INSIDE
Vol. 80 / No. 8 OPINION
Breast Cancer page 3
NEWS
JSU Pink Power page 5
October 31, 2019
www.thejsuflash.com News
Pink Photo Gallery page 7
S P O RT S
Cross Country page 8
Photo provided by Sylvia Watley Sylvia T. Watley, an employee in the JSU Department of Journalism and Media Studies and Kellye W. Nelson, a 2005 JSU alumnus, take an Instagram photo in the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Survivors tent. Watley is a 2-year survivor of stage 2 triple negative breast cancer and her daughter Nelson is a 6-month survivor of the earliest form of non-stageable CIS breast cancer.
Jackson State students and employees participate in annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
Kharynton Allen MC201/Staff Writer With umbrellas and rain jackets, Jackson State University students, faculty and staff, did not let the rain stop them at the 2019 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Hundreds of community members and JSU students from various organizations came out to raise awareness, make donations, celebrate sur vivors and remember lost loved ones. The annual Making Strides of C entral Mississippi walk was held on Oct. 26, in downtown Jackson in collaboration with the American Cancer S ociety The organizations included but were not limited to the W.E.B. DuB ois-Har vey Honors C ollege, the JSU chapter of the National S ociety of C ollegiate S cholars, the JSU chapter of the NAACP, the JSU cheerleaders, and more. The American Cancer
S ociety’s mission is to essentially remove cancer as a major health issue. With this 5K noncompetitive walk, the goal is to raise money to give back to the society to fund research, treatment, education, and much more. KiJana Rober ts, president of JSU NAACP, said that he has been coming to the walk ever since his freshman year and he wanted to keep the tradition alive. “We came the f irst year, came the second year, and I was like ‘what’s going to stop us from supporting this year under my administration’. I supported when I wasn’t president and I’m definitely going to suppor t while I am president. I am just glad to have ever yone backing me behind it,” said Roberts, a junior journalism and media studies major. “S eeing Jackson State represented at the walk ref lected well on the university,” Rober ts added. Breast Cancer awareness is a major cause
that impacts thousands ever y where, including the students, faculty and staf f at JSU. Statistically, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Not to mention that though rare, men can also develop breast cancer. Breast cancer hit close to home for one student who participated in the walk. Gregor y Smith, a senior elementar y education major f rom Jackson, Miss. stated, “My mom is a tenyear breast cancer sur vivor and so each year since she had breast cancer, we come out here and walk.” As the cause hits home for him, Smith was also suppor ted by his f raternity, Phi B eta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. “Phi B eta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is all about cultural ser vice and ser vice to humanity and so this is our way of giving back to the community and helping make sure that we f ind a cure to breast cancer,” said Smith. Other chapters of Jackson State University’s Greek organizations came
out to support the walk as well. The event was also a great opportunity for students to gain community ser vice towards their 120 hours needed to graduate. The pur pose of the hours is to give students a sense of giving back to the community. JSU students showing up no matter the weather makes a point that the pur pose is getting through to students. David B ernard, a sophomore political science major from Jackson, Miss., and member of the W.E.B. Dubois Honors C ollege also represented his suppor t for breast cancer awareness. “It is just a blessing to see ever yone come out and really just support the movement and fuel the movement for curing breast cancer,” said B ernard. B ernard stated that he enjoys seeing the unity at the walk between age, class, and race. According to the C enters for Disease C ontrol and Prevention
YES, WE’RE SOCIAL!
(CD C), not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer in the United States is— • The most common cancer in women, no matter your race or ethnicity. • The most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women. • The second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women. In 2016, the latest year for which incidence data are available, 245,299 new cases of Female Breast Cancer were reported, and 41,487 women died of Female Breast Cancer in the United States. For ever y 100,000 women, 124 new Female Breast Cancer cases were reported and 20 died of cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease. One of ever y four deaths in the United States is due to cancer.
