The Community Responds to Oxford Pride Weekend coming to Oxford, MS for the first time from May 5th-8th

Oxford, Mississippi, home to the University of Mississippi, is holding its first ever Oxford Pride Parade including multiple events from May 5th to Sunday, May 8th. Earlier in April, Mississippi passed the Religious Freedom Bill that has caused controversy nation-wide. The LGBT community in particular has expressed distaste towards the bill saying it to be discriminatory. The last place many people imagined a Pride Weekend to be was in the heart of Mississippi itself.

Thursday, May 5th starts the weekend’s events with a Code Pink Club and dance night at local restaurant, Proud Larry’s, at 9PM. Many people in the community believe this to be Mississippi’s way of reassuring the country their progression. Local residents respond with their thoughts on the event below:

Homlessness in Memphis

There are numerous homeless people in Memphis, TN living on the streets but there is also another side to it that many do not see. Many people see them as begging for a few dollars or food on the street in their cardboard boxes or bundled up in blankets on the street, but there are places that insist on helping these people out.

Photo via Google Street View

Living for Christ Restoration House Ministries (LFC Restoration House) is one of the few places that wants to help the homeless. They invite the homeless in to feed, clothe, shelter, and even provide any other assistance needed to get these people back on their feet.

For more information on how you can help end homelessness visit http://www.memphistn.gov/portals/0/pdf_forms/Action_Plan_Final.pdf

or to help donate to the LFC Restoration House visit http://lfcrestorationhouse.wix.com/shelter

Johnny Ison has more on this story below:

https://youtu.be/etyChTf1z0s

The Week Before Finals in the J.D. Williams Library at Ole Miss

Finals at Ole Miss begin in less than a week and students are studying hard. The library is becoming a packed house. Students. are setting up camp at the library as finals week approaches.

The J.D. Williams library on the Ole Miss campus is now open 24-hours a day through May 13th.

The library offers many resources to help you during year round. These resources become especially helpful around the end of the year and finals. If you're writing a research paper the first place you are going to want to look is One Search. This is a database for research. If you have an OleMiss.edu account you can access scholarly reviewed articles and documents from your laptop. Another useful took is chat with a librarian. This tool allows you to ask questions to a librarian without visiting the library or scheduling an appointment. Once you have completed your paper, you can make an appointment with the Ole Miss Writing Center. You can either visit the writing center and sit down one on one with a tutor or you can live chat with them online. Make sure to book your appointment as soon as possible, they fill up during finals.  The J.D. Williams Library will host a Stress Less Workshop May 2nd and 3rd at 4:00 p.m. in room 106E of the library. Check out all about Finals Week at Ole Miss below.

The J.D. Williams Library will host a Stress Less Workshop May 2nd and 3rd at 4:00 p.m. in room 106E of the library.

Xanax Abuse Becomes More Prevalent on Ole Miss Campus

Image credit: medscape.com

The abuse of anti- anxiety drugs is becoming a bigger problem on school campuses everywhere. After a post on the Odyssey went viral, conversation about the abuse of the medication grew.


Dr. Phil Baquie of the Oxford Counseling Center says that Xanax, in particular, is the most popular thing he things on the Ole Miss campus. He says that this medication is very easy to find without a prescription and it is even fairly easy to obtain a prescription.

"All you really need to do is go online and look up traits of anxiety or you could even figure out the diagnostic criteria for anxiety online and technically therapists could just go through a checklist," Dr. Baquie said.

He says that it is important for the therapist to be able to look at other characteristics of the client to differentiate between clients suffering from the illness or clients simply looking to score some medication.

"Fidgeting or physically trembling and just being able to look at the visual cues the person's body is physically giving," he said.

According to DrugAbuse.gov, over 60,000 people are addicted to anti-anxiety medication. There are close to 48 million people in the United States with Xanax prescriptions and over 6 million people have used it illegally in the past year. 26 percent of these people are ages 18-26.

Emily Xie has more on the abuse of Xanax on college campuses and on the Ole Miss campus:

Ole Missions at Ole Miss Changes Lives at Home and Abroad

On college campuses across the nation, missions organizations and trips continue to be increasingly popular among students. From websites like Short Term Missions to organizations like Young Life on college campuses, multiple ways exist for students to get involved in missions work abroad.

However, for one Ole Miss Student, mission trips on the Ole Miss campus were not easily accessible nor affordable. Caroline Loveless created Ole Missions to be a new kind of missions experience that was less expensive and open to anyone. From trips to Nicaragua and Haiti, Ole Missions has not only helped people abroad, but also transformed the lives of its members.

