Ode To Ms. Wilson
I had my first encounter with jazzreal jazz, the kind that washes over your body like a cool, gentle caresswhen I was a high-school sophomore at Murrah High School. One …
Stop Secrecy in Mississippi Government
One of the ways to keep people ignorant is to control their access to information. Open any newspaper in the country, and you'll see stories about how Muslim fundamentalist clerics …
[Stiggers] Recreational Recession
Brotha Hustle: "Aunt Tee-Tee and I are back again roaming the city streets, country roads and other interesting places with our mini DV camcorder, $5.99 Radio Crib microphone and work …
[Mott] It Starts At Home
Sometimes the universe just comes along and slaps you up side the head. I was the recipient of one of those slaps a few years ago, when the company I …
Tearing Down the Wrong Walls
Out of all the disturbing things emerging in Mayor Frank Melton's trial this week, the worst to me has been Michael Taylor's testimony that he lived with the mayor for …
Promote Sexual Health
Mississippians have been riding the "abstinence-only" train right into some of the worst sexual health statistics in the nation.
[Stiggers] Unemployed Wino
Bro Hustle: "Aunt Tee Tee and I got this great idea to capture the free-flowing, alcohol-induced thoughts of Tipsy Lee Jacobson, a homeless wino riding the southbound train to the …
[Kamikaze] Show Up, Jackson
"Those that succeed are the ones that show up" is a mantra that I live by and practice. It is the simple premise that one's mere presence can be a …
[Chandler] Protect Workers' Rights
On Jan. 21, House Labor Committee Chairman Rep. Rufus Straughter, D-Belzoni, read House Concurrent Resolution 25 to the Mississippi House of Representatives. HCR 25which Rep. Jim Evans, D-Jackson, authoredwould "commemorate …
When the Going Gets Tough
No doubt about it, these are scary economic times. Many people are losing jobs, some businesses are closing, consumers are holding tight to their dollars.
DA Needs to Get Organized
A growing source of frustration around the Hinds County Courthouse is that the office of Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith is handling case pleadings and motions in a sloppy …
[Stiggers] On The Edge
Nurse Tootie McBride: "As the jobless meter climbs to higher heights, depression, apathy and shame infect the wounds of the people. Life for poor folk in this country is like …
[Wilson] Draining A Bloated Government
In Mississippi, a new year means more than just changing calendars. It means the Legislature is back in session, and all 174 of our elected representatives have descended upon the …
Now, Go Produce a Record!
Last week's Best of Jackson issue was followed, as always, by the Best of Jackson party, and this year's party was an amazing blowouthundreds of our closest friends joined us …
Enough 'Cheap Thrills'; Time for Action
In 2008, Jackson Free Press readers voted Riverside Drive the best "cheap thrill" in the citya pointed statement about the condition Jackson's streets, and the fact that so little has …
[Stiggers] Getting a Piece of Mine
Mr. Announcement: "From the producers of the hit reality TV series 'Ghetto's Most Craziest Videos' is a new television show for economically challenged individuals seeking to justify using force to …
[Kamikaze] The Party is Over
Last Tuesday was a historic event, one that many of my elders never thought they would see in their lifetimes. An African American became president of the United States. We …
[Queen] Moving Onward
Rows and rows of plowed earth await attention, while endlessly curvaceous streets leak secrets of struggle and anguish. Stiff winds wrap intensely against all that interrupt its peace, announcing itself …
Celebrating Excellence
I write this having just watched the swearing in of our new president, hearing his call to service and responsibility in his inaugural address. It will take some time to …
Unite Against Corruption
In his inaugural address, President Barack Obama spoke of uniting parties, bringing Americans together and working with the world to make a better life for us all. We agree wholeheartedly …
