Last updated on March 1, 2024
Image Provided by Cameron Adams
Cameron Adams
Editor-In-Chief
The community you are raised in will forever be a reflection of who you are. “The Underdoggs”, a new film released on Jan. 26, 2024, is a prime example of this lesson.
The film highlighted former football player, Jaycen Jennings, and his journey of realizing that you are never too big for your community. Jennings is on top of the world due to his high school stardom, until his world comes crashing down.
Jennings is ordered to community service after his unruly ego caused him to get into a devastating car crash. His punishment was something he dreaded for years: giving back to his community.
Given his football experience, Jennings is forced by the judge to coach a youth tackle football league, which causes him to unlock his new purpose in life: being a role model for kids who grew up just like he did.
The movie takes you on a rollercoaster ride filled with comedic moments from familiar faces such as George Lopez, Mike Epps, and many others. Another wellknown star who is included in the movie is Tika Sumpter.
In the film, Sumpter is playing Cherise, the mother of one of the kids on the football team and Jaycen’s past lover. She acts as the anchor that keeps Jaycen’s ego from going back through the roof.
Before the official release of “The Underdoggs”, the crew of the film hosted a HBCU Media roundtable that allowed students from different Historically Black Colleges to ask Sumpter questions regarding the making of the film and her personal experiences.
Similar to many characters in the story, Sumpter claimed that her story started from humble beginnings. She stated that she was never able to finish her college education due to lack of support at the time.
“I didn’t finish school, unfortunately, because I just couldn’t afford it,” claimed Sumpter. “I didn’t have someone helping me figure it out.”
Despite her inability to finish school, she was able to create her own path in the acting industry in true “Underdogg” fashion.
While on the topic of college education, she expressed her great interest in the culture of HBCU’s.
“Everytime I see one of your schools online, I’m just like ‘Oh my Gosh’,” Sumpter expressed. “I was reading an article that said most of the doctors come from Historically Black Colleges. Most of the attorneys come from Historically Black Colleges.”
Sumpter added: “Not only are you guys making it look fun, but you’re also doing the work.”
After her high praise for HBCU’s, she shared her willingness to participate in HBCU activities.
“I’ve been invited to something once, but I want to go, so have your school invite me to your homecoming!” Sumpter expressed.
Of course, as a Jackson State Tiger, I had to let her know that JSU is the place to be for homecoming and that we would be honored to have her experience our culture.
After expressing her willingness to make memories at HBCUs, she then began to share her favorite memory of working with the rap icon Snoop Dogg.
“I feel like every moment was fun, but for me it was when we got to this scene where Snoop and I start talking about our past [relationship] and we delve into what actually happened opposed to what he thinks happened. It was a scene of realness,” claimed Sumpter.
With this being one of the more serious scenes of the film, she appreciated the brief moment and their ability to switch back to the comedic setting.
“Just seeing how playful everybody was, especially Snoop, it just made my heart so happy to be there. I just feel like I am such a lucky person to be able to do what I do and to make people like you smile. Just looking at you all on the screen is just making my heart so full right now,” stated Sumpter to all the HBCU students in attendance.
“The Underdoggs” is available now on Amazon Prime Video.
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