Powerful Enough to Tear Us Down
If words are powerful enough to build us up, then certainly one can see they'd be strong enough to tear us down.
Living the Dream in Post-1523 Mississippi
Progressive thinkers here are working to leave hate-drenched politics behind, to get enough people motivated to vote to use our purple demographics to send a strong message at the polls that we're not playing that old-time religion of hate any longer.
Needed: Public Engagement in Policing
It takes more than policing to "cut down on crime" and create safer neighborhoods. It takes a village, quite literally. Community engagement is crucial to keeping neighborhoods and cities safe.
From Guns to HB 1523, The Unalienable Rights of Conviction, Conscience and Free Exercise
In 2016, I believe we are seeing the same thing happen with respect to our very First Freedoms—the freedoms of conscience and religious liberty.
Let the Suffering End
Gov. Bryant, I beg you to get rid of this bill. I know many have gone through or are going through what I did. Let the suffering end. Bring hatred to a halt. Let's learn from our past. Enough is enough, Mississippi.
A French Government Official Weighs in on Nissan
A top deputy in the French National Assembly is calling on the French government to weigh in on behalf of workers at the giant Nissan plant in Canton who want to have a union vote without management intimidation and threats.
I’m Staying, and I’m Fighting for Jackson and Mississippi
I promised my husband that I would not leave Mississippi. I looked him in the eye, and I told him that Jackson, Miss., would forever be my home, come what may. I would fight, with him, for Jackson as long as it took, I promised.
Hosemann Wrong on Voter ID, Right on Election Reform
The state's election laws and rules are outdated, and if you don't believe us, just go back and read about the two contested election races that shadowed the beginning of the 2016 session.
An American in a French Bathroom
Bonjour, monsieur," she said sweetly, as she mopped around my feet. "Oh this is so uncomfortable," I thought to myself as I stood at the urinal and replied, "Bonjour, madam." I love France, but one thing that I will not miss when I leave is having women in the men's restroom.
Always Strive for #BlackExcellence
As much as I'd love to talk about first lady Michelle Obama's perfectly curled hair and her beaming smile, her Jackson State commencement address was probably one of the most goosebump-inducing speeches I've heard.
The Connection Between Prince and Education
Every generation faces the passing of its icons. Just this year, it's been a Hall of Fame lineup: David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Natalie Cole, Merle Haggard and now Prince.
Mississippi: Another Crooked Letter for Us All
HB 1523 made it lawful in Mississippi to discriminate against someone because they are different from you, based on protecting what? You guessed it: religious freedom.
Lawmakers: Cashing in on Campaign Promises is Costly and Senseless
Cutting state agencies, some by more than 10 percent, is bad. Cutting state agencies and then offering up a tax-break bill that will divert even more money from the state's general fund is plain stupid.
More to Learning Than Standardized Testing
A few weeks ago, students at my school participated in the Third Grade Reading Gate, also known as the day the state tells teachers they aren't trusted to do their jobs.
The Permission to Care Deeply
With the legislative season coming to a close, those of us who spend a lot of time championing progress for Jackson and Mississippi have had a tough go of it.
Lawmakers, Mississippians Are Sick and Tired of Expensive, Harmful Political Charades
In interviews about House Bill 1523, several lawyers and legal scholars have explained that is close to irrefutable that the law is unconstitutional on several counts.
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Reinforces the Rights'
First of all, the First Amendment doesn't need any reinforcement. Religious freedom is a guaranteed right of every U.S. citizen.
Prevent the Execution of Poor People
Mr. Announcement: "Live from Clubb Chicken Wing, Ghetto-Science Public Affairs Network presents an important press conference organized by Congressman Smokey Robinson McBride for Ghetto Science Community residents."
After HB 1523, We Must Seek Higher Ground
It was at Good Hope Baptist Church in the early 1970s that I first heard God used to justify hatred of black people, of "homosexuals," of feminism, of anything that fell outside their strict, supposedly Christian norms.
'Religious Freedom,' My Foot
Religious freedom is an oxymoron, particularly in Mississippi. Freedom only applies to those who are deemed worthy to have rights—the white, rich, male conservatives. Freedom, religious or otherwise, has no place in this state, as it stands to date.
Mississippi Doctor: Why I Oppose Mississippi Sharia Law 1523
My opposition to the Mississippi Sharia Statute 1523 is based on my objection to the "protection" of some citizens' "deeply held moral beliefs" and not others.
As a Gay Man from Mississippi, I #StandWithMSLGBT
As I enter my 30th year on this earth, I must come to terms with my negligence to the LBGT family I love so dearly. I am leaving that shadow to voice my opposition to the actions of Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and State Legislators.
Mississippi NAACP Head: Phil Bryant's Legacy of Discrimination Continues, Legalizes Hatred
Governor Phil Bryant signed a bill that aims to legalize hatred, once again assuring that his legacy will be one built on hate and discrimination against others.
Mayor Yarber, Please Lead on Transparency
We are pleased to report that we are seeing some, at least marginal, improvements in the way the City of Jackson is handling access to information.
Mississippi Godd*mn
When it comes to the erosion of the rights of LGBT people in places like Mississippi, we can't afford to be patient.
Phil Bryant and Mississippi GOP: Bad for Business
Gov. Phil Bryant's decision is wrong. It's bad for people, and it's bad for business.
Blame Me for HB 1523, the New Jim Crow Legislation in Mississippi
I, along with many others, should receive part of the blame for this resurgence of discrimination and bigotry across our state. I left, I got educated, and I didn’t come back.
EDITORIAL: The Hoods Are Gravely Wrong About Execution Secrecy, Firing Squads
Both Jim Hood and Joey Hood are wrong on the execution bill that is moving forward in the Mississippi Legislature.
Art and Film that Reach You
Even with the many methods we have for viewing films, being a modern moviegoer can be hard, and it's not because the price of popcorn operates on its own inflation scale.