Jackson Free Press

BREAKING: Smith's Response ‘Blatant Lie,' Father Says

District attorney candidate Robert Smith held a press conference today—not inviting the Jackson Free Press—to respond to Freddie Patton, a father he features in a campaign ad blaming D.A. Faye …

Got Training?

Whitlow Comes Out Swinging

May 12, 2005 Even as Frank Melton savored his Democratic primary win—and presumed shoo-in candidacy for mayor—his Republican opponent said it ain't over until it's over. In a press conference …

Black, White and Orange: Piper Kerman on Prison Reform

The Jackson Free Press recently got on the phone with Piper Kerman, who will be the guest speaker for the Greater Jackson Arts Council's 2018 Creative Impact Luncheon on Aug. …

Local and Lucky

If you haven't heard, the Hal's St. Paddy's Day Parade & Festival is this weekend. Here is your guide to what you can do before and after.

Buchanon-Williams: 'Plan, Prioritize and Execute'

A woman of many trades A. Shae Buchanon-William is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, mother and business owner. Buchanon-Williams works with communities in Jackson and around the state through her …

Wishes for Change in 2015

Gandhi's call for each of us to just go become the change we want to see around us is truly the first step to creating stronger communities and bridging the …

One Night in Ferguson

Ferguson has drawn people from all over the country. A handful of people also reportedly flew in from overseas. I traveled to Ferguson with three activists from Jackson.

Stonewall: Life Across the Tracks

There's a saying amongst black folks in Stonewall, that if it has a motor, they—white cops—don't want you on it.

For Future (’80s) Reference

Author Ernest Cline has been in high demand since the release of his best-selling science-fiction tale, "Ready Player One." A bidding war and two movie deals later, he returns with …

Jackson’s Next Top Modeling Career

Jackson is not typically considered a mecca for models or the modeling industry in general, but with the work of people like Chanelle Renee', the creator of the Chanelle Renee' …

The Bible Belt by Way of Boston

Comedian Bill Burr has been just about everywhere. Everywhere except for Mississippi, that is. He's looking to correct that on "The Billy Bible Belt Tour" with a performance Monday, April …

Black Vision Fund: Deploying Capital To Black Business Will Reduce Wealth Gap

Mississippi Black Pages, a statewide platform for Black entrepreneurs to connect for exposure and development, organized an event at The Synergy Link as part of their monthly series tagged “Network …

‘Civil War’ Film Highlights ‘Lost Cause’ Myths, Lifts Up Young Mississippi Voices

“Civil War (Or, Who Do We Think We Are?)” explores the “Lost Cause” myth of the Confederacy and its effects on the modern South, particularly race relations.

Ridgeland Mayor Demands LGBTQ+ Book Purge, Threatens Library Funding

Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee is withholding $110,000 of funding from the Madison County Library System allegedly on the basis of his personal religious beliefs, with library officials stating that he …

Governor Commutes One Killer's Sentence, Not Another

In a move that illustrates the erratic nature of America's justice system, Gov. Haley Barbour commuted the sentence of Michael David Graham last Thursday, July 17. Graham, convicted for shooting …

We Shall Overcome

There is a certain despair spreading among many Jacksonians. Some devoted citizens are even saying they might leave the city because of Mayor Melton's antics and poor leadership. One JFP …

Barbour Criticized for Slavery Insensitivity

Gov. Haley Barbour earned the ire of many when he downplayed a controversy over state proclamations of Confederate History Month--which omitted any mention of slavery--in comments last weekend.

Call the Roll on Dirty Politics

Disturbing statements have been coming from inside Mayor Frank Melton's inner circle since he and his bodyguards were indicted Sept. 15 for home invasion and demolition. To put it simply, …

BREAKING: Wade Defends Melton Removal

In a March 22 filing (PDF, 215 KB) in Hinds County circuit court, local WJNT host Kim Wade has responded to a motion from former Mayor Dale Danks, who serves …