V14n49 - 2016 College Football Preview

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August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

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JACKSONIAN Saahdiq Charles

T

here is no doubt that Madison Ridgeland Academy football player Saahdiq Charles is athletic. At the Nike+ Football The Opening’s finals, Charles ran 5.21 seconds in the 40yard dash, which is impressive for a young man of his size.

At 6 years old, Saahdiq Charles was forced to leave his home in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit. His family fled to Valdosta, Ga., and stayed there for a year. After his stay in Valdosta, the family moved to Montgomery, Ala., for the next three years. The family then moved to Mississippi in 2010 because his mom, Patricia Burrell, got a job at Central Mississippi Medical Center.

Charles spent seventh through 10th grade at St. Joseph High School. He began attending MRA in 2015.

The six-foot, five-inch, 320-pound guard began to hit the weight room at MRA hard and made leaps in how much he could lift. Now, he benches 305 pounds and can power cling 295 pounds.

As a junior, he played mainly at defensive end and blocked tight end on offense for the last three games of the season.

Charles will transition from defensive line to playing offensive guard full-time for MRA this season. He is raw at the position, but his potential had college coaches recruiting him hard to land his commitment.

Two of those colleges were Mississippi

contents

State University and Louisiana State University. Both schools recruited Charles hard as an offensive lineman, but LSU landed the threestar recruit. He received the offer from none other than Tigers head coach Les Miles.

“I was watching practice when Coach Miles invited me on to the field to talk with him,” Charles says.

“We were just talking about life and football when he offered me to come to LSU.”

The MRA star says he is glad the process in selecting a college is over, and he doesn’t have to worry about where he is going to play college football.

Charles is hungry to win a title for MRA this season after Jackson Prep soundly beat his school in the championship game last season.

“I have won a state championship in shot put,” he says, “but I want to win a team (sport) championship before I leave.”

Football wasn’t the only time Jackson Prep denied Charles and MRA at title last season. In soccer, Charles plays goalie for the team and lost in the title game to his budding nemesis.

The senior is checking off all the boxes for the goals he set heading into this season. He wanted to make The Open Finals, he wanted to commit to a school, and he is a Dandy Dozen. Only two things are left undone on his list: Charles wants to make All-American, and he wants a state title before he is done at MRA.

—Bryan Flynn

cover photo of Alcorn State University defensive lineman Darrell Henderson (front) and Jackson State University quarterback LaMontiez Ivy (back)

by Charles A. Smith, JSU Athletics

10 Digging into State Money

State leaders announced nine working groups, composed of lawmakers, to evaluate state agency budgets and expenditures in efforts of moving towards “fiscal responsibility.”

14 Balancing the Equality Scale “It is important to note that while I understand the multiple means of oppression as a black, gay, Christian, gender-queer man, I also understand the slight privilege I have.” —Ryvell Fitzpatrick, “Black, Gay and Christian: Balancing the Equality Scale”

31 Searching for SOUL

Get read for Chapter:SOUL’s show at Martin’s on Aug. 13.

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

4 ............................. Editor’s Note 6 ............................................ Talks 14 ................................. editorial 14 .................................. Sorensen 15 ..................................... opinion 22 .......................................... food 23 ............................. Cover Story 27 ......................................... Slate 28 ........................................ 8 Days 29 ....................................... Events 31 ........................................ music 31 ........................ music listings 32 ..................................... Puzzles 33 ........................................ astro

courtesy Chapter Soul; courtesy Ryvell Fitzpatrick; Imani Khayyam

August 10 - 16, 2016 | Vol. 14 No. 49

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editor’s note

by Amber Helsel, Assistant Editor

Keep Breaking the Glass Ceiling

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couple of weeks ago, I posted something to Facebook that I thought could possibly get some political backlash from my conservative friends and family: “Regardless of politics, the fact that a woman is a presidential candidate is incredibly inspiring to me. #whoruntheworld? #wedo”

But Facebook surprised me. No one said anything nasty. People I know who don’t like Hillary Clinton even liked my post. Maybe it’s a sign that tides are turning, or maybe no one cared. Either way, I’m both relieved and surprised.

The truth is, it wasn’t meant to be a political statement. Sure, I will admit that I’m voting for Clinton, but it wasn’t about that.

As I listened to National Public Radio’s coverage of the Democratic National Convention, I couldn’t help but think how cool it is that a woman has a shot at being the leader of the free world. I really like the idea that if she wins, women would be in the highest seats of political power in three of the leading nations in the world—Germany, the United Kingdom and the U.S.

To top it off, another woman is making strides for her country: African American Muslim fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad was the first American to wear a hijab while competing in the Olympics. She didn’t medal and isn’t the first Muslim to be on the American Olympic fencing team, but in a way, she broke the glass ceiling in taking a stand for her beliefs.

Muhammad is both a black woman and a Muslim, two things that can be difficult to be in this day and age. Combine the two, and as her fencing mentor Peter Westbrook told NPR, “Sometimes she tells me, ‘Peter, being a black woman is not easy.

Being a Muslim woman is not easy. Combine the two, I walk down the street, I catch hell.’ … She’s used to fighting. She’s used to things coming at her. This sport is natural

for her, because this is a nerve sport.”

When I was a kid, I, of course, didn’t really know anything, or even care, about the glass ceiling. Like most children, I was more concerned with playing with my Barbies or watching a Disney movie. I also didn’t really care about representation in media. I didn’t notice the lack of diversity and rampant stereotypes in the movies and cartoons I loved, though they were there.

I just wanted to be a princess (I dressed

the lead character, Dastan, who should be Iranian.

Regardless of Hollywood’s tendency to whitewash its films, there is some hope. I find it refreshing to see films such as the new “Ghostbusters,” which features an all-female cast. One of my favorite memes is a Tumblr post that has a photo of Kristin Wiig, who stars in the film, holding the hand of a little girl dressed in Ghostbusters gear as another little girl looks on in amazement. The

Media impact our lives on a very deep level. as one for about three or four Halloweens in a row). When I got to high school, I was aware of the glass ceiling, but I didn’t really think it would apply to me. The glass ceiling was from an era a long time ago, so by the time I got old enough for it to affect me, it wouldn’t, right? Wrong.

It wasn’t until the last couple of years that I have become consciously aware of the glass ceiling and the lack of representation women get in the media. It took a huge life change for me to even really understand it, and to this day, I’m still learning about it and how it affects me and other women and people of color.

It plays a role everywhere we go, whether it’s Hollywood or in the media. Scarlett Johansson, a white woman, is playing The Major, a character that should be Japanese., in “Ghost in the Shell.” In “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,” Jake Gyllenhaal plays

caption says in all caps, “THIS IS WHY FEMALE LED FILMS ARE IMPORTANT.” I posted a Buzzfeed listicle about why representation is everything, which featured this meme, and a male friend of mine said that the representation only matters if the film is good.

While I can understand why some people believe that, I don’t believe it. It doesn’t matter if a film is terrible. If it has a strong character of color or female character, it still gives groups of people representation who inherently don’t have any.

Even though I’m a huge fan of “Pirates of the Caribbean,” I’ll agree that the last film in the original franchise, “At World’s End,” was a little much. But it showed the true strength of Keira Knightley’s character, Elizabeth Swann. I mean, she ended up being a pirate captain. Naomi Harris’ character Tia Dalma turned into Calypso, the goddess

who created the devastating maelstrom in the movie. Zoe Saldaña’s character Anamaria was just a bad-ass pirate who took Jack Sparrow to task more than once.

Sure, the “Pirates” films were all maleled, but they featured strong female characters that captured my imagination, at the very least. But women (and men) of color and others such as LGBT people get even less representation than white women do.

And that has to change.

I think it’s probably pretty close to the truth to say that media impact our lives on a very deep level, even those of use who try not to pay attention. A little girl may see that hardly any characters on TV look like her, or may see people who look like her being demeaned in the media, and think, “If that person doesn’t have a chance, neither do I.”

But if she sees someone who looks like her doing something great such as scientific research or winning an award or starring in a cool film, she may say to herself, “I can do anything.” The same thing could happen to young people of color. If they don’t see people like them doing good things, maybe they believe there’s no reason to try.

We still have a long way to go, but I think, very slowly, we’re making progress.

For example, Marvel Comic’s smartest character is now a 9-year-old black girl, Lunella Lafayette, in “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.” The comic describes her as a super genius, and she carries the Inhuman gene.

That’s a good example of representation, but we don’t need to stop there. The more we promote women and people of color, the more opportunities there will be for everyone to do cool, worthwhile things.

Assistant Editor Amber Helsel is a foodie-in-training, a Pokemon trainer (go #teaminsight) and an artist, and her favorite pastime is people watching. Her patronus charm is a cat. Email her story ideas at amber@jacksonfreepress.com.

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

contributors

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Bryan Flynn

Sierra Mannie

Arielle Dreher

Tim Summers Jr.

Imani Khayyam

Julie Skipper

Micah Smith

Kimberly Griffin

Sports writer Bryan Flynn is a husband and stay-at-home father to a little girl. He constantly wonders, “If it didn’t happen on ESPN or Disney Jr., did it really happen?” He wrote the cover package.

Education Reporting Fellow Sierra Mannie’s opinions of the Ancient Greeks can’t be trusted nearly as much as her opinions of Beyoncé. She wrote about JPS Superintendent Cedrick Gray for this issue.

News Reporter Arielle Dreher is working on finding some new hobbies and adopting an otter from the Jackson Zoo. Email her story ideas at arielle@jacksonfreepress.com.

She wrote about the budget and interviewed Debra Gibbs.

