Candace Chambers
Blue & White Flash/News Editor
After visiting Virginia, Maryland and Lorman, Miss., the 2012 Black Entertainment Television Networks College Tour made its stop Sept. 21 in Jackson, Miss. on the campus of Jackson State University.
From noon until 3 p.m. this free, fun-filled event gave students an opportunity to have a good, safe time while also providing important information on issues in the community.
The tour, which travels to 14 institutions nationwide, is the largest and only event of its kind targeting students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. For its 12th year, according to bet.com, the tour is a key component of the BET brand and represents their continuous efforts to highlight and support HBCUs by providing relevant, engaging and meaningful outreach to minority students.
Tents were set up along the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway by sponsors of the tour, such as Citi-Trends, BET’s Rap it Up Campaign and Vote 2012, and the U.S. Air Force.
Recruiters of the U.S. Air Force smiled as they eagerly waited to share informational material about the ROTC program. Recruiter Major Price stated that they were present to “recruit the best and brightest officers to lead the nation.” Volunteers at the VOTE 2012 tent eagerly registered students to vote. Students could also obtain assistance with future jobs at the Career Tent.
The “Rap it Up Campaign” provided condoms and free candy of charge and partnered with local, community based organization, Building Bridges Inc. by giving free, confidential HIV tests on the second floor of the Jacob L. Reddix Hall. Building Bridges Inc., located in Jackson, Miss., began their involvement with the BET College Tour last year.
Johnathan Robins, Prevention Intervention Specialist said, “It is important that we are out in the community to decrease the statistics.”
There were many engaging activities available, including dancing competitions, performance concerts featuring upcoming artists, NBA trivia, Basketball shootouts, and a Video Skillz Challenge.
Students also had an opportunity to showcase their talents on the big stage. In the “Singer’s Spotlight” contest, singers had to perform a song of their choice in 60 seconds. The participants chose a variety of songs such as, “Silver and Gold” by Kirk Franklin, “Gotta Go” by Trey Songz, and “Let it Rise” by William Murphy.
Martika Ross, a freshman music performance major from Flowood, Miss. sang a collaboration of “Heartless” by Kanye West and “Moves like Jagger” by Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera, while also playing her acoustic guitar. Although she was nervous, she felt it made her perform better.
“I often perform on the plaza. I performed in Burger King last night. I do my own thing,” said Ross.
After the singing competition, the “Drop the Beat” contest, in which contestants competed to guess the beat of a song, the Citi-Trends Freestyle Rap Battle, featuring individuals’ best rhymes, and the BET College Tour JSU TV Promo went underway.
For the promo, students gathered around the stage saying with Tiger spirit, “Welcome to Jackson State University!” The cameras captured the crowd and JSU’s Tiger Mascot as he showed off his dance moves.
Martha Tamplin, a senior biology, pre-med major from Jackson, Miss. was glad she was able to participate in the promo tapping.
“I had fun. This is my first time in the promo. I missed out my freshman, sophomore, and junior years, so I wanted to participate before I graduated,” said Tamplin.
Many students expressed joy and happiness as the strolled the plaza Friday afternoon. Some received free-t-shirts and towels for participating the events.
KaDeidre Hall, a freshman healthcare administration major from Greenville, Miss. volunteered at the BET “Rap it Up” Campaign’s tent.
“Students can show their raffle ticket after completing the HIV testing process and they can receive one large item on the table,” said Hall.
Like Hall, several JSU students gained community service hours, while taking part in the fun. The Greeks wore their paraphernalia in pride as they walked along the plaza. A sense of enjoyment was evident during the evening’s festivities.
DeAngelo Brown, a junior healthcare administration major from Yazoo City, Miss., said, “It’s so good to see all the students on the plaza enjoying themselves all at once.”
Tavia Chatman, a sophomore history education major from Jackson, Miss., expressed similar views. “I think it’s fun. You get to register and more people can come out and get tested.”
Sophomore education major Aarin Johnson from Jackson, Miss., said, “I liked it. We need more events like this here more often.”
The BET College Tour’s next scheduled stop will be Atlanta, Ga. on the campus Clark Atlanta University and will run through November 2nd.
