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Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. E Pluribus Unum President’s Weekly Update October 11-18, 2009 October is JSU History Month (October 23, 1877--)

“Anybody, Anytime, Anywhere” 2

JSU Goes Global With Online Degree Programs! See Wednesday’s Logue

PREAMBL E In the face of drastic reductions in state funding, JSU has decided to not only survive but also thrive! Sounds familiar? PROLOGU E 3

New Approach on Black Colleges “ We need to shift from how to survive to how to thrive."

John Silvanus Wilson Jr.

July 21, 2009

WASHINGTON -- Asked at the end of his first day in office to compare his agenda to those of his predecessors, John Silvanus Wilson Jr. declines to do so. But the Obama administration's director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities is very clear in an interview that he's looking for a new approach to talking about black colleges.

The standard "against great odds" narrative, he said, needs to be replaced. It suggests a focus on "survival and maybe victimization," said Wilson. "Black colleges will never be as strong as they can be unless that narrative changes.... We need to shift from how to survive to how to thrive."

Wilson, formerly an administrator at George Washington University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, turned to film soundtracks as a metaphor. When black colleges "go out and seek support, the soundtrack that philanthropists and prospects hear is dominated by violins, and we need to go out and seek support where the soundtrack is trumpets. I helped raise a lot of money at MIT, and we never played the violin. The trumpet is about greatness and the violin is about pity. We don't need support that comes from pity, but investment that comes from a belief in what we can do." 4

And while Wilson wouldn't talk about the previous focus of the White House black college office, asked about its work trying to help black colleges win more federal grants, he said, "the challenge has got to expand beyond working with 32 federal agencies."

While Wilson's career has been at predominantly white institutions, he has been deeply involved with black colleges, too. He has worked on several foundation efforts to help build the fund raising capacity of black colleges. He is a trustee of Spelman College. His mother went to Morgan State University and his father to Virginia Union. Wilson is a Morehouse College graduate (with a Harvard University doctorate) who takes seriously the ethos of the Morehouse Man.

"Going to Morehouse was very special for me, because the culture on the campus was one of high achievement. They expected us to do well there at Morehouse and beyond, to go out and make a mark," said Wilson.

Unlike many alumni (of all kinds of colleges), Wilson doesn't appear to view his alma mater through rose-colored glasses. When this reporter made a reference to Morehouse doing quite well, Wilson said, "I'm going to push back there." He explained: "I think Morehouse is doing quite well relative to other black colleges, but not quite well to the best of the industry, and I will insist on looking at Morehouse and other black colleges relative to the best in the industry," he said. "We should not be trying to be the best black institutions, but the best institutions."

Many black colleges are facing a series of common problems, Wilson said: "low faculty salaries, insufficient financial aid, often poor facilities." And "the common denominator is capital impairment." He said that even the wealthiest black colleges have a fraction of the funds found at leading American colleges and universities.

The only way more funds will be found, he said, is "to look at the value proposition of black colleges," which at most institutions "has been minimally addressed for a long time."

A focus on the value proposition may be especially important, he said, for those colleges that are struggling right now. Paul Quinn College is facing the threat of losing its accreditation. Clark Atlanta University this year dismissed 70 faculty members, including tenured professors. Shaw 5

University's president quit in May, amid mounting debt and student and faculty criticism.

Asked about these colleges, Wilson said: "I'm concerned about their survival, just as I am concerned about the survival of any institution that is doing good things. This is about America, and therefore any institution, black or white, that is helping Americans to get an education and contribute more to society and get us out of this hole needs to not only to survive, but needs to thrive."

He added: "The issue, even for those institutions that are struggling not to go under, is the value proposition. What is it, even at this fiscal point, that they can say to the wealthiest individuals in America, what can they say that they have been doing to cause those wealthy individuals to pull out their checkbooks, and pull them back from death row, and position them to thrive? If they can't answer that question, then it's going to be a difficult road ahead. That's precisely why we need to force the question of our value proposition."

Another part of that question needs to be graduation rates, he said, echoing President Obama's statements about the importance of completion rates for all students. "Low graduation rates go to the heart of value proposition because you can't make a very good case for yourself if 85 percent of the people who start in a freshman class are gone by senior year," he said.

Wilson praised the efforts of Philander Smith College and its president, Walter Kimbrough, to adopt a series of new policies and programs to raise the graduation rates of black male students. "I think the crisis of attrition is noteworthy, but what is as, if not more, noteworthy is the fact that he is creatively instituting a program that addresses that problem and he's going after it, and making it a priority," Wilson said. "There are a lot of institutions that have not had a creative response to some of the more difficult problems on their campuses, and that's not just HBCU's. That's what leadership and governance require."

While the discussion ahead may be challenging, Wilson stressed that financial stability -- and eventual financial strength -- won't happen without this discussion. "I don't think a stronger financial base is remotely possible in the absence of a review of the value proposition issue, a fundamental overhaul of the value proposition." 6

— Scott Jaschik — ------

The Impossible Dream Lyrics [1974 JSU Yearbook Dedication]

Lyrics by Joe Darion To dream ... the impossible dream ... To fight ... the unbeatable foe ... To bear ... with unbearable sorrow ... To run ... where the brave dare not go ... To right ... the unrightable wrong ... To love ... pure and chaste from afar ... To try ... when your arms are too weary ... To reach ... the unreachable star ...

This is my quest, to follow that star ... No matter how hopeless, no matter how far ... To fight for the right, without question or pause ... To be willing to march into Hell, for a Heavenly cause ...

And I know if I'll only be true, to this glorious quest, That my heart will lie peaceful and calm, when I'm laid to my rest ... And the world will be better for this: That one man, scorned and covered with scars, Still strove, with his last ounce of courage, To reach ... the unreachable star ... Luther Vandross - The Impossible Dream (The ... 4 min 46 sec www.youtube.com 7

Added to Quicklist 5:23 luther vandross the impossible dream live 308,180 views essexshane ------8

LOGUE Recession focuses colleges on efficiency Not every university needs to be all things to all people

Editorial: Greenwood Commonwealth Photo: Central Carolina Community College

For all the pain inflicted by an economic recession, there is at least one bright side. It forces institutions -- public and private -- to examine closely whether there are more efficient ways to operate.

When the revenue is rolling in, people don’t tend to worry as much about cost controls, in part because instituting them can be uncomfortable. Cutting staff or eliminating programs are not anyone’s idea of fun. 9

When there are no other options because the money flow has slowed, however, institutions do what they should have done before their hands were forced.

Such is the case with Mississippi’s higher education system.

Earlier this month, the state’s eight public universities received the first warning shot when Gov. Haley Barbour cut their budgets by 5 percent in response to sluggish tax collections. This is not likely to be the last bad news. Higher Education Commissioner Hank Bounds has said that he expects another 5 percent slice in state funding next year, followed by a 10 percent cut the year after that when federal stimulus money runs out.

* Bounds and his bosses on the College Board have decided to be proactive in preparing for the funding reductions. They have directed the university presidents to come up with cost-saving suggestions. Some of the recommendations are likely to be back-shop efforts, such as doing more group purchasing and consolidating the administration of insurance and retirement plans, that the public is unlikely to much notice. Other ideas, though, are going to meet with resistance -- such as eliminating and consolidating academic programs -- since they mean faculty cuts and fewer majors at some universities.

Such an overhaul of academic offerings, though, would be a good idea even if there weren’t a revenue pinch. At some schools, there are just not enough students in certain majors to justify their continuation. There is also too much costly duplication of programs within the higher education system as a whole.

For decades, Mississippi has talked about being more individualized in the missions of each university, particularly as it pertains to the more specialized programs.

For instance, Mississippi operates three engineering schools -- at Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi and Jackson State University. Engineering schools require a heavy investment in staffing and facilities. In a state as small as Mississippi, could it get by with two? 10

Closer to home, Mississippi has two full-fledged journalism programs -- Ole Miss and the University of Southern Mississippi -- plus quasi- journalism programs (mass communications) at the other six universities of varying quality. If Mississippi were to cut in half the number of places where you could study journalism or communications, not only would it save money, but the overall quality of instruction would improve by better concentrating the faculty and other resources.

There are bound of be lots of other similar examples of expensive and counterproductive duplication. It’s just a matter of commanding the will to do something about them.

Not every university needs to be all things to all people. Let each concentrate on what it does best. Not only would that save money, but it could reduce the differences in educational quality that presently exist between the schools themselves.

------Lesson: History rules university alignment By Charlie Mitchell Vicksburg Post

VICKSBURG -- Mississippi has one state-supported medical school, one state-supported law school, one state-supported college of veterinary medicine.

State residents seeking professional degrees in those fields either go to the single source the state provides or go out-of-state or to private institutions.

That’s not true for other academic fields. There are up to eight main campuses in Mississippi where students can earn doctorates in English or mathematics or education administration or history. The eight also overlap greatly in the bachelor’s, masters and doctoral degrees they offer.

In an era of pinching pennies, how much sense does that make?

The honest answer is not a lot. 11

But higher education in this state -- and in many other states -- plays out against the backdrop of history, specifically racial history, so the university system will continue to be less efficient than if it were being designed from scratch today.

Merely hinting at the need to consolidate to save money gives rise to suspicion that the motive is to get rid of smaller universities such as Mississippi Valley State University at Itta Bena and Alcorn State University at Lorman, both of which were created to maintain racial segregation and have since evolved to the point that their racial identity has become a special, protected status. Despite court orders and financial incentives to diversify, Valley and Alcorn continue to have nearly all- black enrollment.

Same for the smallest school in the state, Mississippi University for Women, created when it was stylish to have a university enclave where women could be gender-independent. Although excluding men was deemed illegal 27 years ago, The W remains in fact and by reputation a women’s college with a few men in the student body.

Each university, small and large, has a protective constituency of alumni and supporters.

“I’m not for consolidating if it’s going to take away from Valley,” state Rep. Willie Bailey, D-Greenville, told Shelia Byrd of The Associated Press. See? The first question is not whether it makes financial sense to streamline. Tradition is the trump card. That’s not a bad thing. It’s just the way it is.

Members of the state College Board have authority to set the missions of the state’s eight comprehensive universities. In tight times past and again today, noises have been made about reducing duplication. “Visiting experts” are talking about a better way. But College Board members don’t have rocking the boat, at least in any radical way, on their agenda.

