Being the 'Best of Enemies'
"Right now, we’re in a time in our history where we’re so polarized as groups of people. We need to remember that people can come together and find common ground.”
Ariel Boggess
Ariel Boggess has always created art in mediums such as painting and drawing, so she says makeup was a natural fit.
Verge in the Wild Wild West
Verge is a new community-oriented art project that evolved from FIGMENT Jackson. The website for FIGMENT says the mission of the events, which happen in multiple cities across the United States, is to give free, family-friendly, participatory art events to communities.
A Bunch of Wiseacres
The word "wiseacre" is slang for "smartass." And it fits the origins of the Wireacre Brewing Co. in Memphis, Teen. Its journey began in 1997 in Boston, Mass., when brothers Davin and Kellan Bartosch stole their parents' rental car and drove to Sam Adams Brewery in Boston. That was their first introduction to the world of brewing.
‘Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor’
I've talked about this before, but we are a nation of many immigrants. Unless you're Native American, you can likely trace your roots back somewhere across the seas or down in South and Central America.
Happiness in Cupcake Form
Treats are my personal favorite part of Valentine's Day. It's one of the only days of the year where it's acceptable to eat tons of candy and chocolate. This year, I decided to spice up some easy-to-make cupcakes for the holiday.
Standing and Fighting Together
These days, everyone is speaking out, and as Donald Trump's tweets and speeches become more and more erratic, and his politics become even more insane and exclusionary, it's necessary.
A New Executive (Chef) in Town
Though chef Nicole Medrano has only been in Jackson for a year, she is making waves in the local culinary scene. After Jesse Houston stepped down as executive chef at Saltine Oyster Bar, Medrano took the helm in early January.
Jillian Smart
When Jillian Smart, owner of Jackson Education Support, was growing up, she says her parents wanted their children to be productive.
Debora Wenger
NewsPro magazine recently honored Debora Wenger, who is an associate professor at the University of Mississippi's Meek School of Journalism and New Media and head of its journalism department, in its January issue as one of the "10 Journalism Educators Who Made the Grade."
Can’t-Miss Food Events
On Jan. 30, Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint is hosting a Wiseacre Brewing Beer Dinner.
A Space for Experimental Art
A large geometric shield sits in a corner, the word "SUBMIND" projected on it. Local artist daniel johnson, who does not capitalize his name, stands in front of a crowd and warns them that anyone who has epilepsy should not watch the demonstration that is about to happen.
Running the Blues
We're at the beginning of the year, so besides making resolutions, that means another thing: It's time for the Mississippi Blues Marathon. This year's event is Saturday, Jan. 7.
Forging a New Path: Foot Print Farms
On a frigid day in December, the slightly warm air inside one of the high tunnels, also known as natural greenhouses, at Foot Print Farms in Jackson contrasts the chilly air outside.
Change in 2017: Crawling, Then Walking
God willing, 2017 is a year of change for me and hopefully for others, too. As we move forward in the new year with whatever changes we make, we should keeping this idea in mind: There's only so much of life that we can control.
Bring in the New Year, Jackson Style
On Thursday, Dec. 29, Deep South Pops and Blazewalker Pictures will host the After-Mas Music Festival in the Highland Village courtyard (4500 Interstate 55 N.).
Dorothy Stewart
Dorothy Stewart says that when she was growing up, someone once asked her, "Dorothy, what do you want to be?" "I want to be a doctor," Stewart replied.
Last-Minute Fun
Christmas has been approaching ever so slowly, but now it seems to be coming in at warp speed. If you're still trying to find last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers, here are some local, unique items to pick up.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
I try to live by two mottos: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and "Be the change you wish to see in the world." I think both of those are important in this season, especially with the state of the world.
Emmi Sprayberry
Nine years ago, when Swell-o-Phonic was in the space where Fondren Public is currently located, it wasn't just a skate shop and clothing store. It also housed an art exhibition space, Icon Gallery, and Jackson native Emmi Sprayberry was its manager.
Give Local
'Tis the season for giving gifts, so why not shop local during this holiday season? Here are some fun ideas from local businesses.
Community Through Song
Jerry Jenkins wouldn't call himself a percussionist. The owner of Jackson-based Hasan Drums does play West African drums, including the djembe, and other instruments such as the 21-stringed kora, but his primary role is as a storyteller and promoter of community.
Pretty Holidays
This Christmas, don't forget that your loved ones should feel beautiful and pampered, too. Here are some items from local stores that can help.
Leslie Puckett
When Leslie Puckett began her business, BearCreek Herbals, in 2000, she was at a crossroads in her life.
