New York Times Honors Casey Parks

Read some of Casey's remarkable work for the JFP here.

Do not die without reading:

No Apologies: Inside Mississippi's Pro-Life Movement

I'm a Decent Human Being, Too

I'm so proud of Casey that it hurts--in a good way. The wide, wide grin plastered on my face stretches my skin; my heart races and my breathing speeds up as I try to imagine what she will take to and bring back from this trip, this opportunity. I'm bursting with excitement at the good she will do, given this chance to learn, to communicate, to shine. To paraphrase Robert Browning, Casey's reach exceeds her grasp. She's non-stop-willing to attempt the seemingly impossible. I'm thankful I can call her friend.

Yeah, I'd have to be her mama to be prouder than I feel today. She's amazing, and now the whole world will know it. Actually, starting today, with her column in the New York Times.

Man, on man. I've just been sitting here and squealing without warning at erratic intervals.

<Oozing pride.>

You're so right that being her mama is the only way you could be any prouder, Donna.

I've just read all 12 finalists' essays, then read Casey's again. The reasons for Casey's being chosen to go to Africa with Nick Kristoff, for the New York Times, are all right there. Like an athlete involved in the big game, Casey left if all right there on the page. Stalwart and true.

Donna and Lynette, you two are right: the world is just learning what we in Mississippi have known for some time. Casey Parks has always done an amazing job with everything that she touches, putting her heart in everything. It just shows that the sky is the limit, as long as you stand by what you believe.

... and be willing to work hard and reach for the stars.

Casey's a rock star. Our dear little rock star.

<squealing again>

You guys are so so special. I love you all. YOWZERS. I don't even know what to do with myself. You make me feel so good and loved. (Donna, I love that you wrote, "Do not die without reading ..."

The JFP blog was part of the reason I won, too, and my stories edited by you all, so the prize is as much a testament of the JFP in its entire.

And don't worry: I'm still coming back to Mississippi. That state is my passion.

Did you all see a guy from Kosciusko is also in the top 12? TWO Mississippi students.

So ha.

It's great to see that The NY Times has recognized what the JFP knew all along about Casey "Iron Fist" Parks. (And no, that's not some kind of Jason Blair/Howell Raines/Judith Miller joke.) Congrats, Fist.

I love that you guys are still calling me Iron Fist.

I think you'll figure out what to do with yourself! Man, the opportunities headed your way. I'm SO excited.

I didn't see the other Mississippian; I haven't had time to read the other essays, yet, being on press day and all. (You remember that, eh, sweetheart?) So ha, indeed.

I love that the announcement page says Casey Parks of Jackson, Miss. The city is going to be very proud of you when the word really gets out. And we know you're coming back to Mississippi.

And let us not forget that ole Doc here is the one who annointed you with that "Little Miss Ironfist" label. It is so you. Tiny and ferocious.

Look out, world.

<squealing again>

Come home soon and write us a story. We need to bask in your glow.

Oh, I have an entry for my next In-Out List:

In: Casey Parks
Out: Judy Miller

Hah.

As Casey Re's mom, I can guarantee that no one is prouder than I am! Way to Go Casey Re! If only Ruthie could talk, she would be singing your praises. I cannot wait to email John Newhouse and share this grand ole news with the Clarion Ledger about how Gannett let a good one get away!

I wouldn't want Gannett. Not for any paycheck.

I have got to get to Mississippi ASAP. I'm craving it (I even sort-of miss press night).

They asked me on the phone where I wanted to put as my hometown, and I said absolutely Jackson.

Hey, Mom. I'll grant you that you're the proudest, and get to be. But we are right behind you, girlfriend. I know you're just dying with happiness here. Congratulations to the whole family. Love to you all.

Donna

P.S. Giggle re your Newhouse comment. They did, indeed. Tell him I say hey when you call. Nah, don't do that. ;-)

Casey, I cried again when I saw that. You are Jackson. No question.

Way to represent.

Back to work now. (Yes, you can spend press night with us when you're here. No problem.)

I forgot to say that Casey is living proof that you can take the girl out of the south, but the south never leaves the girl.
Oh my God, I am so excited I want to scream!

Well then, scream, woman!

