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134th YEAR ISSUE 43
TUESDAY APRIL 2, 2019
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
Elimination of the Elite Women’s basketball falls 88-84 to the University of Oregon Read more on Page 6
Senior Celebration scheduled for this month EMMA DRAY BRASWELL
to network, but also an opportunity to get to know other MSU alums from the cities to which individual seniors will move to. While the Alumni Association has hosted this celebration for several years, it is hosted this year by the staff of MSU with the assistance of the Alumni Delegates to increase the number of opportunities and connections seniors can make. Another goal for the event is to allow seniors an easy way to connect to various alumni chapters.
STAFF WRITER
For the entire month of April, the Alumni Association and Mississippi State University’s staff will prepare for the Senior Celebration. This celebration is from 5-7 p.m. April 24 at the Hunter Henry Center, and it is a way for seniors to look past graduation and to their future. This event is designed to not only allow the graduating seniors an opportunity
Kelly Donoho | MSU Athletics
Pride Parade marches through Main Street SAVANNAH MUNN
CELEBRATION, 2
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Main Street was flooded with rainbows and flags Saturday during the second annual Pride Parade, organized by Starkville Pride. Organizations, businesses and churches all participated in this year’s march. Indivisible Golden Triangle, University Baptist Church, the Center of Veterinary Medicine and Mississippi’s Human Rights Campaign were all present, as well as individuals marching to show personal support. Billy Nickoles was one of the individuals marching in the parade. “I came out in 1973 when I was 13, and now I’m able to stand up and be proud of who I am,” Nickoles said. “To show young kids who are gay and feel like we did when we were kids that it’s okay,” added Dolan Shoemaker, Nickoles’ husband of three and a half years. Nicholes and Shoemaker have been together for over seven years. Justin Holbrook attended the march as drag queen persona Dee Pression. Pression believed people marched to stand up for other members of the LGBTQ community. “I’m marching today because I want to make a difference, especially in Starkville, but in the state of Mississippi in general because we can make a difference,” said Pression. “We’re fighting the protestors … we’re here and we’re queer.” PRIDE, 2
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Safe Zone workshop strives to build allies at MSU KARIE PINNIX
Diversity Center, students, faculty and staff joined the workshop focused on how to be a Safe Zone Ally, and specifically how to promote welcoming environments for the LGBTQ community. MSU Student Counseling Center psychologist Ty Stafford led the Safe Zone Training Workshop and guided attendees with an overview of it, including explanations of what is and is not an ally, how to build confidence and skill as an ally, as well as open discussion and scenarios of what an ally would do when a member of the LGBTQ community is faced with discrimination.
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Mississippi State University held its annual Safe Zone Ally Training Workshop this year for students, faculty and staff to raise awareness for the LGBTQ community. This workshop was led in coordination with Pride Week, a week dedicated to promoting LGBTQ equality by hosting events at the MSU campus and in downtown Starkville. Sponsored by MSU’s Safe Zone Advisory Board and the Holmes Cultural
ALLY, 2
Lany Wallace | The Reflector
In support of the LGBTQ community, people marched through the city and held signs at the second annual Starkville Pride Parade Saturday.
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FORECAST: After an unseasonably chilly start to the week, temperatures in Starkville will warm back up and make a return to the 70s by Wednesday. Rain returns to the forecast Thursday.
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Rosalind Hutton
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BAD DAWGS Saturday, March 23, 2019 Student issued arrest citation on University Drive Starkville for minor in possession of alcohol. Sunday, March 24, 2019 Student issued arrest citation on University Drive Starkville for minor in possession of alcohol. Student issued arrest citation on University Drive Starkville for minor in possession of alcohol.
Aramark employee transported to OCH from Colvard Student Union for medical assistance. Students reported being harassed by an unknown person via social media. Student reported being harassed by a former friend.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 Employee reported an ex-employee refusal to return a computer to Thompson Hall. Employee reported missing Monday, inventory. March 24, Student arrested 2019 on Bailey Howell Resident of city/ for speeding county was 36/20 and arrested on East being a minor Lee Boulevard in possession of for a suspended alcohol. Justice driver’s license. Court citation Student reported and referral her vehicle keyed issued. while parked in E9 parking lot. Notable Traffic Two students Citations: were issued Seven MSU referrals for citations were harassment. issued for Student issued speeding, the a post-arrest most notable citation and of which was referral on 37/20 on Stone Blackjack Road Boulevard. for possession Three MSU of marijuana in citations were motor vehicle. issued on Barr Justice Court Avenue for citation issued disregarding for speeding traffic devices. 50/30. MSU citation issued on Stone Tuesday, Boulevard for March 26, disregarding a 2019 traffic device.
