The Blue & White Flash October 20, 2022

Never Forget: Remembering the legacy of Latasha Norman

the campus of Jackson State.

“We decided ten years ago to become advocates against domestic violence. My wife and I and my family will continue this fight and continue to speak out because this is the only avenue that some young ladies will hear. If a young lady is raised up in an environment where abuse is going on, she may grow up thinking that this is the way it’s supposed to be. And it’s not. That’s why we have to continue to speak out and represent,” said Danny Bolden, Norman’s father, in a previous Flash story about the Latasha Norman Run/ Walk.

Alexander Blanton, a senior music education major and Jackson native said none of his relationships have resulted in domestic violence. However, some of his closest friends have been in situations that did not end well.

“I was a kid when I first heard about Latasha Norman. But I was raised that you should never raise your hand to a woman. No matter what,” Blanton said. “One of my best friends was in a bad relationship a couple of years ago. Things were not that bad at first.”

minor bruising on her arm. And it progressed to having different cuts and scrapes on her neck,” he said.

Blanton said that it bothered him the most once he found out she was chokedout by her boyfriend during an argument.

“No, the worst time was when they got into an argument and she ended up in the hospital. I found out that he literally choked her to sleep,” Blanton said. “When I calmed down, I told her that day she had to choose to leave him or I would interject.”

Blanton said he noticed his friend was not ready to leave her boyfriend despite the physical and psychological trauma.

“After she got out the hospital she went right back to his house. And I was kind of done after that,” Blanton said. “I was never in any type of abusive relationship but I have gotten in altercations where I would have to choose to walk away.”

Kenyader Dixon, a veterinary science graduate from Jackson, Miss., said he has had few run-ins with domestic abuse.

Tatyana Ross Editor-in-Chief

Latasha Norman was a junior accounting major and staff writer for the student newspaper, The Blue and White Flash and a member of the yearbook staff. She was from Greenville, Miss. and was reported missing on Nov. 13, 2007 after she was last

seen walking to class.

Originally reported missing to campus police, her family and friends became worried after they could not contact her all day.

Stanley Cole, an exboyfriend, eventually confessed to murdering her and led authorities to her body two weeks after her disappearance on Nov. 29, 2007 in a wooded area in

North Jackson.

Further investigation revealed Norman was involved in an abusive relationship with her exboyfriend, Cole who was also from Greenville, Miss.

Norman was raised by her parents Patricia and Danny Bolden in a big family with strong Christian values. She was loved by family and the many friends she made on

Blanton expressed that during most of the acts he witnessed he was under the impression that the two were only “play-fighting”. He only realized later into their relationship that it was more serious than what meets the eye.

“I didn’t really notice until I kept seeing bruises on her. At first it was like some

“I remember the Latasha Norman case. I was young though. But I guess I didn’t understand the seriousness of it until I watched that episode of Fatal Attraction,” Dixon said.

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, students can contact the Latasha Norman Center at 601-9790374. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Student recounts her domestic violence experience

Nadia Green Staff Writer

While many students, staff and alumni at Jackson State University are celebrating the founding of the institution and the joy of homecoming, October is also a time to bring awareness to the serious issue of domestic violence.

According to the National Statistics Domestic Violence Facts Sheet:

• On average, 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States

• 1 in 7 women and 1 in 25 men have been injured by an intimate partner

• Intimate partner violence accounts for 15 percent of all violent crimes

• Women between the ages of 18-24 are most commonly abused by an intimate partner.

Domestic abuse is not limited to romantic relationships but also familial relationships as well. The abuse can deal with physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, or economic trauma. It has no connection to specific gender, race, sexual orientation, or religious specific.

Some of the most common signs of domestic abuse include:

1. Your partner finds enjoyment in embarrassing you in front of others.

Your partner downplays your accomplishments to keep control of feelings .

2.

3. Your partner becomes more aggressive (pinching and shoving).

4. Your partner begins to follow you to make sure you’re telling the truth.

5. Your partner pressures you into things sexually.

6. Your partner places the blame on you for small things to ignite a reaction.

7. Your partner makes you feel like there was no way out of the relationship.

A senior music education major from Atlanta, Ga. recounted her experience with domestic abuse in her past relationship. She said it was a blindsiding experience that she never saw coming.

“It’s something you ignore until you get in that situation yourself,” the Georgia native said. “You pass judgment saying, oh, that’ll never be me. When it does all you can think is, oh my God, this is happening to me.”

