[Kamikaze] Madison: Beware the Karma
So, what do we do? Do we just lie down and concede defeat? Do we turn a deaf ear to the detractors? Or do we say nothing and become what they say we are?
[Kamikaze] Old Wounds
It's five years post Hurricane Katrina, and I'm still angry. Old images of the disaster dominated my TV screen and the Internet this past weekend: old images of Mother Nature at her most fierce; old images of destruction left in Katrina's wake; old images of bodies floating in flood water; old images of thousands of people starving, hot, sick, despondent.
[Kamikaze] We Are Jackson
It appears my latest JFP blog post stirred up some emotions. It's no secret that crime and the perception of crime are push-button issues for many of us.
[Kamikaze] Regular Folks and Common Sense
Recently, President Barack Obama appeared on an episode of ABC's "The View." I don't consider myself a fan of the show. Although it doesn't necessarily speak to my demographic, no doubt shows like "The View" or "The Oprah Show" speak directly to a core audience that any elected official should jump at the chance to reach.
Ridgeland Apartment Complex says "Jackson" crime has spilled into Madison WHAAAA??
In the latest in Jackson bashing news: I have a colleague who recently showed me the weekly newsletter from his apartment complex. While the actual complex will remain nameless, it IS, indeed, located in Ridgeland. Well, I thought you guys would get a kick out of something I read in said newsletter ... just as my colleague thought I would. My eyes almost popped out of my head like I was in a Looney Toons cartoon.
Condemn the Cowardice
Men get a bad rap. Oftentimes we deserve it. But generally—luckily—the many good ones among us overshadow the bad apples. As we look forward to the annual JFP Chick Ball this weekend, we should again take a hard look at the heinous crime that is domestic abuse.
[Kamikaze] The Key Ingredient to Growth
Every growing city has major problems. Jackson is no different. It is a blossoming metropolis, but is not without its issues: crumbling infrastructure; old water pipes; bad roads; understaffed police and fire departments; dilapidated properties; neighborhoods overrun by drugs–you name it.
[Kamikaze] The New Mississippi Musicians
I often brag to out-of-state friends and colleagues that all the genres of music were either birthed or perfected on Mississippi soil. From Jimmie Rodgers to Faith Hill, B.B. King to Grady Champion, and from Leontyne Price to Brandy, it's safe to say that our musical roots run deep.
[Kamikaze] Superman Married to Superwoman
Frequent readers of my column know I often write about my mother. She was a great woman—indeed, one of the finest to walk the Earth. Her passing has left a void not just in my heart but in this city as well. We are all better for her having been here.
1st Annual Downtown Cinco De Mayo Celebration WEDNESDAY 5:30pm
ADMISSION IS FREE TIL 9pm. Music, Mexican Food, and YOU!
The Jackson Progressives, Jackson Free Press, Jackson Downtown Neighborhood Association, and several other entities have joined forces for the 1st Annual Downtown Cinco De Mayo Celebration: Celebration of Jackson's Diversity. WEDNESDAY, MAY 5th beginning at 5:30pm at DREAMZ JXN. 426 Capital (One Block From the Historic King Edward Hotel).
[Kamikaze] New Breed of Renaissance Man
If you're an avid fan of the NFL, then you were probably glued to your TV this past weekend as the 2010 draft unveiled America's newest millionaires. The draft always holds a few surprises, and after 72 hours of picks, a few players are always left who have yet to be picked up by a pro team.
[Kamikaze] Open the Dialogue
My father and I are the only non-educators in my immediate family. My mother and my siblings were once or are all teachers. And since my father sees every conversation as a "teachable" moment, I guess he could qualify as some sort of "teacher."
[Kamikaze] Wrangle the Crazies
OK, I get it. There are varying opinions on the new health-care bill. You have some who are staunchly in favor of the resolution. Others are none too fond of the new plan. This is what America was built on, correct? The right to respectfully disagree.
[Kamikaze] A Work in Progress
You'll have to excuse me. I'm writing this column in somewhat of a sleepy haze. You see, sleep has devilishly escaped me for the past few days. I wish it would return. But alas, I'm a new father again so there are miles to go before I sleep.
[Kamikaze] Take It Back
Being a born and bred Jacksonian, I can say I've lived on every "side" of this city. I've seen the good and the bad up close, met some treasures, and met some trash.
[Kamikaze] Give a Damn
Remember Haiti. In whatever you do this week, respect the fragile nature of life. Remember Katrina. This week embrace the positive things around you. Recognize the blessings you've been given.
Projacks: THIS should make you mad!
Received this as via email today. Forwarded to me by some other outraged Jacksonians. Seems our Metro "friends" *sarcasm off* are using our crisis as a a means to drum up business. Having a good laugh at our expense. Or is it biting the hand that feeds you? Here is the info below. Several emails in response have been sent and in his replies this guy stands defiant with his "We're better than you" attitude. Two Rivers Restaurant. Im sick of this!
[Kamikaze] Crap In a Pretty Box
They are all exactly the same.
[Kamikaze] Milestones
The year 2009 marked a few interesting milestones in my personal and professional life, including significant highs and some unceremonious lows. These developments are steps on my path of maturation you guys have followed for some time now.
