By Cameron Adams
Editor-in-Chief
Jackson State University alumnus Carlton W. Reeves will return to TheeILove to serve as the commencement speaker for the graduate ceremony on May 4, 2024.
Reeves, a United States District Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi, has many reasons to be supportive of the next generation of Tigers.
Judge Reeves became a lawyer in 1989. In 2010, he began his role as a judge for the United States District.
Since then he has been hands-on with several controversial cases such as Dobbs vs. Women’s Health Organization, the case that would lead to the demise of Roe v. Wade.
With more than 30 years of experience in the judicial system, Judge Reeves has seen his share of cases that deal with controversial topics, including racism.
He encourages students to remember that the future of the state is in their hands.
“The thing I would say most to young people is that the state belongs to them,” he said speaking to Mississippi native.
“This is your Mississippi and it belongs to you. You have every right to make Mississippi be the Mississippi that you want it to be,” Reeves said. “Despite what it was, we should walk away from what it was and all of our efforts should be to make Mississippi be the Mississippi we want it to be.”
He added: “I realize there may be sources out there who want to keep Mississippi in the 1920s or the 1950s, or the 1970s or the 1990s, but you and your generation … you want to make Mississippi be the Mississippi you want for your children. That’s what your parents did. That’s what your grandparents did. You have the right to claim it.”
One of the issues often discussed on college campuses, especially HBCUs, is the belief of some that the young African-American vote does not count, Reeves had this to say about that belief.
“You all could control a whole lot of stuff if all the students on that campus were to go the student union on election day and voted. Y’all would take over the city of Jackson. Y’all would take over a part of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors. You all could dictate that,” said Judge Reeves. “I think voting is power.”
Reeves asked a profound question to any student thinking voting does not matter.
“If you believe that voting does not matter, why is it that there are persons out there who would do everything possible to keep you from voting?”
He cited the use of laws, fake news, redistricting and gerrymandering and more as ways voter suppression happens and challenged students to understand that this happens because voting is power.
“Those people know the power of the vote. It’s politics and the vote that rules everything else. Your vote determines the quality of schools you have, your vote determines what type of recreational facilities you have, your vote determines how the economic pie is split in every city and community. Your vote dictates everything,” Judge Reeves stated emphatically.
He added: “The vote is what got Carlton Reeves in the position he’s in now. But for President Obama winning that election, Carlton Reeves probably would not be a judge. That vote matters.”
Judges Reeves ended by expressing how he is most proud of being involved in activities during commencement weekend with Sen. Laphonza Butler.
“She is a treasure. She represents 44 million people. That’s how many people are in California. It’s 3.5 million people in Mississippi. She represents 13, 14, 15 Mississippi’s,” he said.
Judge Reeves added: “And she is a young woman who was at Jackson State 20 years after I was there. And I am just so proud of the opportunity to share some space with her. A lot of us do not recognize what it is she has achieved in her life.”
When asked about any other future goals he has, Judge Reeves responded that he was not seeking another office or title, “I just want to do justice.”
The graduate student ceremony will take place on Friday, May 3 at 9 a.m. CT in the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center.
Graduate Commencement Event Protocols:
– This is a non-ticketed event.
– Clear Bag Policy will be enforced.
– Doors will open at 7 a.m. CT
– Doors will close at 8:50 a.m. CT prior to the procession and re-open after invocation.
The event will be live-streamed via @JacksonStateU on YouTube and Facebook.
Additional information is available at https://www.jsums.edu/jsucommencement/
]]>Zhane McCorvey
Staff Writer
Jackson State University is abuzz with anticipation as the Spring 2024 commencement approaches. The university has announced an inspiring choice for this year’s undergraduate commencement speaker: Senator Laphonza Butler.
A distinguished graduate of Jackson State University and a fervent advocate for social justice, Sen. Butler delved into her unexpected journey from a political science major at JSU to a United States Senator.
Reflecting on her time at Jackson State, the JSU alum shared that her original career plans did not include becoming Sen. Laphonza Butler.
