An Open Letter to Jackson: The Old, Next, and Now Generations
Posted on Mar 11, 08 | 6:49 pm
I'm torn. I wrote in my column this week that it is indeed a great time to be alive. These days will be recorded for posterity, and stories will be told to generations not yet here about the year 2008. The year that an African-American and a woman both ran for the presidency of the United States. The year that Jackson saw what $750 million looks like at work. The year that we had a spirited debate on NOT whether we would build a civil rights museum, but WHERE to build the museum. The year that my generation rose up and said NO MORE! We want in! I felt change had finally come to Mississippi.
I have never been more proud of my city and state as I have been in the past few weeks. But adversely, I have never been as disappointed in my city and state as I was during the Civil Rights hearing on March 11. Never have I felt so abandoned by and pessimistic of SOME of those who we have called our political leaders, elders, and mentors. For the first time in a long time, I may have very well lost confidence in some of those who I and many others have looked to for guidance and counsel. I am fatigued after a short but grueling battle to ensure my city does not become a wasteland. But frankly now, it's hard for me to look my son in the eye and tell him that those we have elected or placed in positions of power and influence in this city truly have his or my best intentions at heart. How can I continue to tell those who look to ME for leadership that we must be vigilant and work through bureaucracy? How can I continue to spite a seemingly flawed system, encouraging others NOT to be cynical when cynicism seems to be the only way to deal with constant disappointment in our city's leadership?
I AM disappointed in that commission. For one, not having anyone under 40 to serve. Are any of us not worthy? Are we not intelligent? Have some of us not been educated at the same institutions you love so dearly? Or do we even matter? Two, not being transparent. And three, downplaying your own faults to highlight someone else's. You say that a civil rights museum is not supposed to be used for its money-making potential, but then we learn that that same museum will be used to employ and give scholarships to Tougaloo students. To give a facelift to the Tougaloo campus. To beautify the campus surroundings. To garner you taxpayer dollars. Dollars that will fund what appeared to me to be a "city within a city." Doesn't seem unifying to me. An emotional, yet political decision that could serve to be one that probably wasn't in the best interest of the majority of Jackson citizens. A decision that had no input from the PEOPLE and one that will ultimately be partly funded by the PEOPLE. Yet, you ask us to respect you, to trust you, to defer to your wisdom. What happens when that wisdom appears too costly? I will say this. I don't mind losing a fair fight. Kudos on the vote. I will be at the museum...many times. I just hope my grandson gets to see it too.
I AM disappointed in my city leaders. Why? Because I wouldn't even be penning this letter had we been on our toes. Moss Point Mayor Xavier Bishop put it best: "A world class city does not wait until the 11th, 12th hour to make its case for something as significant as a NATIONAL civil rights museum." Amen. If you're gonna TALK it...then you have to WALK it! From the outset, there was seemingly no one person lobbying to get this museum. We as a city appeared distracted. It was only through the Herculean efforts of a few that we were even allowed to come back to the table. But alas, we have lost a stadium and now a museum for lack of focus, and the blame is such that it can wrap around this city twice and be distributed to hundreds of people! Goliath felled by David. Beaten by its own arrogance and unpreparedness. I watched a lot of you in this city and in that room Tuesday stay silent. Scared to speak up. Scared to challenge a perceived elite. Many that I asked to step up, KNOWING they agreed with me, did not. I may never know your intentions and I'm not mad at you either. But I now know better. Understand, it's hard to be encouraged to speak up and let my voice be heard...be a fighter...be a leader... when I stand by and watch my predecessors remain tight-lipped because they fear financial or political retribution. With all due respect, there are more black and white votes than the ones in that room. Those folks hold no influence over us. Remember that! This is one man's words.
If you are reading this, do some soul searching. Many of you have been our champions. Many of you have been our beacons, our conductors. HOWEVER, many of you have failed us, and consequently our children. Left to deal with the mistakes and errors in judgement that many of you have made, my demographic may be forced to sort through the shambles of what is left of our great city. It may not be evident to you now, but this life is a game of chess, not checkers. Those who don't have foresight will be mated. A people with no vision will perish. Currently, some of our officials have only seen fit to make decisions that can cement their personal legacy. Decisions that may seem plausible for 10 years but not 20...or even 50. Just long enough to make THEM look good. These decisions are ones that WE will have to deal with in those 10, 20, or 50 years. Decisions that WE were not allowed to help make. So please understand my frustrations.
I was blessed to be a part of an effort that taught me a few more things.
* A ship without a rudder will float aimlessly at sea, moving all the while but only going in circles (or nowhere).