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CELEBRATION Orly Hardin is the assistant director of the Alumni Engagement and Recruitment Program. “It is my job to organize and plan on-campus events for our alumni,” Hardin said. Because of this, she works with recruiting students and current students, but she is particularly focused on staying in touch with graduating seniors. Brady Sistrunk, assistant coordinator of alumni chapters and young alumni programs, said one perk of this event is networking. “We’ve had to revamp it this year … to really provide these graduating seniors an opportunity to understand what it’s like to become an alum of MSU,” Sistrunk said. “These seniors want to find their alumni chapters when they move to their new city, which will help them stay in touch with the university. As well as
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they’ll get plugged into young alumni events and programs in their city, so they can be around people their own age and network with people who are already established in their city and where they’re living.” Not only is familiarity with different MSU alumni chapters an advantage of going to the Senior Celebration, but there are also going to be several networking opportunities seniors can look forward to. Because many seniors are unsure of their plans after graduation, the Alumni Association plans for the event to include a diverse group of people. “We want to have some folks there in different fields that may be able to talk to some of these seniors and give them some guidance and make some connections for them, so they’ve got some things to look at after graduation,” Hardin said. Because of this, they
are focused on bringing in people from Jackson, Birmingham and other cities where students are likely to move. “We want to have folks there who can make a connection with those students, so they feel more comfortable as they move into their next state of life,” Hardin said. While much of the focus for this celebration is to give students a prospectively better future, it is still a celebration and will certainly include many different prizes. If a student RSVPs ahead of time, they will be entered to win a set of 2019 football season tickets in the lower bowl at Davis Wade Stadium. Students can RSVP at alumni.msstate. edu/seniorcelebration. This prize will allow a graduating senior the chance to come back for free games to MSU, rather than buying their own tickets.
PRIDE Her friend, Joseph Knoll, nodded along. “We’re going to be here no matter what,” Knoll said. Couple James Chamberlain and Stasha McBride brought their two children to watch the procession. One was perched on Chamberlain’s shoulders to get a better view, and both children were smiling and waving rainbow flags. “Why wouldn’t you bring your children to something that celebrates love?” asked McBride. Last year, organizing the parade came with some difficulty, after Starkville Pride was originally denied an event permit—something that had not happened since 2010, according to an article written by Larrison Campbell of Mississippi Today. In response, a lawsuit was filed against the city, but was promptly dropped when the decision was repealed and the parade was allowed to continue. The decision was made by Starkville’s Board of Aldermen. During the first vote, the Board voted 4-3 against the group’s event permit. After national news coverage and backlash concerning the decision, along with the lawsuit, they redid the vote. This time, they voted 4-3 in favor of the parade. Only one Alderman changed his vote: Ward 3 David Little, abstained.
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The tie was then broken by Mayor Lynn Spruill, who had advocated for the event, voted in favor of the parade. The threatened lawsuit cited a violation of the First Amendment, as well as the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. The lawsuit, if allowed to continue, could have “easily cost the city six figures,” Ward 4 Jason Walker told Mississippi Today. “I think all the Aldermen have been notified by the city attorney by now that it’s not a case we can win,” stated Walker. Starkville Pride board member Bailey McDaniel was instrumental in organizing the parade both years. “When it came down to it, yeah it sucks we had to file a lawsuit, and it sucks we had to do all of these things, but it was for the event … for some of these people, (the parade) was the only time they’d felt welcomed, so I think it was an absolute success,” said McDaniel. This year, things fell into place without any resistance or hinderance from the city. Last year, around 3,000 people showed up, including supporters from out of state. However, Grey Garris, another organizer and board member of Starkville Pride, expressed how without the national concern and media attention from last year, participation and volunteering was difficult to
Lany Wallace | The Reflector
LGBTQ supporters of all ages marched in downtown Starkville for the Pride Parade.
round up. The parade was followed closely by a group of protestors from the Consuming Fire Fellowship from Gloster, Mississippi. The protestors held signs with anti-LGBTQ sentiments, including “Sodomy is sin,” “You are the enemy,” and “Homosexuality is perversion.” One individual tailed the protestors with a rainbow-painted trash can, banging on it with pot lids to drown out the protestors’ megaphone. Despite the protestors, the parade was peaceful. Many within the city and university
ALLY First, Stafford explained to attendees what exactly an ally is. According to the Human Rights Campaign, a Safe Zone Ally is one who is supportive of LGBT people, and comprises straight allies as well as those in the LGBTQ community. Allies strive to promote acceptance to those in the LGBTQ community in many ways, such as listening with an open mind, being willing to talk in any situation that arises, and engaging in the work of creating a
“For students who RSVP, they’ll also have a chance to win a personalized brick that will be permanently located in The Junction, through the help of our annual giving team,” Sistrunk said. Not only will the event offer prizes like these, but there will also be free food, such as funnel fries and a french fry bar. “We are going to have a DJ, we’ve got Jack and the mascot here, we’ve got a photo booth,” Hardin said. “We’re going to have a really large map where people can put a push-pin where people are going to be moving next.” Graduating seniors will receive an email in which they can RSVP. Not only is this a celebration with prizes and free food, but it is also a time for these seniors to come together and celebrate their time and accomplishments at MSU, while learning how to stay connected.
