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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2021
136th YEAR ISSUE 16
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
“Story State” shines a light on Mississippi storytellers BAYLEE HILL STAFF WRITER
Mississippi State University’s Department of Communication will virtually host Story State: Fostering Innovative Storytelling on Thursday at 1 p.m. The event can be found on the Story State website. Event organizer and MSU instructor Josh Foreman said anyone can join to hear successful storytellers from the state of Mississippi speak about their lives and professions. Foreman said the event is set up like a TED Talk where people can tune in live or go back to watch it on the website any time after the event airs. This way,
everyone has an opportunity to learn from some of the best storytellers the state has to offer. “In the communication department, our goal is to train storytellers,” Foreman said. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we take a look around Mississippi and identify those who are leading the state in storytelling and have them not only speak to students but people in general?’” According to Foreman, the communication department focuses on storytelling by training actors and writers in the theatre concentration, writers in the journalism concentration and filmmakers in the broadcast STORY, 2 concentration.
Starkville Snowstorm Mississippi State University students Anna Porter Hall and Mollie Adams pose in downtown Starkville and enjoy the snow. Starkville was hit by a winter storm which left roads iced, leading to the cancellation of in-person classes throughout the week. Students took full advantage of this, using the wintry conditions for sledding and other activities around campus.
Mollie Adams | Courtesy Photo
MSU celebrates Black History Month with service and reflection Magnolia Film Festival offers
drive-in and virtual event
MAGGIE PHILLIPS STAFF WRITER
Watch from your car or your couch
February is Black History Month, so several Mississippi State University organizations, such as the Student Association and the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, have planned and orchestrated different events and exhibitions in order to remember and illuminate both the struggles and accomplishments of Black people in America. These events, targeted at aiding Black students and telling stories of their histories, have occurred on campus or online almost everyday of the month. The month begins with the “28 Days of Service” challenge hosted by the African American Studies p r o g r a m . BLACK HISTORY, 2
HANNAH BLANKENSHIP
Saturday. The drive-in portion of the event is on Saturday night with two screenings, one at 6:00 p.m. and one at 10:45 p.m. Bailey Berry, festival director and recent Mississippi State University graduate, said they had to find new ways to host the film festival that would maintain their values but also promote public health. “We have this legacy. We’re known for our hospitality, and we’re known for bringing creativity to the Golden Triangle community. And that’s something we wanted to continue, even though we’re in the middle of the pandemic,” Berry said. FILM, 2
MANAGING EDITOR
Film fans of all kinds will be flocking to the the Mississippi Horse Park this weekend for the 24th annual Magnolia Independent Film Festival. “The Mag,” as it is affectionally called, is Mississippi’s first and longest running film festival. While normally hosted at a local theater in Starkville, this year’s event will be a drive-in and virtual experience to comply with pandemic social distancing guidelines. Featuring over 40 films and several workshops and panels, the virtual event spans from Thursday through
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FILM
Normally the festival involves a lot of personal interaction, as one of its goals is to allow filmmakers and fans to network and build community. This year however, they had to do without some of that for the show to go on. An unforeseen positive that has come out of the alternative arrangements for this year’s film festival is the new clientele that will be able to attend. “What I think is really interesting about this year is that anyone and everyone can experience it; there are no boundaries. So if you are unable to leave your house, you can watch it on your couch in in the living room, and if you don’t want to expose yourself, you can stay in your car at the drive-in,” Berry said. Over 340 films were submitted to the Mag this year, and Berry and her programming director screened them all, eventually choosing the final 42 that are on the official docket this year. No two films are similar, Berry said, and are all masterpieces in their own right. One of the feature films of the festival, titled “How to Stop a Recurring Dream,” features actress
Ruby Parker as the main character, now known for her role as Marina Thompson in the Netflix original “Bridgerton.” Berry said they selected the film in December before “Bridgerton” came out. Another film that stands out to Berry is “Dear Future Me,” a short film about high school seniors reading letters they wrote to themselves as middle schoolers. Of particular interest to the MSU community is the short film “Five Minutes,” which was entirely written, directed, produced and starred in by MSU students. Jon Tackett, a senior communication major and one of the student creators behind “Five Minutes,” said he was immensely grateful for the opportunities the Mag gives to him and other amateur filmmakers. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity especially for Mississippi filmmakers in general, kids without a budget, college students going out to make films — they give chances for that. If the quality is there, the Magnolia Film Fest, they won’t overlook it. They’ll give you the time of day and get you out there a little bit, so I’m beyond grateful for
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them,” Tackett said. The short film, a “chaotic comedy,” is about a gamer who is about to go on a date, but in the five minutes before the date, everything goes wrong. Tackett said students should come see the film because of its relatable content and simply as a way to get out of the house. “Honestly to God, literally something to do in the middle of when there’s nothing to do, and I think that’s a big selling point for it,” Tackett said. The drive-in portion of the film festival will feature food trucks, including Riley J’s Streatery, Deja Brew coffee and Get Rolled ice cream, as well as the Pop Porium. Tackett, who plans to pursue a life in the filmmaking industry, said he thinks filmmakers are often under-appreciated, and the Mag is a refreshing outlet of recognition. “It’s really neat to see yourself and the people you worked hard on a film with get the credit they deserve on the big screen. I think that’s fantastic. In my opinion, in filmmaking, the people behind the camera don’t get enough credit, so I’m excited to see them get
Magnolia Film Festival | Courtesy Photo
Heather Warren and Sean Dyess, co-hosts of the 2020 Magnolia Independent Film Festival, speak with Hannah Vandenberg about the festival.