[Kamikaze] Spread the Projack Love
I'm what you call a ProJack. I steadfastly support anything in Jacksoncommunity, music and business. If you operate or reside firmly within this city's borders, I pray for your success.
Need Audience Members for the 1st Taping of New TV Talk Show
JFP Nation, Some of you arent aware that I have new TV talk show airing on Comcast channel 14 (JSUTV23) in January. Ive entered into a partnership with my alma mater to produce a slick new News and current events talk show to attract a new demographic to their network. Think Meet the Press meets Bill Maher meets TRL.
[Kamikaze] Show. Me. Some. Passion.
I call myself a moderate for a reason. I find myself shying away from the lunacy that lurks on the outer fringes of both parties.
JxnPro Benefit for Stewpot @ F. Jones Corner THURSDAY 7PM
ADMISSION IS A CANNED GOOD(S), CLOTHING, OR DONATION!
Jackson Progressives will be holding it annual Benefit for Stewpot THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19 at 7pm. This years event will be held at F. Jones Corner, one of Jackson's newest, hottest spots.
[Kamikaze] To Our Health
I have to shamefully admit that it's been over a decade since my last trip to a doctor's office. That's any doctor's office, anywhere, for any kind of checkup.
[Kamikaze] The ‘Balloon Boy' Story
Sometimes I think we live in a bizarro worlda place where logic and reason don't always win out. Up is down. Left is right. Its like we're in an alternate dimension sometimes.
Mississippi's Own Storage 24 Wins Band of the Year Honors at National Battle of the Bands
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!!
Congrats are in order for Mississippi's own Storage 24. The hometown Rock Band came in 1st Place (out of ten bands from around the country) and was named Band of The Year at Club Le Vela's National Battle of The Bands competition over the weekend. The event took place in Panama City, FL at what is billed as THE largest club in the United States. It is also one of the sights of MTV's Spring Break broadcasts. As winners, Storage 24 won cash and prizes the biggest of which will be a slot during MTV's Spring Break Concerts in March 2010. Please continue to support your state's talent. You can hear some of the bands music at http://www.myspace.com/storage24live or on facebook.
[Kamikaze] Thinking Big
Momentum can be described as the impetus of a non-physical process, a process that could be either an idea or a course of events. Any time you have momentum, there has to be energy, some force behind that momentum.
[Kamikaze] Don't Be A Jerk
We have become a society that applauds bad behavior. We have become a nation that shuns decorum and champions those who break rank with tact. We have become a country that no longer respects authority, title or office.
[Kamikaze] Blindsided by the Sun
You'd think some newspaper editors would at least have taken the time to do a little more research.
[Kamikaze] ‘Their America'
When faced with overwhelming adversity, you often discover what some people are made of. When under great duress from fear of the unknown, you can also find out what people really think or feel.
[Kamikaze] Let Vick Play
After a maturation that included a confession, sentencing and then jail time, it seems that Michael Vick will once again be allowed to ply his trade on the gridiron.
CNN's Black In America 2 Watch Party July 22-23 @ Hal and Mals
Wednesday and Thursday July 22-23, CNN continues its investigation of the most challenging issues facing African-Americans with "Black in America 2." Soledad O'Brien reports on people who are using ground-breaking solutions to transform the black experience. Yardboy International has organized a "Watch Party" which begins both nights at 7pm in the Big Room at Hal and Mals. We want everyone to feel welcom to come and join us. Come with and open mind prepared to listen and speak your mind.
[Kamikaze] Black America's Real Heroes
Throughout history, the African American community has had its share of stellar athletesmen who have transcended sport and race.
[Kamikaze] Jackson's Savior Complex
Everyone seems to be an expert on crime these days. Sit around any barbershop or bar, and you'll hear all the "pundits" explain how they would handle crime.
[Kamikaze] Time for the Pink Slip
Many of you work a regular 9-to-5 job. Even those who work part-time, odd hours or odd days understand the premise of hustling for a paycheck.
[Kamikaze] Heal and Move On
I'm glad the Democratic primary is finally over, but the wounds this election has inflicted are deep.
JxnPro May mtg THURSDAY MAY 21st: Donna Ladd & Othor Cain, Together Again
Thursday May, 21st @ 7:30pm. 12th Floor Plaza Building. We are continuing our series on holding public officials accountable. This month we're putting the band back together again. Donna Ladd and Othor Cain will join up and join US to discuss holding public officials accountable and transparency in government. Be there. and as always its BYOB. Thursdays at the Plaza will be in full effect so grab a drink and come up! Plus we will be voting on a new Board member and gearing up for Family Day in the Park.
"A Closer Look" debuts on MPB, Sunday 2pm! TUNE IN!
