room Where It Happened.”

He shares that Trump told him he wanted to continue withholding nearly $400 million in security assistance to Ukraine until officials in Ukraine helped investigate Democrats, including former Vice President Joe Biden.

Democrats are pushing for one familiar politician to speak-Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, one of four GOP politicians Democrats want to obtain support from in

order to get eyewitnesses.

“It’s pretty fair to say that John Bolton has a relevant testimony to provide to those of us who are sitting in impartial justice,” said Romney, according to ABC News.

While the White House wants the impeachment trial to reach its end, Democrats added fuel to the fire when requesting for people to testify and for more Republicans to agree on it.

GOP Sen. Susan Collins said the reports about Bolton’s book “strengthen the case for witnesses.”

“We deal with transcript evidence, we deal with publicly available information,” said Trump’s attorney, Jay Sekulow. “We do not deal with speculation.”

This trial showdown dates back to December 2019 when the two articles of impeachment were passed by the House.

It stems from the Democratic party accusing Trump of abusing his power and obstructing Congress by soliciting influence from the authorities of Ukraine about 2020 presidential candidate, Joe Biden.

The second article accuses Trump of blocking witnesses and documents to prevent Congress’s investigation.

The impeachment trial began

on Tuesday, Jan. 21 in the Senate.

Throughout the first day of hearings, documents and additional evidence were enough to extend the trial.

Three days later Democrat Adam B. Schiff of California, the lead House manager, summed up the arguments stating that the allegations brought against President Trump have been proven, insisting “Donald J. Trump has abused the power of the presidency.” Schiff concluded pleading for a fair trial.

Javaris Hart, a senior chemistry major from Atlanta, Ga., shared his opinion on the impeachment trial.

“I believe that the impeachment is a political power move by the Democratic party, which is aimed to pull other candidates, such as Bernie Sanders, away from the campaign trail and to slander President Trump’s name. This is all being done to help Joe Biden’s presidential campaign.”

Hailey Singleton, a junior political science major from Madison, Wis., questioned the timing of the impeachment process, insisting that it was long overdue.

“From him being manipulative, as well as falsifying evidence and federal documents just to make himself look good and not really have concern for the American people

Graphic by Kalin Norman

or his administration, shows his character and what he truly values, which is himself and only himself.”

A Jackson State University faculty member also chimed in her thoughts about President Trump’s impeachment trial.

College of Business Administration professor Saundra McFarland believes that the trial gives insight and works as an example for her Intro to Legal Aspects of Business class.

“As far as policy is concerned, I

YES, WE’RE SOCIAL!

think it is interesting to see how this will play out and what the impact will be, especially being that we have an election coming up.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, in order for Trump to be remain in office, fewer than 67 must vote to convict him on final votes on both articles of impeachment.

Currently, the Senate is compiled of 47 Democrats and 53 Republicans.

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Opinion

Page 3 - January 30, 2020

The Blue & White Flash

Cartoon by Ivory Lowe

The time is now to rise above the stigmas and stereotypes COMMENTARY

Cianna Hope Reeves Editor-in-Chief “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” It is a famed saying by Dr. Martin Luther 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.

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.

“What changes should be made within the Mississippi prison system?”

Compiled by: Rielly Pulliam

Kansas Carter Sophomore Criminal Justice Ocean Springs, Miss.

Gabriel Smith Sophomore Computer Science Atlanta, Ga.

Dymond Williams-Banks Freshman Grand Rapids, Mich.

Biology

Taj Jean-Baptiste Sophomore Buisness Managment Washington, D.C.

Sultan Williams Sophomore Biology Pre-Medicine Conyers, Ga.

Reginald Marsh Freshman Computer Engineering Jackson, Miss.

“I think the officers and administration should be hired through a more professional process.”

“They need to get better control of the gang violence and have more security to protect the inmates.”

“I think the state should provide more funding so they can improve the prison facility.”

“I think they should improve the lack of security and the facilities structure should be stable enough to hold the maximum inmate capacity.”

“I think the need to improve the conditions and treat the inmates like they’re humans too.”

“They need to hire more officers and transfer inmates if they are having overflow.”

Jaylen McCoy Sophomore Business Houston, Miss.

Mariyah Mccaleb Junior Social Work Grand Rapids, Mich.

Ope Williams Junior Computer Science Kansas City, Mo.

Sidney Wright Sophomore Civil Engineering Buffalo, N.Y.