City Reporter Tim Summers Jr. enjoys loud live music, teaching his cat to fetch, long city council meetings and FOIA requests. Send him story ideas at tim@jacksonfreepress.com.

He wrote about the “State of the City” address.

Staff Photographer Imani Khayyam is an art lover and a native of Jackson. He loves to be behind the camera and capture the true essence of his subjects. He took many photos for the issue as usual.

Freelance writer Julie Skipper practices law by day and gets out and about around Jackson as much as possible the rest of the time. She fancies art, fashion and travel. She wrote about The Garden Farmacy.

Music Editor Micah Smith is married to a great lady, has two dogchildren named Kirby and Zelda, and plays in the band Empty Atlas. Send gig info to music@ jacksonfreepress.com. He wrote about New Orleans funk and soul band Chapter:SOUL.

Advertising Director Kimberly Griffin is a fitness buff and foodie who loves chocolate and her mama. She’s also Michelle Obama’s super secret BFF, which explains the Secret Service detail. She works to help local businesses weekly.

MILLSAPS COLLEGE

COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT Fall 2016 | www.millsaps.edu/conted | 601-974-1130 Course

Instructor

Arts and Crafts

Presented by the Greater Belhaven Foundation

Saturday, August 13

Carlisle Street, Kenwood Street & Belhaven Park 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm Food, Drink, Music, Art, Children’s Area

ADMISSION: $10 in Advance | $15 at Gate Children 12 & under $1 www.greaterbelhaven.com

Basic Enameling Beginning Knitting Beginning Photography Bob Ross® Painting: Landscape Calligraphy–The Art of Beautiful Writing Christmas Is Coming Floral Design Intro to Mosaics–Garden Brick Class Intermediate Mosaics Introduction to Observational Drawing –for the Absolute Beginner Introduction to Observational Drawing –Developing the Basic Skills Loop 2 Loop Easy Crochet Oil Painting Paint & Antique Furniture like a Pro Pottery/Sculpture Viking Knit Watercolor Painting

Richard J. Cawthon Regina Powell Thomas C. Morrison Latresa Enns Thomas C. Morrison Laura Tarbutton Laurel Schoolar

Dance Introduction to Ballroom Dancing Irish Ceili and Set Dancing

Sponsored By:

Laura Tarbutton Donna Peyton Ron Blaylock Michael Hughes Betsy Greener Tom & Nancy McIntyre Tom & Nancy McIntyre Teresa Haygood Teresa Haygood Richard J. Cawthon

Mike & Lisa Day Margaret Cupples

Health and Fitness Boxers Rebellion Hybrid Kickboxing Introduction to Tennis Tai Chi Yoga for Everyone

Jeremy Gordon Jason Box Mike Chadwick Sally Holly

Heritage and History

ulations t a r g n o C To Our Staff Award Winners for the Month of July

A Brief Architectural History of Belhaven Jackson Houses by Hays Town Jackson’s North State Street–An Architectural History Military Medicine during the Civil War Mississippi in the Civil War Mississippi’s Plantation Houses The Architect of Jackson’s Old Capitol –William Nichols

Todd Sanders Todd Sanders Todd Sanders William Hanigan Jeff Giambrone Todd Sanders Todd Sanders

Language and Literature How to Edit What You Write Mining Your Memories–Writing Family Stories The Jane Austen Book Club: The Gothic World of Jane Austen To Tell the Truth: Creative Nonfiction Transformational Writing: How to Find Your Voice Writing and Selling Short Stories

Gerard Helferich Andy Oldham Carolyn Brown & Susan Ford Ellen Ann Fentress Jean Farish John Floyd

Money and Business Growing Your Existing Business Joe Donovan Advanced Entrepreneurial Development Joe Donovan Basics of Investing Mark A. Maxwell Introduction to Social Media: The Basics Sophie Wolf Beyond the Basics: Advanced Social Media Workshop Sophie Wolf Leadership and Team Building: Jennifer L. Smith How to Inspire Others through Leadership Beginning Guitar Beginning Harmonica Songwriting Enterprising Reporter

Sierra Mannie

Education Reporting Fellow

Kick Ass

(Manager’s Choice) Arielle Dreher Reporter

Community Engagement

Falcon Award

Imani Khayyam

(Staff ’s Choice) Kristin Brenemen

Staff Photographer

Art Director

Jimmy Turner Scott Albert Johnson David Womack

Personal Development Jump Start Your Career with Volunteerism Understanding Your Dreams: A Brief Introduction

Jean Farish Karen Mori Bonner

Special Offerings ACT Test Prep Course Backyard Astronomy Dance for Parkinson’s Garden Design 2017 The Making of the President: 2016

Leonard Blanton Jim Waltman Krista Bower, Melissa Lea & Phoebe Pearigen Rick Griffin Nathan R. Shrader

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

Music

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“If you haven’t been in one of schools, visited and walked through one of our buildings, don’t talk about what you don’t understand.”

— Superintendent Cedrick Gray addressing skepticism and negativity aimed at Jackson Public Schools

Tuesday, August 2

Sheriff Victor Mason says his office has not seen a single permit notice in regards to the “Church Protection Act,” a law allowing registered church-going folk to form security teams of individuals with concealed weapons, including immunity for the teams’ use of lethal force.

Thursday, August 4

The International Olympic Committee approves the entry of 271 out of 389 Russian athletes for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Friday, August 5

Donald Trump endorses House Speaker Paul Ryan in his bid for reelection following a four-day standoff in which Trump refused to give Ryan his endorsement. … Brazil laces its highenergy opening ceremony for the 31st Olympics with a sobering message of the dangers of global warming.

Saturday, August 6

The White House releases a version of President Barack Obama’s three-yearold guidance on the use of lethal force against terrorists overseas, laying out safeguards to minimize civilian deaths and errant strikes. … The Olympics begins in full with the first gold medal going to 19-year-old American Virginia Thrasher in the 10-meter air rifle competition.

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

Sunday, August 7

Russia is entirely banned from participating in the Paralympics as punishment for its state-sponsored doping operation.

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Monday, August 8

The family of Ahmed Mohamed, a Muslim boy who was arrested after bringing a homemade clock to school, files a lawsuit against Texas school officials, saying they violated the 14-year-old boy’s civil rights.

Get breaking news at jfpdaily.com.

The City’s State: Yarber’s ‘Momentum’

by Tim Summers Jr.

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ayor Tony Yarber’s promise for the City of Jackson centers around the one word he repeated during his “State of the City” address Tuesday night, Aug. 2: momentum.

“We are talking about momentum,” Yarber told the audience in the Jackson Convention Complex.

“We are literally talking about this city moving forward.”

“And as an administration we inherited this wonderful city in 2015,” Yarber said. “It was a time when Jacksonians were terribly concerned with crime taking place in their communities, the state of our infrastructure, the lack of economic development, and not only that, but we were also worried about whether or not this city had the wherewithal to withstand going through four mayors in a matter of a couple of years.”

boosting the number to 418, JPD Chief Lee Vance told WAPT during an interview.

As a part of the reduction in crime, Yarber pointed to the adTim Summers Jr.

Wednesday, August 3

Mark Longoria, CEO of Houstonbased Drug Testing Corp., waives indictment on charges he conspired to bribe former corrections commissioner Christopher Epps and enters a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate in federal court.

Debra Gibbs is running for the District 72 House of Representatives special election. p 11

3,000 Fewer Crimes

Yarber praised the police department, which remains under-staffed, for its efforts to work against the perception of a growing criminal culture in Jackson.

Mayor Tony Yarber urged the need to build on his “momentum” in the coming

“We took office when the crime years during his “State of the City” address on Aug. 2. rate was increasing, we’ve seen a 14-anda-half-percent decrease for major crimes for 2015, and at the pace that this police department is going, we will see at least a 10-percent decrease this ministration’s decision to move Community Improvement back upcoming year. These are real numbers,” Yarber said. into the police department in order to put teeth into dealing with

“What that means is 3,000 less crimes being committed on the abandoned property. streets of the City of Jackson on the street this year,” Yarber said.

“It’s important to do that because we were able to put enforce Yarber said that although studies recommend that the City ment back into the code,” Yarber said. “In the past two years, the should have 500 officers, the 390 officers of the Jackson Police Department are the reason for the “back-to-back decreases in major more CITY, see page 8 crimes.” The City graduated a new class of 21 officers this month,

Unsportsmanlike

Sen. Roger Wicker: 10-yard penalty for hoping Trump will provide pass interference for laws that already, you know, passed.

by Micah Smith

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves: 10-yard penalty for intentional grounding of legislation to change the Mississippi flag.

Conduct

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hile college and professional football teams are just gearing up for another season of grudge matches, our government officials have been at it all year round. They may not wear helmets, but they certainly bump heads. Here are a few Mississippi public officials who made us want to throw a flag on the play.

Sen. Jenifer Branning: Five-yard penalty for an invalid fair bill signal, ignoring the U.S. District Court’s ruling that HB 1523 is decidedly un-fair.

Hinds County DA Robert Shuler Smith (and his mom): Five-yard penalty for (alleged) improper contact with a judge.

Mississippi House of Representatives: Five-yard penalty for illegal forward passing by “demon-chipmunking” through the reading of bills.

The entire state government: 15-yard penalty for roughing the budget, causing an estimated $120-million shortfall.

