Cunningham brings Christian character to court Sports / 7
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FEBRUARY 22, 2013
Sports | 7
Reflector The
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM 125TH YEAR | ISSUE 38
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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
HCDC Modern Day Slavery weeks raise awareness BY CANDACE BARNETTE Copy Editor
COURTESY PHOTO | UNIVERSITY RELATIONS
Mississippi State University’s 1962-1963 men’s basketball team took a stand against racial discrimination in a semi-final tournament game.
ONE NIGHT IN MARCH
FILM SHOWING HONORS HISTORIC MSU TEAM BY HILLARY LAPLATNEY Staff Writer
A revised and updated version of “One Night in March,” a documentary film about Mississippi State University’s fight against racial discrimination in the early 1960s, will premiere at Hollywood Premier Cinemas tonight at 8:30 as part of the Magnolia Independent Film Festival. “One Night in March” tells the story of a historical semi-final basketball game in the 1963 NCAA tournament during which racial barriers were shattered by MSU and its opponent, Loyola. Robbie Coblentz, executive producer of “One Night in March,” opened up about the nature of college sports 50 years ago. “In those days, only conference champions and highly ranked independent teams were invited to the NCAA tournament,” Coblentz said. “Because of an unwritten rule (in Mississippi) that prohibited college sports teams from competing against integrated teams, State was forced to decline their NCAA bids.” After being required to decline bids in previous seasons, head basketball coach Babe
McCarthy and MSU president Dean Colvard decided to sneak the team out of Mississippi and to the NCAA tournament. The decision risked their careers and their lives. “One Night in March” gives a detailed account of MSU’s game against Loyola, as well as what the decision to play meant for African-American rights in the state of Mississippi. “It is an example of people in the state doing the right thing as far as race relations was concerned,” Coblentz said. “It is really a telling story about Mississippi State — the people’s university.” “One Night in March” first premiered in 2002, but it has been updated with never-before-seen footage, pictures and interviews. “The 50th anniversary of the game seemed like a great time to revisit, update and re-release the documentary,” Coblentz said. “Almost 70 percent of the updated film is new material.” Coblentz revealed some of the new footage will include the basketball team’s return to Starkville after the game as well as clips from the anniversary game held in Chicago in December of 2012. He called the 1963 game
against Loyola a “defining moment in MSU and Mississippi history.” Josey Brown, junior communication major said she agrees the documentary is a “great way” to bring attention to the racial battles fought in Mississippi at the time. “Sometimes it’s easy to forget how different times were back then,” Brown said. “I think it’s really incredible that MSU broke the rules and risked their lives for equality. It’s good that the film is coming out now, when current MSU students might not know about that game.” Tevin Fowler, a senior psychology major who saw the original version of the film, said he hopes for a good turnout tonight. “‘One Night in March’ is a great movie, and is one that everyone should watch,” Fowler said. “It shows the fight against the destructive results of racial discrimination, which was prevalent in Mississippi at the time.” Coblentz said he commended the authority figures at MSU for their bravery. “It took a courageous university president, a charismatic coach and a whole cast to defy the governor and legislature to play in that game,” Coblentz said. “It is a point of pride for everyone in the State family.”
The Talented One Hundred showcases talent, seeks to inspire student achievement BY QUENTIN SMITH Contributing Writer
The Men of Excellence organization at Mississippi State University will be hosting its second annual showcase “The Talented One Hundred” tonight at 7 p.m. in Dorman auditorium. The concept of tonight’s event is derived from the ideas and morals of W.E.B. DuBois’s essay entitled The Talented Tenth. Jonathan Peterson, junior economics major and vice president of Men of Excellence, said this event is to help inspire people to embrace themselves. “The purpose of ‘The Talented One Hundred’ is to inspire achievement and improve self-esteem chiefly among African-Ameri-
READER’S GUIDE
BAD DAWGS..............................2 OPINION ...............................3 CONTACT INFO.......................3 BULLETIN BOARD...................4
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We’re not born great; it’s the acts we carry out that make us great.” Kameron Deverteuil
cans but also other minorities and all other students on campus,” Peterson said. Additionally, the event will showcase exceptional talent from the student body. There will be several performing acts including Black Voices, Terpsichore, Starlight Dancers, spoken word and some individual acts. Assata Averett, junior educational psychology major, will perform a solo act and
CROSSWORD .................. ..... 4 CLASSIFIEDS...........................4 LIFE....................................5 SPORTS...................................8
POLICY
Twenty-seven million people, nine times the population of Mississippi, the number of people standing hand-in-hand to reach across the entire United States, is the number of slaves in the world desperate for a way out of bondage. The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center will hold a series of events titled Modern Day Slavery weeks from Feb. 26 to March 4 to bring awareness to the dangers of modern day human trafficking. Ra’Sheda Forbes, assistant director of the HCDC, said the center plans to increase understanding through a variety of methods, from performing arts, to visual arts, to an account from a trafficking survivor. “People don’t realize human trafficking is actually the third most profitable criminal activity. We want students and faculty and staff to be advocates for those who don’t have a voice to speak up for themselves, and we have to do that first by educating them,” Forbes said. “It’s kind of hard to be an advocate if you don’t understand the depth of what’s going on, so first we want to educate them about sex trafficking and where it takes place.” The HCDC will kick off Modern Day Slavery Weeks on Tuesday, Feb. 26 with a workshop titled “In Our Own Backyard,” which Roth said will educate students about just how close trafficking is to them. “We want to say that ignorance is blissful — and it is, not knowing, but we used to think trafficking meant bringing internationals into America. Within the last couple of years it’s made a shift because it’s cheaper to use our own children,” she said. “Now there’s kidnapping here so they don’t have to go through smuggling fees; Jackson, Miss., is a huge hub for human trafficking because there are so many highways going to major cities. Right now — most people don’t know — this is most slaves we’ve ever had in human history.” Susie Harvill, director of Advocates for Freedom in Biloxi, Miss., will lead the workshop by training students on the realities of slavery and how to spot human trafficking in Mississippi. “We will be speaking about human trafficking in the United States, but mostly in Mississippi. University students are some of the ones that can be lured and forced into a trafficking lifestyle, and human trafficking has become the second largest crime in America,” Harvill said. “This is affecting all of us in a huge way. Just like we can’t say we’re not affected by the drug industry, we are, every one of us, affected by human trafficking. This is the worst slavery for us to imagine.” “In Our Own Backyard” will be at 6 p.m. in Roger’s Auditorium in McCool 124. Feb. 26 will also mark the first day of the Human Trafficking Fair. The fair is a large collaborative effort with ARISE, Baptist Student Union, Burlaep, the Department of Counseling & Educational Psychology, IDEAL, Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education, Run to Rescue, Sigma Lambda Beta, Student Association, Threads of Hope and Wesley Foundation. These organizations will present facts and statistics about modern-day slavery, free-slave clothing and more. SEE SLAVERY, 2
said she is excited to be a part of the event. “I’m looking forward to being surrounded by other talented people and contributing to the event,” Averett said. The event features a raffle of “Beats by Dre.” Each raffle ticket costs $2. Kameron Deverteuil, junior accounting major, said he hopes people take home with them the knowledge of knowing they can achieve something great. “The most important thing is for them to know that just because we’re not the majority doesn’t mean we don’t have excellence (success),” he said. “We’re not born great; it’s the acts that we carry out that make us great.” General admission to the event is free.
