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There appears to be a resurgence of national interest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Jackson State University.
Some say the newfound spotlight is due to Kamala Harris. Harris, an HBCU grad, became the first female African American and first Asian American vice president of the United States.
It’s hard to deny that her history-making accomplishment did not force HBCUs to the forefront of conversations. Still, others believe it’s the evolution of the Black Lives Matter and social justice movements.
Perhaps it’s simply because the world has discovered what many already knew; HBCUs are a hub for intellectual talent, creativity and innovation, especially Jackson State.
In the last few months, JSU has been featured in several national television and streaming media programs, on such networks as TNT, ESPN and BET.
In January, the Sonic Boom of the South marching band was featured in a Biden-Harris inaugural event that streamed live on a host of national cable and media networks, including BET and NBC Peacock TV. The Boom was also one of three bands featured in Pixar Disney’s release of the animated movie Soul to 4K Ultra HD, digital and Blu-Ray. Soul recently won Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.
Additionally, ESPN’s “First Take” spotlighted JSU and its students for a Black History Month HBCU special. Also, during the NBA’s All-Star Game on TNT, Hezekiah Williams, a JSU senior, and Naysa Lynch, a JSU alum and former Miss JSU, were chosen to participate in a virtual celebration of HBCUs that aired during halftime.
This type of earned media helps the nation and the world learn even more about Jackson State’s storied history and its current successes in academics, research, the arts, and athletics.
“The national coverage that JSU has received over the past few months has really shined a positive spotlight on our university in a unique way,” said Spencer McClenty, interim executive director for University Communications. “The types of programs we’ve been featured in are indicative of the University’s ability to provide value to a variety of audiences.”
Recently, there have been other coverage, too. JSU football has a history of national news coverage but found a new life on the media circuit with the addition of Deion Sanders as head coach.
Also, JSU students and a former professor participated in a behind-the-scenes production of the filming of the movie “A Day to Die,” starring A-list actor Bruce Willis.
Movie sets were constructed in JSU’s One Jackson Place, and scenes were shot in JSU’s 101 Downtown campus building. The 101 facility houses the Department of Alumni and Constituency Relations, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, the Department of Public Policy and Administration, the Mississippi Urban Research Center, and JSUOnline.
Also sharing the national spotlight is JSU student Deshawn Goncalves. The Sonic Boom marching band member advanced to the top nine on “American Idol.” Then, there was JSU alumna Mia Neal, who won an Academy Award for her work in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Neal served as the film’s hair and wig designer and hair department chief.
“We are extremely proud of the national attention the university has attracted through our amazing students, alumni, faculty and staff,” said McClenty. “We want this increased exposure to serve as an invitation to the masses to explore our university even further and learn about all the great things JSU has to offer.”