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.”

Shakell James
Staff Writer

The anticipation for the eight Greek organizations at The Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center were off the charts.  

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, Jackson State University National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) hosted “THEE Great Reveal”, an exciting presentation introducing the new members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority, and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity.

The various organizations revealed their new members with an assortment of styles and with attention-grabbing rituals representing each organization’s values.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. members were the first to grace the stage with their twenty-one new members. The Alpha Tau chapter entered the area on a mission. They were dressed in royal blue tops, radiant gold skirts, along with swirled blue and gold masks. Their coordinated appearance did not stop there, with each new member having shoulder-length locs.

They definitely set the scene for probate, especially with their signature lift towards the end of their performance.

Next was the introduction of the new members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. The three new members lined up with blue and silver masks, waiting to be revealed.

The members had a classy vibe as they rocked blue suave suits, accompanied by a white turtleneck underneath.

The Sigmas may only have a few new members, but that did not keep them from putting on a show. The new members presented a series of acrobatics, keeping the audience highly engaged. The work did not go unnoticed, but members emphasized that it required a great amount of support and energy.

Spring 24’ initiate Javon Gray, a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Tacoma, Wash., stated that he is thankful for the work that was put in to perfect their performance.

“As a new member, I am proud of myself and I’m glad I made my family proud. I’m very proud of this fraternity. Everything I was put through made me a better man, made me more consistent, and more efficient than I’ve ever been in my life. I really want to give praise to God, because without him this wouldn’t be possible,” stated Gray.

As the new members made their way off of stage, the crowd began to anxiously await the performance of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The organization welcomed 65 new members, who were eager to be freed.

They were dressed in silk red blouses and black pants, black sunglasses, and with black berets with white pearls, ready to bring the heat.

The Delta Pi chapter did not only reveal new members, but also a fresh amount of energy on the stage. The divas filled the entire platform with their fiery presence, with alumni and current members surrounding the gates psyched.

Kiden-Aloyse Smith, a senior journalism major from St. Louis, MO., expressed the joy of it being a new legacy for her organization.

“I feel very proud. I’m very proud of my neos. I’m very excited for them. They worked really hard, and it’s great to see the work they are about to put in,” said Smith.

Next up on the platform were the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Before the six new members entered the stage, the chapter’s promotional video was played, amping up the crowd.

The Upsilon Epsilon chapter surrounded the new members with a generous amount of purple and gold. They were dressed in a black ski-mask, a gray hoodie with green spray paint symbolizing the members’ numbers, and army green pants as if they were ready for war.

The Omega’s energy was nothing short of exhilarating. As the Ques hopped off the stage, the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. entered the arena in a poised manner.

These elegant ladies wore all black, long-sleeve tops and skirts, with green and pink silk ascots adorning all 58 new members.

The last Divine 9 organization presented was The Delta Phi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The Alphas presentation was far from boring as they welcomed 12 new initiates.

The Alphas stepped on the floor with their faces hidden behind the mask of ‘Bane’, a well-known character from the Batman series. Their outfit was completed with a black beret, a gold tie, black sunglasses, and black combat vests. Their motions were smooth and distinct like a domino effect.

The thrilling actions did not stop there, as they paid homage to the Divine 9 sororities. Multiple emotions were through the roof as the fraternity released a triumphant salute for the late member, Jaylen Burns. This was a special moment for the members as they honored Burns, as well as the relatives who supported them throughout their journey.

Finally, the program was closed out by the members of Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity.

The Zeta Iota chapter welcomed eight members, with customized black jumpsuits and vests with blue, gold, and white paint representing the musical values. The ladies’ faces were covered with white bandanas and black sunglasses, waiting to be freed.

Their stepping included a steady beat, making their rhythm flawless. New initiate Treasure White, a sophomore music education member from Jackson, Miss., expressed her grateful appreciation for the organization.

“As a new member of Tau Beta Sigma, it’s been such an emotional experience. I feel like I’ve gained a different level of sisterhood. Ever since I joined the band, I’ve watched the members and always wanted to emulate them. It’s been an experience like no other,” said White.

The Sonic Boom of the South members/alumni showed excitement as KKPSI brought the house down. The seven A.G.E.N.T.S. were dressed in a blue ski-mask and a black suit symbolizing the famous movie series, “Men In Black.” 

The Eta Eta chapter ended the show with their unique slides and motions, ending probate on a great note.

As Jackson State University welcomes the new members of these eight organizations, they prepare to make various appearances on campus.

Antonio Jackson
Variety Editor

The Harlem Renaissance was an intellectual and cultural revival of African-American music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theater, etc. centered in Harlem, N.Y., that lasted from the 1920s and 1930s. This cultural period was the spark for African-Americans to show their creativity without the filter of oppression. The result of that is the Jackson State University Outspoken Arts Collective.

On Thursday, Feb. 1, JSU Outspoken held the Resistance is Futile event in the Liberal Arts building. This event focused on allowing students within the organization to perform pieces of their art, ranging from rap, R&B, paintings, to even creative dances.

Each piece focused on varying issues that the people face within the black community. Topics such as racial stereotypes, being judged based only on skin tone, and the appearance of a black person were all channeled through each performer’s piece in a unique and engaging way.

Resistance is Futile has been staple event since the beginning of the Outspoken Arts Collective itself. Treniti Smith, also known as “Crtl” and OutSpoken president, speaks on the meaning behind this event and what students can take from it.

“Resistance is Futile is a staple Outspoken event. It’s been around since we’ve been founded in 2007. This event is about everything black! It’s about black struggle, black empowerment, just being black in general,” said Smith.

After each performance, students within the audience were given a question based on the subjects mentioned. Students were able to speak on their own personal experiences with being black, bringing the student body closer together through shared trauma and struggles.

“We like to pose questions after the performances to be able to get insight on topics, because if you don’t open the conversation, it’ll never get talked about. I think that’s one the black community struggles with: talking about hard topics,” Smith elaborates.

One of the many performances during the event was a spoken word, written and performed by Jada Fulton, an Outspoken member. According to the poetryfoundation.org, spoken words are characterized by rhyme, repetition, improvisation, and word play, spoken word poems frequently refer to issues of social justice, politics, race, and community. Related to slam poetry, spoken word may draw on music, sound, dance, or other kinds of performance to connect with audiences.

Fulton shares what Resistance is Futile means to her and how it influenced her writing process.

“We’ve been doing this since the founding of Outspoken. It’s an event to emphasize black excellence we have here at Jackson State. To me, personally, I feel like this is a very powerful event, because my pieces aren’t always the most serious. Sometimes it’s just whatever is on my heart or mind. I feel like this topic really made me tap in with what’s going on in our black community and how it’s affecting me, personally”

The Outspoken Arts Collective dedicates and prides itself on keeping black morale high and to amplify the black voice in any way it sees fit.