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Opinion
Page 3 - October 31, 2019
The Blue & White Flash
Cartoon by Jessica Knight
Breast Cancer is not light and flirty; it’s life threatening COMMENTARY
Deirda Harris-Glover Managing Editor The following award winning commentary was written by Deirdra Harris Glover in 2016. Glover won first place in the Mississippi Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and nearly every fountain in
town is dyed pink for the occasion. It’s a lovely gesture, but other “pinkout” stunts are missing the mark. “Don’t Just Stare, Save a Pair!” “Big and Small: We Save Them All” “Save Second Base” “Save the Ta-Tas” Forgive the provocative tone, but there are companies profiting off these highly-sexualized takes on “awareness.” Breast cancer isn’t pink and flirty. It is life-threatening. A representative from the American Cancer Society, one of the organizations that founded Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985, told The Huffington Post that they oppose the commercialization of breast cancer, and are aware of the mixed feelings pink ribbons can evoke: “‘Pinkwashing’ is the commercialization of breast cancer, which the American Cancer Society stands against. We work
to end breast cancer as demonstrated by our Making Strides walk — a key initiative to help further our life-saving progress. The American Cancer Society understands that people view pink ribbons differently. For millions, it means something very special like the memory of a loved one, support for someone facing the disease or hope for the next generation. For others, ribbons don’t hold that kind of special meaning. We respect both sides of that discussion. It’s breast cancer that is the problem, and the Society is committed to help save more lives from this disease.” We live in a society where Facebook deletes photos of mastectomy scars due to their obscenity, but splays risqué advertising campaigns with impunity. Why are we so comfortable with cleavage, but shrink away from a warrior’s battle wounds? A breast cancer diagnosis
can leave a patient feeling overwhelmed, betrayed by his or her body, and consumed by loss of selfesteem. Treatment often involves hair loss and other outward signs of illness. Surgery can leave them lonely and insecure, unmoored by the loss of their breasts. Hypersexual breast cancer awareness campaigns send society— and patients—competing messages about survivors’ value in society. It puts the preservation of women’s breasts above their very lives. When your loved ones are diagnosed with cancer, I doubt your first thoughts spring to preserving their peerless décolletage. I hope your thoughts fly to their support systems, their doctors, and all the large and small things that play a part in lifesaving cancer treatment. One in three AfricanAmericans will be diagnosed with cancer in
their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society’s “Facts and Figures for AfricanAmericans 2013-2014.” One in five will die of it. Breast cancer is on the rise, supplanting lung cancer as the most prevalent cancer discovered among African American women. I charge you to directly impact the lives of people you know who are fighting cancer. Mow a lawn or bake a casserole. Sit with someone through their treatment. Send a card to your aunt. Truly listen to someone talk about their disease without offering platitudes: acknowledge how hard it is, and offer your support. Most importantly, try and move away from the idea that the breast is the most important part of “breast cancer.” 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 has the advance treatment of breast cancer affected you are your loved ones?” Compiled by: Angel Varner
Kelsey Horace-Herron Senior Computer Engineering East St. Louis, Ill. “It hasn’t made an impact on me, but I hope advancements will continue to be made.”
Keaton Richardson Sophomore Computer Science Little Rock, Ark. “Technology has made it so that people around have cures and treatments do there is a less likely chance of losing people to breast cancer.”
Lisa Green Sophomore Sociology Chicago,Ill. “Sadly, my aunt recently just passed away from breast cancer.”
Ly’John Denis Sophomore Physcology New Orleans, La.
Diata Callwood Sophomore Entrepreneurship Virgin Islands, St. Croix
Kareon Roberson Freshmen Music Memphis,Tenn.
Tyrique Gibbs Sophomore Business Admin. New Orleans, La.
“Due to new technological advancements, a family friend was able to trace the illness.”
“Knowing there is some kind of hope of diminishing breast cancer makes me feel good and at peace.”