  Ole Missions members in Nicaragua (Photo: Caroline Loveless) 

Ariyl Onstott has more on the story below:

Presidential Politics: Indiana's Important Role

Hoosiers got the chance to get out and vote early for the candidate of their choice this weekend.
There were many different reasons that pulled people to the polls early, but all agreed that it was important to get out and vote. With Trump leading the GOP polls, and the democratic  polls too tight to call, it is shaping up to be a long primary day in Indiana.

Regular voting starts on May 3, with polls opening at 6 am. You can check Indiana voters website to find a polling location near you.

Madison Stirsman has more on the story below:

Payton Green is the new Station Manager at the University of Mississippi's student-run news station.

This semester, Ole Miss broadcast journalism major, Payton Green, became station manager at the University of Mississippi's student-run news station. NewsWatch at Ole Miss airs daily as the only local newscast developing news for Oxford, MS, Lafayette County and Ole Miss. Previously, Payton worked as an anchor and reporter before becoming News Director. As the stations director, Payton oversaw graphical content while editing stories. Payton anticipated more responsibilities in his new leading role as Station Manager. Taylor Shelley has more from that story. Click Here.

NewsWatch airs 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays on Channel 12 or via Livestream.

Station Manager Payton Green and the NewsWatch staff. Credit: NewsWatch

Very excited that @NewsWatch_UM was named best college TV newscast for the fifth year in a row at the MAPB awards! pic.twitter.com/4QMkCS2AiF

— Payton Scott Green (@P810_G) April 24, 2016

                                     

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Musical performers at the 21st Annual Double Decker Arts Festival play a different tune and resonate with the Oxford community

Musical performers at the 21st Annual Double Decker Arts Festival play a different tune and resonate with the Oxford community

Michael Franti performs live at Double Decker.

Many musicians, at Oxford, Mississippi's Double Decker Arts Festival, were inspired or influenced by the late Jimi Hendrix.  Hendrix once said, "Music doesn't lie.  If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music."  Local artists, like Delta Springs and Riverside Voodoo, feel that it is their goal to help the audience understand the power of music.

On April 22 and April 23, 2016 , the Oxford Square was filled with unique musicians and audience members, alike.  Many audience members and performers agree that the music lineup was altered this year to include more "soulful blues artists" and "local artists."  Although on Saturday night, both the young and the old gathered to dance the night away.

Jennifer Lott has more on this story, which you can view below:

Double Decker 2016 Music


For more information, check out Twitter.

I got to listen to amazing music and interview very talented performers. Check out the music at #doubledecker https://t.co/PtcztPyPRh

— Jennifer Lott (@JenniferELott) May 2, 2016

To see more performance photography, check out Instagram.
Double Decker Photography

Ole Miss Students Walk Away From Parking Issues

Students go to social media to express their anger towards parking on campus.

It's that time of the year: finals week. Students feel the pressure of having to make the grade over the next two weeks. But students also feel the pressure of another issue: Parking.  Most of the time students have to come to campus at least an hour before their classes start to even find a parking space.
Students even express their thoughts of parking at Ole Miss, like the tweet above. Because of this, most commuters now prefer to either walk or bike to campus. According to the University of Mississippi's website, enrollment has grown by 38% over the past decade, and by 14% in the past five years alone. That along with the recent studies shown by Walk Bike To School, it makes since for students to walk or bike to class if they can.

Parking at Ole Miss continues to be a hassle for students.

The university is trying to fix the problems by adding more parking spaces around the campus, including a new parking lot next to the Track and Field Complex. In addition to the new parking lot, the school plans on opening a residential parking garage in time for the 2017-18 school year. Students can only hope that the new changes will help create a free-flowing driving experience. Until then, other forms of transportation will be used.



James Lott has more on this story and a student's opinion on the issue in the video below:

Greek Life at Ole Miss

Greek life is a part of all college campuses, and here at the University of Mississippi, the National Pan Hellenic Council also known as the "Divine Nine" is all the rage. The University is home to 33 fraternity and sororities combined, but Phi Beta Sigma ( Sigmas)is in a league of its own.

