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Mississippi HBCUs receive bomb threats on first day of Black History Month

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Mississippi HBCUs receive bomb threats on first day of Black History Month

At least five historically Black colleges and universities in Mississippi received bomb threats early Tuesday morning, prompting lockdowns and virtual classes on the first day of Black History Month. 

Among the schools that reported receiving threats were Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Tougaloo College and Rust College. Hinds Community College, which is not an HBCU, did not receive a bomb threat but closed its campuses in precaution, according to its Facebook page.  

The only HBCU in Mississippi that did not receive a bomb threat Tuesday morning was Coahoma Community College. Marriel Hardy, chief communications officer at Coahoma, wrote in an email that the college has discussed the possibility of a bomb threat and revisited its emergency preparedness plans in precaution. 

“Since these occurrences started several weeks ago, we’ve been ever vigilant,” Hardy wrote. 

This is the latest in a series of bomb threats reported at HBCUs across the country. Schools that reported receiving threats yesterday include: Howard University in Washington D.C.; Delaware State University in Dover; and Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. All those schools issued all-clears by late Monday afternoon, the Washington Post reported

It is still unclear if these threats are connected, according to multiple news outlets. 

Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson, who chairs the House Committee on Homeland Security, said in a statement Tuesday that he has “engaged with the FBI and DHS about these threats to HBCUs” and is “committed to working with HBCU leaders to get them the answers they deserve.” 

In Holly Springs, administration at Rust College discussed the bomb threat on a call this morning, Mary LeSueur, director of public relations, told Mississippi Today. The college’s chief of staff is working to provide the campus with more information, LeSueur said.

Alcorn State University received a bomb threat at 3:59 a.m., Maxine Greenleaf, the chief communications officer, told Mississippi Today. The administration placed the main campus in Lorman under lockdown and is working to issue an all-clear, she said. 

“Our students are safe,” Greenleaf wrote. “As soon as law enforcement declares an all clear, we will send an update to the campus community.” 

Valley State is also in lockdown as campus police conduct an investigation, the university wrote on its Facebook page around 7 a.m. Valley State’s guardhouse received the bomb threat this morning. Officials issued a shelter-in-place order and moved all classes online for the day. 

Tougaloo College and Jackson State both gave the all-clear this morning. Tougaloo is keeping classes virtual for Tuesday and has instructed students and employees not to commute to campus, according to its website. On Twitter, Jackson State said the campus would remain open “with a heightened presence of law enforcement as a precautionary measure.” Officials postponed on-campus COVID-19 vaccinations until next Tuesday.

“Jackson State University takes any threats to the campus community’s safety seriously and remains vigilant in maintaining the safety and protection of the JSU community,” the university wrote on Twitter. 

On social media, students, parents and alumni noted these threats came on the first day of Black History Month and at a time when HBCUs are gaining prominence. In an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, the president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education called the bomb threats “one of the clearest examples of hate crimes based on race.”

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: March 14-16

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-03-14 07:26:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (March 14-16) in Mississippi offers a variety of events. In Jackson, iconic saxophonist Boney James performs at the convention center, while the JXN Food & Wine festival showcases culinary talents. The LeFleur Museum District hosts a “Week of Wonder,” and several exhibitions, including “Of Salt and Spirit,” celebrate Black quilters. Natchez features the Spring Pilgrimage tours, a reenactment of Annie Stewart’s story, and a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. In Hattiesburg, comedian Rob Schneider performs, and various events like a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl and a talent show will take place throughout the area.

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: February 28-March 2

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-02-28 07:10:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (February 28-March 2), Mississippi offers a variety of fun events. Highlights include a Paint Workshop in Clinton, the Krewe of Phoenix Mardi Gras Parade in Natchez, and an inspiring DateNight event in Ridgeland. Enjoy the Krewe de Roux Festival in Brandon or watch the dark comedy “The Moors” in Jackson. Art lovers can visit stitching exhibitions and the Mindbender Mansion. Outdoor enthusiasts might join a guided bird-watching hike or the Fossil Road Show. In Hattiesburg, partake in the Caerus Mardi Gras Parade and the 3rd Annual Moon Pie Fest, plus numerous workshops and performances across the state.

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Oscar-winner Gene Hackman, his wife and their dog found dead in their New Mexico home

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www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-02-27 04:23:00

SUMMARY: Gene Hackman, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actor known for roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” has died at 95, found alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Authorities reported no suspicion of foul play, but details surrounding their deaths are under investigation. Hackman, respected for his versatility, portrayed a range of characters throughout his career, excelling in both drama and comedy. He retired in his mid-70s, preferring a private life. A talented artist and author, he expressed disdain for Hollywood’s social scene, often avoiding the celebrity limelight.

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