On further thought, you ought to tell Newhouse that they ought to leave us alone and tend to their own damn business and let us do what we need to do. They're too busy trying to run us little guys out of business and control the competition than to recognize, and grab, great talent like Casey. Give him an earful. Heck, even scream a little if it suits you.

Casey, hurry home and help us with our fight against Goliath.

Yea, Casey, I saw the other Mississippian. That was a grand surprise. As was the fact, like Donna noted, that you're Casey Parks of Jackson, Miss. Even better is that you got your chops at a three-year-old independent newsweekly, a free one no less, something those who live and breathe stereotypes would never believe could exist in the Crossroads of the South. Long live Casey Parks! Long live the JFP!

Long live this capability to communicate on this blog! Casey, by the time Mama and I have watched you on MTV in Portland, the two of us just might understand blogging, don't you think? After I'd read all 12 essays, she looked over at me and asked, "Were any of them as good as Casey's?" "None held a candle to hers, Mama, " I replied. She grinned.

I'm grinning again myself, trying not to be overcome with emotion as I type. My goodness, the potential and the promise could be overwhelming. It gives me peace, though, to know it's you, Casey, the one who delves so well into reality, who will be going to Africa to report. You'll take us there with you, sharing your experience as a journalist. That's what this line from your essay says to me--"The electricity that comes from crafting seeing the way journalists do--cataloguing every movement, sound, feeling, inference--is what continues to spark me."

Thanks, honey.

I believe Newhouse knows exactly where he and Gannett stand in my humble opinion. But I must admit I try to keep a fairly nice email relationship with him so I can brag on Casey on a regular basis.
I think the whole business of cubbies stinks of Gannett to high heaven. I think Casey should write a huge piece about them for an upcoming People Magazine.

Ooo, and while we have Mom on the line, I want to point everyone to this remarkable column that Casey wrote about her mama.

Cue the BeeGees.

That's OK, Mom. I think Newhouse will get the message on his own without any screaming. ;-) It just infuriates me that they're so caught up in corporate competition games that they miss the big picture. And Ms. Casey Parks represents the big picture.

Can I just say for the record that we're not going anywhere, Mr. Newhouse. Well, maybe Africa ... ;-)

OK, world, so the JFP is in gloating heaven tonight. Sue us. We're proud of our girl, darn it.

Gloating heaven. That's right where we are, Donna. I like it a lot.

Even though I expect bad practices out of Gannett, I really didn't see that coming. I mean, wow. That is a new low even for them. It really is all about the dollar, isn't it?

Oh, when Naka Nathaniel interviewed me on the phone, we talked all about Willie Morris, and I told him about the Spit McGee memorial and Joanne's hats and parties and the bow-ties she wanted me to wear.

JoAnne is going to dig the hell out of that story. I'll tell her tonight. ;-D

Go on, girl.

(No one else will understand this, but remember Max-the-kitten that Todd and I found near Hal & Mal's, the one that JoAnne agreed to adopt because he has an independent boy spirit kind of like Spitty? Well, she turned out to be Maxie and had four tiny little kittens about three weeks ago. She's the best little baby-mama you've ever seen. They just opened their eyes and started venturing from their spot in the closet this weekend as little Mama herds them around. They are irresistably, unbelievably cute: two little gray things--like their daddy--and two little tuxedos, like Mom. Anyway, come on home, and we'll catch you up on everything. This probably isn't the kind of blogging that helped you get that cushy gig. <giggle>)

Love that photo of our girl!

(Maxie's a mom. Isn't that a neat turn of events?)

Wow. Is it possible to be completely impressed and completely unsurprised at the same time? :P Casey, I knew you were going to be doing big things the second I saw that abortion feature. Congrats, grrl. You rock!


Cheers,

TH

Oh god. My Donna Ladd, always saving kittens. I can't believe Maxie is having babies. I still remember her rambling 'round the office. Oh that is so so adorable and wonderful.

Alright, I'm going to have to cash in my savings and drive down. It's imperative. I have a story to finish anyway!

Congratulations Casey Parks! You are missed and loved and supported and make us proud.

You do have a story to finish. There's a big event related to your story on Friday if you can make it that soon. And we could send you out on the media circuit. I bet some of our friends on TV and radio would love to talk to you about this new honor for Jackson. I'll be your press agent here.