their due,” Tackett said. Madeline Emery, a senior kinesiology student, plants to attend the festival. A first-time attendee, Emery said she was excited to go to the drive-in portion with a friend. “I think people underestimate Mississippi. It has a lot of art and culture and music, and people kind of forget about that. Especially in Starkville, you just think of Mississippi State and football,” Emery said. The festival will also feature a women in film
panel, a panel on the state of the Mississippi film industry, a screenplaywriting workshop and an exclusive acting workshop hosted by Lance Nichols, an actor known for his work in “Treme,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “The Chosen,” and “West Wing” and others. Tickets are $30 per car for the drive-in, $10 per car for the latenight drive in, $25 for the virtual experience and $40 for the virtual VIP experience. More information about the
STORY
Mississippi is famous for producing storytellers such as Eudora Welty, Elvis Presley, Robert Johnson and William Faulkner. Foreman said these people had the peak of their success in the 20th century. Therefore, Foreman wanted to feature storytellers from this century who people may look back on as the storytelling legends of this time. MSU Department of Communication graduate and award-winning investigative journalist Anna Wolfe will be the keynote speaker. She regularly reports on government corruption, poverty and economic injustice. She will be joined by other speakers mostly from, living or working in the state. Jackson author Ryan Starrett will speak at the event about listening to the past and finding stories from our ancestors: the ghosts of Mississippi. Starrett has written many history books including “Hidden History of Jackson,” “Hidden History of the Mississippi Sound,” “Dallas Tough: Historic Tales of Grit, Audacity and Defiance” and several others. Starrett has always had a draw toward
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storytelling, attributing it to his Mississippi heritage. “I always appreciate stories and grew up with a family who encouraged us to read and tell stories at the table,” Starrett said. “I guess it is just in Mississippi blood.” Starrett believes it is important to show people there are many mediums to share stories through art, dance, song and many other ways. He said the diversity in Story State panelists helps to accomplish that goal. Event organizer Foreman said attendees can also hear from Duwayne Burnside, a country blues musician from Mississippi. He will speak on his music, songwriting and what he thinks when he plays a show. Department Head of Communication Terry Likes said this event started two years ago as the New Narrative Festival. It was in-person with a similar goal: to expose students, faculty and others to storytellers. However, the second New Narrative Festival which was supposed to occur in March last year was canceled due to COVID-19. “Because of what we are going through, Professor Foreman and
others have been able to collaborate and move everything online with a quick depository of information,” Likes said. “People can watch not only this Thursday but beyond that time as well,” Likes said. Likes believes it is important to learn from a diverse group of people like the Story State panelists who all have stories to tell. Event organizer Foreman said the Department of Communication will give out “Master Storyteller” awards to undergraduate students across the state. Foreman said the competition has closed for this year, but students can work on submitting written stories, podcasts or documentary films by November for the next “Master Storyteller” awards. Foreman hopes students, faculty and everyone else who is interested will tune into the event on Thursday. “This is valuable, fun and digestible,” Foreman said. “Our presentations are around 12 to 15 minutes, so it is not like you have to commit an hour to watch these presentations. I think it would benefit anyone to watch this event.”
BLACK HISTORY
These projects are geared toward serving the community through storytelling, visuals, conferences and more. The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center (HCDC), led by interim director Timothy Hopkins, has played a significant part in coordinating programs throughout the month, including a unique event providing the opportunity for Black students to speak with law enforcement regarding police brutality. “Black students got CREATIVE INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
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schedule and film lineup can be found on their website. “I just hope that people will come out and support the local arts and Mississippi film in general, especially during this time of COVID. Anyone and everyone’s support is definitely appreciated,” festival director Berry said. “It has been a rough year for the arts industry and the film industry, so I just hope that people can come out and support these filmmakers and support the Mag and support Mississippi.”
