The Blue & White Flash November 17, 2022

Family and friends remember JSU student Geronimo Warner in memorial service

Ross Editor-in-Chief

Students, family and friends mourned the loss of fellow Tiger, Geronimo Warner, a management major from Phoenix, Ariz., and a member of JSU men’s basketball program from 2019-2022. Warner was a part of the men’s team that won the Southwestern Athletic Conference regular season title in 2021.

In a press release from the University, Wayne Brent, former Jackson State head men’s basketball coach, said he was a student with big dreams and they were all falling into fruition.

“Geronimo was a great kid who came to JSU three years ago from Piney Woods High School looking for an opportunity to pursue his dreams of playing basketball on the Division I level,” Brent said. “He always had a great spirit and enjoyed being at JSU. He will truly be missed.”

Also in the press release, Jackson State University Vice President and Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson, admits that losing students in such a manner is never easy.

“The loss of students who have been a part of our athletics program is difficult, as we look at our student-athletes as members of our family,” Robinson said. “Geronimo loved the game of basketball and was well-liked among our student-athletes and campus community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Geronimo’s family and friends during this time.”

Alongside Warner’s family, his fellow classmates gathered outside for a candlelight vigil on the CSEL balcony located on the 2nd Floor of the Student Center to collectively mourn on Nov. 10.

Warner was loved by many people and his family and friends all described him as the light that brightens up the room.

Dru Simmons, Warner’s mother, worked through her grief as she encouraged his friends to keep going forward.

“We are the living. We are the living and we’re here. But

we have to understand that Geronimo is going to live with all of us in spirit,” Simmons said. “So whatever dreams y’all had together, whatever goals y’all had together, whatever aspirations y’all had together… at the end of the day he’ll be with you in the living spirit,” said Simmons.

Warner’s oldest sister, Dominique Dorsey, said she misses her baby brother a lot. She said that the two of them were extremely close and the

news of it all was heartbreaking. However, she is aware that she is not the only person that was saddened by Warner’s untimely passing.

“I’ve been talking to a lot of his friends. A lot of his teammates and we’ve just been kind of sharing memories of how amazing this man was,” Dorsey said. “And how much impact he made in everybody’s life, even if it was just in passing.”

Dorsey shared that her fondest memory of her brother

is his ability to bring people together.

“I think the best thing Geronimo really has done was brought us together and I think that’s my fondest memory right now,” Dorsey said. “It’s knowing that he has opened this door for all of us to be together and to remember him in a way that he should be remembered.”

Dorsey said she is very close with both of her younger brothers so the loss of the baby of the family has been hard to deal with.

“It was never a dynamic of ‘Oh I’m too old to hang out with you.’ We were always together. Loved being in each other’s company,” Dorsey said. “We loved watching television together and just talking about the simplest things, listening to music, even eating together, cooking together.”

She added, “He was just an amazing man, an amazing brother. He was amazing in everything that he did and I’m going to miss him very much.

Tyler Huckleberry, a business marketing major from Indianapolis, Ind., was one of Warner’s closest friends. He said Warner was the second person he met on Jackson State campus.

“The best thing I can say about him is he held you accountable. He was somebody that did not sugarcoat anything,” Huckleberry said. “He’d rather be real with you and tell you exactly how it’s supposed to be than change and have you fall flat on your face.”

He added, “He was somebody that poured life into you even when you didn’t realize he was pouring life into you. He made sure his cup never went empty.”

Any member of the JSU campus community in need of grief support or help with locating counseling resources in your area, should contact the Latasha Norman Center for Counseling Services at 601-979-0374.

Photo by Aria Brent

Mister JSU Joshua Edwards opening the floor for words from his family, friends, and other classmates in attendance.

Tatyana

Top) Family and friends of JSU student Geronimo Warner during memorial service. Bottom) Geronimo Warner’s athletic photo.

SHANNON D. TATUM

ALIVIA WELCH Managing Editor

TATYANA

Soul food is more than just a meal in the black community

She explained that she has been cooking since high school but never took her friends’ raving reviews about her food seriously until recently. Mayfield looks at the food that she sells as so much more than a meal.

