“Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
They’re all precious in His sight”
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Reciting the above song lyrics from his childhood, state Sen. Hillman Frazier in a dedication ceremony inside the Student Center said the words express inclusion and capture the essence of Jackson State University’s Circle of Humanity, with its sea of international flags flying at the corner of John R. Lynch and Dalton streets.
Frazier said JSU sets a very good example for Mississippi by embracing all people and described Monday’s event in symbolic terms. He suggested that “there would be an unfinished symphony” if, for example, a musician fails to strike the proper combination of a piano’s 88 keys (36 black and 52 white).
President Carolyn W. Meyers supported the flag project, which was conceived more than a year ago by former Student Government Association President Keonte M. Turner.
“This university has been richly blessed. … This occasion is significant because it honors the value for which this university was founded – tradition, accountability, learning, nurturing, service and responsibility. We have a responsibility to help the rest of the world,” Meyers said. “This is a physical manifestation of the depth of thinking and the quality of commitment to making this planet a better place.”
Despite his absence, Turner delivered an electronic message, thanking Meyers and other supporters and explaining his vision.
“Today, JSU is taking huge steps to show the world we are part of the global community and that our beloved university embraces people from all walks of life,” Turner said. “No matter what country you are from, it is truly a beautiful sight to see, and it is my hope that we will continue to take steps toward true unity for the sake of all humanity and continue to be the greatest institution of higher learning that one can attend. Thee I love.”
Dr. Priscilla D. Slade, special assistant to the provost for JSU Global, explained the symbols associated with the Circle that is comprised of 60 flags, a globe and a fountain.
Slade said each component speaks to the caring and nurturing qualities provided by JSU.
“The globe is a three-dimensional representation of the earth’s surface, with many dimensions of ethnicity and creativity. … We are not monolithic but rather multidimensional in thought, word and deed,” she said.
Furthermore, Slade said, the water indicates “cleansing, life and freedom and, as a force, it has power that can destroy cities.” She also cited the healing power of water, similar to how education can transform lives. “The 60 flags represent the 60 countries on our campus. They are prominently displayed in a circle, which means inclusiveness – no beginning, no end. … The flags symbolize our caring nature – our humanity,” said Slade, crediting growing diversity on campus for transforming the university.
Speaking on behalf of the International Student Association, graduating senior Sara Hidouk of Algeria said, “Jackson State University is very important to my family.”
Her oldest sister was the first among her siblings to attend the urban institution. In addition, her youngest sister is currently enrolled, too, at JSU. “So, seeing our country’s flag flying at the Circle of Humanity is a proud moment for us.”
Sara’s family aims to complete its own “Circle of Humanity” after her younger brother, who will travel soon from Algeria, enrolls at Jackson State University this fall as a freshman, thus bringing to four the total number of Hidouks expected to graduate as JSU alums.