supported the parade, and according to McDaniel, a large LGBTQ population is housed within both. Garris encouraged people who are not queer but support LGBTQ rights, who are commonly referred to as “allies” by the community, to come show support. He stressed how pride is for everybody, and a place where people can “enjoy a space where they can be themselves.” “We welcome all of you to Pride,” Garris said. “If you are positive towards the community, we will be positive towards you.”
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culture free from prejudice, gender discrimination and transphobia. However, an ally is not someone who is trained as a crisis counselor or expected to act alone when dealt with difficult issues of prejudice and conflicting issues an ally may be unsure of how to handle. Secondly, attendees were taught helping skills to support any LGBTQ member who may be faced with a crisis. Attending to the individual and asking openended questions showing genuine concern are some examples of showing the individual they are not alone in dealing with an issue. During this discussion, it is important to give information to the student resources at MSU, which they can refer when educating him or her—such as the financial department, health services or counseling services,
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depending on the type of problem they may be dealing with. During this time, it is important to help the student identify, evaluate and choose alternative solutions after the student has explored the issue. Thirdly, attendees were given information on how to speak up in cases of bigotry against members of the LGBTQ community. Stafford cited the Southern Poverty Law Center guidelines in fighting prejudice toward LGBTQ members. Becoming prepared for this behavior, identifying it and calling on the person’s higher principles are proven to be effective types of action in the case of discrimination. Lastly, Stafford gave general tips on how to create inclusive environments for the LGBTQ community. Avoiding assumptions about sexual orientation and gender identity, and using the individual’s preferred name or pronoun are some supportive actions students, faculty and staff can take in advocating Safe Zones for any LGBTQ member. The main thing to understand in becoming an ally, however, is knowing one will not always perfectly address situations with an LGBTQ student. When
a mistake is made, it was advised to accept feedback when given and apologize. Kei Mamiya, program coordinator for the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center and member of the Safe Zone Advisory Board, explained how training sessions such as the Safe Zone Workshop helped create more awareness of the LGBTQ community and create a support system at MSU. “I think people are more interested in those types of programs, and just supporting the community in general,” Mamiya said. “That’s something that I have seen since I started doing this because my intention is really to raise awareness and visibility of the programs and the community itself on campus.” Audrey Gunn, assistant professor and instruction and distance education librarian, stated the significance of the Safe Zone training on responding to LGBTQ needs on campus. “I think it’s important to do everything we can to support LGBT people on campus, and I want to be a good ally to them and do anything that I can as a representative of the library to produce an inclusive and welcoming space for our students,” Gunn said.
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CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE: Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore Thrift shop will be open Saturday, April 6, from 8-11 a.m. Located at 1632 Rockhill Road in Starkville. Bargains on furniture, appliances, building materials and more! LIFEGUARD The Memphis Country Club. Must provide a safe environment for members and guests, be current on certifications, professional, courteous, work well with others and possess keen eye for detail and
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good organizational skills. Resumes can be sent by email to bob@memphiscc. org. POOL MANAGER The Memphis Country Club is seeking qualified individuals to oversee pool operations for Summer 2019.Qualifications/ Requirements: Provide a safe environment for members and guests; two-three years in Head Lifeguard/Pool Mgt. with current certifications; some working knowledge of pump room equipment; experienced with keeping pool at proper chemical
level, following Health Department requirements; must be able to manage and schedule a staff of 12-15 individuals; professional, courteous, work well with others; keen eye for detail/ good organizational skills. Resumes can be sent by email to bob@memphiscc. org CLUB INFO The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday. The deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info.