“It’s important because when you think soul food, you think comfort, you think a full belly, you think good food. It’s something to look forward to,” said Mayfield.

She went on to express that eating soul food is an event and not just a meal in her family.

“It’s gonna be a good gathering of catching up and eating,” she stated.

positive feedback about her food and making other people smile through food is what inspires her to continue cooking.

Although satisfying customers and making others happy is what inspires Triplett to carry on with her cooking, she got her start at a very young age from watching her grandmother cook in the restaurant she owns.

Undoubtedly, the cooking and consumption of soul food is a family affair in the black community.

experience of honoring and upkeeping a family recipe. She explained that she found the perfect recipe for macaroni and cheese once she found her grandmother’s “golden macaroni” recipe. It’s one of her favorite things to make in addition to fried chicken, corn and mashed potatoes.

Triplett had a similar list of favorite foods to cook that also included fried cabbage, red beans and rice and fried pork chops.

As the holiday season approaches, many people are taking the time out to try new recipes and cook up some old family ones. It’s no secret that food— good, comforting, food brings people together and is sometimes even a pillar in upholding and creating culture. It’s certainly true for the black community and their beloved soul food.

Soul food is deeply rooted in black culture. Dating back to slavery when many recipes were created from the mere scraps and leftovers slaves were given. These recipes have been passed down through generations to create modern day American comfort food

Amaree Mayfield, a journalism and media studies major from North Chicago, Ill., has been running a small cooking business since March of 2020. She specializes in making the comfort food she grew up on.

Many agree with Mayfield in finding soul food to be comforting due to its unctuous taste and the feeling of ease you feel after eating it.

Cedaysha Triplett, a social work major from Moss Point, Miss., explained that cooking soul food has been a comforting thing for her in more ways than one.

“Soul food and being in the kitchen was like therapy for me,” Triplett said.

Triplett struggles with anxiety and depression but has found that cooking and selling her soul food plates has helped with her mental health. She explained that receiving

This is definitely the case for Donovan Barner, who is a native of Jackson, Miss., and the front of the house manager at Sugars Place in downtown Jackson. He’s been working there since his father first opened the restaurant in 2007 in commemoration of Barner’s great-grandmother, Sugar Barner.

Honoring his ancestry, all the while sharing her delicious recipes, Barner shared his take on why soul food is so relevant to the black community.

“Literacy isn’t typical in the lineage of black culture but things get passed down through things like food,” Barner stated.

Mayfield has also had the

Foods such as the ones Mayfield and Triplett listed are soul food staples and can be found all around Jackson. Mayfield noted that the “City With Soul” being full of these kinds of foods is something that ties into the culture in Jackson. Explaining that anybody can cook but the atmosphere is what truly makes the city so soulful.

“I feel like it’s a combination of the city, the people and the food,” Mayfield exclaimed.

Soul food can be found in the music, art, conversations and surely the homes of black people. It’s so much more than a meal.

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

“Dressing is my favorite fall food because it reminds me of home and nobody makes it better than my momma.”

“My

Aria Brent Variety Editor

Compiled by: Terrien Edwards and Zhane McCorvey

Autumn Gould

Sophomore Criminal Justice Detroit, Mich.

“Mac and cheese. I love the way my mom makes it and it makes me feel at home.”

Brylyia Baptiste Junior

Early Childhood Educ. New Orleans, La.

“Gumbo is my favorite fall food because it’s a reminder of home.”

Haley Dawson Freshman Physical Educ./Rec. Bryam, Miss.

“Sweet potato pie is my favorite fall food because it makes you feel so warm and happy.”

Mikayla Stokes Freshman Pre-Med Biology Chicago, Ill.

“Pumpkin pie is my favorite fall food because it just goes with the season and tastes very good. The main part I like is because I really love the crust.”

Ayanna Curt Junior Elementary Education Atlanta, Ga.

“Stew beef with Rice is my favorite fall food because it’s warm and makes me feel cozy inside.”

Khalia Hinson

Freshman Math Elementary Education Auburndale, Fl.

“Classic homemade chicken/turkey potpie is my favorite fall food because I love how warm and calm it makes me.”