By the numbers, the national recession has pushed up both community college and university enrollment. The university preliminary total is 73,699 students, up 3.5 percent. The largest gain in percentage terms was Jackson State, up 4.9 percent. The largest university remains Mississippi State, with 18,601 enrolled in its programs, followed closely 12

by the University of Mississippi which, with its Jackson medical programs included, enrolls 18,345.

The only schools showing declines were both in the northwest part of the state -- Valley was down 110 students or 3.8 percent and Delta State University was down 33 students or .8 percent.

Together, Alcorn, Valley and Jackson State, often lumped together in the press as HBCUs (historically black state universities), accounted for 20 percent of this fall’s total enrollment.

If streamlining talks did become serious, a key aspect would be to realize how widely the taxpayers’ investment ranges course to course, degree to degree. Tuition pays only part of the cost of educating a potential classroom teacher, but it pays a far smaller part of educating a medical doctor. Across the board, the most expensive classes are those at higher levels. They have smaller numbers of students, are often taught by tenured faculty and often involve equipment that costs millions of dollars. This is where the most savings could be achieved by eliminating duplication.

So it would make sense to have all universities continue to offer the most common majors - education, business, social work - and have them specialize more at the graduate level. But Ole Miss isn’t about to cede its master’s in engineering to State. Alcorn isn’t about to cede its doctorate in secondary education administration to the University of Southern Mississippi. And so forth.

A comment often made about the national economic recession is that it’s the worst since the Great Depression in the last century. That means universities are on the cusp of several years where their state allocations and even alumni donations may be the leanest in 80 years. Already, state funds for higher education have been trimmed and Commissioner of Higher Education Hank Bounds has challenged university presidents to come up with more ways to accomplish their mission with less money.

They’ll have to do it without consolidation. Unless things get a lot worse, it’s still a non-starter. 13

SUNDAY For JSU football coach, death of wife a loss like no other 14 15

Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine when she’s gone 2 min 8 sec www.youtube.com

Jackson State coach Rick Comegy is pictured with his late wife Connie, who died earlier this year of ovarian cancer, and son Rick Jr., now 15. (Greg Jenson/The Clarion-Ledger)

Billy Watkins • [email protected] • October 11, 2009

They had driven 10 1/2 hours, from Jackson to Cincinnati. Only 53 miles remained to their destination of Xenia, Ohio, when the oldies radio station played a song Jackson State University head football coach Rick Comegy had heard a thousand times - the 1971 Bill Withers hit, Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone.

This time he listened to the lyrics. Every word felt like a knife to the heart.

... Ain't no sunshine when she's gone/only darkness every day/ain't no sunshine when she's gone/and this house just ain't no home anytime she goes away ...

A family friend was driving Comegy and his 15-year-old son Rick Jr. to a hometown memorial service for Comegy's wife of 25 years, Connie, who died June 22 of cancer. She was 54.

In the passenger seat, Comegy wanted to let it all out. Cry. Scream. Kick. Punch the dash.

"But I couldn't let Rick Jr. see me like that," he says.

As the song played, Comegy reminisced about the woman he had noticed in a grocery store 31 years earlier and made sure he went through the same checkout line so he could introduce himself.

" ...and I know, I know, I know, I know, I know ... "

Connie seemed to know everything. She could take a child's toy out of a box and put it together in a blink. She bought the couple's houses and cars, paid the bills, balanced the checkbook, homeschooled Rick Jr. She was a 16

brilliant, well-read woman who devoted her life to raising five children and running the household so Comegy could focus on football.

"The woman could do anything," Comegy says. "One time we were driving along and the muffler fell off the car. Well, she got out, got down on her knees and started seeing about it. Finally, I got down on my knees, too, just so the people in the passing cars would think I was down there doing something."

Comegy, who has led JSU to SWAC East Division titles the past two seasons, will tell you unashamedly that Connie's death knocked him back to his knees and he's still trying to get up, with football season in full gear.

"See, here's the thing," he says, sitting in his office with dozens of football diagrams covering his desk. "I wasn't just married to Connie. I was in love with her."

It started in 2007, during Comegy's second year as coach of the Tigers, when Connie discovered a lump in her neck. It was lung cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. Rounds of chemotherapy and radiation rallied her into remission.

The cancer returned earlier this year. Connie went through more chemo. But by the middle of June, she was in the hospital and unable to breathe on her own.

"Connie had told me once that she did not want to be kept alive by a machine, but even though you make that promise to your spouse, you still do everything you can to give them a chance," Comegy says. "I kept her on the machine for a couple of days because I thought if I prayed hard enough, God might give her back to me. I prayed and prayed and prayed.

"And there was a time when I saw a tear from Connie ... I think she was worrying about me and Rick Jr. So I finally had to tell her, 'Baby, just go if you need to. Me and Rick Jr. will be fine.' "

He held his wife's hand as the life support machines were unplugged.

"They had told me it might take a little while," Comegy recalls, "but she was gone in no time. I just remember thinking how blessed I was to have had the chance to be with her as she took her last breath ... just me and her, 17

just like it was the first night we talked as we were leaving the grocery store."

Her death rocked JSU and points beyond. In Tuskegee (Ala.) University, where Comegy won 90 games in 10 seasons before coming to Jackson, 39-year-old James Arrington grieved as if he had lost a sister.

Arrington, whom Comegy hired as ticket manager in 2002, used to drive Connie and Rick Jr. to road games. He also brought her to Jackson to look for a house soon after Comegy was hired.

"She got the house situation squared away, and then you know what she did?" Arrington says. "She went to a local shelter there in Jackson and adopted a dog."

Arrington believes that was Connie's way of showing her commitment to the community.

"Plus, that woman loved anything that had life in it," he says. "If it breathed, she embraced it."

Over the years, Comegy estimates Connie brought more then 50 foster children into their home, from toddlers to teenagers.

"She wanted to make a difference," he says.

Comegy and Rick Jr. are doing the best they can to cope.

Rick Jr. is attending Murrah High School - an adjustment after being homeschooled since second grade.

"He can do better in school," Comegy says. "I've been over and talked to some of his teachers, and I think he'll get squared away. He loves science. And he's thinking about going out for the golf team in the spring and maybe football next year. I'm not going to push him. I'm going to let him discover his own niche."

Comegy laughs. 18

"I'm still on him about his bedroom, though," he says. "His mom always said he was tough about that. And he wants to eat in front of the television and leave his plate or bowl there, so we're working on that."

Perhaps no one was more relieved than Rick Jr. that JSU earned its first victory of the season Oct. 3 over Southern University after dropping its first three games.

"He told me after the game that maybe the kids would ease up on him a little bit after the win, which surprised me," Comegy says. "I had no idea he was feeling that kind of pressure. But he can handle it. He's a champ."

In addition to Rick Jr., Comegy also is caring for his 88-year-old father, Charles.

"He and my mom separated several years ago and he started living with Connie and me not too long after that," says Comegy, whose mother died five years ago. "He loves football. When I was (an assistant coach) at Colgate (in Hamilton, N.Y.), he used to show up in the snow to watch the games.

"And I used to give him the business when he and Connie would show up to bring me my lunch. He would be kicked back in the passenger seat - my seat - with this big grin on his face."

His dad spent a couple of days in the hospital last week for a minor surgical procedure. While Comegy was trying to prepare for Saturday's game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, his dad kept calling:

Charles: "Come get me out of here."

Comegy: "Dad, I can't leave right now. I'm in meetings."

Charles: "You know I don't like hospitals."

Comegy: "I'll be there soon as I can, Dad."

Comegy smiles. "The man is happiest when he's cutting grass," he says. "He must own 50 lawn mowers. I need to buy him a barn to pull them all in." 19

Friends and fellow members of Word of Faith Christian Center Church often bring food to the family. A cleaning service comes weekly. "We're doing OK," he says. "But I have to tell you, I knew what all Connie did. But I did not know the depth of it."

So how does he juggle it all - a football team, a teenage son without a mother, an elderly father and the agony of losing the love of his life?

Comegy says simply: "I get into the book that has 66 books in it and 40 authors. The Bible."

Every Thursday at 11:30 a.m., he meets for 45 minutes with Lester Walls, an area director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Tigers' team chaplain.

"He'll tell his secretary, and I've even heard him tell other coaches, 'This is my study and prayer time. Everything else will have to wait,' " says Walls, a former JSU lineman. "A lot of people would've broken down with everything that is on Coach Comegy's plate. But he hasn't. His faith is strong."

Comegy's philosophy has changed a bit. He encourages his coaches to get their work done, and go home.

"I don't want them up here frivolously making small talk," he says. "I want them to go home and take advantage of the time that maybe I didn't cherish enough."

As he speaks, a small wooden cross on a blue cloth string hangs from his neck and falls onto the front of his blue sweatshirt.

"I've got all kinds of crosses at home ... beautiful crosses," he says. "But I've worn this one for years. I never take it off. I even shower in it. I keep waiting for it to break, but that string ... it just won't let go." ------20

MONDAY Federal Contracts Awarded by Federal Agencies in Maryland JSU gets a “ small $750, 000 grant” WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- The following federal contracts were announced by federal agencies based in Maryland.

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$28.89 Million Federal Contract Awarded to Buccaneer Computer Systems & Services

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- Buccaneer Computer Systems & Services Inc., Warrenton, Va., won a $28,885,483 federal contract from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Baltimore, for Healthcare Quality Information Systems (HCQIS) Adhoc reports, analytics and data management.

Contacts: Christina F. Heller, 410/786-1896, [email protected]; or Jaime Galvez, 410/786-5701, [email protected]. CIV5FCA5. ClassR; NAICS541; NAICS541519.

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$3.71 Million Federal Contract Awarded to Norac Pharma

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- Norac Pharma, Azusa, Calif., won a $3,711,685 federal contract from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., for the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) synthesis on the manufacture of bulk drug substances.

Contacts: Rob Bowman, 301/443-6677, [email protected]; or Kenneth E. Goodling, 301/443-6677, [email protected]. CIV5FCA5. ClassA; NAICS325; NAICS325411.

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$2.63 Million Federal Contract Awarded to the Regents of the University of California

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- Regents of the University of California, Irvine, Calif., won a $2,631,154 federal contract from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., for a feasibility study on intraneural auditory prosthesis. 21

Contacts: Derek M. Davis, 301/496-8505, [email protected]; or Silver C. Jones, 301/496-4487, [email protected]. CIV5FCA5. ClassA; NAICS541; NAICS541712.

