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The Dawn of a New America
Let me start this post by explaining who and what I am. I am the oldest son of civil rights advocate James Meredith who integrated the University of Mississippi back in 1962 and graduated from that flagship institution in 1963.
[Oppenheim] ‘Listen to Me!'
Last spring, as I sat in a Murrah High School classroom, surrounded by the brilliant young minds of the Civil Rights, Civil Liberties Club, I was struck by the contrast between these young people—who were deeply committed to contributing positively to their communities—and the myth some media outlets perpetuate about Jackson's youngsters.
[Moody] Gen Y-Not
Whether you define yourself as Generation X, Y or (like myself) on the XY cusp, you are a part of a unique and powerful generation that desires to change the world, and has the vigor and technology to do it.
Riding the Needle
"I think I will go out and beat an old lady to death tonight. I don't have anything to worry about if I get caught. I won't even have to worry about being stuck with a needle because it might hurt too much."
[Stiggers] Ghetto-Made
Bonqweesha Jones: "It's your favorite on-the-scene reporter, giving you the 411 on the low down faster than you can say 'War Czar!' I'm here with Bruh Sylvester, the controversial Christmas Missin' Toe artist, to talk about his new art exhibit titled 'Ghetto Dada Drama.'
[Balko] Don't Tase Me, Sis
"The Police Women of Broward County" takes reality cop TV to new depths.
[Stiggers] The Art of Restroom Justice
Cootie McBride: "Recently several public officials, like Senator Craig, have had some misunderstandings with police officers in public restrooms. It seems as if Big Brother has lengthened his arm of law enforcement from the streets to the toilet seats. Now that the crap has hit the fan regarding this issue, I want to provide some practical tips to fellow public servants and everyday working people.
The Power of Now
When I moved back to Mississippi in 2001, I was naïve. I thought I was coming home to write about the past that shamed me as a white Mississippian. I wanted to be a white Mississippian who wasn't afraid to face the past.
Hood v. Entergy
Attorney General Jim Hood won a small victory in U.S. District Court last month, with the court deciding to deny Entergy's attempt to block Hood from obtaining internal records regarding their alleged purchase of energy from sister companies in neighboring states like Alabama, Louisiana or Texas.
Hot-Blooded Vote Counters
Despite warnings that an intra-office feud could jeopardize its integrity, the Nov. 2 elections in Hinds County appeared to go off without a hitch. With its hands full handling post-election vote tallies and the like, the Hinds County Election Commission has been largely silent since last week, but the commission's issues are not likely to go away.
Presley: Entergy Reversal a ‘Seismic Turnaround'
Attorney General Jim Hood and Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley hammered Entergy Corp. with one of its own admissions last week, arguing that an Entergy correction to Mississippi Public Service Commissioners is the first step in an even bigger lawsuit Hood's office launched against the power company last fall. The letter ultimately stems from a Louisiana Public Service Commission decision that Entergy must refund $72 million to that state's customers because it had inflated fuel adjustment charges to customers' in 2000.
Still Some Life in Livingston Village
MPI Center Chief Executive Officer Mike Smith said he wants to move forward on plans to convert the site of the old Hood Furniture factory off Livingston Road in Jackson to mixed-use residential and commercial property.
The 2009 JFP Interview with Brenda Scott: ‘Magnet For Tourism'
Mississippi Alliance for State Employees President Brenda Scott has been a union organizer for almost two decades. During that time, she's become good at advocating for employees, often with a very loud voice.
Do Lake Plans Endanger Indian Mounds?
Pre-historic Native American settlements are among the obstacles faced by any plan to inundate the wetlands along the Pearl River, including the already-controversial "Two Lakes" project. Pam Lieb, chief archeologist for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, told the Jackson Free Press that any project to flood the Pearl River between Rankin and Hinds counties could inundate 19 sites eligible for the National Register of Historic Propertyincluding Choctaw settlement and burial grounds.
End of the Legislative Road
The Mississippi State Legislature passed full funding for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program this year, reformed the embattled State Board of Health, but shot down an attempt to raise cigarette taxes and lower grocery taxes.
Farish Battle Lines Drawn
Mayor Frank Melton and the recently formed Farish Street District Redevelopment Ad Hoc Committee are holding a Nov. 15 public forum at the Smith Robertson Museum to address delays in the development of the Farish Street Entertainment District, overseen by Memphis-based Performa Entertainment Real Estate Inc.
Council Candidates Go One-on-One
With the madness of the Democratic primary behind them, eight candidates will compete in the May 19 run-off elections for City Council. The remaining contenders boast strong personalities and varied backgrounds.
WLBT Sold; Melton Era Ends
Last month, Raycom Media completed its acquisition of 15 stations formerly owned by Liberty Corp., including Jackson's own WLBT. In August 2005, Raycom, one of the national's largest broadcasters based in Montgomery, Ala., announced it was acquiring Liberty through a cash purchase of $987 million.
The JFP Interview With Charlotte Reeves
Jackson resident Charlotte Reeves prides herself on being a longtime Jackson resident. Her continuing involvement with the city mirrors her willingness to involve herself in its politics.
Downtown Arena, Anyone?
It's become a rite of passage: The rebounding city builds a sports-and-entertainment arena, a shiny mark of maturity and status, like a 16-year-old's new car.