“I’’m grateful that I do not know anyone, but I know it has to have a positive impact on those it do.”
“No one of my loves was affected by breast cancer.”
Miles Brown Sophomore Criminal Justice Milwaukee, Wis.
Chyna Jimmerson Sophomore Biology Belzoni, Miss.
Sydney Person Sophomore Business Admin. Freeport, Ill.
Jacassia Thomas Freshman Education Shreveport, La.
Darrius Barron Senior Mass Communication Chicago, Ill.
“I’m fortunate enough to not have anyone in my immediate family with breast cancer but I do know it has had a positive impact on other people.”
“Personally, it has not affected me or a loved one, but I am proud of the growing awareness.”
“I don’t have anyone in my family with breast cancer, but I know it has impacted so many people. I can’t wait until a cure is found.”
“I feel like it would help if the doctors advance the treatments or the person has more time.”
“We have seen m a g n i f i c e n t improvements but we still have a long way to go.”
News
Page 4 - October 31, 2019
The Blue & White Flash
JSU shows their ‘Pink Power’ for breast cancer awareness Ry’N Good MC201/Staff Writer October is the month of breast cancer awareness and Jackson State University made sure to paint the campus pink with a variety of breast cancer events for the student body to participate in. Hosting different events such as the ‘Breast Cancer Paint Party’ and the ‘Bring Your Own Bra’, it was only right for an informative event about breast cancer to take place. Hosted by Erin Farmer and Miss Sophomore Halle Coleman, the Pink Power event took place on Oct. 28 in the McAllister Residence Center lobby from 6 -7 p.m. Walking into McAllister, the lobby was decked out with pink decorations and a beautiful snack table filled with cupcakes, candy, and pink lemonade. The ladies of Jackson State gathered around the “pink wonderland” lobby to gain more information on the signs of breast cancer, and how to check for symptoms of breast cancer. As the ladies mingled with each other while chowing down on refreshments, the hostesses passed out pamphlets that provided some basic information about breast cancer. Did you know that some women whose family has a history of breast cancer or genetic tendency should possibly get tested with an MRI in addition to mammograms? Even if your family does not have a
history, it is still important to go get checked! Nurse Victoria Coleman, JSU Health Center, spoke at the Pink Power event about different ways to check for breast cancer, different terminology doctor’s use for procedures dealing with breast cancer, and even passed around a simulated breast for the ladies to practice feeling for lumps. If you are ever looking for a nurse to ask questions about things such as breast cancer, you can find them in the health center located by McAllister. After the informative speech, ladies were quizzed on questions about breast cancer to receive a prize. Having a successful turn out with their event, Farmer and Coleman had a lot of positive things to say. Erin Farmer, a sophomore criminal justice major with a minor in biology from Little Rock, Ark. expressed, “I thought the event was very wonderful and I’m very grateful for everyone that came out and listened about how to be more aware. The impact it had was excellent and the information was very useful and informing and it could have possibly saved a life. Farmer continued, “The event was also very informative due to the fact that many women don’t know the other alternatives that goes on inside of their breast. It taught men and women about the causes and consequences of having lumps in your breast and
Photo by Ry’N Good Miss Sophomore Halle Coleman, Nurse Victoria Coleman and Erin Farmer during the Pink Power Event.
how to simply check for them.” Farmer plans on doing more events on breast cancer awareness in the future. “As a teenager I had surgeries and biopsies on my breast because I didn’t know what lumps were and how to check for them. I wish someone would have had an event like the one we hosted simply to tell me what to do and how to do it. I want to impact someone else’s life on this subject only because I never had
anyone to impact mine.” she said. The host of the event, Halle Coleman, a sophomore mass communications major from Clinton, Miss. stated, “I think the event went well. It was a good turnout for it to be a Monday night. I think it was informative, especially since Ms. Coleman attended and gave her expertise. Coleman continued, “I also think it was informative because students were asking questions
and engaging in the discussion. As I continue my tenure at Jackson State, I hope to not only have more breast cancer awareness events but also events targeted towards overall female wellness both physical and mental.” Breast cancer awareness month is slowly coming to an end, but ladies should still make sure their health is in check and making sure their friends are aware of their health as well!
