Vol. 76 / No. 17
February 4, 2016
The Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University
Photo: Dr. Luis Almeida Dr. Will Norton, dean, Meek School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi and Dr. Elayne H. Anthony, dean, School of Journalism and Media Studies at Jackson State University.
Jackson State and University of Mississippi form partnership with journalism schools Jeremy Anderson Associate Editor The School of Journalism and Media Studies at Jackson State University (SJMS) and the Meek School of Journalism and New Media (MSJNM) at the University of Mississippi announced a memorandum of agreement between the two schools at a press conference held on Jan. 28 in the Mississippi eCenter. Dr. Will Norton, Dean of MSJNM and Dr. Elayne H. Anthony, Dean of SJMS, made the partnership announcement that will allow the two schools to exchange faculty, collaborate on research projects and enhance student learning in journalism and multimedia.
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“The purpose of this partnership is to increase awareness. It’s to give students an opportunity to expand their horizons,” said Anthony. “This is historical. This has never been done before.” In the near future, both deans plan on allowing students at both schools to enroll in courses at either institution, explaining that mass communication students at JSU will still be registered as JSU students and pay the same tuition as any other JSU student, yet will be able to take and receive credit for classes at Ole Miss. “We are pleased with the partnership between the JSU School of Journalism and Media Studies and the Meek School of Journalism and
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New Media at Ole Miss. This partnership will assist students at both schools with writing projects, digital packages, international programs and faculty exchanges,” said JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers. “This is the first time in the history of both schools that we have had this type of collaboration which in the long run will benefit both programs and breathe new life into the future media practitioners of the 21st century.” Among other aspects of the partnership, faculty at both schools will collaborate in writing, researching, and attending conferences. “We think that Ole Miss has certain strengths that Jackson State doesn’t have in
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journalism, and Jackson State has strengths that Ole Miss doesn’t have. So what we’re trying to do is complement one another and build each others’ weaknesses into strengths so that we can be strong in all areas,” said Norton. Norton also stated that the partnership with JSU will benefit students at Ole Miss because Jackson is the media center of Mississippi and its proximity to major government entities will allow Ole Miss students to have access to this resource. “I think the real long term benefit of this program is introducing students to other cultures. Jackson State has a culture that’s historic and goes way back, and has a lot of things
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in it that are way different than Ole Miss. And Ole Miss has a lot of things in it that Jackson State doesn’t have. And the whole objective is to bring those two cultures (together) to inform one another about the future and about today,” said Norton. Charance Wright, a senior mass communication major from Atlanta, Ga., is excited about the future of the SJMS and the partnership. “I think the partnership is going to be a great thing for both Jackson State as well as Ole Miss. I think it’s going to bring a good sense of diversity to Jackson State University.” The partnership is scheduled to begin in the fall semester of 2016.
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Tiger Events
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The Blue & White Flash Jackson State University
P.O. Box 18449 Jackson, Mississippi 39217 Phone: 601.979.2167 / Fax: 601.979.2876 E-Mail: theflash@jsums.edu
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Awards & Honors The Blue & White Flash has received numerous awards and honors from the Mississippi Press Association, Black College Communications Association and the Southern Regional Press Institute. The Flash proudly hosted the 2003 and 2010 HBCU Newspaper Conference and Job Fair at Jackson State University.
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The Blue & White Flash SHANNON D. TATUM Publications Manager
KIERRA D. THOMAS Graphic Designer
WILLIAM H. KELLY III Associate Editor
JEREMY ANDERSON Associate Editor
Morgan Beard Mark Braboy Gabrielle Brawner Aniecia Brewster Orionna Brumfield Garry Geslin Deirdra Harris Glover D’Raey Fogg Kristen Hudson
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Letters to the editor are welcome. Editors reserve the right to print or reject for publication any letters received. Letters must include the author’s name(s), address, and phone number; phone number will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for space and libel consideration. Materials must be submitted by Monday at 5 p.m. for publication on Thursday.
Editorial Staff
The Blue & White Flash is open to contributions from all Jackson State University students. We encourage all students, regardless of major and/or classification, to participate in the production of their newspaper. For information concerning your contribution to “The Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University,” call 601-979-2167 or visit room 211 in the Blackburn Language Arts Building.
