changes. The third place winners, the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta, entertained the crowd with their “World War Z” theme which included an intricate step routine and detailed makeup and costumes. Christian Lewis, a 2012 graduate of JSU, related his first alumni homecoming experience as one to remember. “Homecoming week wouldn’t be the same without the Greek step show. Students and hundreds of Greek alumni from all over come to show support to their alma mater and the undergraduate Greeks. That’s a big deal,” said Lewis. What did Jackson State University students, alumni and community supporters do in the wake of Grambling State University’s football team not showing up for the scheduled Homecoming game at JSU? They showed up at the stadium in large numbers and continued the festivities in support JSU. The contest between Grambling (0-8) and Jackson State (6-2) was declared a forfeit on Friday after Grambling players refused to travel due to issues with the athletic program and administration. JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers said in a statement released by the University, “This is an unfortunate situation for JSU fans, but it is beyond our control. I want to encourage the JSU community, including students, alumni and supporters, to participate in the other activities scheduled as part of our Homecoming celebration.” All other Jackson State Homecoming activities continued as scheduled including the Homecoming Parade in downtown Jackson that featured over 150 entries. A crowd of parade-goers lined a new route in downtown Jackson due to construction on Capital Street. In an effort to appease those who traveled many miles, instead of a Tigers vs. Tigers matchup, the JSU Tigers played a “Blue and White” scrimmage game instead at the Mississippi Veteran’s Memorial Stadium.
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After the game, fans were treated to an extended performance from the Sonic Boom of the South marching band and a free concert featuring Lyfe Jennings, Terrell C. Moses and Larry Johnson. All of the events were free and open to the public. In the wake of Grambling State University’s unprecedented forfeiture of Jackson State University’s Homecoming football game, JSU released a statement on Oct. 22nd of their plans to pursue litigation against GSU. The statement from Eric Stringfellow, Executive Director of University Communications, read in part: “Our Homecoming game draws tens of thousands of fans. The university intends to use litigation to be made whole for our direct and indirect financial losses. We have a fiduciary responsibility to Mississippi taxpayers and the JSU community to mitigate our ongoing and substantial losses. Jackson State plans to pursue litigation against Grambling State and others. Grambling’s issues are well documented and long standing. Those issues, however, are not JSU’s issues nor are these JSU’s responsibility.” Current students and alumni like Sharon Rosell, a 1993 graduate of JSU with a degree in accounting, stated that the game cancellation was a unique experience but Jackson State did a great job in spite of the circumstances. “I was disappointed that Grambling’s team did not show up because I am a football enthusiast, but as far as enjoying Homecoming, that was not affected,” said Rosell. “It was great seeing old friends and celebrating with my line sisters of Delta Pi Spring 93 especially.” Mark Braboy, Reagan Harvey, Octavis Lawson, and Derrick Walton contributed to this story.