So, come on down!

Congratulations, Casey! Being chosen out of 3,800 is nothing short of amazing. May God bless you in your endeavors and do this state proud.

I must add my congratulations too, though you're making those tiny shoes harder to fill every day. I'm going to have to get an internship with the Dalai Lama or something, and then I'll have to put up with Richard Gere!

Casey won because she's real, and it takes real women (and men) to tell real stories. I'm sure Kristoff saw than in your submission. Growing up poor is a gift, even if it is hard, because it gives you moral balance. You don't have to puzzle over the stupid "arguments" the priveleged make because you know in your bones that they're wrong, both factually and ethically. You only have to decipher the smart arguments--there aren't many, and they also unravel.

Pseudo-philosophical ramblings aside, there is no limit to what Casey Parks will achieve. Africa? In a year or two, she'll be interviewing the president of China. (I'm not even kidding.) I can only take great pride in being "2.0" to Casey, who is a wonderful journalist but also a passionate, spunky, brilliant woman. Congratulations, Little C.

In 50 years, Casey will be my generation's Helen Thomas:

"So Mr. President, what was your real reason for invading Mars?"

way to go C to the P (no iron fist for me, it's all C to the P) ;)

the new york times, africa, and mtv won't know what hit 'em

Miss Ironfist, you will be happy to know that JoAnne and I are sitting here having gin-and-tonics in your honor while reading your column out loud.

Cheers!

... and we're blogging separately on our matching white iBooks, while we listen to Todd's appearance on the Kim Wade show. Blogging at its finest. ;-D

Congratulations Casey. You will forever be a shining star and inspiration for all of us. I sincerely wish you all of the best.

Wonderful, wonderful, she's so wonderful. Tell my people in Africa I said hello, I miss them, and I'm coming home to visit soon.

I love stories of triumph and success. They're inspiring and overwhelmingly good for the mind, heart and soul. How blessed are we to be in a place where this is possible.

I should add that "success against the odds" is what touches me so deeply about sories like this one. Even a clearly smart kid is often told you can't/won't amount to anything because of the situation you're born into. Too many of these children beleive what they're told and either give up or self destruct. A few, however, say the hell with the naysayers and that as long as I'm living I will surely be trying to succeed despite the so-called odds.

Fortunately, in this country, we are able to wake up one day and say I made it. I say this often but I can't remmember every step of the journey. It's like I was so driven that I was in a daze.

God bless America and every place else. Especially poor countries.

Go Casey!!!! Yeah! you are kickin' some arse up there. Where is the NY Times story in print--today's version? thanks for being so inspiring...

I just want to add my congratulations to the mix. I'm so happy and proud, for you and for Donna. I'm so pleased that the culture of excellence that is the JFP is creating ripples that extend so far outside the Jackson area.

great job casey.. i'm so happy for you.

patrick

The people at Gawker are already dissecting my writing and stressing how terrible it is:

http://www.gawker.com/news/nicholas-kristof/nick-kristof-picks-his-african-bride-175673.php

I wouldn't take Gawker (or the people who reply to posts there) too seriously, Iron Fist, they called you a University of Mississippi graduate student. Gawker is entertaining when it goes after fake writers like James Frey. Gawker gets in over its head when it starts talking about real journalists.

Can you say, but I still won.

hahaha

I think the Free Press has taught me well that if you get petty comments like that, you're likely doing something exactly right.

Okay, Casey. Just for you I'm about to tear their ass up on Gawker. I'm a registered "commenter"

And, for the record, how about "Casey’s full essays is available." Sounds like they need some learnin' wherever the Gawker hails from. And how 'bout the "parallelism" quip; I guess they never studied about the perils of parallelism, either, eh?

Some people are so self-hating that they get up in the a.m. looking for somebody to tear down to their level.

Miss Casey, you're doing a fine job, it seems.

Awesome, Casey! Way to go... what a great and well-deserved honor. Not the last time your byline will be in the NYT, I am sure.

Quick. Casey is featured right now on the front page of the AAN site, with that picture we all love. Check her out!

congrats, casey.

p.s. ali, how did you become a commenter on gawker? i'm jealous.