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August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

THE DA FILES

‘Two Sweet’ Reverend Back in News

by Tim Summers Jr. and Donna Ladd

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August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

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Power, Politics, Intrigue

Henderson’s personal and criminal history reads like a who’s-who of Jackson’s power, politics and intrigue. Henderson, who is an ordained Baptist minister, is also known as “Two Sweet,” and was a close associate of Melton for years before his death in 2009. Henderson was at Melton’s side every day earlier that year at his federal trial in the old James O. Eastland courthouse in downtown Jackson.

The trial of Melton and his two bodyguards for leading a group of juveniles to destroy the home of a mentally disabled man in the Virden Addition with sledgehammers ended with a hung jury, and Melton died in office on Election Day just as the polls closed on his re-election loss.

Attorney General Jim Hood, along with then-Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson—a Melton critic who was appointed in 2001 to the position after longtime DA Ed Peters suddenly resigned after two decades—had previously tried Melton and his bodyguards in state court in Jack-

son for destroying the duplex, but the men were acquitted. Robert Shuler Smith, then a defense attorney based in the Washington Addition, defended Marcus Wright, one of Melton’s bodyguards, in the trial. He later defeated Peterson after a campaign supported by both Peters and Melton. Turner worked for Smith’s campaign; Smith told the Jackson Free Press then that he had known Turner for years.

Melton had long prided himself on

Bureau of Narcotics investigating Batman and friends rather than pursuing drug investigations—a distraction that led Gov. Haley Barbour to choose an MBN replacement when he took office in early 2003.

During the Donelson trial, attorney Robert Shuler Smith was defending James Benton, another of the so-called Wood Street Players that Donelson allegedly ran.

Smith was present at Melton’s home the same night and joined the odd mix of guests Kenya Hudson/File photo

ames of men who were involved in the late and controversial Mayor Frank Melton’s universe keep popping up in the convoluted accusations encircling Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith. The DA was arrested June 22 after a joint state-federal investigation alleged that he had tried to interfere in the trials of Christopher Butler and Darnell Turner, whom he had known since he was a defense attorney.

The latest name to resurface in the maelstrom is that of Robert Earl Henderson Jr., 44, who was arrested July 29 for allegedly offering a $500 bribe to one of Smith’s assistant district attorneys, Ivon Johnson, in exchange for the dismissal of charges against three criminal defendants on or about June 15, 2006.

“Henderson is charged with one count of bribery of a public official and one count of conspiracy to bribe a public official,” an Aug. 1 statement from Attorney General Jim Hood announced. Henderson was booked into the Hinds County jail with bond set at $5,000 for bribery and another $5,000 for conspiracy.

The feds announced charges against Johnson, one of Smith’s ADAs, on July 15, saying he “did combine, conspire, confederate and agree together to commit an offense or offenses against the United States” by accepting a bribe to move, on behalf of the Hinds DA’s office, to reduce the bond amount for S.B., a person charged with a felony in the county, from $15,000 to $3,500 in exchange for $500.

Rev. Robert Earl Henderson Jr. (left) was a long-time supporter of Mayor Frank Melton (right). Here he accompanies the then-mayor from his federal trial in 2009 for destroying a duplex in the Virden Addition with sledgehammers.

helping young men in trouble around the city, controversially inviting many of them to live with him in his large home, with an Olympic-sized pool in the basement and a video-projection studio filled with large recliners, even as the fatherly figure was often intoxicated and kept numerous guns and a bulletproof vest on a rack in his bedroom.

Dinner at Melton’s

Like many of Melton’s mentees, Henderson was a welcome visitor in Melton’s home, sometimes bringing young people there to talk to the mayor, as he did April 2, 2006, on the eve of the trial of Albert “Batman” Donelson and associates in Hinds County court for allegedly killing rival Aaron Crockett on May 10, 2001.

Melton, who told the JFP he was close to Crockett, had spent much of his 14month tenure as the head of the Mississippi

for a stuffed-chicken dinner—prepared by Melton and then-Police Chief Shirlene Anderson, who also washed dishes afterward— at the table with the JFP team, the bodyguards and young men who stayed in the home, some of them felons.

Smith would later tell the Jackson Free Press that he didn’t know why Melton had invited him to his home on the eve of the Donelson trial, especially considering they were on different sides of the trial.

Donelson would be acquitted within days, however, and claimed later in an interview with the JFP then that he had no idea why Melton targeted him but tried to protect other young men accused of similar crimes. Donelson, however, would later go back to prison on a different charge.

Rev. Henderson, as Melton introduced him, came into his home with a young man who had recently gotten out of prison, with

Melton then lecturing him about staying out of trouble, but they didn’t stay long.

Henderson reached out to the JFP to speak on Melton’s behalf in the lead-up to his state trial. And he would later write, in a Dec. 28, 2011, handwritten letter requesting clemency from Gov. Haley Barbour for his own crimes, that Melton had made a difference in his life. “I was granted the opportunity to work with the late former Mayor Frank E. Melton by helping organize and hire under-privileged, high-risk youth,” Henderson wrote to the governor.

Henderson also knew Melton’s longtime friend and defender, Frank Bluntson, who was director of the Hinds County Juvenile Detention Center during a dark time in its history when Melton was accused of abusing young people there, but never arrested for it. Bluntson was a long-time friend of former DA Ed Peters, who later supported first Melton’s mayoral candidacy and then Robert Smith’s run for DA. After Smith was elected, the FBI captured former DA Peters on a wiretap telling corrupt attorneys that he could help them indict two men in Hinds County who had screwed them over.

“Uh-huh,” Peters replied, as reported in Curtis Wilkie’s book, “The Fall of the House of Zeus” about the Dickie Scruggs scandal.

“In fact, there’s a lawyer—the D.A., or the D.A.-to-be. He’s got a couple of them he’s fixing to do the same thing to—that tried to screw him out of a percentage of fees and things.” Wilkie assumed he meant Smith; he had already defeated Peterson in the Democratic primary and was assured of winning the general election in November.

Smith has long denied any wrongdoing on behalf of Peters or others. Peters would later get immunity for admitting that he offered his former assistant district attorneyturned-Judge Delaughter a bribe; the judge went to prison for the felony.

His powerful network may have paid off for Henderson. The names of some of those people would help him clear his record in 2011. “During this time, I established relationships within the community, local law enforcement, city council, state representatives and court municipalities in an effort to improve our neighborhood and our great city of Jackson,” Henderson wrote in the handwritten letter to Barbour.

Putting Away Childish Things

Henderson, who attended Jim Hill High School until the 11th grade, had numerous brushes with the law, his clemency request shows, as do many young Jackson men who are then plagued by criminal records for youthful transgressions. Born April 23, 1972, Henderson came

TALK | city

City has demolished over 215 houses, which is more than we have seen take place in our recent memory. Not to mention the nearly 500 overgrown properties that the City has addressed today.”

The City has not paid for all that effort, Yarber said, because the Community Improvement division worked to contact property owners to pay for improving the property, saving the City almost $1.7 million in two years.

62,000 Potholes Filled

“As for infrastructure, this administration, we ensured the delivery of the 1-percent sales-tax commission, so that your 1-percent sales-tax funds are effectively distributed,” Yarber said. “The City then had to create, develop and implement the infrastructure master plan in order to expend those 1-percent sales tax dollars.”

Yarber then ticked off a list of projects that he said were the result of efforts between the Public Works Department, the Jackson City Council and the administration. Applause rippled through the crowd as he listed the $1.4-million Eastover waterline project and the $5-million Operation Orange Cone project to fix potholes in all seven wards.

“We have filled over 62,000 potholes,” Yarber said. “I know. If it’s 3 million, 62,000 doesn’t really seem like a lot.

But, we have momentum.”

The City does not draw only from the 1-percent tax funds, Yarber said. He pointed to the $3 million for Mill Street from the Mississippi Department of Transportation, and the $16.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation designated for West County Line Road renovations.

His administration is committed to taking the time to find and institute real improvements, Yarber said, not to rush for political reasons.

“Being politically expedient sometimes means that in our haste to fix the streets, we just throw asphalt down,” Yarber said, “but we decided that we wanted to fix our streets

of age into the crack era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. His first conviction was on Sept. 6, 1991, for receiving stolen property, with two more of the same convictions coming on May 26, 1992, and another on Dec. 5, 1997. He was convicted of cocaine possession on May 26, 1992 and Nov. 21, 1997.

Old Jackson police records show Henderson was arrested for disorderly conduct, auto theft and conspiracy to distribute cocaine charges, all in the early 1990s. His name also surfaced in other witness statements and police reports, with one witness to an alleged violent crime calling him Melton’s “pushalong boy” in a deposition, but Henderson was not legally implicated in those instances.

That witness later recanted his statement.

Having served his time, Henderson applied for a pardon on Dec. 28, 2011, from the Mississippi Parole Board. Two of the five parole-board members, Shannon Warnock and Clarence Brown, voted to pardon him,

and our infrastructure intentionally, with integrity and with transparency.”

Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote said on Aug. 8 that he is disappointed in the delay between the approval of the projects and the implementation that the public sees.

“That has taken way too long to get stuff from the drawing board to the streets and sewage systems, where the money needs to go,” Foote said. “So I am hopeful that we will see more shovel-ready projects being deployed that the citizens can take some confidence in, that will improve the infrastructure situation in the city.”

He said he looks forward to “actually seeing some work being done.”

“We are literally talking about this city moving forward.”

The Budget Crisis

The mayor addressed one of the most pressing issues affecting his administration’s hopes for re-election: the city’s budget crisis.

This talk of the budget is an echo of Yarber’s 2015 “State of the City” speech. In July 2015, Yarber warned that the City was “currently facing one of the toughest budget seasons in its history,” warning of the consequences for Jackson if it continued to pull from the fund reserves to shore up budget deficits.

