JCSU Women's Basketball Fall to Virginia State University
BALTIMORE, M.D. /MARCH 1, 2024 –The CIAA Basketball Tournament on Thursday, Feb. 29 centered on women: powerful, purposeful, strong and centered. The day began with a burst of optimism at the CIAA Women's Empowerment Luncheon and ended, for the Golden Bulls, on the court.
The JCSU Women's Basketball Team took on Virginia State University in a 6 p.m. matchup on Thursday. The Bulls hit the ground running, gaining an early lead with a trilogy of layups, jump shots and 3-pointers. In the 4th quarter, the Trojans made a comeback and then scored a victory against the Golden Bulls. The final score: JCSU 42, VSU 52.
The final score doesn't tell the whole story. The Bulls displayed confidence and character on the court, traits cultivated through years of hard work. It's the definition of resilience.
Building resilience was at the crux of the conversation Thursday morning at the CIAA Women's Empowerment Luncheon. CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker, the first female to serve as Commissioner of the CIAA, shared words of inspiration from the start. Her message focused on setting priorities, supporting women in sports and creating equitable access to education.
The President of Bowie State University, Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, ushered in empowerment as Women's History Month began. "Continue to reach high, go after your goals," she said.
More than 300 powerful women, student leaders and CIAA decision-makers gathered for the fireside chat featuring LeToya Luckett, an original member of Destiny's Child, and Kim Blackwell, founder and CEO of PMM Agency.
Blackwell asked the question many were pondering. "What was it like to be in a young women's group, watching entrepreneurship in action?"
Luckett reminisced about her days in Destiny's Child, recalling that, "Miss Tina [Knowles] told us we had to learn to become our own makeup artists, our own hair stylists...We hated it at the time. Now, I know how to do everything myself.”
She learned by watching Beyoncé’s mom in action.
When it comes to stardom, style is part of the equation. Family is another part. Luckett reflected on her role models.
"I was surrounded by people who knew how to do it on their own. It's a can't stop, I won't stop for anyone mindset,"
Luckett suggested. She strives to be an extraordinary role model to her children.
To be a role model is to be healthy - mind, body and soul. For Luckett, mental health matters.
"We all need a good gathering,” she said. “We need time with family and friends. Therapy, with the right therapist, gives us a chance to exhale."
Wanda Foy-Burroughs, director of Alumni Affairs at Johnson C. Smith University, said she was inspired by the message.
"Young people go through trials and tribulations,” she said. “You will get stronger as you go."
JCSU Vice President for Advancement Joy Paige Springs agrees. "It was good to see them advising young people to seek professional guidance if they are facing a struggle."
The 13th Mister JCSU Kofi Asafu-Adjaye understood the mission of the day, as well. He approached the mic in a room filled with hundreds, asking “What do we men need to do to support the strong women in our lives?"
The answer from the stage: It all comes down to listening.
At the end of the day, Blackwell suggested it can come down to faith, as well. LaToya Luckett admitted faith is fundamental.
"I have found a way to leave [fear] behind me,” she said. “I have to lean on faith. That is where my strength lies. It is all about taking a leap of faith. [God] will catch you."
