Shawna Davie
Davie blew away the crowd at the Reproductive Freedom Project rally last month with her passionate defense of a woman's right to make decisions for her body. The Jackson State student works part time with the ACLU, organizing events like the Freedom Rally, but she also organized protests during the state Legislature's failed attempt to outlaw abortion earlier this year, as well as its botched attempt to limit a woman's ability to get braids by producing a bill requiring hair specialists to be licensed to twist hair.
Melissa Adkinson
Melissa Adkinson, 36, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, relates easily to the majority of clients she helps. She works as a case manager at the Good Samaritan Center, a non-profit organization. She has lived in Jackson for the past two and half years.
Dr. Earl Watkins
During the first week of the school year, JPS sees more activity than a dog corpse lying on an anthill. Incredibly, though, JPS Superintendent Dr. Earl Watkins still managed to find time amid the furor to speak with the JFP about challenges facing JPS this year.
Jacob Roth and Dave Molina
Jacob Roth, 26, a graduate of the University of Michigan from Detroit, and Dave Molina, 23, a graduate of Amherst College who is from Ohio, came to Jackson in 2005. They arrived via the Teacher Corps Program at Ole Miss, which places non-education majors in critical areas while allowing them to earn a master's degree in education. Both landed at Jim Hill High School in South Jackson. They instantly bonded but realized something vital was missing for youth in Jackson.
Home Cookin'—Tuscan Style
Here's what you need to do, just as soon as you've read this interview with former Jacksonian Elaine Trigiani—call up The Everyday Gourmet at 601-977-9258 and Bravo! at 601-982-8111 to find out how to get yourself on their e-mail lists. That way, you'll be among the first in town to get the news of her next hands-on cooking class or olive oil seminar or Tuscan food feast.
[Natchezinian] Regina Charboneau
Yes, they eat biscuits and listen to blues in San Francisco. Thanks to Regina Charboneau, that is. The Biscuits and Blues nightclub, started in 1995, is one of the several establishments this acclaimed chef has opened or helped put on the map. The Natchez native has certainly made her hometown proud.
June Hardwick
June Hardwick, 31, believes in Jackson's potential. "People need to get involved, buy homes, get to know their neighbors," she says. "To make Jackson better, Jacksonians must reinvest in Jackson."
Matthew Bowdoin
"To me, the weirdest soda is a banana soda," says Matthew Bowdoin, owner of the Fondren Beverage Emporium. That's saying a lot for a man whose store also carries celery soda and DOA—a sweet, carbonated pickle juice.
Amazing Grace
Grace House is a local homeless shelter for people suffering from HIV and AIDS. Many people, due to the stigma of this illness, lose family, friends and ultimately, their ability to support themselves after testing positive. Trey Mangum, the director of Grace House, sat down to speak about an innovative program for residents—an art exhibit and reading they are holding for the residents at the Lott-Stanton Gallery. Grace House residents created all of the artwork for the exhibit during art classes taught at the shelter over the past six months.
Janet Scott
A proud product of Jackson Public Schools, Janet Scott is a shining example that public school works. She's intelligent, well-rounded and constantly looking for ways to give back to her community.
Gwen Robins
Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Gwen Robins made her move to Jackson in August 2000 at age 63. "You know I was born and raised there, and I never was away from home this long," Robins says. She wanted to be closer to her daughter, who lived in Jackson, but the idea of moving so far away from home into a strange southern city was daunting.
Edward Mclaurin
When you meet Edward McLaurin, one of the first things you notice, besides his neatness, is his reserved disposition. The 23-year-old Sharon, Miss. native looks you straight in the eye and doesn't look off. The Millsaps graduate is an artist, teacher and student.
Roxanne Rogers
There is nothing average about Roxanne Rogers, 27. This self-avowed "Pearl girl" is unique, from her Southern drawl to her gorgeous, funky hair. From the moment you enter Rogers' salon Stella, one glance at the suit of armor by the door, the artwork on the walls and the chairs that spin around in stomach-twisting circles make it clear that this is not your mama's salon.
Millie Bob McPig
The JFP would first and foremost like to apologize that we are not only not the first, but in fact the third local publication to feature Millie Bob McPig, also known as Minibus to his caretakers/roommates Ari Glogower and Katy Rivlin. Fondren resident McPig has, in this, the first year of his life, lived in both Oxford and Jackson, and is now happy to call Fondren home. A big hit with the University of Mississippi Medical School crowd, McPig has appeared in UMC's This Week in commemoration of his participation in the American Heart Association's Kiss the Pig Raffle.
Marcus McWilliams
"This is the place to be if you're looking for big stars," says Marcus McWilliams, a soft-spoken 32-year-old who is the Hilton Hotel's kitchen manager and a chef says.