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SLAVERY Katie Heckel, associate campus minister for Wesley, said she believes so many different people and organizations are coming together for these events due to a growing movement that has begun. “People are beginning to realize one person can make a difference and shine a light on slavery; their voice can be heard. One person tells another, and it becomes a rippling effect,” Heckel said. “I’ve even heard people say as more people shine a light, we might be able to end modern day slavery in our generation. The organizations are coming together now because more and more people are realizing what we can do and that we’re stronger as a body. The time is now.” The Human Trafficking Fair will be on the Drill Field from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 26, Feb. 28 and March 4. Heckel said Wesley will also hold a concert the night of Feb. 26 to benefit the International Justice Mission, which rescues victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and violent injustice. “We’re having an R&B artist named K.B. coming to Wesley for a concert that starts at 8 p.m. We’ll have a table with facts and info about human trafficking during that concert, and we’ll have a packet where people can write a letter to the senators and representatives in
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continued from 1 Mississippi,” she said. “We’re campus will be able to relate. “She (McKenzie) just kind hoping hundreds will flood our representatives with our of got involved in one of those concern to speak for those who make-money-quick schemes and was blackmailed,” Roth have no voice.” Thursday, Feb. 28 will also said. “She was a track athlete be a day the HCDC examines in college; she wasn’t a stupid modern-day slavery in con- girl. I want people’s eyes to be junction with Black History opened around us.” According to McKenzie’s Month. Roth said speakers said the online bio from the Survivors number of slaves is now at an of Slavery organization, she speaks out all-time high, to help other and speakers We’re hoping girls across will look at hundreds will flood the country these facts at 6 p.m. in the our representatives from sharing horrible Taylor Auwith our concern to her experiences as ditorium in speak for those who a sex slave. 124 McCool “Shamere Hall. have no voice.” tells the inOn March 4 Katie Heckel, spiring story at 5 p.m., the of a woman HCDC will associate campus hold “Live at minister for Wesley who was able to survive a 5 – A Right fate that is all to Torture Girls” in McCool Hall room too prevalent in the U.S. But 128, examining incidents of she knows that thousands of female circumcision around other girls are still enslaved by tricky pimps,” the biography the world. Immediately following that reads. “And she also knows presentation, the HCDC will that many vulnerable young bring in Shamere McKenzie, girls who are seeking a little bit a survivor of human traffick- of help or a little bit of love are ing, for a presentation titled just a flirtation away from the “Modern Day Slave: Survivor’s same harrowing experience she had.” Account.” McKenzie will speak at the McKenzie was a college student when she first experi- Colvard Student Union Foster enced trafficking, in a situation Ballroom at 6 p.m. Wesley will hold another conto which Roth said she believes many other college students on cert the night of March 4 with
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a folk pop group named Jenny and Tyler performing in the Taylor Auditorium of McCool Hall at 7 p.m. Tickets for the concert are $5, and every $2 of the price will go toward IJM. Then, from March 6 at 3 p.m. to March 7 at 6 p.m., the HCDC will hold an event called Stand for Freedom. Along with other students across the U.S., MSU will stand for 27 hours in honor of the current 27 million slaves in the world, in an effort to raise $2,700. Roth said the profits will benefit the FreedomMaker campaign to raise support for IJM. “In the past 15 years, they have helped to free thousands of children, women and men across Africa, Asia and Latin America,” she said. “IJM helps survivors of violence receive the healing and restoration they need to rebuild their lives and works with local governments to help protect the poor. Together we can make a huge difference in the world.” The last event will be Run to Rescue, a 5k and optional fun run on March 7. Roth said the race is to help increase awareness for local human trafficking and raise money for IJM through race registrations and donations. Run to Rescue will begin at 6 p.m. Anyone can register at runtorescue.org.
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Monday, February 18 • 11:34 a.m. A student was arrested for driving without a license on George Perry Street. A student referral was issued. • 3:31 p.m. An employee reported items missing while doing inventory at the chemistry department. • 4:42 p.m. A student reported a disturbance at Allen Hall. • 7:38 p.m. A resident adviser reported suspicious incidents in a room in Ruby Hall. • 8:17 p.m. A student backed into a light pole in Magnolia Hall parking lot. • 9:19 p.m. A student reported receiving threatening emails from another student.
Tuesday, February 19 • 7:58 a.m. An employee reported her hubcap missing from her vehicle while parked at Etheredge Hall. • 8:31 a.m. An employee reported items lost while doing inventory in ITS hardware trailers. • 2:02 p.m. A student reported her keys missing from an unknown location. • 5:20 p.m. An employee reported her vehicle was hit while parked in McArthur Hall parking lot. • 10:28 p.m. A student reported his headphones stolen from the Sanderson Center.