“I did not [see myself] being a United States senator or an elected public official, it was not on my dance card even while I was a student at JSU,” she stated. “I was on my way to becoming a lawyer, not with public service by way of elected office in mind.”
Sen. Butler said she thought law would be her path to service.
“I’m glad that I am now a U.S. Senator from Jackson State University. I feel like my experience on campus was foundational to my orientation to service, but it wasn’t necessarily my plan.”
Now serving in congress, Sen. Butler is deeply committed to advocating for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), both nationally and in her home state of California. She emphasized the importance of diverse representation in government and highlighted ongoing legislative initiatives to support HBCUs.
“There is a lot of work across the Senate, House, and Biden-Harris administration to focus on funding and support for our HBCUs,” Sen. Butler stated. “It is, you know, one of the benefits off of diverse representation, having a vice president that is from an HBCU, [and] having I think the largest number of graduates from HBCUs in Congress ever at one point in time.”
Sen. Butler stated that students, faculty and alumni of HBCU’s along with members of congress have to work together to continue to tell the story of the great things happening and coming out of HBCUs.
“There’s not a set of remarks that I give that I am not acknowledging my home of Jackson State University and continuing to talk about the importance of the folks who helped to create that solid foundation,” she said. “So there is the practical work of policy and representation, and there sort of the soft notes that I think are required to continue to put HBCUs in the conversation.”
Sen. Butler’s advocacy extends beyond HBCUs. Drawing from her experience with organizations like EMILY’s List (EMILYs List is the nation’s largest resource dedicated to electing Democratic pro-choice women to office) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), she offered advice to young activists passionate about social justice and labor rights.
“It’s our turn. Coretta Scott King told us that freedom and justice are never truly won, but they are earned with every generation. And now to the young leader, to the young activists, it continues to be our turn to carry the baton forward- to have these fights- to organize in our communities. And so I think that this is the advice I would give to a JSU graduate or an Alcorn graduate or a Mississippi Valley graduate. It is that it is our turn to carry the baton forward and let’s do it in whatever way or with the gifts and talents that we have,” the senator stated.
One of her significant accomplishments was being instrumental in the raising California’s minimum wage to $15. She emphasized the importance of grassroots efforts and organizing.
“Minimum wage is a people issue, not a Democratic or Republican issue,” she asserted. “And when the federal minimum wage is $7.25, we’ve got to make sure that we elect state representatives who are listening to the people of Mississippi, not just the businesses of Mississippi. In order for any good business to compete, they’ve got to compete [with] their workforce. And you’re not going to be able to recruit the best workforce if you’re paying the lowest wages.”
As an advocate for LGBTQI+ rights and reproductive rights, Sen. Butler, who is openly gay, emphasized the importance of standing up against legislation that seeks to oppress or suppress any group.
“I think whether there’s legislation that opposes any student group or seeks to suppress or oppress any group of people, we can’t sit silent, right? Because it could be us, it could be a group that I don’t identify with today and then my group tomorrow, right? Like we’ve all heard those old proverbs. And so where human rights, dignity of life and justice are being threatened, we have to stand. We have to raise up. I mean, those are the values of Jackson State. That is the history of our university,” stated Sen. Butler.
The senator, referring to JSU student Phillip Gibbs and Jim Hill High School student James Green who were killed during a protest on the campus of JSU by city police said, “That is why two students lost their life on our campus, right? Refusing to let injustice to any community, particularly the black community, go unchecked and unchallenged. And so if you are a Jackson State Tiger. You have the DNA to raise your voice to do something, even if it is what somebody might consider a small thing. Silence is not our tradition,” she stated.
Reflecting on her favorite memory at Jackson State, Sen. Butler fondly remembered springtime on the quad or what is now known as the Plaza.
” …everybody was finding time in the spring to be outside and be together. And that’s truly what the experience of Jackson State meant to me. It meant a whole lot of new found family and friends that you’ll have for a lifetime and the best manifestation of that for me in a visual sense, was springtime on the quad.”
As Sen. Butler prepares to return to JSU as the commencement speaker, her journey serves as an inspiration to current and future students and highlights the transformative power of education, the importance of advocacy, activism, and service.