Qaylin Holliman Sophomore Computer Science Hattiesburg, Miss.

By’Rondarius Amison Sophomore Accounting Drew, Miss.

“Improvement of the living conditions for inmates is needed. They treat them like caged animals which could be the reason for all the violence.”

“There are a lot of changes that should be made and I feel like they should just start from scratch and hire all new officers and administration.”

“I think they need to stop treating the inmates like they’re animals and making them live in inhuman conditions.”

“They need to get better security and the Governor needs to actually take action to change the system.”

“They need to make sure the inmates have better living conditions.”

“I think they should stop trying to pack all of the inmates into one facility and hire people who actually care about the inmates and change in the prison system.”

News

Page 4 - January 30, 2020

The Blue & White Flash

MADDRAMA Week 2020 highlights family and friendship Myha Harris Staff Writer/MC301 An organization that links education and artistry.

MADDRAMA. An organization whose presence has impacted the lives of young people since 1998.

MADDRAMA. An organization created to embrace black culture, celebrate black culture and honor black culture through performing arts.

MADDRAMA. Since its formation in 1998 to its official charter day in 2004 on the campus of Jackson State University, MADDRAMA has grown to be a global force.

With over 20 years of performing to the masses, whether on campus, on a cruise, or at the mayor’s State of the City Address, the performance troupe continues to let their light shine.

This week, the organization is not only celebrating their success since its formation but also joining together through a weeklong fellowship with members and other students.

On the first day of MADRRAMA Week, MD Voices made their grand appearance as a newly established choir within the organization, led by vocal director Jayla Lomax.

Friends and family gathered in the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium on a Sunday afternoon to hear the choir sing multiple gospel songs such as: “When All God’s Children Get Together”, “Let The Praise Begin”, and ‘You Are The Living Word.”

MADDRAMA President, Khalyia Ervin, said the purpose

of having a week dedicated to the organization is to spend time with current members and encourage students to join all while doing what they love.

“We want to continue showing what we do. We love to educate and to entertain, and this week is full of just that,” said Ervin.

The week of activities include a gospel concert, an exclusive members-only Family Feud game night, movie night for all students, skate night at Funtime Skateland, a MADDRAMA showcase entitled New Beginnings and to top the week off, a social gathering will be held for everyone to come.

Tyler Huckleberry, a freshman marketing and finance major from Indianapolis, Ind., said skate night is a great way to have fun and meet with members of the organization.

“I think you can never do wrong with a skating party. It’s easy to promote and with a great playlist it can easily be a fun event.

He continued, “It’s important to really bring events like this to campus considering it’s not always accessible to others and it helps to continue an overall university message of togetherness and inclusiveness,” said Huckleberry.

Shani Dove, a freshman health care administration major from Meridian, Miss., said she is looking forward to presenting the showcase Thursday night [Jan. 30] in the McCoy Auditorium.

“I can’t wait for people to see “New Beginnings” because rather than feeding into the stereotypical roles of black males, the play will focus on educating the student body about the roles of black males,” said Dove.

Andreanna Wright, a freshman

biology major from Madison, Wis., explained what students can expect if interested in joining the organization.

“People initially don’t know what MADDRAMA is about.

They are talented students around the campus, who may want an organization that they can be a part

of to express their talent, and we are that organization,” said Wright.

She continued, ”I want my peers to see the impact MADDRAMA has and for those who are interested in joining, I want them to be a part of our great organization because after all the hard work and performances, we are like a huge family that thrives

on seeing each other succeed.”

Members urge students who have free time to come out to one or more of the events that MADDRAMA will be hosting this week.

“New Beginnings” is set to take place Thursday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.

Admission is $7.

JSU and Hinds Community College take on the Big Apple

Photo provided by Montage Montage Theater of Dance after their Carnegie Hall performance.

Rielly Pulliam Staff Writer “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Jack Benny, a multi-talented entertainer in the 20th century, once answered this question with “Practice, practice, practice.”

Montage Theater of Dance is a multidisciplinary dance company at Hinds Community College and

is led by professional dance coach, Tiffany Jefferson.

Incorporating all genres of dance such as hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet, African, etc., the company uses all of these genres to create productions that any age would love to see. Montage consists of dancers who attend Hinds Community College, students from Jackson State University and other universities .

The dance company was

recently invited to New York City to celebrate ‘A Day of International Dance’ by performing at the famous Carnegie Hall located in Manhattan.

The dancers were thrilled yet curious on how they could get to the Big Apple with college students funds.