Publication/Distribution Information The Blue & White Flash is a weekly newspaper written and edited by the students with the counsel of the adviser. Editorials and letters to the editor represent the views of the writer(s). Views expressed within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the faculty/staff, the administration, the student body, or the Board of Trustees. The editors determine the time of the publication and the ethical qualities of all articles. Articles and other materials in The Flash cannot be republished without the expressed written permissions of the editor, adviser and the Student Publications Board at Jackson State University. The Flash is published during the fall and spring semesters, but not during university-recognized holidays, mid-semester and final examinations. The Flash is distributed at various locations around the Jackson State University campus, free of charge to students, staff and faculty. Additional copies may be obtained from the Office of Student Publications.
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Community Engagement Task Force Luncheon Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. Student Center, 3rd Floor, Room 3210 The Office of Community Engagement is establishing the Community Engagement Task Force to guide the way their office engages the community. This advisory task force will consist of students, faculty, staff, and community members. If you are civic-minded and motivated, this is your opportunity to make a difference. Join us for a luncheon as we begin this important work.
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The Blue & White Flash
Opinion
“What would you ask the Presidential candidates? Which candidate?”
Compiled by Jennifer Wiles, William Owens and Dashawna Wright
Chris Coleman Junior Music Education Chicago, Ill.
“My question would be to Donald trump. I would ask him if he is racist, and I say this because of his derogatory comments. I don’t know if he realizes how derogatory they are.”
Keleigh Williams Junior Psychology Sierra Vista, Ariz.
“I would ask Donald Trump if he’s running as a joke or maybe he lost bet or something. I would just want to know if he takes his job seriously.”
Marcela Sanchez Sophomore Business Marketing Salvador, El Salvador
“Since I’m international, I guess I would ask them what they would offer to residence like me and what difference do they think they will make in society.”
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Clinton faces uphill battle in bid for presidency Takia Smith Junior Biology Jackson, Miss.
“All the questions I’ve had they’ve already answered it voluntarily or involuntarily. Like I know where each person stands but I support Bernie Sanders the most.”
Zayvier McDaniel Senior Graphic Design Little rock, Ark.
“Donald trump, since you are rich would you teach people how to enhance their financial state or would you by pass them and let them stay complacent.”
Jamal Phillips Senior History Meridian, Miss.
COMMENTARY
“Donald Trump, do you really take this serious?”
Guy King Staff Writer
Qianas Wade Freshman Biology Jackson Miss.
“How would Hillary Clinton deal with the domestic informed policies dealing with the U.S economy?”
Jaylan Wilkes Senior Forensic Science Chicago, Ill.
“Donald Trump, what do you plan on doing for student loan forgiveness and financial aid? ”
Kinshisha Hilliard Freshman Biology Jackson, Miss.
Aretha Brown Sophomore Political Science St. Louis, Mo.
“For Bernie Sanders, does he honestly feel that at his age that he could keep up with the current generation he needs votes from?”
“Donald Trump, is the resolution going slow for fixing the unequal balance of mass incarceration of minorities because they are minorities?”
Jessica Stubbs Senior
Charles Davis Senior Civil Engineering East St. Louis, Ill.
Speech Communications
Ridgeland, Miss.
“Bernie Sanders, what steps would you take towards making tuition more affordable for college students?”
“Bernie Sanders, do you feel as though the legalization of marijuana could positively benefit the United States economy?”