Jayla Lane

Sophomore Elementary Education Biloxi, Miss

“Sweet potato pie is my favorite fall food because it’s sweet and creamy.”

Darvell Hall Jr. Freshman Psychology New Orleans, La.

“Bell

pepper dressing is my favorite fall food because it’s one of the things I always crave around the fall time.”

Omarion Nimmens

Freshman Business Admin. Orlando, Fl.

favorite fall food is soul food because my Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it.”

Michael Stewart Sophomore Elementary Education Belleville, Ill.

“Dressing and sweet potato pies are my

favorite.

It makes me feel at home no matter where I am.”

Kejuan Gibson-Allen

Freshman Civil Engineering Savannah, Ga.

“All

Thanksgiving food is my favorite fall food because it reminds me of a good time with my family and friends.”

“What do you look forward to the most during the fall holiday season?”

Sky Lee Junior Elementary Education Madison, Wis.

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COMMENTARY

Mississippi Association of Broadcasters host student conference at JSU

Alivia Welch Managing Editor

For the first time in history, Mississippi Association of Broadcasters (MAB) held a student conference at the Mississippi E-Center. More than 200 media major students across the state gathered to hear from professionals in the industry.

Various topics and possible job opportunities were discussed in different breakout rooms throughout the day.

Students took away countless information and said this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Joshua Edwards, a senior journalism media studies major from Tulsa, Okla. said that networking with professionals can increase job opportunities for young adults seeking positions in the media business.

“These types of events are important for us because they can open doors that sometimes our resumes cannot,” said Edwards. “It’s vital for students to build that connection.”

He also said he learned about self-branding and the importance of enjoying humble beginnings that are sometimes overlooked by experience.

Jaylin Smith, a firstyear graduate student at the University of Mississippi majoring in journalism and new media, said that media conferences like this are necessary as a black woman to dominate in the industry.

“Exposure is important so you can see the companies and organizations you want to be a part of and be able to acknowledge that they’re not as far as they may seem,” said Smith. “Networking and connecting with people that may not look like you and I, can push and challenge

each other for greater (opportunities) in the media.”

She also said that the Connect to Affect: Relationships that Lead to Success, break out session taught by Melissa Boswell Townsend, was very informative.

“It allowed me to understand how brainstorming really helps with cultivating ideas, as far as ideas you put into the media for storytelling,” Smith said.

She also said it was engaging and allowed her an idea of thought- processing and how she interacts with others.

Another breakout session, The Winning Message: How

to Write Copy that Works, was taught by Blake Levine and Brett Kenyon.

Levine, Sports Director at WJTV in Jackson, Miss., said in his session students learned how to write and be interesting, informative and keep viewer’s attention. He also said that conventions as such great for media students.

“I wish I had this when I was younger, you not only get to meet people but you also get to learn and meet your peers and could help with getting a job in the future,” Levine said.

News stations with urgent job openings attended the conference as well.

Michelle Martin, a multimedia journalist,

producer and anchor for WTVA located in Columbus, Miss., said that her station is seeking new faces.

“We’re looking for creative minds, team players and openminded people who are ready to work,” said Martin.

Other professionals within the media industry were in attendance including Brittany Bright, a content creator and an influencer marketing executive.

Bright focused on black content creators getting the proper exposure and acknowledgment within the media realm.

“I feel like creators of Mississippi don’t get the recognition we deserve

for being trendsetters and creative,” said Bright.

She added, “I think that being here today, I’m giving people the opportunity to learn, whether it’s building a business or legally, how to read contracts.”

She is also is the founder of The Influencer League, an organization that teaches people of color who are influencers how to build their brands and secure brand deals and strategically grow their following.

The Influencer League is accepting 1,000 student applicants from people of color who live in the U.S. and are 18 years old and older.

JSU students galvanized by ‘Perfect Black’ author Crystal Wilkinson

H. Kelly III JSU Public Relations

The event, inspired by the newly developed creative writing program at JSU, was an opportunity for students and aspiring writers to be introduced to the world of creative writing as a profession.