This year, the city continued to do the same, leading up to a sliver of the former reserve, measured at a paltry $1.3 million in May.

“We are going to use this momentum to continue the healing process of our budget hemorrhaging,” Yarber said.

“And as we stated last year our budget issues cannot, they will not be solved overnight.”

Yarber said implementation of “priority-based budgeting” that focused on core services in the City, including what he called the “Achilles heel” that is JATRAN, would help begin the financial growth necessary to fix the budget.

“The movement of our priority-based budget is helping the city shape new budget practices,” Yarber said. “And

but the other three did not. Then, twelve days later, Henderson asked outgoing Gov. Barbour for clemency.

In a second handwritten letter, also dated Dec. 28, 2011, Henderson quoted 1 Corinthians 13:30: “When I was a child, I

This powerful network, though, may have paid off for Henderson. spoke as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

Henderson also drew on his powerful network to support his clemency. Long-time state Sen. Alice Harden wrote Barbour on Mississippi Senate letterhead. “I have known Robert for many years and believe that he

for the first time, the City actually has a policy that governs the expenditure of funds. Can you imagine?”

Council President Tyrone Hendrix, of Ward 6, said on Aug. 8 that the lessons of last year’s priority-based budgeting process make him curious as to the measurement guidelines for this year.

“I look forward to actually seeing the metrics, and the scores of the priority-based budgeting,” Hendrix said. “How do we measure the effectiveness of this program or this project? How do we determine which one of these services are the most important?”

The budget process will begin during the fall, and unlike last year, the city will not be able to lean on a fund reserve to “stop-gap” the spending, Hendrix said. For him, the essential part is the process by which city leaders determine municipal priorities.

“I am really looking forward to seeing that this budget,” Hendrix said.

For Yarber, though, the success of Jackson is tied to his ability to continue with the work of the last year and a half and during a re-election year. “We are here today because we believe in the promising future of this city,” Yarber said at State of the City.

“I am here today because you trusted me and my ability to lead us into that promise.”

“I remember the letters, the calls and the constant reminders that I have received over my time as your mayor, every time I’m fighting to keep this momentum going.”

Yarber emphasized, at the end of the address, that he wanted to keep the city moving, building on the work of the last year. “And while the city may not have arrived at its destination, yet, I guarantee you that this train is moving.

Jackson, Mississippi, is on the move.”

Email city reporter Tim Summers Jr. at tim@jacksonfreepress.com. See more local news at jfp.ms/localnews.

is honest, responsible and forthright in his dealings with his family, friends and colleagues,” she wrote. “He has demonstrated a high degree of loyalty and trustworthiness to the causes which be believes.

The reverend listed his employer in 2011 as Garrett Enterprises, where he said he worked as a supervisor. His character references were Tyrone Lewis, a long-time Jackson Police Department officer who would soon become Hinds County sheriff and was defeated for re-election earlier this year

by Victor Mason (who also helped Melton worked with young people). Henderson had helped organize a fundraiser for Lewis’ first run for sheriff at Melton’s home in 2007; his name was a contact on invitation. ThenSheriff Malcolm McMillin kept his seat then, but Lewis defeated him four years later.

Henderson’s other references for clemency included District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith. Henderson listed his defense attorneys as George Holmes, Sam Wilker-

son and Sanford Knott, the latter of whom figures prominently in Smith’s current battle with the attorney general on behalf of Turner and Butler, whom Knott represents. Barbour granted clemency to Henderson for his previous convictions, along with a long list of other pardoned criminals, some of whom were brutal murderers and rapists that make Henderson’s convictions pale by comparison.

Barbour granted Henderson a “full, complete and unconditional pardon”; the reverend is listed as the last one on the former governor’s list of pardons.

Smith and Henderson could not be reached for comment.

Read more about the ongoing districtattorney saga at jfp.ms/dasmith. Email Tim Summers Jr. at tim@jacksonfreepress.com and Donna Ladd at donna@jack sonfreepress.com. See this story online for historic links to articles referred to in the piece.

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

CITY from page 6

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TALK | state

State Agency Budget Groups: ‘Not a Witch Hunt,’ Yet

by Arielle Dreher

S

tate leaders are continuing their march toward “fiscal responsibility,” including the elimination of government spending of one-time money and implementing performance-based budgeting, as well as a serious look at state agency spending.

cutting taxes—not by increasing taxes.

“Our goal is not to create more taxes on those already paying their fair share but to create more taxpayers, and in creating more taxpayers, hopefully we are going to generate more revenue,” Reeves told lawmakers last week.

said. “Growing the economy leads to more income for individuals and more income for small businesses and more money for sales-tax collections.”

Reeves sought to dispel what appeared in the press since the last legislative session about budget cuts.

Imani Khayyam

House Speaker Philip Gunn (left) and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves (right) announced nine working groups, composed of lawmakers, to look closely at state agency budget expenditures over the next few months.

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, announced nine working groups, composed of lawmakers, to look at state agency budgets—particularly expenditures. The working groups are tasked with deciding what services state government should continue to pay for and to evaluate agency expenditures in order to weed out unnecessary spending.

“We want to get down to the details; we want to find out where the money is going,” Gunn told lawmakers last week.

“I don’t just want to know that $500,000 went to salaries—I want to know whose salary.”

Gunn said the working groups will prioritize what government should be paying for within certain departments and agencies.

“Should we privatize some of those expenditures? Is this agency performing a function that could better be done by the private sector?” Gunn said at the Capitol last week.

Reeves, the lieutenant governor, said leadership wants to create more taxpayer 10 revenue, by growing the economy and

Republican leaders have cut taxes around 50 times since they took control of the statehouse in 2012, Reeves said but he also stressed that they’ve also grown the economy.

“The size of our economy has grown significantly in the past five years,” Reeves

Most viral stories at jfp.ms:

1. “Chef Alex Eaton” by Kelsee Davis 2. “Bryant on State Flag: ‘I’m Sorry We Don’t Have It on the Ballot’” by Arielle Dreher 3. “New Water-Bill Portal Launches Today” by Tim Summers Jr. 4. “Josalyn Filkins, Principal at Midtown Public Charter” by Sierra Mannie 5. “Food Truck Friday at the Mustard Seed, Flora Butcher and New Residence Inn” by Dustin Cardon Join the conversation at jfp.ms

Most viral events at jfpevents.com:

1. 30th Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza, Aug. 6 2. City of Jackson Back-to-school Celebration, Aug. 6 3. Fondren’s First Thursday, Aug. 4 4. Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival, Aug. 19 5. Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival, Sept. 17 Find more events at jfpevents.com.

“There have been a lot of state agency heads that have gone to the press, and the press has written stories I guess without verifying the numbers about these large cuts these agencies have taken over the last five years,” Reeves said.

State agencies, like the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Health did take budget cuts from fiscalyear 2016 to fiscal-year 2017—and spoke to the Jackson Free Press, when asked, about those cuts.

However, Reeves’ essential point was that state agency budgets have grown since 2012. Numbers from his office show that the Department of Transportation and Division of Medicaid have grown the most, at least in terms of state taxpayer support.

State leaders encouraged lawmakers to look at travel, commodities, personnel and contracting when considering where they could find efficient places to cut state budgets.

Gunn reiterated for lawmakers that they should not go into state agency budgets with the mindset that there’s a lot of misspending.

“We’re not on a witch hunt here, at

least not yet, I don’t want you to go in with the mindset that there’s massive misspending, we’re looking for misspending and we’re looking for misappropriations,” he told lawmakers.

“I think we can find some efficiencies but the goal is to make sure that the expenditures line up with our priorities.”

Sen. Buck Clarke, R-Hollandale, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, said lawmakers should dig into the budgets and ask questions every year. Clarke used the Division of Medicaid as an example, citing its 61-percent budget increase since 2012.

Clarke said that in a perfect world the state wouldn’t need the division.

“If everyone in the state had an adequate salary and didn’t even qualify for Medicaid, isn’t that the goal we’re trying to get to?” he told the groups last week.

“So if we’re increasing the Medicaid budget that much, where can we invest money to lower that and drive up the income (for Mississippians)?”

Clarke’s vision is ideal, but eliminating any state agency jobs could be challenging to the state’s economy. In fiscalyear 2016, state employees made $1.58 billion in salary and fringe benefits, Transparency Mississippi data show. “Government” jobs, which doesn’t differentiate between federal, state or local, make up the highest percentage of nonfarm employment in the state at around 21 percent, Bureau of Labor statistics show.

The working groups will meet regularly until the next legislative session, when leaders hope they will be able to work their findings into budget talks. The bipartisan groups are composed of both senators and representatives. The nine working groups are broken down as follows: • Department of Education • Institutions of Higher Learning/ Community Colleges • Department of Corrections; Public Safety • Medicaid • Department of Human Services, Mental Health and Health • Department of Transportation • Boards/Commissions • IT Consolidation • State Buildings/Grounds/Property

Visit jfp.ms/state for more state news.

Email state reporter Arielle Dreher at arielle@jacksonfreepress.com and follow her on Twitter @arielle_amara.

DISH | special election

Gibbs: ‘I’ve Been a Leader’

by Arielle Dreher

T

part of the process in terms of what’s going on in the state Legislature. I’ve been a leader when I served in Parents for Public Schools, as chair of the board, and I’ve had to be able to work in a bi-partisan manner to make sure that diverse groups’ opinions were heard, and we were able to come up with viable solutions.

What policy issues are important to District 72?

Education and families would be two major things.

to use my expertise and learning the amendment process to make sure I can make changes and add things that will benefit District 72.