Jefferson explained to the dancers, “Life is only going to give you what you’ve earned. It doesn’t

give you what you need.”

The collegiate dancers soon began to fundraise for their trip by selling tickets, setting up carwashes, and more for the productions that the dance company showcased at Hinds.

Eventually, the students raised enough money to buy their plane tickets and cover the different activities they were going to participate in while exploring New York City from January 16 –20.

Jefferson elaborated on what she wants her dancers and students to learn.

“The overall lesson I try to instill in my students is to recreate, duplicate yourself. Another aspect of it is [I] am trying to breed the next generation of leaders, so they can lead their own companies and their own programs and get them out of the following stage,” said Jefferson.

She continued, “[I] also trying to instill in them how to live. That’s a huge part of what I do, so therefore, we are getting out of the aspect of just existing and being told what to do. Don’t ruffle the waters too much. Ruffle the waters a little bit just don’t break the law. Challenge yourself, challenge the world. It always starts out as a dream and you just go from there.”

Jefferson made sure her dancers researched the significance of

Carnegie Hall and the different locations they would like to explore while they were in New York City.

After months of rehearsing for Carnegie Hall and making sure all of their expenses were taking care of, the big day for departure had arrived!

Jaylen Taylor, a senior journalism and media studies major from Canton, Miss. stated, “The biggest thing gained from the trip is just a more positive experience within life. Alvin Ailey is the school that I dream to attend once I graduate from Jackson State. Performing at Carnegie Hall is an experience that I will always remember because only the best get to perform on that stage.”

The dancers not only performed at the great Carnegie Hall, they attended dance classes at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Broadway Dance Center, and visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In the end, Jefferson was awarded the Del Kieffner Award, an award that recognizes a director who goes above and beyond in their mentoring of young students in the performing arts.

The dancers came back more inspired than ever before with one mission in mind, to dance again at Carnegie Hall.

Coronavirus outbreak continues to spread as death toll rise Capri Howard Staff Writer Chinese officials have confirmed over 6,000 cases of the Coronavirus. The virus, originating in the Chinese City of Wuhan, has now claimed 133 lives as of Jan. 30.

Thousands of citizens have also been infected with flu like symptoms in more than a dozen countries, including the United States, according to the NY Times.

The first report of the virus was to the World Health Organization on Dec. 30, 2019. According to Chinese scientists, the disease has been linked to a virus known as coronaviruses, that contains Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) as well as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Scientists are still rapidly working to understand its potential as a virus, now known as the 2019nCov. Friday, Jan. 24 the virus made its US appearance in Europe, and Australia.

Its second case was recently reported closer in the US, this time in Chicago. It was discovered when a woman in her sixties returned to her home after visiting Wuhan

City and was experiencing similar symptoms to the virus, reported CBS Chicago.

This virus is thought to have originated in a seafood market in Central China, and is rumored to be very contagious.

“I think it’s very dangerous because Chicago is such a largely populated city, and it could potentially spread fast.” Said Kaia Gray, a freshman biology major from Chicago, Ill. The virus has been proven for transmission from animal to human, as the first case is believed to have derived from animals. It has been suggested that travelers “maintain good personal hygiene (wear surgical mask in crowded areas and wash hands regularly) and avoid eating game meat.

Also avoid wet markets selling game and live poultry,” expressed David Hui, chairman of the Department of Medicine and therapeutics and director of the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

“I really don’t think we can do much besides protect ourselves, besides take care of ourselves and

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take care of our bodies. It’s pretty scary to hear, it’s almost like plague all over again. I just really hope we can find a treatment to keep this from spreading,” said Maria Jose Jaramillo, a freshman criminal justice major from Rio Rico, AZ. The history of coronaviruses has started in many different species of animals, including mammals and bats. It is very rare that this virus spreads to humans like it has recently done, because there are only certain strands that can infect

the human body.

There are only seven strands of coronaviruses that can infect the human body currently known. The virus has been experiencing a recent rapid spread in Wuhan city since its first report.

“It’s very sad because I have a Pomeranian chihuahua, and animals can be a man’s best friend.

She’s been my friend since I was young and to know she can potentially catch such a virus is harsh. I’ll be sure to take her to the vet

and get her usual checkups,” stated Natalie Cura, a sophomore graphic design major from Aurora,Ill. Travel bans have been extended in Central China, restricting ten million people of the city of Wuhan from traveling, as well as a quarantine of 48 million citizens.