As she recounted the events that took place in the relationship, she acknowledged that it gradually got worse as time went by.

“He was very sweet in the beginning, then it started off small like he would grab me up when I didn’t listen to him all the time or when we argued. That’s how it was for a while because most of it was mental in the beginning,” she said. “He’d make it seem like nobody

would want me or people didn’t have my best interest at heart. My friends were my enemies and making new ones was something he didn’t like me to do.”

She added, “After a while, it got to me and I started to isolate myself from everybody, including my family. That’s when things took a turn for the worse. That’s when I met the real man behind the mask,” she said.

She expressed regret after she isolated herself from her friends and family. There were very few moments when she felt safe in her own relationship. She said she felt a sense of relief when she was forced to return home and could leave her boyfriend.

“He would beat me on a regular basis and it was easy because I was isolated from everybody, but when people were around, we were really good at hiding it. Part of me wanted somebody to catch on but I didn’t want anybody to get hurt on account of me so I suffered in silence,” she recounted. “I had to move out and go back home but after a while, I started to feel safe. He’d blow up my phone or pop up to my job so I had to get a restraining order on him and that was the scariest part because I didn’t know what he’d do.”

She added, “ Now I’m better and the PTSD is still there but therapy was something that helped me and continues to do so. It’ll be a while before I date again but at least I’m free.”

from Atlanta, Ga. said he has never experienced domestic abuse in relationships but he sympathizes with victims he has witnessed in those types of situations.

“It is sad to see because even though you want to help them, that fear is used to keep them stuck in place. I remember watching this girl on TikTok telling her story and it really gave me a different perspective because for the longest, I couldn’t understand why they just wouldn’t leave,” said Johnson.

S.C., believes there are multiple reasons a person might stay in an abusive relationship.

“Victims feel like they won’t find anyone better and it will get to the point where the victims will start to believe that they deserve the treatment,” said Alston.

Students experiencing domestic abuse in relationships can visit the Latasha Norman Center on the 2nd Floor of the Student Center or call 601-979-0374. You can also call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Johnson, a senior journalism and media studies major

Taimont

Robin Alton, a senior civil engineering major from Wellford,

Photo by Monica McGhee

Domestic violence can’t always be seen by the naked eye

pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power over another intimate partner.

Domestic violence is a disturbingly common issue within the Black community.

As a black man from Jackson, Miss., I am aware of the financial barriers created to keep my people in negative statistics. Statistics that hold black women as the highest percentage of domestic violence victims.

At Coburn Place, a well known domestic violence program, 65 percent of their clients in 2020 identified as black and female. This is true at many domestic violence service organizations nationwide in my opinion.

And what is the cause of this issue? I believe it is the lack of resources offered to black people. Jackson

is a prime example of a majority black population not receiving the proper funds to maintain a safe environment.

Not feeling safe on the streets of Jackson is highly understandable, but feeling threatened in your own home is something no one should experience.

Domestic violence is one of the worst types of abuse, because it happens behind closed doors. The victim is left at home with the attacker, which means that there is truly no escape unless they reach out for help.

Due to this conflicting issue, most police officers will only take domestic abuse cases if there is clear evidence that supports the claim. This is unfortunate for domestic violence victims who suffer emotional scarring rather than physical.

This leaves a very

important question at hand: How can someone prove that they’ve been abused, if the scars that were created aren’t visible?

We all have that friend who always “acts funny” when they get in a relationship. They might miss a few classes and start making excuses about not showing up to “Fried Chicken Wednesday”, but we don’t think much of it.

But then their behavior begins to change. The once vibrant and confident, social butterfly begins to build her own cocoon. They begin to act quiet and lack the confidence they had before.

You can tell that their emotions vary by the day and when you ask about them, they take their anger out on you. So what do you do from here?

Continue to be there for that person. If you suspect that your friend is being

harmed in the relationship, speak up and show your concern.

If you end that friendship, that could be one less safe place for them to go in the future. Although you can’t force them to leave the relationship, you can always reassure them that you’ll be there to help.

I eventually plan to raise more awareness to the topic of domestic abuse and sympathize for any victims of the tragic situation.

If you are experiencing domestic violence or know someone who is, please reach out to the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 1.800.898.3234.

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

“Why do victims of domestic violence stay with their abusers?”