I wrote the editor and called him a stupid little whore who would forever be a little girl in my mind if he didn't grant me commenting rights.

He immediately emailed me back, gave me access, and told me he was frightened of me.

And, that's actually true. I think his exact words were, "I'm granting you commenting access because you scare me." ;) Then he emailed me a second time to tell me he liked being called a stupid whore. Men are so easy.

Although, I mainly comment on the Defamer board...and have actually forgotten my password on Gawker (because I am a loser).

ali, you are the funniest woman i know.

Men are not easy. If so, why is it so difficult to get us to commit or marry then? Ha Ha, he, he. One of my friends got thrown out the house last night in part for being to slow to marry. But this is about Casey making the big times. Not the greatness of men.

Casey, where in Africa are you going? Is it West Africa where the Carters came from or where? I'm wondering whether you will see some of my relatives.

We're going to New Guinea, Cameroon and The Central African Republic

Ray Carter, you're so wonderful.

Hey Casey!
Nick is speaking to our class tomorrow. I'm really excited!! You are awesome and your application essay was WAY better than mine. I'm really jealous....We'll hit Cups when you get back so you can tell me all about your adventures! Take care....

Stephen McDill
World Journalism Institute
New York City, NY

Well, darn, Ali. I was looking and looking for your blast-job on Gawker when I read your first post. When I couldn't find it, I thought maybe you did such an excellent job that they deleted you. Try real hard to remember that password so you can give us all great glee at your remarks, OK?

I believe that Gawker's use of the noun swashbuckler as a verb instead of the verb swashbuckle takes the ever-lovin'-cake! Hey, did you know that a gawk, according to Merriam-Webster Online means "a clumsy stupid person"? Could that be the explanation?

And why aren't there more than six comments about the story Gawker decided to run as its lead? I know we Jacksonians have a vested interest here, but we've got over 400 posts for the same story.

Look at Nick sounding back to haters:

http://kristof.page.nytimes.com/

AND! He links to the JFP

We like Nick. He's our new favorite. ;-D

I do think it's funny that y'all have your little N-JAM Club to contend with. Of course, you've had plenty of practice with dumba$$es right here in ole Mississip. But it does make the point that we sure don't corner the market on yucks.

Of course, I met a few while I was at Columbia as well -- people who hate on southerners just to feel superior to ... somebody. And, inevitably, those people were the most boring writers. Southerners aren't the only ones who keep trying to fight the Civil War. ;-)

Just sayin'.

I just got them to reset my password and its NOT WORKING.

This is killing me! KILLING ME, I TELL YOU!

Hold on, honey. Go ahead and write like fire in Word.

Save. It. Paste. It. When. It. Works.

Stories about Ironfist are starting to pile up:

Columbia (Mo.) Daily Tribune

Editor & Publisher

Business Wire (Times press release)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

From last one: "Be jealous. Be very, very jealous."

;-)

That last post was by ladd, by the way. I'm on Brian's machine, which is Casey's old one. And she's still programmed in. ;-D

- Donna

Great, the Columbia one kind of makes me sound like an ####### not interviewing me and instead just cherrypicking the one sentence. Oh, well. I like the city more now than I did then. It does lack the gut and conviction of Mississippi, though. That sentence they printed only works in context with explaining Mississippi. Otherwise, I would have just loved Columbia.

I thought the St. Louis Post-Dispatch one was a bit odd, saying you'd be in for a treat because you've never traveled abroad and now you're going to get to. Then, in the next sentence, they go on to quote Kristof about where you'll actually travel, ending up in one of the "most neglected countries in the world." To my way of thinking, the word treat connotes nothing but fun.

Hey, maybe they intuited knowledge about you better than I thought, Casey. You're the kinda gal for whom working your booty off for a good cause IS a treat.

Welcome to the world of being taken out of context, Casey. ;-)

All, BBC is interviewing Casey today.

.....and for every meal missed and for every item pawned, Casey, you are worth it. This kind of reporting about a "home-grown" makes us proud!! So, go ahead: Take your place in Missouri. I'm sure that you will "SHOW ME/THEM" also.

Today, Casey is from "Jackson, Missouri."

