Jackson Free Press

I haven't always appreciated being a Jacksonian. I moved to New York City as a young girl, and it was difficult to admit that I was from Mississippi. I was embarrassed to be from Mississippi.

Because my accent was so thick, it wasn't easy to hide my southern connection. Once someone determined that Mississippi was my home, all the ignorant southern jokes began to pour down on me like rain. This infuriated me, but I decided that it would be better for me to just laugh with them than to fight in an attempt to defend my home, which I was not so proud of anyway.

I had first-hand experience with racism because my father was an activist in Jackson. As owner of the Black and Proud School, he encountered constant resistance from local authorities in Jackson. The school received bomb threats and break-ins, and my father was even arrested several times.

I couldn't wholeheartedly accept Jackson as my home because it didn't accept my father, my community or me. In most ways, I agreed with the point of view that said Mississippi was the worst place for a black person to live. I wanted to get out of the state and stay out.

When my family moved to New York, I discovered a brand new world. Although it was overwhelmingly strange, I embraced the opportunity to be viewed as an equal and not just a black person.

The struggles that my family faced here in Jackson didn't follow us to New York. I convinced myself that the years of struggling and fighting to survive in Mississippi contributed to death.

Therefore, my tainted perception of Jackson was fueled when I was forced to return.

It didn't take long for my hatred of what Jackson represented to remind me of why I left in the first place. No wonder the rest of the country thought we were clowns.

People's allusions to inferior intelligence and lack of success always led to "at least I'm not from Mississippi," and was troubling and embarrassing.

We are the state that basked in the idea of slavery. Other states participated, but Mississippi had racism flowing through its veins like blood. Our politicians are still displaying their ignorance to the nation by using racist comments and even putting them in writing. We are still a community that reports more black-on-black crime than any crime involving a white person. Racial profiling by law enforcement continues to plague our communities.

We appear to be less educated to the rest of the country. Our finest young people take their Mississippi educations to larger, more successful cities. We're behind the times in everything from high school graduates to a successful entertainment district. We've fallen short at every single turn imaginable.

This time, however, I refuse to leave. I decided to stay instead of retreating to the safety of some other city. It suddenly became clear to me that if Jackson was ever going to break into newness and relieve itself of old-time attitudes, then the younger generation would have to step in and command control. I had to align myself with people who shared my passion, willingness and dedication to make a stand for the city's sake. That's when a friend introduced me to the idea of Jackson Progressives.

I was enthused about the opportunity to challenge those who mirrored my contempt of Jackson just a short time ago. I wanted to expose the city's imperfections, and then work to make things better.

JP would offer an opportunity to take pride in Jackson's culture, heritage and history to those undecided on staying. Although I must admit my love for the city only came after I abandoned it, I am still wrapped in the ambiance of all that is Jackson and ready to see its progress.

At the first meeting, I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed. There were lawyers, social workers, writers, organizers, business owners, political hopefuls, radio and television personalities. I was stunned that they loved this city as much as I had come to.

I'd been preaching about Jackson's potential for so long that I began to think I might be the only one who cared. Aside from the usual discomfort of newness, I mulled over what I could offer this group of professionals. Just as this entered my mind, it was announced that being in this organization required one thing—a love for Jackson and a dedication to its progress.

I committed myself right then.

Finally a group of young people have accepted the challenge of changing Jackson's direction. Gathered with a common sense of pride in Mississippi history, culture and experience, we are together taking steps to end the friction between black and white Mississippians.

JxnPro is snatching down the aged attitude of prejudice that has prevented victory thus far. The group is multiracial and diverse. It consists of Jacksonians who offer a new mindset and a brand new attitude, one that is unfamiliar to this state and its citizens. We are strong, and unwilling to compromise on the inevitability that our city and state must remove its age-old prejudices.

It's time for those who have perpetuated this clownish perception of Mississippi to the nation to allow a fresher approach to intervene.

I am ecstatic to finally get the opportunity to continue my father's efforts at changing this city, and there are many others who've accepted this challenge as well.

We are determined to declare a better day for Jackson and for Mississippi.

Previous Comments

ID

131109

Comment

I have spoken to at least five people who reside in MS but were born in another state, who claim to understand completely what I'm talking about in this column. For them, they have left a totally different world, come to the SIP and fallen in love with the hospitality state. The issue they are facing is that it seems like the prominant attitude around here is complacency. I know this to be extremely true. Which is why groups like JxnPro are so necessary. I don't think that being born here, never leaving, can offer the appreciation that leaving and coming back to recognize Jackson's potential can. I know everyone that loves this city and this state has never had the opportunity to leave. That doesn't mean that they don't love MS or Jackson. But I will say that most who leave, do return with a new vigor and determination to contribute to the state's progress.

Author

Queen601

Date

2008-06-24T08:04:38-06:00

ID

131110

Comment

I don't think that being born here, never leaving, can offer the appreciation that leaving and coming back to recognize Jackson's potential can. You know some folks will call you a carpetbagger for saying that. :-P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2008-06-24T10:01:00-06:00

ID

131114

Comment

What's a carpet bagger?

