The Blue & White Flash March 2, 2023

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JSU Public Safety holds identity theft prevention training class

Levon Campbell III Staff Writer

Did you know that there is an identity theft case every 22 seconds and that 33 percent of all Americans are facing some kind of identity theft attempt?

These staggering statistics from www.identitytheft.org, are contributing factors as to why the Jackson State University Department of Public Safety held and identity theft training session on Feb. 20 in the Dollye M.E. Robinson College of Liberal Arts Building.

The training was conducted by JSU Public Safety Chief Herman Horton who hoped to teach students, faculty and staff on ways to prevent identity theft. The training also provided steps on how to overcome this if your identity has already been stolen.

Chief Herman stated that no identity theft issues had been found at Jackson State.

“We held the class just to inform the campus community and to just let them know the dangers of it (identity theft) and keep them

informed,” Herman said.

Identity Theft is when someone obtains and uses someone else’s personal or financial information to commit fraud like making unauthorized purchases.

According to www. identitytheft.org, the number of identity theft scenarios in the U.S. is nearly three times bigger than in any other country and these cases are at an all-time because of a wider range of methods. Experts believe that this number could increase significantly this year.

Herman believes the first line of defense is to protect your own information.

“We want to teach students how to protect their information, especially their cellphones, computers, and their JSU Supercards,” said Horton. “If someone gets their identity, they can do several things with it.”

Chief Horton provided information on how Jackson State protects its students from identity theft considering the University has access to vital information from the students.

So how do you know if your

identity has been stolen?

According to Chief Horton, getting calls from people about accounts you have not started and also suspicious items on bank statements are some of the ways to detect fraud.

He added that most people have up to 13 devices that can be stolen or used in identity theft and that you should protect those objects, like you drivers license, at all times.

“Protect your mail, email, ID, and driver license because people can duplicate those things and make them convincing as the original and by the time you realize it, you’ve already lost hundreds if not thousands of dollars,” Horton said.

Identitytheft.org reports that credit card fraud is the most attempted method used in identity theft. With fraud, identity thieves access the credit card of the victim or manipulate that person into sending them money or they may sign up for new credit cards with the victim’s personal information.

People who post things on their social media often are usually at a higher risk of identity theft and this is because social media

posts reveal sensitive information unconsciously which helps thieves use the information for illegal activities and to make fake financial decisions under that victim’s name. For example, posting a picture in front of your address, a credit card in the background of the photo, etc.

Horton said that there are ways students can protect themselves from identity theft, including checking their credit report annually, keeping their cell phones with them, and not letting other people use their cards, including JSU Supercards, because a lot of your information is contained on them.

He stated that if you suspect your identity has already been stolen, students should contact the police and file a report, alert their bank, and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

“I know it seems like a lot but these are the entities that are out here to help you in the event that you have become a victim of identity theft,” Horton stated. “This helps you in the long run, to be able to restore your credit because I have seen times where it takes anywhere

from 18 to 24 months to recover from identity theft.”

Some JSU students share what measures they take to prevent identity theft and how they are concerned about it.

Trevor Vanduan, a sophomore journalism and media studies major from Chicago, Ill., says he is very careful with his sensitive information.

“When I usually have a package, I rip the label. I make sure I have my phone with me at all times and I’m careful of any suspicious websites. I am very careful when it comes to matters like this,” said Vanduan.

Taylor Sutton, a freshman finance from Memphis, Tenn., is also cognizant of identity theft safety.

“I don’t save my password on my computer, especially when some sites ask for that option and I make it hard for people to identify me,” Taylor said. Identity theft can happen to anybody and it can come from anyone, whether you know them or not.”

For more information on identity theft or to report your identity stolen, visit: www.identitytheft.gov

JSU competes to win funds from The Home Depot Retool Your School

Ayliahna Wilson

Staff Writer

Jackson State University is vying for $150,000 in the current Home Depot Retool Your School (RYS) competition. This will be the sixth time the JSU has competed and this year, the prize money has doubled.

The competition gives HBCUs the opportunity to use the funds to improve their campus with any project ideas that beautify the campus.

According to www. retoolyourschool.com, in 2009, The Home Depot launched the Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant Program to award grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for campus renovations, repairs and enhancements. Over the years, the program has attempted to give back to HBCUs some of what they have so generously given to their students, alumni and communities: a strong foundation, a renewed purpose and a distinctive character.

Since its inception, the Retool Your School Program has awarded 184 campus improvement grants totaling over $5.2 million.

The RYS program has

renewed their commitment to being “Powered by Purpose” by developing several exciting new initiatives for 2023.

These initiatives include 60 scholarships worth $2500 each; one virtual resume workshop and one virtual interviewing workshop each quarter; 300 six to eight week virtual externships; 10 HBCUs needbased grants to renovate an existing campus space into an innovation lounge; and need-based community project grants of up to $50,000

The winners for the campus improvement grants are determined by a voting system, the more votes the schools receive, the higher their chances are to receive the first place prize.

Promoting the event via email, social media, and at different events on campus is what helps get the word out to students.

Winners receive the money and building equipment needed to assemble improvement projects at various locations on campus.

The goal is to win the largest amount of money, so promotions are usually put out quite often once the voting kicks off. This year, Retool Your School is completely student-led from the graphics, email

marketing, and print publications.