Citations:
• 2 citations were issued for speeding. • 1 citation was issued for an expired tag. • 1 citation was issued for obstructing a roadway.
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OPINION
FRIDAY , FEBRUARY 22, 2013
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3
the voice of MSU students
CONTRIBUTING WRITER | ANNA WOLFE
DARK ANGEL | KIMBERLY MURRIEL
Post-racial society unachieveable
Black women poorly presented in media
T
hree weekends ago, just overcome many obstacles, and before the start of Black I say “we” because it has been a History Month, I traveled conscious effort of people of all with three friends of mine to their races and will continue to be. But hometown, Columbus, Miss. On our society as a whole remains our way, they repeatedly asked if resistant. Laws can be made to protect I was afraid, and even wondering if I was nervous to meet their the rights of blacks. Our legislation is continually altered. What mother. I am white. I grew up in Taco- we really need to focus on is our ma, Wash., and have experienced attitudes regarding race. The imthe cultural differences of the provement of the beliefs and beSouth only since having moved haviors of our nation’s people will here in the fall. My friends are make lasting change. Last week a story aired on black. I replied, “No, why would I be afraid?” But they just shot a CNN about a drunk man on a plane who called a 2-year-old the look at each other, smiling. When we arrived, we walked n-word and slapped him, leaving inside where one of my friends a scratch below his eye. The CNN reporter, Carol greeted her mother saying, “As part of Black History Month, I Costello, asked guest speakers brought my white friend home!” on her show if this incident was an example I laughed Our experience of and of racism. To along with everyone else in relationships with people me it was, and at least the room… who are different than shows attiBut deep down I ached. us cover our blind spots tudes regardThis encounand cause us to change ing race may lay dormant ter would our beliefs and attitudes until a stressnot have simor – such as ilarly taken about people.” alcohol, a place where I’m from. I felt homesick. The slow economy or a challenge to fact this household did not host one’s norms – reveals the true unmany people of my race was ap- derlying world view. One guest parent. As I reflect on the purpose responded by saying this incident of Black History Month, I realize can be chalked up to growing the misconceptions of how far we pains that our nation is going to have come as a nation regarding experience as we move towards a race, especially considering the post-racial society. I don’t know if I like this term, post-racial. It attitudes still held in the South. Those who believe we live in sort of implies to me that race a color-blind society, which may won’t matter, when it absolutely be more prevalent in the area does and always will. The phrase I’m from, are simply misguided “post-racial society” sounds like and will be apathetic about ra- a cry of denial – a title used to cial discrimination due to their ignore current racial issues and ignorance. We have certainly pretend they do not exist.
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People who use this term must believe the Civil Rights Movement was an event that took place in the ‘50s and ‘60s and not what it really is: an ongoing struggle for African-Americans in present day. There are statistics to prove that blacks are categorically discriminated against based on their skin color. Radicalized systems have been built which keep people static within our social construct relating to wealth and success. But there is hope through education. It is the responsibility of everyone, of every race, to educate and become educated, in order to have an institutional and structural analysis for race. We must also evaluate our assumptions and experiences to avoid pre-judging. In the end, our experience of and relationships with people who are different than us uncover our blind spots and cause us to change our beliefs and attitudes about people. We become better, wiser, less judgmental and more compassionate when we allow this to happen. White people are often uncomfortable discussing racial issues, accepting our inherited privilege, believing discrimination exists and getting involved in the conversation. Since the progress toward racial equality requires everyone’s effort, it is our responsibility to become allies in this movement. So, will we have a post-racial society someday? I don’t know if that’s reasonable. All I really hope for America is that we get to a place where we appreciate every race, making a post-prejudicial society our goal and cultivating better people in the process.
I
n honor of Black History limited roles black women Month, I would like to appear in on television. For example, in mainstream address an issue that is all too obvious (at least to me) media, the lead character on but not often talked about: popular TV shows is almost the lack of black women in always white. Have you ever seen a black mainstream media. Of course, black women as woman star in “Sex and the well as black men have come City” or shows like “Smalla long way and have made ville,” “Charmed” and “Sutremendous strides since the pernatural?” Sure, a black woman may civil rights movement, but there is still a lot more to be pop up occasionally from done especially concerning time to time. But I can almost guarantee the media. Sure, you see black women she will be cast as a side character and get on TV, but very little face how often The media and our time or if by are they seen in society in general needs some (very) small chance networks to start recognizing she has a other than black women as diverse s i g n i f i c a n t BET as hyrole in the per-sexualindividuals instead of episode, she ized video lumping us all into one won’t be back vixens or for a very cast in ste(or two) categories.” long time or reotypical roles such as “the mammie,” that role will be a one-time overly religious individuals, occurrence. It’s the same problem within jealous, conniving and catty women in reality shows the film industry. Other than Tyler Perry films, (“Love and Hip Hop,” “Basketball Wives,” “The Real black women in few movies House Wives of Atlanta,” that are not sponsored by black networks or black maetc.) Of course, the worst but all jor film studios, have very littoo common role: “the angry, tle acting options. I won’t even get started on bitter black woman.” Now before people start how often black characters hurling fireballs at me, let die or get killed in mainme say I have nothing against stream movies or television these shows, BET or hip-hop shows (cough, “The Walking Dead,” cough). music or videos. Furthermore, this issue isn’t After all, if it weren’t for BET, I’m pretty sure blacks limited to television or films. The problem of the lack would not have even apof black women appears in peared on television. I am very bothered by the magazines and books, as well.
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KIMBERLY MURRIEL Kimberly Murriel is a senior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. Magazines like “Cosmopolitan,” “Glamour,” “Vanity” and “Vogue” feature very few black women on their covers and black people are hardly in books not written by black authors. I’m not writing this article to be pessimistic or spark anger or negativity. I simply want to bring this issue to light, and hopefully this article will get people talking and eventually take action to solve it. Our country is well-known for its diversity. Unfortunately, our media hasn’t done a very good job of reflecting that diversity. The media and our society in general needs to start recognizing black women as diverse individuals instead of lumping us all into one (or two) categories. America is the land of opportunity, freedom and equality. But we can only achieve true equality when everyone’s voice is heard and everyone is seen and represented. Okay, the angry black woman has finished ranting for now.