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OPINION
Pride is so much more than just a parade DAKOTA IVY
is a senior majoring in English. Contact her at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu
This past week, Starkville celebrated Pride with a week full of events on campus, by holding viewings of different LGBTQ films, and in town, by having The Queer Arts Market held at Fire Station Park on Saturday. The pinnacle of Pride week, though, was Saturday’s Pride Parade. According to Cash Matlock of WCBI, there were hundreds of participants in the parade. As I walked in the parade, I was surrounded by people of all races, sexualities, shapes and sizes. I heard a stranger next to me look around at the crowd and tell her friend, “This is so invigorating!” That is when it hit me— Pride is so much more than a week of events and a parade. Pride is important because it shows a group of people, who often feel alone, they actually have an entire community supporting them. It is one week of the year in which
LGBTQ
members of the LGBTQ community can openly celebrate themselves while knowing there are others backing them. Often, members of the LGBTQ community face shame and judgment. It is easy for them to forget
there is a community of support behind them. New members sometimes fear what lies ahead after they “come out.” Pride is here to show them they can celebrate who they are and who they love. It gives a sense of security to so many
Rosalind Hutton
people who desperately need just that. Pride is also for those who have fought so long for the rights they have just recently attained. It was not until 2014 that the ban on same-sex marriage in Mississippi was deemed
unconstitutional. Pride is a time in which those who have been members of the LGBTQ for a while can celebrate and relish in their successes. Pride brings both the old and the new together. The week of events
created an opportunity for many LGBTQ members to meet new friends who have at least one thing in common—hearts full of love. Yes, there are protesters of Pride, and there always will be. These protestors also give LGBTQ members a chance to show their strength, love and respect. By witnessing a parade participant banging on a rainbow trashcan to drown out the voices of the protestors, and other participants throwing peace signs in the direction of the protestors, I saw a beautiful strength in the LGBTQ community. The community stood together and showed love in front of people who were showing none. Pride is, after all, a celebration of love. Last year’s Pride parade opened the door for the continuation of these events with more than 2,500 people celebrating the 2018 Pride Parade, according to Curtis M. Wong of The Huffington Post. Seeing Pride come to Starkville for the second year in a row, especially when it nearly did not happen last year, is heartwarming. It is important Starkville continues to show love and acceptance by hosting a Pride Week every year, and it cannot happen without the support of students and community members.
Trivia Time! 1. Which two countries are connected by the Karakoram Pass?
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2. What Korean martial art literally means “the way of the foot &
William Barclay
fist”?
“There are two great days in a person’s life - the day we are born and the day we discover why.”
3. In India, what is the most popular color choice for a bridal dress? 4. What element did Joseph Priestly discover in 1774? Source: trivia.fyi
Answer: 1. China & India 2. Taekwondo 3. Red 4. Oxygen
Abortion is a ‘crime against humanity’ MICHAEL BOURGEOIS
is a freshman majoring in English. Contact him at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State University was visited by the Consuming Fire Fellowship radical religious group last Friday, seeking to engage in an argument with any student or faculty member who would listen. As they picketed their signs across the Drill Field, the group preached a message that was antigay, regressive in its understanding of the roles of women and anti-abortion. I was given the opportunity to personally interact with several members of the church, specifically on the issue of abortion. While the Consuming Fire Fellowship spoke in an inflammatory and unproductive way, I confess to agreeing with their
overarching message and am unashamedly pro-life. I hope to separate the level-headed, pro-life proponent from the radical fringe on display and make an intelligent case, as opposed to an emotional one as to why abortion is wrong. Regardless of what some politicians may euphemize it to be, abortion is the legally sanctioned killing of an unborn child, proven not through a political or religious argument, but by an argument that is fundamentally scientific and biologically correct. Only two stances on the abortion issue are logically consistent when addressing when the procedure can take place. The two beliefs are abortion is always murder or abortion is legal until the baby is born. These are two views that can endure all the arguments from both sides and still remain logically sound. It seems ridiculous prochoice advocates believe, at some discrete point during the pregnancy, the fetus ceases to be a “cluster of cells” and becomes a human
child. The only real debate is whether human life begins at conception, or if human life begins at birth.
“In the natural
world, mothers of various species go to extraordinary
lengths to protect
their young–why
does the species with the most developed understanding of
morality consider its young disposable?”
A zygote is alive and, if left to its natural courses, with time, the zygote will become a baby. This is the natural order of life, and is scientifically observable. According to Dr. J.A DiPietro and his team
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the reality that a fetus is an unborn person as opposed to whatever justifies its killing, pro-choice people shift the focus of the argument away from the baby and put the focus on the mother herself. The self-proclaimed champions of reproductive rights defend abortion as a personal choice of women expressing control over their bodies. First, we have already established the woman’s body, and that of the fetus, are two independent people, but research suggests the woman is psychologically and physically affected by the abortion process. According to a study conducted by Dr. Abolghasem Pourreza and Dr. Aziz Batebi of the Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, “At least onethird of the respondents experienced psychological side effects,” including but not limited to, “depression, worrying about not being able to conceive again, and abnormal eating behavior.” In addition, Pourreza and Batebi claim many physical symptoms surface as a result of a woman getting
an abortion, such as “life threatening complications such as hemorrhage, fever, and infection.” This is the woman’s body responding to this unnatural process, proving abortion as a medical procedure goes against our nature as human beings. In the natural world, mothers of various species go to extraordinary lengths to protect their young— why does the species with the most developed understanding of morality consider its young disposable? Abortion is the denial of another person the opportunity to leave their mark on the world. Each child has the potential to be the next Albert Einstein or the next Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. To barter this potential for simple expediency is a crime against humanity, and diminishes us as a thinking and feeling species. When we choose convenience over life, we cheapen all human life as a whole, and we degrade the intrinsic worth inside all of us as people.