Dispelling the gender myth about breast cancer Deja Davis Managing Editor Breast Cancer awareness during the month of October is not only for women, men can also contract the deadly disease. In 2019, about 2,670 men are expected to be diagnosed with the disease and for men, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is 1 in 833 according to breastcancer.org. Men at any age may develop breast cancer, but it is usually detected in men between the ages of 60 and 70. Even though college students have not reached this age yet, it is still important for young men to be knowledgeable of what is going on with their bodies. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is 100 times less common among white men than among white women. It is also about 70 times less common among black men than black women. But because males also have breast tissue; breast cancer can also develop. Male breasts are made up of small undeveloped breast tissue and a small amount of connective tissue behind their nipple. Caused by puberty, male hormones stop the growth of breast tissue, but cancer can develop in the developed tissue that began the process of growing before puberty. The most common type of breast cancer in men, as in women, is Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma,
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which occurs when the cancer has spread beyond the cells lining ducts in the breast. Even though there is a 1 percent chance for a male to get breast cancer, it is still imperative for everyone to know their risks. A few male students at JSU shared their input on breast cancer. Mark Carter, a senior therapeutic recreation major from Clarksdale, Miss. expressed, “I had no idea that men could get breast cancer at all simply because I thought it was just a woman thing.” Carter continued, “I believe that
this type of information needs to have more awareness than it does because it is overlooked in our community and to most men in general.” “Breast cancer is nothing to play with at all, and now that I know that men can also get it makes me want to be really cautious with a lot of things,” said William Hawkins, a senior elementary education major from Dayton, Ohio. Hawkins added, “Even though it is a one percent chance, it is still important to make sure you get checked for everything to know
what is going on with your body at all times, because you never know what could happen.” Experts do not know exactly why cancer develops in the breast, but they identified risk factors such as genetic and environmental. It is so important for young men and women to seek help especially if there are noticeable changes, as well as know how to recognize the signs so the disease can be treated early. Some possible symptoms of breast cancer include: • A lump in one breast, which is usually painless but may
be tender • Nipple retraction, ulceration, and discharge • Skin puckering or dimpling on the breast • Redness or scaling of the skin on the breast or nipple The National Breast Cancer Foundation also provides free early detection screenings and diagnostic breast care services, including mammograms and regular breast exams done by professionals. Remember to take control of your health, and help reduce your cancer risk!
Statewide primary elections call for voter participation Cianna Hope Reeves Editor-in-Chief It is five days away from Mississippi’s most crucial primary election, where the outcome falls in the hands of voters, both young and old. It is the year where endorsements cannot buy votes, but the campaigns and pledges of change made by candidates will be the guiding principle as people across the state enter into their precincts to select the best-fit politician. Tuesday’s ballot will consist of top-ranking vacant positions on state level such as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture along with state senate and house of representatives. With over fifty candidates total running for statewide office, the feeling of not knowing who to vote for may feel a tad bit nervewracking—but there is a strategy.