There are still many questions left unanswered that scientists are quickly working to answer.

Although the severity of this virus is unclear, caution is strongly suggested while traveling.

The Blue & White Flash

Page 5 - January 30, 2020

JSU At A Glance

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1-2) JSU basketball fans met the plyers during Tiger Bash. 3-5) Montage Theater students during trip to Carnegie Hall.

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Photos 1-2 Monica McGhee / 3-5 Provided by Jaylen Taylor

Variety

Page 6 - January 30, 2020

The Blue & White Flash

Grammy awards show does impromptu tribute to Kobe Bryant Kharyoton Allen Staff Writer As news rang Sunday morning (Jan. 26) that retired NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna “GiGi” Bryant and seven others died in a helicopter crash, the 62nd Grammy Awards took an alternate route to make sure the global icon was highlighted in the same place he achieved his greatest accomplishment—the Los Angeles Staples Center.

Grammy-award winner, Lizzo, opened the show with her hits, “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts.” Before leaving the stage she dedicated the night to him, stating, “‘Tonight is for you Kobe.’” This act was followed by host, Alicia Keys, and Boyz II Men as they sang “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye.”

Lizzo was the most nominated artist at this year’s Grammy Awards as she was nominated in 8 categories. She took home Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Traditional R&B Performance, and Best Urban Contemporary Album.

Though this awards show did have many celebratory moments, it also came with more heartfelt performances from artists.

According to Rolling Stone, previous Fifth Harmony group member, Camila Cabello, dedicated her performance of “First Man” to her father.

Pictures went across the screen from her childhood causing her father to cry as she came down

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from the stage to sing to him.

NBC also reported that Demi Lovato performed for the first time live on stage since her overdose in 2018. She is expected to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl on Feb. 2.

An emotional tribute was also given to late rapper, Nipsey Hussle, who died in March 2019. DJ Khaled, John Legend, Meek Mill, Kirk Franklin, YG and Roddy Rich all honored Hussle on stage with performing “Higher.”

The song also snagged a win

for Best Rap Performance of “Racks In The Middle” featuring Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy, as well as best Rap/Sung Performance for “Higher” with DJ Khaled and John Legend. Hussle’s family accepted his posthumously win.

Other tributes were made to the late, Prince, by Usher, Sheila E, and FKA Twigs, as well as a sendoff to Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich.

New artist, Billie Eilish, had a great night at the Grammy’s as she won five awards.

Eilish took home Record of

the Year, Album of the Year, Best New Artist, Song of the Year, and Best Engineered Album. She also performed “When the Party’s Over” with brother, Finneas O’Connell from their new album.

Eilish was one of few artists with the most awards and racking in the most nominations.

Lil Nas X was another performer that held many nominations. He was nominated for six awards taking home two that included Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, according to the

Recording Academy.

For his on-stage performance, Lil Nas X brought on Billy Ray Cyrus, BTS, Mason Ramsey, and Diplo. His grand performance included onstage fireworks.

Grammy winners of the night included Beyoncè who won Best Music Film for “Homecoming, and Michelle Obama for Best Spoken Word Album for her book, “Becoming.”

Kirk Franklin also won two Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Performance/Song and Best Gospel Album.

Ty l e r P e r r y ’ s A F a l l F r o m G r a c e m a k e s N e t f l i x d e b u t

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Known for his years of directing, writing, and acting Tyler Perry has outdone himself once again.

With only five days of filming he created an epic movie with a plot twist that no one would have ever expected.

The movie began with an elderly woman standing on top of a house in what appears to be an attempted suicide. As the scene continues, Perry focuses in on the officer trying to deviate the woman who ultimately jumps to her immediate death.

What viewers did not know was that the beginning scene would become a full circle moment later as the plot continued to thicken.

This compelling film goes back and forth between the challenges of a young lawyer Jasmine played

by Bresha Webb, who is a new kid on the block representing a highprofile case for alleged murderer Grace, enacted by The Haves and the Have Nots star, Crystal Fox. Perry first introduces Grace through a radio within a car, with several different stations commentating on her case.

The story then moves to Jasmine getting assigned to Grace’s controversial murder case and visits her in a prison cell where she is shackled in chains wearing in a prison uniform and ready to accept a plea deal.

Grace narrates the timeline as she tells Jasmine how she even ended up behind bars.

After being a divorcee, she obtains advice from her friend Sarah, played by legendary Phylicia Rashad to go out and start dating.