Since her announcement that she would be throwing her hat back into the race for president, the media has scrutinized her. Every day there’s a new headline that reflects Hillary Clinton in a negative light. An Oct. 20, 2015 article published by The Hill had a headline stating, “Maybe Hillary Clinton is the unelectable candidate.” The New York Times headline said, “90s Scandals Threaten to Erode Hillary Clinton’s Strength with Women.” It has become more and more apparent that sexism is playing a factor into this election. As journalist, we are to uphold an ethical standard while presenting transparent information to the public. Democrats argue that Fox News is the main network that displays bias,
and Republicans state networks such as CNN and MSNBC are in favor of a more liberal audience. One thing that all these networks have in common is the way the all tend to trash the former secretary of state. Elections are going to get messy, especially when it is for the highest office of the land. One thing is for certain, it is usually mudslinging being thrown from one candidate towards another. Any issue that Clinton states is dissected by media outlets, while her opponent Bernie Sanders, the now Democratic socialist, is not held accountable for the things he plans to implement if elected. Clinton made history, becoming the first female to win the Iowa Democratic Caucus. If you tuned in to CNN, they described her win as, “Did Hillary Clinton really win the Iowa caucuses?” Some people tend to dislike Clinton because of the foundations her family has stood upon. My take, is that people crucify her for the sins of her husband, former President Bill Clinton, while he was in office. You may remember the Monica Lewinsky scandal, a White House intern who had an inappropriate relationship
with President Clinton. In the former Democratic debate, MSNBC moderators asked Sanders how he felt about Bill Clinton relations with Lewinsky. Why should Clinton be condemned for something that her husband did? I understand in a presidential election that everything is fair game, but why are journalists bringing up these types of question? Clinton was on stage standing next to Sen. Sanders when this question was asked. It’s safe to say that she was being bullied by the network’s anchors. As the candidates get ready to take on New Hampshire, one can hope that the media does not continue to degrade Clinton. Networks are using the power it holds to sway its viewers to vote a certain way in the election. In my opinion, the media clearly wants Sanders to obtain the nomination, because it does not condemn him for being an Independent in the United States Senate while running as a Democrat for president. The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.
News
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The Blue & White Flash
Read-In focuses on first professional post-slavery classicist Special to the Flash The Department of English hosted the 27th Annual African-American Read-In on Monday, Feb. 1, in the Dollye M. Robinson Liberal Arts Building, Room 166. The Read-In, in conjunction with the National Council of Teachers of English, has a two-fold purpose: to encourage young African-Americans to read and to promote AfricanAmerican authors. This year’s selected text was “The Autobiography of William Sanders Scarborough: An American Journey from Slavery to Scholarship.” Scarborough was the first professional classist of African descent, and his work paved the way for many younger scholars of color. In 1881, he made history by publishing a Greek textbook with A.S. Barnes in NYC, proving to the world that Black people also had the ability to master classical languages. His early years were spent in slavery in Macon, Ga., where he saw Mississippi
statesman and Confederate president Jefferson Davis led through the streets of Macon as a prisoner of war. After earning a B.A. and M.A. from Oberlin College, he joined the faculty at Wilberforce as a professor of ancient languages. In addition, he is the first black member of the Modern Language Association, which has given a $1,000 book Prize in his honor since 2001. From 1908-1920 he was president of Wilberforce University and steered the school through the turmoil and vagaries of World War I. Monica Granderson, an instructor of English at Jackson State and coordinator of the event said, “I had a little over 600 attendees this year. It is important for students to attend this even because they learn a great deal about African-American authors especially with this year’s selection: “The Autobiography of William Sanders Scarborough”. Faculty and students were enlightened by the presence of Dr. Michele Ronnick, professor of Greek and Latin
at Wayne State University. She wrote the introduction to the text, and she is a wealth of knowledge on the subject.” Dr. Kathy Pitts, a visiting professor in the English and modern foreign language department believes that the read-in provided important information for all who attended. “Although being on the panel, I learned just as much as the students. I was not aware of much information about William Sanders Scarborough. His works were amazing and he served as a real pioneer for AfricanAmericans studying in the classic Greek world. He was a very smart guy and a fantastic linguist, I enjoyed learning about his biography,” said Pitts. The first read-in was held on the campus of JSU in 2002 and the components nationwide are to feature a literary work by an AfricanAmerican writer and to host the event in February. Jorrie Jones contributed to this story.
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Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz victorious in Iowa caucuses
Guy King Staff Writer Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz both won by narrow margins in their bids to become their respective party’s presidential nominees at the Iowa caucuses. Iowa is the first state in America to caucus in the 2016
presidential election bid. Many citizens have eagerly awaited this event to see what chances their candidate of choice has at becoming the next President of the United States. Celebrity businessman, Donald Trump seemed to be the wild card candidate with the idea of taking America back.