“We want to expose as many of our students as possible to these folks who are successful and really contributing in all of these dynamic ways to the field of creative writing. We want to give them that access that they’re not only learning from us in the classroom but also from professionals of this art in real-time,” said Ebony Lumumba, Ph.D., chair and associate professor of the department of English, foreign languages, and speech communication.

Students and representatives from Jim Hill High School, Piney Woods School, and Jackson State University filled the rows of the theater inside the JSU

Student Center to join in on a conversation amongst “grown folks.” Wilkinson shared stories from her childhood, often emphasizing her Blackness, the beauty of dishes passed down by ancestors, and the conversations usually for adult ears only throughout her writing.

“In this particular book, ‘Perfect Black,’ being able to speak about Black girlhood and being country, and growing up in a rural area, was important. I’ve been happy to see that people can relate to that too,” said Wilkinson, a 2022 NAACP Image Award winner for outstanding poetry.

‘Perfect Black’ is a collection of poems about ancestry, mental health in the Black community, and the evolution of Black girlhood. It is Wilkinson’s first set of published poems.

“I think that there’s always some thread of truth-telling and a way to pay homage to the ancestors in some way. That’s always a primary theme in my work,” she said.

JSU’s Creative Writing Program offers aspiring students the opportunity to embark on the world of writing and hone in on their creative gifts as a concentration for English majors or a minor, regardless of the student’s area of study. Students can explore becoming poets, fiction writers, creative nonfiction writers, screenwriters, or even songwriters, and more under the creative writing program.

“We are the only urban research university in the state of Mississippi with a creative writing program, and we know that one of the things our state is known for is literary arts,” said Lumumba. “So we understand Jackson State’s role in that, and we want our students and our community to be clear on Jackson State’s role in that and to contribute to it moving forward.”

Wilkinson, who credits herself as a “fiction writer who also writes poetry,” noted that JSU is the first HBCU where she has hosted a poetry reading for her book ‘Perfect

Black.’

“I think that this was wonderful. It’s wonderful for me to be at an HBCU and to have a whole audience of Black students, primarily, because that’s rare for me and energized me today in ways that other places haven’t,” Wilkinson says. “Jackson and Jackson State have so much historical influence, and I’ve always wanted to be here. Being the poet laureate of Kentucky and being able to come, as the second Black poet laureate of Kentucky, to a university with so much Black significance is really important to me.”

JSU junior and creative writing major Kaitlin Taylor attended the poetry reading and masterclass, stating that, as a fiction and short-story writer, one day, hopefully, “I can do this.”

“I really enjoyed listening to her read her work because I read a little over half of her book last night, and I enjoyed hearing her put her energy into it. She spoke a lot about being from the country, so that

part is something that I can connect with, in a way, because of my family,” said Taylor.

Victoria Washington, an English grad student at JSU, introduced Wilkinson as a speaker at the event. She also attended a masterclass led by the Kentucky poet that was offered to English students following the poetry reading.

Washington says that she was introduced to Wilkinson’s work through one of her recent classes and has been eager to meet the writer since.

“I read ‘The Birds of Opulence,’ and it conveyed things such as mental illness and depression in a way that I had never seen acknowledged in the Black community. I was moved, first, by the work in that novel and, then, when I read some of her poetry in ‘Perfect Black,’ I was moved to tears,” said Washington. “All of her work has moved me to tears. I was incredibly grateful to get the opportunity to spend time with her. It felt good to be seen by her, heard by her, and hear from her.”

William

Google Image

Crystal Wilkinson speaks to student.

Photo by William H. Kelly, III

Department of Music presented their annual Winter Concert. Photos (9-12) taken during the memorial service for Geronimo Warner.

Jackson State students share thankful and heartwarming stories

Staff Writer

Jackson State University students have been missing home lately. Home is more than just a brick building that you sleep in every night. Home is a place where you make memories with the ones you love and that will stick with for a lifetime.

As we prepare to go on Thanksgiving/fall break, students on campus took the time to share some of their favorite memories, heartwarming stories, and lessons they have had with their family.

Mason Rollins, a freshman political science major from Baltimore, Md., recalls the time that he and his dad took a trip to New York and shared a beautiful father/son bonding moment.