Tianna Williams, a senior journalism and media studies major from Houston, Texas, is serving as the RYS Project Manager and said she is elated and cannot wait to get started on campaigning because this is an amazing opportunity for students to have.

“It (RYS) allows students to get their hands wet and interact and be a part of the success of a university wide campaign. The grant money won from Retool Your School essentially benefits the students,” Williams said.

RYS also gives students a chance to come together for the greater good. Quensey Hopkins, a junior French major from Shreveport, La., appreciates the rapport with students that comes with RYS.

“What I like most about RYS, besides the money it brings to the school, is the unity that it brings. Everyone is working together for one common goal, whether it’s reaching out to people with high social media followings or whatever the case is, everybody is working together to serve one purpose,” said Hopkins.

Jackson State has won funds from RYS in 2021 and 2022. With

the money received in 2021, students were able to build a study are near John W. Dixon Residence Hall.

Students and faculty also came together to paint a mural, plant flowers, and build the main seating area.

In 2022, the prize money was used to create an entertainment area outside of the Student Center. The area was built on Feb. 17, 2023, and students are anxiously awaiting the projectors and speakers to be put in

place so the area can be fully utilized.

Voting has begun and will conclude on March 26. Voting is not limited to college students.

Votes can be submitted through official RYS website or by simply using #RYSJackson. Each time the special hashtag is used, it counts as one vote for your school. This can be posted on any social media platform, and students are encouraged to use this in order to obtain a larger audience.

Photo by Monica McGhee

2022 Retool Your School funds were used to create an entertainment area..

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Success is not a cookie cutter topic for everyone

academic success means to them.

Navigating a healthy balance between balancing work, school, and personal life feels like the hardest task in the world. Personally sometimes I struggle academically and I’ve noticed that I tend to get overwhelmed by schoolwork.

It seems like I always start off with a fire under myself in the beginning. My expectations and my drive is so high and my goals. I feel attentive, focused, and organized so I find myself working on assignments as early and progressively as possible.

nights resulting in a lot of tears. And with my newly adjusted sleep schedule I try to keep going the best that I can.

However, I have come to the conclusion that sometimes I may be too hard on myself. For a long while and even now I have a bad habit of worrying about things that are out of my control. Much like success, it doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach.

Tatyana Ross Staff Writer

I believe there’s a common misconception about the amount of stress college students deal with during the academic school year.

To the surprise of older family members, friends, and teachers, stress is a major factor in the college community. And I believe that our feelings and struggles as students are often overlooked because of age.

However, no matter the circumstance the pressure to perform well is high and every Tom, Dick, and Harry has their own interpretations of what

It lasts for a while and the further I get through the course the more I realize I might be losing the understanding of a subject. And it is undoubtedly discouraging because my classmates were progressing at lightning speed.

This leads to issues dealing with trouble to focus on specific tasks causing me to spend more time than desired on one thing. My time management skills become poor and that causes even more stress.

But by the middle of the semester the material becomes more complex and I comprehend less than before. So, my fire starts to fizzle out until it’s completely extinguished.

Then it starts a neverending cycle of procrastination, indetermination, and long

So, I feel that how students measure success is really up to them. Nobody can tell anyone how to measure success because it’s open for interpretation.

Typically, as a college student academic success is measured by the grade received in a class. But I measure academic success by the amount of information I retain about a subject.

I am a herbal tea drinker and every tea bag prints different motivational messages to read before you toss it. And this week I made a cup of tea and the quote read, “You cannot rely on others to tell you if you are successful. You need to know for yourself.” I don’t know if it was coincidental or if it was a sign that I needed to reevaluate my goals. I started doing research and in an article on Evisions I read about five common ways to measure academic success.

1. Retention Rates

- Retention is the most discussed topic for student success. Retained students persist through an academic program to graduate with a degree. Retention rates assist institutions in determining how many students progressed with satisfactory academic results. Higher retention rates also lead to certain benefits.

COMMENTARY track academic progress and achievement. First-year performance in core subjects can indicate better performance in future terms. Poor academic performance can affect other metrics such as retention and graduation rates, and lengthen time to completion, resulting in more time that a student stays in the institution.

2. Graduation RatesThis is the number of students enrolled in an institution who sought and achieved a degree. There are different ways to frame this metric. One is the federal definition. This is defined as a first-time, fulltime student graduating with a bachelor’s degree after six years or an associate’s degree after three years. Depending on the definition, the resulting metrics can change drastically.

3. Time to Completion - Time to completion is the time it takes for a student to attain the desired degree. This metric allows institutions to measure whether students are taking longer than average to complete their degrees. The key to tracking this metric is setting the proper policies and practices to help accelerate student success.

4. Academic Performance - Academic performance refers to metrics that measure and

5. Tracking Educational Goals - To track the progress of educational goals, institutions must plan and set policy. Students should be encouraged to meet with an adviser and set a goal from a list of predetermined goals. It requires resources and coordination among technical staff, instructors and advisers to provide student engagement. However, it can also result in benefits such as enhanced student satisfaction and a reputation for meeting student goals. These suggestions aren’t fool proof because everyone has their own personal flaws. Success is not a cookie cutter topic and it’s okay to define what it means on a personal level before it can be achieved.

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

“How do you measure academic success?”

