www.thejsuflash.com
Vol. 75 / No. 11
INSIDE
JSU Events....................... 2 Opinion............................ 3
News................................. 4
Variety.............................. 5
Aaliyah Biopic.................. 6
Yes, We’re Social Jackson State Flash @the_jsuflash JacksonState-Flash @thejsuflash
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FLASH FACTS
Mississippi ranked 20th among the 50 states in diagnoses of HIV in the number of HIV diagnoses in 2011 according to (CDC)
November 20, 2014
‘What’s Bugging You’ about your health? Tenesha Hughes Staff Writer
It’s your health and the Jackson State University Health Center wants you to learn it, know it, and live it. During the annual fall health forum: What’s Bugging You?, held on Nov. 17, students, faculty and staff gathered in the Student Center to discuss issues surrounding the Ebola virus, influenza, STD’s, HIV/AIDS and health insurance. The Health Center at JSU provides students access to a variety of outpatient medical services for illnesses and injuries. Campus wide health promotion is also a major focus of the Center. The panelists for the event included: Dr. Samuel Jones, Director of Health Services at JSU, Dr. Hursie Davis-Sullivan, Associate Physician at the JSU Health Center, Jonathan Robinson, Disease Prevention Specialist at Building Bridges Inc., and Camille Simms, an Affordable Healthcare Insurance Representative. Jones opened the discussion with facts about the Ebola virus that helped some students gain more knowledge about the virus
Photo: Tenesha Hughes A student receiving a flu shot by JSU employees.
and dispel rumors about the disease. “Ebola is a virus that lives in all bodily fluids. It is spread when that fluid comes into contact with another person’s bodily fluid; so that can be breaking of the skin, or through the eye, inside the mouth or gets present
in the vaginal fluid,” said Jones He added: “Some of the symptoms are just like the flu; headache, fever, aching in the muscles and eventually it interferes with the body ability to pump blood. Diarrhea and vomiting are very common symptoms.”
Herbert Allen, a senior computer engineering major from Edwards. Miss., attended the event and was glad the Ebola virus was one of the topics of discussion. “I wanted to get some insight on some of the topics. I noticed they had quite a few to discuss and the questions I asked got answered and I got some valuable information for it. I was unclear about Ebola and the screening procedures they use for individuals that enter the country and the Director of the Student Health Center clarified my concerns,” said Allen. Dr. Sullivan talked briefly about the two strains of the influenza virus: A and B. Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory illness that is caused by a virus. Flu is highly contagious and is usually spread by the coughs and sneezes of a person who is infected. “We typically don’t create a vaccine for these two viruses expect on a yearly basis. So each time you get immunization for influenza, you’re getting protecting from influenza A as well as influenza B. The reason
Bugging Cont. on pg. 7
Jackson State Tigers lend a paw to those in need William Kelly Staff Writer
Many organizations at Jackson State University are showing Tiger pride through service and giving during the holiday season. Organizations including MADDRAMA Performance Troupe, JSU National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), RUF, the JSU Football team and the Class of 2017 have committed to giving back to community and to those in need. Tamarcus Lott, Mr. MADDRAMA and a sophomore speech communications major from Memphis, Tenn., is all about making a difference in the community. “MADDRAMA stands for Making A Difference Doing Respectable and Meaningful Art and with the holidays
fastly approaching, we felt as an organization, donating food to a needy family would make a meaningful difference in a family’s life,” said Lott. From Nov. 18-19 in the Student Center, MADDRAMA and the student body came together to support the food drive and had a positive turn out. Community service hours were awarded to those who contributed to the organization. The Class of 2017 began their canned food drive Nov. 3 and will continue to receive donations through Nov. 21. The Jackson State University Athletic Academic Enhancement Center hosted a “Turkeys from Tigers” event in which the JSU sports team donated turkeys to Stew Pot Community Services. The Tigers and Lady Tigers Lending a paw, Cont. on pg. 7
Photo: Athletic Media Relations JSU’s football team donates turkeys to Stewpot Community Center.
Tiger Events
Page 2 - November 20, 2014
JSU Campus Briefs
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
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.