the opportunity to have conversations with local police officers to talk about police brutality and the do’s and don’ts of getting stopped by a police officer,” Hopkins said. “I think it’s important in the current climate that we live in that we have conversations to bridge any gaps between the students and law enforcement.” Hopkins spoke of being particularly interested in broadcasting the stories of both well-known and lesser-known stories of outstanding Black historical figures. Through a drivein movie about Harriet Tubman and a visual representation of African American life throughout American history, Hopkins intends to show students a history to be proud of. “I think it will be a really good educational moment for students to really see and hear about her (Harriet Tubman’s) story, as well as
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providing an opportunity to engage with other students while doing that,” Hopkins said. “I always tell students that I strongly believe that Black history is American history, and I think it’s important for us to honor Black Americans and the many contributions that they provided the world.” Kyle Barron, a junior majoring in biological sciences, is currently serving as the director of the President’s Commission on the Status of Minorities (PCSM) for the Student Association (SA). Barron has played a leading role in many of MSU’s Black History Month events. Barron said his commitment to encouraging cultural inclusion comes largely from personal experiences and the vision of the SA under Student Association President Tyler Packer. “I have found it hard to
fit in in most places, and I know that it’s not just me. So I joined SA to make sure that, at Mississippi State, everyone could feel like there was a place for them,” Barron said. “One of the main things from Tyler Packer’s campaign was that he wanted Mississippi State to become an inclusive society.” Even though classes and events are largely in-person this semester, COVID-19 has still presented many challenges in arranging these events. “Minorities, Black people specifically, are more likely to contract COVID-19,” Barron said. “Dealing with that and acknowledging that it is an issue in the community that I target has been hard.” Despite the challenges of yet another unusual semester haunted by COVID-19, Barron acknowledged the importance of these events
to make all students feel included and at home. “It’s been challenging and, at times, overwhelming, but I recognize that everything that I do for SA is bigger than me,” Barron said. “It’s important to have diversity, but it’s even more important to make sure that everyone feels included as well.” Yasmine Davis, a junior geoscience major, is the director of programming for SA and has worked with Barron to plan the Black History Month events. As the first Black director of programming, Davis spoke of the humbling firstperson experience of the progress that Black people have made over the years. “It’s a humbling experience to see just how far our history has evolved and how far we’ve come,” David said. “I think, as a people, we’ve come really far.”
Davis spoke of her desire to create an inclusive environment for a diverse group of people as well as opportunities for Black students to excel academically and professionally. “’A Seat at the Table’ is for minority students. We target it toward our Black students here at Mississippi State, helping them to know how to navigate the professional world,” Davis said. “I want to make sure that, in my term working under the president, we are putting on events that cater to students that look just like me.” Davis encouraged students to be engaged in the events remembering Black history because they will benefit the students in the long run and encourage change in the current inequalities in the society. “We never really know how to move forward unless we revisit the past,” Davis said.
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THE REFLECTOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021 @REFLECTORONLINE
BULLETIN BOARD
An In-Class Distraction
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Upcoming EVENTS ON CAMPUS FEB. 24
MSU Baseball vs. Jackson State Dudy Noble Field 4:00 p.m.
MSU Men’s Basketball vs. South Carolina Humphrey Coliseum 6:00 p.m.
FEB. 24
FEB. 25
Story State: Fostering Innovative Storytelling Online 1:00 p.m.
MSU Baseball vs. Tulane Dudy Noble Field 4:00 p.m.
FEB. 26
FEB. 24
Black History Month Keynote: Kiese Laymon Online 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Breakfast with the Bulldogs Online 8:30 a.m.
FEB. 25
SUDOKU
To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
PuzzleJunction.com
FEB. 26
Theatre MSU presents ‘Pipeline’ McComas Theatre 7:30 p.m.
PuzzleJunction.com
Copyright ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com Parker’s Pitch: weekly music review
Stay in the know! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @reflectoronline
By Parker Dorsey This week’s album review is on the Foo Fighters’ “Medicine at Midnight,” their 10th studio album. Dave Grohl previously described it as their “Saturday night party album.” For better or worse, this record sees the band stray from their post-grunge rock sound and instead embrace poppy and dance elements reminiscent
of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” The record is very much a sing-along album, but clocking in at only 36 minutes (and taking into account its release date was postponed from mid-2020 to Feb. 5, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), it feels like a letdown after being a highly anticipated release. Regardless, Grohl is always fun to listen to.
Sudoku Solution
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7 3 2 9 4 5 1 8 6 DAWGS 1 9 6 8 3 2 7 5 4 5 4 8 1 6 7 9 3 2 Monday, February 8, Sunday, February 14, 2021 6 3 2 7 8 1 5 4 92021 Student arrested in B7 4 for7four 3counts2 1Student 6issued 9arrest 5 citation parking lot for 8 public drunkenness, of armed robbery and disturbing the peace and 3 4arrest1 at Sigma 8 Chi 6of a2firearm 9 on7 5resisting possession university property. fraternity house. Subject was9transported to1OCH for 8 7 6 2 5 4 3 Tuesday, February 9, possible alcohol poisoning. 2021 9 6 1 5 8Monday, 4 2 February 7 3 15, Student arrested in Moseley 2021 Hall on a2 warrant 5 for 4 3 7 1 8 6 9 exploitation of a child and enticement of a child. Friday, February 12, 2021 Student reported items missing from her room in Griffis Hall. Student issued arrest citation for possession of marijuana in E3 parking lot. Saturday, February 13, 2021 Student reported losing his wallet, last seen in his room in Ruby Hall.
Student issued a referral for reckless driving and lying to a police officer. Tuesday, February 16, 2021 Student transported to OCH for a cut on his hand due to sledding. Student transported to OCH for head injury due to intoxication. Wednesday, February 17, 2021 Student fell on ice, injuring her wrist at Moseley Hall.
