Charles King
Charles King is the president and a co-founder of Housing Works Inc., a non-profit organization that provides a full range of services for homeless men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Housing Works is the largest community-based AIDS services organization in the United States and currently serves more than 5,000 people each year. He holds a law degree and a master of divinity from Yale University. King has a combined background as a minister and lawyer to develop Housing Works as a self-sustaining, healing community based on aggressive advocacy, mutual aid and collective empowerment.
Henrietta Martin
Open the heavy glass door, take six steps across the foyer to the next glass door, open it, and you're in the Beverly J. Brown Library in Byram, a branch of the Jackson-Hinds Library System. Half a dozen steps to your right, and you're across the counter from Henrietta Martin, 54, who waits to help you make the best of your visit to this tiny library on Siwell Road.
Peggy Carlisle
It's a safe wager that third- and fourth-graders at Pecan Park Elementary School in Jackson know a lot about Kenya. That's because their ExCel teacher Peggy Carlisle, 54, added "The Kenyan Project" to the program's project-based curriculum once she and her students had met and listened to Juddy Opiyo, the director of three bush schools in West Pokot, Kenya.
Jackie Bell
Jackie Bell, 43, steps out of a little red two-seater, and I'm jealous of her legs. I briefly recall my inferiority when Miss Bell called me on stage during a charity fund raiser, and all of Jackson saw me dance like a white Baptist girl next to her trained-ballerina self. Then she said I don't look more than 25, and I forgave her and loved her more. Today she hugs me like she just saw me yesterday, but is so glad to see me again. Suddenly I feel like the leggiest woman in the world. See, that's what Jackie Bell does. She sings like her back ain't got no bone, and she makes you think you can, too.
Will Jemison
Will Jemison, 24, is five steps ahead of his generation. Everything about him says professionalism and goal-oriented. He walks into the interview, and I can't believe that he's only 24. His poise and proficient way of speaking are charming.
Daniel Guaqueta
Daniel Guaqueta, 29, is a young man with an achievable goal that he's passionate about—to enlighten Jacksonians to the city's cultural diversity.
Gene Edwards
Gene Edwards has a deep, comforting voice. Edwards, 56, is the deputy director of content operations for Mississippi Public Broadcasting. When Hurricane Katrina struck Mississippi, Edwards and his colleagues took to the air, providing information and solace to those who were cut off from the world by the storm.
Nafeesa McCoy
For Nafeesa McCoy, a 24-year-old mother and Katrina refugee, the choice was simple: Leave New Orleans or die.
Anthony DiFatta
Tony DiFatta is something. I met Tony, 38, not too long before we started the Jackson Free Press, and he came on board immediately. He did the art for our very first cover, and he's done memorable covers for us ever since, including a certain one of Sen. Trent Lott in a dunce hat. And most of you know how popular his art shows are at spots like Nunnery's Gallery.
Donna Gunn
She's an angel with a meaningful purpose. As she spoke, it seemed as if her words slowly came to life. I was taken by this woman's presence and her love for God.
Theon Johnson
Theon Johnson's name fits, with both parts ending melodiously with the word on, as in "on the job." In Johnson's case, that means finishing his studies, earning a dual degree in philosophy and religious studies with a minor in education. "I'm also getting the pre-reqs for medical school," the tall, lively-faced young man said as we sat in the Bowl at Millsaps College, the grassy center of campus, criss-crossed by sidewalks and ringed with shade trees.
Ro Sanchez
Ronel "Ro" Sanchez, 32, is nothing short of a movie buff. Seated on the couch near the front door of Video Café, he takes a look around at the vintage movie posters that line the store's walls. "I always loved movies" he says. "Movies can change your mood for the entire day."
Crystal Carter
One trip to Emory School University of Atlanta was a lifetime experience for 16-year-old Jacksonian Crystal Carter. The Jim Hill High School junior was qualified as an attendee for the 10-day National Forum on Medicine because of her high PSAT score.
Ricardo Jacobs
Ricardo Jacobs, 24, may not be a native of Jackson, but it's obvious that he loves the city he's called home since the sixth grade. "Jackson is a nice place to live; the people that I've met, I like them," he said, looking me straight in the eye as he went on to say something that took me by surprise somewhat, coming as it did from a young, 21st century black man. "You are ultimately in control of your own life. You can make decisions for yourself. I strongly believe that, and I have no trouble telling people that."
Johnny Michaud
He's the new kid in town with an off-the-wall sense of humor. What you see is what you get. And whatever comes out of his mouth, he worries about later. He's Uncle Johnny aka Johnny Michaud, 53, the new morning show guy at Q105.1. He, his wife, Jeanne, and their smiling rotweiler, Dahlia, have been in Jackson for two weeks. They hail from Orlando, Fla., where Michaud worked for 15 years at XL 106.7 and Magic 107.7. He first gained radio experience while in high school.