“During their tenure, they just try to find comfort in what they consider normal.”

Cameron Adams Sports Editor

Compiled by Zhane McCorvey and Antonio Jackson

Jaylyn Powell Senior Biology Hazlehurst, Miss.

“They know they’re in a terrible situation and that they should leave but making that kind of commitment is the real challenge for them.”

Peyton Lockett Freshman

Marine Biology Red Banks, Miss.

“Victims are scared to leave their abusers because they fear that leaving the abuser will cause even more harm to themselves or possible emotionally detachment.”

LaMiracle Sims Graduate Student Rehabilitation Counseling Moss Point, Miss.

“Because the trauma endured has become a norm for them.”

Mikailah Jefferson Senior Journalism & Media Studies Indianapolis Ind.

“It’s all they know.”

Jose Gutierrez Junior

Interdisciplinary Studies Piedras Negras, Mexico

“When you care for someone, you want them to value you, sometimes your love is greater and outweighs the bad. The only issue is it’s not reciprocated so it’s not real love.”

Jordan Redmond-Ridgeway

Sophomore Journalism & Media Studies PG County, Md.

“It is because they don’t want others to deal with that

trauma.

Since that’s all they know if they went to someone different, it will seem awkward for that person.”

Robin Alston Senior Civil Engineering Wellford, S.C.

“Victims

feel

like they won’t find anyone better, and it’ll get to a point where victims will start to believe that they deserve the treatment.”

Amira Dawkins

Sophomore Biology/Physical Therapy Atlanta, Ga.

“I believe people stay with their abusers because they feel as though they can’t do better than what they have.”

Branden Willis Senior Computer Science/Math Evergreen, Ala.

They are afraid of what will happen after

they

leave, the ‘aftermath’.”

Dakarai Menefee

Junior biology/pre-medicine Woodbury, Minn.

“That’s the only thing victims know or that they feel obligated to stay, whether it be for a child or for financial reasons.”

Kierra Fox Junior Biology/Physical Therapy Meridian, Miss.

“Victims return or stay with their abusers because for some, the abuser is all they know and leaving gives them a sense that they will be alone.”

Alexander Blanton Senior Music Education Jackson, Miss.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, domestic violence is a

Graphic by: Tatyana Ross

COMMENTARY

Students learned it is okay to not be okay during suicide prevention program

Jackson State University’s Latasha Norman Center hosted a suicide prevention presentation, “A Dose of Reality”, with keynote speaker Corsey Richaude Dorsey, on Oct. 12. Priscilla Marin, a sophomore social work major from Dallas, Texas, hosted the event.

Marin, who is known on campus as a majorette dancer, said there is so much more to her story than that. She opened up to the audience that many factors such as physical abuse, had a tremendous impact on her mental health.

According to www.cdc.gov/ suicide, many factors can increase the risk for suicide or protect against it. Suicide is connected to other forms of injury and violence.

For example, people who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence have a higher suicide risk.

Marin said that she owns her dark past because it has allowed her to create her own story. She also mentioned that she feels everyone in attendance should walk out with a new perspective on life.

Dorsey began his presentation in a casket, explaining that although many believed he came from a model-family, looks can be deceiving because what he was dealing with at home was far worse than anyone could imagine.

Because of this trauma, he said he began having dark moments very early in his childhood and even started pursuing drugs as early as the 5th grade. As the years progressed, he started

experimenting with harder and stronger drugs.

“By the time you realize you have a problem, it’s too late,” Dorsey said.

He said his intrusive thoughts took control while he was studying at Alcorn State University. A voice in his head said, “The world would be a better place without you.”

Beyond his own issues, Dorsey also created a habit of taking on secondary trauma by taking on other people’s problems in life, causing more stress on himself. Ultimately, with the help of family and friends who supported his journey to sobriety, he left the drugs alone.

Data from the Center for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics indicated that both the number and the rate of suicides in the United States

increased 4 percent from 2020 to 2021, after two consecutive years of decline in 2019 and 2020.

More alarming CDC statics show that in 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide.

In 2020, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34.

There are approximately 9,633 enrolled at Jackson State University, meaning 10 percent of that portion has thought about committing suicide.

Laila Woodfork, a junior biology/pre-medicine major from New Orleans, La., said she was thrown off by the original

delivery of the presentation but she enjoyed it in the end because suicide is a topic that should not be taken lightly.