Among the Sigmas are also Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA), Delta Sigma Theta (Deltas), and the sisters of the Sigmas Zeta Phi Beta (Zetas), and many more. The nine want to be a united  body along with the other greek councils on campus as they strive to be the best individuals they can be. To be apart of these organizations, maintaining a certain grade point average is a priority along with just being who you are.  The greek experience is different for everyone, but they can all be worth wild. To learn how to be apart of this growing community and become apart of a growing family and foundation click here.

Stress Causes an Increase in Tobacco Consumption amongst Ole Miss College Students

Finals week is approaching and due to upcoming exams,  the college students at the University of Mississippi's stress levels are at their highest. Many individuals start smoking in their teens and become addicted throughout their adult years. Anxiety, stress, and peer pressure are a few of the number of reasons students may partake in tobacco consumption when they are in college. 

Behind substances such as Heroine, Cocaine, and alcohol, nicotine ranks number five on the list of most addictive substances.Psychologists say that though some may think smoking is relieving their stress, they are actually wrong. 

Rather than helping smokers relieve their stress, the nicotine actually increases anxiety and tension, they claim. This effect smoking has on a person is a psychological addiction. 

Chelsea Scott has more on this story here: 

The 2016 Edition of The University of Mississippi's yearbook, "The Ole Miss", is released in late April.

Students Receive Their New Yearbooks in
the Pavilion at Ole Miss

The University of Mississippi's latest installment of the yearbook was released to the students during the final week of April. Students were able to pick up their yearbook by simply presenting their school ID to the yearbook staff.

Annual yearbooks have long been a loved tradition, and have played an important role in our society's record keeping. In an age of social media, and instant memories, yearbooks have remained a beloved tradition.

The Ole Miss, has played a particularly notable role in The University of Mississippi's history, by providing it with its affectionate nickname, for which it is now widely known.

For more on "The Ole Miss" and its latest publication, see the story:

For more information about the University's yearbook, check them out on social media:

Twitter:

Facebook:

Instagram:

Oxford Flea Makes Way at New Location

Shoppers browse the Oxford Flea in Oxford, Mississippi

Last year was the first time Oxford, Mississippi welcomed vendors and customers to the Oxford Flea. Oxford residents Liz and Benjy Foster organized the flea market to allow vendors to showcase and sell their items to shoppers. 

Antiques, pies, and soaps are some of the few items sold at the market.

Oxford's fairly new shopping attraction provides residents with a new way to shop, according to Liz Foster. 

"Everybody makes something in Oxford, so let's have a place to sell it," Foster said. This year, the Oxford Flea encountered a positive change in location. 

Kamera Griffin has more on this story, which you can watch below: 

Ole Miss Student turns Passion into Profit

Summer Wigley is a Senior Psychology major from Ridgeland, Mississippi here at Ole Miss. She began photographing her peers about six years ago and has not looked back since. Three years ago a friend of hers asked if she would be willing to take her senior portraits and actually paid her for the services. Which birthed the company Summer Wigley photography and has made her as in demand and prominent as she is now. With multiple shoots booked weekly Summer is proving that you can turn your passion into a viable source of income.



Jason Bailey has more on this story here:

Summer's work can be viewed on her website .
You can also visit her Instagram here

Tarashe Edwards featured on Summer Wigley's Instagram

Behind the Scenes of Rebel Radio

Rebel Radio is one of the few radio stations in the United States that is ran completely by college students and is also approved by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Ole Miss students broadcast every week on Monday through Friday beginning at 9 a.m. CT and ending at 8 p.m. CT.

Not only can the citizens of Oxford, Mississippi listen to Rebel Radio which can be found on 92.1 FM but anyone can listen from their website. The station is open to any student at the University of Mississippi and each position is paid.

Check out a behind the scenes story on Rebel Radio here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tfpjiXBN1Q

Ole Miss students create documentary on the perceptions of social media image

It all started in writing 399 class, three Ole Miss students filmed, wrote and edited a documentary on how social media affects young adults. Thus "The Image Project" was born. Initially, the group efforts were to get a grade, but later made connections to the interviewees and overall project. Interviewees were asked questions of their perceptions of their own social media as well as others.







As the production has progressed, the three young women have banned together to produce an documentary that will appeal to men, women, gay or straight. The interviewees were chosen to appeal to all different people and all different walks of life.


                                              Jasmyn Brown has more on the story below:

                                                               

                                 

                                               

Oxford's 2016 Double Decker Festival Brings Art and Entertainment to the Community

For 21 years, Oxford has been home to the Double Decker Arts Festival. Every year, the big red buses roll into town as a sign that one of the biggest weekend's in Oxford is upon us.