Author

Queen601

Date

2008-06-24T10:27:13-06:00

ID

131115

Comment

Here's more info, but this part is key: Since 1900 the term has been used more widely in the US to describe outsiders' attempting to gain political office or economic advantage, especially in areas (thematically or geographically) to which they previously had no connection. Now I say that since you are a MS native, this doesn't apply to you, but some of the locals don't take kindly to those who move away, come back and then point out their faults and try to make a difference. Just ask Donna. :-)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2008-06-24T10:38:04-06:00

ID

131116

Comment

And as I always say back to them, my people are buried in the red clay of Neshoba County, and my roots run as deep as anyone else's; so back the hell off with the rhetoric. And for the record, if I'm a carpetbagger, so is Haley Barbour. ;-) Frank Melton definitely is.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2008-06-24T11:50:47-06:00

ID

131118

Comment

Well, if someone can read that column and take away from that THEIR problems/faults in this city and state are not MY problemsfaults as well then that's their issue L.W. Although I left, I returned even more devout in my dedication having experienced a life that was not available to me here and never would have been because I knew of no other life therefore, i couldn't have known what my life could one day be. If I'm pointing out the problems, I'm also offering resolution. IF I'm pointing out the problem its not your problem or the city's problem....it's mine too. that's the difference! That's what makes me an insider....not an outsider. I was born here. I've always had family ties here. It has always been my home, even when it didn't treat me as such. It will always be my home regardless of what people call me. Be it a carpet bagger, a transplant. Whatever! The point of this column was to offer encouragement to people to STAY...if that's missed somehow, that would be the reader's take...not mine! That's a small thing. I can't be concerned about that. I'm on a mission for this city and this state...mine, yours, theirs, ours....and that interpretation of my loyalty can't be and won't be a point of concern for me.

Author

Queen601

Date

2008-06-24T11:57:16-06:00

ID

131799

Comment

Your story is spectacularly inspiring for me. I've been in Jacktown just about all my life, and I've never loved it more than now. I've briefly flirted with other locales, but there's something about Jacktown that draws me back.. and then I keep finding people who are as passionate as I am about improving the quality of this city's life, and the impulse I have sometimes entertained of leaving this city is for now in a corner quietly fuming for some attention.. I've connected with the JxnPros and here's what I have to say about them... WOW. It's amazing to see such a diverse mix of magnanimous folk dedicated to the redemption of this city. And not as if it's a single act of salvation... but instead, an ongoing, perpetual process of renewel.. a proactive, PROGRESSIVE approach that says it's important that this city doesn't just gain momentum, but SUSTAINS momentum, and the best way to do that is in community with other people passionate about positive, progressive change..

Author

WildFire

Date

2008-07-02T07:35:25-06:00

ID

131803

Comment

I see why you're a Queen, Queen.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-07-02T08:48:07-06:00

ID

132111

Comment

I plan to make the lunch date at Peach's today to show my support for the Farish Street project. i was at Peach's just yesterday! I have been doing my utmost to become knowledgable and involved with the Farish Street scene. I transplanted to MS 5 years ago since as a musician I have a strong love affair with this great state. Hope to meet many at Peach's Cafe today. 'Little Charlie' Johnston www.reverbnation.com/littlecharliesblues

Author

Little Charlie

Date

2008-07-16T09:39:21-06:00

ID

132117

Comment

I may not make it today, but I will hope to be there soon - can't wait to meet this crowd in person

Author

Izzy

Date

2008-07-16T10:21:54-06:00

ID

132127

Comment

Little Charlie, did you happen to make it out to Peaches? I didn't think to check here for people to look for. It was wonderful. As you are, Wildfire, I am just amazed to find one or two people who are as passionate as I am about this city's growth potential. But I have found way more than that, and the list continues to grow. I'll be perfectly honest with you, I didn't realize at the start of this that there would be older people willing to be apart of Jackson's progression. I assumed that they wouldn't have an interest in SHAKING THINGS UP, but I find, that the more visible we are in our mission (along with other groups and organizations) that the older generation is seeking the same things. It's just a matter of combining ideas and working together to get them accomplished. Many would be surprised to find how willing people are to compromise if the outcome will lead to a brand new, improved Jackson! It's very encouraging, to say the least. Peaches hosted at least 40 plus people today (give and take). That shows that we are on the move folks. WE are taking no prisoners and accepting no naysaying! IT'S GOING DOWN IN JACKTOWN!!!! Get use to that phrase....you'll hear it ALOT!!! Peace

Author

Queen601

Date

2008-07-16T12:49:46-06:00

ID

132142

Comment

YES! I was there with my sweet g/f (Miss Brenda) and played a few Blues songs on the old acoustic guitar. A dream come true for me to play music on Farish Street. And I concur there were a good 40+ folks in there. I have been asked to play each Wednesday during the lunch crowd and the weekly meeting of the Jackson Progressives. I met David Watkins and said 'hello' to the group he was with. Queen 601, I musy certainly be one of the 'older' people (57!!) who are excited and passionate about Farish St.rising from the ashes. The food was great at Peach's and everyone seemed to be having a great time. I tell you it thrilled my soul. See you ALL back there next Wednesday 'Little Charlie'Johnston [email protected]

Author

Little Charlie

Date

2008-07-16T15:49:58-06:00

ID

132143

Comment

Indeed, I was at the counter sitting right next to you. You contributed heavily to that welcoming atmosphere. I'm looking forward to hearing you again (and seeing you). Until next week! Take care!

Author

Queen601

Date

2008-07-16T16:03:18-06:00