“It caught me off guard with the introduction of him inside of a casket,” Woodfork said.

Dorsey said that society has to realize that sometimes everything does not work the specific way it’s planned and it took him two years to have a grasp on reality.

“It’s okay to not be okay,” Dorsey said.

For any students suffering with anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, contact the Latasha Norman Center located in the Student Center, 2nd floor or call 601-979-0374.

Anyone in need of help can also call the 24-hour Suicide Prevention Hotline by dialing 988.

Well secured Mississippi State Fair draws in a large crowd

Alivia Welch Managing Editor

Jackson, Miss. hosted the 163rd State Fair in downtown Jackson from Oct. 6 through Oct. 16.

Yearly thousands make their way to the Mississippi State Fairgrounds to enjoy food, fun, games and educational demos. Spectators from all over the Magnolia state gathered downtown for this annual event.

Safety issues were a large concern for visitors in the previous years and unfortunate altercations have caused a lesser crowd. However, law enforcement officials made it clear that the public’s safety was their top priority.

“We are securing the outside perimeter, securing the parking lot and entrance so that no one gets in with any firearms, illegal drugs or weapons,” Erik Monroe, a JPD Officer said. “We got Hinds County state and capital police on the inside, two man units,

motorized units and mounted police.”

Christina Chandler, a Jackson local, said she has not been to the state fair in years and it was her first

time since giving birth to her child six years ago.

“We don’t come very often. My favorite rides are always going to be the spaceship and carrousel,”

Chandler said. “My kids enjoy the Ring of Fire, but I refuse to get on that one.”

Another state fair fan favorite is the famous lemonade. Vickie Frenchie, an employer at the lemonade stand, said they have been coming for over 9 years and the customers are never left unsatisfied.

“I really do love what I do, the lemonade is excellent and that’s what makes my customers come back,” Frenchie said.

The Mississippi State Fair also accommodates attendees who enjoy the Agricultural part of the state.

The Mississippi Central Beekeepers Association (MCBA) attracted attention from the crowd during an educational demonstration of bee life.

John Thompson, a Mississippi beekeeper, explored the benefits of natural honey and the many things honey can be used for.

“The bees we keep make honey

and any excess we have, we bring it to the fair for our customers to devour,” said Thompson. “The wax candles are popular this time of year and the honey straws, a lot of my customers use the honey straws in their coffee or tea.”

W.K., a local state farmer who raises cows said agriculture keeps consumers fed and helps the economy. He displayed poultry among the beef and cattle. Signs were placed so spectators can educate themselves about the animals.

“I actually raise cows on my farm, it puts food on the table and it’s good for the economy,” W.K. said.

According to www.mdac. ms.gov/, Fair Commissioner Andy Gipson reports that a recent study concluded the economic impact of the Fair is nearly $50 million annually. In the report, Gipson stated that 519,000 people attended this year, which was near prepandemic numbers.

Junior Trenity Usher crowned Miss Black Mississippi USA

Kyle Kidd-Buckner JSU Public Relations

Jackson State University junior Trenity Usher was recently crowned Miss Black Mississippi USA. According to their website, the scholarship pageant is the official state preliminary for the Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant.

Usher credits her humble beginnings as the motivation to stretch beyond her circumstances and create a future for young siblings. (Photo special to JSU)

“It has been an honor to be a part of this journey. I worked hard to present the best version of myself on competition day,” says Usher, who credits her work ethic and grit toward her prized outcome. “I didn’t know what the competition was going to be like, but I realized I was truly motivated, and this was something I really wanted to do. It was just fitting that I go after a pageant dedicated firmly to Black women.”

A biology pre-medicine major, Usher developed an affinity for pageantry and modeling at an early age. Usher notes that her interest grew from a lack of Black women on television screens and in magazines.

The Atlanta native says she is fueled by a strong urge to provide selfless service to her community and identify professional and personal development opportunities.

“I just became very motivated to do better for my two little brothers on my mom’s side and my little brother on my dad’s side as well. I wanted them to see that their sister is a hard worker,” Usher says. “I had to learn to manage myself and my expectations. The drive to become a better person has been with me all my life. It sticks with me and grows with me.”

Usher credits her humble beginnings as the motivation to stretch beyond her circumstances and create a future for young siblings that contrasts her experiences and creates more opportunities for their success.