“Okay, so my dad and I are huge “Stranger Things” fans. He was getting ready to move to New York and found out that there was a “Stranger Things” experience, which is an

interactive event. The event puts you in the world of “Stranger Things” as if you were a part of the show,” stated Rollins.

Living on a college campus away from home for an extended period is not always easy, especially as a first-time freshman. Spending time with family is important to Jania Walker, a freshman journalism and media studies major from Atlanta, Ga.

“After experiencing one of the greatest homecomings of all time, my mother and my little brother traveled from Atlanta, Ga. to come visit me,” exclaimed Walker.

Further expressing how much she values her family, Walker stated “It was extremely heartwarming for me because I have not seen them in almost over a month. Moments like that we need the most. I am grateful that I am able to share my story and that I have a family that loves me in every way.”

Around this time of year many people feel nostalgic

“My whole family and I took a trip to Myrtle Beach. This was a chance we got to meet new people, laugh with each other, and try new things together as a family. It was a good experience because everyone was happy, and we got to enjoy ourselves. There was never a dull moment when I was with them.” noted Dockery

Dockery also shared a heartwarming moment she had with her family and late grandmother.

“Before my grandmother passed, we got a chance to make her happy for her 58th birthday. She always wanted her children and grandchildren to be happy and we wanted the same for her.

I am happy we got to do that before she died,” Dockery said.

Family teaches us lessons that

we are able to carry with us for years. Family also plays a hand in who we are as people.

“Growing up, my mom was an educator in East St. Louis, which is a predominantly black and poor community, the same community she grew up in. She has been an educator for over 30 years and she is instilled in me, my brother, and my sister, the importance of academics and education,” said Jordan Brown, a sophomore business marketing major from Belleville, Ill., as he recalled some of the vital lessons his mom taught him.

Brown went on to further discuss his mother’s disciplined and education-based behavior.”

I remember getting up early in the summer ready to go outside and play with my friends in the neighborhood when my mom would stop me at the door and have a book of math and English problems with a certain number I had to complete before going outside,” said Brown.

Although Brown couldn’t

Aria Brent shares her delicious blackened

Aria Brent Variety Editor

For your next gathering or even if you’re just looking to try something new, make these Blackened Chicken Sliders. This recipe uses chicken thighs so the meat is guaranteed to be nice and juicy. In addition to this, the blackened seasoning will add a tasty and slightly spicy flavor profile to the sandwiches. This recipe has savory, Greek inspired flavors and would go great with garlic fries,

You can alter the blackened seasoning recipe to be as spicy or mild as you desire but if you like it hot this sandwich is topped with a spicy and tangy red pepper relish aioli. These flavors are all married together with a creamy feta spread and shredded iceberg lettuce. Make this recipe your own a by adding your favorite sandwich toppings such as pickles or tomato.

Serving : 2 sliders 6 servings per recipe

Instructions: Take

seeds and stems out of your peppers and quarter your onion.Combine these in a food processor along with two tablespoons of salt .Pulse the mixture until it’s finely chopped. After this, then allow the mixture to strain for 30 minutes. If need be, run tit under cold water to remove any additional salt. Then add your apple cider vinegar and sugar to a small pot and bring them to a boil. Stir the mixture until all the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the liquid from the heat and add in the pepper mixture. Store the mixture in a jar with a resealable lid. For the best taste make this relish at least 3 days in advance to using it for the aioli

Start by combining all of the listed seasonings for your blackened seasoning. This seasoning blend can be multiplied and made in a larger amount for us win other recipes as well. Once having combined all of your seasonings, drizzle your boneless skinless chicken thighs in a little bit of olive oil and liberally season your chicken thighs. When using

blackened seasoning you want the seasoning to cover your ingredients so that when cooked it has a black exterior. This often times leaves people thinking their dish is burnt but it isn’t.

Set you seasoned chicken aside to marinate. As your chicken is marinating, begin on your red pepper relish aioli.

Mix one cup of the red pepper relish along with the mayo, lemon juice and minced garlic. If the mixture is too loose, add more mayo until its a smooth texture. Set this mixture aside. After making your aioli begin to cook your chicken thighs.