* A process flawed from the beginning will be a flawed process at the end.
* It's almost impossible to win a fight with both hands tied behind your back.
* And...those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.
I considered conceding defeat today. I thought today that a few dissident voices could never overcome an entire system. What was I even fighting for? Maybe I should just do my music and let the political chips fall where they may. A lot of my colleagues get a lot more sleep, have a lot less stress, and make a LOT more money by being apathetic. Perhaps I should just go back to that. Especially when there are the usual few who question my intentions. Sometimes it's just not worth it. My mounting anger over the museum, Farish St., the murder rate, the exclusion of young folks from the table of power, have me thinking..."My album's ready. Why am I bothering with this?"
But then, I think about my son and I am motivated again. I think about how proud I am to say I'm from Jackson and how I one day want HIM to say the same thing. How I want HIM to stay here and use his innumerable talents to better this city. How I want HIM to stick his chest out with pride when he goes to other states and proudly decrees he's from Jackson, Mississippi...and the people are awed. How I want him to live in a city that knows no color. How I want him to speak out, to lead, to not let any and every ordinance, law, or injustice - political or economic - go by without question. THAT'S the Jackson we are...NOT what I've seen lately.
I have to respectfully ask that those of you who have been remiss in your duties, if you will not step aside willingly, then you will be removed. Some of you have done us a disservice. Retire, remove yourself, or fade into that beautiful sunset. We appreciate your diligent service, but I think it's in all our best interests if we take it from here. After Tuesday, I know now more than ever that it is time for new blood. You almost got rid of me then, but alas, the reports of my (OUR) demise have been greatly exaggerated. I made new allies...others who said they want to change the status quo, and we ALL live to fight another day.
Listen to DJ Doc's Hot Talk @ 9 on 97.7 this Monday
Posted on Mar 09, 08 | 11:01 pm
In light of the March 11th vote on the Civil Rights Museum, Ben Allen, Dr. Gene Young and myself will be on 97.7 Monday morning 9am pushing for downtown.
601 981 0977 is the request line..
Listen up or call in and be heard!!
..and dont forget we'll be gathering in front of the Woofolk building 9:30am on Tuesday right before the vote. If we go down we go down swinging!!
*BULLETIN*..Special Council Mtg on Civil Rights Museum TODAY 3pm @ City Hall..BE THERE!
Posted on Mar 06, 08 | 9:39 am
The City Council is holding a special 3pm mtg TODAY to vote on a resolution about the future site of the Civil rights museum. We need concerned citizens to show up for public comment and go ON RECORD with your support of a downtown location.
We are not out of the woods yet and we need the same intensity that we had at the press conference at city hall today.
If you are free or if you can take your lunch around that time PLEASE be in attendance and spead the word!!
TODAY @ 3pm..Im getting word that some Tougaloo supporters will be there to speak as well.
Kaze, Councilman McLemore and Matt Allen on Kim Wade Show Wednesday 5pm
Posted on Mar 03, 08 | 11:05 pm
Kamikaze writes: Tune in today...5pm...As we continue the civil rights museum debate. With myself, Councilman Leslie McLemore, Attorney Matt Allen, and Ben Minniefield. 1180am. Call in with your questions 601 366 1180...
FYI..we're going to continue the debate Next Monday on DJ DOC's Hot Talk @ 9. on 97.7.
JUST DO IT! Let Your Voice Be Heard on the Museum Issue: Who to Call..
Posted on Feb 25, 08 | 4:13 pm
Here it is folks..Let your voice be heard!! Let this commission know that suggestions and decisions CAN'T be made in our city until the PEOPLE have spoken.
Call, email, write letters, blog..Do your due dillegence. Let it be known that the PEOPLE want this museum in Downtown Jackson. Some of the names:
Judge Reuben Anderson - 601 352 2300, andersor@phelps.com
Judge Charles Pickering - 601 351 2488, cpickering@bakerdonelson.com
Leroy Walker - 601 859 0610, ltment@netdoor.com
John Horhn - 601 362 4285, jhorhn@mail.senate.state.ms.us
Lee Bush - 601 713 3532, ncsbush@aol.com
Jerry Dattel -504 595 3265, jerry.dattel@morgankeegan.com
Jon Levingston -662 627 7339 delacroix@tecinfo.com
Alan Moore -601 973 3614, amoore@bakerdonelson.com
Eugene Young -601 479 6924
Dr. Beverly Hogan - 601 977 7730 bawh55@aol.com
Lisa Percy 662 379 7107, lbpery@cox-internet.com
Dr. Robert Smith 601 948 5572, robertsmith@jam.rr.com
Mike Espy, 601 355 9101, mike@mikespy.com
Charlie Ross 601 968 5562, cer@wisecarter.com
Charles Evers - 601 948 5835
George Flaggs - 601 630 8004, gflaggs@mail.house.state.ms.us
Helman Johnson - 601 736 9564, hjohnson@prvoinc.org
We are not out of the woods yet..The fight does not end with the press conference. Next stop is calling up your commitee members and then we go to the Guv's office. It's THAT serious!