ONE LITTLE SPARK | WHITNEY KNIGHT
Mississippi finally ratifies 13th Amendment after paperwork error
T
he state of Mississippi has given us the greatest Black History Month gift of all: it has finally ratified the 13th Amendment, officially outlawing slavery. If you’re thinking, “Didn’t we do this horribly embarrassing late-to-the-party thing already?” You’re right. Back in 1995, when most of us students were excited about the theatrical releases of “Toy Story” and “Jumanji,” the Mississippi State Legislature was excited about finally ratifying Lincoln’s crowning joy. Apparently something went wrong with the paperwork back then, because the National Archives never got wind of the feat. (Seeing as how National Archivist David Ferrario was
just here at Mississippi State After all, the state ratified last year, one would think the amendment 18 years ago, someone might have taken and only a paperwork error him aside and gotten that brought this headline. sorted out in true Southern But considering that even fashion, but, back in 1995, I can’t help but feel Mississippi was alas, that was not the maybe we deserve a well in last place case.) And at this whole bit of ridicule for the outlawing slavwith that oversight, prejudice of our past ery and treating nearly two and the slow action all people like more depeople thing, I of our present.” cades went can’t help but by before feel maybe we anyone nodeserve a bit of ticed our great state still had ridicule for the prejudice of yet to officially ratify the 13th our past and the slow action Amendment. of our present. As a Mississippian, my imIf nothing else good comes mediate reaction is to be an- out of this whole debacle, it’s gry at all the press this story cool that so many newspapers is getting in newspapers from around the world are quoting Los Angeles to London. our very own Clarion-Ledger.
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The
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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.
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The story of how the oversight came to be known to state lawmakers is especially heartwarming to the average Spielberg-enthused academic. This time around, Mississippi’s official ratification of the 13th Amendment all began with a Jackson movie theater and a bored professor. Last November, Ranjan Batra, associate professor of neurobiology and anatomical sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, went to see Steven Spielberg’s film “Lincoln,” which follows said president through the creation of the 13th Amendment. The film shows the amendment being ratified by threefourths of the states at the time.
Batra became curious about what happened next, and, like the rest of us, went to the Internet to find out. His research rewarded him with the information of which we are now all aware, that Mississippi had never notified the U.S. Archivist that it had ratified the amendment. Struck by the information, Batra mentioned it to coworker Ken Sullivan the next day. Sullivan informed Secretary of State Delbert Hoseman, and the rest is history. It’s amazing what can (finally) get done from the simple act of watching a movie. At the end of the day, the story of Mississippi’s belated ratification is not an embarrassment. It is a symbol of how
WHITNEY KNIGHT Whitney Knight is a junior majoring in English education. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu. democracy should work. Big-budget Oscar-nominated films sparking the interest of a nation, hard-working citizens educating themselves on issues outside their fields of study, lawmakers paying attention to their constituents: What is more American than that?
THE WORD ON JOHNSON STREET | MATT TAYLOR
Americans still face civil inequalities
T
he civil rights movement was a trying time for our country. During the turbulent decades from the ‘50s through the ‘80s (with some aftershock, of course) our country went through sociological changes involving sex, religion and race. Although my time on this earth allows me to only speak from secondary evidence on this movement, I have no doubt in my heart we, as Americans, recognized the hand dealt to us. And much like Andy Dufresne, we came out on the other side covered in the muck of injustice but breathing the free, equal air that was meant for our country. My tears go with those who suffered the misfortunes and atrocities during and before these times, but these tears of empathy are replaced with tears of pride for my nation. The feminist movement has seen much success recently but still faces hardships, as females are forced with work place discrimination. If the twice election of Barack Obama (or the release of “Django”) hasn’t shown the tremendous strides we have made on the racial front, I don’t know what further evidence is needed to show success. However, racism still lives in pockets of this country. Even
with these successes, the civil rights train hasn’t stopped; it is a continuous movement in our country that makes stops at race and sex, but its destination is undetermined by the present and fueled by new frontiers. The frontier we face now is one of orientation. Although the LGBT Social Movement (known informally as Gay Rights) has been on public scene since the ‘70s, there are still injustices and discriminations in our country and, more importantly, our minds and morals toward gays. In a time when we can send rovers to Mars, contemplate mining asteroids for raw materials, and spend billions on a 10-year goal to map the human brain, I find it hard to believe there are many places in our country where freedom is still stifled and two people who are inextricably in love cannot be together by law. Just as individuals’ rights and laws should be equitable, so should it between couples. Thankfully there have been recent health care initiatives to equalize these differences. Notice that this is law we are talking about; that is only the first hurdle. Law is a small first hurdle compared to the societal ones that the oppressed must
overcome to gain respect. It is hard enough as it takes years of effort, suffering and massive amounts of positive influence to sway a vote. However, just because there is a law does not mean the job is done. The 13th Amendment was passed in 1865, but equality of race didn’t take off until a century later. The next change comes in the minds of everyday humans. We have to change the way we see people if our way is skewed. Even though adoption is legal for same sex-couples, it is no doubt much harder for them to be approved. This shows that even though one thing is legal it isn’t yet equal. Some of my great friends are of another orientation and the only thing I can say of them is they are just as human, just as perfect and just as flawed as I am. I care for them the same way as I would any other person I would come in contact. I’m sad that I know people who don’t see all of our different shades as coming from the same source. I am not advocating you seek out the nearest Gay-Straight Alliance but that you see the good in someone before you see the perceivably bad. Before I leave this article I want you to ask yourself this,
MATT TAYLOR Matt Taylor is a junior majoring in mechanical engineering. He can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu. “What is it about the way North Korea operates as a country that makes me uncomfortable?” I don’t doubt that civil injustice and oppression are going to answer this. That is because you are American and within all of us (I wish it were the world but that is simply not the case) is an indelible truth of equality. It is what makes us American. That is a huge tenet our county was founded on and even written in our Declaration of Independence. We must continue to foster this sense of equality with those we encounter and influence in our lives through our actions. As the racial civil rights movement testified that you cannot stop an idea from changing the world, we must take the same approach to our current issues and push for further equality.
