Camille Wallace
DJMS Student/Staff Writer
With nearly 150 years of academic excellence, sports domination, and student innovation, Jackson State University celebrated its annual homecoming in true Tiger fashion. Thee Premiere Homecoming showcased creative styles, football athleticism and school pride during the weeklong homecoming celebration.
One thing became evident with each event, everyone—from students to alumni—had a great time.
The festivities began on Sunday, Oct. 5, with JSU Day at the Fair and “Thee Premiere Gospel Kick-Off and Choir Rehearsal with Friends”, a concept that combines a choir and karaoke to create a sing-along experience celebrating Jacksonian spirit. Speaking of spirit, the movie “Sinners” was screened that night in the Student Center Ballrooms to offer students a quality cinematic experience.
Monday’s “Mocktails & Alcohol Awareness” event in the Student Center provided safe drinking resources and offered alcohol-free drinks.
Although the weather interfered, the energetic atmosphere did not stop there. Later that night, “Thee Rave Party” continued homecoming festivities indoors at the Student Center, 1st floor. With pumping music and flashing glow sticks, the party fever had just begun.
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Mister JSU Jarek Peterson and Miss JSU Lauren Ballard, alongside the Royal Court and student organization leaders, were crowned with elegance at the Magnolia Reign Coronation.
The festivities continued on Wednesday, which kicked off the unofficial homecoming weekend. That afternoon, Thee Tigers Wear Couture fashion show showcased campus modeling troupes and was followed by an energetic concert headlined by Gucci Mane and Vickeelo—truly a celebration of student engagement.
The concert opened with performances by Jaila Combs and Justin Love, offering Jackson State’s own artists the opportunity to shine on their home stage.
Freshman Eliza Roberson, a psychology major from Aurora, Colo., commented on the headliners.
“I only listen to two songs… and Vickeelo? That’s for the girlies that love to twerk. I’m not one of them,” said Roberson.
Despite lower attendance than previous years, concertgoers shared their enjoyment across social media.
On Oct. 9, the Divine Nine delivered exciting performances at the traditional step show, themed “Steppers,” a creative twist on the movie “Sinners.” The Alpha Tau chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and the Upsilon Epsilon chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. each took first place, with Omega Psi Phi earning their first win since 1999.
Friday, Oct. 10 brought out droves of students, alumni and community supporters at the highly anticipated Yard Fest. The sun lit up Gibbs-Green Plaza, music from DJ TMoney energized the crowd, free giveaways, food trucks, and alumni festivities created an unforgettable scene.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, JSU’s football team clinched a last-minute win over Alabama State and the Sonic Boom of the South wowed everyone in the fifth quarter with “If I Ever Fall in Love” by Shai.
Meant to close out the week of excitement, the Gospel Send-Off Concert featuring Twinkie Clark did just that with the famed gospel artist of the Clark Sister dynasty wowing the audience with her spirit-filled musical abilities.
Callie Calicut, a senior journalism and media studies major from Houston, Texas, enjoyed the energy surrounding homecoming festivities.
“It was good. I love the community vibes and seeing how big the alumni community is,” said Calicut.
For a look at photos from JSU’s Thee Premiere Homecoming, take a look at the photo galleries: https://sites.jsums.edu/theflash/index.php/category/gallery/