The 74-year-old Vermont senator, Bernie Sanders, has also gained much momentum from the millennial generation with his socialist viewpoints on a political revolution. However, when the votes were counted, neither of two took the top spots from Clinton and Cruz. After her 2008 loss to current President Barack
Obama, Clinton is vying once again for the democratic nomination. Courtney Thomas, a sophomore bio-medical engineering major from Indianapolis, Ind. said, “I think Bernie Sanders should be our next president because he wants to make college tuition free for everyone. That is most important to me, because
college is really expensive.” Deshadrian Hopkins is not sure who she wants to win the election but is clear on whom she feels should not. “I would like anyone but Donald Trump to win for president,” said Hopkins, a junior speech communications major from Jackson, Miss. Although the polls predicted that Trump would win the Iowa Republican caucus and that Sanders would take the Iowa Democratic caucus, those predictions were wrong. Senator Cruz was victorious taking 28 percent of the Republican votes in Iowa; while Trump gained 24 percent. In the Democratic caucus, Hillary Clinton became the first female to win the Iowa caucus beating Sanders with 49.9 percent of the vote. Sanders came in a close second with 49.6 percent. The candidates are now campaigning to take on New Hampshire, where the polls are predicting Sanders and Rubio will win. But as shown in Iowa, the polls are not always accurate.
February 1, 2016 African American Read-In Hosted by: Department of English and Modern Foreign Languages
February 10, 2016 @ 7PM Black History Month Movie Series: Soundtrack for a Revolution Location: JSU Student Center Theater
February 1, 2016 @7PM MyBlack: Arts Showcase Location: JSU Student Center Ballroom Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion
February 11, 2016 @ 6PM Governor’s Arts Awards, Honoring Tonea Stewart Location: Duling Hall, Jackson Hosted By: Margaret Walker Center
February 2, 2016 @ 7PM Black History Month Movie Series: Freedom Riders Location: JSU Student Center Theater Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion February 3, 2016 @ 12PM Poetry Out Loud Location: JSU Student Center Theater Hosted By: Margaret Walker Center February 4, 2016 Community Service: Raising Our Youth *Please sign up to participate with the Center for Student Engagement & Inclusion JSU Student Center, Suite 2147* Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion February 8, 2016 @ 5PM Shades of Black: Intercultural Racism Forum Location: JSU Student Center Theater Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion February 9, 2016 @ 6PM Black History Program 2016: Celebration of Black History through Gospel Music Location: JSU General Purpose Room, Reddix Building Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion February 9, 2016 @ 6PM The JSU Reading Community Book Talk featuring Meredith Coleman McGee Location: Fannie Lou Hamer Institute @ COFO Hosted By: Fannie Lou Hamer Institute at COFO
February 12, 2016 @ 11AM NAACP Founder’s Day & Voter Registration Drive Location: JSU Student Center Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion February 12, 2016 @ 7PM Celebrating Black Music Karaoke Night Location: JSU General Purpose Room, Reddix Building Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion February 15, 2016 @ 7PM President’s Day Gala: What a Time to be a Tiger Location: JSU Student Center Ballroom Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion February 16, 2016 from 11:30AM to 8:30PM A Memorial Symposium on Higher Education: The 24 Year-old Odyssey of the Ayers Litigation: In Remembrance of Attorney Isaiah T. Madison Location: Fannie Lou Hamer Institute @ COFO Hosted By: Fannie Lou Hamer Institute at COFO February 17, 2016 @ 7PM Black History Month Movie Series: Breaking the Huddle- The Integration of College Football Location: JSU Student Center Theater Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion February 18, 2016 @ 6PM 101 Things- African American Trivia Game Show Location: JSU General Purpose Room, Reddix Building Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion
February 18, 2016 @ 11:30AM Yazoo Revisited, Documentary film screening with filmmaker David Rae Morris Location: JSU Student Center Theater Hosted By: Margaret Walker Center February 22, 2016 @ 6PM Brother 2 Brother Forum: State of the Black Male Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion February 23, 2016 @ 1PM And We Still Rise: Leadership Forum Location: JSU Student Center Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion February 24, 2016 @ 7PM Black History Month Movie Series: More Than A Month Location: JSU Student Center Theater Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion February 24 – February 26, 2016 @ 8AM 2016 Planet Deep South Colloquium: Speculative Cultural Production and Africanisms in the American Black South Location: Fannie Lou Hamer Institute @ COFO Hosted By: Fannie Lou Hamer Institute at COFO February 25, 2016 @ 5PM Oratory Contest Location: JSU General Purpose Room, Reddix Building Hosted By: Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion February 29, 2016 @ 5:30PM Jackson State University Men’s and Women’s Basketball Black History Month Unity Game Location: William E. Lee Athletics & Assembly Center Hosted By: Athletics Department
Variety
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The Blue & White Flash
CIA fair links students with service opportunities
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All Photos by Kendra Brown
1) Serita Washington, JSU Welcome Center. 2) Representative of the Jackson Zoo. 3) Students meet with agencies at CIA Fair. 4) Students meet with Big Brother Big Sister representatives.