Taliyah Howard Criminal justice Freshman Orlando, Fla.

Miss.

“The way that I measure academic success is to work hard so I can get good grades and pass all of my classes.”

“Academic success is measured by how well you apply the knowledge you gain from school.”

“I measure it by turning in my assignments on time and making sure I stay on top of my grades.”

Kayla Alexander Biology Senior Atlanta, Ga.

“I often measure my academic success by my GPA and time management to study.”

Deja Bland Elementary Educ. K-3 Senior Little Rock, Ark.

“I feel like academic success is what you make of it. You go at your own pace and measure success at your own level.”

Freshman Brooklyn, N.Y.

“I measure academic success by improvement. To me, if you are trying your best and improving, then that’s all that matters.”

Sean Taylor Public health Graduate student St. Louis, Mo.

“Academic success is the point at which you have retained the information and are able to re-teach that exact information.”

Kindall Heard Biology/Pre-Med. Freshman Houston, Texas

“I measure academic success by passing my classes and getting my diploma.”

Jalen Lynne Social Work Sophomore Chicago, Ill.

“I measure academic success by studying any chance that I get and having work-life balance.”

“I measure academic success by always keeping in mind to do everything in my best effort.”

Diana Keys Biology

Junior Lorman, Miss.

“I measure academic success on my final grades for the term.”

Compiled by: Aaliyah Jones and Zhane McCorvey

Jordyn Williams Biology/Pre-Medicine Freshman St. Louis, Mo.

Khalilah Karriem Political Science Freshman Columbus,

Racquel McCormick Journalism & Media Studies

Brianna Lloyd Biology/Pre-Med.

Junior Little Rock, Ark.

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United States Secretary of Education visits Jackson State University

Jackson State University hosted U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on Feb. 15, where he held a roundtable discussion with students about JSU’s Mississippi Teacher Residency (MTR) Program, aimed to strengthen the nation’s teacher pipeline.

“Jackson State University is a community leader. We couldn’t be prouder. It’s wonderful to have Secretary of Education Cardona highlighting our programs and students on a national scale,” said JSU President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. “We know that the work being done here impacts lives daily. I am a product of Jackson Public Schools and a living example of what happens when you have that Jackson State University/ JPS partnership pipeline producing educators who nurture students who in turn greatly elevate our communities.”

Also in attendance were IHL Board Trustee Dr. Steven Cunningham, JPS Superintendent Errick Greene, Ph.D., along with administrators and educators from JSU and JPS.

Cardona acknowledged Hudson’s impact on Jackson State saying, “Your leadership is a big part of why I am here, and I want to be clear about that.”

A former fourth-grade teacher, Cardona spoke candidly with students about the state of educators and education today while addressing the Department’s efforts to enhance higher learning experiences and assist HBCUs.

“I’m a little biased, but education, to me, is where it’s at. There’s so much potential in this country that I think we haven’t tapped yet. And it takes a good teacher. I still remember the teachers that I had, some who inspired me more than others to really look at who I am and see what I have inside of me,” said Cardona, who also spent 10 years as an elementary school principal. He then urged students to share who inspired their career paths.

Miss JSU, Naomi Harris, an elementary education major, described her middle school teacher as a personal life coach and mom.

“And the way that she impacted not only me but everyone who ever came in her classroom, [it] was really powerful to me. You could just see it. In her class, people listened in other classes, people didn’t,” shared Harris, a senior. “She was more welcoming. She was more inviting. She cared if we ate. She cared if we did our homework and why didn’t we do it. So those things kind of resonated [with] me.

Graduate student Whitney

Leirer said that her mother is a special education teacher, which gave Leirer opportunities to volunteer in her classroom, observe her mother’s handson style, and how she cared for students and made a difference.

“I just remember thinking to myself that this is one of the most impactful and powerful positions that you can be in to help a school-aged child have success in their future,” said Leirer, a communicative disorders major. “And I saw it as great work.”

The Secretary agreed and noted that teachers help unlock who people are. “You know, it’s just the connections. It’s the human connection. They make you feel number one, [like] you belong and you have potential,” he said. “Speaking of belonging and potential, talk to me a little bit about how Jackson State has prepared you for this journey.”

Journalism major Joshua Edwards said he gained self-assurance attending Jackson State. “It taught me how to be a confident leader, meaning that I can step in spaces and brand myself, and I have this new level of confidence,” said Edwards, the university’s sixth Mister JSU.

Cardona then shared an interesting educational fact about Jackson State that he discovered during his earlier visit to JPS’s Casey Elementary.

“Jackson State University produces

67 percent of the Black teachers in Jackson. Let me repeat that for the cameras in the back,” he emphasized. “Jackson State University produces 67% of the Black teachers in Jackson. That’s unheard of in this country.” Cardona said he was at JSU because he wants all colleges and universities to have that same impact on their local community. “This is the place where it’s happening. And I guess my question to this group here is why is that important, and how can we replicate that across the country?”

One answer appears to be the University’s MTR Program, which prepares educators for teaching in geographical critical shortage areas. The HBCU welcomed its first cohort of 15 graduate students last fall.

JSU is one of five universities to receive a portion of the $9.8 million in grant awards from the Mississippi Department of Education to address elementary and special education teacher shortages.