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p.m. Thursday; deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by email to club_info@reflector.msstate. edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed at The Reflector office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number and requested run dates must be included for club info to appear in The Reflector. All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability. MSU CATHOLIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION The MSU Catholic Student Association invites you to join us for Sunday mass at 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 607 University Drive. All are welcome to $2 Tuesday night dinner at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/msstatecsa THE WESLEY FOUNDATION Insight Bible study and worship Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Wesley Foundation Worship Center, East Lee Boulevard, next to Campus Bookmart. MSU STUDENT CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MICROBIOLOGY Contact msuasm@yahoo.com or like us on Facebook, “MSU ASM,” for membership information. YOGA MOVES CLUB School or work stressing you out? Get moving into Yoga Moves! Try our moves to get into shape and our relaxation techniques to handle the stress. Yoga Moves meets at the Sanderson Center in Studio C, Thursday evenings 5 to 6:30. Like Yoga Moves Club-MSU on Facebook. STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS SSC meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. in McCool Room 212. Come and meet really
Solutions for 2-19-13
cool people who all share interests in saving the environment. Don’t forget to opt-in for the Green Fund. SOCIOLOGICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION The Sociological Student Association is based in the Department of Sociology. Undergraduates of all degrees are welcome. Meetings are held the last Thursday of every month in Bowen Hall Room 250 at 5 p.m. MANIFESTING GLORY Manifesting Glory is currently looking for musicians on a temporary or permanent basis. All who are interested, please call 518.1456. PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION CLUB Are you interested in talking about the deeper questions of life? If so, come and join us on Thursdays at 5 p.m. in Union Room 227. Email msu. philosophyandreligion.club@gmail.com. HOLMES CULTURAL DIVERSITY CENTER Susie Harvill “In Our Own Backyard” Tues., Feb. 26, McCool 100, 6 p.m. She is the director of Advocates for Freedom, which is located in Biloxi, Miss., and will be doing a training on human trafficking in Mississippi. HOLMES CULTURAL DIVERSITY CENTER Human Trafficking Fair will feature different student organizations that will have facts and statistics about Modern Day Slavery, free-slave clothing and more. Feb. 26, Feb. 28 and March 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Drill Field. HOLMES CULTURAL DIVERSITY CENTER A 5K run and an optional one-mile run to help raise awareness about human trafficking in the community and surrounding areas. Money will be raised via race registrations and donations. Register at runtorescue.org.
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Life & Entertainment
friday , february 22, 2013
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After a car accident on March 21, 2012 and the death of a close friend earlier in August, Mississippi State University students Erisse Peterson and Ariel Terrell realized they had a purpose. As artistic beings, the two friends understood that, at any day, their talent could be wasted. “We were freshmen. We weren’t the best students. We were a bit unfocused. We had lost a friend that August. It was a lot building up to that date. We want to show that after two years from that day, where we are now in comparison to where we were,” Terrell, a sophomore communication major, said. zack orsborn | the reflector
Within those two years, Peterson and Terrell said they hope to premiere a feature documentary and web series titled “Dark Horse,” showcasing young Mississippi artistic talent, on March 21, 2014. After uploading a teaser featuring selected Mississippian artists on YouTube on Nov. 14, 2012, the trailer gained attention with almost 2,000 hits and from major producer, Sam Haskell, Jr. After picking up the project, he now serves as the executive producer and director of photography while Peterson and Terrell serve as director and producer. Peterson, a sophomore philosophy major, said her interactions with friends from a hip-hop collective called TFG inspired her to tell the stories of artists in Mississippi who were simultaneously pursuing a college degree as well as their dreams and ambitions. “By following TFG, it kind of spawned into something else that grew into ‘Why not open this up to the whole state?’ Because I’m sure there are plenty of people in the same position of TFG that want to be recognized for their art,” Peterson said. “And I know how hard it is to be recognized in Mississippi.” Peterson said she wants to give young artists an avenue and a way of showcasing their talents as well as changing people’s negative perception about art in Mississippi. “A lot of people think that we are still behind. And we want to change people’s view and show people that you don’t have to live in L.A. or New York to be talented or to have talent. That exists here in small towns,” Peterson said. In comparison to the past, Terrell said she feels art in the South is currently ignored. She said art becomes a pastime instead of a passion. “We are so based in agriculture and trying to advance to catch up with everybody else industrially that art kinda gets pushed to the side so much. Art is in everything — in architecture, to being a speaker,” she said. Because of the conservative viewpoints often held by Mississippian natives, Terrell said art is not as treasured as other professions. Once shy, Terrell did not speak as much until she gained confidence through theatre. “Art shouldn’t be ignored because to catch up in communications, you have to
know how to speak. The lifestyle you are thought to have isn’t so good. It isn’t so promising in the future, so that’s why we might think of it more conservatively,” she said. “Like you might need to go into nursing, and you can sing in the church choir. Or, you know, you need to go be a lawyer instead of an architect.” Peterson said because there isn’t much in Mississippi, artists are more driven to focus on art as a pastime. She said art provides an escape. “It makes (artists) feel like they are being involved in something much bigger than their current situation,” she said. “Art in general does that for a lot of people no matter where you are. It can take you into a whole different world and a whole different mindset.” Launching the documentary in Mississippi, the friends said they hope to expand the film to other states, but for now, Missis-
sippi remains their primary focus. “We want to start ‘Dark Horse’ in Mississippi because Mississippi is one of the, by far, most ignored states, artwise. Through the success that we plan to gain in Mississippi, we want to go to these other ignored states like Wyoming and Idaho,” Peterson said. “Or Alaska!” said Terrell, laughing. “But we want Mississippi to be that home base with where we are starting and where we are going to take off from.” see DARK HORSE, 6
