Libby Walden
As I entered the room, I couldn't help but stop and stare at my surroundings. The room itself was ordinary with diminutive stadium seating and a piano in the corner. The trophies and plaques screamed integrity and determination. At that moment that I realized this woman's calling.
Dolphus Weary
Dr. Dolphus Weary, 58, has devoted his life to "Christian community development" in Mississippi. He began serving as the executive director of Mission Mississippi in 1998 and was named president in 2005. Having already earned a bachelor's degree in biology, a master's degree in Christian education, an additional master's in Christian education administration, Weary recently decided to earn his doctorate at Reformed Theological Seminary. Weary, a native of Mendenhall, says his current job is "totally outside the character of what I wanted to do" as a young man.
Gus and David Abron
Need a snow cone? Hot dog? Nachos? A newspaper or a bottle of water? Gus and David Abron, a couple of charming guys, are there for you in the Jackson Medical Mall Thad Cochran Center. In fact, they were the mall's first vendors when it opened in 1996.
Angela Graves
It's obvious—Angela Graves is 6 feet tall with a megawatt smile book-ended by deep dimples. It's not obvious, unless you're standing outside her classroom listening, that she's one of the lucky ones. Eyes sparkling, Graves will tell anyone she's right where she should be—teaching eighth graders at a middle school—the Ramp Up reading literacy program at Morrison Academic Advancement Center, where I am the librarian. She has been at Morrison all five years that she's been a certified teacher.
Robert Mugge
Bob Mugge, 54, born in Chicago to parents from the Deep South, has traveled the region, filming the music he loves for over 30 years.
Jasmine Gargoum
Politics and theater go hand in hand for Jasmine Gargoum, 21. A Millsaps senior whose double major is theater and political science, she has experience in the real world with both fields. For almost a year she has been employed as the office assistant at the State Democratic Headquarters.
Nevada Barr
March 24 finds Nevada Barr back at Lemuria Books in Banner Hall signing her latest Anna Pigeon novel, "Hard Truth," at 5 p.m. Then she'll head over to Lemuriabooks.com to read from it at 6 p.m. This 13th book in the murder mystery series—always set in a national park—takes place in Rocky Mountain National Park, replete with natural beauty and wilderness. Park ranger Pigeon sometimes thinks that way too many people want to experience that natural beauty. And where people are, trouble is sure to follow. Barr's legions are fans won't be disappointed as she takes them along on Pigeon's latest trek through the vagaries of the human psyche.
Akinwole Uhuru
Strength and determination are two words that give meaning to a name, specifically the name Akinwole Uhuru. As a 22-year-old Tougaloo College senior, Uhuru says that every time his name is called, it reminds him of his purpose—a purpose that involves selflessly giving back to his community by focusing on America's struggle with poverty. His goals are to make a difference in the lives of those who are without, while at the same time encouraging those who do have to lend a helping hand.
George Ewing
From his white and brown cowhide cowboy boots to his black leather jacket atop a tucked-into-jeans black t-shirt to his rhinestone-encrusted cat-eye sunglasses to his buzz cut, George Ewing exudes health and confidence. Emblazoned on his t-shirt: "On no … let me handle that"—Spud Stud Magic Words that typify his take on life.
Jade Esteban Estrada
See Jade Esteban Estrada's musical about gay history at Hal & Mal's Wednesday, March 16, at 8 p.m. Sponsored by the Jackson Free Press.
Mike Peters
The brightly colored blue and gold building that sits on the corner of North State Street and Fondren Place and clearly reads "Fondren Corner" in bold cursive silver writing has become a favorite of many local students and Jacksonians who talk daily about the good food, original art and endless shopping opportunities one can find in this labyrinth five-story mixed-use building. It also contains studio and living space for young artists.
Crystal Wise & Precious Martin
It was 1995. Young Crystal Wise was at a party for freshmen University of Mississippi Law students at her friend's home. Precious Martin, a second-year Ole Miss Law student, was among the party guests. When the two met, Martin said he knew that Wise would his wife. "I hate to say love at first sight, because I think love is something that should be nurtured over time," he said. "but she was definitely 'wife' material."
Claudia Stevens
Millsaps Arts & Lecture Series presents "An Evening with Madame F" with Claudia Stevens Feb. 24 in the Ford Academic Recital Hall. Portraying an elderly woman inmate at Auschwitz who performed in the concentration camp orchestra, Stevens relates the moral dilemma faced by those who survived through their use of the arts.
Robert Arender
If you've been to Martin's Lounge more than twice, chances are you know Robert Arender. He's been a regular fixture behind the bar there for nearly 10 years now. For about eight of those 10, he's been bringing some of the best independent bands in America and elsewhere to the tiny stage in the front of the bar, slowly putting Jackson on the indie circuit.
Kay Franz
There are surprises, and then there are surprises that mean that you're living life the way you're supposed to: full-on and engaged in the world around you.