Before pivoting to questions, the Secretary acknowledged that the

intentional collaboration that arose from the pandemic is still needed today. He underscored that today’s crisis is not safely reopening schools but preparing tomorrow’s teachers.

He also highlighted how the BidenHarris administration is serious about supporting education, noting the 40 billion allocated for higher education relief funds during the pandemic.

He also reiterated their commitment to debt relief and their belief in the power of HBCUs. Cardona then asked students what they needed from the administration.

“As you mentioned earlier, collaboration is extremely important. There are a lot of students who are working multiple jobs to stay in school. There are students who take on a tremendous amount of debt to get themselves through school. And in the long term, that affects their quality of life,” said SGA President Madison Cathey.

Adding further, Cathey explained it would take collaboration to ensure that students who want to go into

classrooms and be educators can get their degree without sacrificing so much for it.

Secondly, the senior pointed out that the university has infrastructure needs that are not unique to Jackson State but are impacting HBCUs all over the country. “So, I think that collaborating to funnel some of those resources could help to alleviate the pressure HBCUs are under,” she said.

Cardona committed to continuing to fight for HBCUs and teachers while referencing the funding increase to the institutions from 2019 to the present day, going from $150 million to $600 million. He still acknowledged that more is needed, like increasing teacher pay.

“It’s my responsibility to make sure you’re making a livable wage. You shouldn’t be driving Ubers on the weekend either,” he said, which was met with murmurs of agreement.

The Secretary recommended that everyone continue to push their elected officials and public servants for support, saying investment in teachers is an investment in the economic development of “your state.” Cardona maintained that one could not talk about leading the world without investing in teachers.

“So, it’s something that I live and breathe because that’s all I’ve done. I’m a teacher. I’m an educator by trade. And at the end of the day when I’m sitting in that chair as Secretary, I’m still that fourth-grade teacher fighting for respect,” he said.

Cardona reminded those in attendance, “you teach kids, not curriculum,” calling it a people and relationship business.

“Show [kids] you love them. Show them you care. Show them you’re going to be there for them. They’ll run through a wall for you. Never forget that. And this is the best time to get into the profession. Our kids need us now more than ever,” he said.

JSU President’s List and Dean’s List scholars for Fall 2022 announced

William H. Kelly III

JSU Public Relations

Over 1500 Jackson State University students are President or Dean’s List honor students for Fall 2022.

The President’s List is composed of students who, during a regular semester, complete a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours with a semester gradepoint average of 4.00. The Dean’s List is composed of students who, during a regular semester, complete a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours with a semester grade-point average of 3.00 to 3.99.

JSU seniors Maney Darby, a double major in psychology and social work, and Sydney Nelson, an elementary education major, are no strangers to making the dean’s and president’s list with a full plate of academic and extracurricular activities.

As a National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Student Conduct Committee, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member, Darby says that sacrifice and studying go a long way.

“My parents have always pushed for academic achievement, but they also introduced me to many things in the world. So, in order for me to

continue to see that on my own, I have to excel in school and get the best job, but I also want to do something that I love,” said Darby. “That is why I’m pushing myself to go to graduate school and get a doctoral degree so I can continue to live the type of life I want to live after undergrad.”

Throughout her matriculation, Nelson has achieved rank as a president and dean’s list scholar. While she says that managing an off-campus parttime job, balancing student teaching, and serving as a mentor across various organizations can be challenging, family is her drive and inspiration.

“I am a first-generation student, so that’s a big thing for me. I would say my family plays a big role in my grades. In high school, I didn’t have the best grades, so I said I’m going to redeem myself in college,” Nelson said.

Jalan Drummond, a junior biology pre-med major, balances being a fulltime band student while making the president and dean’s list five times; two president’s lists and three dean’s lists.

“It’s not for the weak. You have to have good time management skills. It’s a lot of staying up later, getting up early, and sometimes studying while practicing with the band by reviewing notes in your head,” said Drummond,

a native of LaFayette, Alabama. “It gets a little challenging at times, but I think it’s all a part of the college experience.”

He added that the band staff is a valued support system, in conjunction with his hometown of LaFayette being a pivotal change agent along his journey.

“The staff of the band program, my friends, my family, and even my

roommates help me sometimes. It’s the community surrounding me. I’m a first-generation student, and I think a lot of what pushes us is where we come from,” Drummond said. “Our population is about 2500 and probably 95% African American. So, being from that type of demographic, I want to inspire people coming behind me and say, ‘You can get out of here. You don’t

have to stay here your whole life. You can make an impact on the world and your hometown at the same time.’”

To view President’s list scholars, visit: http://www.jsumsnews. com/?page_id=54728

To view Dean’s List scholars, visit: http://www.jsumsnews.com/?page_ id=54734

JSU students join FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program cohort

FedEx (NYSE: FDX), the world’s largest express transportation company, announced the second cohort of the FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program, which includes Jackson State University students Tionda Yarbrough and Dillard McCoy. As part of the fiveyear commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) announced in 2021, this program helps prepare HBCU students with opportunities to learn about the FedEx enterprise from executives, build leadership and career-ready skills, and participate in unique experiences, while also helping expand the company’s pipeline for diverse talent.

“Jackson State University is thrilled to continue our partnership with the FedEx-HBCU Ambassador Program,” said President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. “When our scholars get to experience Corporate America first-hand and interact with talented executives, they can envision a future in that setting and it eliminates any potential hesitation about the unknown.”