Apparently Mr. Kilpatrick's gotten himself in quite a quandry. Again something that has nothing to do particularly with his policy but all the same. Since he ran on a platform of being a child of the hip-hop generation, appearing on Detorit hip-hop stations and what not. Will they try to blame this latest debacle on hip-hop? funny editorial today on xxlmag.com. Check it out:
Golf Channel Commentator Says Young Golfers Should "Lynch Tiger Woods in a back alley" What!?
Posted on Jan 09, 08 | 11:50 am
Golf Channel anchor says young golfers should 'lynch Tiger Woods' - Golf Ex... - Golf - Yahoo! Sports
http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/blog/golf_experts/post/Golf-Channel-anchor-says-young-golfers-should-l?urn=golf,60618
Here we go again! Do we NEVER learn. And it doesnt look like this WOMAN is going to get reprimanded! She would have been home free too. Why in the world did she have to use the word "lynch"? lol
Got this emailed to me from a college classmate. Obviously something circulating on the internet..thought Id share and get your thoughts...Add a few if you come up with any..Lets keep the list going..
SCHOOL - 1957 vs. 2007
Scenario: Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.
1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and g ets his shotgun t o show Jack.
2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.
1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.
Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.
Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.
Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school
1957 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1957 - Ants die.
2007 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch li st and is never allowed to fly again.
Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1 957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.
This Is Why Some Republicans and Talk-show Hosts are Hypocrites...WOW!
Posted on Dec 19, 07 | 10:40 am
Start paying attention to who the strongest pro-war pundits are...Some us them are quick to hide behing their faux cloak off patriotism, while never actually being willing to DO anything or have anyone in their family DO anything. If they're so ready to fight, let's give em all a gun and send em to Iraq. Hell, lets send em to the border and see how tough they really are. TELL ME THIS DOESNT MAKE YOU THINK!!
Democrats:
Richard Gephardt: Air National Guard, 1965-71.
David Bonior: Staff Sgt., Air Force 1968-72.
Tom Daschle: 1st Lt., Air Force SAC 1969-72.
Al Gore: enlisted Aug. 1969; sent to Vietnam Jan. 1971 as an army journalist in 20th Engineer Brigade.
Bob Kerrey: Lt. j.g. Navy 1966-69; Medal of Honor-Vietnam.
Daniel Inouye: Army 1943-47; Medal of Honor, WWII.
John Kerry: Lt., Navy 1966-70; Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat V,Purple Hearts.
Charles Rangel: Staff Sgt., Army 1948-52; Bronze Star, Korea.
Max Cleland: Captain, Army 1965-68; Silver Star & Bronze Star, Vietnam. Paraplegic from war injuries. Served in Congress.
Ted Kennedy: Army, 1951-53.
Tom Harkin: Lt., Navy, 1962-67; Naval Reserve,1968-74.
Jack Reed: Army Ranger, 1971-1979; Captain, Army Reserve 1979-91.
Fritz Hollings: Army officer in WWII; Bronze Star and seven campaign ribbons.
Leonard Boswell: Lt. Col., Army 1956-76; Vietnam, DFCs, Bronze Stars,and Soldier's Medal.
Pete Peterson: Air Force Captain, POW. Purple Heart, Silver Star and Legion of Merit.
Mike Thompson: Staff sergeant, 173rd Airborne,Purple Heart.
Bill McBride: Candidate for Fla. Governor. Marine in Vietnam; Bronze Star with Combat V.
Gray Davis: Army Captain in Vietnam, Bronze Star.
Pete Stark: Air Force 1955-57
Chuck Robb: Vietnam
Howell Heflin: Silver Star
George McGovern: Silver Star & DFC during WWII.
Bill Clinton: Did not serve. Student deferments. Entered draft but received #311.
Jimmy Carter: Seven years in the Navy.
Walter Mondale: Army 1951-1953
John Glenn: WWII and Korea; six DFCs and Air Medal with 18 Clusters.
Tom Lantos: Served in Hungarian underground in WWII. Saved by Raoul Wallenberg.