Though all roles are important when serving Mississippians, the Governor’s race exceeds above all because it will have greatest impact on the greatest number of people. Here’s what you need to know before selecting a candidate. The first major rule is to vote policy, not politics. Simply meaning, select a few policies that are essential in your eyes and whoever is aligned closely with what you support that is how a vote is conducted by a well-informed decision. Republican Gubernatorial candidate, Tate Reeves, has an extensive political track record. From serving as a state treasurer at just 29 to being elected to serve as lieutenant governor in 2011. During his term in office, Reeves proposed one of the state’s largest ever tax cuts known as the Taxpayer Pay Raise Act. This law was passed to eliminate corporations franchise tax, take away the 3 percent individual income and corporate income tax brackets and allow self-employed
Mississippians to exempt a portion of their self-employment taxes, according to Mississippi Today. Reeves is also an opposer to Medicaid expansion in the state because he believes low-income residents who are on private health care insurance plans would move to government program. From suggesting teachers’ pay is not adequate enough to opposing the increase of gas tax to repair roads and bridges, Reeves is a conservative who sticks to traditional measures. Meanwhile, the rival democratic candidate for governor, Attorney General Jim Hood, is an avid supporter of uniting the state. Hood believes the state flag should be changed without the controversial Confederate battle emblem included. Finding solutions to retaining youth in the state of Mississippi is also on Hood’s agenda considering that there is a 0.3 percent annual growth rate, according to statistical data. As attorney general, Hood’s
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focus has been on cracking down on pharmaceutical companies, supporting pro-life by defending multiple lawsuits over the legislatures attempt to restrict abortion access. Once policies are understood, now it’s time to watch debates, read speeches and follow them on the campaign trails through social platforms. Making an educated decision requires lots of researching and
listening. Not saying it is necessary to binge-watch every speech and read every press release that comes out about candidates but knowing a bit of everything can go a long way. Lastly, pick the change you want to see! Remember the policies that will potentially impact you and your future and vote accordingly. Statewide election day will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at your registered local precinct. Let the race begin!
The Blue & White Flash
Page 5 - October 31, 2019
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JSU ATA GLANCE
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1-6) Candid shots of participants during the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk held in downtown Jackson. 7-8) Students decorating various items during the B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bra) event.
Photos 1-6 by Monica McGhee Photo 7-8 by Jhanae Harris
News
Page 6 - October 31, 2019
The Blue & White Flash
Breast cancer awareness should happen 365 days of the year Halle Coleman Staff Writer As October comes to an end, that does not mean breast cancer awareness has to! National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of finding breast cancer early. About 41,760 women in the U.S. are expected to have a fatal case of breast cancer in 2019. With women under 45, breast cancer is more common in AfricanAmerican women than white women. Overall, African-American women are more likely to pass away from breast cancer. In 2019, an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. About 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2019. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, breast cancer occurs in two broad categories: invasive and noninvasive. Invasive breast cancer cells break through normal breast tissue barriers and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymph nodes. Noninvasive breast cancer cells, on the other hand, remain in a particular location of the breast, without spreading to surrounding tissue, lobules or ducts. Breast cancer is also classified based on where in the breast the disease started, how the disease grows and other factors.
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Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy habits. Research shows that lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of breast cancer in both men and women. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. The general recommendation — based on research on the effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk — is to limit yourself to less than one drink a day, as even small amounts increase risk. Evidence suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. Being overweight or obese
increases the risk of breast cancer. Physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer. Most healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week. Avoiding exposure to radiation and environmental pollution can also help prevent breast cancer. While more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and cumulative exposure to radiation over your lifetime. Reducing exposure by having
such tests only when absolutely necessary is crucial. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early. The x-ray images often make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt. Mammograms can also be used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found. Symptoms of breast tumors vary from person to person. Some common, early warning
signs of breast cancer include: skin changes, such as swelling, redness, or other visible differences in one or both breasts, an increase in size or change in the shape of the breast(s), changes in the appearance of one or both nipples, nipple discharge other than breast milk, general pain in/on any part of the breast, lumps or nodes felt on or inside of the breasts. Symptoms more specific to invasive breast cancer are, irritated or itchy breasts, change in breast color, increase in breast size or shape (over a short period of time), changes in touch (may feel hard, tender or warm), peeling or flaking of the nipple skin, a breast lump or thickening, redness or pitting of the breast skin similar to the skin of an orange. Male breast cancer symptoms can be similar to those experienced by women and may include: lumps in the breast (usually painless), thickening of the breast, changes to the nipple or breast skin, such as dimpling, puckering or redness, and discharge of fluid from the nipples. Raising awareness, making personal financial contributions, and helping fundraise on behalf of breast cancer research and support services are all great ways to get involved. Besides donating money to fight breast cancer, people can find ways to help the cause, including hosting fundraisers, learning about breast health in order to pass along valuable information, and utilizing social media to educate family members, friends, and others.