Who are these people? Can't they read?

The good news is that, despite some sore losers out there, the blogosphere is filling up with great comments about Casey and her essay.

Some people get what it means to live among other people. Others don't.

how do you find such things, donna ladd?

hey hey hey! casey, this is absolutely awesome. kudos, cheers, salut!

I can find anything, Ms. Parks.

;-D

Wow Casey! This is incredible (I've only been on intermittently lately). I just heard Lisa Mullins interview you tonight on NPR's The World. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a podcast for that interview, so anyone wanting to listen to it has to skip the first 2/3 of the podcast. Anyway, you came off very professional and well-poised. Again, congratulations Casey

Congrats Casey. Good Luck
I saw your spirit when I met you.
DW

this is has just the interview with me linked:

http://www.theworld.org/latesteditions/05/20060524.shtml

thanks for the link--you sound great in that interview...congratulations again. I can't wait to read your thoughts on your trip...

Great BBC interview, girl. You made me tear up all over again. My heart is just breaking open with love and pride for you. And thank you for what you're doing for our state. You may singlehandedly tell the world that we're not what they think we are.

Here's a new interview about Casey in the Columbia Missourian. And I got to spread some Casey love in this one. ;-)

Cool: AAN just picked up on Casey's comment in the Columbia Missourian story that she wrote the essay in 15 minutes. ;-D

Also, anyone who would like to personally congratulate Casey ought to be in Hal & Mal's tonight (Friday) about 7:30.

;-)

I heard a nasty rumor there might be a karaoke machine there.

Tell me...is this nasty rumor true?

Actually, the karaoke machine is out on loan. It will be present at Lynette Hanson's going-away party there on June 8, however.

Ali, you can crawl up on a table and sing a capella, though.

Another rumor has it that Casey is darting around town in a bright-red car right now. Watch out for her.

You cannot imagine my disappointment at the fact the karaoke machine is "out on loan" ...as you "alledge".

But, I guess I'll come anyway.

I'm going to have to file a JFP Record Request for where the karaoke machine is at present, who has it and why they have to go and ruin our good time. I've been warming up, doing scales and impersonations, and now it's all for nought.

And don't forget...you would like the age, sex, year of birth, and salary fo the person borrowing the karaoke machine as well.

Damnit, if you are going to do it...do it RIGHT.

Not to mention their damn resume. But only if they're a public official.

;-)

Ain't we gonna have fun tonight? Yippee! Casey's in town. Mama and I can't wait.

My favorite memory of Casey is eating TWO different kinds of icecream with her, Dave, and Jill, at my house one random Saturday night. Words can barely express how proud I am of her. Watching her grow, not only in her writing skills but also her passion for truth, over these last few years have really made me realize what type of journalist I want to be some day. She has also turned into a writer and reporter that I will continue to value and follow. And her passion for helping others was easily seen by me in the early days of event planning. I am so proud of you girl! I am so glad that I've gotten to watch your hard work and amazing talents come to fruition!

wow casey. congratulations! i am so glad that the world is finally realizing how talented you are. i have recently really gotten into journalism and writing and i feel honored that i got to be interviewed by you. in a few years when you are a famous journalist it will be so cool to be like"yeah, i knew her". ha ha
much love, holly perkins

Here's a long piece about Casey on the Missouri Journalism School Web site. (She was an editor here, not a reporter, but I quibble.)

Also, here's her hometown daily newspaper's story (scroll to third brief under "Ridgeland" and then "Poplarville" about Casey's honor today:

JACKSON

Parks to tour Africa with Pulitzer columnist

Casey Parks, a Millsaps College graduate who is now a graduate student in journalism at the University of Missouri, has been selected to travel with Pulitzer-Prize-winning columnist Nicholas D. Kristof of the New York Times to Africa.

Parks, who worked at the Jackson Free Press, was chosen from among 3,800 applicants.

Parks, 23, will blog about her trip for nytimes.com and also will do a video blog for MTV-U.

Kristof wrote that he opened the contest in March "to try to stir up a broader interest in the developing world among young people. One of our countries basic strategic weaknesses is that Americans don't understand the rest of the world."

Better than nothing. But it's no wonder that our young people don't always know to think big.