Subscription Information
Subscription rates for The Blue & White Flash are 25 issues for $25 or the special alumni rate of 25 issues for $20. To subscribe to the Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University, submit your name, address, city, state, and zip code. Make a check or money order payable to The Blue & White Flash and mail to address above.
The Blue & White Flash SYLVIA T. WATLEY Adviser KIERRA D. THOMAS Graphic Designer
SHANNON D. TATUM Publications Manager
TAYLOR BEMBERY Associate Editor
Jeremy Anderson Orionna Brumfield Mia Brooks Kris Campbell Candace Chambers Christoper Chapman Tenesha Hughes Dwayne Johnson Kenya Johnson
Tamarick Johnson William Kelly Guy King Elissa McCool Dominique McCraney Ashton Nash Alexas Scott Brittney Snell Reese Tornes
Letters To The Editor
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.
The Blue & White Flash
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY EXAM NOT SCHEDULED FOR TODAY CORRECTION: In the Nov. 13 issue of The Blue & White Flash, it was erroneously printed that the Undergraduate English Proficiency Exam would be administered on Nov. 20 from 8-5 in the Jacob L. Reddix Building. However, at this time, there is NO ENGLISH PROFICIENCE EXAM SCHEDULED. CHESS DAY AT JSU The Jackson State University Chess Club will host Chess Day on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Reddix Multipurpose Room. The guests will include: International Chess Master, Blackburn Elementary School Students, Provine High School Students, and Jim Hill High School Students. For more information, contact Sirak M. Mekonen, president of the JSU
Tiger Knights Chess Club at titled “Forty Million Slaves.” sirakm19@yahoo.com This event will take place Nov.7, 2014 from 9 to 11 a.m. in Dollye BANNER M. Robinson Building Room MAINTENANCE 166/266. For more info contact DOWNTIME The following systems will the College of Liberal Arts be unavailable from 6 a.m. CST building at 601-979-7036. to 5 p.m. CST, Saturday, on Nov. “ONCE UPON 22: Production INB and SSB A WOLF” (PAWS), Non-Production INB PERFORMANCE and SSB, Evisions. Ellucian Cloud The JSU Department of Services, in conjunction with Speech Communication and the JSU Banner Support team, Theatre, College of Liberal will be migrating all of the JSU Arts, will present a free stage environments to a new data center during the scheduled downtime. production of “Once Upon a The scheduled migration will Wolf” at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 in the take approximately 11 hours to Rose E. McCoy Auditorium on complete. Contact the Banner the main campus. The production is a Support Services team at 601-979collaboration between Kids 0898 if you have any questions Kollege, the Department of NATIONAL SCIENCE Speech and Theatre and the FOUNDATON GRANT music department at JSU. It is WORKSHOPS AT JSU part of a semester-long initiative Jackson State University will designed to involve youth in host a panel review for the book the arts. For more information,
contact Tierra Strong 601-9792238 and Nadia Bodie-Smith 601-979-4309. THANKSGIVING MEAL GIVEAWAY You could be the lucky winnerofafreeholidaymealfrom the Country Fisherman!The JSU Welcome Center, in partnership with the Country Fisherman Restaurant, will give away a “Free Thanksgiving Dinner for Four.” Interested persons may register in the Welcome Center until Nov. 21, 2014. Registration Rules: 1) You must be 21 years of age to register for the giveaway; 2) You must register in person in the Welcome Center; 3) Only one registration per person; 4) No phone calls, faxes or e-mails. The drawing will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21. The winner does not have to be present to win. Happy Thanksgiving!
Page 3 - November 20, 2014
The Blue & White Flash
Opinion
“What are you looking forward to during Thanksgiving break?” Compiled by Tamarick Johnson
DeShaun Allen Junior Business Admin. Clinton, Miss.
“I’m looking forward to just having a little break from college work. It’s been a long semester.”
Sapphire McCray Sophomore Biology Pre Med Magnolia, Miss.
“I’m looking forward to my moms home cooking. Seems like forever since I had some.”
Keiven Russey Sophomore Graphic Design Rockford, Ill.
“I’m ready to see family and friends and of course the food as well.”
Cartoon: Reese Tornes
Cherish the time you have with your family! Bentrell McGee Mathematics Senior New Orleans, La.