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of researchers at Johns Hopkins University. “In infants and children, patterns inherent in continuously monitored heart rate are frequently used indicators of the autonomic nervous system,” DiPietro said. In fetal development, a doctor can detect a heart rate around week six of the pregnancy. Even sooner, by weeks four and five, a doctor can observe the early formations of the eyes, ears and limbs of the baby. As early as week nine, early signs of brain development are present in the fetus. All of these changes are scientifically observable, posing the question, why is the birth of the baby intrinsic to his/her personhood? Some argue it is neurological and relates to the uniquely human trait of conciseness. This is incorrect according to DiPietro, who claims “developmentalists who study the fetus commonly assert that nothing neurologically interesting happens at birth.” So, confronted with
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Quanesha Richardson makes prom possible for Columbus girls TALLY DUKE STAFF WRITER
Quanesha Richardson, a senior fashion design and merchandising major at Mississippi State University, has made a mark on her community through her business, Rich Clothing. Founded in 2013, Rich Clothing helps girls, who cannot otherwise afford a dress, get the prom dress of their dreams. “Rich Clothing is my way of giving back to the community by helping girls that are less fortunate,” Richardson said. “I provide handmade prom dresses to ladies who might not have the chance of purchasing their own dresses.” Growing up around entrepreneurial minded parents, Richardson developed a passion for business. However, it was during her junior year of high school that her entrepreneurial spirit took flight. “I was in a program at my high school that was for the top 10 percent of my class,” Richardson said. “We took strictly collegebased courses, and one of
the courses was an art class. In the class I had to create a portfolio, so I had the idea of Rich Clothing, and I have since grown it into a business.” As a way to positively impact her high school and the young girls in her community, Richardson came up with her prom dress gentrification idea, along with the help of one of her professors. In fact, the first prom dress project for Rich Clothing was Richardson’s own prom dress. “I am an advocate for victims of bullying, and my goal is to lessen the pressure of girls who are struggling, by at least giving them an opportunity to attend prom,” Richardson said. Richardson’s goal with her business is to make girls feel special. She said she vividly remembers how important prom was to all the girls during high school, and understands this event can carry a lot of social pressure, especially on those who cannot afford to go all out for the event. “By providing girls with
their own unique dresses I can ease the societal pressure on high school age girls, and lessen the amount of bullying in their day-today lives,” Richardson said. Aaliyah Gibson, one of Richardson’s customers, said she looks up to Richardson like a big sister. “I met Nesha my senior year of high school after I lost my mom to cancer. Nesha made my prom dress for free, and she completely exceeded my expectations. It was elegant and simple, and she is super talented,” Gibson said. “Not only did Nesha design my dress, but she also gave me a complete makeover, and I am forever appreciative and thankful for what she has done for me.” Richardson’s mom, who recently passed away, was her number one supporter, and encouraged her to chase her entrepreneurial dreams. Richardson’s projects have strictly been in her home town, Columbus, Mississippi. “I do plan on branching out and reaching to other communities because I plan on moving after graduation,” Richardson
Quanesha Richardson|Courtesy Photo
said. “Since Rich Clothing is community based, the business moves with me.” Rich Clothing is strictly donation based. Using donated formal dresses, Richardson recreates the dresses into one-of-a-kind pieces to make its new owner feel glamorous on prom night. “I accept all kinds of
dresses, just drop them by my house, and I will take them free of charge,” Richardson said. Despite the pressure in today’s culture to be up to date on the latest TV show or active in local party scenes, Richardson’s main passion is fashion design. “I am not big into partying, social media or
TV, so I have a lot of time to focus on my craft, and push my creativity side,” Richardson said. Hubert Richardson, Quanesha Richardson’s father, is proud of what his daughter is doing to make a difference in the community. “My wife and I taught Quanesha to give back to the community,” Hubert Richardson said. “Quanesha feels for others, especially people struggling, because she experienced bullying during high school, which is what I think sparked her passion for becoming an advocate for bullying.” Alongside supporting underprivileged girls, Richardson hopes Rich Clothing can become a more mainstream fashion style. “The last thing I want is for someone to miss out on an opportunity of going to prom because they did not know about my business,” Richardson said. Keep up with Richardson’s latest outreach projects and programs on her Instagram account @ nesharich_.