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THE REFLECTOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021 @REFLECTORONLINE
OPINION
Black folk artists in Mississippi represent the undiscovered genius of American art
REFLECTIONS Oprah Winfrey
LUKE COPLEY
“For me, the most important thing has been to get the lesson. That is the mantra for my life. Get the lesson, and then, you can move on.”
is a sophomore majoring in English. Contact him at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
On May 14, 2014, JeanMichel Basquiat’s “The Undiscovered Genius of the Mississippi Delta” sold at Sotheby’s for a little under $24 million. It is a monumental work, a generous 15 feet long, covered in Basquiat’s famous chicken-scratch writing and love of anatomy, made up of five separate canvas panels. Considered by Sotheby’s as among Basquiat’s most political works, the painting offers a personal grievance and celebration of a great tradition of art from the South, raw and untrained. Parallel to Basquiat’s own body of work, painters in the Mississippi Delta have been creating folk art for generations while making use of unconventional mediums and written inscriptions, creating rich personal accounts and intimate recreations of life in the South. As we consider Black history this month, it would be criminal to fail to acknowledge southern Black people’s rich tradition of visual folk art, overlooked and undervalued by the art world but perhaps the most quintessentially American art movement to date. Folk art is hard to define, largely because, according to Mamie Harmon of
Trivia Time! BLACK HISTORY MONTH EDITION 1. Who was the first African American to appear on a U.S. postage stamp? 2. Who was the first African American head coach in the National Football League? 3. Who was the first African American to win a gold medal at the Olympics? 4. How many African Americans have served in the U.S. Senate since it first convened in 1789? Taylor (1908 Men’s Medley Relay) 4. Six (Head Coach of the Akron Pros in 1921) 3. John Answer: 1. Booker T. Washington 2. Fritz Pollard
Source: usnews.com
Britannica, the term was coined to differentiate socalled high art from that done by regular people, effectively written as a catch-all for any art done by someone who was not classically trained or living in a major art hub. Basquiat himself, for instance, was a wildly famous New York City painter but, due to his location, was not counted in the same genre as other folk artists despite the striking visual similarities between the art styles. The word is slowly coming into its own definition, though the official meaning is now art done by an artist who is, be it geographically or for any other reasons, somehow separated from the trends of the art world as a whole. Folk art is often known for being made of whatever is lying around at the time. According to Chris Goertzen of the Mississippi Arts Commission, L.V. Hull, a Black artist from McAdams, Mississippi, spent her time creating “vernacular art yardscapes.” Unlike classical sculpture, Hull’s yardscapes are not made from raw material. Instead, Hull created works out of hubcaps, old shoes, ceiling fans, assorted boards and other accoutrement she could find. Her work
is lively and chaotic, often featuring epitaphs painted in excited letters, surrounded by polkadots in vibrant shades. Her work also seems to speak to the soul of folk art; in that, when viewed by an inexperienced eye it looks a lot like garbage. In fact, it is made of garbage, and thus it is easily overlooked for its less than polished appearance. In reality though, much like the genre of art itself, when looked at longer, it speaks of the great joy and eccentricity of the artist herself, a deep and intimate exchanging of ideas straight from her mind to ours. Southern folk art is also marked by the unconventional training of the artists who make it, most of whom never saw the inside of an art classroom. Peter Schjeldahl of The New Yorker details how Bill Traylor, among the most famous folk artists in the pantheon, started doing art while living on the streets of Montgomery, Alabama, drawing scenes inspired by the world around him — feral dogs, men in top hats passing by — taken live from scene to eye to board. In an interview with WKNO FM’s Kacky Walton, Memphis, Tennessee-based folk
painter N.J. Woods says she paints landscapes because her mother always sent her to play outside as a child, leaving nature to become the space she is most familiar with. One of her recent works features a night scape with a small blue house and the inscription, “Mama said, ‘If you can see the moon, you’re too late getting home.’” That is the chief reason I love southern folk art: it is personal. And it is snapshots of small moments. It is visuals of real lives, shown without the edifice of high art. It is an artist pulling you aside to express to you a feeling or a memory without all the bells and whistles. Southern folk art is wonderful for a myriad of reasons, from its vibrant visual style to its all welcoming community, but one reason worth noting is it is a movement which is still happening. The style is generations old but is still coming into its own as a genre. This coming year, as art shows reopen, go to a folk art show and watch. What you will witness at these festivals is art history unfolding in real time, a criminally overlooked community of Black artists writing the future of what American art looks like.