A Banner Girl for JSU’s Sonic Boom of the South, Usher says she cultivates her joy from embracing leadership and confidently showcasing and sharing her gifts. She also participates in several oncampus programs, including PreAlumni Council, Tiger Report, and ‘JStyleU’.

The foundation of Usher’s pageant campaign is centered on the acronym ‘AMINATU’ – an ode to the fierce Nigerian warrior queen whose reign dates back to the 16th century.

Aminatu stands for: A –Appreciate, M – Maintain, I –Improvement, N – Natural, A –Admire, T – Teachable, and U – Understanding.

With her victory, Usher sustains a rich tradition of regality, poise, and service exemplified by previous queens

with her acceptance into the rank of the royal hood by the 20212022 Miss Black Mississippi USA, Brianna McField, who is a JSU alumna.

Mississippi State Director for Miss Black Mississippi Kristy Arrington emphasized her excitement over the tradition of former Jackson State women continuing to represent their institution at the highest level of competition, with six of the previous queens having all graduated from JSU.

“So many young ladies have matriculated through Jackson State or are currently attending Jackson State ready to represent the state of Mississippi, as well as their great institution,” says Johnson, who is also a JSU alumna. “I think it is a really cool legacy to witness these young ladies choose to create a pathway for future generations of queens who walked across the stage from JSU but represent their foundation everywhere that they may go.”

Usher will now move to the next stage of the competition representing the State of Mississippi on the national level in Washington, D.C., where over $500,000 to date has been awarded to national titleholders since 1983.

While technically, the national pageant is modeled as a competitive environment, Usher looks forward to developing a

“We are all a family, and I truly appreciated that type of environment

came. We had already done so much together in preparation for it,” Usher says. “We communicated a lot and created a sisterhood I didn’t have growing up with all my brothers. I finally had somebody I could go and talk to.”

Chart: CDC.gov

Shakell James Staff Writer

Trenity Usher during crowning ceremony. Photo special to JSU’s Public Relations sisterhood amongst her fellow contestants. She describes this moment as an opportunity to experience and to be experienced by other like-minded individuals.

when pageant day

Google Image

Photo special to JSU’s Public Relations

Movies that accurately portray domestic violence can help

Many people watch movies as an escape from what is happening in their real lives, but what if what is happening on the screen, is your real life. This is the case for many victims of domestic violence. But not all movies accurately show what victims are going through and how they should handle these situations.

For instance, we all loved to see JLo set-up and take her estranged husband out after years of abuse and she faced no criminal repercussions. But I don’t think law enforcement would advise this method of stopping an abuser. So what movies have been made that accurately portray domestic violence and offer hope to victims?

Domesticshelters.org recommends the following:

“A Star is Born” - In this 2018 film, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper show the downfalls of abuse and addictions when coupled with fame. I know you’re saying, wait…what? But Cooper’s character, Jackson, was a classic controlling emotional abuser who tried to keep his

woman down as her fame was on the rise. Remember, not all abuse is physical. Mental and emotional abuse can be just as devastating. In the end he dies and she is free from abuse, but the audience knows that she will never forget the turmoil of that relationship.

“Diary of a Mad Black Woman” – In this 2005 Tyler Perry film, Kimberly Elise

portrays Helen McCarter, a woman who has been emotional and mentally abused by her husband Charles, played by Steve Harris. After being left destitute by him, she begins a long journey to finding herself and love again. The plot twist here was when Helen tries to take care of him after he is shot and paralyzed and he thinks he can treat

her the same way as before. But unfortunately for him, he meets a new Helen. In the end, she learns she has to forgive him in order to truly move on.

“What’s Love Got To Do With It” – In this 1993 film, which documents the rise of music icon Tina Turner played by Angela Bassett, the audience is shown the physical and emotional abuse she

endured from her husband and bandmate, Ike Turner, played by Laurence Fishburne. Ike’s substance abuse seems to fuel his anger toward almost everyone around him and Tina takes the majority of his abuse. She eventually plans and makes her escape and her music career soars.

These are just a few movies that portray domestic violence. Others include:

“Safe Haven” (2013)

“Waitress” (2007)

“Fried Green Tomatoes” (1991)

“Madea’s Family Reunion” (2006)

“Sleeping With The Enemy” (1991)

“Purple Rain” (1984)

“Not Without My Daughter” (1991)

For a look at the complete list, https://www. domesticshelters.org/ articles/ending-domesticviolence.