“I’m just ready for the food and the good sleep I’m going to get afterwards.”
Alonna Tipton Junior Psychology Flint, Mich.
“I’m so glad Thanksgiving break is finally here. I get to go home and get some good food. And see my family cause I missed them.”
Carson Smith Senior Art/Graphic Design Hoover, Ala.
COMMENTARY
“Ready to get some much needed rest from practice and school work.”
Kris Campbell MC 301 Contributor/Staff
Rashon Bogan-Roberson Junior Political Science Slyvarena, Miss.
“The thing I’m most looking forward to during thanksgiving break is the much needed break from school.”
Paige Hector Junior Marketing Tucker, Ga.
“Food and fellowship is what I’m most looking forward to during Thanksgiving break.”
Khalal Walker Junior Political Science Fairfield, Calif.
“I wont be going home this Thanksgiving. So it’s really whatever. I’m ready for Christmas break.”
William Carroll Freshman Civil Engineering Mobile, Ala.
“I’m ready to get back home to my family and hometown. I was getting a little homesick so this break came right on time.”
Quinton Thompson Freshman Political Science Legal Studies Southaven, Miss.
“Food, Food, and more food! Also I’m ready to see my mom and dad as well.”
Zaquell James Junior Social Work Camden, N.J.
“Not going back home for Thanksgiving break, but I wish I was though. I miss my family and friends back home.”
The holidays are here and families are reuniting everywhere to celebrate life and special occasions. Tables will be filled with delicious dishes from oven roasted turkey and ham to macaroni and cheese and so much more. Many of us will definitely be putting on the pounds. But what do the holidays mean to you? For me, it’s a time to be thankful for everything. It’s a time to be thankful for God, family, life’s highs and lows and everything around me. I can remember growing up in the small town of Livingston, Ala. My early childhood holiday experiences were amazing. We would wake up to the world’s most delicious aromas of my mom’s southern cooking with music blasting all throughout our home. My
dad was a DJ at the time. I remember receiving the gifts I told my parents I wanted leading up to the holidays by hinting here and there. My sister and I were nosey kids so we found our gifts days before the actual holiday. It had its advantages until we found out that Santa was really our parents after we found gifts under our parents bed before Christmas and then woke up to the same gifts under the tree. Let’s just say Christmas was never the same. So, at that point, early on in our lives, holidays were about fun, gifts and music but then the focus shifted. When I was about 13 years old, our home was shot up while I was in it. We found bullets on my sister’s bed but thankfully her and my mom were not at home. This prompted my mom’s decision to move my younger sister and me to Mobile, Ala., the day after the incident. So, of course, this split our family. We began to experience holidays without our other siblings and not receiving the material things we were accustomed to because of this situation. The most we would get was a phone call with the proper salutations and the memories of what holidays use to be for us. The distance
between our intermediate family masked what the holidays were all about and to us it seemed like we were missing out. This all changed when I was 15 years old. My older brother, sister, and I were hit by an 18-wheeler in an automobile accident, and my brother lost his life. After experiencing holidays without him, it was then that I realized what was really important. It wasn’t about what I received; it was about sharing those times with the people you love. The loss of my brother pulled my family closer together and made us cherish our loved ones more and not take things for granted. I encourage all of you when you reunite with family to cherish those times. They are good for the soul. I guess we can all agree that the holidays mean different things to different people but we all agree that they offer times for us to be with family, give back, and celebrate life. That’s what the holidays mean to me.
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
Page 4 - November 20, 2014
The Blue & White Flash
Five tips for dealing with grief during the holidays
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Taylor Bembery Associate Editor The holidays are a time for fellowship among family and friends, but how do you cope when a close loved one has recently passed away? Holidays can deepen sorrow, loneliness, depression, guilt, and anxiety when in bereavement. According to the American Hospice Foundation, those emotions are completely
a 26-year period (1973-2001), excluding suicides, homicides, and accidents. The researchers found that death rates from heart attacks and stroke as well as non-heart-related causes spiked during the holiday season and the percentage of holiday deaths grew over time. The holidays magnify a sense of loss and mourning. Trust me, I know this feeling all too well. My father passed a week before Thanksgiving last year. Even though this may be a difficult time, get the best out of the holiday season without letting it get the best of you. Here are some ways to cope and comfort yourself:
1. Spend time or talk with normal during this time of the close family members year. High mortality rates during the holiday season have been an ongoing phenomenon for years and affects many families. Medical examiners refer to this phenomenon as the “Holiday Effect”. According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers examined records for 53 million deaths from natural cause over
Being around people you love may help console some of the grief from losing a loved one. If you can, try doing more things together such as watch a movie at home, prepare a holiday meal together, or even do a little shopping.
