Jackson Free Press

Pop-Up Ballot: Swift & Sporty

Races, fun runs and themed 5Ks have seen more success and enthusiasm than ever in Jackson over the past few years, but when it comes to runs, the biggest is …

Mississippi Mother Diane Bass’ Testimony to Her Church After Learning Her Son, Lance, Was Gay

This is an excerpt of a letter Lance Bass' mother, Diane, wrote to her church about her son's homosexuality.

Lance Bass on God, Being Gay and Loving His Sweet Mama

Two years after I graduated from high school in 2004, Lance Bass came out of the closet on the cover of People Magazine. His revelation struck a chord for me …

Advice From Laverne Cox: Talk About It

As the first transgender performer to have a recurring spot on a television series, Laverne Cox plays Sophia, a transgender woman who is in prison for credit-card fraud, in the …

Random Acts of Love

I’ve long maintained that I don’t care for public displays of affection. I’ve said it countless times to two long-term boyfriends, a few suitors and my husband. By turning my …

Whole, Fulfilled, Loved

Standing on the playground that day, it was clear I liked the little blonde girl who was playing in front of me. It wasn't in a "I want to be …

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Building Jackson Strong, One Person at a Time

Shoppers looking for organic and locally sourced food are familiar with the unassuming little grocery on Old Canton Road in Fondren. Mostly, they just call it Rainbow.

State Law Weak on City Elections

In the waning days of the April 22 special-election runoff for Jackson mayor, third parties, surrogates and political-action committees took control of the political discourse and broadcast airwaves to become …

Discrimination Isn’t ‘Religious Freedom’

You do not have religious freedom if every single American doesn't have it, too, including those you believe are heathens and sinners.

M. Ward: A Modern Spin on an Older Time

To admirers of folk music, M. Ward might be as profound an innovator as Steve Jobs is to techies.

Center for Violence Prevention in the Running for Neighborhood Assist

The Center for Violence Prevention needs your help in becoming one of the top 40 in State Farm's Neighborhood Assist campaign.

From the Eye of the Storm

This account was taken during the storm event that swept across Mississippi, Alabama and the southern U.S. on April 28.

Battling Brain Drain, New Duling Debuts and Tacos for Charity

On Friday, May 2, Arden Barnett, founder of entertainment company ardenland, is inviting everyone in the Jackson community to see the updates and new features he's made to Duling Hall …

Gerald Gibson

Gerald Gibson wants to change the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. He is the coordinator of community-based outreach and testing for My Brother's Keeper, a nonprofit designed to further the …

Miss. Abortion Clinic Fight at Federal Appeals Court

The future of Mississippi's only abortion clinic is in the hands of a federal appeals court.

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10 Local Stories of the Week

There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them.

The Filthy Six Bring Soulful Grooves to Martin's

Coming directly from the dusty grooves of an old Blue Note jazz record, The Filthy Six brings its soulful grooves to Martin's Lounge tomorrow night.

Hosemann's Voter ID Ads Win National Awards

If politics doesn't work out, Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann could always go into advertising.

Claire Holley

Strong female musicians influenced Claire Holley's road to becoming a singer-songwriter.

Kayla Jones

Dance has always been a major part of Kayla Jones' life. The Callaway High School junior figures that her love for the art form began around age 2.