Orionna Brumfield
MC301 Contributor/Staff
Jackson State University students had the opportunity to “laissez les bons temps rouler” or let the good times roll at A Celebration of Life event held on Feb. 20.
Chris Topher, a junior electrical engineering major from New Orleans, La., coordinated the event, which featured music food and fun as a celebration for students even though it was after the official Mardi Gras.
“I was taught that through deaf and hard times that life is a celebration. I just wanted to bring a unique twist to JSU,” said Topher.
Topher is the first to bring a Mardi Gras celebration to Jackson State and his main goal was to show his heritage and hope that students would enjoy a little of what he experiences in his hometown of New Orleans.
Topher had the help of the JSU Student Government Association senate committee to assist with drinks, making food plates, handing out t-shirts, and passing out beads to all the attendees.
“When people see your idea, they want to help. I think that’s very big around here,” said Topher.
Many students enjoyed the event and really felt the New Orleans vibe that Topher envisioned.
Jillian Travillion, a sophomore psychology major from Greenwood, Miss. said, “I love the energy from the food to the overall New Orleans type atmosphere.”
Travillion noticed the hard work Topher and the SGA senate committee put into the event. She believes that teamwork made the event successful.
“I think its great that we can all come together to have fun collectively,” said Travillion.
Just like a typical New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration, people were everywhere dancing and being themselves without worrying about the crowd.
Nigel Davenport, a psychology/speech major said, “The DJ was great and I am ready to get back on the dance floor!”
The place was full of excitement as students enjoyed the break from school assignments and studying.
“I learned a new dance I didn’t know and all of my friends are here. I’m usually bored on a Friday night, so this is a fun event to have,” said Alexis Neely, a freshmen mass communications major from Jackson Miss.
Neely also noticed how everyone cooperated and she hopes the unity continues.
“I would love to see more events like this. We are together as one JSU family,” said Neely.
Topher hopes the Celebration of Life becomes an annual event.
“Just support us and keep talking about it. Hopefully we can grow to get bigger and better” said Topher.
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