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$1.39 Million Federal Contract Awarded to Oracle USA

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- Oracle USA Inc., Redwood Shores, Calif., won a $1,385,072.22 federal contract modification from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., for the Oracle governance, risk and compliance implementation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Contact: Raymond P. Hawkins, 301/496-6546, [email protected]. CIV5FCA5. ClassR; NAICS541; NAICS541512.

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$957,250 Federal Contract Awarded to Learning Tree International USA

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- Learning Tree International USA Inc., Reston, Va., won a federal contract valued at up to $957,250 from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Office of Administration, Rockville, Md., for providing personnel, facilities, instructional materials and services for the conduct of Microsoft Enterprise Project Management (EPM) tools training courses for the NRC's Office of New Reactors (NRO).

Contacts: Jennifer DeFino, 301/492-3637, [email protected]; or Monique B. Williams, 301/492-3640, [email protected]. CIV5FCA5. ClassU; NAICS611; NAICS611420.

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$750,000 Federal Contract Awarded to Jackson State University

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- Jackson State University, Jackson, Miss., won a $750,000.00 federal contract from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., for education and training services for the Mississippi Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) African American Outreach Project.

Contact: Marlene Mireles, 301/443-7795, [email protected]. CIV5FCA5. ClassU; NAICS611; NAICS611430.

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$54,112 Federal Contract Awarded to Wolters Kluwer Health

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- Wolters Kluwer Health Inc., St. Louis, won a $54,112.50 federal contract from the Health and Human Services Department's Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Baltimore, for the renewal of the Medispan license of National Drug Codes (NDC) and data information.

Contact: Renee A. Wallace-Abney, 410/786-5128, [email protected]. CIV5FCA5. Class76; NAICS541; NAICS541519.

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$16,050 Federal Contract Awarded to Live Monitoring Solutions

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- Live Monitoring Solution, LLC, Ga., won a $16,050 federal contract from the U.S. Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, Md., for dual- frequency, dual-antenna GPS/SBAS receivers.

Contact: Kristin D. Brandenberg, 301/713-0808, [email protected]. CIV5FCA5. Class70; NAICS423; NAICS423490.

For more information about Targeted News Service products and services, please contact: Myron Struck, editor, Targeted News Service LLC, Springfield, Va., 703/304-1897; [email protected]; http://targetednews.com. ------Chicago elementary school teacher establishes The Dream Scholarship 23

Lorrie Stacker The Dream photos used in publications

I started The Dream Scholarship because I wanted to give back and help the next generation. I believe in order to make a 24

difference in the world you must help somebody else reach their goals. ---Lorrie Stacker

The Dream Scholarship Fund Established in 2008, The Dream Scholarship Fund was created to provide African American males from Chicago the opportunity to attend college. Monies obtained for The Dream Scholarship Fund are designated to Jackson State University in an effort to assist students with their books and tuition.

Lorri Stacker, a graduate of Jackson State University recognized the alarming college graduation rates of African American males. Her passion for education and drive for making a difference in the community motivated her to start the non-profit organization. Stacker has worked in education since 2001, dedicating her life to uplifting minority youth to achieve their dreams.

Mission The Dream Scholarship Fund is dedicated to empowering African American males. We encourage youth to dream. We motivate people to believe in themselves. We inspire young men to become successful for the betterment of our community and our world. Planting the seeds of hope and virtue, we strive to make a difference one student at a time.

Purpose To provide financial assistance to underprivileged students seeking higher education.

Vision To educate African American males and provide them with the tools for success.

Board of Directors Founder: Lorri Stacker is the founder of The Dream Scholarship Fund. Lorri Stacker holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications from Jackson State University and a Masters in Education from Olivet University and works for the Chicago Public Schools as an Elementary School Teacher. 25

Kimberley Ellis holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development from Jackson State University and a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Jackson State University.

Jolanda Dinkins holds Associates in Spanish from Illinois State University, a B.A. in Criminal Justice Science from Illinois State University, and a Masters in Health Care Administration from Governor State University.

Jean Mayhoe holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Daniel Hale University from Chicago IL.

Anthony Stoll holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Roosevelt University and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Kellogg University IL and a Masters in Public Service from Kellogg University IL. Anthony Stoll is the Executive Director of Literacy Chicago in Chicago, IL.

The Dream Scholarship Fund 1448 E. 52nd St. P.O. Box 336 Chicago, IL 60615 (773) 955-7999 Direct www.thedreamscholarship.org [email protected] 26

TUESDA Y Flashback Jacob L. Reddix Portrait Dedication May 9, 2003

The portrait of Jacob Lorenzo Reddix, fifth president of Jackson State University (1940- 1967), will be dedicated to the Mississippi Hall of Fame in ceremonies at the Old Capitol May 9 at 2:00 p.m. The public is invited.

Born in Vancleave in 1897, the youngest of nine sons born to former slaves, Reddix served in the army during World War I (1917-1919) and 27

attained the rank of corporal. After earning a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Lewis Institute, Illinois Institute of Technology, he did graduate work at the University of Chicago as a Rosenwald Fellow. He taught in the public schools for fifteen years. During this time his interest and expertise in the cooperative movement grew, and he was recruited to serve as a specialist in cooperatives for the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.

In 1940 Reddix assumed the presidency of Jackson College, as it was then known, and during his twenty-seven-year tenure guided the school through the turbulent era of segregation and racial discrimination in Mississippi. Reddix built a new academic program for the college and added a graduate program of studies. Jackson State became the primary institution for the preparation of African American teachers and administrators in the state. Under his guidance the school saw the addition of talented faculty such as noted writer Margaret Walker Alexander and the construction of twenty- seven academic buildings and two faculty housing units.

Reddix was instrumental in the founding of two financial institutions: the Hinds County Educational Federal Credit Union and the State Mutual Savings and Loan Association, the latter of which was the forerunner of the First American Bank of Jackson, the only African American-operated commercial bank in Mississippi until its recent merger with Liberty Bank. In 1948, as a consultant to the Phelps Stokes Fund, he traveled to the Republic of Liberia to study the feasibility of a teacher education program there.

He wrote two books on the cooperative movement and a volume of memoirs. Jacob Reddix died on May 9, 1973, and was buried in Garden Memorial Park, Jackson. ------OUTSTANDING TRIO SELECTED; JSU ALUMNI HALL OF FAME 28

Jackson, MS - October 12, 2009. The Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc., (JSUNAA) has selected three outstanding alumni to be inducted into the Jackson State University Alumni Hall of Fame. The honorees are:

1. Dr. Dollye M.E. Robinson '48

Dr. Robinson received a Bachelor of Arts in music from Jackson State University and graduate degrees in trumpet and music education from Northwestern University. She has also studied at Boston College of Music. She served as the University's first assistant band director under the legendary Prof Davis. Dr. Robinson has provided 57 years of service to Jackson State University, the longest of any employee. She serves as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and the building bears her name. 29

Lem Barney Interview Click here

2. Lemuel J. Barney '67 spoke at the Jackson Touchdown Club Monday 10/12/09 Lem Barney received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Science from Jackson State University. His ten-year career in the NFL earned him the title of Rookie of the Year in 1967, induction into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1992, and induction into the Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame. His jersey (#20) has been retired by the Detroit Lions. He also earned a gold record for background vocalist on Marvin Gaye's record "What's Going On." Mr. Barney chaired the University's first capital campaign. He is employed by Mel Farr Automotive Group.

3. Milton Austin '71 Milton Austin is the 2008 Alumnus of the Year. He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science and was a member of the first ROTC Class at Jackson State University. Milton has held numerous alumni offices at the national and local levels including the president of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter and 2nd vice-president of the JSU National Alumni Association. He is a gift club member and has established an endowed scholarship fund at the University. He is employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Houston, TX. 30

“ The JSUNAA Hall of Fame Awards Committee is delighted to honor these distinguished alumni for their outstanding contributions to Jackson State University and in the community. The Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed upon a JSU alumnus by the JSU National Alumni Association. We look forward to celebrating with them during the awards ceremony,” says Dr. Rose Austin, Chairman of the committee.

The Hall of Fame ceremony will be held during the Homecoming Class Reunion Luncheon on Friday, November 6 in the JSU Student Center. Dr. Hilliard L. Lackey, III, president of the JSU National Alumni Association, will also be honored during the luncheon as the “Alumnus of the Year.” Admission to the luncheon is $40.00 for class members who graduated in years ending in 4 or 9, and $25.00 for non-members. For more information, contact LaShonda D. Levy at 601.979.1634, or [email protected]. /////// WEDNESD AY Education Online Services Corporation and Jackson State University Accelerate Development of Online Degree Programs 31

Available “Any time, any where”

NEW YORK--(Business Wire)-- Education Online Services Corporation (EOServe Corp.) and Jackson State 32

University announced today the execution of a Master Services and License Agreement detailing the specifics of the various online degree programs in development. The agreement represents a significant milestone in the planned deployment of online curriculum for Jackson State University including, but not limited to, its Colleges of Education, Lifelong Learning and Public Service.

"The interest in higher education through online distance learning is increasing in popularity and will continue to do so over the next decade," stated Ezell Brown, Chairman, Education Online Services Corporation. "Tough economic times, rising inflation and busy schedules are attracting more people to online education. We are committed to helping higher learning institutions extend their online educational reach to degree-seeking students and we are thrilled that Jackson State University has chosen EOServe Corp. as their online educational services provider," added Chairman Brown.

JSU President Ronald Mason Jr. affirmed, "Jackson State University is extending its mission through our partnership with Education Online Services Corporation. I am especially pleased that we are developing online degree programs in Education, Lifelong Learning and Public Service. JSU`s leadership in providing greater higher education opportunities through distance learning is being significantly enhanced."

"It is precisely this new and innovative education frontier that Jackson State University and EOServe Corp. are jointly exploring," said Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President, Education Online Services Corporation. "The combination of Jackson 33

State University`s outstanding record of academic achievement and innovation with the technological capacity and recruitment expertise of Education Online Services Corporation are an ideal match to expand the academic excellence and services of Jackson State University for an effective global online presence," added Dr. Chavis.