Women get TECHnical about the workforce at Jackson State Rielly Pulliam MC201/Staff Writer Women are not slowing down anytime soon with breaking barriers and paying it forward to minority college students is one of many ways to keep hope alive. JSU students received an opportunity to learn how to successfully climb the ladder of Corporate America as a minority at the “FedEx Women in Technology” forum hosted by Miss Senior, Mia Griffin who is an industrial technology major from Jackson, Miss. The event featured a panel discussion with four women working in the FedEx corporate headquarters: Tori Black, human resources manager, Bettina Brown, technical advisor, Stacy Alexander, human resources advisor, and Tiffany Holland, a business application analyst. Three of the women were Jackson State alumna and two were members of the Delta Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. They shared their success stories, the challenges of being underrepresented in corporate America, and the importance of internships. Students were also informed about the internship opportunities offered by FedEx and given tips on how to make
Google Image Women in Tech panel composed of FedEx corporate employees pose with Miss Senior (middle) Mia Griffin.
their resumes standout. “The reason I hosted this event was to get underrepresented people out and motivate them to apply for internships early and be empowered. I wanted them to know that they are qualified for anything, and with the necessary networks and opportunities you can do anything in life,” said Griffin. She added, “I received my position using every opportunity I gained. I hope everyone takes away that FedEx
is a bigger company than they thought and they are motivated to do their very best.” Students were given a networking opportunity at the end of the event where they could talk to the panelist and gain more knowledge about the FedEx internship opportunities. Over half of the students who attended the event were not technology major, resulting in some questions being focused on the importance of being a technology major to get an internship with FedEx.
“My undergraduate degree is in psychology. It is your responsibility to figure out how you can take your degree, your skillset, and apply that skill set in different avenues. That’s not my job to sell your degree to me. You do the research and figure out what skillsets you have that can apply in these areas,” said Tori Black, a human resources manager who has been with FedEx for eight years and working in human resources for 25 years. The panelist also encouraged
students to take advantage of the career services center as well as the career expo that happens twice a year. “I think the event was very much needed because I am one of those people who is afraid to go into corporate America because I am the double minority being black and a woman. The women on the panel were very encouraging and they really made me feel empowered, and like I have my skills and knowledge and that doesn’t make me different from anyone else…,” said Tiffany Moore, a junior computer science major, from Pinebluff, Ark. Students learned that FedEx is a much larger company than just shipping packages. The panelists explained that there is a business side which has areas like human resources, marketing, sales, and more. “This event really opened my eyes to how large of a company FedEx actually is. I didn’t even realize how much technology plays a part in shipping and tracking packages. Being that I am a technology major it was really interesting to hear how big of a role technology plays in the company,” said Jaylan Thompson, a senior industrial technology major from Grand Rapids, Mich.
Texas A&M Commerce joins growing list of mass shootings Kayla Sims Staff Writer An off-campus homecoming party ends in gunfire on Oct. 26 for Texas A&M UniversityCommerce students. The shooting happened around midnight outside of Greenville, Texas and took place at a Halloween and homecoming party for Texas A&M Commerce at a events venue called The Party Venue. According to reports, authorities believe the shooter entered the venue through the back door and began firing with a handgun which caused chaos as students ran for their lives. Two people were killed and 14 people were injured, many while trying to escape. The morning after the incident, Texas A&M students expressed their hurt and concern through various social media postings. One user by the name of Lakayla explained the graphic
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details of the incident. “I literally watched my boyfriend get shot, one minute we were laughing and dancing together and the next he was on the floor holding his arm,” she tweeted. Students at Jackson State University spoke about the shooting. Regan Hill, a senior marketing
major from Dallas, Texas has a brother who attends Texas A& M. “My brother goes to Texas A&M and I had to find out there was shooting through social media while I am hundreds of miles away. I have never felt so scared because there was footage of kids lying on the floor, dying and I thought maybe one of them is my brother,” said Hill.