She then meets handsome, young, smooth-talking Shannon played by Mehcad Brooks and that’s when her life took a turn for the worse.

Grace is imprisoned for murder.

Jasmine believes that Grace is indeed innocent and as the trial gets closer, she begins to find alternative solutions to convince a jury that she did not commit the crime that she is accused of.

Grace is eventually convicted and in a turn of events she started to find clues that will surprisingly unlink her from the murder and into the hands of someone watchers never saw coming.

Following the jury reading aloud the guilty verdict, she was handcuffed and walked up to her son and best friend Sarah

to say goodbye. Suddenly, a necklace resembling one of her late husband’s caught her eye as it dangled from Sarah’s neck.

In that moment, Grace’s mind began to race with memories, conversations, and arguments that revealed she was not a killer, instead it was all a set up orchestrated by her best friend of six years.

All along, her husband that she killed was Sarah’s son who was an on-the-run con-artist targeting older women who are nearing financial benefits. Come to find out, Sarah was also a ring leader by luring women inside of her home and keeping them hostage in order to collect their social security benefits.

In the ending of the film, it was also revealed that Grace’s exhusband was not dead, instead he and his mother were seeking other victims in a different state under different names, just like it all started.

The movie took social media by storm with a huge number of mixed reviews, making A Fall from Grace trend for a little under two weeks.

Some users agreed that Perry’s usual big screen movies were no different than this one and others argued that the movie was different from all of the others because of its unpredictable ending.

A few students at Jackson State University shared their thoughts about the film.

“Tyler Perry made some very

good points in the movie with the main point being that you should be aware of the people in your life and watch your surroundings.

You cannot trust everyone” said Devonne Harper, a junior business administration major from Clarksdale, Miss.

Howard Williams, a senior graphic design major from Memphis, Tenn., spoke about what he strongly disliked overall.

“The editing was poor; hair and makeup was terrible and the acting was mediocre at best. The only thing that was right in this movie was the ending. During the movie, I noticed minor mistakes, from jump cuts to screenshots.

It was just poor throughout.”

Williams explained.

Movie critics also viewed “A Fall from Grace” as one of Perry’s worst movies with a poor production and a large amount of errors.

Lisa Kennedy, a top critic for Rotten Tomatoes wrote “...Perry should want to up his game. He certainly has the resources,” in a wordy review about her overall dislike of the movie, actors and overall production.

If you have not seen Tyler Perry’s latest work, check it out. What are your thoughts? Do you believe what the critics and social media are saying, or do you feel otherwise?

Deja Davis and Cianna Hope Reeves contributed to this article.

R i d e t o g e t h e r . . . D i e To g e t h e r : B a d B o y s f o r L i f e Deja Davis Managing Editor The epic duo is back at it again.

25 years later since the sequel first premiered, the film has returned with another thrilling and an even more hilarious storyline that has media outlets and viewers still talking.

The film has that 90’s feel like before but comes with a lot of new school vibes as well. The movie opens up with Mike Lowery, enacted by comedian Martin Lawrence, and his partner Marcus Burnett played by, movie star Will Smith, riding in the streets of Miami.

The two are now in their fifties, dangerously speeding in Mike’s hot ride while the police chase them to what was perceived as a crime scene... but instead it was the birth of Marcus’s grandson.

Marcus, now a grandpa, confessed his seriousness of retiring to Mike, but a serious attempt on Mike’s life makes him eager to get revenge and remain out in the streets still putting bad guys behind bars.

After a celebration party, Mike was shot multiple times by a mysterious assassin on a blacked-out motorcycle named Armando.

Armando had just recently helped his dangerous mother, Isabel Aretas escape from prison.

She then sent her son on a job to assassinate everyone responsible for an old case, including Mike, for the downfall of a huge drug cartel that was ran by herself and her husband Benito, who ended up going to prison and eventually died.

This is clearly all about revenge and very personal since Isabel warned Armando to save Mike for the last killing, but out of spite he targeted him first instead.

Why is it personal? Hmm. Let’s just say you definitely have to go see the film for that.

The shooting urges Marcus to pray to God to keep Mike alive, and surprisingly Mike pulls through.

However, the two have a serious fall out because Mike wants revenge, but Marcus still wants his retirement more than anything.

What makes this movie different

than the previous sequels is everyone is used to only Lowrey and Burnett being the crazy unstoppable detectives, but they have a new crew who are way more advanced and only uses technology to take down anything and anyone who gets in their way.