Students experiencing domestic abuse in relationships can visit the Latasha Norman Center on the 2nd Floor of the Student Center or call 601-979-0374. You can also call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Aria’s Appetite: #2 BBQ by Shedeur Sanders spices it up

#2 himself, discussing his reason for choosing to attend an HBCU and how this sauce is a reflection of that.

For the last two years Shedeur Sanders has been heating up the football field in his quarterback position here at Jackson State. However, the young athlete has recently decided to add his spice to something new: Barbeque sauce.

Sanders released the condiment as a collaboration with PLB Sports & Entertainment for a name, image and likeness deal. On the bottle there’s a note from

“My #2 BBQ Sauce is another step in fulfilling that goal. A portion of all proceeds from this venture will go towards helping preserve our HBCUs”.

The sauce comes in a 19oz glass bottle and retails for $8 in the Jackson State bookstore. On the label it is noted to be sweet and tangy. In addition to this, it’s mentioned to be great on the grill.

Despite the suggestion for grilling, I tried the sauce my

favorite way: with chicken nuggets.

The sauce was in fact sweet and tangy but furthermore, it was spicy! The level of spice wasn’t overbearing but it was surely making its presence known.

The sauce is made from a mixture of water, sugar, tomato paste, hot sauce, molasses, vinegar, pineapple juice concentrate, cornstarch, liquid smoke, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder and onion powder.

With this list of ingredients and the label mentioning the sweet and tangy notes the sauce

has, I was expecting the sauce to favor the world famous Sweet Baby Ray’s barbeque sauce but it didn’t. Both recipes use pineapple juice which is what led me to believe they would be similar in taste.

Regardless, the sauce is good! It would do well as a sauce base for a barbeque chicken pizza or brushed on smoked sausage. The thick texture would also be good for coating chicken.

Is the sauce worth $8? No. Although the sauce is flavorful, it isn’t any better than the average store bought sauce. However, if

you’re looking to support HBCUs and their students in a nontraditional way, this is something to consider.

Sanders’ sauce is good, but it’s also overpriced for the average college student. Perhaps as time goes on more flavors will be created and the condiment will lower in price. Also, if you are looking to get a bottle, not only is it located in the JSU Bookstore, it can also be found in local grocery stores like Kroger.

views expressed in the review are those of the writer and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.

Homecoming concert to feature Memphis rapper Money Bagg Yo

Rachel James-Terry JSU Public Relations

Jackson State University “It’s a Different World” Homecoming 2022 is set for Oct. 15-22, and includes a highly-anticipated homecoming concert featuring Interscope Records artist Moneybagg Yo on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Lee E. Williams Athletic & Assembly Center.

This year’s homecoming theme pays homage to the 90s sitcom centered on student life at Hillman College, a fictional historically Black college in Virginia. However, Jackson State University, a very real HBCU, is welcoming thousands of Tiger alumni, friends and fans to the capital city to engage in homecoming festivities.

“Homecoming is a treasured celebration in the HBCU culture. It is a time to return to the place that connects us all. We are coming home,” says Fran’Cee Brown-

McClure, Ph.D., vice president of Student Affairs.

Brown-McClure further shares that while homecoming is generally about connecting with friends, enjoying the fond memories of JSU, and making new ones, there is more to the occasion.

“As a 2004 graduate, I want to encourage my fellow alumni to take time to get to know the current students and share about career opportunities you may have. Say thank you to a faculty or staff member that impacted your life,” she urges. “To my students, you are a part of a rich legacy. Take time to connect with alumni while on campus and take in every part of this special week.”

This year, the JSU Tigers will face off against Campbell Fighting Camels at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Among other JSU homecoming favorites, are the street jam, yard fest, the homecoming parade, and

the step show. And, as mentioned, the homecoming concert featuring Memphis artist MoneyBagg Yo.

To date, the “See Wat I’m Sayin” rapper has four top-20 albums under his belt and is signed to fellow Memphis rapper Yo Gotti’s record label, Collective Music Group, through a joint venture with Interscope.

Concert tickets go on sale Thursday, Oct. 5. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. All residential and non-residential students can purchase concert tickets for $35 from the JSU Campus Bookstore and must have their student identification.

All non-students can purchase tickets at the early-bird rate of $55 at Impact tickets. All non-student tickets will be $85 at the door on concert day.