The undergraduate student ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 4 at 9 a.m. CT at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
]]>Levon Campbell III
Staff Writer
As the semester comes to an end, Jackson State University students are preparing for finals. The stakes are high, and the pressure to perform is on as they gear up to take their semester-defining exams.
It is a pivotal time for students as they aim to close out the year on a strong note and lay the groundwork for success in the coming year. These students have a lot riding on their finals and are making every effort to be ready when it’s time to take their exams.
During finals week, students can expect intense and extensive study sessions in preparation for their final exams. This period can be a stressful and challenging time as students tackle their last assignments and review their knowledge of the course material.
They may also have additional pressure to meet deadlines and to perform well on their exams. However, taking care of their physical and mental health and managing their time wisely can go a long way towards success and peace of mind during finals week.
JSU students offered their own tips for facing finals week, sharing what they plan to do to ensure they are successful. They also urged future and current students to listen to their insight so that they won’t have to face the same struggles during finals week. Overall, JSU students were very passionate about providing meaningful advice to fellow students.
Cameron Watts, a freshman Healthcare major from Birmingham, Ala., shared how she likes working alone and advised students to study alone and ask for proofreading.
“I like to work alone and outside to study and I would also advise you to work alone and have someone proofread and quiz you,” Watts stated.
Nasir Terrell, a freshman music technology major from Jones Burrow, Ga., shared how he liked to study a day or two before the test and advised students to just catch up on everything and study old notes.
“I mainly study on my own a day or two before the test. I would advise students to make sure they know what to study before the exam and keep old notes around because they’ll help big time.” Terrell stated.
Students often implement various strategies and study techniques to ensure they learn their material effectively and efficiently. Studies have shown that studying in groups is beneficial for a multitude of reasons, including fostering understanding and motivation levels among learners. Furthermore, engaging in active study methods, such as practice tests, simulations, case studies, and case analysis, has been proven to enhance memory recall and comprehension.
JSU students have discussed their individual strategies and have also emphasized the importance of studying and revising material in a group setting.
During exam season, students are put to the test on their knowledge and skills learned throughout the semester. It is a time of high stakes and pressure for them, with the final outcome affecting their final grades and potentially a significant impact on their overall transcripts. Additionally, the results of exams can contribute to the determination of class rankings, scholarships, and other academic honors.
With so much at stake, students are often feeling under pressure and anxious. However, studying effectively and making the most of the opportunities presented during exam week can go a long way towards securing a positive outcome.
Ahead of finals week, www.pointloma.edu provides study tips for students to tackle their upcoming exams with confidence. These strategies range from eliminating procrastination and optimizing sleep habits to finding an appropriate study space, creating a playlist to focus on, and utilizing a variety of study methods. Moreover, studying in a group setting, taking regular breaks, and maintaining a balanced diet can help ensure students are well-prepared and ready to tackle their finals. The implementation of these strategies can make finals week a smoother and less stressful experience while providing students with the confidence they need to succeed.
]]>Jania Harris
Staff Writer
Spring has officially arrived and while many Jackson State University students eagerly anticipate spending time outdoors enjoying the warmer weather, they are not looking forward to the pollen that comes with it.
For millions of people worldwide, the changing seasons bring about a different experience: seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever.
Characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and coughing, seasonal allergies can significantly impact daily life and diminish overall well-being. Fortunately, there are several expert strategies and tips available to help manage and alleviate these bothersome symptoms.
According to the Director of the JSU Health Center, Dr. Samuel Jones, Jr., students needing assistance with allergy symptoms is on the rise.
“Yes, we are seeing an uptick in patients seen for allergy symptoms. We are recommending over the counter products like Cetirizine (Zyrtec) or similar products and recommending affected students to minimize exposure to outdoor pollen-producing environments,” said Dr. Jones
Dr. Jones said that students can walk into the Health Center without an appointment to be evaluated for their symptoms.
“We have a variety of over-the-counter as well as prescription medications available at no cost to students,” said Dr. Jones.