2. Create new traditions
Trying to continue traditions that your decease
loved one created can become a burden to carry because you may focus on not “messing it up”. Instead of focusing on keeping those traditions, create new ones. Create new ways to celebrate the holidays with your family.
3. Write in a journal and read books (or channel your energy to a positive creative outlet):
If you find yourself not wanting to talk to friends about how you feel; write your thoughts down in a journal. Use the journal to reflect on what really goes through your head on the bad days. Also, reading books might also help grasp some type of understanding.
Remember the good times (Laugh): 4.
Sometimes thinking about the absence of your loved one may make you cry. Crying is completely healthy during the grieving process, however laughing is healthier. According to helpguide.org, laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical
tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Try to remember a time when your deceased loved one told you a funny joke, or something they did that you may have found funny. Memories do last forever, and those memories may put you in a better mood.
5. Seek professional help (medical or faith based):
Dealing with a death in the family may not be easy for an individual to conquer, that’s why there are people that specialize particularly in Grief Counseling. Sometimes in the AfricanAmerican there is a stigma of seeking psychological help but facing your problems head on is the best medicine. Never turn your problems over to drugs or alcohol being that they are depressants and can worsen the issues. F.Y.I: Jackson State University has counselors that specialize in grief counseling located in the Latasha Norman Center, which is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center. For more information about their services please call 601-979-0374
Community College can offer bridge to higher education for students Mia Brooks MC 301 Contributor/Staff One of the biggest concerns for American families today is how to pay for college. The rising costs of tuition at fouryear universities have driven families to find other routes to higher education. Community colleges were designed to expand students’ access to higher education. But in recent years, they have been asked to put unemployed Americans back to work, quickly prepare students for specific technology jobs, and catapult others into four-year institutions, according a report by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). There are many benefits to attending community college, such as the money you can save. According to reports by AACC, a year’s tuition at a community college costs less than $3,000 on average, compared to more than $8,000 annually for in-state tuition at a four-year college. For the last decade, enrollments have been increasing faster at two-
year schools than four-year institutions. Today, community colleges enroll 6.5 million degreeseeking students, or nearly half of all college undergraduates, according to usnews.com Jackson State University has made it a priority to recruit transfer students by forming relationships with many community colleges throughout Mississippi and offering academic scholarships. Attending a two-year school offers many benefits to students other than lower tuition costs. Community college is a great opportunity for students to learn in small class sizes, improve their transcripts and to also test the waters. “One of the best benefits for a community college graduate is that he or she will have a gained great sense of completion by completing their Associate of Arts degree. Most of them come in to the university academically mature,” said Paul Scott, JSU Community College Recruiter. According to a study by Penn State University, 80 percent of students entering college admit that they are not certain of what
they want to major in, even if they have initially declared a major. In addition, up to 50 percent of college students change their majors at least once before graduation, and some change numerous times. Although there are many great benefits of transferring, some students say they have experienced some downsides. Many students may lose credits when transferring due to a difference in curriculum. “I wish I had just come in as a freshman, because some of my credits didn’t transfer causing me to have to stay in school longer,” said Tiara Perkins, a senior social work major from Moore haven, Fla. Jimelda Elliott, an alumnus of Mississippi Delta Community College from Greenwood, Miss., said that adjusting to a new environment could be difficult as a transfer student. “When you transfer everything is new to you. Everybody has already formed a bond and you kind of have to find your place. Sometimes it can feel like you missed a part of the college experience by not coming in as freshmen,” said
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Elliott. Although there may be some downsides to transferring, it does not hinder any student from being successful. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, 60 percent of those who transfer from community colleges earn a bachelor’s degree within four years.