“Homecoming is the biggest celebration of the year for students. It’s a time for us to gather and reflect on what Jackson State means to us,” said Madison Cathey, president

of JSU’s Student Government Association. “I’m excited to honor our coveted traditions and enjoy the festive ambiance of yet another homecoming at our dear ole college home.”

For a detailed list of

homecoming events, visit the Homecoming website at www. jsums.edu/homecoming and follow JSU on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Don’t forget to use the official homecoming hashtag #JSUHomecoming.

Aria Brent Variety Editor

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JSU student checks out the ingredients in the #2BBQ sauce on display in the JSU Student Center bookstore.

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Men’s basketball team hosts annual media day

Cameron Adams Sports Editor

On Thursday, Oct. 13, Jackson State University’s Men’s basketball team hosted their media day, directly after their scheduled team practice.

Jackson State has their eyes on the prize this year with the new addition of NBA champion and Jackson native, Mo Williams, as the head coach.

The former Murrah High School star plans to share his knowledge from his 14-year professional career with the young talent in his hometown. He joined the staff on March 14, after serving two years as the head coach for Alabama State University.

After joining the Tigers, Williams welcomed three new assistant coaches, Trey Johnson, Tyler Adams and Keith Williams to the coaching staff. He also appointed Khalil Spencer as the Director of Basketball Operations.

Highlighting the teams

Williams stated that the chemistry came from activities away from the hardwood.

“I’m a firm believer in chemistry starting off the court first,” said Williams. With Jackson State welcoming 10 new players he realized it would be difficult to build chemistry immediately.

Instead of doing some chemistry building activities, Coach put his players in dorms over the summer where they have no choice, but to bond.

“We put them in dorms where they really had to spend time with each other,” said the former NBA All-Star.

The team remained vocal throughout the whole practice. Romelle Mansel made sure that there was never a quiet moment on the court. The 6 ‘9, Junior Forward from Los Angeles, California was one of many other teammates who kept the energy going during practice.

Williams expressed the importance of team chemistry when it comes to establishing

roles on the court. One of the main roles highlighted was the need for a leader to step up and act as the glue of the team. He believes that leadership starts with the Point Guard.

“When you look to build a team, you start with a Point Guard. We went out and got Chase Adams,” stated Coach Williams. Chase Adams, the 5’8 Junior Point Guard from Chicago, Illinois, understands his importance to the team despite being a new member.

“I’m just here to be the glue guy,” stated Adams. “[I] put everybody in their spots and get it where they’re happy.” While Chase is primarily the floor general, he is also an offensive threat for the Tigers.

6’2 Senior Guard, Gabe Watson from Ridgeland, Mississippi, is also trying to find his role in the Tigers’ new offense.

Despite coming off of an injury, Gabe is pushing through and has all of the team’s approval in running the offense for the team. “My team knows I can score the ball

but they are trying to get me easier looks at the rim,” stated Watson.

Gabe is focused on learning the coaching staff’s new offense to get him easier shots.

Coach expressed his love for easy buckets as a scorer and now he is implementing that in the team’s offense.

Chase also emphasized his respect for the coaching staff and their knowledge of the game of basketball. “When you have a NBA Champion, another NBA player Trey Johnson, and Tyler Adams who ranked top 50 in the country coming out of high school as coaches, when they talk you just listen.”

Ken Evans Jr. ,the 6 ‘5 Senior and Jackson native, also spoke highly of the coaching staff. “They come out and tell us how to be a pro everyday and every practice,” stated Evans. The coaching staff also expects the team to perform with the same intensity as professionals.

Despite the high expectations, the players know

that each coach has their best interest in mind. When asked about the difference between the team last season and this season, Ken described the feeling of brotherhood between the staff and players.

“The biggest difference is that we’re more of a family. I feel like we’re more of a brotherhood,” said Evans Jr. He explained that the team always participates in activities together outside of team practices.

Going into the new season, this team only has one goal in mind: the SWAC championship.

Jackson State is predicted to finish 7th in the Southwestern Athletic Conference during the league’s virtual media day event on Friday, Oct. 14.

Regardless of the low predictions, the Tigers are looking to dominate the 2022-2023 season.

They will open the season at home in the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center against Tuskegee on Friday, Oct. 28. Please see the complete schedule below.

on-court chemistry Coach

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