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Life & Entertainment
6 | friday , february 22, 2013
DARK HORSE
THE REFLECTOR
continued from 5
Peterson said she wants to change people’s negative perceptions of Mississippi and the artistic community held in Mississippi. Originally from California, Peterson said she was scared to move to Mississippi because of her perceptions that the state was still stuck in “1930s” way of thinking. “I was just completely nervous. But when I got here, and I got to school and started meeting all these people, I grew to love Mississippi as a state. I grew to appreciate it. I want to give people that same awakening that I had,” she said. “All of my family back in California, they think it’s crazy that I live here. But I want them to see, no, there’s more to Mississippi. There is so much potential and so much talent.” As a native from Arizona, Terrell noticed the hospitality when she moved to Mississippi at the age of seven. Terrell saw people waving at her, leading her to ask her mother, “Do we know them?” She said one of her favorite cultural aspects of Mississippi involves the traditions still around today. “I didn’t say ‘yes ma’am’ and ‘no ma’am’ and stuff like that before I moved here. My mama is from New Orleans, so she grew up off of that, but I didn’t because I was born in
Arizona. Those traditions that stand strong, and that aspect of ‘respect yourself, respect others and make sure your family is respected,’” she said. “Those disciplines and those qualities that are instilled in Mississippi are the most beautiful thing.” Artwise, Peterson said, the South produces art that possesses a certain quality that differs from art on the West Coast. “There is a certain je ne sais quoi about the art and artistic style down here that you can really differentiate from other types of art. I noticed that just going to the Mississippi School of Arts with the different people that we met and the different artists that we were around on a daily basis, it was easier to become more aware in a sense. I love that. I think southern artists are beautiful, and they need to be recognized,” she said. “There are a lot of southern artists that play a huge part in art as a whole, but a lot of people don’t know that. We just kind of want to wake the world up to that.” After a statewide hunt for talent, Peterson and Terrell said they have physically met with some artists but still accept submissions via email. Currently, the two are in the process of screening and casting Mississippian artists between the ages of 16 and 25 who are actively pur-
suing an artistic career. Terrell said meeting new artAs with most colossal creative ists has been the greatest experiendeavors, funding the project ence so far. became a problem because as “It’s great hearing new artists’ broke college students, Peterson stories and hearing why they do said producing the film without it, how they do it and where they funds becomes a major issue. want to go with it,” she said. “At a point, we thought we Relating to the artists has been would have to put this off until one of Peterson’s favorite experiwe could find grants or jobs to ences. help us pay for things like cam“The sense of reciprocity there and also eras, transportation I think southern artists are thinking about opporand lodging. beautiful, and they need to the Because that’s be recognized. There are a tunities that a lot of monlot of southern artists that can come of ‘Dark Horse’ ey,” she said. play a huge part in art as a and hearing “We were whole, but a lot of people people’s stothinking don’t know that. We just ries and being, about post‘Well, that poning it unkind of want to wake the was just like til something world up to that.” greater came my story,’ and - Erisse Peterson, along. That being able to co-director of “Dark Horse” relate to these happened. The minute artists and we had those doubts, Sam Has- thinking about the possibilities kell, Jr., kind of comes out of of what could happen once this nowhere.” project is brought to life is pos“Yeah, this Popeyes check was sibly the most exciting aspect to not going to cover everything,” everything. Like, whenever we Terrell said, laughing. talk about it, we get excited,” PeSam Haskell, Jr., son of hit terson said laughing while Terrell producer Sam Haskell from grinned. “It’s being able to relate Amory, Miss., gives the two to everything we’ve heard at this creative control over the filming point and seeing how positive process. this can be for people.” “He’s letting us keep ‘Dark Jared “Pell” Pellerin, junior Horse’ as ‘Dark Horse,’” Terrell undeclared major and hip-hop artist, participated in the docsaid.
“
umentary. After Hurricane Katrina, he moved to Mississippi. He said he was not a big fan of the state at first, but the hospitality changed his mind. Like Terrell and Peterson, Pellerin, another artist featured in “Dark Horse,” said art is viewed in the South as a hobby and not as a means of living. “Without a mainstream market, we won’t be able to keep our ships sailing,” he said. “But there is hope for the stigma of art being less of a career when the people put on shows such as Super Bulldog Weekend, and any other festivals hosted around the state.” Pellerin said Peterson and Terrell have worked hard to ensure “Dark Horse” respects the art while pushing people to get to know the actual artist. “I also feel as though there are people who will see this and become inspired to follow whatever passions they hold dear,” he said. With his masterful mash-ups heard all around Starkville and a Red Bull Thre3style University competition under his belt, Philip Vanderleest (DJ GLOTron), alumnus of MSU, participated in the documentary after being interviewed and filmed for the “Dark Horse” trailer. He said people look to Mississippi in respect of musical background and
the documentary should have some impact. “So taking that and pushing it into what it is today should spark something. Somebody is going to love it. If anything, it’s just a testament to be like, ‘This is who we are. This is what we are doing. Like it. Love it. Hate it. Respect it,’” he said. Dedicated to their friend they lost in August of 2011, Jeffrey “Pooh” Jenkins, the project serves as a reminder to all who loved Jenkins to keep pursuing what they love: art. “He was actually a rap artist himself,” said Terrell. “I won’t say he wasn’t taken before his time, because when it’s your time, it’s your time. But he was on his way up. We don’t want his work and all the other effort he put into it that we saw, and let it go to waste.” Peterson said Jenkins’s death affected a lot of people and made them fall out of love with music and art. Through “Dark Horse,” she wants to give extra momentum and motivation to those talented artists. “When something unfortunate like that happens, you start to lose that drive, and you start questioning a lot around you. You start having your own doubts,” she said. “We want to uplift everyone’s spirits and give them the push that they need.”
OUTSTANDING HUMAN BEING:
Dr. Stephen Middleton By Eric irBy
Contributing Writer
zack orsborn | the reflector
Stephen Middleton serves as the director of African-American studies.