Transfer students can overcome these obstacles by getting active on campus, finding a mentor and a club or organization that fits you, said Scott. “I’m not going to let the downsides of transferring stop me because it’s not how you start but how you finish,” said Perkins.
The Blue & White Flash
Variety
Page 5 - November 20, 2014
The more you gobble, the more you wobble on Thanksgiving
Graphics by Kierra Thomas
Dashawna Wright MC 301 Contributor/Staff Jackson State University students and others look for ward to this time of the year for many reasons; time when families, the opportunity to give thanks and yes, the food! While some students are planning to make the trip
home for the Thanksgiving holiday, others plan to stay on campus and wait on the December holiday recess to make the trek home. “I plan on staying here in Jackson, Miss. because I don’t plan on going home for the holiday,” said Elyse Parks, a freshman histor y major from Milwaukee, Wisc. “I’m going to just stay
here and enjoy time with my friends.” Some students cannot wait indulge in the home cooked meals and grandma’s famous sweet potato pie, while a few students are just planning on staying fit and watching their diet. Avi’yam Jordan, a senior mass communications major from Chicago, Ill. said that
she does not plan on in taking too many carbs and protein during the holiday. “I plan on eating mostly vegetables like greens, yams, and beans, but I don’t plan on eating a lot of meat,” said Jordan. Zavier McDaniel, a junior graphic design major from Little Rock, Ark. said he also wants to watch his diet during the Thanksgiving festivities. “I got to stay away from my mother’s and grandma’s cooking,” said McDaniel. “I plan to cutting down my carbs, eating more veggies than meat and continuing my workouts.” Thanksgiving is just one day of the year, so for the people who are dieting, some simply look at this day as a cheat day, a day when you do not worr y about caloric intake and weight. However, McDaniel believes people should remain cognizant of the diets during the holidays. “People should still watch their calories during Thanksgiving, whether it is
just one day or five minutes. I say this because this is the holiday when people will eat more than they bargain for and intake a lot of calories,” said McDaniel. Ceaira Wilson, a junior mass communications major from Indianapolis, Ind. gave a tips on how she plans on keeping up with her diet while still enjoying her Thanksgiving dinner. “I will drink lots of water and continue to exercise. You can’t forget about fitness because of the holiday,” said Wilson. Research shows that the average weight gained during Thanksgiving is one pound. The Calorie Control Council estimated that the average American could consume as many as 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day. Although some students will just devour any Thanksgiving dish put in front of their faces, others are still going to watch their diet and make sure that they are staying healthy during the holidays.
Ti p s f o r s u c c e s s f u l s h o p p i n g d u r i n g B l a c k F r i d a y Elissa Ann McCool Staff Writer While some students are looking forward to Thanksgiving meals, other students are looking forward to the next day’s deals. It is that time of the year again when families go as far as camping outside stores in anticipation of the Black Friday deals. If you have never experienced Black Friday, it is quite an adventure. Black Friday normally takes place every year on the day after Thanksgiving but this year, some stores are opening up before your Thanksgiving meal has had a chance to digest on Thursday evening. Stores open earlier than their usual hours to promote deals for the upcoming Christmas holiday season. While Black Friday can be fun, it is best to be prepared for the unexpected. Individual shoppers shelled out more money, spending $423 in 2013, up from $398 in 2012. Total spending over the four-day weekend reached a record $59.1 billion, a 13 percent increase from $52.4 billion in 2012 according to the
you can successfully manage your time. The stores will be packed and the checkout lines will be long. Bring along snacks to keep you energized as you shop and while you wait in line.
3. Be Comfy
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National Retail Federation. Here are three tips to ensure you have a safe, fun Black Friday:
1. Shop Safely
It is best to go Black Friday shopping with a buddy. Shopping with other people makes Black Friday not only more fun, but also more safe. You should also keep your purse or wallet close to you at all times. Fights may break out during Black Friday. If a fight or
huge argument does occur over an item, do not participate in it and keep moving. If someone picks up an item that you wanted, don’t risk your safety for a deal. Allow them to have the item and continue searching for more deals. “My mom, her two sisters, and I love to go shopping on Black Friday. We mostly go just to see people fight over TVs and other electronics,” said Inez Williams, a sophomore civil engineering major from
Jackson, Miss.
