Special to the Flash
From brunches to beads to mocktails and Instagram feeds, the New Orleans style homecoming theme was one to remember as alum, students, families, and legacies united on the grounds of Jackson State University.
Homecoming week jumpstarted with the coronation of Mister JSU Grant Broadway and Miss JSU Naysa Lynch, along with officially swearing in royal court, and campus organizations kings and queens.
The evening’s theme reflected the Virgin Islands, which is the native home of Lynch. As each campus queen and king walked on stage arm-in-arm, they bowed respectfully to honor the newly crowned Mister and Miss JSU.
On Wednesday, Oct. 10 2019, students dressed in their best clothing, as the ladies stepped in their heels and the men looked ready to model for GQ magazine enjoyed the routines the Greeks prepared for the show.
Students gathered around in the Athletic Assembly Center as the Greeks laced up their stomping boots and got ready to battle for the first-place trophy in Jackson State’s annual homecoming step show.
The show opener was by JSU’s very own electrifying dance troupe Dance Ensemble.
Dance Ensemble set the tone for the evening, basically foreshadowing to the audience that there will be a fiery step show ahead of them as they were about receive major “Stomp the Yard” vibes.
After the Dance Ensemble finished their performance, the crowd waited anxiously to witness the battle of the Devine Nine.
The Alphas were the first to make way to the stage presenting “Fly Alpha Airline”. The fraternity performed a skit about how it would feel to aboard their fantasy airline. As they ended the final choreography, they strolled to their number one song “Wipe Me Down” by Lil Boosie, and the AKA’s followed behind them.
The step show moved smoothly as the Sigma Gama Rhos represented “Charlie Angels”, the Deltas pleading guilty of man slaughtering the step show, the AKA’s having everyone take notes, the Kappas bringing the audience back to the “106 & Park times”, the Sigmas giving us Sonic Boom of South flavor, the Zetas showing us what it is like in Zeta world, and the Ques robbing a janitor.
The crowd maintained peak excitement during the show as they went wild for each fraternity and sorority dominating the stage. JSU students had some positive comments on their experience of the show.
Isheer Davis, a graduate chemistry major from Raymond, Miss. expressed, “It was cool, and a great atmosphere. The flashing lights added another dynamic to the show. I was with my family so it was definitely enjoyable. I feel as if it is something all college students should experience at least once. It is something different every year and it is nice to see how each organization brings something different to the table.”
Helena Vah, a senior theater major from Jackson, Miss. also agreed that it was a show worth watching.
“I loved it! The Greeks showed out. The whole experience for me was amazing, not a dull moment for me. Of course, I feel that everyone should experience this at least once. Grab your friends, and just come enjoy a night full of entertainment, and some good music because it was some good music playing tonight as well.”
AKA’s was awarded with Best Sorority, the Delta’s won the title for People’s Choice, and Kappa’s led the night as the judges’ Best Fraternity.
Lil Baby and Lightskin Keisha take center stage at Concert Fest
Homecoming week was definitely LIT, LIT, LIT but the homecoming concert was even more drippin.
The 2019 homecoming concert took place on Thurs. Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Lee E. Williams Athletic Assembly Center (AAC) featuring local artists, female rapper LightSkinKeisha and mainstream rapper Lil Baby.
DJ T-Money opened the stage with some throwback ATL jams while the crowd made their way through the doors and excitedly waited for the opening acts.
Though the low attendance could not be ignored, it was still rather enjoyable for those who witnessed the artists live in concert.
Atlanta rapper LightSkinKeisha and her background dancers strutted their way on the stage and the audience began to scream with excitement.
Performing her fan-favorite hits like “Hey LightSkin” and “Ride Good” the rapper even called dozens of ladies on the stage to dance with her.
Jazmen Jackson, a political science major from Memphis, Tenn., was one of the girls who joined the dancers and LightSkinKeisha on stage.
“I am still on cloud nine. LightSkinKeisha is one of my favorite rappers, so to have a chance to get on stage with her while she performed made the rest of my homecoming week very special.”
LightSkinKeisha ended her show with inspirational words informing students to stay in school because she could not finish, to keep working hard and do not give up.
“I want y’all to promise me something. Stay in school. There is nothing out here on the streets, be a better person for me. If you don’t finish for anybody, finish for me.” said Keisha.
After a brief intermission, next up to the stage was who everyone was waiting for.
Screaming and flashing lights roared while rapper Lil Baby gradually walked up to the stage while the instrumental to his new song “Baby” was playing.
Students joined in while performing hits including All of a Sudden, My Dawg, and Drip Too Hard.
After Lil Baby’s final piece, students who had backstage access were able to meet the Atlanta rapper one-on-one and exchanged a few words.
In a brief press conference with the media, Lil Baby shared one element he would change about the music industry.
“The main thing I would change is basically just make it a separation for people, so they can know what is real and what is not,” said Baby.
The Show Goes On: Yard Fest 2019
It is the moment every student and alum prepares for; It was the grand finale to the weeklong homecoming festivities—it is The Great Yard Fest.
This particular day gives the current students the opportunity to meet and have fun with their peers and also interact with the older alumni.
The Yard Fest is also a networking day for business owners from around the country who have either graduated from the University or simply want to obtain exposure in selling their products.
Entrepreneurs line up across the plaza with a booth selling their apparel and miscellaneous merchandises. Not only is it a business networking event, but also a chance for fraternities and sororities to reunite and feel their undergraduate experience all over again.
Hannah Johnson, a graduate of JSU, said it was a time to reconnect with her college friends and enjoy the moment.
“It feels amazing being back at The Jackson State University I came from Chicago to make it on time for homecoming this year, Also I feel great to see my line sisters from years ago for us to come together it is a blessing. The rain could not stop anything from the happiness I saw from my line sisters. Also seeing the band was great I was also a part of the Sonic Bomb during my years at JSU in the eighties. “
Sonya Hillman, who is also an alum, stated her decision to attend Jackson State University was a choice she will always be happy about.
“Coming to JSU was one of the greatest decisions I could have made I came in fall 2001 and it was a very Different atmosphere and time era. I have met a lot of people and networking was amazing well for my major computer engineering it was.
She continued, “JSU have given me so many opportunities when I graduated in 2005, I have made everlasting friendships and I’m forever grateful for JSU for making these connections.”
The rain may have halted the Yard Fest earlier than expected, but the good times continued to roll!
Deja Davis, Ry’n Good, Cianna Hope Reeves and Jasmine Sanders contributed to this compilation.
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