Racial discrimination against Black hair is a widely ignored issue
TAYLAR ANDERSON
is a senior majoring in English. Contact her at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
Black people have one of the most versatile and unique hair textures with an unlimited number of styles we can pursue. From braids and dreads to afros and relaxers, our hair has evolved over the years to allow us to slay a variety of hairstyles, but as many of us begin to embrace our hair and its versatility, our natural hair texture has become increasingly under attack as many areas of work unfairly consider it to be unprofessional, or even unkempt, compared to the natural, straightened look of many of our racial counterparts. Though efforts, such as petitions and legislations, have been made to end this prejudice against Black hair, schools, media and the workforce within America consistently fail to protect and uplift Black hair, and it continues to go unacknowledged and undefended as more Black men and women are discriminated against for their natural hair texture. In schools, young girls are already overly disciplined by what they can and cannot wear, but
many school districts have now moved on to create regulations which are culturally insensitive and prejudiced against Black hair as well. For example, there has been recent national outrage over hair regulations which overly penalize students. Such instances include the stories of students like DeAndre Arnold who, according to Leah Asmelash at CNN, could not walk at graduation because of his dreadlocks and student wrestler Andrew Johnson who, according to Roman Stubbs at the Washington Post, was publicly humiliated when a trainer cut his dreadlocks before his match, due to a regulation which would have forced him to otherwise forfeit. Considering schools are intended to be a learning environment which serves
as many students’ first introduction to the real world, this type of cultural insensitivity and racial bias should especially be addressed and dismantled, so it is not instilled into these young and upcoming minds, which are bound to shape the future of our society. The media also encourages prejudice against Black hair by mostly using and portraying Black people with either straight hair or a loose, tamed curl pattern. Conversely, those with dreads and afros are only used in media when an eccentric or unkempt character is needed. Even Google was recently under fire for its extremely racist search algorithm which showed only Black people and their hairstyles when users searched “unprofessional hairstyles” and then showing only white
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which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, is a California law created in 2019 meant to extend statutory protection against discrimination based on racially targeted hair textures and protective styles. According to their website, “Black women are 1.5 times more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of their hair.” This can be seen close to home in Jackson, Mississippi, with the case of former WJTV news reporter Brittany Noble Jones, who received criticism and eventual termination from her job after switching from straightened wigs and sew-ins to her natural hair texture. According to Chrissy Callahan of TODAY Style, Noble filed her first complaint about
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people and their hair when “professional hairstyles” was searched, as reported by Leigh Alexander of The Guardian. There is also a double standard which unfairly exists in the media’s portrayal of Black hair because even when Black women try to conform to society’s desired look by getting extensions, it often carries negative connotations and descriptions like “ghetto” and “fake,” despite white women being described as beautiful for doing the exact same thing. Systems as simple as this existing within our society not only encourage the negative stigma and prejudice surrounding Black hair but also reverse the work done to dismantle the racial biases which exist within our institutions. The CROWN Act,
workplace harassment for her hair, and then,”Nexstar informed Noble of the company policy stating that on-air talent could not have ‘shaggy, unkempt’ hair.” This story is not dissimilar to that of many of Black men and women who have been ridiculed, demoted or even fired for their dreads, curls and natural textures within the workforce due to the institutionalized prejudices against Black hair which considers kinky, curly and more varied styles to be unprofessional. With legislation like the CROWN Act being passed, there is much hope on the horizon for those facing discrimination for their natural hair. However, progress is very slow with only seven states passing the CROWN Act and other similar legislation and some states even vetoing these types of legislation. Though I highlight the discrimination on Black hair, many other people of color and those of different religions face hair discrimination as well, with another common form being against those who wear hijabs. This is only another form of institutionalized racism and bias existing within the U.S., and these problems of hair discrimination need to be acknowledged and dismantled both socially and legally.
Circulation/Amiyah Brown circulation@reflector.msstate.edu
Letters to the editor should be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. Letters may also be emailed to editor@reflector. msstate.edu. Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.
EDITORIAL POLICY The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University. Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff. The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.
CORRECTIONS
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LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT 5 THE REFLECTOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021 @REFLECTORONLINE
MSU strives to commemorate Black history year-round
HEATHER HARRISON
STAFF WRITER
February is Black History Month, but Black history goes well beyond just one month of the year. Individuals in the Mississippi State University community are exploring how to push the boundaries of the month and use the whole year as a time of teaching, learning, celebrating and acknowledging African American culture and history. D o n a l d Shaffer, director of the African American Studies program and professor of English, explained it is vital to have an inclusive and accepting environment at the university. Shaffer said the African American Studies program garnered attention and enthusiasm from students and faculty alike when it began in 2008. As director of the program, he emphasizes the importance of creating welcoming spaces for students and teaching a curriculum that represents the student body.