"Jackson State University is excited about its partnership with EOServe Corp. Expanding our current distance education offerings to meet the needs of the adult learner is aligned with the university's mission and strategic planning. This partnership will provide adults another option to obtain a degree and to become lifelong learners any time, any where," stated Dr. Felix A. Okojie, Interim Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Student Life.

About Education Online Services Corporation (EOServe Corp)

EOServe Corporation works hand in hand with our educational partners to enable them to succeed in an online world. Our partnership with Pearson eCollege provides a powerful and dynamic system for delivering classroom content online. Our years of marketing, branding, recruitment and enrollment experience have lead us to be an industry leader, combined with tutoring and student retention services, and EOServe Corp provides a wide spectrum of services aimed at helping our educational partners flourish online. For more information, visit: www.EducationOnlineServices.com

EOServe Corp. Joe Mazon, VP of Marketing, 954-509-0221 34

Fax: 954-208-0823 [email protected]

Copyright Business Wire 2009 J-State on BET women's health tour

R&B singer Deborah Cox Young women get hyped at this event

The Clarion-Ledger • October 13, 2009

The BET Foundation will wrap up its Women’s Health Symposium national four-city tour by stopping in Jackson from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Jackson State University’s Arena, 1400 Lynch St.

The symposium brings together several thousand women of color for a day of health education, fitness facts, fun and entertainment by national recording artists including Gospel great Vickie Winans, R&B songstress Deborah Cox and Grammy nominee Kelly Price.

It offers a full day of health education and awareness, including a morning fitness session, expert panel discussions and workshops with health professionals, health screenings, exhibits and book signings with several notable authors including author/actress Bern Nadette Stanis, formerly known as "Thelma" from the long-running TV show "Good Times," and New York-based author and motivational speaker Sil Lai Abrams, who specializes in domestic violence awareness and prevention. 35

National health data show that continuing disparities experienced by African Americans remain high. Obesity, diabetes and strokes which are major contributors to prolonged illnesses and death, remain top health concerns among African-American women and their families.

The foundation along with Honey Nut Cheerios Brand and Sam's Club are sponsors of the tour.

Attendance is free to women of all ages, and teens who are accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is required by calling 1-866-356-7348 or visit www.ahealthybet.com. Gibbs-Green Plaza & Goodbye to Dansby Hall (For Philip L. Gibbs -September 2, 1949 - May 15, 1970 & James E. Green - November 19, 1953 - May 15, 1970 )

How do I say goodbye to what we had The good times that made us laugh outweighed the bad We thought we would live to see forever but forever has gone away It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday . . . 36

By Dr. Gene Young ‘72 shown here with President Barack Obama

It was a request for an interview by Evelyn Holden, a 2005 graduate of Jackson State and a third year student at the Mississippi College of Law. She and her classmates, Theresa Neyland and Jesse Granneman wanted to know more about the campus shootings of May, 1970 for a class project on the Burton versus Waller trial. We agreed to meet for the interview on campus at Alexander Hall Women's Dormitory to view the area where Philip Gibbs and James Green were murdered and several others were wounded. Returning to the campus where I was born, educated and taught on October 9th, my friend, Kim Wade treated me to lunch at the restaurant in the new campus union building and from our table we could see the Z.T. Hubert Building where I was actually born. Following a delicious lunch and our divergent views on the upcoming historic luncheon, we parted and I stopped to see the new chairman of the political science department and my fraternal brother, Dr. D'Andra Orey in Dollye M..E. Robinson School of Liberal Arts Building.

Dr. Orey allowed me to borrow his copy of Dr. John A. Peoples' book, To Survive and Thrive: The Quest for A True Urban University , his memoir which includes his account of May 15, 1970 and pictures of the bullet-riddled Alexander Hall Dormitory. Before leaving the building, I stopped by to say hello to Dr. Dollye M.E. Robinson, the Dean of the 37

School of Liberal Arts and her administrative assistant, Mrs. Dorothy Huddleston, who are both alumna of Lanier High School. Returning to the Gibbs-Green Plaza, the Mississippi College law students were waiting and when the camera was setup for recording, I shared my recollections about the events that occurred on this spot over thirty eight years ago. Standing there, I looked beyond the B.F. Roberts Building, which was formerly the dining hall and saw bulldozers working in the rubble of what once was Dansby Hall Auditorium. When the interview was over, I walked over and saw a sign which read: Dansby Hall Restoration Project. I picked up some bricks and left campus thinking about B. Baldwin Dansby, the Morehouse man who was mentored by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays and the historic building which was the focal point for a plethora of campus programs, including the mandatory Vespers, and the home of administrative offices and the speech department. One of the first campus-wide meetings following the shootings was held in Dansby Hall in June of 1970 and my comments calling for the Clarion Ledger and the Daily News to hire black reporters was placed into the files of the Mississippi Sovereignty Commission. On the first anniversary of the May 15th shootings, I wrote a play, Lest We Forget, which was performed on the stage of Dansby Hall and before graduating in 1972, I would participate in numerous theatrical presentations in that hallowed hall. Years later, upon returning to teach at Jackson State, I had the privilege of introducing Reverend Jesse Jackson in Dansby Hall in his first bid for the office of president. Many of the first classes that I taught were held in the Dansby Hall basement and years later without fear of changing their grades, many students tell me that my classes were the most memorable of their college years.

I don't know where this road is going to lead to All I know is where we have been and what we have been through But if it gets us to tomorrow, I hope it is worth all the pain It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday. . .

Not nearly enough has been done over the years to commemorate, educate, and institutionalized the tragic events which transpired on John Roy Lynch Street and without question, the May 4th Task Force at Kent State University in Ohio has been more consistent in keeping alive the memory of Philip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green. On the heels of the interview with the law students from Mississippi College, another Jackson State alumnus, Michael Jefferson of the Class of 1987 wrote of his work on a May 1970 documentary and going to Kent State last spring 38

for the annual commemoration program. He will be coming to Jackson for homecoming week as will another JSU alumna, Fran'Cee Brown- McClure, a member of the Class of 2004, who is a doctoral student at the University of Texas in Austin. She plans to do research on the campus shootings and her advisor at the University of Texas is another Jackson State alumnus and my former student, Dr. Leonard Moore. I am uplifted by these enriching and enduring educational efforts who collectively endeavor to record one of the most memorable periods in the history of Jackson State. Gloria Green-McCray, the sister of James Earl Green is a JSU alumna and she is employed by the Jackson State police department. Demetrius D. Gibbs, graduated from Jackson State in 1995 and he will be returning to the campus where his father, Philip Lafayette Gibbs died before he was even born. These words are written with hopes that all who read them will remember Gibbs and Green and Dansby Hall.

And I will take with me the memories To be my sunshine after the rain It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday . . . THURSDA Y Budget: 39

Nobody's crying 'wolf' in 2010; lay-offs, cutbacks

October 15, 2009

Gov. Haley Barbour made the announcement Tuesday that virtually everyone in state government expected but that no one wanted to hear. Barbour said additional budget cuts for the current fiscal year are now "inevitable."

What does that mean? It means that every function of state government - higher education, K-12 education, community colleges, Medicaid, corrections and everything else - will be looking at across-the-board budget cuts in the range of 7 percent.

It means that rather than the usual political theater in the budget process in which budget "crises" are manufactured and agency heads plead their cases to imperious legislators, this budget crisis is real.

It means that in this budget, most state programs will be cut and some will be eliminated. It means that the usual budget sacred cows - public education and public health care - are in real danger and that legislators will be unable to "rob Peter to pay Paul" in shuffling budget dollars or raiding sufficient special funds dollars to make up the difference.

State officials confirm that state revenues are down 12 percent or $128 million the first quarter of the current fiscal year compared to last year.

In response, Barbour is requiring all state agencies to submit detailed analysis of their operations in anticipation of additional budget cuts. The deadline for agencies to submit those records to the governor is Oct. 23.

The findings from those reports will become part of the fiscal year 2011 budget process, Barbour said. 40

Barbour is wise to make whatever budget cuts he deems necessary as early as possible in the fiscal year. A 7 percent budget cut can be more easily absorbed in November than it can be in March.

But the fact that nobody's crying "wolf" in 2010 over the state's fiscal woes doesn't lessen the impact if such cuts - or deeper ones - are indeed made.

Cutting public education in Mississippi is a step backward in the poorest state in the union. The state's poverty combined with the current recession makes cutting Medicaid a particularly dismal proposition.

The deepening revenues shortfalls set up a replay of the budget fight that stretched the 2009 regular session to final seconds on June 30 of this year - the argument between the Legislature and Barbour over how much of the state's "rainy day" fund should be utilized to prop up the state budget.

Two things will apparently be happening in 2011 - Mississippi will be formulating a budget under the most dire of fiscal circumstances and 174 state legislators and all eight statewide elected officers will be up for re- election.

For now, state officials can only watch the state's monthly revenue collection reports and cringe. Another higher education cut likely

[JSU braces for the worst; academics or athletics?] Elizabeth Crisp • [email protected] • October 15, 2009 LORMAN — Jackson State University faculty and staff are looking at furloughs. Delta State is shedding community research centers. And statewide, Mississippi's public universities may see multi-year tuition hikes.

Higher Education Commissioner Hank Bounds told the state College Board, which was meeting Wednesday at Alcorn State University, that he 41

expects budgets, already cut $32 million in September, to be cut by at least an additional 3 percent by the end of the year because of declining state revenues and estimated a nearly $109 million cut from the system's original budget this year by the 2012 fiscal year.

Those cuts range from $27 million at Mississippi State University to $4.4 million at Mississippi University for Women.

"They're some pretty scary numbers," Bounds said. "We are in very difficult times."

That has prompted the system to try to identify ways to cut costs. "We need to start with places other than programs first," Bounds said.

On Wednesday, the board heard plans to cut back on the cost of textbooks, increase energy efficiency on campus and create system-wide purchasing agreements for things like computer software and hardware.

"These things won't get us where we need to be," Bounds said. "We can't efficiency our way out of this."

The board is expected to review eliminating or consolidating some academic programs later.

The cuts already are creating budget tensions on campus.

Jackson State University faculty and staff have been told to prepare for furloughs over the spring break holiday and possibly winter break - depending on the budget cuts, President Ronald Mason said.

"Beyond that, we may look at doing Fridays in the summer," he said.

He issued a memo to faculty and staff on Oct. 6, explaining raises and overtime can only be awarded in extraordinary circumstances. He also has issued a hiring and travel freeze.