Republicans -(and these are the guys sending people to war-what makes them especially bad is that none of their kids serve either.. Talk about pimpin' these guys have been wrapping themselves around the war flag without ever taking a blow. Only an fool would fight for people like these guys. I am especially disappointed in all those who serve and still continue to vote for a body of people who routinely make budget cuts for vital resources needed by veterans. How many homeless vets do we see on our streets? hell I brought someone some food the other night because these idiots who are listed below talk a good game but aren't willing to back it up... Dick Cheney as well as 'America's Mayor' (Rudy G) who brought terror to Black and Brown people in New York never even volunteered
Dick Cheney: did not serve. Several deferments, the last by marriage.
Dennis Hastert: did not serve.
Tom Delay: did not serve.
Roy Blunt: did not serve.
Bill Frist: did not serve.
Mitch McConnell: did not serve.
Rick Santorum: did not serve.
Trent Lott: did not serve.
John Ashcroft: did not serve. Seven deferments to teach business
Jeb Bush: did not serve.
Karl Rove: did not serve.
Saxby Chambliss: did not serve. "Bad knee." The man who attacked Max Cleland's patriotism.
Paul Wolfowitz: did not serve.
Vin Weber: did not serve.
Richard Perle: did not serve.
Douglas Feith: did not serve.
Eliot Abrams: did not serve.
Richard Shelby: did not serve.
Jon Kyl: did not serve.
Tim Hutchison: did not serve.
Christopher Cox: did not serve.
Newt Gingrich: did not serve.
Don Rumsfeld: served in Navy (1954-57) as flight instructor.
George W. Bush: failed to complete his six-year National Guard; got
assigned to Alabama so he could campaign for family friend running for U.S.
Senate; failed to show up for required medical exam,disappeared from duty.
Ronald Reagan: due to poor eyesight, served in a non-combat role making movies.
B-1 Bob Dornan: Consciously enlisted after fighting was over in Korea.
Phil Gramm: did not serve.
John McCain: Vietnam POW, Silver Star, Bronze Star,Legion of Merit,
Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross.
Dana Rohrabacher: did not serve.
John M. McHugh: did not serve.
JC Watts: did not serve.
Jack Kemp: did not serve. "Knee problem, " although continued in NFL for 8 years as quarterback.
Dan Quayle: Journalism unit of the Indiana National Guard.
Rudy Giuliani: did not serve.
George Pataki: did not serve.
Spencer Abraham: did not serve.
John Engler: did not serve.
Lindsey Graham: National Guard lawyer.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: AWOL from Austrian army base.
Punkass Pundits & Preachers (these are the guys who talk the most shit... Next time you see them keep them in mind as folks who do a lot of talking but won't back it up with their own actions.. They are the worst type un-patriotic scum of the earth..What makes these idiots so bad is that they are constantly calling other people's patriotism into question... Take special note of some of these cats on the list especially the sexual pervert who picture I put up... Fair and Balanced?? I think not.. How about Unfair and Scared as hell!
Sean Hannity: did not serve.
Rush Limbaugh: did not serve (4-F with a 'pilonidal cyst.' i.e boil on his ass)
Bill O'Reilly: did not serve.
Michael Savage: did not serve.
George Will: did not serve.
Chris Matthews: did not serve.
Paul Gigot: did not serve.
Bill Bennett: did not serve.
Pat Buchanan: did not serve.
John Wayne: did not serve.
Bill Kristol: did not serve.
Kenneth Starr: did not serve.
Antonin Scalia: did not serve.
Clarence Thomas: did not serve.
Ralph Reed: did not serve.
Michael Medved: did not serve.
Charlie Daniels: did not serve.
Ted Nugent: did not serve. (He only shoots at things that don't shoot
WHAT'S THIS?!?: Kaze Back on the Kim Wade Show Today at 5pm
Posted on Dec 11, 07 | 3:24 pm
It's one day and one day only folks! Come one come all. Kim and Kaz saddle up for one more ride today(Tuesday) at 5pm to talk again about Farish St. and downtown development. the "ban" has been lifted due to the importance of this issue. and PLEASE dont call in with any George Bush questions LOL....No seriously. don't :-)
Apr 13, 08 | 5:06 pm No 'Unnamed Sources,' Ledger? You sure? ladd: Interesting. Bill Skinner posted under Mitchell's story to give a fuller picture of the interview he gave Mitchell:
I was not attacking Judge Delaughter, Jerry Mitchell took a 45 minute interview about mortages, former law partners, and...