Captain Howard from Bad Boys and Bad Boys II requested that Mike team up with The Advanced Miami Metro Operations (AMMO) which is led by his ex-girlfriend Rita.

Rita and the AMMO team Kelly (Vanessa Hudgens), Rafe (Charles Melton), and Dorn (Alexander Luwig) slowly becomes the partners alliance and assists Mike and Marcus throughout the film for extra back up and support.

Naturally, Mike and Marcus prefer to keep their old school ways, so the clash between both groups definitely keeps the movie on edge.

The film also shows how both Lowery and Burnett’s lives have drastically changed over the years, they just do not have it like they used to. In addition to that, the movie

Google Image

demonstrates more brotherly chemistry than the first two films.

Generally, if you enjoyed Bad Boys I and Bad Boys II then you are more than likely to enjoy this one as well.

Over the past two weeks, the movie has exceeded so many expectations making more box office history as it has now reached $120 million domestic and $215 million worldwide.

Following the success of Bad Boys for Life, Sony has approved and started to work on Bad Boys 4, which was announced by the end of the third one.

So, if you have not watched it yet, go ahead and get your popcorn ready, sit back and prepare to go through every emotion because it’s just that good.

Bad Boys, Bad Boys, what you gonna do?... you know the rest.

Page 7 - January 30, 2020

The Blue & White Flash

MCAN/MDAN Chiefs and 49ers to face off in Super Bowl LIV

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In this year’s Super Bowl LIV, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will compete for the national championship title. Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes and 49ers’ quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo are leading their teams to a victory in the Sunday night match-up Feb. 2.

The two teams last met in the preseason in late September with the 49ers taking a blow-out win with a score of 27-17.

The Chiefs began their regular season with a scare by their star quarterback going down with a dislocated knee but that did not slow them down to end the regular season with a 12-4 record coming into the playoffs.

They had a bye-week throughout the first round and beat out the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans to come up to face the 49ers in the big game.

Patrick Mahomes finished the season with an outstanding completion percentage of sixtyfive. Mahomes threw 4031 yards, 25 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. Most believed with his power plays throughout the season, Mahomes would be a contender for most valuable player of the National Football League, however, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson took home the title.

The starting line-up on the Chiefs include four of some of the

fastest wide receivers in the league such as Tyrek Hill and Sammy Watkins, and a big tight end Travis Kelce. Kelce finished the season with 97 receptions with 1229 yards averaging 12.7 yards a carry.

The 49ers finished the regular season with a 13-3 record leading way into the playoffs. They also had a first round bye-week to beat the Minnesota Vikings and Greenbay Packers which placed them into the Super Bowl.

However, their defense has been the talk of the season.

Nick Bosa, a rookie from Ohio State University, ended his first season with 32 solo tackles, 9 sacks, 1 force fumble and an interception. Overall, the 49ers defense linemen had a total number of 48 sacks this season.

Jackson State University students have already pitched their game day predictions.

Jordan Barret, a senior physical education major from Laurel, Miss. said, “I’m a defensive guy so I’m going with the 49ers.”

Carnell Funchess, a senior computer engineering major from Ridgeland, Miss. said “I’m going with Mahomes, because I have been watching him since he played at Texas Tech, and I feel as if he can beat the 49ers.”

Corey Brewer, a sophomore biology major from New Orleans, La. said, “I’m going for the Chiefs because I like how Patrick Mahomes perform on the field.”

Super Bowl LIV airs Sunday, Feb. 2. Kick-off starts at 5:30 p.m.

Nothing but net for Zion Williamson in NBA debut Jordon Canada Staff Writer

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The No. 1 overall pick, Zion Williamson, made his NBA regular-season debut on Jan. 22 against the San Antonio Spurs.

Williamson, who averaged 23 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in the preseason, missed the last preseason game and 44 regular season games thereafter.

This nearly half a season span started with an injury that was originally described as stiffness and soreness in his right knee.

After finding out the injury was a torn lateral meniscus Williamson immediately underwent an arthroscopic procedure the day before the New Orleans Pelicans season opener.

The Pelicans No. 1 overall pick was originally set to be out 6 to 8 weeks which meant he would have made his NBA debut on Dec. 17 against the Brooklyn Nets. Instead, Williamson and the Pelicans took on Greg Popovich’s 19 – 23 Spurs.