Because of my prior relationship with those I know personally in the House and the Senate, I would be able to utilize those relationships to be a part of the team and come up with viable solutions. And I think relationships make a difference, when people kind of know you, I think they are more receptive to having you as a part of the team.

Imani Khayyam

he oldest of five, Debra Gibbs says she has always been an independent woman. She was born and raised in Gulfport but moved to Jackson on her own after graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi with her bachelor’s degree in accounting. Gibbs says she was good with numbers even in high school.

“When I started out, that’s what I wanted to do,” Gibbs says. “I wanted to be a businesswoman and be in corporate America.”

Gibbs worked for the company that is now Entergy after she graduated from USM and then received her master’s in business administration from Mississippi College when she moved to Jackson in 1980. Gibbs went on to work at Jackson State University, starting the Center for Professional Development and teaching in the School of Business.

Gov. Ray Mabus’ administration then recruited her to work as the director of accounting and finance at the Mississippi Department of Human Services, where she remained through 1996.

At that point, Gibbs was a mother of two young children and decided to go back to law school, since her husband, Robert Gibbs, was able to support the family. He was a circuit-court judge at the time and then would later return to practicing law.

“I just felt that a law degree is a broad degree that allows you to help people, and I’ve always had a servant heart and wanted to help people and make sure that they have a better quality of life,” she says.

Gibbs stayed at home to raise her children after she clerked at the Mississippi Supreme Court, but she remained actively engaged in her kids’ education, participating in PTA and committee meetings and working with Parents for Public Schools.

In 2010, she was appointed the commissioner of the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission and served in that role until 2014. She now practices general law at Gibbs Travis LLC. Gibbs lives in northwest Jackson with her husband. They have two adult children: Ariana, who just finished law school, and Justis, who is a junior at Howard University.

What committees do you would want to serve on in the House?

The Appropriations Committee because of my background. I’m the only (candidate) who’s been a director of accounting and finance … . The other committee would be the Insurance Committee. As commissioner of the Workers’ Compensation Committee, I have worked in the insurance industry, and I ‘ve had to look at the complex law as it relates to worker’s compensation.

The other committee would be Education. I’ve been at the table the past 30 years when policies and procedures have been developed (in Jackson Public Schools). I also would like to work on expanding Medicaid, and because I am an attorney, Judiciary A or B would be very viable because that deals with the civil and criminal laws in the state of Mississippi.

What types of education policies would help the state?

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

We all talk about MAEP (Mississippi Adequate Education Program), so first and foremost, we need to fund MAEP, so we need to do that and follow the mandate that (it) be funded every year.

Teachers should be able to get money for classroom supplies; teachers should be paid adequately, and the schools should be funded so our students are getting a quality education. Without that, it dries up everything else, which includes economic development, so if children are not being properly taken care of, then the rest of the cycle doesn’t work.

What made you want to run for District 72?

The first thing I would do is try to have a

Well, I’ve been active in the community for over Debra Gibbs is an attorney in Jackson running for the District 72 bipartisan coalition where we can sit at a table and 30 years since I’ve lived in Jackson. I have two intel- seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives. find some common ground. We might not get the ligent young children, and I’m married with a family, whole thing done, but there (is common ground) and I have concerns of our community, of our state where we can chip at piece by piece where we can and our city. I see the decline in our community, and I sense Also, I want to expand Medicaid. They are concerned about come up with some viable solutions so that our children the frustration and disappointment of our neighbors in the the infrastructure, particularly here in the capital city, as well can be served. community, and at this time, I feel like I am the right person as the infrastructure for the state as a whole. … The other … In the past we’ve given corporations more opporat the right place to be able to be a problem solver and to thing would be safety; in terms of crime, they want to be safe tunities than we have our children than we have our elderly help us with some of the issues and concerns that we have in in their homes and safe in their communities and have the and underserved, and we’ve got to change that focus. I unDistrict 72. type of culture and life where they can enjoy living in the city derstand business, and we need to have that for economic development, but we shouldn’t do that on the backs of our and be exposed to different cultural things as well. children and our elderly.

What does District 72 need the most right now?

District 72 needs a strong leader, and I think District What policies would you suggest, and what 72 needs a fighter. I say that because as I travel around the legislation areas do you plan to get involved in?

Are you declaring a political party affiliation? district and I’m knocking on doors, those are the sentiments I would continue to do what I’ve been doing—that is I am a Democrat.

I’m receiving. They want a leader, they want to be heard, being proactive. And I would use my skills and talents to and they want someone to be able to fight for them for their have a bipartisan coalition where we can all sit at the table For more District 72 special-election coverage, visit jfp. issues and concerns. to ensure that those issues and concerns are met. As a junior ms/2016elections. The special election for District 72 is Aug. 23.

They want their leader to come back to their neigh- representative, it would be far-fetched of me to tell you I Email state reporter Arielle Dreher at arielle@jacksonfreepress. borhood and communicate with them—they want to be a would have this bill or that, but I do think I would be able com. Visit jfp.ms/state for more state and political news.

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TALK | education

JPS Superintendent Defends District, Award

F

Stormy Waters

“This award doesn’t reflect a snapshot in time,” Gray said in an interview with the Jackson Free Press.

“It is a review of a body of work. If you take a look at the time we’ve been here, that body of work has shown great success and great gains in lots of areas, both academic and operational.”

Still, some teachers working in the district have tired of the turbulence. A 2016 BOTEC research team, relying on extensive interviews with JPS teachers, reported educator dissatisfaction with discipline procedures they felt district administration had softened.

At a Forest Hill High School community meeting this year, after a parent brought a gun to campus after a string of student fights, girls’ basketball coach Lakia Westerfield directed her frustration to Gray and other district officials.

“With all these degrees, bow ties and ties and suits, we can’t find a solution?”

Westerfield asked.

Gray acknowledges that JPS must

climb uphill to over its problems. “Our scholars have the challenges that exist in every urban area in our country,” he told the Jackson Free Press last week. “When you can lead in that school environment, there is a sense of accomplishment among us as superintendents. Anybody can lead in good times, but when you can lead the

eral law during the 2009-2010 school year by not providing adequate services, like therapy and counseling, to students with behavioral and emotional disorders.

The Mississippi Youth Justice Project alleged in a suit against the district that JPS shipped those children to the district’s alternative school where some were handImani Khayyam

ights in schools, and a mother on the Forest Hill campus with a gun.

In a hot, packed auditorium, parents and teachers fiercely arguing with Jackson Public Schools administration, demanding change and alleging incompetence from district leadership.

And now, out of compliance with 22 out of 32 of the state’s accreditation standards, the threat of probation looming overhead pending an Aug. 16 hearing.

All of this reflects periods of high drama and public criticism of Jackson Public Schools’ administration, especially superintendent Dr. Cedrick Gray this school year­—and despite it all, he just received a national award naming him national superintendent of the year.

Serving nearly 4,000 employees and more than 28,000 students, 78 percent of whom receive free or reduced lunch in the state’s largest city, Jackson Public Schools often faces loud internal and external criticism from those who lament the district’s perceived failures on behalf of its students. But the largest urban school district in the state maintains it is doing its best, and Gray, a softspoken Milwaukee, Wis., native rich in both bowties and undented enthusiasm, has endorsed no small number of programs intended to enrich the academic lives of scholars since his appointment to the position in 2012.

So how, with so much drama ahead— and behind—did the superintendent get a national award?

Dr. Cedrick Gray, superintendent of Jackson Public Schools, says his focus is on instilling a sense of urgency and a feeling of being family in JPS employees.

ship through stormy waters—we’ve come out on the other side of that numerous times in our district.”

The superintendent, who formerly worked as lead educator in Tennessee’s Fayette County Schools system, also says he views building community among JPS employees as one of his main focuses this school year. He says he hopes to instill a sense of urgency in every employee, and to remind them that they are all part of a focused JPS family.

“We have to make sure that everyone understands that we’re all in this together,” he said. “We’ve got to focus 100 percent on the scholars every single day.”

Exploiting the Bad Things

Like the start of any challenging relationship, the one between Dr. Cedrick Gray and Jackson Public Schools came with serious baggage.

When Gray took the reins of leadership for the district in 2012, the school board operated with interim JPS superintendent Dr. Jayne Sargent after voting not to renew the contract of the former superintendent, Dr. Lonnie Edwards.

Edwards’ time as superintendent also saw its fair share of controversy. In 2010, MDE found that JPS violated fed-

cuffed to their desks for hours for behavior infractions.

In danger of losing its accreditation status, the district was on probation until the threat was lifted in 2014, the second year of Gray’s tenure. Now, the district again faces the possibility of probation, with a state audit claiming that JPS has violated 22 out of 32 accreditation standards, including process Standard 22, which cites the Capital City Alternative School for not providing appropriate services to students with IEPs.

“It’s easy to lead in a place free of challenges, but when you’re leading a school district that serves the scholars we serve that don’t have the benefit of early childhood education, all of them don’t have the benefit of summers off at a summer resort,” Gray told the Jackson Free Press in an interview last week.

“Our scholars face the same challenges that you see in urban school districts around the country,” he said. “It’s not a Morgan Freeman movie taking place in our buildings. The issue we get in Jackson is the same thing happens in other districts, even in our surrounding area, and no one says anything about it. We’re the only ones telling on ourselves, as if we want to exploit the bad things.”

Gray also spoke to the fact that his urban district, like so many others around the country, is not unique in its struggle.

