Nationwide — Twin brothers Christian and Christopher Mannery have graduated from Jackson State University, an HBCU in Mississippi. Their journey was deeply influenced by the memory of their late older brother, Devon, who had attended JSU before tragically passing away in 2016.Christian and Christopher started at JSU in 2020, driven by a promise to finish what their brother Devon couldn’t. Devon was a physical education major and a member of the Sonic Boom of the South before he died in a car crash in 2016.
Both brothers joined the same band in tribute. Christian played cymbals for three years, while Christopher took up the bass drum — just like Devon. They also joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and participated in student organizations like Men of Excellence and Collegiate 100.
“Devon was definitely the reason I came to Jackson State and joined the band,” Christian told JSU MS News. “Growing up around the band, I remember the first time I went to a Jackson State game — we saw them perform ‘Get Ready,’ and everyone was so in sync with the pom-poms. That moment stuck with me. It really inspired me and became the driving force behind wanting to come here.”
As they moved through college, the twins began to pursue separate interests. Christian stepped away from the band and was elected Mister Senior on the JSU Royal Court. He also worked as a R.O.A.R. intern, helping welcome first-year students to campus. Christopher continued performing with the band, using the experience to grow into his own identity.
Although they took different paths, the brothers remained supportive of each other. “I would always just make sure he knew that I was proud of him because this was something that we weren’t used to. We’re always used to being together,” said Christopher.
Their graduation ceremony on May 7th fell on their 22nd birthday — a fitting tribute to their journey and their brother’s legacy.
“This whole journey started with Devon. I think that’s what brings this all full circle,” said Stesha Mannery, mother of the three and current JSU employee. “He loved Jackson State University with every fiber in him. So from day one, Christopher and Christian were going to do something that he didn’t get to finish, and they did it.”
Christian graduated with a degree in political science and plans to attend law school to become a judge. Christopher earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies and aims to pursue a master’s in criminal justice and join the military.