Kendra Brown MC Contributor/Staff Writer Girl Scouts of America, Big Brother Big Sister, and the South Jackson Eagles Youth Football were just a few of the agencies in attendance at the annual Community in Action Fair held on Jan. 28 in Jackson State University Student Center ballrooms. Hosted by the Alice Varnado Harden Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning, the event links agencies with students and provides important information on how they can fulfill their community service graduation requirement while also helping the community. Students at JSU are required to obtain 120 hours of community service (60 of community service are required for transfer
students). Kimberly Harris, Service Learning/Community Service Resource Specialist/ NSE Coordinator explained the purpose of the CIA event. “The Alice Varnado Harden Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning promotes all students toward improving the human condition through civic engagement. Since, every student graduating from Jackson State University must have 120 verifiable service hours to graduate (60 hours for transfer students); we have events like the Community in Action Fair (CIA) so that each student can become familiar with the community partners,” said Harris. Cheryl Walker, program specialist of Big Brother, Big Sister Jackson metro area said,” Big Brother, Big
Sister recruits volunteers for the state of Mississippi to do mentoring services to children between the ages of 5 to 15 in the metro Jackson area. We have several children who need mentors yet we have ver y few volunteers who are able to commit. We want volunteers who can spend an hour with a child a week and up to 6 hours a month doing basic little things you do with your own little sister or brother all while being a positive influence and teaching them something that will guide them into their career when they get older and want to give back to the community.” Many of the students in attendance were pleased that they could meet the community partners in one event. “I think it is really
great how the CIA has different opportunities for JSU students to get their volunteer hours and to learn more about different organizations. It’s also great to see other things I can do to make the world a better place,” said Cordelia Fancher, a freshman mass communication major from San Diego, Calif. Tony Roberts, a sophomore business marketing major from Quitman, Miss., spoke with representative at the Jackson Zoological Park, an animal shelter, the Good Samaritan Center and Relay for Life. “I’ve been going to different booths to see which I like best. This has been a good way to see how to get community service hours, and if anyone can’t get the hours required to graduate it is their fault because JSU has
plenty of opportunities to get your service hours.” The JSU Welcome Center was one of the on-campus community service locations available to speak with students. “The Welcome Center is open and available for JSU students to come in and do their community service hours. Volunteering at the Welcome Center will consist of campus tours, if needed, putting together tour bags, and other things that are needed in the Welcome Center,” Serita Washington, tour guide/receptionist & web content editor. For more information about service agencies, deadlines and events, contact the Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning at 601-9791294 or visit the office located on the first floor of Jacob L. Reddix Hall.
Variety
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The Blue & White Flash
Sonic Boom blows out competition at Battle of the Bands William H. Kelly III MC Contributor/Associate Editor Sounds of excitement traveled through the air of the Georgia Dome as the Summa Cum Laude of bands, the Sonic Boom of the South, presented an exhilarating performance for the 2016 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) in Atlanta, Ga. Beginning promptly at 3 p.m. on Jan. 28., the HBOB featured eight Historically Black Colleges & University (HBCU) bands who were
invited to perform at the annual battle. The Sonic Boom, who introduced new transitions, seemed to bring the most heat to the crowd with their crisp sound and precise movements. Rapper and Atlanta native, Ludacris, was the special guest performer for the event. Ludacris performed many of his hit songs dating back to the beginning of his career, as well as recent hits. Gracing the field with their all white suits, the drum majors, better known
as J5, caused a frenzy among the crowd with their popular movements and leaps through the air. The crowd immediately rose to their feet as the Boom performed songs such as “Tear the Club Up,” “Get Ready,” “Call Tyrone,” and new hit single “California,” by Colonel Loud, who was also a surprise performer. Jackson State students and fans traveled in packs to witness and support the Boom as they dominated the field. While it was a first time
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for some, it was definitely not their last trip to this annual event. “My experience at HBOB was amazing. The atmosphere in the Georgia Dome was one out of this world. To see so many people cheering and excited really made me love going to an HBCU even more,” said Shelbi Ware, a sophomore chemistry/ pre-medicine major from Wichita, Kan. “Of course my favorite part of the HBOB was when the Boom came on to the field. Their field
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1) Tennessee State University 2) Jackson State University and 3) South Carolina State University at the Honda Battle of the Bands in Atlanta, Georgia.
