By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Twin brothers Christian and Christopher Mannery have done nearly everything together from birth and marching in the band to joining the same fraternity. Now, they’ve graduated together from Jackson State University (JSU) – a place they chose not just for education, but to honor the legacy of someone they loved deeply.
Four years have passed since the Mannery brothers stepped foot on campus as eager freshmen. What led them to JSU was the desire to carry forward the dreams of their late older brother, Devon Mannery, who lost his life in a car accident in 2016. Devon was a junior studying physical education at the time of his death, and played the bass drum as a member of the Sonic Boom of the South.
“Devon was definitely the reason I came to Jackson State and joined the band,” said Christian. “Growing up around the band, I remember the first time I went to a Jackson State game—we saw them perform ‘Get Ready,’ and everyone was so in sync with the pom-poms. That moment stuck with me. It really inspired me and became the driving force behind wanting to come here.”
Following the path Devon had begun, both Christian and Christopher joined the Boom their freshman year. Christian played the cymbals for three years while Christopher completed four years on the bass drum in tribute to their brother.
However, marching to the beat of their own drum was also important. A common experience for identical twins, Christian and Christopher were often seen as a single unit with their individuality taking a backseat. As many students use their years in college to ‘find themselves,’ so did the Mannery twins.
“As Christian stepped out of band, I kind of found my comfort in being the only twin still around,” Christopher said. “It gave me more space to be me—not just a twin. I was able to step out and show my individualism, my ideas and my contributions.”
He found joy and strength in reaching personal milestones, saying his accomplishments began to feel more personal and more meaningful.
“Him stepping out really gave me space to look in the mirror and be like, ‘OK, this is your lane. This is how you want to play it.’ So I honestly thank him for joining the Royal Court and getting those internships, because it gave me room to grow and spread my wings just a little more.”
These moments apart didn’t weaken their bond—they strengthened it. Further allowing the twins to find new ways to support each other by sharing internship and networking opportunities, cheering each other on in their respective roles at JSU football games and regularly expressing their pride in each other’s achievements.
“I would always just make sure he knew that I was proud of him because this was something that we weren’t used to. We’re always used to being together,” said Christopher.
Christian joined the Political Science Club and was voted by his peers to serve as the 2024-2025 Mister Senior on the JSU Royal Court. He also served as a R.O.A.R. (Re-envisioning Orientation, Advising and Retention) Intern, under the Division of Academic Affairs, assisting with campus outreach and onboarding first-year students.
In addition to performing in the Sonic Boom of the South, the twins were active members of Men of Excellence, Collegiate 100 and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
“This whole journey started with Devon. I think that’s what brings this all full circle,” said Stesha Mannery, mother of the three and current JSU employee. “He loved Jackson State University with every fiber in him. So from day one, Christopher and Christian were going to do something that he didn’t get to finish, and they did it.”
The Mannery twins both express deep gratitude to the supporters, mentors and “adopted family” they found at JSU.
“We really thank everybody. I would like to thank everyone at Jackson State, because honestly, they’ve made us into something that we definitely didn’t know we would be,” said Christian. “The things I’ve learned at Jackson State, the people I’ve met, I’m definitely going to carry that with me for the rest of my life.”
On May 7, Christian and Christopher celebrated their 22nd birthday as college graduates with a bachelor’s degree in political science and interdisciplinary studies, respectively.
Christian plans to attend law school to become a judge, while Christopher seeks to attain a master’s degree in criminal justice and become an officer in the military.
###