New student participants were selected from the following eight HBCUs, which are regionally located within a

short distance of a FedEx operating or distribution facility. The proximity allows students from within the community better opportunities to engage with FedEx team members and learn about the business.

JacksonStateUniversity(Jackson,Miss.)

Tennessee State (Nashville, Tenn.)

LeMoyne-OwenCollege(Memphis,Tenn.)

MississippiValleyState(IttaBena,Miss.)

Lane College (Jackson, Tenn.)

Paul Quinn College (Dallas, TX.)

Miles College (Fairfield, Ala.)

Fayetteville State (Fayetteville, N.C.)

Yarbrough is a junior business admin. major/biology minor from Beloit, Wisc. The first-generation college student is a proud inductee in the Tri Beta Epsilon Biology Honor Society and NAACP youth president of her hometown.

McCoy is a 3rd year business/ political science major. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Throughout his collegiate journey, McCoy has served as a member of the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South, student government association, career services ambassador, outspoken, performing arts club, W.E.B DuBois honors college, and the 2022-23 Royal Court.

The second cohort will kick off later this month with a career exposure and leadership day involving FedEx leadership. Additionally, the cohort will participate in experiences throughout the year to help prepare them for entry into the workforce, including sessions on interview training, mock interviews, and resume development.

Freshman, sophomore and junior students were selected to participate based on good academic standing and career tracks aligned with FedEx career tracks such as: business, sales, IT/tech, logistics, marketing communications, accounting, and more. This year also comes with new on-the-job learning and mentorship experiences for the ambassadors.

“Through the second cohort of the FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program, we’re preparing future leaders and the next generation for the workforce through tailored, hands-on programming,” said Jenny Robertson, senior vice president of Integrated Marketing and Communications.

“FedEx is proud to strengthen our ties with HBCUs across the country and provide students with the tools and resources to pursue fulfilling careers. Initiatives like this are important to building a diverse talent pipeline within FedEx.”

The initial announcement took place last year at the New York Stock Exchange on the first day of Black History Month, February 1, 2022, with HBCU students, presidents, and FedEx executives in attendance to commemorate the occasion. Sixteen students from eight HBCUs participated in empowering

and educational sessions with company leaders and were offered several practical experiences, including:

A welcome from Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corporation Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors to kick off the program.

The opportunity to participate in interview training and mock interview sessions with FedEx leaders, and a resume development discussion with an Executive Coach.

FedEx Operating Companies created a series of career-focused programs, including:

The “Career Expose” where FedEx Ground leaders connected with students about transitioning from college to professional life, resume writing, career tips and a “day in the life” in Safety, Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, Logistics/Supply Chain, and Operations; and

The FedEx Freight Boardroom Experience, where students were introduced to career possibilities within FedEx through a simulated boardroom meeting.

To learn more about how FedEx supports HBCUs and to hear testimonials from the student ambassadors about their experience, please visit FedExCares.com and view the HBCU Fact Sheet.

Photo by William H. KellyIII

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona greets Jackson State University’s SGA President Madison Cathey during a visit where students shared thoughts on education today.

Maney Darby, senior, Sydney Nelson, senior, and Jalan Drummond, junior, are three of JSU’s dean’s list scholars for the Fall 2022 semester.

Photo by William H. KellyIII

Jackson State University students Tionda Yarbrough and Dillard McCoy will participate in the second cohort of the FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program.

Photos(1-2) taken by Taylor Hardy during the Authoring Afrofuturism event. Photos (3-5) taken by Monica McGhee at the Dr. Bessie House-Soremekun Yoruba Creativity book signing. Photos (6-10) taken by Cameron Adams at the JSU v Prairie View A&M ladies basketball game won by JSU and the net cutting ceremony afterwards for winning the regular season championship. This was the Lady Tigers fourth consecutive SWAC Regular Season Championship.

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Staying safe during Spring Break is as important as having fun

Nadi Greene Staff Writer

Spring Break is one of the most anticipated weeks for many college students. Weeks before students participate in endless study sessions for midterms and last-minute assignments in an effort to get their midterm grades up, they are also thinking about getting away from the hectic schedules of school.

Parties, going out of town, and doing anything they can to get that much needed break from school on their minds. Can you blame them? If they have done what they were supposed to do, excel academically, they deserve it.

However, it can be easy to forget safety concerns when the focus is just on having a good time.

According to the www. collegiateparent.com, here are a few tips to stay safe during spring break Keep your ID on you. ID’s are for more than just getting you access to drinks at the bar or at the liquor store, if you are of age of course. If you have made plans to travel abroad or even in the states, you will need identification kept on your person at all times.

Collegiate Parent recommends that you keep the original copy in your wallet/

purse, take a picture of it to keep in your phone, and keep a copy of the original in the hotel safe. Do whatever you need to do to ensure you can be identified no matter the situation

Never Travel Alone. As corny as it sounds, the buddy system is the most important system to remember. I get it, your feet hurt or the club just isn’t jumping and you want to leave, but always stay in your group.

“Never go anywhere alone, especially at night,” said Reonna Rusell, a junior business administration major from Jackson, Miss. “Just a female going anywhere alone in this world is scary and you never know people’s intentions.”