This year’s International Fiesta showcases more countries on campus HANNAH BLANKENSHIP STAFF WRITER
Mississippi State University’s historic Drill Field will be filled with the vibrant sights and fragrant smells of cultures from all around the world this Saturday. MSU’s 29th annual International Fiesta will feature almost 50 different booths showcasing a variety of cultures through arts and crafts, decorations, homemade food, interactive activities for children and an exciting roster of cultural performances. The International Fiesta, sponsored by the Starkville World Neighbors Association and the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “International Fiesta is basically a place where not only student groups and people from the campus, but the community members will come to share their culture through different ways,” program coordinator Kei Mamiya said. David Houston, an MSU marketing senior, said the International Fiesta is
Starkville’s largest gathering of the international community. “This thing is a community event,” Houston said. “It’s not just students, so you’ll see a bunch of people out there. Probably the most international students and people in one place in Starkville.” Houston, who grew up in Honduras, said of all his years coming to the International Fiesta, he had not seen Honduras represented, and wanted to change that. He talked to several other Hondurans and Americans who wanted to help, and applied for a booth. The booth, called “Catracho Corner” after the slang word for Hondurans in Spanish, will showcase the Honduran culture through decorations and traditional Honduran dishes. A local Hispanic store will help provide the food, which is a great picture of the community participation and support in the event. Houston said the International Fiesta showcases a range of diversity many do not realize exists in Starkville.
Rosalind Hutton
“I’m excited because it shows that Starkville is diverse,” Houston said. “People outside of Starkville wouldn’t think that, and even people inside of Starkville wouldn’t think that, but that is proof that it is. It’s just a very welcoming and openminded atmosphere.” Mariam Khmaladze, a recent MSU graduate, will represent the Republic of
not catering to. The album shows off her eclectic style along with her unique pop/ electronic sound. Eilish’s relatability is what jumpstarted her rapidly growing fame. “Bad Guy” is the first track on the album, which features a catchy beat, edgy sound and a cynical ending, which is an Eilish signature. The lyrics “You say she’s scared of me? I mean, I don’t see what she sees, but maybe it’s ‘cause I’m wearing your cologne” will end up being seen in multiple tweets and social media captions in the weeks to come. “Bad Guy” is a song you can listen to by yourself if you are wanting to chill, listen to in the car on a road trip or even play at a party. A universal song like this strengthens Eilish’s pop star quality due to the versatility of the track. This is a song we did not know we needed, but now cannot live without. “Xanny,” the second track on her new album, is an important social message to her young listeners and fans.
irresponsible drug use and toxic dependencies on medications. This track tells her audience it is not cool to use drugs and to numb themselves because societal pressure. The chorus features a strong message: “I’m in their second-hand smoke, still just drinking canned Coke, I don’t need a Xanny to feel better, on designated drives home, only one who’s not stoned, don’t give me a Xanny, now or ever.” Her message is simple. She is the only one at a packed party who is not using drugs because she understands the negative effects of drug abuse. Using her large and ongrowing platform to spread a positive message makes Eilish even more lovable. The use of Coke in the chorus is a double meaning for cocaine, and by saying she is drinking canned Coke, or a CocaCola, Eilish establishes her role model credibility. She does this again through establishing herself as the designated driver. This
Georgia at the International Fiesta. “Not many people know what Georgia is,” Khmaladze said. “When I say I’m from Georgia, they say, ‘Wow your accent sounds different,’ and I say, ‘No, no, not that Georgia, there is a country called Georgia.’ I know it’s really tiny and small and not significant for the world, but for me, it means the world
because that is my home, so I really would like for people to be aware of my country.” The Georgian booth will have homemade food, decorations and a cardboard cutout of traditional Georgian clothing. Khmaladze will also perform a traditional Georgian dance on the stage. Mamiya said he is excited for the event because of his international roots. “Because I’m also from a different country, it’s really nice to see people excited about showcasing their culture to those who are not familiar with their culture,” Mamiya said. “They’re excited to wear their traditional clothes, and they want people to try their dishes, they want people to see their performances. I really like seeing people really excited about being who they are and bringing their cultures here.” Houston said the event is immensely beneficial for students because it is a way for them to open their minds to other people and ways of life without having to leave. “Students should attend because it’s always good to make your world bigger, and
this is a way to do it without having to leave where you live,” Houston said. “There’s always something beneficial about making your world a little bigger, and maybe making friends that believe different things than you, their culture is different. I always think it makes you a better person and makes your world better, and you’re able to understand people better.” Mamiya pointed out that a broader cultural understanding is beneficial for students’ success after graduation. “I think in this modern society, if students graduate from here you never know where they end up,” Mamiya said. “Maybe they start working somewhere that has much more diversity than here, or they might end up working in a different country. In addition to what they’re studying here, I think it’s important to open up their perspectives from different lenses and different backgrounds, so I really want students exposed to something different that they have never seen or experienced, so that they can think differently and think critically.”
