JSU students address safety issues during Blue Table Talk

Photo Brent Harris

Jaiden Smith
Managing Editor

The Blue Table Talk, a student led town hall meeting was held in the Jacob L. Reddix Multipurpose Room on November 1. Panelists included various student leaders as they navigated a discussion to address student concerns and questions. 

The discussion, led by Miss Jackson State University Lauren Temple, was deemed successful as students were able to address student leadership directly, bridging the gap between student concerns and administration. 

Jason Johnson, a senior electrical engineering major from Belleville, Mich. who currently serves as Student Government Association President, felt it was very important that this event took place.

“There has been an obvious general feeling of discomfort and miscommunication around campus as of recently,” Johnson stated. “Students have made it known that they feel as though their voice is not being heard and that they have no real outlet to provide their wants and needs.”

Johnson wanted the student body to know that their concerns were important.

“As student leaders, we wanted to give everyone that opportunity to be heard so that we can directly follow up on whatever they need,” Johnson explained. 

JSU NAACP President Elijah Karriem, a senior journalism and media studies major from Columbus, Miss., felt that these conversations needed to be held specifically between students and student leaders because students trust the student leaders.

“Many students fear that since they do not have a seat at the table, their voice does not matter, however during this in person discussion, I felt the trajectory of the student body change in a positive way,” said Karriem.

Karriem takes pride in his position as president and wants to ensure he is always taking student voices into consideration. 

“As president of the Jackson State University NAACP Youth and College Division, I believe my role is important because it helps shed light on many issues on campus and off,” stated Karriem. 

He continued, “I am able to advocate for the student body unapologetically by providing valuable resources and using my various platforms that allow me into rooms that the average student cannot access and speak for those who are not heard.” 

A’sha Branch, a sophomore biology/pre-medicine major from Houston, Texas, was present at the Blue Table Talk and had the opportunity to voice some of her concerns to the panel. Branch, like many students, are experiencing the effects of some of the issues taking place on campus and wanted to know what direction student leaders and administration planned to take. 

“I attended this event because of the things that recently occurred on campus,” said Branch. “I wanted to hear the points of view of the student leaders. I wanted to witness them address concerns from the student body.” 

Branch was among the students who believe student safety issues should be addressed first and is the most important issue currently affecting our campus. 

“Having an open campus is very dangerous, locking up all the buildings at a certain time at night and limiting visitation hours encourages students to spend time together outside,” Branch explained. 

Branch added, “In light of recent events, you can see how dangerous that can be. I would also like to see housing improve the way they go about maintenance issues and filling work orders quicker and more thoroughly.”

The recent events Branch referred to was the passing of Jackson State student Jaylen Burns. An unfortunate shooting took place on campus, which resulted in the untimely death of the senior industrial technology major. His death sent shockwaves of sadness over Jackson State campus as he was a beloved classmate. 

Siruss McLaurin, a sophomore sociology major from Gulfport, Miss., was also among the students who voiced their concerns. McLaurin was curious know if the current student leaders trusted that the current administration would address student concerns.

“It’s Important to attend events such as this one because it’s about showing up for ourselves and others even when it feels like no one’s watching,” McLaurin said. “When we show up to advocate, we are carrying the voices of the people before and after us so it’s important to think about them when it comes to these events.” 

McLaurin believes that accountability needs to be brought into discussion in order for our campus to see real change. 

“I will see to it that there will be changes on campus by spreading the idea of accountability and encouraging my peers to advocate for themselves and others while holding their leaders accountable,” said McLaurin.