"None of us likes to hear about budget cuts," Delta State University President John Hilpert said. "We understand the state's situation, though." ------42

Flashback Blackburn Building re-dedicated 2/10/05 Event pays tribute to, remembers former professor 43

Mrs. Willie Dobbs Blackburn (1910 -) JSU Associate Professor of English and Modern Foreign Languages Dr. Doris Ginn ’63 speaks about Mrs. Willie Dobbs Blackburn during the rededication of the campus facility named in Blackburn's honor.

By Nekelah Howard/The Blue & White Flash

Jackson State University students and employees were present for the Feb. 10 re-hanging of a portrait of Willie Dobbs Blackburn, the woman for whom the Blackburn Language Arts Building is named. 44

Blackburn was a Jackson State professor emeritus of English from 1934 to 1974. She is a native of Atlanta, Ga., where she completed high school and received her bachelor of arts degree from Spelman College and her master of arts degree from Atlanta University.

Those who attended the event, remembered Blackburn as a woman who committed 40 years of dedicated service to Jackson State, and contributed love, education, and the ability to touch the lives of her students.

Linguist Doris Ginn, a 1963 language arts major, former student, mentee and colleague of Blackburn, recalled some of the accolades bestowed upon the woman whom many admired for her beauty, intellect and leadership.

"The charismatic leadership of Mrs. Blackburn was pivotal to the growth of the original language arts area which paralleled the growth of the college and its curriculum after state control in 1940, from a single program for Teacher Education to a "Division" embracing three departments with studies in the liberal arts and teacher education," Ginn noted.

"Mrs. Blackburn taught students to work through challenges because they are opportunities in disguise," said Inez Morris-Chambers, a former chair of English and Modern Foreign Languages Department at Jackson State. "She propelled the students to the careers that they now enjoy."

Blackburn was recognized by Dollye M.E. Robinson, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and the longest tenured faculty member at JSU. Robinson said she was one of Blackburn's students and advisees.

"Mrs.Blackburn taught black women to be women of culture, to talk a certain way, to act a certain way," Robinson said.

Robinson credits Blackburn for her decision to chose Jackson State as a place to further her education .

"Mrs.Blackburn told me, 'I think you, as a valedictorian of your class, should come to Jackson State,'" Robinson Said. "I then made the decision of attending Jackson State University, and Mrs.Blackburn was my advisor my freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior years." 45

Some event attendees remembered Blackburn as a woman of great distinction and character, who possessed the real meaning of being beautiful.

"We have all crossed over the foundation she laid, which allows all of us to succeed in the toughest elements of grace," Robinson said.

Current Jackson State students said they were happy to learn about the woman for whom their class facility was named.

"I think for those students who attended it was a nostalgic return to Jackson's State past," said Ricardo Lumpkin, a junior mass communication major from Magnolia.

Blackburn was also recognized by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of which she is a member.

"I feel that since she made a great impact on the college, it should stay in the building as a symbol of her hard work and dedication," said Tamara Taylor, a senior education major from Brandon and member of the Delta Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. "However, I feel the picture should have been bigger."

Others said the event was filled with vital historical information about the woman, the building and the university.

"This ceremony had a positive impact on the students here at Jackson State," said James Allen, a former student and Blackburn's neighbor.

Blackburn's picture is outside the first-floor Lecture Room, in the building that [in 2005] houses the university's mass communications department, foreign language lab, classrooms, radio and television station and student publications.

"Forty years, Mrs. Blackburn labored, building a better tomorrow," said Morris-Chambers while looking at the photograph and remembering the woman.

Blackburn, who currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, was unable to attend the event due to scheduling conflicts. She was 95 years old at the time of the rededication in 2005. [She is aunt to former Atlanta Mayor Maynard 46

Holbrook Jackson and sister to opera diva Mattiwilda Dobbs among other famous and prominent relatives.] ------

WR Wilder becoming real threat

#85 Marcellos Wilder

Kareem Copeland • [email protected] • October 15, 2009 47

If you are a follower of Jackson State football, April 25 was the day you found out about Marcellos Wilder.

He signed with the team out of Central High School in Tuscaloosa in February 2008, but didn't make a name for himself as a freshman. Wilder played in 11 games and caught 11 passes for 200 yards. Really, he was best known for being the brother of Deontay Wilder, the heavyweight bronze medal winner on the United States boxing team at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Then came the spring game.

Wilder was named most valuable player after a who-is-that-guy performance of five receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns. Expectations changed at that moment.

"After the spring game, I kind of thought this really was going to be my time," Wilder said. "I was hoping for this to be my big-time year.

"Right now, it's up and down. I'm just going to let everything come to me."

Things, particularly the ball, have been coming Wilder's way over the last two games. He holds a team high with eight catches for 173 yards the last two weeks after posting four receptions and 58 yards in the first four games.

The passing offense in general hasn't exactly been a shining beacon for JSU as the team has a 9-to-3 interception-to-touchdown ratio. No. 1 receiver Keenan Tillman missed last game with a collarbone injury. No. 2 Carlos Everett has been held to seven catches for 107 yards in five games. Drops, even from Wilder, have been abundant.

With so much attention focused on quarterback Tray Rutland, Tillman, Everett and newcomers Anthony Mayes and Rico Richardson, Wilder has been able to quietly improve.

"I'm really a laid-back type guy," Wilder said. "I let things come to me. I've been lucky these last few games, Tray's been coming to me a lot. 48

"That's what I like (other teams) to do. I like them to focus on everybody else so I can come out of nowhere and bloom and blossom on them."

Jackson State considers Wilder a starter in the slot position though he's not necessarily on the field for the first play. Receivers coach Derrick McCall loves his versatility in a 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame. Tillman and Everett bring the top-end speed to the outside, but Wilder has good enough hands to work the inside.

McCall has him working as a possession receiver to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, but that's not all he brings to the table.

"We've been really focused trying to get him the football so he can do his thing," McCall said. "... He's showing now that he's matured enough to pick up the reads and understand coverages.

"He's actually faster than I thought he was because he's been running away from guys in practice and in games."

Wilder added, "You can put me anywhere and I'll do anything. Every route is my favorite route."

The issue that Wilder, and most of the receiving corps, has among many fans really comes down to age. Tillman, Wilder and Demario Pippen were on the field enough last year that observers see them as veterans when really they're just sophomores. Inconsistency is natural for young players, but there's also plenty of natural talent.

"Marcellos is really starting to come into his own," coach Rick Comegy said. "He's just a young puppy right now with a lot of years to go. I'm glad to see him performing now at this stage because his future is really great." NG 49

Jackson County Area JSU Alumni kick off fundraiser Thursday, October 15, 2009

Submitted by Ruth Spillers

The Jackson County Area Alumni chapter, under the umbrella of the Jackson State National Alumni Association, kicked off its first fundraiser with the sale of Jackson County Area Alumni T-shirts and sweatshirts.

These will benefit the educational fund for students with a desire to continue their education at JSU.

"A dream of an education fund and the results should surpass the alumni expectations," said president Karen Howard, in a meeting at Moss Point Riverfront Center.

Since 1877, JSU has been providing young men and women opportunities that will empower them to succeed in an increasingly complex world.

As the "Urban University of Mississippi," Jackson State emphasizes public service programs designed to enhance quality of life and seek solutions to urban problems in the physical, social, intellectual and economic environments.

Supporters and friends of Jackson State University and members can purchase the shirts by calling Howard at 228-475-2157 or Ruth Spillers at 228-475-1936 or [email protected]. 50

JSU professor joins sister, brother for concerts

JSU Violinist Rachel Jordan with sister vocalist Stephanie Jordan

The Stephanie Jordan Large Band includes two siblings from her musical family for many performances; classical violinist Rachel Jordan, a professor of music at Jackson State University; and Columbia recording artist, jazz trumpeter Marlon Jordan. 51

Remembering a legendary Jacksonian; Dr. Estemore Alvis Wolfe ‘47

— Founded Detroit Chapter 1947 — Alumnus of the Year 1947 and 1971 — JSUNAA First Vice President 1972-76 — JSUNAA President 1976-1980 — Midwest Regional Coordinator 1980-88 — Student Recruiter Par Excellence 1947-1997 — Posthumously Inducted JSU Alumni Hall of Fame 2007

Dr. Estemore Alvis Wolfe was born December 29, 1918, in Terry, Mississippi. He graduated from Jackson State University in 1947 following a stint in the U.S. Army.

Over a span of 50 years (1947-97), he was the most visible, and perhaps most active JSU alumnus. He made trips from Detroit to JSU every two weeks during his tenure as National Alumni President (1976-80) during the Centennial Celebration mostly at his own expense. He headed the annual fund, he recruited students, he gave his own monies, and he promoted JSU at every turn.

Under his leadership, JSU had 110 active alumni chapters, the most in America. Very charismatic, and very engaging, he often walked the campus accosting students and telling them historic tidbits about JSU. He recruited students wherever they were including sidewalks, bus stops, barbershops, airplane terminals, and of course in high schools. He once claimed to have recruited over 22 Sonic Boom band members in one year!. 52

He sponsored or co-sponsored JSU choir concerts in Detroit for well over 40 years. In addition, he regularly hosted or extended hospitality to campus visitors. There was none other like Dr. Wolfe. However, running a distance second was his long-time rival for Numero Uno among Jacksonian John Milton Black’ 44 of Washington, DC. A story within itself, these two supercharged Jacksonians often competed for top billing in rendering support to Jackson State University. Dr. Wolfe seemingly found ways to overshadow or outshine Mr. Black.

Dr. Wolfe earned his masters degree in elementary education from Wayne State University. He taught in the Detroit Public Schools and served as Audio Visual Coordinator for over 40 years. He also studied on the doctoral level at Boston University and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Wilberforce University in Ohio.

Dr. Wolfe co-founded Wright Mutual Ins. Co. and served as Secretary- Treasurer and financial officer for 39 years. He founded the Detroit chapter of J.S.U. Alumni Assoc. as well as providing young people with opportunities to gain scholarships.

Some of the most notable contributions, and honors achieved were featured in Life Magazine for being shot in the leg after testifying against Mississippi separatist Theodore G. Bilbo in a Washington, DC hearing, officer of Kiwanis Club, Chair of Amistad Historical Society, Schoolmen’ s Chorus and a member of Central United Methodist Church. Dr. Wolfe departed this life on December 12, 2001. A memorial was held in the President’s Home (University House) on the campus of Jackson State University on December 29, 2001 on what would have been his 83rd birthday.