2. Be Prepared
If you are going to the Black Friday events for the deals, do your research and make a list of everything you plan to buy. This will help keep you focused. Retailers have released several Black Friday ads already, so you know what to expect before you arrive. You do not want to be distracted by other bargains in the store. It is important to know what deals are at what store so
It will most likely be cold outside during the Black Friday events, so dress warm. You should also dress comfortable. You do not have to be fashionable because people will be too busy shopping to pay attention to your outfit. Wear flat, comfortable shoes and minimum jewelry “I usually wear sweatpants and Jordans when I go out to Black Friday with my family. I know we will be there all night so I try to be as comfortable as possible,” said Jarrett Benson, a sophomore elementary education major from Jackson, Miss. While Black Friday is a fun event, it is not for everyone. If you would rather not face the Black Friday crowds, you can wait until the following Monday for holiday deals. If you are brave enough for the Black Friday experience, remember to be safe and happy shopping!
Variety
Page 6 - November 20, 2014
The Blue & White Flash
Aaliyah biopic proves not to be ‘one in a million’ Mia Brooks MC 301 Contributor/Staff
“Before there was a Beyoncé or Rihanna there was an Aaliyah,” said talk show host Wendy Williams, whose biopic “Aaliyah, The Princess of R&B”, which aired on Lifetime Nov. 15. however, left many fans angered and disappointed. An Aaliyah biopic has been highly anticipated by fans as rumors spilled that Vh1 would be creating the movie like they did with 90’s group TLC. The film was written by Michael Elliott and directed by Bradley Walsh, and starred Nickelodeon actress Alexandra Shipp. Known for her “street but sweet” style, smooth vocals and distinct dance moves, Aaliyah Dana Haughton shocked the world and became a star at the tender age of 15 with her debut album “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number” which went triple platinum in the United States. Aaliyah was poised to become a global icon with top-selling albums, a hot movie career and an adoring fan base. The film follows the beautiful and talented performer’s inspirational journey; from her debut on “Star Search” at the age of ten to the challenges she
faced during her rise to become the Princess of R&B. On Aug. 25, 2001, at the height of her popularity, her life was tragically cut short when a plane carrying the singer and some of her video crew crashed after takeoff from a Bahamian runway. Although just 22-yearsold at the time of her death, Aaliyah continues to lead a legacy as Billboard’s tenth most famous R&B artists of the past 25 years and one of the recording industry’s most successful artists in history, according to mylifetime.com Although an Aaliyah biopic was anticipated, Lifetime just did not do a good job of honoring the iconic superstar. I felt that the film never went into detail about who the singer really was and the timeline was all over the place. The worse parts of the film had to be the casting and the music. None of Aaliyah’s original music was used in the film due to her family not giving Lifetime permission to use it. The voice used to portray her sounded nothing like the sweet sounds of Aaliyah, making the film corny and unbelievable. The casting was also off. Who can really believe a skinny Missy Elliott in the 90’s? The actors
didn’t look anything like the characters they portrayed. The lead actress, Shipp, also wasn’t a very convincing Aaliyah. She didn’t capture the style, attitude and mannerisms that made everyone love the singer. It seemed as if she was trying to be who she thought was Aaliyah, instead of eating, sleeping, and breathing everything about Aaliyah to portray her accurately. Many fans took their criticisms to Twitter the night of the premier calling the movie trash. There were so many negative comments that #LifetimeDisrespectsAaliyah began to trend. One viewer wrote on Twitter, “Rest in peace Aaliyah. I’m sorry Wendy Williams and Lifetime tried to ruin your legacy.” Jerrica Smith, a senior math major from Vicksburg, Miss said she didn’t enjoy the biopic at all. “The movie just wasn’t good. It was boring and the casting was horrible. It wasn’t what I was expecting,” said Smith. Some students felt Lifetime didn’t give its best for this biopic. “It seemed like Lifetime didn’t put as much money or effort as they did into this as they did the Fantasia Barrino story. They could have done better,” said Tiara Perkins, a senior social work major from Moore haven, Fla.