JSU students suffering from seasonal allergies explained what they are doing to alleviate symptoms.
“I have to take a dang allergy shot once every other week called Dupixent, which helps to a certain extent. Not only does it help my allergies, but it also helps my asthma and eczema,” said Damien Terry, a freshman biomedical engineering student from Houston, Texas. “Additionally, I take Zyrtec every day.”
Trinidi Bennett, a freshman biology/pre-physical therapy major from Atlanta, Ga., explained how she manages allergies while at school.
“I keep my Epi-pen and my allergy medicine with me. I also take time in the morning to see the pollen count and decide if I need to take extra medicine due to how high it’ll be,” said Bennett.
Travisha Garner, a freshman in biology/pre-dental major from West Helena, Ark., suggested that students take over-the-counter medicine during this time.
“My advice to anyone with allergies is to take some Benadryl. It gets the job done,” said Garner.
WebMD suggests these five tips for managing seasonal allergies:
Seasonal allergies can be debilitating, but with the correct tactics and expert advice, symptoms can be effectively managed and overall quality of life improved.
]]>Levon Campbell III
Staff Writer
As graduation approaches, college seniors at Jackson State University are preparing for the next phase in their academic journey. From final exams and graduation plans to lining up for job opportunities and reflecting on lifelong lessons learned, seniors are taking the last month of their college career to ensure they graduate with confidence and a clear vision for their futures.
In the weeks leading up to graduation, seniors at JSU are ensuring they have met all academic requirements, completed final projects, and prepared for post-graduation endeavors. Reviewing assignments and anticipating questions from professors are among the tasks on their agenda as they approach the milestone.
Graduation traditions hold a special place in the hearts of many graduating seniors at Jackson State University. The culmination of four years of hard work and growth requires a celebratory mark to commemorate the occasion. Students and their families look forward to this moment every year and create lasting memories through these celebrations.
As seniors prepare for graduation, many of them already have plans in place for their next steps. Some have lined up internships, already have job prospects waiting for them, or plan on beginning their own content creation on social media. Others may look into employment within different departments at Jackson State itself, ready to take on their careers with determination and enthusiasm.
Caleb Smith, a senior electrical engineering major from Madison, Miss., talked about how he is mostly preparing for graduation by scoring an internship.
“Right now I’m just trying to get an internship, and I’m focused on making sure I am on top of getting interviews and constant feedback from others who have interviewed me before on indeed.com so that I can have the best outcome,” Smith stated.
Seniors at Jackson State University are creating heartwarming videos to thank the professors who supported and guided them throughout their majors. In their videos, they also discuss how the various clubs they joined helped them step out of their comfort zones. They also express gratitude for attending events and networking opportunities that the campus held, emphasizing the importance of these experiences in nurturing their growth and preparing them for the future. These videos offer an authentic look into the impact of professors, clubs, and extracurriculars on these students’ academic journeys.
Colorado Christian University offers these valuable tips for graduating seniors:
If you have not already, connect with your advisor to be sure that you are in fact graduating. You have probably already received confirmation, but it is always good to check. You should also make sure your student account is current. An unpaid balance might deter you from receiving your physical diploma post-graduation. Know when and where you’re supposed to pick up your regalia. And start planning what you’re going to wear the day of!
Henri Pegues, a senior journalism and media studies major from Clinton, Miss., is a student trying to make sure he is good to go.
“I’m basically just going through the motions. I have tons of projects that are due, and I haven’t really been doing much toward securing photos. I’m not even sure about cap and gowns yet, however, I am focusing on getting all of this excess drama work done so I know for sure I’ll graduate,” Pegues stated.
With your graduation day in sight, it can be easy to lose focus and want to rush the last couple of weeks of class. But it is super important to keep up your hard work and finish strong. You might have a couple of big papers left to write but take your time. Your final grades will depend on how well you finish.
Write thank you notes to anyone who supported you, including your significant other, family members, friends, and even your professors.