A video of the students injured and bloodied bodies went viral as it gave an authentic look of what happened the night of the shooting. Georgia Griffin, a mother of two college-aged kids, expressed her concern for not only her children’s safety but the safety of other students. “It is so sad that those children
lost their lives, I have two children and I fear for them because they are hours away and if something happens, I won’t be able to get to them. There should have been no reason those kids lost their lives, especially if there was security at the venue,” an emotional Griffin stated. The two victims that were killed are 23 year old Bryon Craven, Jr. and Kevin Berry. Craven was celebrating his birthday night when he was shot and killed at the homecoming party, and Berry is a father of two with one child on the way. Police have arrested and charged Brandon Ray Gonzlas with two counts of capital murder. Gonzalas was arrested on Oct. 28 morning while showing up for his shift at work and has a bond set at 1 million dollars. Authorities have not yet discovered a motive for the incident. Factual information for this story was taken from CNN reports.
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Page 7 - October 31, 2019
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Sports
Page 8 - October 31, 2019
The Blue & White Flash
Jackson State cross country teams finish strong
JSU Athletics Cross Country team members pose with JSU President William B. Bynum, Jr. (second from the left).
Ryan Richardson Staff Writer Under the leadership of coach Mark Thorne, the Tiger Cross Country teams of Jackson State University have comprised a memorable 2019 season full of ups, downs, close calls and triumphant victories. The Tigers began their season with strong second place finishes by both the men’s and women’s teams. Led by Mercy Chebet, the Lady Tigers placed second overall behind Blue Mountain University at the season opener at Choctaw Trails hosted by Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss. The Men’s cross-country team was led by a third-place
overall finish by Jallah Galimah with a time of 16:56.79. The season continued with first and third place finishes at the Mook Invitational at Louisiana Tech. Three Tigers finished in the top seven. The efforts of Mercy Chebet, Taylor Hayes and Jallah Galimah was exactly what the lady Tigers needed for their first win of the season while the men finished in the top three with a phenomenal outing. Choctaw Trails of Clinton weren’t quite as friendly to the Tigers the second time around this season, but it still showed the power and potential that the Tigers cross country team had yet to unveil. The Millsaps College Invitational saw the Tigers put together another exceptional
run. The Tigers finished the race with all runners within the top 15. The ladies saw Mercy Chebet take first, Carolyne Rutto in fourth, Rikita Saunders fifth, Rashuanda Ridle seventh, Azaillia Jones tenth and Athena Richardson in 13th. The Men’s team had three runners finish 1-3. Vincent Langot crossed first followed by Gabriel Lovely and Adam Johnson. The MC Watson Ford invitational saw the Tigers placing fourth on the women’s side with a strong seventh place showing by Mercy Chebet and an 18th place finish by Taylor Hayes. The combined efforts of the Tigers lead by Jallah Galimah and Vincent Langot propelled them into a tenth final position
out of the 18 participating schools. In the SWAC Cross Country Championships, the Tigers finished the season strong as they prepare for the upcoming NCAA finale. The Tigers and Lady Tigers put up great overall times with third and second place finishes respectively. The Tigers came in third behind Texas Southern and Grambling with a 28:06.76 per runner. The Lady Tigers finished in second led by Mercy Chebet with a split time of 6:07.5 only bested by Alabama State in the top spot. The Tigers should be well represented at the NCAA South Regional invitational where they look to improve on their season and bring home a national title. Kimya Lewis, a sophomore
elementary education major from Chicago,Ill., said “I believe in the Cross Country team and I am so proud of them. Those men and women work extremely hard every day to perform at the highest level and I’m so glad their hard work is finally starting to be recognized.” NaKaela Cobbs, a sophomore elementary education major from Chicago, Ill., also has faith that the team will do well. Cobbs stated, “The JSU athletics department as a whole has been doing great this year and I take my hat off to all the teams. But after attending my first cross country match, I have to give those men and women their respect. They’re really putting on for Jackson State athletics in a major way and I wish them nothing but success.”
