Anna Baynham
The Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
Students at Jackson State University wanted to open the inauguration of Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers in a unique way, and Wednesday, the “Voices of JSU” entertained her with their renditions of songs from some of her favorite artists like “Boogie Wonderland,” “September,” and “Before I Let You Go.”
Miss JSU Mea Ashley and Student Government Association President Matthew Thompson extended greetings before presenting Meyers with a huge bouquet of flowers from the student body.
“President Meyers, on this day as we are graced with many students paying tribute to you, look amongst the JSU student body, and know that the ultimate tribute is for us to excel in our education and continue to support our University,” said Thompson.
The Voice of JSU, Tyra Suggs, a junior criminal justice major, opened the show by singing an original piece for President Meyers entitled “Real Woman.” Suggs said she wrote the song with Meyers in mind.
“I was reminded of her achievements. As an engineer, academic professional and the first female president of Jackson State, we salute her. She does a great job, and I am honored to have a great president like Dr. Meyers.”
Hundreds of students, faculty and staff members, children from the JSU Early Childhood Center and the Sonic Boom of the South crowded the east end of the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway to kick off three days of inaugural activities.
The College Impalas, consisting of nine young men, serenaded Meyers with “Love Me with all your Heart.” Dr. Marshall Longmire, a JSU retired professor and the group’s adviser, said: “I think highly of Jackson State having a female president. I wish her well through her reign.”
The melodies included Frankie Beverly and Maze’s classic, “Before I Let You Go;” Chaka Chan and Rufus’ “Tell Me Something Good;” Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together;” Dorothy Moore’s “Misty Blue;” Patti Labelle’s “If Only You Knew:” Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Boogie Wonderland” and “September.”
Meyers danced a bit to “Boogie Wonderland,” and a special jazz arrangement by Darius Brown of “Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear” brought the audience to their feet.
In addition to Suggs, the other “Voices” were Tamika Smith, Bianca Hancock, Aaron Cain III, Mickella Adindu, Raynetra Gustavis, Carlos Smith and Darius Brown. The members of the Impalas included Christopher Cathey, Christopher Funches, Justin Spencer, Rashad Giles, Justen Dawson, Cordarius Hill, Charles Ford, Brian Buck, Xazier Alexander, Jonathan Adams, and Jeremy Johnson.
Students said they enjoyed the show and thought it was a great way to entertain the president and showcase talented JSU students.
Latara Taylor, a senior mass communications major from Jackson, Miss., said: “I think the show was very tasteful. I enjoyed the performances with students saluting Dr. Meyers for being the president of Jackson State and I think she enjoyed it.”
Bryan Fisher, a senior civil engineering major from Vicksburg, Miss., said: I thought the show was really nice. It was well-rehearsed and creative. It was great that so many students were able to attend.”
Immediately following the show, Meyers joined students in the Student Center for a reception, before heading to a reception with faculty and staff at her home. Inaugural events continue today and Friday.
De’Arbreya Lee contributed to this story.
