Flipping the 'Race Card'
I almost spewed coffee all over my screen. I had just opened a "Haley Barbour" news alert and read that our esteemed former governor had accused Democrats of playing the "race card."
Rape Is Not A Political Weapon
The last week has been a tough week for women, especially rape victims. And it's been a very revealing one.
'Parent-Trigger Law' Important
In their push for a more expansive charter-school law in Mississippi, charter proponents have attempted to repeal our existing charter-school law.
Beating the Spread
When I think of my childhood, I remember love and drama, my alcoholic daddies, a hard-working mother and lots of football.
Believe In All Our Kids
Over the last week, we heard from two people upset that editorial cartoonist Mike Day wrote "Tigers" on the cap of a teen in last week's cartoon. Why? Because the kid was wearing saggy pants, and they didn't think that sent the right image about the Jackson State University Tigers.
Don't Take It Personal
Despite what other people do or say, I encourage you all to be strong and confident—like Gabby Douglas—during these trying times. Also, read, study and understand why the 'blues' are so at home in America: It's because mean spirited and self-hating folks created the atmosphere.
Be Smarter, Jackson
The political gamesmanship has begun. It's nearly seven months until our next municipal elections and, already, folks are jockeying for position.
The Dark Side
It was decades ago, but I'll never forget that night. I'm glad I wrote the details down in a journal.
A More Intolerant Nation
This week, a local dentist showed up on Facebook agitated that we had dared publish a story about guns in a public-health context.
Stokes: Help Ward Keep Young People
The Rev. Jesse Jackson came to town this week and promptly took Hinds County Supervisor Kenny Stokes to task for his campaign against saggy-pants.
Some Things Aren't Funny
Imagine a picture of 25 bodies of African descent sprawled lifeless across the ground with their faces hidden.
It's Cool, We Promise
If you haven't heard it yet, you will: "There is nothing to do around here. I can't wait to move somewhere else."
Get Out There
When I first arrived in Jackson two years ago to attend Millsaps College, I wasn't fortunate enough to know what Jackson had to offer.
Stop Phoning It In
There are problems with elections in this city, problems that every citizen should be worried about.
Time to Retire
Aunt Tee Tee, the Ghetto Science Team and members of the Compensatory Investment Request Group to create an alternative toward helping disenfranchised people achieve some economic stability.
Opening the Door
I drive past the abortion clinic on State Street daily. Or rather, I drive past the Jackson Women's Health Center office on State Street daily. Because that's what it is: a medical office.
On Milestones and Missions
As we push into August 2012, the Jackson Free Press has a couple of milestones to celebrate and a few to look forward to.
Guns Kill Families
It may be an inconvenient truth in a state where so many people value their rights to own a firearm, but easy access to guns make women and children much less safer—in their own homes.
Scars Run Deep
Most people hear about victims of domestic violence. It's always a friend or a relative of a co-worker or that woman you passed in a crowded bar whose name is bandied about in hushed tones.
Putting Down the Baggage
It would be awesome if we got the chance to wipe away every bad relationship before starting a new one. My life, though, tells a different story. The person I have become after being abused has directed every relationship I've encountered since that horrible time in my life.
Yes, It Was That Bad
"I've alluded to it here and there, but it wasn't until this year, when we decided to focus the Chick Ball on sexual assault, that I knew it was my turn to come out, so to speak."
Be Transparent, Mitt (and Haley)
Amid all the clamor recently over Gov. Mitt Romney's financials—shell companies in Bermuda, Swiss bank accounts, apparent control of Bain Capital well after he says he left the company—one critic's voice rang a little hollow.
'The Livin' Ain't Easy
Miss Doodle Mae: "At Jojo's Discount Dollar Store, we have done our best to stay cool, calm and collected in the heat of this summer. Brother Hustle (part-time sales associate and Juicy Juice on Ice vendor) came through in the clutch by providing complimentary ice-cold, lemon-lime flavored drinks for our thirsty customers.
New Generation Jim Crow
"What's Going On" is a meaningful song by the great Marvin Gaye, as is "Ball of Confusion" with another message from the Temptations.
Tupelo's 'Dirty Little Secret'
Since my "coming out" 20 years ago, my understanding of who and what I am has evolved—not unlike our president. I wrestled mightily with what I was taught as a youngster in my small Baptist church in the Mississippi Delta. I readily admit it's a source of aggravation for me.
Biz Federation Needs Context
It seems like the releases from the National Federation of Independent Businesses (nfib.com) are coming fast and furious these days.
Lies, Damn Lies and Elections
We can always tell when election season has slunk into Jackson here at the JFP. For one thing, lots of folks using fake names start to complain about us because we don't love their candidates or hate their opponents enough.
Our Creative Signatures
Finding your inspiration in any particular task is the key to a successful outcome.