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Some believe the biopic focused too much on R. Kelly in the film. “It was a horrible depiction of her life. It mainly focused on her relationship with R. Kelly. It was a rushed project that didn’t meet the approval of her family and should not have been made period. I do feel like people should back off of Alexandra Shipp because she’s not a bad actress it just wasn’t the right
movie,” said Stacie Hopkins, a senior social work major from Chicago, Ill. The story of Aaliyah is definitely a story that the public wants to see. I believe there is a producer and an all start cast out there that can make a biopic comparable to those of Selena, Tina Turner, Ray Charles and TLC, but this was not it! Ashton Nash Contributed.
Bugging
Cont. from pg.1
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they have to make the vaccine on a yearly basis is because the virus mutates or changes rapidly, so what they may have had the vaccine for last year may not be appropriate for the vaccines strains this year,� said Sullivan. HIV/AIDS was also a topic discussed during the forum. According to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) 2013 Health Profile, Mississippi ranked 20th among the 50 states in diagnosis of HIV in the number of HIV diagnoses in 2011. Robinson dispelled many falsehoods students had about how a person can become infected with HIV like hugging, showering together or sharing the same fork. A person can only acquire the disease from infected persons they have unprotected sex with, share needles with, or mother-tochild transmission. To know if you have HIV, you must take an antibody test. The test determines if you have been exposed to the virus or not. Only a doctor can diagnose someone with AIDS. For an accurate antibody test reading, wait three weeks to three months after a risky behavior (unprotected sex, needles sharing, etc.) to get tested. If exposed to HIV, this waiting
period allows for antibodies to form in your body. With the second round of deadlines approaching on Dec. 15 to enroll in Affordable Healthcare, Simms shared the 10 essential health care benefits. 1. Ambulatory Patient Services 2. Emergency Services 3. Maternity and Newborn Care 4. Pediatric Services including dental and vision care 5. Rehabilitative services 6. Mental Health/Substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment 7. Preventive/wellness services and chronic disease management 8. Hospitalization 9. Prescription Drugs 10. Lab Services The Health Center also offered free flu shots for anybody who was interested in taking it. Christy Gibson, a freshman mathematics major from New Orleans, La., took full advantage of the opportunity. “I think it is great that JSU is giving free flu shots, because it’s getting really cold and a lot of people are getting sick,� said Gibson. The University Health Center is located on Prentiss Street, across from the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center. For more information, call 601-979-2260.
Lending a paw
 � � Week of November 16, 2014
Bunch. “The goal was to be able to feed at least 10 families, but due to Cont. from pg.1 there being several drives at once, our goal has not been reached yet.â€? donated 24 turkeys. “That’s a Bunch hopes to collaborate lot of Turkeys,â€? said Stew pot with other organizations so that representative Calvin Doughty. the drives will not conflict in the “We will be able to feed a good future. number of our city’s homeless.â€? The JSU NAACP also “We just want to do what we can sponsored a food drive to help to help our community, especially needy families. during the holiday season,â€? said “The NAACP decided to do a Coordinator of Student-Athlete food drive to help make sure the Services Keith Fennell. pantry at the Stewpot Community With this project complete, Center is filled and has enough the Tigers and Lady Tigers do not families over plan stopping there. TRAINEES Future products to feed 25onDRIVER NEEDED! the holidays,â€? said Robin Jackson, community services projects areto drive for Learn already in the works for December. Miss NAACP and a junior political from Jackson, Miss. Kendall H.O.WOLDING, Bunch, Sophomore science major INC. The NAACP drive will be held •NOandEXPERIENCE NEEDED!• Class President an accounting $ today from 12 noon-2 p.m. on the major New from Olive Branch, Miss., Drivers can earn 850/wk +Benefits! second floor in the Student Center. Carrier Every Weekend! was inspired to covers donate tocost! Barr Home RUF Trainees is partnering with the Elementary School. Now offering Driver “After visiting a local Salvation Army this week from $2,000 Sign-On Bonus! elementary school and being Monday –Saturday in their annual 1-888-540-7364 informed that their students lack a Red Kettle fundraiser in the true Thanksgiving due to funds and Westland Plaza Shopping Center, supplies, my council and I decided located about a mile from campus. there are so many fortunate Remember Tigers, it is always students at JSU that can help,â€? said better to give than to receive.
