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Sonic Boom Silenced: Hazing Complaints Investigated

Marques Draper Member's of Jackson State's Sonic Boom of the South protest suspension.

By Ashley Belton
Black College Wire

"We don't need no music; we got so much soul."

Members of Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South chanted this anthem of protest as they rallied on Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

Clad in Sonic Boom apparel and carrying signs, approximately 50 band members assembled to protest the university's decision to halt their upcoming performances, while JSU administrators investigate reports of hazing. The prohibition begins with this weekend's performance at the Jackson State vs. Southern University football game in Baton Rouge, La.

"We take hazing allegations very seriously," said Dr. Velvelyn Foster, Vice-President of Academic Affairs and Student Life at JSU. "Therefore, we have decided to [place a] hold on performances. We want everyone to know that we are very much concerned about safety and providing a conducive learning environment for our students."

There are fewer than five allegations, according to university officials, and they do not involve physical hazing. School officials said the alleged hazing was mental and was reported by outside sources.

Leslie Patterson, leader of the clarinet section, has marched in the Boom since her freshman year. She was shocked when she learned of the university's decision "I did not believe it until today when our band director, Dr. (Lewis) Liddell, explained to us what happened," the senior music education major said. "That is when I realized we really are not marching on Saturday during one of the biggest SWAC games."

Many band members were in tears last night as they exited the band hall. Gerald Morgan, leader of the tenor saxophone section, said he was hurt when he learned of the Boom's fate. He believes the band has been targeted for many years. "Every year, there is a hazing allegation that is never proven," Morgan said.

Band members expressed outrage at the university. "School officials had to get Dr. Liddell to calm us during our protest, because no one else could do it," Morgan said. Patterson and others in the 280-member band are confused about their suspension. "We have been suspended to conduct an investigation, but I do not believe the suspension is merited because of hearsay," she said.

Patterson also said she thinks the band should be allowed to continue practicing and performing until the investigation is complete.

Lewis Liddell, director of bands, called the halted performance "painful," adding that he was also disappointed that the band would not be facing off against one of JSU's biggest football rivals. "But we can get beyond this," Liddell said. "We will find out who is involved and take corrective measures."

Morgan believes that everyone suffers because of the Boom's suspension. He has received phone calls and text messages from people as far away as Detroit, Mich. and as close as New Orleans, La., who are disappointed that the Boom has been suspended.

"Not only is the band hurt, but the student body, football fans, JSU alumni, the City of Jackson, and the SWAC as a whole is suffering," said Morgan, a Memphis, Tenn., native.

Band members admit there have been hazing allegations since football season began. Patterson said this decision should have come earlier during the season. "I do not understand the university's logic in handing down such an irrational decision mid-season," said the New Orleans, La., native. "This university has many organizations that have been accused of hazing."

Walter Moorehead, who plays the melophone, said he believes attendance at the Southern game will be poor. "Most people are going to the game just to see our band battle Southern's band. The game will be boring," the sophomore computer science major said.

Band members have been told they could miss three additional football games, including Homecoming on Oct. 27, pending the outcome of the investigation. University officials will meet at the end of the week to discuss when performances might resume.

Ashley Belton, a student at Jackson State University, writes for the Blue & White Flash. To comment, please e-mail [email protected].

Posted October 11, 2007