Jackson Free Press

The Fierce Urgency of Now

A well-meaning friend from out of state asked me a puzzling question recently: "When will it be enough?" When will Mississippi have talked so much about race history that we …

Teaching Black Boys

When principal Mitchell Shears arrived at Clausell Elementary School, students were having difficulty with math scores, so administrators turned the bathrooms into "mathrooms." Instead of the usual graffiti you see …

One Nation Under Oprah

While playing a jolly game of inquiries recently, I was prompted to answer the question, "What is the biggest threat to humankind?" Hastily, and foolishly, I responded, "ignorance." But after …

Such Sweet Sorrow

Since July 2004, Ross Olivier has been pastor of the Galloway Methodist Church in Jackson, bringing with him experience forged in South Africa's anti-apartheid movement. As we spoke last Monday, …

[Hightower] Facts For Action On Health Care

Widely reported fact No. 1: Our country faces a growing health-care crisis, which leaves 47 million Americans with no health insurance—an increase of 7 million people since the year 2000.

[Hutchinson] The Obama White House

A President Barack Obama will be the most scrutinized president since Abraham Lincoln. Ironically, the reason for this has less to do with race, though it will still play a …

The Case For Innocence

It was Ron Williamson's obituary in the Dec. 9, 2004, issue of The New York Times that caught attorney and author John Grisham's eye.

‘These Are Not Fair Trials': The JFP Talks With John Grisham

Since publication of "The Innocent Man" in 2006, author John Grisham has become a strong advocate for the Innocence Project, lending his name and voice to help establish the organization's …

NOW Clinton Is Worried About Young Voters?

Since Barack Obama proved that the under-30 vote mattered in Iowa, and could well be a deciding factor in the presidential election, Hillary Clinton is adjusting her strategy to start …

1957 vs. 2007: How Times Have Changed!

SCHOOL - 1957 vs. 2007

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 …

Most Intriguing Jacksonians 2007

<b>Josh Hailey</b>

If Ron Chane is the king of Fondren, then photographer/ceramicist Josh Hailey, 26, has got to be its crown prince. An avid supporter of Fondren (his studio is located in …

2007 Timeline

If you're looking for weirdness, Jackson, Miss, is your place. Where else can you find a mayor who can destroy private property with a jury's blessing? Here in Jackson, we …

Mayor Rattles Councilwoman's Cage

Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon said Mayor Frank Melton rattled her cage this morning on the way to a special council meeting. Barrett-Simon told the Jackson Free Press that Melton's …

Ike Turner Dead at Age 76

We all know Ike Turner as the infamously abusive ex-husband of Tina Turner. Ike, a Clarksdale native, was a musician and songwriter who worked with the likes of B.B. King …

[Kamikaze] Blame It On Hip-Hop ... Again

I ran across a column last week from Foxsports columnist Jason Whitlock. He had some interesting comments on the death of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor.

[Hutchinson] Rising Latino Numbers, Rising Black Fears

Last month, a small but vocal group of black Los Angeles community activists turned up at City Hall to blast Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and other Latino elected officials for their …

[‘Tis The Season] You're Getting Warmer

The Kyoto Accord began the race to halt global warming. On its 10th anniversary, why are we barely past the starting gate?

Should a Woman Be Pardoned for Killing Her Abuser?

That's the question the Salon "Broadsheet" (a blog for women—get it?) is asking on the topic of self-defense in domestic violence. The post starts:

Henry Phillips' Bond Set for $200,000

Hinds County Judge William Barnett has set a $200,000 bond for Henry Phillips, who police say have admitted shooting his ex-girlfriend Doris Shavers, in the head. According to The Clarion-Ledger, …

Police Have Suspect in ‘Miracle' Shooting

Hinds County Sheriff and interim Jackson Police Chief Malcolm McMillin named convicted felon Michael Allen as the suspect in the Dec. 1 shooting of Jackson business owner Donnie Register. Register, …