NBA fans begin season with enthusiam and frustration
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Jordon Canada Staff Writer What was perhaps the most anticipated NBA season in league history tipped off Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019. After much player movement this past offseason many fans were left with enthusiasm and others with frustration. The first game featured the two teams that have been the center of attention this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. After Lebron didn’t make the playoffs for the first time in 14 years the Lakers made a move to acquire Anthony Davis and traded away Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks. It
would seem that after obtaining two of the most dominant allaround players in the NBA the Lakers would be the favorite in the West or at least in Los Angeles, but the Los Angeles Clippers had other plans. The Clippers, with a hall of fame coach in Doc Rivers, and an already deep roster which includes the best sixth man in the game Lou Williams and one of the best defensive players in the league Patrick Beverly, signed two big-name free agents in the offseason in Paul George and the reigning finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. So that is where the season began the battle for Los Angeles. It was a back and forth game early, but the Clippers played with a certain confidence and control even when they were down on the scoreboard. Lou
Williams and the fifth-year man from Louisville Montrezl Harrell ran a nearly unstoppable pick and roll all game. Leonard led all players with 30 points and got the win with a final score of 112 – 102. After watching the season opener, Greg Smith, a senior ethnic study major from Jackson, Miss. said, “the Clippers have the potential to go all the way, however with the west being as stacked as it is I see them getting upset in the second or third round.” The second game of the night was between the reigning champions the Toronto Raptors and the young New Orleans Pelicans. Most of the hype surrounding this game was centered around the first round phenom Zion Williamson who wasn’t able to make his regular-
season debut because of a knee injury that could cause him to miss the first few weeks of the season. In Williamson’s absence, the Pelicans played fairly well but the defending champs were too much to handle offensively. The Raptors who are without a superstar after the departure of Kawhi Leonard had two guys who might be ready to step into that roll in Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakim who both finished with 34 points in the 130 – 122 overtime win over New Orleans. On the east coast, another overtime game was played between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are another team that had high expectations entering the season after a productive offseason where they signed
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. With Durant still in recovery from his Achilles injury, it is Irving’s team and he proved it by dropping 50 points in the opener. Despite Irving’s high scoring, the Grizzlies never backed down as they were led by their rookie point guard out of Murray State Ja Morant. Morant and Irving battled all game long, but as time expired in the fourth Morant drove for a clutch layup to tie the game and on the other end blocked Irving’s shot to send the game to overtime. In overtime, the Grizzlies Joe Crowder hit a buzzer-beater off an assist from Morant to defeat the Nets 134 – 133. The Dallas Mavericks looked good early with their new duo of Luca Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, and the Atlanta Hawks Trae Young has taken a step forward as he is averaging 34 points per game through the first 3 games, second to only Kyrie Irving. The Houston Rockets started their season 3-1, and their new edition Russell Westbrook has already edited the record books early this season. In the win over the Pelicans, Westbrook finished the game with 28 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. Westbrook obtained his 139th career triple-double, surpassing Magic Johnson. Westbrook is now only second in career triple-doubles to Oscar Robinson who has 181. After nearly a decade of super teams, the NBA’s talent is as spread out as it has been since Lebron James took his talents to south beach. 2019 could be one of the most entertaining seasons in league history. Matthias Wilson, a sophomore psychology major from Jackson, Miss believes, “This season should be fun and competitive. This is the first time since the early 2000’s where nearly every team had a chance to take it.”