Aliyah Veal

Jul 3, 2024 | mississippifreepress.org | Torsheta Jackson |Aliyah Veal

Marice Graham stood backstage of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024, along with 92 other musicians from Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South marching band who were about to perform. The 65,000 screaming fans in the stands roared with an energy that surpassed that of the past 10 days’ rehearsals, when producers used the dark of night to perfect lighting, backdrop and laser cues.

Jun 14, 2024 | mississippifreepress.org | Aliyah Veal

JACKSON, Miss.—Jenna Onion crawled out of bed earlier than usual on Saturday, March 9. Making her way to a mirror, she carefully began applying body paint. Over the course of two hours, her usually porcelain-like skin took on an ashy, gray color. Once the makeup dried, she slipped into a form-fitting red shirt with a black collar and accents that she sewed herself, a black skirt, navy lace stockings and long-fingered gloves that rested at her elbow.