Often in school, students are taught incomplete versions of history. Whether the writers of the books purposefully left out details or the information is simply missing from records, the full truth is not available, Shaffer said. While this may be frustrating, he said it is important to acknowledge correctly documented history and to tell the full account of the story. Aspen Humes, a sophomore communication major at MSU, noted a few ways to learn about Black history outside of the classroom. “I would say the first step is just being open and realizing that you have so much more to learn,” Humes said. Humes said being inquisitive, doing research on various topics and reading theory books helped her uncover new information. Shaffer affirmed the value of diving deep into history because one can see the triumphs, fails and details that make humanity so rich. “So, history allows us
certainly to see the ways in which groups have been oppressed and victimized, but it also, I think, gives a full account into the ways in which Indigenous groups and African Americans have been triumphant despite that history of victimization and oppression. That’s important too,” Shaffer emphasized. Humes is involved
in numerous clubs and organizations at MSU. She said she notices the university listens to different voices but should try to open up more challenging conversations and create an atmosphere that encourages more students to use their voices. “Whether it be in training, whether it be kind of opening up people or
instructors and informing them, I feel like Mississippi State can kind of create an environment that makes everybody feel comfortable in speaking up about their experiences or about things that bother them,” Humes said. Recently, MSU has increasingly embraced Black culture and history, especially in light of the Black Lives Matter Movement that reignited in 2020. Various people organized protests in Starkville, along with numerous events designed to highlight Black voices. This month, MSU is holding panels, fine arts exhibits, drive-in movies and more to honor Black History Month. But, as Shaffer said, Black history is not one month out of the year; it is every day. He encourages people to go beyond what is trending and have conversations with people who look different, act differently and think differently because that is how society can move toward practical solutions. Similarly, Stephen Middleton, a retired professor of history at MSU,
explained fixing problems is human nature. Middleton noted once someone identifies the issue, the choice becomes whether or not to solve it. He said being able to communicate well is how problems are solved, and this is something our society is capable of. “We are an American family, and sometimes we, as an American family, are dysfunctional. We are a dysfunctional family,” Middleton said. Middleton continued, saying his role in society is to try to lead people to resources that will alleviate some of the dysfunction and hopefully create progress. “We’ll never be perfect, and I’ll tell you why,” Middleton said. “We are humans, and humans have a propensity for being dysfunctional. It’s the way it was designed.” Black history is rich and intricate. While February is a great time to start learning, the work never stops. MSU has a multitude of resources for people interested in learning more, along with a full calendar of events this month.
HCDC hosts Black History Month events
EMMA KING
STAFF WRITER
In honor of this year’s Black History Month, Mississippi State University’s Holmes Cultural Diversity Center (HCDC) has partnered with many other campus organizations to hold meaningful programming and celebrate Black history. Throughout the month of February, the HCDC has offered a number of events, including online panels, movie nights and a social media video series of MSU students discussing what Black history means to them. One of these students is Kerry McKenzie, a senior majoring in secondary education. He said Black history should be recognized year-round because of its impact on modern life. “Black history is world history,” McKenzie said. “Oftentimes, people push the history of Black people and people of the African diaspora into a single month and attempt to tell the whole story in a mere 28 days. If you were to delete the contributions to humanity that were
given by Black people, then the story would be very fragmented and disjointed.” There is only one week left in Black History Month, but there are still many events to come. Some have also been rescheduled due to the weather. MSU’s Student Association is hosting three Black culturecentered events this week, including a fine art exhibit on Feb. 22, a virtual Black business expo on Feb. 23 and a program on the history of Black fashion on Feb. 24. On Feb. 24, keynote speaker Kiese Laymon, author of “How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America,” will read from the new edition of his book and then speak with MSU Rhodes Scholar and African American Studies instructor Field Brown at 6 p.m. This event is online and can be accessed through the Television Center’s website. The African American Studies program and the HCDC are also hosting a screening of “Harriet” which will take place in the Sanderson Center Lot
at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26. Food trucks will be available. Also on Feb. 26, SA is hosting a program called, “What MSU would look like without diversity” in the Union from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Timothy Hopkins, interim director of the HCDC, said Black History Month is a time of reflection for the community. “This is a time to honor the Black Americans that made so many contributions to this world,” Hopkins said. “It is also a time to reflect on those that lead movements and fought against racism. It is important to continue celebrating those who broke societal norms and the challenges that they faced during those times.” While McKenzie has attended several of the events during Black History Month, he said his favorite was a panel he joined on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy sponsored by the Black Student Association on Jan. 20. “I was privileged to be on the panel, and I enjoyed many of the questions that were being asked,” McKenzie said. “They
allowed me to think outside of the box and relate the legacy of Dr. King to many other aspects of leadership and impact.” MSU is also holding a conference for minority students, “A Seat at the Table,” to discuss how to navigate and excel in the professional world. This event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Taylor Auditorium on March 6. Topics include brandbuilding, minorities after college, how to be an LGBTQ+ ally and minorities navigating through a COVID-19 world. Registration can be found on Cowbell Connect. Vice President for Access, Diversity and Inclusion Ra’Sheda Forbes said she hopes the spreading knowledge of Black history and experiences will drive future change. “I am excited about the events taking place during Black History Month on our campus,” Forbes said. “We are particularly living in a time that I hope is a turning point for Black people. This change has to be fueled by education and knowledge of Black experiences worldwide.”