Williamson would start the game at power forward for the Pelicans, but his minutes came in short 4-minute burst. Throughout the first three quarters, Williamson only played 12 minutes.

His first NBA points came early in the second quarter from an offensive rebound that he put back over Spurs players Trey Lyles and Jakob Poeltl.

There was much hype surrounding this game and Williamson’s debut, and just when it seemed as if the hype was to high the Pelicans star came up big midway through the fourth.

With his team down 99 – 91 with nine minutes remaining in the game Williamson hit a step-back three to cut the Spurs lead to five.

One possession later Williamson comes down court, body’s up Demar Derozan in the post and finishes a deadeye lob from Lonzo Ball.

On the very next possession, Zion comes down and hits another three-pointer to drop the Spurs lead to only three. In this moment, the crowd can be

heard from the parking lot and the momentum was on the Pelican’s side; Williamson would go on to finish a run of 17 straight points that included 4 three-pointers.

During the run Pelicans Head Coach Alvin Gentry could be seen conversing with the Pelicans trainers about taking Zion out in the middle of his run.

Williamson was taken out with five minutes left to go in the game with his team only down by two.

The San Antonio Spurs would go on to win 121 – 117.

Raegan Jones, a senior English major from Ridgeland, Miss. disagreed with the coach’s call.

“I know they were worried about his knee, but they should have let him finish out the game after he got hot like that,” expressed Jones.

Williamson finished with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4-4 from behind the three-point line in just 18 minutes.

In a press briefing after the game, the Pelican star expressed how refreshing it felt to play on the court again.

“It was good to get back out there, but I didn’t get the outcome that I wanted, so we have to get better and move on to the next. In regard to his health, Williamson said, “I felt fine, throughout that long rehab process they prepared my body to go out there and be ready.”

Christopher Jones, a junior physical education major from Hazlehurst, Miss. said, “Zion balled out in the fourth. If he can come in and stay healthy the Pelicans may be able to turn it around and make the playoffs.”

Jamaurea Smith, a senior English major from Jackson Miss. said, “His strength and endurance showed how much of a dedicated player he is. I don’t believe many players could have recovered from that injury and come back to ball in the fourth like he did.”

With his performance, Williamson finished with the most points in an NBA debut by a Pelicans player which topped both Anthony Davis and Chris Paul.

Sports

Page 8 - January 30, 2020

The Blue & White Flash

Fatal helicopter crash kills Kobe Bryant and 8 others

Wakil Atig Sports Editor

Sunday should have been a day to celebrate as another record was passed in the NBA. On Saturday night,LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant on NBA the all-time scoring list. Less than 24 hours later, the world would be shook up with news that will change history forever.

A helicopter crash with NBA legend Kobe Bryant on board left the sports world in shock. The news was so bizarre, most people ignored the initial reports as it was just too unfathomable to believe.

It was reported that the helicopter crashed into a hillside and burst into flames amid foggy conditions just before 10 a.m. The crash caused a brush fire that made it difficult for firefighters and other emergency workers to get the helicopter.

According to Daryl Osby, the fire chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, there were no survivors.

Also on board was Bryant’s daughter, Gianna Bryant, Orange Coast College basketball coach John Altobelli; his wife Keri and their daughter Alyssa. Alyssa was teammate’s with Gianna on the Mamba Academy basketball team.

Christinia Mauser, an assistant girls coach at a private Orange County elementary school and the pilot, Ara Zobayan was also on board.

The names of the other two victims remain unknown at this time.

Following the reports of the fatal crash, fans, teammates, reporters and peers of Kobe Bryant expressed their feelings via social in an outpouring of posts.

Shaquille O’Neal, a former teammate of Bryant, tweeted, “Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his kids like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were

Graphic byKalin Norman

his... There are no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi and my brother @kobebryant... I’M SICK RIGHT NOW”.

LeBron James, who had spoken to Bryant a few hours before the fatal accident took to instagram to say a few words about Bryant and his family.

James stated in his post, “Man sitting here trying to write something for this post but everytime I try I begin crying just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/brotherhood we had! I literally just heard your voice

Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to L.A. I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother! My heart goes out to Vanessa and the kids... Please give me strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here! There’s so much more I want to say but just can’t right now because I can’t get through it”.

Numerous other players expressed their feelings for Bryant and the NBA even canceled the Lakers vs Clippers game out of respect for the Bryant family.

Kobe was more than a basketball

player at the end of the day. His post NBA journey was just getting started as he began writing books for kids and coaching. He coached the girls team at his Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks, Calif. He even received an Academy Award for his short animated film in 2018.