Stephen Middleton, history professor and director of African-American studies, exemplifies the definition of the black American dream. Middleton grew up in a small rural community outside Charleston, S.C. He said he had a very agrarian upbringing. “We did a lot of farming. I picked cotton,” Middleton said with a smile. “I plowed with a mule, not a tractor. It was really a farming way of living.” Middleton later went to Morris College, graduated Cum Laude with his Bachelor of Arts in history in 1976 and a year after received his Master of Arts from Ohio State University in black studies with a concentration in African-American history. He attended New York University Law School for a time, before receiving his Ph.D. from Miami University. “I went to college thinking that I’d graduate and pursue a formal training in practicing law. I went in to become a civil rights attorney,” Middleton said. “I wanted to join the movement for racial justice. In college I met a historian, and I began to focus more on history, and in graduate school I began to focus more on Afri-
can-American history, and while working on my doctorate degree I discovered I could do history and law, and that’s what I do today.” Like many professors on Mississippi State University’s campus, Middleton has published numerous articles, as well as books focused on race and law like “The Black Laws: Race and Legal Process in Early Ohio 1787-1860” and “The Black Laws in the Old Northwest: A Documentary History.” He is currently researching Judge Robert Heberton Terrell, the first African-American to be appointed to a judicial office by a United States president. “African-American studies is important because someone has to take a look at the experiences of African-Americans and the experience of Africans and how their experiences are intertwined with the larger American experience,” Middleton said thoughtfully. “We don’t just get this by osmosis. We know this because we’ve been taught this, and it not only enriches the lives of black people, but it enriches the lives of everyone.” Middleton said everyone around the world can be touched and inspired by the history of black history and black culture. Last week, Mississippi finally ratified the 13th amendment, which abolishes slavery, after 148 years. Middleton said he did not find it odd that Mississippi was so belated in the ruling. “A friend of mine emailed me recently and mentioned that Mississippi had just passed the 13th Amendment, and she said it in such a surprising way,” Middleton said with a chuckle. “And I replied that we are late bloomers.” Middleton said the African-American experience should be seen as inspirational. “There’s a power in culture of African-American and African people. We don’t fully claim this, but anyone who looks at the African experience should be inspired,” Middleton said. “Enslaved, subjugated, violated, every abuse you can think of happened to black people for more than 100 years; but yet, that same group of individuals, lawyers, writers, poets, athletics, all black people. How inspiring is that? It’s a mindset. It’s not saying ‘I can’t,’ no, it’s about saying ‘I can.’”
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SPORTS
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friday , february 22, 2013
Cunningham keeps faith on court By Brittany young Staff Writer
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and “With God all things are possible,” are two Bible scriptures Tyson Cunningham rests on when it comes to basketball. Cunningham started his college journey on a band scholarship as a member of Mississippi State University’s Famous Maroon Band. Although he was not recruited to play basketball for State, he said his heart led him to do whatever it took to be a part of the team. He worked out at the Sanderson Center, lifted weights, played pick-up basketball and constantly tried to contact former head coach, Rick Stansbury. As a freshman, Cunningham was even a member of the Lady Bulldog scout team. Once Cunningham finally reached Stansbury, the coach told him he would have to wait because there were not any open positions. However, the optimistic Cunningham was not discouraged. He said he believed he would make the team and God would open that door for him. “I had a dream that I had actually made the team, and I was running down the court and gave Coach Stansbury a high-five,” Cunningham said. Cunningham continued to work hard, and his dream would soon become a reality when Stansbury gave him the opportunity to practice with the team during the summer of 2011 as the Bulldogs prepared for a tournament in Europe. After practicing with the team for two weeks, Cunningham was officially a Bulldog.
“Coach told me I could hang up my band shoes because I had made the team. I was like ‘Wow!’” Cunningham said. “After that day, I was excited and grateful that God opened the door for me.” Although Cunningham started as a walk-on, he was granted a scholarship during the spring semester of his sophomore year. A few months later, Stansbury resigned and Rick Ray became the head coach. Again, Cunningham had to start from scratch because he lost his scholarship due to a full roster. Cunningham kept his faith and worked harder on the court and in the classroom. Once again, he was granted a full scholarship during the spring of 2013. “I felt I worked pretty hard to gain the first scholarship and then to lose it, I felt I had to work much harder. Once I gained it again, I was so grateful to get it back,” Cunningham said. Ray said Cunningham has garnered the respect of his teammates because there is no difference between a walk-on and a scholarship player as far as Ray wants the team to go about its business and play. “Tyson is a person you look forward to coaching because he comes in, he’s always on time, he goes about his business the right way and he retains information well,” Ray said. “If anybody wants to know who to hire on our team, it’s Tyson. No matter the job or field, he is a guy who is going to be successful in life.” Cunningham’s passion and drive has not only impacted his head coach, but his teammates, as well. Freshman Gavin Ware said Cunningham presents himself as a man of God and he provides his teammates with confidence when
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What place will the MSU baseball team finish in the SEC, and how for will the Dogs make it in the postseason? “Top five in the SEC and the College World Series.” -Frank Bradford, junior, political science and Spanish major
barton dinkins | the reflector
Tyson Cunningham came to MSU on a band scholarship but received a basketball scholarship in the summer of 2011.
ball but to be a light, as well. I feel like my teammates respect me and my approach of how I try to show the love of God to them.” Not only is Cunningham’s faith evident on the court, but it is seen off the court as well. He has been a husband for almost six months after exchanging vows on Sept. 29, 2012. Cunningham said balancing being a student-athlete and a husband has not been a problem. “I have a very supportive wife. We both have busy schedules but we spend time together during the evenings. We have an understanding, and we appreciate the time we do have together,” Cunningham said. Bill Buckley, MSU Fellowship of Christian Athletes director, said Cunningham loves people, is easy to work with and has a great attitude. “It’s obvious he loves the Lord. He is mature beyond his years and he has a great sense of respect and honoring people,” Buckley said. “He is focused and he has vision for his life. I love that about him.”