Once married to renowned educator Dr. Deborah Parridge Wolfe (1959- 88), in later years he was very fond of long-time friend Ms. Imogene Ankton. He left to mourn three sisters, two brothers, and a host of other relatives and friends. He was the number one JSU alumnus for over 50 years. 53 FRIDAY Jackson State to honor Baptist minister at Founders’ luncheon, building dedication

H.P. Jacobs – from obscurity to prominence For years, few knew his name. That will change… H. P. Jacobs Administration Tower Thursday, October 22, noon

(JACKSON, Miss.) - To honor the role that a minister played in founding what later became Jackson State University, the Rev. Dr. Jerry Young of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson will speak at the Rev. Dr. Henry P. Jacobs Luncheon at noon Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Jackson State Student Center. 54

Other luncheon speakers include New Horizon Church International pastor Bishop Ronnie Crudup and Jackson State University President Ronald Mason Jr.

Young serves as the 14th president of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi. Jacobs was the organization's first president.

As the leader of black Baptist ministers in Mississippi, Jacobs is considered the catalyst for forming JSU's forerunner, the Natchez Seminary. The school was founded in 1877 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society and the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi to educate ministers and teachers.

The luncheon is part of Jackson State's 132nd Founder's Day celebration. Events include the Founder's Day Convocation at 10 a.m., the bell ringing ceremony at 11 a.m. and the dedication of the Henry P. Jacobs Administration Tower at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the luncheon are $50, and $25 for students. To purchase, call Brenda Rascoe at 601-979-0263. Coach Anderson alters offensive plan: JSU Basketball gears up for fast break

Kareem Copeland • [email protected] • October 16, 2009

Jackson State held its media day for the men's and women's basketball team Thursday in the JSU Student Center.

Both men's coach Tevester Anderson and women's coach Denise Taylor talked about making adjustments after having their own respective disappointments during the 2008-09 season.

Practices begin today for both teams. 55

The men are coming off their third consecutive appearance in the SWAC Tournament championship game. The Tigers, however, have dropped the last two.

Anderson has switched the offense from a high-post system to a spread- the-floor, up-tempo attack.

"We felt like if you're more athletic, then you need to spread the floor more," Anderson said. "Run something that you get more shots and more points going towards the basket.

"We think we've put together the kind of team that this offense, perhaps, will be more suited for."

Anderson explained the offense as: lots of cuts, spread out, lots of screens, lots of dribble drives. The system should also play to the strengths of point guard Rod Melvin, the reigning SWAC freshman of the year. Fab Five?

Taylor told a story about talking to her incoming freshmen about being her version of the Fab Five - the 1991 Michigan men's recruiting class that went to back-to-back NCAA championships as freshmen and sophomores. The 2009 JSU class didn't know who Taylor was talking about.

Regardless, the ninth-year coach doesn't hide the fact that she expects those freshmen, led by Dandy Dozen and first-team All-Stater Rachel Jones, to contribute immediately after the Lady Tigers failed to reach the SWAC Tournament after advancing to the NCAA Tournament in 2008.

"I------am excited about our freshman class," Taylor said. "But the jury is still out. They look good on paper, but the proof is in the pudding. Once we roll the ball out, they're not freshmen ... they're basketball players. That's what I constantly emphasize to them." JSU retired professor Dr. ReJohnna Brown succumbs Mother of Weather Channel Vivian Brown and 3 other highly successful children 56

ReJohnna Belle Risby was born September 8, 1930, in Adams County, Natchez, MS, and passed away Friday, October 9, 2009, in Jackson. She was the first child of Mary Brooks and Joseph Risby. She accepted Christ at a very early age and was reared in the Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church. In 1948, she graduated from Brumfield High School in Natchez, MS. She attended Alcorn State University and graduated with a degree in Business Education in 1952. ReJohnna united in holy matrimony with William Brown of Hattiesburg, MS. Their 56 year union blessed them with four children: Jannas Etheidra Brown Collins (Rodney[d]), Doctor of Dental Surgery, Lieutenant Colonel- US Armed Forces; Rev. William Arthur Brown (Shirley), Doctor of Education, Assistant Professor of Education, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS; ReJohnna Brown Mitchell, Esq., New Orleans, LA; and Vivian Louise Brown Swain (Mark), On- Camera Meteorologist, The Weather Channel/NBC, Atlanta, GA. 57

Daughter Vivian Brown Their union was also blessed with six grand children: ReJohnna Brittney, LeAnna Ashley, William Brisby, Manogin, Mark-Anthony and Rachel "Rose". ReJohnna earned the Master of Science in Eduction degree at the University of Southern Mississippi in early childhood education and Doctor of Education degree in administration and supervision at Atlanta University. She served for 13 years between Breisch and Greenville High Schools where she taught business education courses. In 1965, she co- authored a proposal for 1.5 million dollars to serve thousands of underserved children and their families for the Washington County Head Start Program based in Leland and Greenville, MS. She served as Director of the Leland Head Start Program and Education Director of the Mid- Delta Education Association. In 1975, she joined the faculty of Jackson State University Assistant Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Dr. Brown's responsibilities included directing the Outreach Education Program in Yazoo City and the Elementary Secondary School Act (ESSA) Project that serviced students in Jackson Public Schools. As author of grant applications, Dr. Brown's efforts resulted in the JSU School of Education receiving millions of dollars. Her expertise and services to the University and the profession yielded her being promoted to full tenured professorial rank. A forerunner in the origination of the Head Start Program in Mississippi, Dr. Brown used her experience to direct the Head Start Teacher Education Program at Jackson State in cooperation with the Mississippi Head Start Director's Association. Her vision was that Head Start personnel engaged in workshops and coursework for academic credit that would be applied 58

toward a bachelor's or advanced degree. Her efforts to bring the vision to fruition are now recognized in the current reauthorization of today's National Head Start Program which requires degree credentialed teachers. Also, among her many noteworthy contributions, she authored the curriculum for a program which became the Family Childcare Education Degree Program, assisting in creating the curriculum for the doctoral program in early childhood education and founding the Lottie T. Thornton Scholarship Foundation. A resident of Jackson since 1975, ReJohnna joined Pearl Street a M E Church where she participated in the choir, the Laura Felts Missionary Society, and Mississippi Education Board. She was a long time member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority mc, the National Education Association, Mississippi Retired Teachers Association and the Mississippi Association of Educators. She was a, founding member of the Mississippi Head Start Association, an active member of the NAACP, and a life time member of Alcorn State University Alumni Association, Jackson/Hinds Chapter. ReJohnna leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband, William Brown of Hattiesburg, MS ;four children; six grandchildren; one brother, Joe Risby (Dorothy) of Chicago, Illinois; one sister, Willie Louise Singleton (Willie) of San Antonio, TX; her sisters-in-law, Jannas Shine, Ruth Shackleford and Aithea Jones of Chicago IL; Miriam Jones and MarthaLou Jones of Houston, Texas; brother in..law, Charles J. Brown of Hattiesburg, MS; a host of nieces and nephews; two goddaughters, Susan McClure Johnson of Austin, TX, Zenda Adams Barnes of Conyers, GA.; one godson, Cedrick Shannon of Birmingham, AL; her "special nurse", Ms. Angelia Seals of Jackson, MS. Her parents and one sister, Jessie Louise Risby Murphy of Chicago, Illinois preceded her in death. Her memories are etched in the minds and hearts of thousands who knew her. She truly lived her life in accordance with the words of one of her favorite hymns, Only What You Do For Christ Will Last. Her legacy of love, compassion and the value of education and professionalism shall live on through the lives of her family, colleagues, friends and students.

Services will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2009, at 2:00 pm, Pearl Street A.M.E. Church with burial on Monday, October 19, 2009, at 11:45 am, Natchez National Cemetery in Natchez, MS. Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. 59

SATURDA Y

JFP Person of the Day: Kristen Thigpen Alumna joins Miss. Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Kristen Ward Thigpen started her new job with the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence Oct. 1. by Ronni Mott, Jackson Free Press October 12, 2009

Before accepting her new job with the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Kristen Thigpen didn't personally know anyone who 60

had been a victim of intimate partner abuse. Since she took the job Oct. 1, she's been researching the issue, which has opened her eyes. "I always had a heart for abused women," she says about taking her new job. "I didn't actually know how common the problem really is. I was really shocked. ... It's really breathtaking."

The coalition, founded in 1980, is committed to ending domestic violence in Mississippi and to helping abuse victims. Staffers provide technical assistance to shelters, education about the issue to the community and to professionals, and assist women in getting their lives back on track.

Thigpen, 25, is the coalition's new public awareness coordinator, and will manage the organization's communications. Born in Jackson and raised in St. Louis, Mo., she followed in her parents' and paternal grandparents' footsteps in choosing Jackson State University as her college. There, she received her bachelor's degree in mass communication in 2006. She married Dominic Thigpen in 2007.

On the day Thigpen started her work with the coalition, President Barack Obama proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In part, the proclamation states: "Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of all ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and children of every background and circumstance. A family's home becomes a place of fear, hopelessness, and desperation when a woman is battered by her partner, a child witnesses the abuse of a loved one, or a senior Is victimized by family members. ... During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to ending violence within our homes, our communities, and our country."

To find out more about the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, visit their Web site (http://www.mcadv.org), or call 601-981- 9196. Also, see this week's cover story on domestic violence. ------Dominic Thigpen mixes music and money (fundraising) 61

Dominic T. Thigpen Employee Position Title: Development Officer II Employee Department: VP Institutional Advancement Office Address: P.O. Box 17144 Jackson, MS 39217 United States of America E-mail: [email protected]

Dominic Thigpen is the grandson of a former Miss JSU (Linnell Geston Thigpen 1936-37) and married to former Miss Senior Kristen Ward Thigpen who is the grandniece of a former Miss JSU (Grace Townes Oatis 1947-48). Their daughters, Faith and Kelsey, were born into royalty and perhaps destined to serve on the royal court at JSU in about 16 years.