Taimont Johnson, also believes that you never know who is watching you

“Never leave by yourself because most of us will be new to the area and people will take advantage of that,” said Johnson, a senior journalism and media studies major form Atlanta, Ga.

Be Careful With Your Money. If you decide to keep large quantities of cash on your person to avoid the constant trips to the ATM, this could bring danger to you because now pickpockets or anybody who has nothing to lose has a clear target on who to rob.

If you want to carry cash, be mindful of where and how much

of it you pull out.

Drink Safely. It is easy to not pay attention on how much alcohol you are consuming when you are having a good time, but you HAVE to. Have a good time, but do it safely and drink in moderation.

Collegiate Parent recommends that you eat before you start drinking and try to eat a little bit during and after drinking. Also, NEVER leave your drink unattended, especially if it’s uncovered. That would be the perfect time for somebody to slip a drug in your drink and you never know what can happen next. If you happen to leave it unattended, do the safe thing and order a new one.

Other tips recommended by

Collegiate Parent include:

• Use Caution When Swimming. Beware of undertows, riptides, too much sun and avoid swimming alone.

• Choose a Code Word. Choose a Code Word with Friends - A code word can be a good way to indicate that you don’t feel comfortable or safe and would like to leave wherever you are immediately.

• Practice Safe Sex. Use protection. That means always having and using condoms if you plan to engage in sexual activities. This is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs. Just as important as protection, is consent. If someone says they don’t want to have sex, that means they don’t want to have sex.

• If It’s Against The Law,

It’s Not Worth It. Remember, underage drinking and drug use are dangers in and of themselves. But they’re also illegal pretty much anywhere your student travels.

• Don’t Stay On The First Floor OF A Hotel. The first floor of a hotel is more prone to break-ins, because the window is accessible from the ground.

• Practice Safe Driving Plan to rotate drivers so everyone stays well-rested. A friend should always be awake in the front passenger seat to keep the driver company.

The goal for Spring Break is to have a good time but remember two things: stay safe and you don’t have to have a wild trip to have a good time.

Have your fun but make it your goal to return safely and unharmed.

Creed III world premiere is set to hit theaters on March 3

Tatyana Ross Staff Writer

A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.

Michael B. Jordan shows off his multiple talents in the new addition to the Creed movie franchise on March 3, 2023. The actor is more than just the star of the film.

The film is also serving as Jordan’s directorial debut. At an official press conference on Feb. 23, 2023 alongside co-stars Jonathan Majors (Damien), Mila Davis-Kent (Amara Creed), a 10 year old deaf co-star, and an American Sign Language interpreter to answer questions from fans excited about the movie.

“I love the confidence that they have, the questions that they’re asking, they’re attentively listening, and they care. And it’s good for us to show up and give them the opportunity to do what they love doing,” Jordan said.

He added, “Its just good to be present and having conversations. Q

& A’s are always cool but just having regular conversations is more of what I love. So, I love the space and giving them space to say what they needed to say.”

Jordan admitted that there was a lot put in on this film and he believes that the film will capture the essence of the entire story about Adonis Creed. He said that he feels like the third movie reflects the origin story and a sequel at the same time.

“If I wasn’t going to direct again. If this was going to be my last movie, I want to have no regrets. So I didn’t I didn’t hold back. I took all my swings,” Jordan said. “The legacy, something I think about a lot. You know the next generation, something I think about a lot.”

He added, “You guys I think about a lot. You know in how I make decisions and things that I do by choosing to put my name to my energy to voice to.”

Majors co-signed the hard work that everyone on the team has contributed to the overall experience

of being in the film.

“The creative process was quite a collaborative opportunity. As you know, sports fiction is a part of the marketing and the most phenomenal sports franchise in its history,” Majors said.

“So the stakes are high. So a big part of it was a bit of the transformation. And Michael is very adamant about saying that.”

All three actors mentioned that playing their roles was almost like second nature because of the way they had to get to know the characters being portrayed on screen.

“I’m thinking about what it took for me to play Amara. It was very similar. I felt like we have so many things in common me and the character,” Kent said. “Her personality is much like mine. So she looks up to her dad and she looks up to her mom.”

She added, “She learned a lot from both of them. She has both of their qualities inside of her.”

Creed III has raised fans expectations extremely high and fans

cannot wait to see the journey this new film in the franchise will take them to.

“I want to do things that will last longer than my body will last. That’s a big thing for me. So directing this film, me joining a franchise that is around longer than I’ve been alive. “Rocky’s been around for 50 years. And so when Ryan reinvented the wheel, a little bit, with Creed. And had a chance to be a part of my own legacy like that.

He added,“And, you know, I took it seriously, you know, I didn’t look at

this as, you know, it just so happened. I was supposed to be here.”

According to We Got This Covered, Creed III the latest report from Box Office Pro on Feb. 24, Creed III is expected to bring in as much as $36 million over the course of its opening weekend, with lowball estimates putting it at around $29 million.

Creed III’s world premiere is March 3, 2023.

Shahidi, Kai Cenat, Ed Sheeran and Travis Scott top trending topics

Special to The Flash service Twitch after a monthlong subscriber marathon. His ‘subathon’ - launched on Feb. 1 and featured the social media star streaming 24 hours a day. Subscribers even got to watch him sleeping.