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Sports
Page 8 - November 20, 2014
The Blue & White Flash
Tigers face Braves in biggest rivalry game of the year
SWAC.org
JSU player taking an Alcorn player down.
Jeremy Anderson Staff Writer Jackson State will play its last football game of the season Saturday in the biggest rivalry game of the year against the Braves of Alcorn State University. Formerly known as the Capital City Classic or Soul Bowl, the match-up between the two teams is the most historic
and storied rivalries among all HBCUs in the state. Every year, the two premier HBCUs compete on the Saturday before Thanksgiving in a Mississippi tradition that has been annual since the 1940s. The past 12 meetings between the two schools have resulted in six wins for each team. This year will be the first time the majority of the new
JSU coaching staff will be included in the heated rivalry, including first year head coach Harold Jackson. After his years playing against Alcorn State as a wide receiver at JSU, Jackson will have to adapt to a new role in coaching against ASU. Alcorn State head coach Jay Hopson is also fairly new to the rivalry. Hopson accepted the head coach position in 2012. Since he has been head coach,
he has a record of 1-1 against Jackson State. In 2012, Hopson became the first white head coach in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and since then has turned a mediocre Alcorn State football team into a SWAC powerhouse. In the 10 previous seasons before Hopson’s arrival, Alcorn State had a record of 46-72. Since his arrival as head coach,
the Braves are 22-12, and now SWAC Eastern Division champions. This season, Alcorn has been dominant in the SWAC. Its only slip up was a seven point loss to Grambling State earlier in the season, and a six point loss to Southern Miss. No other team has come close to beating Alcorn State. Their average margin of victory in conference play is 33 points. As for JSU, the rough season will come to an end Saturday as Alcorn State has already clinched the spot for the SWAC East team in the conference championship game. A bright spot appeared last week as the Tigers pulled off its first win since September. Jackson State (4-7, 2-6) pulled together and defeated Texas Southern in 15-10 dogfight of a game. The defense played tough all game and the offense made just enough plays to escape Houston with a win. In order to defeat the dominant Alcorn State Braves, the Tigers must build momentum from last week and play its best game yet. The Tigers cannot afford to go into Lorman without a near perfect game plan. Be sure to support the Tigers in their last home game of the season at Jack Spinks-Casem Stadium in Lorman, Miss.
JSU ends 5-game losing streak against TSU Steven Gilbert MC 301 Contributor The Jackson State University Tigers pulled off a thrilling win on Nov. 15 against Texas Southern University Tigers in Houston, Texas. After four quarters of back and forth, the Tigers won 15-10. TSU quarterback Lamontez Ivy threw the game winning strike to wide receiver Jairus Moll from seven yards out to give the Tigers the lead for good. With the win, the Tigers (4-7, 2-6) ended a five game losing streak. TSU (5-6, 3-6) ended their season on a five game losing streak. TSU had taken a 10-6 lead in the third quarter after a ten yard fumble was returned for a touchdown by Quinton Salsberry. The TSU offense finished the night with 191 total yards. The Tigers defense shut down TSU for most of the night as they only totaled 48 yards through the air. TSU’s Jimmy Potepa led
all rushers with 20 carries for 96 yards. As for the Tigers offense, they found themselves in TSU territory for the majority of the night but could not seem to put it in the end zone more than once. The Tigers offense finished the night with 263 total yards and a whopping four turnovers. The Tigers will have to clean the turnovers in order to finish the season on a good note against the Braves of Alcorn State University. Ivy finished the night 19/31 for 148 yards, a touchdown and one interception. Moll and Daniel Williams both finished the night with five catches for 39 yards, with Moll catching the lone TD of the night. The Tigers will travel to Lorman, Miss. this Saturday, Nov. 22 to take on Alcorn State. Last year, Alcorn was the only SWAC school to beat the Tigers in the regular season. This year, the Tigers will look to avenge their loss to the Braves.
JSU Athletics Media Cornelius Henderson, Sophomore, celebrates victory against TSU.