Theatre MSU and Blackfriars Drama Society proudly present “Pipeline”
MAGGIE PHILLIPS
STAFF WRITER
Theatre MSU is teaming up with Blackfriars Drama Society once again to bring the second completely student-run production of the semester to Mississippi State University’s campus. Dominique Morisseau’s “Pipeline” is set to play on Feb. 26, 27 and 28, concluding MSU’s events in recognition of Black History Month. The story provides an intimate perspective of the inequalities in the American education system, the emotional conflicts of underprivileged minority students and the relational struggles between a mother and her wronged son. Donovan Andrade, a senior double majoring in communication and kinesiology, is the director of the show. Following the production of Janet Langhart Cohen’s “Anne and Emmett,” Andrade hoped to follow the theme of exposing social injustice but from a different perspective. “When I knew we were doing “Anne and Emmett,” I wanted to also do another play that highlighted a different group of people,” Andrade said. “I wanted to
find a play that is minorityheavy. There’s a different story that I wanted to tell.” Andrade said he uses art and theatre as a means of communication. Even as a first-time director, Andrade said he feels ready and is looking forward to giving his message through the show. “My way of protesting, my way of getting my word out, is through theatre. It’s not only entertainment, and one thing I strive to do is educate,” Andrade said. “I am excited and 100% ready for opening night.” Victoria Newton, a senior communication major with a theatre concentration, served as the stage manager for the show. Newton had an unusual induction into her particular position in the show. “We had a stage manager picked out originally. But because we are students and school commitments get in the way, they had to step down, and I was approached,” Newton said. “I’ve loved every second of it, even though I’ve only been a part of the show since the beginning of February.” Although Newton has been a stage manager
before, she said it had been a long time since having the role. Newton spoke of some of the challenges and responsibilities which came
with the abrupt addition of stage manager to her light designing role, which included being required to attend all the rehearsals.
“The stage manager does everything behind the scenes,” Newton said. “I make sure that the crew is up for tech rehearsals and dress rehearsals, and I make sure that everyone on the production team is on the same page.” COVID-19 has greatly impacted performing arts and has made them much more challenging to produce. However, Newton said the passion and commitment that all the students involved in theatre share overcomes the socialdistancing challenges. “I personally don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t allowed to create right now because the world is currently in such a dark place, and we want to create something beautiful,” Newton said. “I would do everything within the guidelines because that would mean I get to create with people who love doing what I do.” Rodney Saulsberry II, a junior finance major, is one of the lead actors in the show. Saulsberry joined the MSU theatre community after some encouragement from Newton, with whom he acted in high school. Saulsberry plays the role of Omari, a boy involved in
a controversial issue at his school. Saulsberry said he is entering a role with which he can relate, having had and seen experiences similar to the challenges Omari faces in the show. “This role gives me the opportunity to show a different side of being a Black male in this day and age and society,” Saulsberry said. “It’s just a play, just a written story, but this is real life. And these are real 17 and 18-year-olds that go through these situations every day.” Saulsberry said he has found motivation and meaning in the artistic release. Although COVID-19 has presented many complications for the production, Saulsberry said he believes the show is well worth working through the extra obstacles. “There are just six people in the show. It’s not a bunch of lights or dancing. It’s people having real-life conversations, exposing themselves and being truly vulnerable on stage and giving a perspective that you wouldn’t normally see,” Saulsberry said. “We have a great cast, and I think we’re going to do something special.
66-Sports SPORTS
THE REFLECTOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021 @SPORTSREFLECTOR
Reynard: Sylvester Croom sparked change during his time coaching MSU football
MYCHAELA REYNARD CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As the first Black football coach in the Southeastern Conference, Sylvester Croom was a clear place of study for Mississippi State University’s Black history. From 2004-2008, the MSU football team was coached by Croom. He was named SEC coach of the year in 2007 and continued to break racial barriers throughout his career. While the MSU football team’s record may not necessarily tell the type of person he was, others will. Prior to his time at MSU, Sylvester Croom had a decorated football career. As a Tuscaloosa, Alabama, native, he spent lots of time alongside Paul “Bear” Bryant, former football head coach at the University of Alabama. Croom also tried his hand in the NFL as both a player and coach for some time. Now retired, he serves as the vice president of operations for the Senior Bowl and was recently inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Sylvester Croom has
also done a lot in the community to work for civil rights issues and much needed change. In an interview with Saturday Down South, he backed MSU running back, Kylin Hill, who was pushing for the state to change the Mississippi flag. Former MSU defensive back Keith Fitzhugh made several impactful statements about Coach Croom in a phone interview with The Reflector. During his time at MSU, the Hampton, Georgia, native was studying sports communication. He was Croom’s first recruit as MSU head coach, and he is very proud and passionate about the chance to be part of his team over his years in the MSU football program. When asked about Coach Croom on the field, Fitzhugh spoke proudly of the coach who so greatly impacted him. “[He was] a great leader, very aggressive and intense,” Fitzhugh said. “He always wanted the best out of you. And he was all about overcoming adversity within his program.” Fitzhugh also spoke on how Croom encouraged unity through his coaching style. “He never allowed anyone to be a selfish person,” Fitzhugh said. “Everyone was a team, a unit, and he encouraged unity through looking like a family.”