Apr 13, 08 | 2:16 pm Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur ladd: Either we have to believe that black men are inherently criminal, or not educable, or someone has made a big mistake and something is very wrong with the system.
That statement is so, so important, will. People don't think through the...
Apr 13, 08 | 2:06 pm Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur willdufauve: America is a racist country built on genocide and slavery. We're all imbued with racism. Even the kindest, most honorable and fair minded person is imbued with the racism that's pervasive in the culture. Nothing makes people act more crazy than...
Apr 13, 08 | 12:30 pm My Statement About Mike Lacey’s Use of Racial Slur ladd: More response yesterday by Mr. Lacey. I like this:
One week before the SPJ award, we were feted by the ACLU as civil libertarians of the year...
Apr 13, 08 | 12:28 pm Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur ladd: More response by Mr. Lacey. I like this:
One week before the SPJ award, we were feted by the ACLU as civil libertarians of the year because of...
Apr 13, 08 | 12:14 pm Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur Kacy: Agreed. The way he rambled, I sensed that he was searching for something to say, which is all the more reason he should have followed this age-old dictum regarding speakers affairs such as the banquet: 'be brief and be seated'. Had he done so, maybe...
Apr 13, 08 | 10:57 am No 'Unnamed Sources,' Ledger? You sure? ladd: Is this where Mitchell got the story tip about the house?
Hat tip to Folo folks for getting there first.
And...
Apr 13, 08 | 10:52 am No 'Unnamed Sources,' Ledger? You sure? ladd: Let's look at this paragraph in specific:
There has been no suggestion by any of those cooperating with federal authorities that DeLaughter accepted any money. Disbarred New Albany lawyer Tim Balducci testified in a recent hearing that...
Apr 13, 08 | 10:28 am Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur ladd: Also note that the offending slur was said in context of telling drinking stories. You can't argue educational value of any kind....
Apr 12, 08 | 9:57 pm Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur Kacy: Donna, I watched and listened to the video and I honestly have to wonder if the man wasn't drunk. He referred to one journalist whose name he couldn't remember as "that godda*m guy" (or something very similar). His remarks were sprinkled with other...
Apr 11, 08 | 11:25 pm My Statement About Mike Lacey’s Use of Racial Slur ladd: I don't know who would sanction him, golden. AAN is a trade association, and policing is not our role. Nor should it be.
I truly think that more speech, and getting people to think about this and then put those lessons into play, is the best...
Apr 11, 08 | 7:04 pm My Statement About Mike Lacey’s Use of Racial Slur ladd: The letter from the local Arizona chapter president (PDF at the SPJ link) addressed the First Amendment issue very well:
In your apology, you make reference to the fact that our banquet was an event to honor journalists whose work furthers the...
Apr 11, 08 | 6:59 pm Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur ladd: So, here is a statement I sent to AAN this afternoon reflecting my personal views, as well as my take on this as the AAN diversity chair. Due to various meetings and...
Apr 11, 08 | 6:29 pm Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur ladd: I don't care if the target was his dog. He still shouldn't have said it.
Thank you, Latasha. I'm so tired of people missing the point. Or skipping over it.
He takes it well and immediately locates a wireless hub.)...
Apr 11, 08 | 5:28 pm Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur Lori G: I'm noticing a new white male backlash that's more vehement than anyhting I've seen in 30 years. it's coming from people who feel entitle dto it beause maybe they we're for civil rights, in theory, but now gas is $3.40, jobs are down,...
Apr 11, 08 | 5:05 pm Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur willdufauve: "But the fact that white guys are jumping on that bandwagon is really weird and disturbing." laddie
Race in America, slavery, the genocide of native peoples, is a stain that doesn't wash out, like the original sin. It's made everyone a little...
Apr 11, 08 | 4:48 pm Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur L.W.: Here's the most recent response, by the way, on the AAN site. This one seems to argue that it makes a big difference that the target of Lacey's slur was his white friend.
I don't care if the target was his dog. He still shouldn't have...
Apr 11, 08 | 3:46 pm Village Voice Media Owner Offends with Racial Slur ladd: I feel you, will. I'm a bit uncomfortable myself in a world that pounces more strongly on someone calling for sensitivity, or using the world "bigot," than it does on someone who uses a racial slur.
I'm also really concerned about a perceived...
Copyright Jackson Free Press Inc.
All rights reserved.
Reprint stories or reader comments only with permission of publisher. All reader comments can be edited or deleted without notice as outlined in the user agreement.
Report problems and flames to site admin
Site design by RoyalBlak Studios.