Here's the skinny:
So in case you guys havent heard. My new statewide radio show debuts this Sunday on MPB. Its my return to radio and Im proud to have this platform in which to hear what Mississippi has to say on a lot of issues. We're going for a lot of grassroots support and I need you to spread the word and listen in on Sunday. Your switching to MPB on the dial will be duly noted and hopefully the numbers will reflect a new, fresh demographic tuning in to public radio. CALL IN AND SHOUT US OUT 877-MPB-RING OR 877 672 7464 OR FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: twitter.com/ACloserLook
[Kamikaze] Brothers Behind the Badge
I began my life in the shadows of Christian Brotherhood Apartments, where I developed a latent fear for law enforcement. Back then, the sound of police sirens was constant, and the piercing blue lights glared outside my window more often than not.
[Kamikaze] My Mother, My Hero
My mother passed last week. The feeling is still surreal for me. It's the first time I've lost someone close to me, someone in my immediate family.
Enough is Enough!
Enough is enough. I can't sit idly by and continue to watch this childish display. A black cloud still hangs over our city. Even more prominent in election years, it slowly permeates through every facet of our society until it seemingly poisons the most rational of men and women. Our generation reaches for greatness while some of those before us try to have us succumb to tradition. The old adage "the more things change, the more they stay the same" rings true, and it's a nauseating stench - one I will continue to fight to extinguish. As Jackson pushes closer to becoming the metropolis we all know it can be, as I struggle to raise kids in a city better than the one I came into, as I attempt to continue the legacy my great mother set for me and her students, the legacy of acceptance, oneness, and love for everyone, I want to honor what she taught me by shaming the devil, and the devil, Jackson, is in these details.
Come Take The Trolley Tour
We've got seats available for this week's tour. Don't read or hear about it. Come see for yourself the great things going on in your city. From the King Edward, to the Standard Life, the Pinnacle to Farish Street. Our city is on the move...in a good way. We want to take the news straight to the people with no middleman. call 601 842 0257 for more info and to reserve a slot on the Fondren trolley. Only 25 seats available each week.
WEDNESDAY LUNCH @ PEACHES: THIS WEEK, HARVEY JOHNSON
As we approach May 5th, and the biggest election in this city's history, we've got yet another mayoral candidate as our guest at Wednesday Lunch at Peaches. Harvey Johnson will be our guest. This is your opportunity to ask him questions in an intimate, informal setting. AND....get some of the best soul food in the world @ PEACHES. Be there at 11:30. We expect a full house so get there early!
ALERT: There will be TWO mayoral debates and the 2nd will be TELEVISED…here's why
Today, the sponsoring organizations for the April 23rd mayoral debate received a Press Release from the Harvey Johnson camp. The release stated his campaign's concerns with accessibility for the first debate. The April 23rd debate will be seen on WAPT.com and on their digital channel WAPT-2 or (CH 208 on Comcast). Folks there will be TWO(2) debates and this is only part one. Now, we do understand that everyone doesnt have access to either the internet or cable. However, due to the large number of candidates in the primary and considering the fact that WAPT would have to have permission to override ABC programming, it was in the station's best interests to wait and televise the run-off(or general) debate on May 10th.
Wed. Lunch @ Peaches: This week, Mayoral Candidate Brenda Scott & Ward 4 Candidate Jackie Norris
Soul food Forums continues this week as we rev up towards election day 2009. This week we've got two candidates for th price of one. Mayoral candidate Brenda Scott and Ward 4 candidate Jackie Norris will be on hand to talk about their platforms and take your questions. Great soul food, and you get a chance to grill the candidates.
[Kamikaze] Seizing Jackson's Moment
My daily affirmation is, as taken from the movie "Talladega Nights": "Here's the deal. I'm the best! I wake up in the morning, and I piss excellence. Nobody can hang with my stuff!" Humor notwithstanding, those words speak to a truth that we all can learn from.
Ward 6 Candidate Joe Lewis @ Wednesday Lunch at Peaches
Wednesday Lunch at Peaches: Soul Food Forums. This week our guest speaker will be Ward 6 City Council Candidate Joe Lewis. Remember these are perhaps the most important elections in our city's history. Whether you live in a speaker's ward or not, its paramount that you come out and vet your candidates. They are here to serve all of you. Be there 11:30am. Great Soul Food and Good Political Discussions. Sponsored by Jackson Progressives
New Word Of The Day:"PROJACK" are you one?
YOUR NEW WORD FOR TODAY IS: PROJACK! pro-jak n. 1.To be pro jackson. Champion of all the good things your city has to offer. 2. To hold your city down, be knowledgable of all new development & a registered voter in tune with city politics. Are you a PROJACK?
STILL LOVE REAL HIP HOP? STILL SUPPORT GOOD MUSIC? WHAT'S YOUR BEST HIP HOP MEMORY
I am Hip Hop! From my many battles with the JFP faithful over the negative aspects of rap music, you know Ive lived and breathed the music for over 15 years. What Ive found is that there are many of you who grew up with hip hop. Still love the music, still love to see good live hip hop music, and would STILL buy it if you felt it spoke to the older hip hop head. Many of you wouldnt mind going to see a good hip hop show if you knew you werent going to be yelled at, threatened, called a "b" or "h", and made it through the night without witnessing a fight or shooting. Such has been the case in Jackson and I know its prevented a lot of you from supporting the local scene.
[Kamikaze] Message To Michael Steele
You blew it. You caved, crumbled, buckled, tucked tail and ate crow.