The last track on the album, “Goodbye,” has multiple meanings. It features snippets of each song on her new album, “When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go,” which is Eilish’s way of ending
her album. The last track is also her way of saying goodbye to the pressure of creating her first full-length album. This album is a lot like a story, with an introduction track, 11 unique songs
touching on different themes, and a conclusion track, which summarizes each track on the album. This is an album the world will go crazy for, whether its listeners are a fan of hers or not.
Billie Eilish’s new album has taken over the indie-pop world
TALLY DUKE STAFF WRITER
Billie Eilish, a new age pop star, is a 17-year-old musical genius. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Eilish released her first single in 2016 with the help of her brother, producer and cowriter Finneas O’Connell. Eilish later released an EP including “Bored,” which was featured on the Netflix original series “13 Reasons Why.” Eilish released her first album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” last Friday. Hit singles such as “You Should See Me in a Crown” and “When the Party’s Over,” which were released in 2018, are included in the album. Known for her unique and quirky style, Eilish let her personality shine through in this album. “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” features 13 tracks and a 13 second album intro, “!!!!!!!” that shows off her sense of humor and her age. By opening her album saying, “I have taken out my Invisalign and this is the
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66-Sports SPORTS
THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2019 @SPORTSREFLECTOR
Fans enjoy baseball at the New Dude
MEGAN TERRY STAFF WRITER
In a land below the Mason Dixon line, football season is the time of year people of all ages look forward to. College football is the main attraction for fans covering the southeastern portion of the U.S.; however, there is a spot on the southern map where college baseball is coveted and the fan base does not fall short. The usual football fans ringing cowbells and tailgating at Mississippi State University find themselves heading to “The Dude” for spring baseball games under the warm southern sun. Last weekend’s series against Louisiana State University made it very clear how the long-lasting tradition of heading to Dudy Noble for a weekend ballgame lives on. Happy fans were seen everywhere, even though LSU lead MSU for the majority of Friday and Saturday. Owen Turcotte, from Philadelphia, Mississippi, wore his purple and gold LSU colors at Saturday’s game. He said he was enjoying seeing the LSU Tigers lead the MSU Bulldogs, and checking out the new Dude. “I’m an LSU Fan, but I will say the atmosphere at State is pretty awesome,” Turcott said. “They’ve got one of the best college baseball stadiums in America—it’s really neat.” Turcotte said he would follow the Tigers anywhere, but the stadium and feeling at Dudy Noble is one of the best college baseball atmospheres he has seen. Baseball at Dudy Noble is important to people—it resonates with them in a way that brings people together and keeps college baseball
Rosalind Hutton
attendance strong. Hayley Henderson, from Jackson, said MSU baseball is something that appeals to younger and older crowds. “I feel like with the new stadium, it gives people a chance to bring their kids and know that it’s a safe environment where they’re going to have fun and it’s a family event,” Henderson said. She explained the tickets are affordable and the facility is welcoming to students and families. This can be seen near the front entrance where inflatables and games are set up for kids. Collin Wilkins, from Mandeville, Louisiana, was at the series this past weekend and said he was impressed by the new stadium. He said he thought the barbecuing was his favorite part. “It kind of brings like a major-league vibe to it,” Wilkins said. “The atmosphere and the exposure that the players get—it opens up for the fans as well. It’s been a pretty awesome time.” At the game, LSU and MSU fans alike were barbecuing together and having a great time. Keith Ferguson, from Carrollton, said he has been a
lifelong fan. “Mississippi State baseball is the best. Look at the facilities, what else can you ask for?” Ferguson said. “Where else can you have barbecue in the outfield and all of the fan support? You can’t ask for anything better.” While walking through the crowd, many people said how important MSU baseball is to them and how it is a Bulldog family tradition to come support the Dawgs. The new stadium is a huge perk for fans, but the fans have been around before the $55 million dollar stadium reconstruction. People sat on the old seats, at the humble stadium in the hot southern summers and the freezing early spring rain. Senior Claire Kullman, from Jackson, said with each baseball season brings fun memories for students, families and alumni. She said this new stadium adds onto the memories. “I’m very excited, it’s been very fun so far. The new stadium has definitely lived up to it’s hype,” Kullman said. “I think we’ve been playing really great, which has also been super fun, so I’m excited to see what the rest of the season holds.”
