Amber Helsel | Staff | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Amber Helsel

Managing Editor Amber Helsel is a Gemini, feminist, writer, artist and otaku. She loves travelling, petting cats, hoarding craft supplies and more. Email story ideas to [email protected]. She attended Hinds Community College and the University of Mississippi.

Recent Commentary

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Jackson Lessons Learned As I Say Goodbye

"As of this publication, I must say my goodbye as I leave to start a new job at Teen Health Mississippi. Thank you, Jackson. And thanks to all of my ...

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Finding Belonging Amid ICE Raids and Hatefulness

"Amid the horrible news that kept breaking around the ICE raids, there was some hope, as always. Yes, there was a lot of deserved condemnation of what was happening, but ...

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Onward and Upward in Downtown Jackson

To have a strong city, we have to have a strong downtown, and right now, we just don't. But that's not the end of the story.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Set an Example for the Next Generation

As women, we need to band together to make sure we set good examples for the younger generation. We need to show them that it's OK to be whatever kind ...

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Women, Don’t Apologize

As women, we need less criticism and more support. We need people who will step up and remind us of all that we've accomplished.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Moving Forward in #TheNext200

Previous iterations of TEDxJackson commemorated areas such as Mississippi's space program and the state's bicentennial, but instead of looking at the last 200 years, this year's TEDx focused on the ...

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Doing Good Things in JXN

In a 2008 study, researchers at Harvard University found that doing good deeds raises a person's level of happiness. Other studies have shown that happiness can create a positive feedback ...

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EDITOR'S NOTE: One Person, One City in Jackson

Community is one of my favorite topics to discuss, and it's something we should all put more emphasis on. After all, if you look at it from the universe's perspective, ...

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EDITOR'S NOTE: 'Tis the Season for Kindness

I will be the first to admit that "make America kind again" is a super hokey phrase, but it's a good reminder, and also so necessary right now when we're ...

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Making the Most of Jackson

If you look at a photo of downtown Jackson from 50 years ago, the neighborhood today is very different. Many of the businesses that used to be there are now ...

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Recent Stories

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New Year’s Catering & Event Guide

Greater Jackson offers a variety of places to celebrate the New Year.

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Sal the Cat

The Eudora Welty House and Garden has a scavenger hunt for kids (and the young at heart) who visit the museum. While some of the items on the list are ...

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Donna Beard

"I was suffering in silence and then trying to find out who do I talk to, or who could I trust with what I've gone through. ... I was so ...

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Abstract Art with CDs

Wall art can be a great way to make your house feel more at home, but it can get expensive. Luckily, it's really easy to make your own with a ...

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New Stage Season 54 Preview

For New Stage Theatre's 54th season, the company is putting a focus on plays with a literary bent. New Stage started off with "Into the Breeches," a production that follows ...

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New Mural Honors Frances Fortner

Recently, A Plus Signs and Creative owner Scott Allen painted a mural on the side of Fondren Corner above Fondren Nails in Frances Fortner's honor. "I hope it brings the ...

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Daisy Carter

During college, Daisy Carter wanted to become an English teacher so she could teach the subject she loves and give back to Jackson Public Schools.

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Local Chicken Sandwiches Win

In the last few weeks, fried chicken sandwiches, and especially spicy ones, have gone viral on social media. We here at the Jackson Free Press like to spend and eat ...

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Emelie Hebert

Artist and massage therapist Emelie Hebert has a lot of land—almost 3 acres to be exact—where she creates her artwork, glass beads and ceramics, and also hosts workshops, demonstrations and ...

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Chalking Downtown Up

While Eli Childers has been busy around Jackson painting murals for places like Coffee Prose, he has also been using another medium: chalk.

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