they are down. “A lot of times I look to him and he tells me to continue to push. That gives the team and I the confidence we need to develop chemistry to get through tough times,” Ware said. “He’s always in the practice facility working on his game and doing the little things when no one else is watching. He’s always giving back to the team, and I applaud him for that.” Ware also said Cunningham serves as a big brother influence for the players, providing them with a stable foundation and leading them in prayer. Cunningham said his role on the team is being the high-energy guy, a vocal leader and bringing life to his surrounding environment. “It’s my character to bring it as hard as I can, have high energy, sacrifice my body and do whatever I need to do for the team to be successful. That’s what I’m about and that’s how I approach things,” Cunningham said. “God didn’t place me on the team to just play
“Second in the SEC and the College World Series.” -Catherine Archer, freshman, chemistry major
“Second in the SEC and Super Regionals.” -Kelsey Woods, junior, nutrition major
“Second in the SEC and the College World Series” -Jacob Skrmetti, sophomore, psychology major
Bulldogs host Purdue, Samford in big weekend at Dudy Noble Field By alden thornhill Staff Writer
After roaring to a 5-0 start, the No. 5 Mississippi State Bulldogs look to extend their winning ways with some stiff competition in the Diamond Classic at Dudy Noble Field today. MSU seeks to remain undefeated on the 2013 campaign when the Purdue Boilermakers and the thorn in the Bulldogs’ side last season, the Samford Bulldogs, make their treks down to the friendly confines of Dudy Noble. Samford eliminated MSU last year in Regionals.
Though all the members of the Maroon and White have been contributing so far this season, head coach John Cohen said he has not decided which Bulldogs will take the field. “I’m not 100 percent sure what order we’ll go in,” Cohen said, “Probably very similar as the one last week.” Cohen did announce his pitching rotation will be the same as last weekend. Jacob Lindgren will take the mound today, Evan Mitchell and Kendall Graveman will make the starts tomorrow and Sunday’s starter is yet to be determined.
Though the Bulldogs have a lofty No. 5 ranking and an undefeated record, they are not overlooking Purdue and Samford. Sophomore pitcher Jonathan Holder said he believes his team is ready for the challenge this weekend.
“I think we’re all mentally and physically ready,” Holder said after the win Tuesday night against Grambling State. “We’re going to rest the next couple of days. We’ll practice, and we’ll be ready.” Samford enters the weekend with a 3-1 record on the season,
scoring an average 10.2 runs per game. Purdue, who hosted a Regional last year, comes in at 2-2 on the season. The Maroon and White start the Diamond Classic facing Purdue today at 6 p.m. Saturday the battle of the Bulldogs
takes place at 3 p.m., and then State will play Purdue again at 6 p.m. Sunday, MSU takes on Samford at 2:30 Holder p.m.
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SPORTS 8
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friday , february 22 , 2013
THE REFLECTOR
stat of the day:
through the first five games, the diamond dogs’ pitching staff has allowed just 26 hits and three earned runs, posting a 0.60 era.
College Hoops: Vanderbilt at Msu saturday, 12:30 p.M. seC network
Q&A
By Kristen spinK Sports Editor
Rick Ray is in his first year at the helm for the MSU men’s basketball team and is the first AfricanAmerican men’s basketball coach in MSU history. Before coming to MSU, Ray was an assistant at schools such as Indiana State, Purdue and most recently Clemson, where he made trips to the NCAA tournament with all three teams. Ray played basketball for Grand View College in Iowa and was an AllAmerican Scholar Athlete in 1993. Ray answered these questions for The Reflector via email.
Q: What does it mean to you to be the first African-American coach in Mississippi State men’s basketball history? A: It means a great deal to me, but I love the fact that it is not a big deal. And what I mean by that is that the Mississippi State community has moved past me being African-American being a big deal. A lot of that is a credit to Sylvester Croom and what type of man he was. Q: How do you think your position of leadership has influenced the black community at MSU? A: I believe it gives young men and women realistic hope that they can reach positions of leadership without any barriers or restrictions. It also shows the progressive thinking of the Mississippi State administration. Q: Did you ever think your race would affect your potential to become a big-time basketball coach? A: I did not. I believe that if you look at the history of the hiring practices in basketball, in the collegiate and professional ranks, that it has been by far the most open
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to hiring African-American head coaches. Q: What initially drew you to MSU, and what is your favorite aspect of the school or of Starkville? A: There is a history of winning and support here at Mississippi State. That was the initial attraction. The people make the community and the campus, and the Mississippi State community has been so hospitable to me and my family. Q: Earlier this year, you did a favorite movies list on Twitter. What are your top five favorite movies? A: 5. “Malcolm X” 4. “Glory” 3. “King of New York” 2. “Braveheart” 1. “American History X” Q: What would your ideal day look like in the off season, and what do you enjoy doing most outside of coaching basketball? A: Having breakfast with my family and taking my son to school in the morning. Meeting with my staff about the team. Returning all my phone calls, getting on the court and doing individual workouts with my players, making some recruiting calls, play some racquetball for a workout, get home around 7:30 p.m. to eat dinner with my family, read my son a couple of books for bed time, watch film, then get to spend a little time with my wife and head to bed around midnight (That would be ideal. I go to bed late, usually around 1:30 a.m. — bad habit.) I love music, listen to it all the time.
Q: What has been the biggest surprise for you since being at MSU? A: It’s weird but the interview process for jobs are so secretive now days that you never get to see the campus and facilities until you have already accepted the job. So, getting the chance to see the Hump, the Mize Pavilion, our offices and the campus finally was a big surprise because of how nice everything was. Q: Obviously, you would like to win every game but has this year’s team met your expectations in other ways? A: This is not a bad thing, but no, the team has not met my expectations. I want zero distractions off the court, and we have had some distractions. Q: What would a successful close to the season look like to you? A: The obvious answer is winning, but beyond that, seeing our guys improve individually and as a team. Q: What encouragement can you give to Bulldog fans struggling to stay energized this year? A: It has been a tough season for us and the fans. I can understand the fans being frustrated with us losing, but believe me, no one wants to win more than myself and our team. I just want everyone to keep in perspective that we have half the scholarship players that we are supposed to have on this team. Our kids play hard and are easy to cheer for. You are watching the beginning of what will grow into a successful and special team.
eMMa katHerine Hutto | tHe refleCtor
Rick Ray was on staff for three different programs that reached the NCAA tournament before he took over the reigns at State.