Kelly Donoho| MSU Athletics
Anriel Howard goes up for a shot against Oregon on Sunday. MSU lost to Oregon in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA tournament, 88-84.
Bulldogs lose in Elite Eight HUNTER CLOUD SPORTS EDITOR
It was a frustrating, tough, painful Sunday for Mississippi State University women’s basketball as they fell 88-84 to Oregon University falling in the Elite Eight round just shy of a third straight final four appearance. Despite a bitter end to careers and a season, head coach Vic Schaefer said he was proud of how his team has shaped the culture of MSU and Starkville. “For us, my staff, that team in there is hurting. I am just really proud of them,” Schafer said. “I told them, they’ve impacted a community and a university unlike anything I’ve ever seen. We could all go through life and not have the opportunity nor the impact that these kids have had on a place like Mississippi State.” The loss ended the historic career of Teaira McCowan, senior forward
from Brenham, Texas, whose presence anchored an MSU team who had lost four starters. While she said she was sad about the loss she was still proud of where the team got. “A loss is a loss, you know. It doesn’t feel good,” McCowan said. “But I’m proud of my team, my coaching staff we got this far. We had a great season. Nothing to hang our heads on. Yeah, it hurts, but we’ll be okay.” For Anriel Howard, a graduate student from Atlanta, the loss meant her quest to win the national championship was cut short but she said she found comfort that she has won two conference championships with the team and the impact they had on the community in her time at State. “Just to be able to get a feeling of that with these group of girls and this coaching staff and the
community and the fans, all of that, is something that is indescribable,” Howard said. “It’s definitely a blessing. I’m just really grateful for the opportunity that the coaches gave me and the girls for welcoming me and the community, like I said. It’s just been awesome.” Schaefer said the team played as hard as they could but were still unable to beat Oregon losing to the ducks for the second straight time this season. Schaefer took the blame for his team as his quest for a national title came up short again. “I’m disappointed in myself that it didn’t happen for us,” Schaefer said. “I’ll go back, I’ll watch the film, and I’ll get better. I’ll learn. But these kids, they did everything they could do. I mean, I couldn’t be prouder of them. They fought their guts out today in a really difficult arena against a really good team.”
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Elijah MacNamee looks down at his helmet and the ground in front of first base. MSU has lost every series at home against LSU since 2003.
Diamond Dogs drop series to LSU
HUNTER CLOUD
SPORTS EDITOR
It was another series defeat against the Louisiana State University Tigers as Mississippi State University has failed to win a series at home against the Tigers since 2003. After an upbeat start on Thursday, things went downhill as MSU gave up 21 runs over two games. MSU lost 10-5 Friday and 11-2 Sunday. MSU’s head coach Chris Lemonis said LSU played well both offensively and defensively on Friday night, a game in which the Bulldogs were simply out played. “Tip your hat to LSU,” Lemonis said. “I thought they played really well. Defensively, they suffocated us. Their pitchers were really good, and they had some great at-bats. I didn’t think we played the game great tonight.” Frustration was the word Jordan Westburg used to describe the defeat on Friday; but Saturday’s loss was a completely different affair as the Bulldogs stranded nine
outfielder from Pearl, said the team is in a different spot than last year. “We just got beat. We just got embarrassed,” Mangum said. “A year ago, we were two and seven right now in conference, bottom of the chain in the SEC, and we fed off of that. Right now, we have the target on our back, and we are not handling that well.” There was not one individual aspect of the game Mangum could point to and say the team has to improve on. He said it was everything, from defending as they had three errors, pitching with the six walks, and offensively the team wasted 10 hits, only converting two runs. “This weekend we got embarrassed in two games, and we have to get back to work,” Mangum said. “We have to defend better, we have to throw more strikes and we have to hit better. In every aspect, we have to be better.” Any home series loss for a team is a tough thing to swallow, but Mangum said this one hurt more because of the pride they have in the M over
Mangum said. “Absolutely I’m surprised. That’s not what this program is. Mississippi State’s known for turning the most double plays in the country almost every year. I have to do a better job at communicating in the outfield.” In baseball, there are ups and downs, and it is not always an easy road. MSU went from winning two SEC series, to being embarrassed at home. However, a new week offers new chances to improve. MSU will have four chances to do so with a game against the University of Louisiana Monroe Wednesday, and then a series at the University of Tennessee this upcoming weekend. Lemonis said the locker room atmosphere was full of an angry team because they did not play well enough, and they will attack the week trying to prove they are better than their effort against LSU. “They’re pissed. We’ve got to get better,” Lemonis said. “We just have to get back to practice this week and get back to fundamental baseball. In our league, you’re not going to win them all
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