Try This at Home
While it's nice to get a facial or a blow-out sometimes, taking care of your skin or hair or nails doesn't always have to be a big deal.
We Can Be Scared Together
With the current political turmoil, I'm glad I got to attend TEDxJacksonWomen. It was a bright spot in the midst of a hairy election cycle, and now it can be a bright spot in what can sometimes feel like impending doom.
A Festive, Local Holiday
The impending holiday season means stuffing our faces with tons of food and congregating with family and friends, but it also means something else: The shopping season is about to begin. This holiday, make sure you support Mississippi craftmakers.
Emily Summerlin
The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum has organized the annual Harvest Festival for a few years, but marketing and events specialist Emily Summerlin says the museum's staff is changing things up this year.
Shandricka Sessom
Last season was a disappointment for the University of Mississippi women's basketball team. The Rebels went 10-20 overall and 2-14 in SEC play, posting their fourth losing record in the last five seasons.
How to Make Sugar Skulls
Sugar skulls, which can be made using ingredients such as clay, sugar or even chocolate, represent someone who has died. They often have departed soul's names on them and are placed on the ofrendas to honor the spirit.
Treat Yo’ Self This Halloween
This year, Campbell's will have Halloween cookies and iced teacakes, and customers can also order pumpkin cheesecake for fall events and parties.
A Nation of Immigrants
Though I don't know where I come from, one thing is clear: At some point in my ancestry, my family migrated to this country. Like many families that came to live in this state and in this country, they were immigrants. They came to America in search of a better life, as many families have and continue to do.
LaShonda Katrice Barnett
For her first historical-fiction novel, African American playwright, professor and author LaShonda Katrice Barnett decided to take a different path than many of her predecessors and tell a new story in the era of Jim Crow.
Marco Moran
Marco Moran has been an entrepreneur since childhood. He grew up in Columbia, La., a small town south of Monroe. As a child, his family was poor and on welfare, which he says was common in Columbia.
Our True Mental States
So 18.1 percent of the total U.S. population has a mental illness, and 50 percent of adults are likely to experience some type of mental illness in their lifetime. And yet we don't talk about it. Many of us see mental-health problems as a sign of weakness.
Blissful Brides
Stressed brides may find needed help on the third floor of Banner Hall. There they'll find Bliss Bride, the newest endeavor of Bliss Gift & Home.
Keep Calm, Gumbo On
Each year, Jackson area restaurants and foodies gather together for two reasons: to celebrate Hal White's legacy and to see who makes the best gumbo.
Patrick Kelly
Vicksburg-native fashion designer Patrick Kelly's mission was to make people smile. His designs were whimsical and playful, often including elements such as multi-colored buttons and bows.
Don’t Go Fair-Food Crazy
Like most state fairs, the Mississippi State Fair isn't exactly the place where you can always find the healthiest food. But why would you want to? Most people go for a day or two, and they want to have fun and not worry about their waistbands or health.
Interesting Foods to Try at the Mississippi State Fair
Fairs tend to attract people from all over the nation, and many of them have interesting foods to try.
Susan Olmsted
Cathead Distillery Marketing Manager Susan Olmsted says one of the reasons she has always been drawn to small business is because the people in it have to rely on each other more than in larger businesses.
It Started With Ramen
I had real ramen for the first time last year at one of the Mississippi Museum of Art's Museum After Hours events. And I don't mean the instant kind. I was so excited that I took a photo of it and then quickly devoured it.
Margaret Walker
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Margaret Walker's book "Jubilee," the Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University is hosting a symposium and reception on Friday, Sept. 16.
LaDaryl Watkins
LaDaryl Watkins says she's always been active and loves people, and wanted to combine the two. She is currently a co-coordinator in The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi's health and wellness department.
Plan Your Meals
For many people, part of eating healthy means doing a lot of planning, which can seem daunting. Luckily, many apps on the market can help. Here are a few.
Giving Hope With Hats and Wigs
Just a little ways from the entrance to the Cancer Center at Merit Health Central in Jackson is the Magnolia Garden, a boutique that gives cancer patients a chance to find peace and feel better about themselves.
Look to Hattiesburg
Jackson is far from perfect, but it’s at least a city that knows things needs to change—and for the most part, it seems to want to.
Mississippi Book Festival Comes to Jackson Again
For the second year in a row, the Mississippi Book Festival will be at the Mississippi State Capitol on Saturday, Aug. 20.
Keep Breaking the Glass Ceiling
A couple of weeks ago, I posted something to Facebook that I thought could possibly get some political backlash from my conservative friends and family: "Regardless of politics, the fact that a woman is a presidential candidate is incredibly inspiring to me. #whoruntheworld? #wedo"