“JPS struggles more than any other district in the state with penetrating the atmosphere with the great news as opposed to the other,” Gray said. “I talk to superintendents across the country, from Compton to Charlotte. We have the same issues. We have fights on buses, kids coming late to school, we have all of these things that go on. We hurt ourselves. We shoot ourselves in the foot here in Jackson because for some reason or another, we just want to talk bad about JPS.”

Urban districts are usually victim to a complex web of societal factors that limit their success­. The Response to Intervention, or RTI Action Network, a program focused on data-driven approaches to improving student learning, writes: “urban school districts are frequently marked by higher concentrations of poverty, greater racial and ethnic diversity, larger concentrations of immigrant populations and linguistic diversity, and more frequent rates of student mobility.”

But, as RTI points out, diversity is not the issue, so much as it is indicative of a wide range of intersecting inequalities, like the vestiges of systemic racism and class differences plaguing the city, county or state in which the district is located.

These factors affect the school districts on every level­, including how likely it is that students will be able to afford lunch. The wealth of the district also affects how likely it is the district can find and retain highly qualified employees to live nearby and work.

Despite overarching systemic issues, the district sees academic success, and is home to competitive scholars, top-ranked schools and other honors, but Gray is steadfast the entire district will one day be an “A” one. He says the biggest help to him as a superintendent would be constructive, not destructive criticism from the public. “I don’t know a diplomatic way of putting it. But if you’re not going to help, don’t hurt,” Gray said. “Don’t say things about the district and you’re not fully informed about that which you’re talking. If you haven’t been in one of schools, visited and walked through one of our buildings, don’t talk about what you don’t understand. ”

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

by Sierra Mannie

Sierra Mannie is an education reporting fellow with the Jackson Free Press and The Hechinger Report. Email her at sierra@ 13 jacksonfreepress.com.

Black, Gay and Christian: Balancing the Equality Scale

I

am black, Christian, genderqueer and gay. I chose to be neither the former, nor the latter; it is a gift. None of my identities contradicts the other, despite which agenda society is currently pushing.

I am often faced with the decision of which oppression to overcome first.

What good is it to have the ability to marry the person of my choosing if we are more likely to be incarcerated than our white counterparts? Is it really progression to be protected as an African American if I am not protected as a gay American? Although the answers to these questions may lie at the end of pi, they are ever-present in the lives of double or triple minorities.

As a self-proclaimed advocate, I often ask myself which I fight for first.

Which of my minorities is more important? In order to efficiently dissect this unfair but realistic question, I must look back to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

I need to be safe first as a black, gay, genderqueer man. So, please pardon me if I am more passionate about the reformation and regulation of policing and the criminal-justice system than I am about marriage equality for all. I think it is tasty ear sugar to say that African Americans are equal, but the incarceration rates and diminishing strength of affirmative action shows otherwise. Is it acceptable to highlight one minority’s struggle for a comparable quality of life while another minority is being lawfully enslaved at alarming rates?

To be clear, all injustice must cease. However, as a black man, I honestly feel slighted that one of the most privileged populations found one way they are not privileged, and that “struggle” supersedes the headlines of police killing African Americans with little recourse. Because of my rearing, the thought of marriage manifests after I am safe, educated, employed and have some form of wealth.

Each of those steps is a struggle for people who look like me. Consequently, progression that seemingly affects the same gender-loving individuals equally does not do so in reality. The quality of life means nothing to a corpse.

It is important to note that while I understand the multiple means of oppression as a black, gay, Christian, genderqueer man, I also understand the slight privilege I have. There is a population that has been enslaved by her captor, raped by her owner, hypersexualized by her rapist, robbed of her offspring by economics, helped by her oppressor, handicapped by her helper and beaten by everyone.

When will she see equality?

No inequality should exist. There should be no conversation about who is oppressed more or who should be liberated first. In reality, however, it feels as if only one stride can be made at a time. It is painful to be picked last for the team when the team means equality.

Ryvell D. Fitzpatrick is the legal intern for the ACLU of Mississippi and a student at the Howard University School of Law.

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

“law and order”

14

“When you see a law enforcement officer, thank them. Without law and order, civilized society crumbles. #NCF16”

— Gov. Phil Bryant

Why it stinks: We agree with the governor that “law and order” matters in a civilized society. But his implication that people who are against over-policing and bad, violent cops are against all police officers stinks. We can all work toward a fair, orderly, inviting state (for all) and still hold cops accountable.

We Need Leadership, Organization, Openness

I

n his State of the City address last week, Mayor Tony Yarber promised “momentum” from the City of Jackson. This, of course, may be difficult for many Jackson residents to believe, considering the problems with contracts, infrastructure, potholes, a budget crisis and too much in-fighting between the mayor and council, not to mention the mayor’s political supporters and detractors.

In interviews with the Jackson Free Press recently, Yarber emphasized that his administration inherited many problems. They did: the infrastructure has been crumbling for years; Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. used to talk about it constantly, but it wasn’t sexy enough then for many residents to care about. And none of us paid close enough attention, or were provided full information, in order to monitor the so-called solutions to those problems, including the Siemens contract and use of 1-percent sales-tax funds—problems that the Johnson, Lumumba and Yarber administration have shared.

Yarber also talked about a fall in crime and gave the Jackson Police Department full credit for it. We were reminded of a recent ride-along with Yarber through west and south Jackson when he talked extensively about how our violent-crime challenges—which a 2016 BOTEC report boiled down to 225 most-at-risk young people in Jackson Public Schools—can’t be met by elected officials or the police alone. We contend that falling crime cannot be credited to the police alone, either.

The mayor also talked about the need for systemic organization and long-range planning on all fronts, pointing to efforts by former Public Works Director Keisha Powell to develop a smart infra-

structure plan that didn’t just respond to the typical uninformed gotcha journalism that dominates much city coverage. We had grown to appreciate Powell’s approach after an in-depth conversion with her, but she left for greener pastures in Atlanta, Ga. We agree with the mayor that Jackson needs to get organized. As we have unfolded our ongoing “Preventing Violence” series (jfp.ms/preventingviolence) to look closely at causes and solutions for crime, especially for those 225 young people, it strikes us that many of the solutions, although wellmeaning, do happen in what Yarber called “silos.”

We also agree with him that Jackson residents have a really bad habit of believing that our elected officials should fix all our problems for us.

What we actually need is leadership, organization, transparency, and a whole lot less defensiveness and infighting from our leaders. We need to see independence from their campaign supporters from day one—a public struggle that clearly hurt Yarber’s ability to lead the city from the beginning.

We like a lot of what we’re hearing now from Yarber—and the fact that he has put his own defensiveness aside and developed a tougher skin for real questioning that goes deep into solutions. We can see that he is trying to lead his own administration on that front as well and focus on what needs to happen rather than allowing his team to lead with ego and get their feelings hurt by criticism.

As the mayoral election unfolds, we want to see more of this—from Yarber and his opponents.

The only mayor any of us should elect is one with a laser focus on getting our city organized to solve our problems together. We need real leadership now.

CORRECTION: In the “The Rights of Working People” column (Vol. 14, Issue 48, Aug. 3-9, it was Christian Hutin who met with workers at the Nissan plant, not Carlos Ghosn.

Katherine Day On Depression and Suicide

EDITORIAL Assistant Editor Amber Helsel Engagement Editor Onelia Hawa Reporters Arielle Dreher,Tim Summers Jr. Education Reporting Fellow Sierra Mannie JFP Daily Editor Dustin Cardon Music Editor Micah Smith Events Listings Editor Latasha Willis Editorial Assistant Adria Walker Writers Bryan Flynn, Genevieve Legacy, Danie Matthews, LaTonya Miller, Greg Pigott, Julie Skipper Editorial Interns Morgan Gallon, Onelia Hawa, Tiffanie Heron, Christopher Peace, De’Aris Rhymes, Amber Taylor, Shelby Scott Harris, Kelsee Davis, Brooke Dutton Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Art Director Kristin Brenemen Advertising Designer Zilpha Young Staff Photographer Imani Khayyam ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Kimberly Griffin Sales and Marketing Consultant Myron Cathey Sales Assistant Mary Osborne BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS Distribution Manager Richard Laswell Distribution Raymond Carmeans, Clint Dear, Michael McDonald, Ruby Parks Assistant to the CEO Inga-Lill Sjostrom Operations Consultant David Joseph ONLINE Web Editor Dustin Cardon Web Designer Montroe Headd

CONTACT US: Letters letters@jacksonfreepress.com Editorial editor@jacksonfreepress.com Queries submissions@jacksonfreepress.com Listings events@jacksonfreepress.com Advertising ads@jacksonfreepress.com Publisher todd@jacksonfreepress.com News tips news@jacksonfreepress.com Fashion style@jacksonfreepress.com Jackson Free Press 125 South Congress Street, Suite 1324 Jackson, Mississippi 39201 Editorial (601) 362-6121 Sales (601) 362-6121 Fax (601) 510-9019 Daily updates at jacksonfreepress.com

The Jackson Free Press is the city’s awardwinning, locally owned newsweekly, reaching over 35,000 readers per week via more than 600 distribution locations in the Jackson metro area— and an average of over 35,000 visitors per week at www.jacksonfreepress.com. The Jackson Free Press is free for pick-up by readers; one copy per person, please. First-class subscriptions are available for $100 per year for postage and handling.

The Jackson Free Press welcomes thoughtful opinions. The views expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the publisher or management of Jackson Free Press Inc. © Copyright 2016 Jackson Free Press Inc. All Rights Reserved

A

fter watching a recent episode of “Being Mary Jane” that dealt with suicide, I can’t help but think of my own experiences with depression and those, including myself, who have contemplated or successfully carried out the deed. In the wake of losing loved ones, we often think about what we could have done in the end to prevent it. As a culture seemingly obsessed with ourselves, it is no wonder why those who feel left out or even left behind choose to leave. But are our feelings genuine? What are we really sorry for?