You would not be earning a degree if you did not want a successful outcome. Letters of recommendation from your professors and professional contacts can help ensure you land a great job after you receive your diploma. Future employers will be impressed by well-written, honest, and positive recommendations! Do not list a person as a reference without letting them know!
Graduation day is one of the most exciting days you’ll ever experience. Invite your friends, family, and anyone else who supported you along the way.
JSU’s graduate commencement will take place on May 3 and undergraduate ceremonies will take place on May 4 and seniors are eagerly anticipating the ceremony while reflecting on their experiences and preparing for the future. As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, they carry with them the pride and legacy of Jackson State University.
]]>Taniyah Collins
Staff Writer
It was a beautiful evening at the Mississippi E-Center on April 4, as faculty and students gathered to celebrate Department of Journalism and Media Studies (DJMS) students for their accomplishments over the 2023-2024 academic year.
Guests were ushered into the masquerade themed gala: Thee Night to Remember, with masks in hand. From the music selections of deejay J Co to the scent of the deliciously catered food selections offered by Sodexo – guests knew the experience would be nothing short of amazing.
After guests were allowed time to mingle, network, and converse, they were encouraged to find their seats so that the hostess, DJMS Professor Ashley Norwood, could begin the night’s program.
The keynote speaker for the event was Essence Wallace, CEO and Executive of Chosen Studios.
After Wallace’s inspirational and brief speech, the much-anticipated awards ceremony began.
DJMS professors and media advisors came to the mic one by one to recognize various students for their stellar work.
Juliana Rincon, a junior journalism and media studies major from Cali, Columbia, was awarded the JSU-TV Stellar Award.
“I feel that the event is excellent. It was organized and pretty, with great food and great people. I liked it,” said Rincon. “It was my first time coming, and I truly enjoyed myself.”
Although the event is intended to celebrate student’s hard work, throughout the evening, students were also urged to vote for their choice of best DJMS professor.
Professor Nathan Towery, Ph.D., was select for this honor.
Rincon encouraged her fellow DJMS classmates to continue to work hard because you never know what awaits.
“I think what we should do is keep working hard on ourselves. We never know what we’re going to get. I didn’t know anything about this award until today in my class. The people around you will push you hard if they know you can do it,” Rincon said.
Miriam Howard, a senior journalism and media studies major and Jackson, Miss. native, was another one of the winners of the night. Howard was awarded the highest honor for Excellence in Multimedia Journalism and the Department Chair’s Award.
The Department Chair’s Award, presented by DJMS Chair Elayne H. Anthony, Ph.D., is given to the student with the highest GPA in the department.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the event because it allowed all of us to come together and celebrate, enjoy each other, have a good time, showcase what we’ve been doing all semester, and just go out with a bang,” stated Howard. “My takeaway is that everyone enjoyed this semester just as much as I did. You know it’s hard. We all know that in school, we think of it as hard work, but in the end, we’re all doing things that we love, and then it’s such a rewarding feeling to be celebrated for doing what you love.”
Howard added: “I was honestly so shocked to win the highest GPA award because I had no clue. They must not count this semester,” Howard joked. “But I’m just grateful because I was utterly taken aback about it. God has been good. He’s been with me throughout this whole semester. I’m so glad that it’s finally paying off and that I am graduating Summa Cum Laude.”
Norwood explained how the annual gala began.
“Two years ago, I had a couple of National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) students,” Norwood explained. “We were planning events for the year, so my students were like, ‘why don’t we just do a gala type of event where everybody can dress up. We can choose a theme and there is an opportunity to maybe honor students for their work.’”
The students wanted to recognize students with different awards and also wanted to recognize a standout professor in the department as well.
It was important to Norwood that her students felt heard and appreciated and that’s what motivated her to move so diligently in putting the gala together.
“I took it as a challenge and said, ‘let us do it’. So, I rallied up faculty and staff, and it’s been a fully collaborative effort across the department and within our organization to pull it off. Students felt like, let us have a moment where we dress up, eat, and dance, but bask in all that we’ve accomplished over the year and also give a farewell to our graduates. That was last year, and this is our second year. I look forward to continuing to do that in our department,” Norwood said.