Add your chicken thighs to a large pan set to a medium heat

and let them cook for about eight minutes on each side. Usually, 2lbs of chicken thighs equates to about 8-10 in total but it depends on how big the thighs are and where you got them from. Nonetheless, don’t overcrowd the pan. I typically cook my thighs in batches of no more than five. As the chicken thighs cook, create your feta spread.

Combine all listed ingredients besides the salt and pepper into a food processor until it reaches a smooth texture. Taste the mixture and then add salt and pepper for taste as you see fit. After the first eight minutes have passed, flip your chicken and cook them for an

comprehend what felt like punishment at the time, he has since gone on to appreciate his mother’s rules and wants to share these lessons with those around him.

“She knew that because of my skin color, I would have to work ten times as hard in this world to be able to accomplish what my white counterparts would, and that preparation is an essential tool in life. It is because of her dedication to my education that I have been able to be a well-rounded student serving in student leadership and being on the Dean’s list. I hope to carry on her lessons to those around me and make her proud,” stated Brown.

Every lesson learned and every moment had with family isn’t guaranteed to be understood or even liked, but they are imperative to who we are as people.

We all have a story, consider sharing your family’s story this November during recognition of National Family Stories

additional eight minutes on the other side.

Once your chicken is done its time to assemble your sliders. I like to use Hawaiian rolls but you can use whatever kind of sliders bun you like best. This recipe is great on mini brioche buns as well.

On the bottom half of the bun add your feta spread. On top of that add a layer of shredded iceberg lettuce. This can be substituted for any other green you’d like such as arugula or spinach. On top of your lettuce dd your cooked chicken thighs. Then add the red pepper relish aioli to your top bun. Cut your buns into individual sliders and enjoy!

Elizabeth Duncan

as they prepare to make new memories with their families during the holiday season. Samea Dockery, a freshman criminal justice major from Chicago, Ill., discussed the time she and her family went on vacation.

Graphic by Kierra Handy

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JSU students discuss the future of their NBA teams

in the star-studded Western Conference.

Although the new Jazz team was built for the future, they are dominating today’s league. The addition of Collin Sexton, Talen Horton-Tucker, Lauri Markkanen has given the Jazz an unexpected hot start currently ranking third in the Western Conference.

Matthew Adams, a junior journalism and media studies major from Atlanta Ga., expressed his thoughts on the sudden success of the Utah Jazz.

“I feel like with the loss of two of their all-stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, they lost some key pieces. But right now it’s looking like they are a playoff contender,” Adams said.

He acknowledged how Utah has improved this season after acquiring a more versatile center.

While other teams made the necessary moves to improve their franchises, others have fallen behind.

of shooters puts too much pressure on LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook.

They are currently ranked in twenty-eighth place out of the 30 teams in the league and it will only get worse if adjustments are not made soon.

Meanwhile their historic rivals, the Boston Celtics have established themselves as a true contender for the title.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both averaging over 25 points per game, as they currently hold the best record in the league.

With the addition of Blake Griffin, Malcom Brogdan, and Danilo Gallanari the Celtics have added more depth to their highly talented team. Although Boston fell short to the Golden State Warriors in the finals last year, fans believe that history will not repeat itself this year.

Adams predicted that the new additions to the team will elevate the 2021 Eastern Conference champions to finals champions.

The National Basketball Association is changing before our eyes since the 2022-23 season began on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, fans have been blessed with high level basketball.

The players the world once watched through viral college highlights are now dominating the league.

The high-flying former Murray State guard, Ja Morant is putting on for the south averaging 29.3 points per game, while leading a determined

Memphis Grizzlies team and giving out daily highlights.

The Grizzlies are looking for redemption after NBA Champions, the Golden State Warriors ended their 20212022 season in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Morant is not the only player performing MVP caliber basketball.

The 6 ‘7 Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Luka Doncic, is leading out of seven players who are currently averaging at least 30 points per game.

Jayme Mitchell, Jackson native and sophomore guard for the Jackson State University

basketball team, believes that Luka could take home the scoring title if he continues to dominate.