In the episode, Mary Jane Paul (Gabrielle Union) loses her childhood friend Lisa (Latarsha Rose) to suicide. Lisa led a full life, but because she was unlucky in love and relationships, she decided to end it. This may be a gross over-simplification, but it’s one I understand. To some extent, I believe suicide to be a completely selfish act, but on the other hand, when it seems that there may not be one person on the earth willing to go to bat for you—to take a stand for you—what do you do?

Today I know that particular reality to be a farce. Yes, I find myself surrounded by people so seemingly caught up with their own wants and desires that my genuine desire for companionship seems to go overlooked. But the reality is that all relationships take work, and I can’t for one second believe that cold, harsh reality is all there is. It is not. Maybe you believe that it will not get better, but I know for a fact that the individual faced with this choice can.

I’ve gone through several “upheavals” in my life, where everyone who has ever loved me seemed to have fallen away.

I appeared to have sailed away from them as if venturing on some trip unintended for anyone I know or knew. It was and is a rediscovering. We once believed the world was flat, and I am under no delusions that the first trip to prove otherwise wasn’t marked by extreme bouts of fear, regret, anger, hopelessness or even desertion. But those who stayed the course opened the world’s eye to an entirely new and different perspective.

I use this analogy to say this: Enduring this period of what I call #offroading has taught me much. It has taught me that a lack of love or approval does not make me unlovable, un-live-with-able, nor unworthy. Even though as a woman, this strength sometimes proves to be a catch-22, especially here in the South.

It’s like being forced to train as a Spar-

tan while simultaneously being enrolled in a European finishing school for ladies in waiting. This “struggle” seems almost unbearable, as if the universe intends to make me something not human. But human I am (at least, I like to think so).

We all want to be accepted, but what are we applying for? What exactly is it that we are seeking? Some might simply say the truth, but lies are often too easy to come by and far too lucrative. On another show I watch, “Lie To Me,” the main character Dr. Cal Lightman, which Tim Roth plays, once said, “I assume everyone is lying. The trick is finding out what they are lying about.” I’m not quite this cynical but close enough. The trick, though, is focusing on my own truth. This is laughable in the sense that every day I seem to be learning something new about my past, which in turn shapes the way I view my present and my projections for my future. But this unknowingness has been my best friend at times, because if I don’t know, how can you? Either way, when seeking, one must be careful not to focus too hard on the outside.

This world isn’t pretty—it’s beautiful!

This is not some “Kumbaya,” peaceful, fly-on-the-wind idea. It’s actually quite radical. In a time where social media is lord over how people see themselves, how they see themselves is often based on how others see them. “If you don’t like my picture, I must not be likable, and if no one likes me, I should probably just end it.”

It’s silly, but true to some varying degree. But what it’s not is an excuse to end my time on this earth.

A friend once shared with me that when she has had thoughts of suicide, she simply asked, “Why?” And for every answer, she would write down the solution. I’ve done a similar thing in my life.

When I’m faced with a problem, be it someone I don’t like, a job I hate, whatever, instead of feeling stuck and defeated about the choice or choices I’ve made, it’s now more of an “OK, now what?”

Living in a way in which I’m intending to solve my problems instead of succumbing to them puts me in a position to actually affect a positive turnout to the things I don’t like about my life. So to my friends that have left this world for whatever reasons, by whatever means, thanks for hanging around.

Katherine E. Day, an author, filmmaker and designer, is a Mississippi native.

She loves traveling, adventures and gardening. She writes occasional JFP columns.

Thanks for hanging around.

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In compliance with the following: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Dr. Debra Mays-Jackson, Vice President for Administrative Services, 34175 Hwy. 18, Utica, MS 39175, 601.885.7002; Dr. Tyrone Jackson, Associate Vice President for Student Services & Title IX Coordinator, Box 1100, Raymond Campus (Denton Hall 221), Raymond, MS 39154, 601.857.3232 titleIX@hindscc.edu

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LIFE&STYLE | food&drink

Growing Organic

by Julie Skipper

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Since 2014, Yowell has leased three acres at Livingston for The Garden Farmacy.

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August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

A

t a recent Fondren’s First Thursday, Taylor Yowell set up a booth along State Street to sell vegetables, including yellow and green squash with a pronounced line between the two colors. Yowell said it was a zucchini-squash hybrid called a zephyr squash that he grew on his farm in Madison County, The Garden Farmacy, along with herbs and other vegetables.

Like his vegetables—mostly heirlooms but also creative hybrids of familiar things— Yowell’s livelihood and life itself is one grown through cultivating a wide range of unusual experiences and bringing them back home to where he started.

Yowell, 29, grew up in Madison, where he graduated from Madison Central High School in 2005. After attending Jones County Junior College and studying civilengineering technology, he got a job with Warnock & Associates engineering firm. In 2011, he became interested in improving his health and developed an interest in wholefood nutrition.

As he tried to find foods that would do that, Yowell became “curious about how to grow and provide (that) product and acquire it,” he told the Jackson Free Press. Ultimately, he decided to learn how to do it for himself and started researching organic farming.

Four years ago, he took a leap of faith to figure out how to start a farm. He found organic ones around the country and sent resumes far and wide in the hope that one would offer him a chance to work and learn.

After three weeks of phone interviews with Greenfire Farm in Hoopa, Calif., he was offered an apprenticeship, so he put in his two weeks notice with Warnock, packed his car and drove to California in 2011.

Yowell spent the next two years on several farms. After Greenfire Farm, he worked at Rolling River Farm, a homestead where he learned techniques of year-round farming. “When you homestead, you not only produce product to sell, you live off the land yourself, so we were milking goats, raising chickens, ducks and turkeys, and growing orchards of fruit trees,” he said.

Yowell also spent time in Richmond, Va., volunteering on the farm at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.

He returned to Mississippi in 2014 to work with farmer Will Reed at Native Son Farm in Tupelo while traveling back and forth between that farm and his mother’s house in Madison, all the while look for land to lease in the Jackson metro area.

He met developer David Landrum in Madison, and when Landrum shared his vision for the Livingston development having a farm that grows the food for the restaurants, he knew he wanted to be a part of it.

Taylor Yowell opened The Garden Farmacy in 2014.

Livingston, and Lou’s Full-Serv and Babalu Tacos & Tapas), as well as farmers markets.

He recently started a community-supported agriculture, or CSA, that runs for 16 weeks in the spring and summer and 12 weeks in the fall. It offers home delivery or pick-up and has become an important part of his business plan.

Long-term, he wants to diversify his operation and include not only vegetables, but also fruit trees, flowers and herbs. He will also expand the operation by transitioning his Livingston property to pure row-crop farming while homesteading on six acres and a farmhouse he recently purchased outside Clinton in Hinds County.

“It’s a dream come true,” he said, but he said it’s also both physically difficult and financially a challenge to make a living because it’s a solo endeavor.

“I’m doing it all by myself,” he said.

Despite the challenge, Yowell loves farming. “Practicing what I’ve learned in distant places and bringing it literally down the road from where I went to high school, and trying new crops and techniques here” made that leap of faith four years ago worthwhile, he said.

The Garden Farmacy (116 Church Road, Madison, 769-226-6700) will host Okra Fest, a free family-friendly event that will feature garden tours, local vendors and more on Aug. 14 beginning at 3:30 p.m. to dark. For more information, find the farm on Facebook.

T

his could be one of the most unpredictable college-football seasons in recent memory. Questions surround nearly every college team in Mississippi as the season approaches.

Who will replace arguably the greatest quarterback in Mississippi State University history, Dak Prescott, with him now in the NFL? Can the University of Mississippi replace three first-round draft picks and finally win the SEC West? Will the University of Southern Mississippi continue to build on last season’s success and the foundation that former head coach Todd Monken laid for new head coach Jay Hopson? Is Tony Hughes the man to bring Jackson State University back to the top of SWAC? Can Fred McNair keep quarterback Lenorris Footman and the rest of the Alcorn State University Braves at the top of the SWAC now that Hopson is at USM?

Is this the season when all the hard work pays off for head coach Rick Comegy at Mississippi Valley State University? Can Delta State University keep quarterback Tyler Sullivan healthy and avoid a mid-season collapse? Is Mississippi College finally ready to compete at the Division II level?

Will Millsaps College have its first winning season since 2013? Will Belhaven University adjust to Division III this season? Is this the year that Hinds Community College or Holmes Community College will reach the top of the junior college ranks?

We’ll soon have the answers to all that and more.

Head coach: Tony Hughes (0-0 record, first season as head coach) 2015 record: 3-8 overall (3-6 SWAC)

This Season Overview

JSU hired Mississippi State University assistant head coach, safeties coach and recruiting coordinator Tony Hughes as the Ti-

gers’ new head coach in December. Hughes is the fourth head coach for the program in four years.

The 56-year-old career assistant is finally getting his shot at being a head coach— and possibly his last chance. Because of the quick rate of turnover at the position, Hughes needs to be given time if there are signs of success. He will be playing mainly with players left over from the Rick Comegy and Jackson era. The current coach has only brought in one recruiting class. If he can keep the losses close and win some games, though, it will help keep the rumbling down in year one.

The good news for Hughes is that the Tigers have eight returning starters on defense and nine returning starters on offense, including quarterback LaMontiez Ivy, wide receiver Daniel Williams, and offensive linemen Frank Carter and Markus Cook.