As we reflect on the life of Kobe Bryant, it is important that we remember that he was much more than an athlete. He was a devoted husband and father until his last breath and pursuer of excellence on and off the court.

Taronta Gines, a senior accounting major from Moss Point, Miss., was shocked by the news of the passing of Kobe Bryant.

Gines stated, “I’m a huge fan of Kobe Bryant and I have been watching him my whole life. When I was informed of the news I just couldn’t believe it and it still doesn’t feel real.

One thing I will always remember about Bryant is his relentless approach to the game of basketball and how he never accepted defeat.

He will always be remembered in my eyes”.

Live life to the fullest like the Black Mamba Wakil Atig Sports Editor

COMMENTARY This past Sunday was a day I will never forget. I woke up late which is a rarity after being up all morning from worrying. I received a phone call from a close confidant of mines expressing his concern for his life as he was driving home from a party.

His exact words were, “I just wanted to hear your voice one last time in case something happened to me”. He was driving on the expressway as the sky was filled with fog at around 3 o’clock in the morning.

Later that day at around noon, I woke up to a phone that was sounding off after non-stop notifications. At least 40 missed calls, text messages and mentions on Twitter nearly sent me into a panic attack.

I said a brief prayer before unlocking my phone as I was uncertain of what I would be presented with considering the conversation I had earlier in the day with my friend. I opened my phone to a Instagram post of Kobe Bryant being pronounced dead via TMZ. After checking more credible sources, I was befuddled. Out of all people, it was Kobe Bryant.

It was hard to believe, especially considering the fact that LeBron James had just passed him on the all-time scoring list the day before.

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It didn’t seem real.

I haven’t shed tears in a long time and although this situation didn’t pull any tears out of me, I was extremely saddened by the news. After checking social media over the past few days, I am no longer sad.

Kobe Bryant to the world was an amazing basketball player, father, and celebrity. But to me he was a motivator. His coined phrase, “Mamba Mentality” which to me meant to attack every obstacle with an unbelievable amount of confidence and show no remorse.

That phrase will forever live through me as I transition through life and meet different obstacles.

The Mamba Mentality is applicable for those who live off the basketball court and play a different game in life. And that’s what I respect about Kobe and will always remember him for. He never allowed the confines and expectations of the media to take a toll on him publicly and that’s something we all can adapt in our lives. Rather people said he never passed Jordan in championship ring or that he never passed the

ball, he did it his way.

This is an emotional time for the world as unfortunate situations are more common than ever before.

We must remember to cherish every moment of life and enjoy it.

We must stop complaining about what we don’t have and appreciate what we are blessed to have.

Kobe Bryant’s death along with the other individuals involved in the fatal accident has the world at an emotional wreck. During this time we must use this incident as a time to come together and appreciate one another because

we never know when the time will come that our life will be over.

I read that Shaquille O’Neal, former teammate of Bryant, hadn’t spoken to him in almost four years and he regrets it. My advice is to connect with that person that you once had differences with and try to make right of it. It’s never too late.

Death is apart of life and it’s not predictable so enjoy every moment, set and achieve goals and do the best you can under the conditions you’re presented with.

That’s what Kobe did.

“Reflecting on the untimely demise of Kobe Bryant, how do you feel he impacted the NBA and you?”

Compiled by: Rielly Pulliam

Ja’Mario Jackson Sophomore Civil Engineering Monroe, La. “When he came into the league and his first year was horrible everyone was downing him but , after that he turned up the notch.

He never gave up and that inspires me.”

Clement Gibson Spring 2019 Graduate Journalism & Media Studies Minneapolis, Minn.

Kobe has impacted current NBA players with meritocracy; A belief that goes beyond the court.

He made players believe, through his own story, that you can achieve whatever you want if you work at it. He was resilient, hardworking, and uplifting through his play.

James Landrum Junior Meridian, Miss Music Education

Darrius Barron Fall 2019 Graduate Journalism & Media Studies Chicago, Ill.

Aaron Williams Sophomore Healthcare Admin.

Shreveport, Ill.

Dajhon McNeal Sophomore Journalism & Media Studies Chicago, Ill.

“He showed me that hard work is always going to be talent.”

“Two words...Mamba Mentality!”

“His will power and determination encouraged me to apply it to my daily life.”

“Kobe inspired me to work harder, whenever he was hurt he still worked through it.”