“Luka Doncic is currently averaging the most in the league at 34 points,” stated Mitchell. “If he keeps playing like this he’s going to win it.”

Outside of individual performances, the race to the Larry O’Brian Trophy has new competitors stepping up. Teams who were struggling to pick up the pace last year, are now taking the league by storm.

After trading away their franchise players, fans expected the Utah Jazz to fall behind

Elijah Spann, a junior journalism and media studies student from Mendenhall Miss., expressed his disappointment with the Brooklyn Nets following the trade for Ben Simmons.

He believed that the Nets should trade Ben Simmons if he does not get comfortable soon.

“Make him play like his potential and get him back in the lab, ‘’ Spann said. “Let him just be him without heavily critiquing him.”

The Lakers are also having an awful start to the season. Fans claim that the lack

“With these additions I feel as if they have more than enough potential to make it back,” Adams said.

He believes that the experience of the team will play a big factor in their 202223 run.

Students Spann and Mitchell also believe the Celtics have the potential to bring the franchise its eighteenth championship.

lthough teams are showing strong glimpses of championship contention, there are still plenty of games left in the new season that have yet to be played.

Kyrie Irving receives backlash for posting antisemitic vid-

It is a 2018 documentary that is powered by antisemitic speech.

This took place during the Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, controversy, where he received backlash for also spreading antisemitic views during an interview on YouTube. This resulted in a domino effect, causing Irving to gain a similar pushback from the Jewish community. When asked about the post during a postgame interview, he explains where and how he found the documentary.

“My name translates into the Hebrew language as Yahweh. So, I went on to Amazon Prime, I was like ‘You know what? Let me see if there are any documentaries on Yahweh.’ I went into the search bar, typed in Yahweh, that’s came up. I shared it on my platform and that was my night.”

Irving explains that sharing the link was not about spreading hate, but to spread awareness about the origins of his people.

“In terms of the backlash, we’re in 2022, history is not supposed to be hidden from anybody and I’m not a divisive person when it comes to religion. I embrace all walks of life, you see it on all my platforms, I talk to all races, all cultures, all religions. My response would be it’s not about educating

yourself on what semitism, what antisemitism is. It’s really about learning the root words of where these come from and understanding that this is an African heritage that is also belonging to the people,” Irving said in the interview.

Irving has since refused to issue an apology for his statements and declined the demand of the Brooklyn Nets to officially denounce any antisemitic beliefs he might have. As a result, team owner Joseph C. Tsai and the organization released an official statement stating that they will be suspending Irving until he meets their requirements.

According to the website Bounding into Sports, the Brooklyn Nets issued six demands that are to be met before Irving can return to the court. 1) He must

apologize and condemn the documentary, 2) donate $500,000 to anti-hate causes, 3) participate in sensitivity training, participate in antisemitic training, 4) meet with ADL/Jewish leaders, and 6) to meet with the team owner to demonstrate understanding.

Students at Jackson State University were able give their own opinion on whether the demands were reasonable or over the top. Pierce Branch, a freshman English major from Gulfport, Miss. expressed that a few tasks were sensible while others were questionable.

“Some tasks seem to be reasonable such as sensitivity, but I fail to see how donating $500,000 would be beneficial in the fight against antisemitism,” said Branch.

Scottie Stewart, Jr., a junior creative writing major

from

“I definitely think the NBA and the Jewish community is being too harsh on Kyrie, all for posting a documentary. I think Kyrie should just deliver a simple apology letter to the Jewish community, expressing that he is not against Jewish people. He didn’t say antisemitic remarks himself, so he shouldn’t be getting lambasted like he’s Hitler,” said Steward.

Irving has since issued an apology on Instagram but has yet to meet the other five demands the Brooklyn Nets and is still suspended from play for the team until further notice.

Cameron Adams Sports Editor

Kyrie Irving, a Brooklyn Nets point guard and elevenyear NBA veteran, posted a link to “Hebrew to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” on his Twitter with no context.

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Antonio Jackson Staff Writer

Jackson, Miss., had a opposite position, stating that what is happening to Irving is unjustified, and provided his own opinion on how Irving should handle the controversy.