Fitzhugh said Croom’s culture of unity extended even to the players’ attire. “We all wore the same socks, pulled up all the way to our knees,” the former defensive back shared. “No matter how hot it was outside.” The former MSU football player struggled for a moment to come up with one word that captures Coach Croom. “Leader,” Fitzhugh finally stated. After examining Sylvester Croom’s life as an everyday person and coach, there is no doubt
he was just that: a leader. Black leadership history is often left out of the narrative when talking about sports. As sports fans and media, there tends to be more focus on the athletes, rather than the coaching and administrative staff. Coaching diversity is an issue not just within the Southeastern Conference but across all American sports. There is a large imbalance between the number of leaders and players of color. According to an article in The New York Times in December
of 2020, while a majority of players in the NFL are Black, the opposite can be said for Black coaches in the league: they are clearly in the minority. Sylvester Croom serves as a much-needed reminder of the types of characteristics the MSU community should possess. Whether inside or outside of MSU athletics, having leadership qualities is a huge necessity in life. In light of his successes both on and off the field, former Bulldog Head Coach Croom distinctly illustrates the type of
human being who should be celebrated during Black History Month. Croom broke barriers as a Black man in the Southeastern Conference and made history right here in Starkville, Mississippi. In an interview with The Washington Post in 2004, newly appointed Head Coach Sylvester Croom showed he was well aware of his impact when arriving at MSU. “There’s much more at stake here than football,” Croom said. “I think it will have a positive impact on race relations.”
University Relations | Courtesy Photo
Former MSU football Head Coach Sylvester Croom hoists the Golden Egg after winning the Egg Bowl, surrounded by a cheering team in a photo from The Reveille in
Palmer: Memorable Morgan and her shot that knocked UConn from the top
LYDIA PALMER SPORTS EDITOR
With under five seconds left in overtime in a game against the University of Connecticut in the semi-finals for the 2017 Final Four, Bulldog guard Morgan William drove in right past the freethrow line to toss up the shot that sealed the deal for the Bulldogs women’s basketball team in 2017. Right after she released the ball, the buzzer went off just as the ball sank into the basket; the Bulldogs had defeated the Huskies and their 111game winning streak. Although the Bulldogs did not end up winning the national title that year, one thing was for certain: Morgan William had made her mark on the court that night with her buzzerbeater. She was a junior at the time, majoring in sports studies at Mississippi State University, where she later graduated in December of 2017, with a degree in that field. Looking back to her time before becoming a Bulldog, William had a strong basketball foundation of awards and honors before joining
the team in Starkville, Mississippi. Morgan William is the daughter of Michael William and Monica Rory, as well as the stepdaughter of Donnie Rory. In her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, William became known for her athletic abilities at her high school, Shades Valley High School.
“ She’s as physical as
they come ... She’ll do whatever it takes at any moment.” Vic Schaefer Former Head Coach Women’s Basketball After her sophomore season of high school, the young athlete took the title of BirminghamMetro Player of the Year. Another high school basketball accomplishment of William is that she was chosen to participate in the Mississippi-Alabama AllStar Game. It was at this game that she met some of her future Bulldog teammates, Victoria Vivians and Blair Schaefer, according to her bio on MSU’s website. Vivians also showed out in that memorable game against the University of Connecticut, where
she scored 19 points throughout the match. Vic Schaefer, the Bulldogs’ Head Coach at the time, spoke highly of his entire team, William and Vivians included, after the game that night. “Obviously, I’m extremely proud of my group,” Schaefer said on March 31, 2017, after his team defeated the previously No. 1 UConn. “What an unbelievable, gutsy performance that no one in the country, including all of y’all, probably thought could happen, and that’s okay. But we knew it could happen.” Besides her incredible night at on the court against UConn, William also showed out in other ways and made her mark on the team with some outstanding Bulldog career highs. During her time at MSU, William was named first in career assists, totaling 656, and first in career freethrow percentage with nearly 85%. Following her recordbreaking career as a Bulldog, the guard went un-drafted in the WNBA in 2018. Seeming unfazed by this, the athlete attended a training camp for the Las Vegas Aces in May of that year. Players like Morgan William show the leadership abilities of young athletes. When considering which athlete to feature for Black History Month, she came to mind fairly quickly. She showcased the power and drive that was so evident that night against UConn in most games that she stepped out on the court to play. Although many good things were said about the player throughout her time at Mississippi State University, a quote about the player from her Head Coach Vic Schaefer that was shared in an article by Sam Gordon in the
Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2018, when she was attending the Aces’ training camp, sums up the qualities of the young athlete. “She exudes toughness, fearlessness, competitive spirit,” her coach said. “She’s as physical as they come … She’ll do whatever it takes at any moment.” As that quote applies to various moments
throughout her basketball career, it is so evidently shown in her shot that night against the Huskies, where she stepped through her opponents to score that unforgettable shot in 2017. The night of that big game, William showed character and vulnerability by playing for her stepfather, who had
passed away three years and one day prior to the day of the UConn game. She said she prays before every game and talks to her stepfather about it too, according to an article in The Undefeated. The player dubbed the name “Itty Bitty” for her 5’5” stance, as listed in her bio, ended up making a huge impact on her team.
Mississippi State Athletics | Courtesy Photo
Morgan William celebrates a win for the Mississippi State University Bulldogs against the Louisville Cardinals during the Final Four in 2018.