show was awesome, their movements were clean, and their sound was dynamite.” According the HBOB’s official website, the Honda Battle of the Bands was created to celebrate, support and recognize the excellence of black college marching bands and the unique academic experience offered by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Honda annually awards more than $200,000 in grants to participating marching bands during the program period.
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Four decades of tradition found at Stamps Burger Dwayne Joseph Jr. MC Contributor/Staff Writer Many students, faculty and staff are very familiar with the little white business located down the street from Jackson State University. At the corner of Dalton Street and Topp Avenue, Stamps Burger has been serving up one of the biggest, tastiest treats in the Jackson metro. Stamps Superburger put the Washington Addition Neighborhood on the map more than four decades ago. Serving almost a pound of meat on a large bun with your choice of toppings, the Superburger has fed the appetites of many JSU students and alumni. Debra Divinity, a 1993 graduate of Jackson State, said that she can remember walking to Stamps to get a burger on many given days. “I remember almost every other day, me and my friends would get out of class just to get a burger because they were
just so addicting,” Divinity said. Algernon Stamps, Sr., the original owner, bought the building on the 1800 block of Dalton Street in 1970 from a man who did not want to sell the store. But due to the GibbsGreen shooting that happened on Jackson State’s campus in the early 70s, boycotts caused the owner to reluctantly sell the store to Stamps; thus sparking the grand opening of Stamp’s Grocery. Many people do not know that the small grocery store did not start selling burgers until 1984. “Stamps Burgers was a name that the people gave us,” said Phil Stamps, the current owner of Stamps and the youngest son of Stamps, Sr. “When we started making burgers, people only knew us for that. They started referring to it as a Stamps Burger.” Ron Dotson believes you are not a true Tiger until you partake of the infamous Stamps Superburger. “Those burgers are good and should be on the bucket list
Photo by Dwayne Joseph Jr.
for every Jackson State student while they are here,” said Dotson, a senior accounting major from Vicksburg, Miss. The family-owned business sells the massive burgers that some call a “heart attack on a bun.” “I love Stamps, but the way we were eating those burgers, it looked bad for our health,” said Cary Smith, a 2007 JSU graduate. “And we knew it but we kept eating because the
burgers were good.” The cooks, wearing their normal jeans and Stamps t-shirt attire, cook the burgers to perfection. Adrian Hawkins, a cook at Stamps, believes the Superburger is what has kept Stamps open for so many years. “The biggest success that kept Stamps going was the burger and the fact that people loved to eat it. That’s as simple as it gets,” said Hawkins.
One thing Jacksonians love is tradition and Stamps provides just that. “Stamps is a Jackson State tradition. We have been here all these years and have maintained due to family values because I’m still here working it for my father,” said Stamps. Tradition or not, the family-owned business is a goto place for past, present, and future Jackson State students.
Sports
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The Blue & White Flash
Bentrell McGee Hometown: New Orleans, La. Major: Mathematics Classification: Graduate Student Sport: Track and Field Position: Sprinter/ Hurdler Aniecia Brewster MC Contributor/Staff Writer For Bentrell McGee, it’s more than just a run on the track or a leap over a hurdle at Jackson State University. McGee, a graduate mathematics major and track and field athlete,
was one of the top graduates in his department. He is now is working on his master’s of science degree. In addition to the men’s track and field team, McGee is also a member of Chi Alpha Epsilon Honors Society, and Pi Alpha Epsilon Math Honor
Photo: JSU Athletics Media
Society. He came to Jackson State because he wanted to learn what it would be like to attend an HBCU and be a part of something great. He also wanted to continue his time at JSU by entering graduate school because he built that one on one relationship with his professors. Once McGee finishes his master’s program, he plans to become a math teacher at the middle or high school level. McGee is not only book smart but he is also athletically talented. He is a 3x regional qualifier, 2x SWAC Indoor Hurdle Champion, First Team
All-SWAC and Academic AllAmerican. “I have a talent for brightening people’s day and for track, I always had that motivation instilled in me where I have to finish what I start. As I went threw the motion of running and drills, I’ve developed a love/hate relationship for the sport,” said McGee. McGee holds his expectations high for himself by being able to exceed the previous performance while competing with sportsmanship He is also the team captain for the men’s track and field team.