He currently resides in Jackson, MS with his wife, Kristen and two daughters and is a gospel musician and a celebrity who is internationally known from Paris, France to Picayune, MS. ------Rosalind Roy has art will travel 62

Rosalind Roy 6671 Presidential Drive Jackson, MS 39213 601-981-1022 [email protected]

Rosalind is a visual artist who works in multiple mediums, including clay sculpture, paper collage and computer illustration. She studied art at Jackson State University and Tougaloo College. Her work has been exhibited in numerous places around central Mississippi, including the Attic Gallery in Vicksburg, VSA arts Gallery in Jackson, and with the Vicksburg Arts Association. Roy offers programs for school groups that are focused on polymer clay sculpting or paper collage art. The clay workshop can be used to help reinforce curriculum concepts in different subject areas, including science, geography, and history. The paper collage workshop focuses on the principles of color and design.

Flashback Miss Black Arkansas USA 2008 ends reign but still available 63

Based on her academic background, talents, and achievements, Dorcas Nichole Kennebrew was recently selected as Miss Black Arkansas USA 2008. Kennebrew is a 2000 year graduate of Little Rock Arts and Science Magnet High School. Currently a master’s level student at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, Kennebrew is studying in the field of mass communications with a specialization in public and community relations. She holds a bachelors degree in Speech Communications from the same university. Kennebrew will represent Arkansas in the 2008 Miss Black USA pageant that will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada in June 2008. Kennebrew has chosen the platform: Let’s S.T.A. N.D. against the Diabetes Stats: Simply Taking A New Direction for Healthy Communities. 64

The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation, Inc. develops and promotes national leadership among women in the African American community. The annual competition provides scholarship opportunities that allow state delegates to pursue and achieve their educational, career, and personal goals. The organization develops women who are strong, empowered, and educated and who serve as positive role models to other women of color. It is the mission of the Miss Black U.S.A. Pageant to maintain a tradition of recognizing the achievements of outstanding young women of color and to celebrate the "whole woman - mind, body, and spirit." this layout is from whateverlife.com!

Miss Black Arkansas USA 2008 is available for media interviews, appearances, singing and speaking engagements. For more information or to request an appearance, please contact the Director of PR for Miss Black Arkansas 2008 at [email protected]. Stanley Cole Trial To Begin Next Year Cole Accused In Slaying Of Jackson State Student

Latasha Norman was allegedly murdered by ex-boyfriend Stanley Cole 65

JACKSON, Miss. -- A trial date has been set for the man accused of killing a Jackson State University student.

Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith said Stanley Cole will go to trial next year on Feb. 8.

Cole, 25, is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, Latasha Norman, in November 2007.

Police said they found her body in a wooded area after Cole directed them to the location. SUNDAY Tigers are 1-5 & counting Fans are irate, upset… Fire Woody, Fire ‘Em All! Right Here! Right Now! 66

Coach Rick Comegy Jackson State was SWAC football champions in 2007. J-State was Eastern Division champs in 2008. With Saturday’s 19-17 heartbreaking loss to Texas Southern, JSU is 1-5 overall and 1-2 in the SWAC this year. Amazingly, the SWAC East is so weak, JSU at 1-5, 1-2, is still in the running and with four more victories would be 5-5 and could very easily go to Birmingham and play for the overall conference championship this year.

What have you done for me lately? How soon we forget? It is said by many that sweethearts and football fans have short memories. Neither remembers, neither knows or counts what you have done in the distant past. The question is always, in the words of Janet Jackson, “What have you done for me lately?”

[Passing attack to ‘heart attack”] Fans love head coach Rick Comegy. They even like defensive coordinator Darren Hayes and the rest of he coaching staff. Yet, the once vaulted Tiger passing attack --- dating back from the 160s and 1970s escapades of Willie Richardson, Harold Jackson, Rich Caster, and 1980s and 1990s exploits of Chris Burkett, Tim Barnett, to even the turn of the century performances of T.C. Taylor, Courtney Bridges -- has now become “heart attack pathetic.” 67

James Woody, nothing personal but…in the words of Solomon Burke: He will have to go…

I'll tell the man to turn The juke box way down Low, low, low, low And you can tell Your friend there with you He's gonna have to go Let him go Why don't you just let him go

Fans point the finger at offensive coordinator James Woody as the culprit. They say that the bright spot championships were wrought in spite of offensive play calling as nimble footed quarterback Jimmy Oliver made bricks without straw. In other words, the gifted athlete made ineffective play-calling and offense schemes look good.

The current JSU quarterbacks are average at best. Maybe some have potential to grow into something special. But so far they appear incapable of turning bad play-calling into productive plays. Hence, either a super quarterback is needed or an upgrade in play-calling is needed. Fans are clamoring for the latter. They are voting with their feet as the turnstiles only recorded a little over 7,000 in attendance for Texas Southern. That’s 20, 000 less than what it takes to average at a program like Jackson State’s. And during this economic crunch with JSU facing faculty and staff furloughs, that’s a no-no. Woody must go. Or at the end of the season, fans will call for firing the whole kit and caboodle.

Coach Comegy needs to use the words of Purple Rain from the artist formerly known as Prince and now again known as Prince: What’s it going be baby? Will it be him or will it be me” 68

JSU plays Mississippi Valley October 24, Alabama State November 7, Alabama A&M, November 14, and Alcorn State, November 21.

AirRaid wrote: Yep, its about that time. Lets talk about who will replace Woody. Comegy still has another year left on his contract. So he at least has a year or two left before he can be replaced. -T.C. Taylor -Shawn Gregory -John McKenzie -Darrell Asberry -Jerry Mack -Willie Totten These are all good candidates. Coach Woody; the kids aren't responding to you anymore. It's time for some fresh blood. You havent' developed a QB since you've been here. It's time to move on James, I will do everything in my power to make sure you are not the OC next year. MAN to MAN, move on and go sell real estate or find another job! The JSU National Alumni Association, Blue Bengals Association and the Tiger Fund are not speaking publicly about this issue just yet. Each is talking privately to President Mason who says guardedly, “We will evaluate the program at the end of the season like we always do. Right now, we are still in the running for the SWAC championship.” ------

JSU sinks even lower 69

Loses to TSU 19- 17 Kareem Copeland • [email protected] • October 18, 2009 “ This is what it sounds like when doves (Tigers) cry…” prince- when doves cry 6 min Corderick Govan wandered in circles with tears in his eyes.

Luis McLeod cried also.

Terrael Williams slowly limped to the locker room, alone, with his teammates over 60 yards in front of him.

Oh, and there was the smattering of boos drifting from the stands of Veterans Memorial Stadium. (Players are not booed, only coaches.)

Jackson State lost 19-17 to Texas Southern in front of an announced 7,103 on Saturday and the team simply looked crushed in the moments after.

"I'm just at a loss for words," JSU quarterback Tray Rutland said. "It's hard to figure out. You come to practice and have a good week. Then you get to the game and things happen where it just doesn't go our way."

The worst part is, in the grand scheme of things, everything went Jackson State's way. Texas Southern had six turnovers, including four in its own territory and once at the JSU 49-yard line. And the blue-and-white Tigers didn't turn the ball over at all.

But the Jackson State offense couldn't take advantage of anything. JSU (1- 5, 1-2) finished with 196 yards of total offense. Only Mississippi State held JSU to fewer, and that was by 2 yards. But MSU is a Division I-A SEC program. 70

Texas Southern (2-4, 1-1) entered the game ranked No. 80 in Division I- AA in total defense, giving up 380.6 yards a game. And before Saturday, JSU had lost to the Houston Tigers just twice since 1971 (2000 and 1992).

"It's an exciting victory for us, I don't know when the last time was the university beat Jackson State," TSU coach Johnnie Cole said. "This is my first time ever beating coach (Rick) Comegy. ... Him and (offensive coordinator James) Woody, we go back a long ways.

"Just to do that is a great feeling."

After 59 minutes of play, Jackson State still had a chance to win despite starting in Texas Southern territory five times and going 2-for-13 on third downs.

Texas Southern lost its sixth fumble of the day while running out the clock with 41 seconds left in the game. Jackson State started on its own 49-yard line and Rutland ran for 4 yards on first down. Anthony Mayes caught a 3- yard pass on third down and Jackson State, all out of timeouts, had to spike the ball to bring up fourth-and-3 from the 44-yard line.

Rutland took the field, then came back. Kicker Eric Perri took the field, then came back. Rutland went back out and was sacked.

Ballgame.

"The only thing I can say is we had a few opportunities to win and didn't take advantage," Comegy said.

If there's a silver lining it's that JSU still controls its own destiny. Alabama A&M lost to Alcorn State and both Mississippi Valley State and Alabama State lost Saturday.

Jackson State plays A&M and Alcorn in the final two games of the season.

"Gotta start over,"JSU defensive tackle Terrence Banks said. "Can't lose any more from here." 71

JSU Students Happy State Fair Stays Until Monday Fair adding an extra day Vendors hoping for large crowds, sunshine in final days

Tekela Genous Elizabeth Crisp • [email protected] • October 17, 2009 Fairgoers will have an extra day to attend the Mississippi State Fair this year, and vendors another chance to recoup lost revenue, following more than a week of bad weather that drove attendance way down.

The fair, which was scheduled to end Sunday, will continue through Monday.

Fair Commission Executive Director Billy Orr said the extension will give more people a chance to attend and help the commission recoup some of the money it has lost compared to previous years.

"We know a lot of people haven't been able to come to the fair this year," Orr said. "We've had a lot of calls about it."

It has rained in Jackson every day of the fair this year except Friday - pushing fair attendance well below last year's numbers.

Attendance on the first Friday of the fair was about 35,000 people - compared to more than 65,000 the year before, and last Saturday's attendance was about 65,000, compared with nearly 90,000 the previous year.

Forecasts through the rest of this weekend and into Monday call for mostly clear skies. 72

Melma Johnson-St. Clair said she has tried to stay bundled up and dry as she waited in the rain for customers to come to her game booth.

"The turnout's been very low," she said. "We just want for people to come out and have a good time."

Cheryl Bryan, who works at the Pronto Pups stand, agreed that it's a good idea to extend the fair. "With prettier weather, there would probably be more people," she said.

Jackson State University students Tekela Genous of Jackson and Levertis Meeks of Lexington said they will "definitely" be there Monday.

"We were actually just saying that we wished they could extend it since the weather has been so bad," Meeks said.

"The fair only comes once a year," Genous said. "It's something you look forward to - people come from all across the state."

