C-SPAN’s bus tour visits Alcorn
C-SPAN made its way to Alcorn State University as part of its Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Campus Bus Tour. The television station made a stop in front of the University Plaza Wednesday, March 1. The bus travels all over the country showcasing C-SPAN’s content and educational material.
As part of C-SPAN’s “Voices from the Road,” representatives from the news channel gathered responses from students, faculty and staff on Congress and President Donald Trump’s administration in Washington, D. C. to share online.
Zion McThomas, an English education major from Land O’ Lakes, Florida, was happy to get a better look at what goes into operating the channel that she grew up watching.
“I already know a lot about C-SPAN because I grew up watching the channel,” said Zion. “It’s great to finally see what they actually do instead of just watching them on television. It’s great that they gave Alcorn and other HBCUs the spotlight and opportunity to explore what’s happening in Washington D.C.”
Thaddus Mayberry Jr., a junior, mass communications major from Natchez, Mississippi, was impressed with the tour bus and what it had to offer. He was inspired by the commitment of the C-SPAN team to make the tour happen.
“My experience on the bus was eye opening,” said Thaddus. “I didn’t know what to expect before stepping onto the bus, but I’m very impressed with what I saw and learned. I learned that they put a lot of time, money and effort into coming here and visiting other schools; that takes hard work and dedication.”
Gail Rayford, an art appreciation and humanities professor in Alcorn’s Department of Fine Arts, thought that the tour was a great way for students to appreciate everything the University has to offer.
“I’ve been talking to my students about appreciating humanities and everything that’s happening at Alcorn, so for them to experience the tour is a great opportunity for them,” said Rayford. “I tell them that not everything they learn will appear in a book, and this is proof. This is excellent, and I wish it would happen more often.”
Dr. John Igwebuike, vice provost for Academic Affairs and Student Records, thought highly of the bus stopping at Alcorn because it shows the school’s relevance in society.
“C-SPAN’s mission is to cover the federal government,” said Igwebuike. “Being that Alcorn is the first land-grant HBCU in the country, having the C-SPAN bus tour on campus is historic because we are the product of federal law. C-SPAN is also covering the top HBCUs, so we’re very glad that Alcorn is among those top tier schools that they are covering.”