“As a captain, I lead by example. I show them the way I handle myself in training and competition. I believe my verbal skills can be better because I’m not the most vocal person,” said McGee. McGee helps carry the team because he wants to see the best in each individual whether the athlete is a walk on or on scholarship. This season, McGee plans to break the SWAC record in the hurdles. Team wise, he wants to lead his teammates on the road to becoming a champion. “For five days a week, three hours per day, I am training, recovering and working hard for that next competition date,” said McGee. McGee has an endless supportive network extending from family, friends, teammates, and coaches. He feels that track and field is good preparation for life because running track teaches him to be sociable, confident and how to be a good leader and captain to his teammates. JSU track and field season has had two indoor meets so far but McGee is confident in his team that the team will finish strong at the indoor and outdoor SWAC Championships. “At the end of the season, I believe my team can walk away with a ring,” said McGee.
Jackson State track and field kicks off indoor season
Photo: JSU Athletics Media
Jackson State track and field women’ athelets competing at a track meet.
Aniecia Brewster MC Contributor/Staff Writer The Jackson State University track and field teams kicked off the 2016 indoor season at the UAB Blazer Invitational and the Vulcan Invitational on Jan. 29-30 at the Birmingham Crossplex. The UAB Blazer Invitational was the first meet
for the teams. For the Tigers, they were ready to finally compete and see how they would do after practicing over and over again. For the throwing events, Deshaun Allen, a senior from Clinton, Miss., finished 13th in the shot put (13.50 m) and Jerod Miller, a sophomore from Clinton, Miss. finished 24th (10.55 m) overall. Latoya
Gliding, a freshman from Trinidad & Tobago finished 14th in the shot put (12.37 m) on the women’s side. For the jumping events, Javauny Hyde, a freshman from Kingston, Jamaica finished 11th place in the long jump (6.81 m) and Joshua Everett, a transfer junior from Hinds Community College and native of Miami, Fla. came
in 18th place (6.47 m) to wrap up the in the field events. Keira Clement, a junior from Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jeida Robertson, a junior from Clarksburg, Md., finished 18th and 19th respectively in the triple jump for the women. For the running events, James Curtis, a senior from Vineland, N.J., had a 14th place finish with a time of 4:30 in the mile run. Eclecius Franklin, a sophomore from Clinton, Miss. finished 15th in the 3000 meter run with a time of 9:26. Jacques Williams, a junior from East Atlanta, Ga. also had a top 20 finish, as he placed 19th in the 3000 meters (10:18). Darrion Hampton, a freshman from Jackson, Miss. finished 16th in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:02. Akeilia Knight, a freshman from Barbados had an 18th place finish in the 800-meter dash with a time of 2:26 shined for the running events for the Lady Tigers. Vulcan Invitational was the next day but a different meet for the teams with some
different teams to compete against. With short recovery time from competing the previous day, the tigers still performed in each event. For the running events, Akeilia Knight finished 10th in the 1 mile run (5:43) and Stherline Silencieux a sophomore from Irvington, N.J., finished 13th (5:51). For the men’s side, Darrion Hampton a freshman from Jackson, Miss., finished 3rd in the 800-meter run (1:57). Eclecius Franklin a sophomore from Jackson, Miss., finished 6th in the 1 mile run (4:34) and Jacques Williams a junior from East Atlanta, Ga., placed 10th (4:41). James Curtis a senior from Vineland, N.J., finished fifth in the 3000 meter run (9:34). For the throwing events, Deshaun Allen, a senior from Clinton, Miss., highlighted the field events for the Tigers with a 9th place finish in the shot put (13.63 m). JSU returns to action Jan. 22-23 to participate in the Gladstein Invitational in Bloomington, Ind.