Yara Shahidi set to debut as Tinker Bell “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish” star Yara Shahidi will make her debut as Tinker Bell in “Peter Pan & Wendy”, the upcoming live-action film from Disney.

Shahidi is the first person of color to play Tinkerbell, the fairy who can make children fly with the help of Pixie Dust. This as fans are still approving the Disney casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid”.

The 23-year-old actress gained recognition for her starring role as the oldest daughter Zoey Johnson on “Black-ish”.

Shahidi made her cinematic debut in 2009, starring opposite Eddie Murphy in “Imagine That”, for which she received a Young Artist Award nomination for the best performance in a feature film category. She also appeared in the Angelina Jolie action film “Salt” in2010 as a next door neighbor. In 2012, she played Chloe Johnson, the daughter of President William Johnson, in the TV series “The First Family”.

Twitch streamer Kai Cenat breaks subscriber record Kai Cenat has broken the record for the most Twitch subscribers.

The 21-year-old U.S. streamer amassed 300,000 subscribers on the Amazon-owned streaming

The popular YouTuber officially overtook former Twitch record holder Ludwig Ahgren on Feb. 28.

Twitch is a livestreaming platform, where people typically play video games and talk to viewers.

Cenat broke Ludwig’s record with his own subscription marathon - or ‘subathon’ - a stream with a countdown timer which is extended every time someone subscribes to the channel.

Baddies West Stars Natalie Nunn and Tommie Lee box it out Reality TV stars Nunn and Lee further hyped the event when the two went at it during the fight week weigh-in. However, the hype was quickly squashed just as Nunn did Lee for the brief fight.

Nunn started the meleé with a haymaker from the opening bell that seemed to rock Lee to the core. It never got better for the “Love and Hip-Hop” star.

The boxing match went down on Zeus Network hours, which airs “Baddies West”. Many fans speculated that Lee’s poor performance was due to drugs and alcohol after she hit the mat between the first and second round and could not or would not get up.

After finally getting up, the referee stopped the match shortly afterwards in attempt to keep Lee from receiving more abuse.

Vanessa Bryant wins $28.5 million for leaked crash photos

Vanessa Bryant has agreed to a $28.5 million settlement in her lawsuit with Los Angeles County over photographs of the 2020 helicopter crash that killed her husband, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, and daughter Gianna.

The settlement includes $15 million that Bryant was awarded after a civil trial last August, as well as extra funds to settle any potential claims from her daughters, according to The New York Times.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend, Gianna Bryant, and the other seven victims died in the crash on Jan. 26, 2020 when the helicopter came down as they flew from Orange County to a basketball tournament.

Bryant’s lawyers told the jury in the case that in the days after the accident, police and fire officials employed by the county showed off photos of the crash site that included the bodies of the victims.

Ed Sheeran announces new album

Ed Sheeran is back with the latest installment of his mathematical albums.

With - (pronounced Subtract), he’ll cover a difficult

period that spurred him to musically reflect on his “deepest, darkest thoughts,” he announced Wednesday in a press release.

The singer revealed that he found out within the space of a month that his pregnant wife had a tumor and no treatment option until the birth of the child.

The couple welcomed their second daughter, Jupiter, last May. Their first daughter, Lyra Antarctica, was born in 2020.

Sheeran also mentioned the sudden death of Jamal Edwards in February 2022, who was a “brother” and best friend to him.

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.

Graphic by Tatyana Ross

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Lady Tigers claim fourth consecutive regular season SWAC title

Cameron Adams Editor-in-Chief

The 2021-22 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champions look to claim the title once again as they claim the SWAC Regular Season Championship against Prairie View A&M on Feb. 27.

The road to this victory had a many great games along the way.

On Feb. 6, 2023, Jackson State University’s Lady Tigers defeated the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions, 88-53, collecting their seventh consecutive win.

The matchup was nothing short of dominant, as Jackson State terrorized UAPB on both sides of the court.

Offensively, the Tigers put up a balanced scoring attack. Jackson State had five players to acquire double figures with 6’5 senior center Daphne White leading the team with 16 points.

The Gulfport, Miss. native was a force to be reckoned with. White was also the leader in field goal percentage, making seven shots out of her eight attempts.

White also recorded 10 rebounds which tied for the team’s high, with teammate AngelJackson, a 6’6 forward from Richmond, Calif. Jackson was also a key contributor to the Tigers’ offensive success.

Jackson put up 15 points for the night with most of them coming from second-chance opportunities.

The Lady Tigers were just as locked on the defensive end.

JSU forced the Golden Lions to take tough shots forcing them to under 33 percent from the field. Their defensive presence also caused 13 turnovers.

The Tigers finished the game with nine blocks as a team, with two of them coming at the end of the first quarter.

The Tigers asserted their dominance early in the game. After trading the first few baskets, JSU would eventually go on a run to secure a lead.

Jackson State entered the second quarter up by five, 15-9, but UAPB attempted to keep hope alive.

The Golden Lions were able to go on a huge run to trail within two points. The Tigers responded immediately by

increasing their defensive pressure and knocking down big threes.

JSU entered the half with a comfortable lead, with the score being 36-18.

In the third quarter, the Tigers remained aggressive, as if they never walked off the court. Each member was determined to get the foul to knock down some free points.