Although the night was a success, that doesn’t mean the NABJ members didn’t face hardship during the planning process of the event. Norwood stresses how donations and charity are crucial when it comes to supporting a campus student organization such as NABJ.
“One of the challenges will always be how we pay for it. So for anyone reading this article, I would encourage them to participate in the planning next year when we start gearing up for this to help us pull resources together. Make financial donations, buy a ticket, and come. That’s how we can do this. Raising money in the department is not just how we can pull off an event like this but also how we can provide resources for our students,” Norwood added.
]]>Cameron Adams
Editor-In-Chief
Jackson State University is the home of multiple historical figures who have not only made an everlasting mark on campus, but also the world.
Through the representation of statues, buildings, and street names, JSU makes an effort to honor their achievements after their impact was made.
JSU’s new “Top 40 Under 40” campaign guarantees that the alumni who are putting in the work now, are receiving their flowers while they can still smell them.
On April 5, 2024, the Office of Alumni Constituency Relations and Jackson State University, hosted a ceremony inducting 40 of the institution’s young alumni into the 2023 Alpha Cohort.
The honorees are individuals who are making strides in their respective fields and demonstrate a strong commitment to JSU’s ideals and legacy while also showing their dedication to global change.
The ceremony was held at the Mississippi Two Museums and was decorated in true Jackson State fashion. From the blue and white table cloths to the multiple tiger statues, the environment matched the alma mater representation that each cohort displayed on a daily basis.
The event was sold out, with every chair filled with JSU pride. The president of Jackson State University, Dr. Marcus Thompson, was in attendance along with the 2023-2024 Royal Court, and several alumni of “Thee I Love.”
Even the keynote speaker for the night, Pastor Justin Gibson, is a Tiger alum, graduating in 2014.
Gibson’s experience as a pastor was present throughout his introduction to the 2023 class, because it was nothing short of inspirational.
“Forty stands for the number of attempts that it took to get the multi-million dollar product that we know and love today,” said Gibson. “I often wonder how rigorous and laborious of a process it must have been to do something 39 times over and over and over, and never to get it right until you got to the 40th try.”
Gibson added, “How many times do you have to do something over and over, get 39 nos before you got the 40th? Yes. You see, 40 represents the number of resilience. Now, why am I telling you this? I’m telling you this because as I’m the keynote for the Jackson State University Alpha cohort of 40 under Forty, it is just my guess that these are some of the most resilient, original people with new light on the inside of them in the form of purpose.”
His interpretation of the honorees was spot on. Each member of the 40 Under Forty Cohort experienced the struggles of going to a Historically Black University.
Each member experienced the struggle of having an assignment due at 11:59 p.m.
Each member started at Jackson State University before entering their prospective careers that they are now excelling in.
One of the honorees was Jessica Kennedy Vickers, a graduate of the 2010 class of JSU. She is currently a manager of Marketing, Analytics, and Insights for The Walt Disney Company.
Vickers is also a third-generation graduate of ‘TheeILove’ and daughter of Jerry and Joyce Kennedy. Her father was announced as JSU athletics largest individual donor during the 2023 football season.
She is now continuing her family’s outstanding contribution to Jackson State as she was awarded a medallion and two trophies for being the top fundraiser of the Alpha Cohort, raising over $6,000 in donations.
In her she quickly credited the donors who made receiving the award possible.
“I am indeed honored to be recognized for my efforts,” Vickers stated. “But this award really goes to every thread, every family member, every alum, every sorority sister, every neighbor that donated on behalf of me educating Jackson State University students.”
She then turned the audience’s focus from the Alpha Cohort’s current achievements to the overall purpose of the event: to build the future of Jackson State University.
“I don’t believe in resting on past laurels, because there are always greater tasks to begin. So I hope that that alpha cohort has shown our alma mater that not only are we the future of our university’s legacy, but that we are committed to exceeding the standard of giving at Jackson State.”
]]>March is Women’s History Month and the event was held to highlight the things women may feel or go through while being involved or participate in campus life. The celebration highlighted the achievements, resilience, and the brilliance of women, while also understanding the hardships that come with being a woman in today’s society.