Linebacker and defensive end Javancy Jones is the star of the defense. Last season, Jones had 91 total tackles and nine sacks.

Defensive tackle Cornelius Henderson will join him on the front seven.

2016 Outlook

After 31 years as an assistant coach, Hughes is more than ready to take on the challenges of rebuilding the Jackson State program. The Forest, Miss., native had been at MSU since 2009 and also coached at the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Mississippi and Louisiana Tech University, so he knows the recruiting area as well as any coach.

The Tigers open with two tough road games at the University of Nevada in Las

Charles A. Smith, JSU Athletics

Last Season Recap

Fans hoped that Jackson State would turn things around after Harold Jackson’s first season ended with a 5-7 record. The Tigers had plenty of talent returning and should have gotten better in a second season under the same coaches.

It was a bit of shock that Middle Tennessee State University beat JSU by 56 points in a 70-14 loss. While the Tigers were hardly expected to win, it didn’t seem like they would lose by that wide of a margin.

Things didn’t get much better for JSU after a 10-point loss to Tennessee State University and a 19-point loss to Southern University, starting the season 0-3. The losing streak ended with a 34-30 win over Texas Southern University.

With a 6-11 record, Jackson was done as JSU head coach during the bye week after a 32-point defeat in a 59-27 loss to rival Grambling State University. Wide receivers coach Derrick McCall was named interim coach for the rest of the season.

McCall lost 22-28 to Alabama A&M University in his first game as head coach.

The season turned around for a bit with two straight wins over the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Mississippi Valley State University. JSU couldn’t complete a turnaround, as the Tigers lost the final three games to Alabama State, Prairie View A&M University and Alcorn State. This is the first time that the JSU Tigers had back-to-back losing seasons since 2003 to 2005.

Radio: 95.5 WHLH FM Stadium: Veterans Memorial Stadium

place MVSU, which averaged 100 yards per game. Being able to run the ball will take pressure off Ivy and help the Tigers increase their time in possession. It will also help the defense get rest.

Prediction

Javancy Jones

Vegas and Tennessee State University. The team also has a four-game stretch with ones against Grambling State, a neutral-site game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and two home games against Mississippi Valley State and Southern University. That stretch is going to make or break the Tigers’ season. All four should be games that JSU can win.

The rest of the season ends with three road games against Texas Southern University, Alabama State and Alcorn State. Sandwiched in between the road games are two home face-offs against Prairie View A&M and Alabama A&M University.

One thing that could help the Tigers win more games is to get the rushing attack going. Last season, JSU was ninth in the SWAC in rushing with just 101.1 yards per game, barely beating 10th

JSU needs to score more points on offense after averaging just 22.9 points per game, and the defense needs more stops after giving up 34.4 points per game. The Tigers also need to commit fewer penalties after averaging 86.6 yards per game, the highest in the SWAC last year.

This season will be a success if JSU finds a way to win seven or more games.

That doesn’t seem likely, but it’s not impossible with the returning talent.

A disaster of a season would be to start out 0-3 or 0-4 and finish with only two or three wins, as the fan base will turn after the excitement of a new head coach dies down. It would be a major shock if the season unfolds this way, though.

This feels like a 4-7, 5-6, 6-5 or 7-4 year. The team should reach four wins at the bottom and seven wins at best. The slow process of returning to the top of the SWAC begins now.

Schedule

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

by Bryan Flynn For more coverage, check out jfp.ms/2016footballpreview

Sept. 1 @ UNLV; Sept. 10 @ Tennessee State; Sept. 17 Grambling State; Sept. 24 Arkansas-Pine Bluff (neutral site); Oct. 1 Mississippi Valley State; Oct. 15 Southern; Oct. 22 @ Texas Southern; Oct. 29 Prairie View A&M; Nov. 5 @ Alabama State; Nov. 12 Alabama A&M; Nov. 19 @ Alcorn State 23

For more coverage, check out jfp.ms/2016footballpreview

Last Season Recap

For USM fans, it must have seemed like forever since the Golden Eagles had a winning season. Since bottoming out in 2012, USM won just four games before last year.

In the 2015 season, the team won nine games and the C-USA West title, and went to a bowl game for the first time since 2011.

After the first six games and the team’s 3-3 record, it didn’t seem like the team would succeed, but USM reeled off six straight wins. The team finished with losses to Western Kentucky University in the CUSA Championship Game and the University of Washington in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Then, head coach Todd Monken left to become offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. USM hired Alcorn State University head coach Jay Hopson.

This Season Overview

The good news for Southern Miss is that quarterback Nick Mullens is returning.

His development into one of the conference’s top quarterbacks is a big reason why USM was able to turn the corner last year.

Now for the bad news: Mullens won’t have either of the team’s top pass-catching

threats this season, as receivers Mike Thomas and Casey Martin are gone. Between the two, they caught 151 passes for 2,316 yards and 21 touchdowns. USM also lost 1,000yard rusher Jalen Richard. However, fellow 1,000-yard rusher Ito Smith is returning to the team. Both guards and center return this season, but the team needs to find two new offensive tackles. It will be important to get those two positions right so Mullens is protected from edge rushers.

Some key pieces to last year’s defense are gone for the Golden Eagles: defensive end Michael Smith, linebacker Brian Anderson and cornerback Kalan Reed. Defensive tackle Dylan Bradley will be the star of the defense this season. Linebacker is the position where USM must find playmakers.

2016 Outlook

The Golden Eagles have seven starters returning on offense and six on defense. As long as Mullens and Smith can put up numbers, the offense should be fine. The defense will have to be slightly rebuilt, but the team should have options.

Last season, the Golden Eagles beat up on weaker opponents but struggled against some of the better teams they played. If this

USM Athletics

Head coach: Tony Hughes (0-0 record, first season as head coach) 2015 record: 3-8 overall (3-6 SWAC)

Ito Smith

team is going to take the next step, it is going to have to make improvements when challenging those better teams.

The schedule is not daunting but does have some tough games. Opening against the University of Kentucky will tell a lot about this team. A game-seven date at LSU is the only game on the schedule that looks like a certain loss. An out-of-conference game Head Coach: Dan Mullen (55-35 overall, all at MSU, entering eighth season) 2015 Record: 9-4 overall (4-4 SEC)

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

Kelly Price/MSU Athletics

Last Season Recap

Last season was a swan song Dan Mullen for quarterback Dak Prescott and the Bulldogs. The team won nine games and finished with a 51-28 win over North Carolina State University in the Belk Bowl.

The team didn’t have any shocking losses or wins last season.

MSU beat every team that it was supposed to beat but lost to each ranked team on the schedule.

Several previews and predictions guessed the Bulldogs would slip after their 10-win campaign Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz went to during the 2014-2015 season. Instead, the University of Miami in Florida. DefenPrescott willed the team to nine wins, be- sive tackle Chris Jones, linebacker Beniquez coming the main offensive force.

Brown, cornerback Will Redmond and oth Under Dan Mullen, MSU beating the ers have gone to the NFL or graduated. teams the Bulldogs should beat has become Even with the departures, the cupboard the norm each season. The next step will be isn’t bare. Plenty of returning players have exwinning when the odds aren’t in their favor. perience. The offense returns seven starters, and the defense returns six starters. On ofThis Season Overview fense, the star of the show could be wide re Now that Prescott is with the Dallas ceiver Fred Ross. Quarterback Nick FitzgerCowboys, who will lead this team and be- ald saw some action last season, so that could come the main playmaker? Prescott isn’t the come in handy if Mullen names him the only member of the Bulldogs offense who is starter. The defense returns defensive end gone, either. Wide receivers De’Runnya Wil- A.J. Jefferson, defensive tackle Nick James son and Fred Brown left. and linebacker Richie Brown. Last season’s 24 Key departures also hit the defense. kicker and punter also return.

2016 Outlook MSU lost several key players but returns a strong core. The players who haven’t started were part of the rotation over the last couple of seasons. If the Bulldogs can match last year’s production, they should be able to keep the team in most games. Fitzgerald looks to have the early lead as the starter this season, but Mullen has options if he needs to make a change.

But no matter who starts at quarterback, the Bulldogs must get more out of the running game. Last season, MSU was No. 103 in the nation in rushing. Prescott was the team’s leading rusher with 588 yards.

If Brandon Holloway, Ashton Shumpert and Aeris Williams can provide more of a running attack, it will help ease the transition to a new quarterback.

Ross leads a receiving unit with Malik Dear, Gabe Myles and Donald Grey returning. They have to produce more this season, as they take on an added roles.

As the team breaks in a new quarterback, taking care of the ball on offense and forcing turnovers on defense will be key. Last season, the Bulldogs had 23 fumbles and lost 13 of those. Add the five interceptions, and the Bulldogs had 18 turnovers. The Bulldogs caused 13 fumbles for their opponents, only

Radio: 95.5 WHLH FM Stadium: Veterans Memorial Stadium

against Troy University could be tough. The final regular game of the season against Louisiana Tech University could be for the West Division title.

Prediction

Unless this team flashes back to 2012, it seems unlikely that USM won’t win at least six games. It should actually be easy to win eight or nine games.

Except for the LSU game, the other 11 games on the schedule are winnable. USM plays half their games at home, so defending “The Rock” could give this team enough wins to earn a spot in a good bowl game.

After the last coaching change, if USM fans are holding their breath, who could blame them? But Hopson worked wonders at Alcorn State with limited resources. Expect for this team to go bowling for a second year in a row.

Schedule Sept. 3 @ Kentucky; Sept. 10 Savannah State; