FL A S H THE BLUE & WHITE
The Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University Jackson, Mississippi
www.thejsuflash.com
INSIDE
Vol. 78 / No. 4 OPINION F re s h m e n advice page 3
NEWS CIA Fair page 4
September 14, 2017
VA R I E T Y
Insecure Season Recap page 7
S P O RT S
JSU vs. Grambling Preview page 8
File Photo
JSU experiences dip in enrollment for fall 2017 “.. the preliminary enrollment for fall 2017 is 8,583, a reduction of 1,228 students from last fall’s preliminary number of 9,811.” Alexandria Galtney Editor-in-Chief Jackson State University announced on Sept. 8, a 12 percent decline in enrollment for fall 2017. This decline comes after enforcing a new student financial account management policy and reducing the number of scholarships and waivers being offered. According to the statement released as a special message from the university, the preliminary enrollment for fall 2017 is 8,583, a reduction of 1,228 students from last fall’s preliminary number of 9,811. “Jackson State University has and is aligning its current policies with best practices,” said JSU President William B. Bynum Jr. in the release. “The university is requiring payment earlier in the semester, which allows us to manage our resources more effectively. Also, JSU reduced institutionally funded scholarship offerings in order to stabilize these expenditures.” Over the summer, JSU
Photo: University Communications JSU President William B. Bynum Jr. released a special message explaining the 12 percent decline in enrollment for fall 2017 on Sept. 8, 2017.
students were notified via a public relations email, that the wait list for housing had been suspended until further notice. The university closed two off campus residence halls, Tiger Pointe and Tiger Plaza, and consolidated University Pointe into a
male only apartment living residence hall. Students at JSU reacted with mixed emotions to the announcement. Some students believe lack of housing is a contributing factor to the dip in enrollment. “You have students living
in their cars trying to go to school. Jackson State needs to do better. All of these changes that they are making is not going to bring people in, but turn people away. I had family members and friends who said they weren’t coming to JSU because of the lack of housing.
YES, WE’RE SOCIAL!
Even if you pay the housing fee, you are not guaranteed a house, that’s ridiculous,” said Elsie Stoxstill, a senior business management major from Jonestown, Miss. Other students believe that the university needs to band together to make it through this difficult time. “Although we may be going through hard times with enrollment and we lost some great students, we must get back on track with bringing and keeping our school up and remain focused no matter what difficulties we face. We must find a way to recruit new and our old students and show them what it means to be a strong Tiger,” said LaCurtis Powell, a junior political science major from Jackson, Miss. and the current SGA Junior Class President. “We must continue to challenge minds and change lives.” Bynum said that these next two to three years will be very difficult. He is confident that, with its outstanding reputation, the university will be able to rebound and increase enrollment in the future.
@JSU_StudentPub
Tiger Events
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The Blue & White Flash
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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The Blue & White Flash Staff SHANNON D. TATUM Publications Manager
KIERRA D. THOMAS Graphic Designer
ALEXANDRIA GALTNEY Editor- in-Chief AARON WALKER Managing Editor
Morgan Beard Winie Bush Eric Brown Shelby Brown Brittany Bullock Tavia Calvin Taya Drummer-Chanay Kayla Cross Jared Dorsey
CHELSEY JONES Managing Editor
Kendria Haley Tyler Hurley Ricardo Jamison Mia Jones Zipporah Jones William H. Kelly III Kalin Norman Destynee Quinney Adrian Thompson
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.
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
Opinion
Page 3 - September 14, 2017
Cartoon: Eric Brown
My advice to the class 2021 freshmen: ‘Handle Your Business!’ COMMENTARY
Arron Walker Managing Editor I vividly remember not so long ago when I was an 18 year-old freshman walking on the campus of Hinds Community College. I was scared, nervous and fearful of the changes that were
happening in my life. To be honest, I felt the same way walking onto the campus of Jackson State University as a transfer student. I soon learned, as I did at Hinds Community College, that I should not fear change. College after all is just one of life’s transitions and it was time to handle my business. One of the biggest transitions from high school to college life is not having your parents here to guide you every day. No more, “Get up and get ready for school!” “Did you do your homework? Let me see it!” “How was your day?” “What do you want for dinner?” I soon learned that as a young adult, it was time to take responsibility for my own life; it was time to handle my own business. In college, you are on your own! You have to be your own motivation to do
what needs to be done to be successful. I’m not saying that your parents will not be supportive, but now is the time to take the initiative and prove to them and yourself that you can independently handle your business. To the freshman staying on campus for the first time, don’t let this little taste of freedom away from home make you forget all that you have been taught. Use the common sense you were born with to make the right choices. You are a student at one of the best academic institutions in America. Don’t waste your time here trying to go to every party, every club, and every kickback and find yourself behind academically. Handle your business! Always remember that you can easily find yourself in danger of losing your financial aid or scholarships if you don’t meet the GPA
requirements. Yes, have fun, but not so much that you are not getting your assignments in or missing classes. You will be faced with many temptations to do what you know could be detrimental to your ultimate goal, graduation. Stick to the plan and handle your business! With freedom comes responsibility to do the right thing, make good decisions and to present yourself respectfully. Remember the morals, standards, and home training you were taught. College can be a fun and rewarding experience. You may meet your BFF for life here or even your future spouse, but the main thing you should be seeking at THEE I LOVE, is a degree that will lead to financial and educational success so you can handle your business in the future. Yes, go to the football
games, pep rallies, Hotspots and a party here or there. But make sure class is on the top of your list of must attend activities. While you are enjoying college life and being on your own, remember you are here for one thing and that’s to get an education. If you don’t understand what is going on in class or you need extra help, use that same boldness that you have at the weekly Hotspots to go up and talk to your professor or seek help from your classmates or the many services offered at JSU. When you are walking across the stage on graduation day to obtain that hard earned degree, you should be able to say with pride, “I handled my business!” The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.
“What advice would you give the freshmen?” Compiled by Robert Mack
Alyssa Drake Senior English Ridgeland, Miss.
Neil Crosby Junior Meteorology Augusta, Ga.
“Keeping up with your school work and social life is the hardest part of the process, once you find balance you can master college.”
“Stay focused on your major and set long term goals.”
Sheryl Wright Senior Education Chicago, Ill. “Network as much as possible and do what’s best for yourself. Don’t let somebody tell you what’s good for you.”
John Patterson Senior Industrial Tech Jackson, Miss.
Teanna Howard Junior Criminal Justice Blytheville, Ark.
“Create your own path. Don’t worry about following others. Just make the most of your college experience.”
“Be who you truly are. You’re here to get a degree and don’t let anyone distract you from your goals. Be smart, be wise, and be careful.”
Justin Hardwick Senior Marketing San Antonio, Texas
Kayla Dodd Junior Elementary Education Jackson, Miss.
Justin Walker Senior Elementary Edu. Jackson, Miss.
Sierra Smith Junior Graphic Design Jackson, Miss.
DeAndre Barnes Junior Education Chicago, Ill.
“Go to class and do what you feel is best.”
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. From your professors, to administration, and your friends. This school is a community.”
“Stay true to yourself at all times! That’s the key to growth and maturing.”
“Go to class EVERYDAY.”
“Don’t spend all your Tiger bucks trying to impress.”
Tylar Perdue Junior Finance Chicago, Ill. “I always say try to get someone’s number in all of your classes just in case you miss a day.”
Devin Cousin Senior Mass Communication Jackson, Miss. “Follow your dreams! No matter how big they are. A lot of people are going to tell you it’s crazy and won’t support as needed, but those are only distractions. Keep God first and make a path to lead the lost.”
News
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The Blue & White Flash
Community service and job opportunities presented to Jackson State students at annual Community In Action fair Tavia Calvin, Mia Jones & Taya Drummer-Chanay
MC301 Contributors/Staff
Jackson State University students learned how they could obtain community service hours and jobs during the annual Part-time Job/ Community in Action Fair held on Sept. 7 in the Student Center ballrooms. Hosted by the Alice Varnado Harden Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning and Career Services Center, the objective of the fair is to bring community partners and students together to assist them in fulfilling the community service requirements and also find part-time jobs, if needed. According to Kimberly Harris, Service-Learning Resource Specialist and one of the event organizers, the fair has been going on for approximately 4 years. “Students do not have to call them (community partners) or go by the location. We bring the agencies here so that all they have to do is go table to table,” Harris said, noting that they try to schedule the event after the beginning of school, once students learn of their requirements. Agencies ready to promote their organizations talked to students and gave helpful information, giveaways, treats and most importantly, opportunities. Various organizations presented at the fair, including: Jackson Zoo, Mississippi Children’s Museum, the W.E.B Dubois Honor’s College, ECO Ambassadors Program, Jackson Hinds Library, The Center for Social Entrepreneurship, JSU Welcome Center, Pearson Foundation, Mississippi Civil
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Rights Museum, His Heart Ministries and others. “Our best volunteers come from Jackson State,” said Susan Branson, the Mississippi Children’s Museum’s Volunteer Coordinator. Branson said she loves working with Jackson State students because they are adults, very responsible, and have access to reliable transportation. Volunteering at the Children’s Museum consists of assisting with projects, food activities, the Science Fest, and guest authors. Companies like Waffle House and Circle K were in attendance looking to hire students for a variety of positions, including managers and managers in training. “I feel like this is really the best opportunity we have to actually get a job,” said Charity Hicks, a senior secondary education major from Gautier, Miss. Eyerusalem Woldu, a current JSU senior computer engineering major from Addis, Ethiopia and a representative for the Center for Social Entrepreneurship, explained that his organization is aimed towards vigorously addressing diverse issues in West Jackson, including: housing, education, economic development and community engagement. “What we are trying to do is help the society prosper. We have four different categories: human engagement, housing, education, and business establishment. In the four sectors we have four different interns and volunteers can shadow the interns and do things like clean the community,” said Woldu. “We also have housing projects that students can be a part of. They are going to learn about the process and a student can
become an intern if they do really good on the voluntary job. If someone shadows me, they can take my spot when I leave next year. We want our interns to be from Jackson State.” Some of the organizations in attendance focused on the community’s youth, looking for students to teach, tutor and mentor young children. Jobrielle Winfrey, a senior forensic chemistry major from Little Rock, Ark., attended the fair for the first time and was most interested in volunteer opportunities working with children. “I compete in pageants, so I’m really interested in doing anything to have an impact on the community that I’m in, and mainly with children. I love working with children,” said Winfrey. “Just to be able to be a part of a program that exposes our children to new things and to educate them on things that they might not be getting educated about at home is really important to me.” Melvin Williams, a junior biology major from Jackson, Miss., said he believed the fair was beneficial for the students on campus. “The CIA Fair will benefit me with community service hours and part-time job opportunities, and the good thing about it is connecting with people and having internship options,” said Williams. For more information about Career Services or upcoming events, contact CSC at 601-979-2477. For more information on community service, including hours, deadlines and events, contact the Center for Service 601-9794190 and visit the office located on the first floor of Jacob L. Reddix Hall.
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Photos (1-3) by MC301 Students and Photos (4-6) by Kalin Norman
(1-6) JSU students taking full advantage of the resources at the Part-Time Job & Community in Action Fair in the Student Center.
Record breaking Hurricane Irma bashes southern region Winnie Bush Staff Writer According to the National Hurricane Center (NPH), the strongest storm ever recorded in the Atlantic, passed north of Puerto Rico on Sept. 6 and devastated the islands of Barbuda, the Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, the Bahamas, Caicos, St. Martin and St. Lucia before heading to the coast of Florida. The record-breaking storm hit the southern region of Florida leaving more devastation in its wake. Abdoulaye Ba, a junior political science major from Tampa, Fla., stated that he is very worried about the impact of the storm on his friends and family. “While I may be away from Florida, I am very worried about my family and friends who are there. I actually kept calling them today after classes just to make sure that they are okay and they are telling me it is very hard to even find water. I am hoping that things get better and I ask that we all keep Florida and all those places affected by Irma in our prayers,” said Ba. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm sustained winds of 185 mph. In the Caribbean Islands, at least 37 people have died, including 10 in Cuba. In the United States, there are at least 12 fatalities.
Hurricane Irma was classified as a Category 5 storm and then dropped to a Category 4 storm before becoming a tropical storm as it now passes over Mississippi. President Trump has declared a state of emergency in Florida, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. Some students at Jackson state university whose families are current residents of Florida are concerned about their families wellbeing. “As a Floridian, we typically don’t take hurricanes seriously. Yesterday on Facebook, one of my former classmates said he’s having a hurricane party and this is typically the response but since the news coverage is really heavy on Irma, my family is taking a lot of precautions to be prepared,” said Daria Leon, a senior political science major from Tampa, Florida. In the midst of relief efforts from the impacts of Hurricane Harvey, which was a Category 4 hurricane at its peak, Americans have now added those affected by Hurricane Irma to those efforts. Originally conceived as a benefit for victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, the “Hand in Hand” telethon was expanded to help people in Florida and the Caribbean. In the star-studded event that took place on Sept. 12, more than $44.5 million was raised with $14.5 being raised in
just one hour, according to a CNBC report. Many JSU students are encouraged by the outpouring of support for the victims of the disasters. “I would use one adjective to describe the way I feel about the relief efforts in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, which would be touching. Hurricane Irma affected many states and the aftermath is devastating,” said Rayonna Swain, a biology/pre-physical therapy major from Atlanta, Ga. “Especially from my city, where we thought we would never receive damage from a Category 4 hurricane so far in the state of Georgia. It left our counties in the metropolitan Atlanta area with no power for 3-4 days. The aftermath really hit home for me.” Asja Amos, a senior English major from Jackson, Miss., is awed by the response of Americans. “It is amazing to see that Americans are able to come together to help those in need,” said Amos, “Seeing the results from the telethon gave the confirmation that America is one. If you want to give to help the victims of the hurricanes, the JSU relief efforts continue until today, Sept. 14. Items can be dropped off in the Student Center on the 1st floor ticket box. You can also give to American Red Cross by texting HARVEY to 90999 to donate $10.
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The Blue & White Flash
The Royal Court Serves & The Southern Heritage Classic
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(1-4) The Royal Court serves the student body by serving food in the cafeteria on September 6th. (5-12) Students, Faculty and Staff gear up for the anticipated Southern Heritage Classic by enjoying the pep-rally, parade and football game. Photos (1-4) by William H. Kelly III and Photos (5-12) by Kalin Norman
News
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The Blue & White Flash
Conversations with ESLI students promote camaraderie Aaron Walker Managing Editor
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Photos by Aaron Walker
The English as a Second Language Institute (ESLI) offers students many benefits and opportunities from its program.
Since 1997, the English as a Second Language Institute has been a part of the Jackson State University campus community as a resource for international students. The program currently has a total of 30 international students participating in the program from 10 different countries. JSU ESLI is housed in the office of JSU Global. It offers five eight-week sessions a year, and delivers quality intensive training in English to international students. Experienced instructors who are dedicated to innovation and best practices. The program has five academic levels that accommodate beginners to advanced students. Classes meet daily Monday through Friday for a total of 20 class hours per week. Students are assigned 2-3 hours of homework assignments, including multimedia and online language learning. Nancy Ying, the director of ESLI, believes ESLI participants greatly benefit from the program. “In the fall of 2017, we develop a strong third
party Collaborative English Conversation Partners Project through joint efforts of ESLI and JSU International Students Association and JSU Student Governance Association. Domestic students visit our ESLI students’ classes and engage in one-hour conversations twice a month. They are also encouraged to extend their conversational partnership beyond the classroom as extra-curricular activity,” said Ying. Ying added: “Students engaging in this project have been very excited. They have enjoyed and benefited from this activity mutually,” said Ying. Some of the international students who participate in the program shared experiences from participating in the program. “It’s a little different and a little hard trying to learn English in this type of setting for me,” said Thinh Vuong, a junior engineering major from Vietnam. Some American students joined the program to help international students. “I wanted to help international students become more fluent in English so they will be
comfortable when interacting with domestic students,” said Tiffany Davis, a junior biology pre-med major from Pine Bluff, Ark. Other international students affirmed that participation in ESLI has made communicating with other students easier. “This program helps me to speak better English and also have better conversations with people around campus,” said Le Tien, a junior business accounting major from Vietnam. Many American students join the program after studying abroad in other countries. “My interest came about after returning from studying abroad in Argentina. I learned a lot about the culture, but wanted international students to learn about us also,” said Mikayla Coleman, a junior social work major from Jackson, Miss. This program is open to all students who want to join and help other JSU students become more fluent in English as a second Language. The ESLI office is located in the College of Education and the conversation partners meet in room 209.
President Donald Trump’s administration says bye-bye to dreamers Winnie Bush Staff Writer
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, also known as DACA, a program established by former President Barack Obama has ended under current President Donald Trump’s administration. DACA shielded certain illegal immigrants who entered the country as minors from deportation. According to cnn.com, president Trump on Sept. 5 announced the program would end, with a six-month window for congress to make the executive action permanent in the law. Adrian Adams, a junior recreation major from Baltimore, Md., said the law is unjust. “I think it is unjust, unfair and not right for the president to deport all these people for no apparent reason and the jobs that most immigrants do, most American citizens would not want to do it,” said Adams. According the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) services website, the Department of Homeland
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Security (DHS) initiated the orderly phase out of the program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). DHS will provide a limited six-month window during which it will consider certain requests for DACA and applications for work authorization, under specific parameters. Also, all DACA benefits are provided on a two-year basis, so individuals who currently have DACA will be allowed to retain both DACA and their work authorizations (EADs) until they expire.
USCIS will adjudicate on an individual, case by case basis: • Properly filed pending DACA initial requests and associated applications for employment authorization documents (EADs) that have been accepted as of Sept. 5, 2017. • Properly filed pending DACA renewal requests and associated applications for EADs from current beneficiaries that have been accepted as of the date of this memorandum, and from current beneficiaries whose
benefits will expire between Sept. 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018 that have been accepted as of Oct. 5, 2017. • Individuals who have not submitted an application by Sept. 5, for an initial request under DACA may no longer apply. USCIS will reject all applications for initial requests received after Sept. 5. TaMia O’Kelly, a junior entrepreneurship major from Atlanta, Ga., disagrees with the president’s decision. “Even though I just recently found out about what DACA is, I think that it was a
great program and I disagree with President Trump’s decision to abolish it and I think it is very unfortunate especially for those whose lives are being affected by the abolishment of this program,” said O’Kelly. Per this order, nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants will lose protection from deportation. Bari Yakubu, a senior physics major from Nigeria, is saddened about the changes to the Dreamers Act. “It is heartbreaking to know that these individuals who have pledged their allegiance to this country only for them to now be thrown out after all their years of service and contributions. I cannot even begin to imagine what they are feeling right now. The United States will lose a lot of revenue and most of these people’s contributions have gone unrecognized and underappreciated and as humans, we sometimes fail to realize that we don’t appreciate what we have until its gone,” said Yakubu. Democrats are determined to pass the Dream Act the will protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Jackson State hosts 5TH Annual VA Mental Health Summit Alexandria Galtney Editor-in-Chief The Jackson State University e-Center was host to this year’s 5th Annual VA Mental Health Summit hosted by the Veteran and Military Support Center, the Latasha Norman Center and the VA Medical Center. Some of the other organizations present at the summit were the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, partners from the city of Jackson Police Department and Hostage Negotiation Team, the Mississippi National Guard, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Recovery Center and the GV Sonny Montgomery Regional VA Medical Center. JSU has a large military population with over 500 students receiving military benefits for their education, and the Veterans and Military Support Center tries to help them. The purpose of the summit was to foster partnerships
and collaborations with community stakeholders as they enhance assess to mental health services for veterans and their families. The summit’s goal is to recognize that true veteran-centered, recovery-oriented care requires active and ongoing cooperation with our current and future community partners. The summit began at 8 a.m. with registration and a welcome from Dr. Ivory V. Nelson, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at JSU. The day continued with remarks from Sergeant First Class Stephanie Kenneth, a JFHQ Unit Victim Advocate of the Mississippi National Guard Joint, who discussed her own traumatic sexual assault experience and how she is now empowering other veterans. Attendees then divided into breakout sessions for various topics such as Opioid Safety, Recovery/ Peer Support and Suicide Prevention.
Alfrenett JohnsonOrr, suicide prevention coordinator at the Jackson VA Medical Center said, “The VA cares, but the community cares about them and wants to provide services for them to be successful.” Each year the summit tries to discuss different topics, but suicide prevention and VA access is always an important topic. Latoya Reed, director of the Veterans and Military Support Center said, “The mental health summit provides resources to the veteran community here in the city of Jackson and the state of Mississippi and their families. Reed added, “We are introducing them to resources and advocates, and talking about military sexual assault and sexual trauma, as well as mental health issues, letting them know what resources are there, the systematic process of scheduling appointments and letting them know that
Photo by Alexandria Galtney The 5th Annual VA Menal Health Summit was hosted by the Veteran and Military Support Center, the Latasha Norman Center and VA Medical
counselors are available to them at the VA.” Orr also highlighted suicide prevention. “One suicide is too many, and we have to be there for veterans because it takes the community to keep our veterans safe,” she said. The event concluded with a lunch and special thanks from one of the event coordinators,
Dr. Dinesh Mittal, with ACOS Mental Health, to all the veterans and organizations that participated in the program. If you are a veteran in need of assistance, contact the Veteran Crisis Hotline, which is a confidential chat service offered through the United States Department of Veteran Affairs at 1-800-273-8255.
Variety
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The Blue & White Flash
New adaption of IT proves to be biggest horror movie of the year
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Kelvin Jones MC301/Staff
SPOILER ALERT!!! On Friday, Sept. 8, the 2017 release of Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of famous horror novel “IT” was released in
theaters.” This is the second adaption of “Master of Horror” Stephen King’s novel in the “IT” franchise history. The first one was released in 1990. “IT” is set in the imaginary town of Derry,
Maine in the last turn of the the 1980s, as school is being let out for summer. We follow the story of seven outcast kids who band together and call themselves ‘’The Losers Club”; as they learn to navigate the cruel factors of teenage society and their own troubled home life. The story begins with the main character “Bill Denbrough”(Jaden Liebeher), who is struck by tragedy when his baby brother, “Georgie” is decapitated and killed by the evil shapeshifting clown ”Pennywise the Dancing Clown” and his body is never found. Bill and his parents, haven’t found closure in the abduction of Georgie, so Bill decides to search the town looking for Georgie with his new found friends while enjoying the summer. That is when the trouble starts for “The Losers Club.” While looking into the clues of the mysterious disappearance of Georgie, the Loser Club is antagonized
by the evil clown they refer to as IT. In their search for Georgie, they have come to realize that a lot of the Derry children population have been abducted within a 27 year range and something is awry. They find themselves in the grip of terror imposed by “IT” as he preys upon their personal fears. He sparks mass hysteria in both their households and town. From there, the rescue mission turns into a quest to defeat “IT” and save their lives and town.” While the “Losers” are fighting off Pennywise, the clown wreaks havoc on the group and they return the favor. The film ends with the Losers promising each other that in 27 years, they will come back to the town of Derry, wherever they may be, and finally finish off Pennywise. IT is a major upgrade from its predecessor in terms of storyline, scares and tension. The film is
a mixture of comedy and gripping horror that jumps out at you. Themes such as puberty, middle school crushes and how being bullied helped them grow is explored. This cast does a great job with employing all these themes and bringing viewers to a sense of nostalgia in remembrance of their preteen years. A bonus about this movie it is filled with hidden easter eggs and ties to other movies inside the Stephen King Cinematic Universe. These movies that “IT” connect are “Christine”,”The Shining”, “Cujo”, “The Dead Zone”, and “The Shawshank Redemption”. Viewers should definitely look out for the connections. The movie is definitely the best horror movie this year since Get Out, and probably will compete with it come award season. The film broke box office records during the opening weekend to the tune of $123.1 million.
HBO show Insecure season finale gives ‘Hella Perspective’ of future Zipporah Jones MC301/Staff
The season two finale of “Insecure”, a comedy-drama about an awkward black woman, aired on Sunday, Sept. 10th. Throughout the second season, the characters have developed and changed their attitudes; they become more comfortable with breaking out of their shells. A lot has changed for Issa, the main character in the show. She is now a single woman after breaking up with Lawrence after she admits she cheated on him with her childhood friend, Daniel. Lawrence has since been trying to move on from Issa, while Issa struggles to find a significant other. Both have reached different points in their lives, trying to move on, but still not finding the right person. While these two are trying to move on, Issa’s friend Molly also searches for a relationship as well. Molly wants to find her perfect man, but is having a hard time doing this, and eventually starts seeing a childhood friend named Dro, who is in an open relationship. Issa breaks out of her
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shell in season two, fully embracing herself and trying to live as a free spirit. Despite changes made, she still runs into obstacles in her life that affect her financially, and emotionally. Lawrence has been trying to cope as well and on the last episode, he has started to date a fellow coworker. Molly seems to be conflicted with her emotions towards Dro and, even though she doesn’t say it, she seems to want more than just a small fling. All of these events culminated into a memorable season finale.
In the final episode of the season, characters Issa, Molly, and Lawrence seem to be trying to figure things out. The first half of the episode divides up the lives of the characters, showing what each character was doing during a thirty-day time period. Lawrence is doing well at the beginning of his thirty days, running a marathon with his new girlfriend, Aparna. Towards the end of his thirty days there is a change and he suspects her of cheating which causes her to leave him.
During Molly’s thirty days, she decides to give Quentin, a man who has wanted her for a while, a chance even though she is still texting Dro. Issa’s thirty days were full of things that needed to be done. Issa made things right at her job with her coworker, Frieda. She had decided to move out of her apartment so she had a yard sell and sold everything but the couch her and Lawrence used to share. Issa’s apartment bill has gotten high and in addition to that, she has become tired of living in the apartment she
once shared with Lawrence. The final episode provided viewers with closure about the three main characters’ positions. Issa and Lawrence finally sit down to talk about the things that went wrong in their relationship and the two forgive each other. Although Issa daydreams show how much she wanted to still be with Lawrence even though she could not. Molly, obviously infatuated with Dro, does not even care that their relationship is turning into something serious. Lawrence, still in love with Issa, wants to move on but the audience can see that this is hard for him. The season finale ends quite as viewers would expect, with Molly still hooked on Dro, Issa moving in with Daniel and Lawrence going back home. The episode eight was realistic in every sense possible is the main reason why so many tuned in to the show, everyone can find himself or herself in a character on “Insecure”. With the cast continuously shocking and humoring viewers, it is safe to say there is no limit to the types of things to come next season.
Viewers learn that ‘You can’t fix this’ in Power season finale Robert Mack Staff Writer The much anticipated “Power” season finale, “You Can’t Fix This”, was worth wait and viewers are already anticipating the season 5 premiere. The action begins right after the death of Raina that shocked viewers. Tariq is telling the police what led to his twin sister’s death. As the police push for more information, Tariq exclaims he has told them everything he knows. He has his own plan for Ray Ray, and it does not involve the police. Meanwhile, Kanan meets up with Tommy to discuss the men who tried to kill him in the previous episode. They figure the men were sent by Cristobal. After Kanan and Tommy talk, they realize that Dre organized this hit. Back to Ghost, Tasha, and Tariq. They are pulling up to the house when Tasha says to Tariq, “If you saw something last night that you were scared to tell the cops, you have to tell us. You have to.” Tariq says he told the police everything and storms into the house. Ghost believes he is telling the truth, and thinks the Jimenez ordered a hit on his daughter. He meets with Tommy and leaves his phone behind so it
cannot be traced. Tariq goes to call Kanan and asks about Ray Ray’s whereabouts. At the apartment, Ray Ray logs in to read Tariq’s statement. He then tells his cousin Destiny, Tariq’s girlfriend, that he killed the sister instead. Ray Ray explains that he must leave town. Ghost and Tommy pull up on the Toros Lobos, thinking the Jimenez had his daughter killed. They get to Uriel and begin torturing him to get info about Raina’s death. He exclaims frantically that he didn’t even know Raina died. During this Uriel also admits that Dre had him kill Julio. Ghost then shoots Uriel in the head in a burst of anger. Dre ordering that hit would mean that he set Tommy up. Tommy goes to look for Dre while Ghost goes to handle funeral arrangements. Meanwhile, Silver stops by the St. Patrick home to console Tasha. He offers his help in finding the killer, while also confessing his love for Tasha. He seems sincere, although the timing is terrible. To Silver’s surprise, Tasha politely asks him to leave. During all of this, one of Kanan’s goons lets him know that Raina has been killed. Kanan puts it all together and calls Tommy, who is in confession with Father
Callahan and gives him this newly found information. Tommy finds where Ray Ray lives and bursts in only to find his cousin Destiny, who is now startled. She then tells Tommy that she had nothing to do with the death of Raina and that Ray Ray used her phone to contact Tariq and lure him in. She tells Tommy that her cousin is headed to D.C. but is making a stop in the Heights first. Tommy calls Tasha and explains who Raina’s killer was and that they were after Tariq. She goes to look for Tariq in the house but notices that he is gone. She goes to check her safe and notices her gun is missing also. Looking for Ray Ray, Tariq finds Dre and threatens to shoot him. Dre then gives him the address and apartment number to where Ray Ray is hiding. Everyone is out for Ray Ray at this point. Tariq has made it in the building. Ghost pulls up just as Tariq is getting on the elevator. Ghost breaks into the complex. Tariq reaches the apartment in which Ray Ray is in hiding and breaks in. As Ghost is running up the steps, Tommy pulls up and heads for the building. Tasha then pulls up and sees Ghost’s and Tommy’s car so she goes inside as well. As Ray Ray prepares for
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his getaway, Tariq walks in, gun in hand. Ray Ray dares Tariq to pull the trigger, knowing he is a coward. Tariq lowers the gun, but sees Ray Ray’s attempt to grab his own weapon. Shots ring out. Ghost, Tommy, and Tasha rush into the apartment where they find Ray Ray on the floor, dead. Tasha takes Tariq home to clean up, while Ghost and Tommy get rid of the body. Tasha meets up with Silver to cover for Tariq. She explains to Silver that she was the one that killed her daughter’s killer and asks for his help. He then replys very frankly that he can either be her lover or lawyer, but not both. She
hands him a check as to signify their romance is out the door… For now. Meanwhile, Father Callahan realizes that Dre had Julio killed and wants nothing to do with him. Callahan then admits his loyalty to Tommy, so Dre stabs him and leaves him to die. Dre then goes to meet with his team to introduce them to the Jimenez. Dre ends the meeting and the men shake hands. Ghost, Tommy, and, to the audience’s surprise, Kanan have been watching Dre. All of them ready to get back at him. They have put their differences aside and come back together. Just like the old days.
Sports
Page 8 - September 14, 2017
The Blue & White Flash
Tigers look for first season win against Grambling State
Photo: JSU Blitz.com JSU quarterback Brent Lyles attempts to complete a pass down field.
Morgan Beard Sports Writer The Jackson State Tigers will travel to Grambling, La., to take on the Tigers of Grambling State University this weekend to open up Southwestern Conference (SWAC) play. The game will take place at the Eddie Robinson Stadium and the last time Jackson State played
at this stadium in 2012, JSU defeated GSU 53-17. Grambling State is the defending 2016 Celebration Bowl champs and Black College Football national champions. Jackson State is coming off a 17-15 lost to the Tennessee State in the 28th Annual Southern Heritage Classic. JSU is (0-2) overall and the last time Jackson State started (0-2) they won
a SWAC championship ten years ago in 2007. Jackson State is on a 6-game losing streak right now and this game will be JSU sophomore quarterback Brent Lyles’ tenth career start. His first career start was last year’s game against Grambling State. GSU is (1-1) overall, coming off a win in week two and a lost in week one. Grambling leads the series
over JSU (43-24-1). There are 41 SWAC championships between both programs and seven NFL Hall of Famers. This will be the 68th meeting between the two HBCUS. GSU is coming off a 23-10 victory against the Demons of Northwestern State University. In week one, the G-men lost to the Green Wave of Tulane University 43-14. Grambling is coached by 2016 SWAC coach of the year, Broderick Fobbs. Fobbs has a coaching record of 28-9 since coaching at Grambling in 2014. Grambling State is led by former Ole Miss quarterback Devante Kincade. Kincade is also 2016 SWAC Offensive Player of the Year. This will be the third former Southeastern Conference (SEC) quarterback Jackson State will face this season. In two games, Kincade has passed for 379 yards and 1 touchdown. GSU has the number 3 scoring offense and defense in the SWAC. Jackson State has the number 2 ranked passing defense in the SWAC and they can stop the G-Men’s passing attack. Jackson State should watch out for first team All-SWAC junior RB Martez Carter, who has scored 3 touchdowns on
the Tigers in the last three meetings. In 2016, Grambling State defeated Jackson State 35-14. In 2015, Grambling defeated JSU 59-27. In 2014, Grambling defeated Jackson 40-35, which was coach Fobbs first victory as a coach. In 2013, Jackson State defeated Grambling State 1-0 due to a player protest, which forced a game forfeiture for JSU’s Homecoming game. In order to begin conference play on a good note and beat Grambling, JSU must continue the passing attack offense and score touchdowns in the end zone. Jackson State has not yet scored an offensive touchdown this season. Jackson State’s defense needs to continue flying to the ball and making plays. In week one, JSU caused an interception and in week two, JSU caused 4 fumbles and picked off TSU quarterback Treon Harris last week. The JSU versus GSU game will be broadcasted live on ESPN3.com. It can also be watched via the WatchESPN app, available through your app store for both phone and tablet devices. Live radio coverage will be on 95.5 FM and the game is set for kickoff at 6:00pm.
Tillman Fertitta wins bidding war for Houston Rockets NBA team Kambui Bomani MC301/Staff Writer
The Houston Rockets were a model of success in the loaded Western Conference of the NBA landscape during the 2016-2017 season. Star-studded point guard James Harden was the team leader in points (25.1 per game), led the league in assists (11.2 per game), while shooting almost 45 percent from the field helping direct the Rockets to a Western Conference Semifinals playoff berth and a 55-27 overall record. So when rumored during the summer of 2017 that the historic basketball franchise was up for sale, the contenders to buy the club were humongous in stature. With the expected bidding price climbing high each waning second, lightning struck for the benefit of Tillman Fertitta. The former director of the Rockets in the 1990’s bought the organization from previous owner Leslie Alexander. Boxing out famous celebrity
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suitors such as Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo and global entertainer Beyoncé, Feritta obtained the Rockets at an NBA franchise record $2.2 billion dollars. The previous record was the purchase of the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion dollars by Steve Ballmer from Donald Sterling. Fertitta has a pretty lengthy track record as a businessman. He was a partner at the first Landry Restaurant named Landry’s Seafood which opened in Katy, Texas in 1990. From there, the corporation
expanded into casinos where it bought other casinos such as Golden Nugget Casinos. In the sports spectrum, Tillman Feritta was the original investor of the Houston Texans, an NFL expansion team, in 2002. He then branched into part time owner with Bob McNair in 2008 before selling his interest within the franchise to pursue ownership of Golden Nugget Casinos. While the Rockets are currently labeled as the highest purchased franchise in league history, it’s a status that will probably be surpassed in a few
years and possibly become an ongoing normality throughout the league. The value of every team is on the rise due to the expansion of television money. The NBA has a nine year $24 billion with ESPN and Turner Sports. With the deal, more money is funneled in by corporations around the league enhancing their stock and brand. As the players garner heavy contracts and the organizations garner more revenue, the brand of any team in the league will be an all-time high. Whether the Golden State
Warriors are up for sale or the lowly Brooklyn Nets, the billing for buying either franchise will no doubt reach the double digit billion-dollar total as time goes on. As for the state of the Houston Rockets basketball team, the transaction helps the franchise focus on the upcoming season where newly signed point guard, Chris Paul, hopes to team up with fellow All-Star James Harden and help challenge the defending champion Golden State Warriors out west for the conference title. The road to get there is arduous and pretty difficult. Can Paul and Harden coexist in the backcourt? Will Mike D’antoni’s up tempo offensive attack work to perfection again during his second year? Is defensive consistency for 48 minutes an effort task Houston is willing to commit to? All questions that present intrigue to Houston’s overall team outlook and can be focused on with the legal aspect of ownership solely squared away.
Mark Jackson should be an NBA coach rather than a Commentator COMMENTARY
Adrian Thompson Sports Editor Mark Jackson, the former coach of the Golden State Warriors, should most definitely be coaching an NBA team in my personal opinion. He is an NBA historian and he is very knowledgeable of the game period! Being from the streets of Brooklyn, N.Y., one of the mecca cities for basketball is one of the reasons why. If you were an NBA fan during the 2011 season, then you were able to witness the greatness of Jackson as a head coach. He was the first head coach hired by the current owners of the team, Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. After inheriting a team that had made the playoffs just once in the previous 17 years, Jackson promised to
turn the Warriors into a good defensive team and playoff contender. During his first season (2011-2012), he struggled with a horrible record of 23-43 during the lockoutshortened season while dealing with injuries from players adjusting to a new system. During the 20122013 season, with huge contributions from his two up and coming (at the time) star players in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, he was able to lead the Warriors to a 47-35 record in the Western Conference as a sixth seed! That had been the first time the Warriors had made the playoffs since the 20062007 season, when they defeated the Denver Nuggets 4-2 in the first round of the playoffs and then took the San Antonio Spurs to a fierce 6 game series in which they lost in the Conference Semifinals. This was the season that the NBA, players, coaches, fans, and analysts started to take notice of the Warriors and saw what was to come. During the 2013-2014 season, the Warriors had become the talk of the sports world period. Becoming a title contending team and improving to a 51-31 record in the Western Conference. It was the team’s first 50 game win season since the 19931994. They ended up losing in the first round of the
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playoffs to the Los Angeles Clippers in a competitive 7-game series. That very same year in the off-season, Jackson was fired as head coach of the Warriors. The sports world was in a huge uproar wondering, “Why would the Warriors management fire Mark Jackson?!?!?” But it ended up being due to him being a more spiritual coach and not the typical “X’s and O’s” type of coach. He ran a more ISO-Ball system that was open for the players to make plays and create and develop their own shots with a solid defensive system on the other side of the floor. I feel if he came back to coaching in the NBA, he should coach a team that’s already in a winning situation or a team with some talent but just in need of the
right guidance. A team like the Minnesota Timberwolves with a young Karl AnthonyTowns and Andrew Wiggins or the Houston Rockets with a beast backcourt like James Harden and Chris Paul would be dope. Seeing as how they are already a title contender but just need a few more things added like a solid offensive scheme to get both of them nice looks and a defensive system, they’d be pretty darn great in my opinion. Even the Cleveland Cavaliers could be a team that he could coach because he has a much better basketball IQ than the current head coach in Tyronn Lue and he’d have plenty of talented players like LeBron James, Isaiah Thomas, Derrick Rose etc., plus he’d be able to get back at the team management
that didn’t believe in him as a head coach to win a championship for them. Jackson currently works as an analyst and commentator for ESPN and covers big games such as rivalry playoff games and the NBA Finals on ABC in partnership with ESPN. He even has his own quote he’s known for across the world, “Mama, there goes that man!”. I feel if he was offered another coaching job in the NBA, depending on the team and the current situation they’d be in, he should take it and show that he’s able to lead a team to an NBA Championship and win! The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.