According to Impact, shining light on the inequalities that women around the world face and taking time to educate yourself on gender inequalities and women’s experiences is the purpose of the month’s focus.
“Empowering women isn’t just about lifting ourselves up, but about lifting each other!” was posted by TheeJSURoyalCourt instagram page.
Boundaries, love languages, confidence, and what beauty means to each individual person, were among the topics discussed by the Royal Court Queens and their guest speakers, Brown-McClure, Jones, and attendees who also shared their thoughts.
Thee JSU Royal Court Queens discussed tips and advice on what could be done to help not only themselves as campus leaders but also the attendees as they all navigate through the hardships black women go through.
After discussing relationships and how to address things that may be hard to discuss, Jones shared, “We have entry ways in people’s lives that we really don’t. So, I would just say be graceful with each and every single person that you do come across.”
Later in the event, Brown-McClure explained how sometimes people mask emotions and how instead of masking them, learning how to name and feel those emotions can make one vulnerable but also be beneficial for individuals.
Many of the attendees shared their personal experiences or thoughts on the subject and how it can look different to many people.
During the discussion of each topic, the hosts, guest speakers, and attendees engaged and encouraged one another to share more. Having discussions among your peers allows them to give transparency and feedback.
Having more conversations on subjects involving student participation creates an opportunity for students to encourage and support each other. Campus events like Bold and Beautiful help people connect with their peers and allow each person to share their values, uniqueness, and resilience.
The Bold and Beautiful event helped attendees feel seen and heard. Events like these on campus help students share their stories and can encourage each other not to be afraid to do the same.
]]>Jackson State University presented the “Real Stories of Breast Cancer Prevention and Survivorship” webinar on Feb 21. This webinar told the experiences of breast cancer survivors, self-advocacy, and crucial information from specialists.
The speakers for this event included: Sherry Hughes and Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz, Ph.D. Hughes is Director of Strategic Community Engagement, Spokesperson for Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, and Breast cancer survivor.
Miller-Kleinhenz, the Assistant Professor for the University of Mississippi Medical Center, began the event with a PowerPoint, highlighting the statistics of breast cancer, but specifically black women with breast cancer.
As stated in the presentation, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. With that being said, there are certain risk factors such as getting older, genetic mutations, having dense breasts, family history of breast cancer, and previous radiation treatment.
Nationally, black women are 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer compared to white women. The level of survival is scarce within the African-American community.
Miller-Kleinhenz was ultimately inspired to study statistics because of her grandmother’s cancer.
“I’ve made it my life’s work to make a contribution towards trying to understand breast cancer and eliminate some of the disparities that exist today,” said Miller-Kleinhenz.
Hughes emphasized the importance of self-advocacy and health disparities, as her mother’s cancer made a huge impact on her cancer journey.
“My mother had a lump on her breast and complained about it for months. She was sent home and was told it was likely a cyst. The cancer had already metastasized a year later. My mom’s cancer is emotional because she’s a huge part of why I’m advocating for women right now,” said Hughes.
Hughes began researching new technologies for treatment, as well as building a relationship with her OB-GYN.
Towards the end of the webinar, advice was given on ways to support loved ones with breast cancer and general information for female college students not familiar with the topic.
Tips like attending appointments with that person, making sure that your loved one understands the treatment and circumstances, supporting their decisions throughout their journey, and looking into organizations for additional support were emphasized to go a long way for close ones dealing with the illness.
Organizations like the American Cancer Society show interest in the joining of black female voices. The “Voices of Black Women” is a study revolving around the concern of black women’s experiences, leading to the development of plans and updated information.
On their website, voices.cancer.org, enrollment for the study will open in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C, and more.
Hughes shares a motivational statement to those that are interested in this specific kind of research.
“You students are valued and so important because you’re our future. You are the ones that are going to look for more break-throughs. You are the ones that are going to help people survive even more. You’re the ones leading us into the next century. I think we can all do it by having these conversations together,” said Hughes.
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