JSU begins observance of Constitution Day

September 17, 2015

Dozens of faculty, staff and students gathered for the early-morning observance of Constitution Day to hear the reading of the nation’s time-honored preamble in Jackson State University’s Tiger Park in front of the Administration Tower on the main campus.

SGA president Rashad Moore said, " 'We the people' relates to the betterment of the collective whole rather than just a select few."
SGA president Rashad Moore said, ” ‘We the people’ relates to the betterment of the collective whole rather than just a select few.”

“The significance of these words 228 years later has tested the nation during periods of slavery, women’s rights, voters’ rights, civil rights and citizen’s rights,” said Charance Wright, chief Justice of the Student Government Association. Further explaining the importance of the gathering, Wright said, “The Constitution, our Bill of Rights, provides all citizens with freedom under the law – to honor Sept. 17, 1787 and join the rest of the nation in pausing to reflect … our basic rights.”

This Constitution, he said, plays a critical role in shaping the laws that govern and protect our democracy, thus leading to remembrance of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

SGA President Rashad Moore was among the attendees. He said, “This event pays homage to the groundwork that was laid before us. In order to see where we are now, we have to stop and realize where we’ve come from. ‘We the People’ relates to the betterment of the collective whole rather than just a select few.”

Kendrick Spencer, assistant vice president of Student Affairs said other events will include police officers who will advise students on interactions with law enforcement.
Kendrick Spencer, assistant vice president of Student Affairs, said other events will include police officers who will advise students on interactions with law enforcement.

Meanwhile, Kendrick Spencer, assistant vice president of Student Affairs, detailed other JSU events surrounding Constitution Day.  A noon hotspot is planned, with the NAACP encouraging students, faculty and staff to register to vote.

Spencer said another program at 6 p.m. in the Jacob L. Reddix building, 2nd Floor General Purpose Room, will focus on a “Know Your Rights” forum that will include police officers from various jurisdictions, instructing students on how to properly respond if they are ever pulled over by law enforcement. Participants will include Officer Jeremy Gordon of the Jackson Police Department and Lindsey Horton, vice president for JSU Public Safety.

Also, the evening event will include an overview of First Amendment Rights by Dr. Rhonda Cooper and a performance by JSU’s MADDRAMA Performance Troupe.