Meeks made his first trek to the fair this year on Friday because of the steady rainfall on other days.

With temperatures below 60 degrees for most of the day, many fairgoers were bundled in jackets and sweatshirts, but Meeks said the cool air was better than rain.

"To me, that's what the fair is," he said. "When the fair comes, I know fall is really here."

Genous said she already has been to the fair twice this year - once when it was raining.

"I know they've lost attendance because of the weather," she said.

The deals being offered Monday likely will help bring more people out, she said.

Discounts will include $2 admission, $2 parking, $2 rides, $2 corndogs and reduced rates on other food items 73 EPILOGU E Commentary on Mississippi's fiscal woes: Are tax hikes on table? “Mississippians could raise taxes and each taxpayer feel a twinge or stay as we are and all feel a crippling blow.”

---Hilliard Lackey

Ed Sivak • Guest columnist • October 18, 2009

Since the start of the worst national recession in decades, Mississippi has lost nearly 50,000 jobs. Across the state, working families continue to 74

encounter job losses and pay cuts as employers navigate these challenging times.

Just as the needs of Mississippi's working families are rising through no fault of their own, this recession has created an environment where the state has fewer resources to meet those needs. Across the country, the economic crisis has driven down state tax revenues by historic proportions.

Faced with the gap between people's needs and the state's ability to pay for important services, lawmakers responded with a balanced approach in developing the state budget that took effect July 1.

To develop the current budget, Mississippi used spending cuts, tapped reserves, drew on federal stimulus assistance and increased taxes. The approach recognized that the challenge of developing a budget during a recession was too big to solve just by cutting spending. Though a national recovery appears to be in the early stages, state tax revenues tend to be one of the last things to rebound. Mississippi must continue to build on the balanced approach to meet today's needs and to position the state to move forward when prosperity returns.

With revenue collections already falling behind, $172 million in reduced spending was recently announced. Four reasons illustrate why a balanced approach that includes raising revenue is a good for Mississippi.

First, deep cuts will mean that Mississippi's families that are working or that want to and need assistance the most will be the most likely to be hurt. For example, anticipating budget cuts, some school districts may not have filled teacher vacancies for the 2009-10 school year. As a result, class sizes in some of Mississippi's schools could be, on average, larger than in 2008. Likewise, the Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges reports enrollment of nearly 85,000 students - up 16 percent from a year ago. While playing a vital role in training and retraining Mississippi's work force, the colleges have fewer resources to meet rising demand.

Second, Mississippi has benefited from some short-term funding boosts that cannot be sustained. One example of a temporary revenue surge occurred when the Gulf Coast rebuilding process began after Hurricane Katrina. As people purchased building materials and replaced appliances 75

and furniture, sales tax collections rose higher than in previous years contributing to growth in the overall General Fund. In the nine years prior to Hurricane Katrina, General Fund collections grew, on average, by 4 percent. In the two years during and following the Hurricane (2006 and 2007), the same rate of growth in General Fund collections approached 12 percent. Mississippi also received a reprieve from having to pay the state's share of Medicaid during the 2007 fiscal year, saving over $260 million.

While opinion leaders cite the election year as the primary impetus for fully funding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program - MAEP - in 2007, double digit growth in General Fund tax collections in the years leading up to the action made the investment possible. MAEP is the state's school funding formula used to determine adequate current operation funding levels needed in every school district in the state

Another increase in funding came this year in the form of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress to combat the recession. The 2010 budget reflects nearly $445 million in federal funds allocated for health care, K-12 and higher education, and mental health services. Without the federal stimulus money, the cuts experienced in the current budget year would have been much worse. Federal stimulus funds run out in 2011.

Third, scholarly research shows that budget cuts can do more harm to a state's economy than tax increases. During the last recession, economics Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz and Peter Orszag, formerly the director of the Congressional Budget Office and now director of the Office of Management and Budget, explained this phenomenon. Stiglitz and Orszag wrote, "[E]conomic analysis suggests that tax increases would not in general be more harmful to the economy than spending reductions. Indeed, in the short run (which is the period of concern during a downturn), the adverse impact of a tax increase on the economy may, if anything, be smaller than the adverse impact of a spending reduction, because some of the tax increase would result in reduced saving rather than reduced consumption."

Basically, when states cut spending, nearly every dollar comes from money that would have entered the local economy through salaries and contract payments that support small businesses. In contrast, tax increases involve at least some money that was being saved that wouldn't stimulate economic growth. 76

Fourth, a balanced approach to Mississippi's financial challenges is needed to maintain the educational opportunities that are critical to building an economy that offers good jobs and enables Mississippi to compete in the 21st century. In the K-12 system, policymakers and educators have worked together over the past several years to put the tools in place to hold school districts accountable and retain high-quality teachers. Likewise, Mississippi's work force training system, its community and junior colleges and its four year institutions of higher learning have all undertaken innovations to move the state's work force forward. For the state to be competitive when prosperity returns, Mississippi must build on this momentum by keeping education and training systems accessible and affordable.

Mississippi is hardly alone in facing difficult choices in this recession. It is one of 35 states that raised taxes this year. Every state that raised taxes also cut spending, and deeply. The list of states that raised taxes includes states run by Democrats and states run by Republicans, in all parts of the country. During the first three months of 2009, states collectively saw the steepest declines in revenue collections on record according to the Rockefeller Institute of Government. Like these other states, Mississippi's financial challenges are the creation of a deep recession - not overspending.

Examples sprinkled throughout Mississippi's history provide evidence against arguments that a recession is the wrong time to raise taxes. In fact, Mississippi's sales tax, the cornerstone of funding for state services, was created during the Great Depression. Following the recession of 1981, both income and sales tax rates increased.

Mississippi has some feasible options regarding the raising of revenue. One includes expanding the list of items covered by the sales tax to reflect the switch to today's service-based economy - a long-term recommendation made in part by the Governor's Tax Study Commission. Mississippi's personal income tax could also be updated. Certain fees for service could be raised to be more in line with other states.

Each option could be part of a balanced approach, along with inevitable spending cuts and use of reserve funds that would not only help meet today's needs but also the needs of the future. 77

Leading up to the recession, Mississippi was experiencing some of the strongest levels of employment ever. Now, as the state weaves its way through this economic downturn, it is important not to lose sight of the need to invest in its people as part of the solution to return to and surpass historic highs.

Ed Sivak is director of the Mississippi Economic Policy Center - an independent, non-partisan initiative managed by the Enterprise Corporation of the Delta that produces analyses of public policies that impact working families. Contact him at [email protected]. POSTSRIP T Missing Alumna Vanessa Sanders Cunningham 43, Msg 10/08/09, New Orleans LA October 13, 2009 By Leslie Williams 78

Vanessa Sanders Cunningham JSU graduate

Police worried about missing New Orleans woman

New Orleans police are seeking help with finding Vanessa S. Cunningham -- a 43-year-old Lower Garden District resident who has been missing since Oct. 8.

"Detectives have not concluded foul play is involved, but it is highly uncharacteristic for her to be gone this period of time," Officer Jonette Williams said.

Cunningham was last seen by her husband at their home in the 1600 block of St. Mary Street, Williams said.

The 5-foot-2 African-American woman has light skin and a thin build, about 130 pounds. Her husband, Benjamin, became concerned when she did not return home.

Anyone who saw Cunningham after Oct. 8 or has knowledge of her whereabouts is asked to call Crimestoppers at 504.822.1111 or toll- free at 1.877.903.7867, Williams said. 79

http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/...missing_n.html ______------FORESHADOW S

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OCTOBER

October 13

JSU New Orleans Metro Alumni Chapter

Chapter Meeting

Contact: [email protected]

TBA: Founders’ Day Activity 80

October 17

Football Game: JSU vs. Texas Southern

4:00 PM CT

Jackson, MS

October 17

Houston Alumni Chapter

JSU vs. Texas Southern (Chapter Bus Trip)

Contact Sedric Myers: [email protected]

October 18

JSU Metro Atlanta Alumni Chapter

Chapter Meeting

Fulton County Library

980 Ponce De Leon Ave, Atlanta, GA

3:00pm

October 21

Houston Alumni Chapter

Membership Mixer (Blvd 610 between Westheimer & Richmond behind Mattress Giant) 81

6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Contact Sedric Myers: [email protected]

October 24

Football Game: JSU vs MS Valley State

1:00 PM CT

Itta Bena, MS

NOVEMBER

November 7

(Homecoming)

Football Game: JSU vs. Alabama State University

4:00 p.m. Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium

Jackson, MS

November 10

JSU New Orleans Metro Alumni Chapter

Chapter Meeting

Contact: [email protected]

Thanksgiving Basket Distribution 82

November 14

Football Game: JSU vs. Alabama A&M

1:00 p.m. CT

Huntsville, AL

November 15

JSU Metro Atlanta Alumni Chapter

Chapter Meeting

Fulton County Library

980 Ponce De Leon Ave, Atlanta, GA

3:00pm

November 21

Capital City Classic

Football Game: JSU vs. Alcorn State

1:00 p.m. CT

Jackson, MS

November 26

Houston Alumni Chapter 83

Thanksgiving in Sunnyside (Community Service Project)

Contact Sedric Myers: [email protected]

______

DECEMBER

December 3-7

JSU New Orleans Metro Alumni Chapter

Fundraising Cruise

Contact: [email protected]

December 5

JSU Metro Atlanta Alumni Chapter

JSUMAC Holiday Party

Yorkshire Subdivision Clubhouse

Decatur, GA

December 8

JSU New Orleans Metro Alumni Chapter

Chapter Meeting 84

Contact: [email protected]

TBA: 1) Christmas Social

2) Adopt A Family Activity

December 12

Football Game: JSU SWAC Championship Game

1:00 p.m.

Birmingham, AL

December 14

Houston Alumni Chapter

Shelia Jackson Lee Toy Drive (Community Service Project)

Contact Sedric Myers: [email protected]

December 20

JSU Metro Atlanta Alumni Chapter

Chapter Meeting

Fulton County Library

980 Ponce De Leon Ave, Atlanta, GA

3:00pm 85 ENDNOTE S We are not yet where we should and ought to be. Neither are we where we are destined and going to be. But we are on our way, helping each other, working together, and making progress each and every day. Get Ready! 86

Here We Come! Dr. Hilliard L. Lackey National Alumni President JSUNAA.COM

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