Ellington

Born and raised in Jackson, I've heard it said a million times. Though I hear it mostly from my school-aged peers, there are probably an equal number of adults who share this sentiment. I feel so sorry for them. Just yesterday, I overheard a disgruntled med-student complain loudly about how the supposed dullness of the city was driving him to depression.

Right. I'm sure his hometown of nowhere, Wisconsin was so much more stimulating.

I'll admit that until the beginning of this summer, I felt similarly. There isn't much for uninformed teenagers to do in the city, other than catch a movie, or find something to eat. That was my life. But things are different now.

The Jackson Free Press has introduced me to the real Jackson, Mississippi, one that I am proud to call my hometown. Being here in this atmosphere lets me see the city through new eyes. There are things to do in Jackson, if you know where to look. The JFP taught me where to look, and now I've realized that amazing things are happening here every day.

Last Saturday night at the Chick Ball, I got a taste of what Jackson life is really like. It's such a wonderful scene, with so many amazing people of all ages, races and income levels, all coming out to support such a worthy cause. I didn't know that level of fellowship existed in this city. It was awe-inspiring.

The sense of detachment I've always felt towards Jackson has completely melted away. Because of my race and religion, I've always felt wildly out of place in the Deep South. However, due to the Jackson Free Press and the fabulous culture it's sharing with me, I feel that I've finally found my niche in this community.

I'd like to be a part of what I saw Saturday night. I've lived in this city so long, and have never been acquainted with its exciting progressive scene. I am eternally grateful that the JFP has helped me to lift my blinders.

The truth is, there is so much to do in Jackson. There's music, there's charity, there's community.

Complain all you want, med-student. While you're busy being depressed, people in the know are getting involved. I'm one of those people now, and I'm so glad.

Previous Comments

ID

164049

Comment

Yay, Sadaaf! Great blog post. Welcome to the real Jackson. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-07-12T12:09:13-06:00

ID

164052

Comment

Love this article!I feel the same way.

Author

cadanie

Date

2011-07-12T15:06:10-06:00

ID

164053

Comment

I'm sure those "med-students" would get involved if it weren't for those pesky, ya know, med school classes. Cute article, nonetheless.

Author

RobbieR

Date

2011-07-13T08:19:54-06:00

ID

164057

Comment

She's using the med student as an example of the ongoing stereotype that many different kinds of people have about Jackson. I don't think she was targeting med students exclusively. We all know they have classes, just like other students do. I'm glad you wrote this blog Sadaaf. Needs to be said more often!

Author

sandra.benic

Date

2011-07-13T15:37:53-06:00