With time running out, UAPB began to attempt a lategame comeback as the two teams traded blows. However, Jackson’s performance on the offensive glass spoiled their chances of a miracle.

By the fourth quarter, the Tigers were able to acquire a 30-point lead, taming and tarnishing the Golden Lions, 88-53.

The crowd wasn’t the only ones pleased with the performance of the Lady Tigers. Head Coach Tomekia Reed emphasized her approval of the team’s dominating victory.

“I feel really good about this win,” stated Reed. “I’m proud of how hard our girls played, how together they played, and how resilient they were.”

Reed then explained the importance of mental toughness in a game that can be dictated by gamechanging factors.

“We have tough practices. We prepare for tough moments. We prepare our players to be physically tough and mentally tough. If I keep my composure, [my team] is going to.”

The crowd also serves as a gamechanging factor, due to their constant involvement in the game.

Kayln Turner, a senior social work major from McComb, Miss. reflected on the energy of the crowd.

“The crowd constantly stays involved. Every time the ref calls a bad call, you’re going to hear it from the crowd,” stated Turner. “That affects the refs a lot.”

Alexis Cook, a senior biology/premedicine major from New Orleans, La., also emphasized the crowd’s ability to change the game.

“The energy of the crowd is very encouraging. If someone makes a shot, the whole crowd cheers,” stated Cook. “Even when players make mistakes, the crowd encourages them to keep trying.”

The Lady Tigers had a huge performance from the bench in an 8149 win against Alcorn State at home Feb. 18.

The Lady Tigers protected the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center home court again on Feb. 27 in defeating Prairie View A&M University. The team claimed its fourth consecutive SWAC Regular Season Championship with this defeat.

The team has two more regular season games against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on March 2 and Mississippi Valley State University on March 4.

The SWAC Tournament begins March 8 in Birmingham, Ala.

Jackson State University tennis teams dominate opponents

Matthew Adams Staff Writer

Jackson State University’s tennis team won big this past weekend with victories against Millsaps College and Mississippi Valley State University.

Both the men and women’s teams were able to dominate their competition.

To start off the afternoon, the men’s tennis team played against the Millsaps Majors in doubles and singles matches.

The men’s team dominated the Millsaps with an ending score of 7-0.

With three doubles matches played and six singles, every match was won by Jackson State.

Head Coach Hernan Geria was pleased with his team’s play.

“We were the better team on the court today. It was a good day for both teams,” said Geria. “We are ready to face the next challenges.”

The match that caught the attention of everyone was the singles match of Carlos Castillo.

This match consisted of a flurry of backhands and groundstrokes that ultimately led to an outstanding win over the opponent.

The Jackson State women’s tennis team was also able to mirror the actions of their counterparts and gave out a masterful performance.

The women’s team controlled the whole match and sent the Lady Majors home with a loss. Between all the matches the score was 7-0.

Many players on the women’s team were able to have dominating performances.

Multiple matches were one-sided which wasn’t surprising due to Jackson State being more prepared.

A player that left a lasting impression during this match was De’Alva Alston, who showcased a blowout performance.

Alston’s opponent didn’t score which led to her inevitable win. The match consisted of not too many rallies. With this advantage, scoring was made easy and led to the demise of her opponent.

During the women’s doubles and singles matches, many of the players were able to dominate their competition with skill and talent. A majority of these matches ended the same.

Millsaps didn’t look to be much of a hindrance for the Tigers and this showed in their play.

Students felt the same way. Fransico Vargas, a senior education major from Guadalajara, Mexico had remarks equal to some of the other players.

“We were pretty solid on the court. We were super focused on the court and I think that helped us to win,” Vargas said. “I like to be dominant on the court all the time.”

Mississippi Valley State University was the next opponent of the day and both the men’s and women’s teams were able to produce the same results as the Millsaps match.

Dominance was an

understatement for a description of the play that Jackson State showcased.

Mississippi Valley’s men’s team stood no match for Jackson State. The only thing that was able to set these two teams apart was who wanted the most.

Jackson State came with the heat early. Every match was Jackson State against themselves.

The singles and doubles were equally astonishing. Jackson State was able to capitalize off of a team that wasn’t prepared for the pressure that they were there to put on them.

Many players from both men and women’s teams played these matches effortlessly and this led the Men and Women’s teams to win 7-0.

Many students were content with their performance and their teammates’ performance in their respective matches.

Robin Alston, a senior civil engineering major from South Carolina, was pleased with these wins.

“I feel like we played well and executed well on the court. We played Millsaps first in a 7-0 win. Then we played Mississippi Valley and won 7-0 as well. Overall, I would say it was a good day for the Jackson State Tigers,” said Alston. This was one out of the many statements that praised the performance of their team.

Carlos Castillo, a junior business administration and mechanical engineering major from Miami, Fla., was also impressed with the JSU teams.

“The team’s performance was

pretty solid. Jackson State Tigers dominated each team since the beginning. It was a really good win at home. The team is looking forward for what is next,” said Castillo.

Photo by Cameron Adams

With this excitement, the Jackson State Tigers face off against the University of Southern Mississippi on March 2 and look to secure a win against them in the later on this week.

Photo by Cameron Adams

JSU Lady Tigers Head Coach Tomekia Reed proudly cuts down the net after her team secured the regular season championship.