Vickey Williams, Guest Writer
Special to the Flash
Tigers and Rattlers generally don’t have much in common, but that was not the case last Saturday. While most people were anticipating the football match-up between Jackson State University and Flordia A&M University, the Student Government Associations from both universities were in the community together laughing, interacting and having fun with hundreds of elementary school children.
The two groups decided to add a new dimension to the traditional meet and greet that usually takes place on game day. JSU SGA President Keonte Turner and FAMU SGA President Tonnette Graham and members of both student groups spent Saturday morning in west Jackson providing a host of fun outdoor activities for the children at Pecan Park G.A.M.E. Day Interaction.
G.A.M.E. Day or Getting Active through Moving and Exercise included tricycle rides, fun run, a kick-ball game, zumba and line dancing. FAMU and JSU set up information booths with give-aways that included restaurant gift cards, school supplies and the local fire station came with a huge truck and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science had a reptile exhibit. Snow cones and cold water also were available throughout the hot, humid morning.
Turner said the event was a great way for the two universities to interact. “I most definitely think this was a huge success. I’m really excited right now. There are a lot of students from each of the universities here. There are a lot of kids from the community here. Everybody is having fun, people are everywhere… It’s really a good event. I think we did a really good job of getting the children in the community out and active.”
Not only was the community event a way for children to see college students as positive role models, it also was a way to promote healthy activities.
“It’s just our way of giving back to the community; coming together as two HBCUs and help getting our kids fit while having fun as well,” said Graham.
Victor Chrispin Jr., FAMU Junior Class Senator and political science major from Jacksonville, Fla., said: “I think it’s a great opportunity to interact with elementary students. Usually when two schools play each other its usually about whos the best and what school is the best. And even though we show school spirit it’s good to work together to show school spirit and a positive light to the world and when youth go to school…whether JSU or FAMU they see that HBCUs care and are positive.”
Morgan Davis, a JSU alumna and Zuma Instructor praised the effort of the university students.
“This was a very fun and exciting event for all. It’s a good way to get active and moving by exercise. And also a good community service project for young people attending both JSU and Florida A & M to give back. West Jackson is a beautiful community and we need more service projects like this for our kids.”
Morgan Philley, a volunteer from the Jackson Zoo said: “I think this is a great opportunity for exercise to be about community instead of something that isn’t enjoyable….to get communities [together] to make exercise more than just something boring. This is a great opportunity to be outside and have fun while you are active.”
Ruqayya Calmes, JSU Sophomore Class Senator and marketing major from Little Rock, Ark., participated in the One-K Fun Walk. “I think it’s really good. Not only does it bring the elementary kids together, but it brings their family…it’s also good exercise,” she said.
Thirteen-year old Jauqaan Coats agreed that the event was fun. “I like that they came down here and they’re helping us have fun. I love Jackson State.”
Turner said to expect more collaboration among SGAs as it relates to community service projects. “We kind of adapted the idea from FAMU’s SGA. Us coming together as two SGAs is the perfect way to personify unity amongst HBCUs.”
(Vickey Williams is a former editor for The Blue & White Flash and JSU alumna who attended The Flash Writing Workshop.)
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