Jackson State University President Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D., hosted his first “Friends After 5” for graduating students on Thursday, April 11, in the General Brigadier Crear Atrium in the College of Science Engineering & Technology.
Founded in Memphis by Executive Director Robert Hill, the monthly networking event allows students to mix and mingle with industry, government, and community leaders with the hope of receiving the job, mentorship, or collaborative opportunities that will give the burgeoning professionals a boost.
Thompson, who often refers to the students as the north star of his administration, addressed his intentions with making industry leaders available to the campus community.
“I want you to know that Jackson State is committed to promoting economic development in the city and state and workforce development. Workforce development is something that Jackson State does very well, and we are committed to helping our students realize their futures,” he said.
Hill shared that he began “Friends After 5” when he retired from the Shelby County government. During a reflective moment, he questioned what communities would look like if the Black and white middle class merged to build social, economic, and educational relationships.
“When I started Friends After 5, I said we have thousands of young black men and women who are going to technical school, colleges, HBCUs, and other schools who’ve done everything we’ve asked them to do, and then when they graduate or finish school, they do not have quality employment, they do not have quality mentorship, and they have not been able to move into the middle class effectively,” Hill said.
Aside from Hill, special guests included Gov. Haley Barbour, JPD Police Chief Joseph Wade, and Dr. Samuel L. Thompson, pastor of Hope Spring M.B. Church and Thompson’s father.
“I hope each of you looks at this as a resource and tell your friends about it. Tell your classmates about it. For the businesspeople here, tell the other businesspeople in your community, in your industry, and in your church about Friends After 5. This is something that can be a real resource for our economy as well as give each of us an opportunity to meet someone we have not met before,” said Barbour.
Jayhron Alexander, a graduating sports science major, thanked Thompson for the invitation to network and for helping to change the community.
“This was my first event, Friends After 5. I have never attended a network event at JSU, but it is a huge opportunity. The advice I would give students is that there are a lot of resources out here. I understand that some students weren’t able to make it, but there are always events like this going on at Jackson State University, so take advantage of it,” Alexander said.
Psychology major Camaya Thornton said her most significant takeaway from the mixer is that there are many different people in Jackson, Mississippi, with different gifts.
“Anything that we need is right here within arm’s reach, and when we have events like this that connect young people with experienced community leaders, we’re able to bridge those gaps,” Thornton said.
Over two hours, students commingled with representatives from various industries, including broadcast journalism, criminal justice, legal, higher education, and marketing.
Pastor Tim J. Bowers, founder of True Fellowship Ministries and a member of Friends After 5, traveled from Memphis to attend the event.
“I’m passionate about being a servant leader for God and being a part of the solution, not the problem. Coming here to Jackson State, I’m so overwhelmed and impressed with the sharp, articulate young people. They are bright-eyed and ready for the future. They just need opportunities, and we want to create a middle class, a real solid middle class,” Bowers said.
The pastor said he appreciated Thompson and the JSU faculty and staff for helping prepare the students for the future.
Saleem Baird, a lobbyist for WT Government Affairs, noted the advancements made with the “Friends After 5” in Memphis and shared that it would be special for Mississippi and HBCUs like JSU.
He also gave advice to students who missed the inaugural JSU mixer.
“You never know who might be in the room. There are billion-dollar developers here today. You have people who make decisions in the state of Mississippi here,” Baird said. “And that could lead to opportunities for your career path or whatever it is that you want to do. So, if anything, come for the opportunity and knowledge.”
