Since the heels of my feet landed on Jackson State’s campus, I have been overwhelmed by students expressing the importance of homecoming week and what a time it would be for me. After experiencing my first homecoming at an HBCU, I can honestly say I am not disappointed.
My week started off with a picnic held at Battlefield Park. The event was a social gathering for students from all classifications to get a chance to meet each other outside of a classroom atmosphere. Students participated in kickball, dancing, and rap battles. It was amazing to see everyone come together to enjoy each other’s company and socialize. It felt like a family reunion I never had.
Day two of homecoming may go down in history as the greatest event ever in the city of Jackson as a group of students from Chicago hosted “You Know the Vibes II” at Chad’s Place. This was the student’s second year hosting the event and it moved into a larger venue to take on a much larger crowd.
As a student from Chicago, I often come across people who have an unrealistic interpretation of Chicago. I hear questions like, “Have you ever seen a dead body?”, “Have you ever been shot?”, and “I’m never going to Chicago, I heard it’s bad there.” These types of questions and comments have increased my pride and honor in being from Chicago.
To know that some people view the Chicago student body as being inhumane, motivates me more to be successful. And this event proved that Chicago music, culture, and influence is strong, and that our student body can come together collectively for something positive in spite of what some people’s opinion of us and our city are.
On Oct. 10, I probably lived 90 percent of America’s dream as I got the opportunity to meet NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. I was literally sitting in my dorm watching “Snowfall” when another student Facetimed me and said, “Come down stairs, Magic is here.” Out of all the places he could have been in the world, he chose Jackson State and I’m truly appreciative. Oh yeah, he also made a generous donation of $130,000 to our school.
The homecoming concert featuring Lil Baby and Lightskin Keisha also took place on Oct.10. The concert itself was incredible and as a member of the student media, I had a front row view in the media pit. Lightskin Keisha’s raunchy lyrics along with her dancers got the crowd hype and Lil Baby performed some of his soulful street anthems. I also got the opportunity to meet Lil Baby and interview him during his post concert press conference.
Probably the most unbelievable event during homecoming week for me was yard fest. I am not exaggerating when I tell you there were at least 3,000 -5,000 people on the plaza. Alumni, vendors, and current students covered the main campus plaza like a parade. It was mind blowing. I have never witnessed so many people in one setting come together and enjoy each other’s existence without it being an issue. You had to see it to believe it.
Saturday, Oct. 12 was bittersweet for me because the football team received a debilitating loss at the hands of Alabama State University, 31-16. It was the team’s third consecutive loss, but the school spirit still roamed through the stadium as the Sonic Boom and Prancing J-Settes put on a remarkable performance during halftime and the fifth quarter.
Also on Saturday, I attended a gathering hosted by Chicago’s own, Ariana Fletcher, formerly known on social media as, @therealkylesister. The event was packed to capacity as Fletcher interacted with the crowd while taking pictures and handing out refreshments.
That was the final outing for me during homecoming week as I had to return my focus back to my school work.
Attending college away from home is bigger than just pursuing my career goals for me. It is a chance to experience something neither of my parents got the opportunity to do and pave the way for the children in my neighborhood to follow. I want my younger brother and all the other young men and women back in Chicago to know that it is possible! You don’t have to die at age 17 or get locked up. In the event you’re fortunate enough to survive, you can go to college 700 miles away in Jackson, Miss. I am truly blessed to be here to experience homecoming 2019. “Let Thee Good Times Roll.”
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