Some come for the bus tours others come for the delicious food offered by local vendors. But for many people, it's the art and music that keeps people coming back to Double Decker year after year. Payton Green has a look at the festivities from day one of Double Decker 2016.

Oxford Learning Center's Danielle Little Awarded by Oxford School District

Courtesy of The Oxford Eagle 

To some students, school comes natural.  To others, like some of Oxford Learning Center’s sixth graders, this is not always the case.  However, learning subjects such as math, science and english have become much easier thanks to OLC’s new program, “Step-Up” and new teacher, Danielle Little.  In regards to Little’s exceptional teaching ability in just her first year and all of the hard work put into the program making it a success, the Oxford School District awarded her with the Outstanding First Year Teacher Award. 

Little has made it a priority to provide her students with a comfortable and motivational learning environment, which encourages them to never give up, no matter how discouraging school may be.  Regardless of some of the issues a variety of Little’s students deal with inside and outside of the classroom, high expectations have been set for her students and the program since day one.  Little is humbled that her colleagues and the school district have noticed her hard work and passion for educating young kids so early in her career.

Watch the story below:
https://youtu.be/7Ev3Wg66PaY 

West Jackson Wine & Spirits in Oxford,Ms is on the lookout for under aged drinking.

Ole Miss students shopping in
West Jackson Wine & Spirits

Some have called The University of Mississippi the party school of the south. Ranked at number one this year by SHMACKED MAG, Ole Miss is known for its greek life, nights on the Square, and the Grove.

With the majority of students entering the University being under aged, liquor stores in Oxford, Ms are making sure that students follow the law. This includes owner Steven Snydez of West Jackson Wine & Spirits who is faced with the task of turning away under aged students daily.

Ashley Gambrel has more on the story, which you can watch below:

University of Mississippi Student Disability Services Presents 7th Annual Access Awards to Honor Students and Faculty

Michael Howland (left), Stacey Reycraft
(center), and Violeta Davydenko (right)

On April 26th, Student Disability Services on Ole Miss's campus gave the 7th annual Access Awards honoring students and faculty that have gone above and beyond to help students with disabilities. The recipients of the award were recognized for their care and willingness to help those who may have a disability.

The three recipients included Violeta Davydenko (Faculty Recipient), Michael Howland (Staff), and Amy Kathleen Wallace Walker (Student), each recognized for excellence in their work in each respective category. The awards were presented by Stacey Reycraft, Director of Student Disability Services, who remarked that she was excited to have more participation this year than ever before in the award's history.

Michael Howland, who received the Staff Access Award, was recognized for his work with the newly established Mission 22 Group benefitting student veterans adjusting to college life. Violeta Davydenko was recognized for her selfless efforts to make sure that each of her students achieved their full potential with their studies, regardless of any disability. Violeta was nominated by one of her students who said that she was always willing to meet with any student after class and help them in anyway she could.

Oxford community supports fight against cancer

Cancer survivors lead the first lap of the Relay for Life event.

Oxford held its annual Relay For Life event last Friday, April 29th. The event helps raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. This year over $34,000 was raised.

This event is also meant to honor those who have fought or are fighting the disease. Many participants at the event wore "Ryan's #1 Team" signs to show support for a local community member battling cancer.

Follow @jacbtv on Twitter for more community updates!

For more on Ryan's battle and the event click here.

"Religious Freedom" Bill Affects Oxford, Mississippi

The Protective Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act, or HB 1523, was signed into a law by Governor Phil Bryant on April 6. 

Courtesy to: http://www.thenation.com

The new law allows businesses to discriminate against the LGBT community as long as they claim it is to protect their religious beliefs. This includes firing or denying them jobs, denying them housing, denying them necessary medical procedures, and refusing to provide business services or engage in business relations with them. "Them" could be anybody that not only is LGBT, but also anyone who does not identify or present themselves as their birth gender.


In a state where discriminatory attitude is a major part of its history, many are calling the new law a modern-day Jim Crow situation. Many celebrities, including Ellen DeGeneres, have spoken out about Mississippi and in particular the law's prejudice vernacular. 

The already typically negative perception that many hold of Mississippi's acceptance of minority communities has been tainted even more. Many Oxford businesses have spoken out about their opposition to the law in hopes that the tourist town will not be defeated by the law. The Oxford Chamber of Commerce is also doing what they can to help with the perception of Oxford and overall, Mississippi.

Baylee Mozjesik has more on that story.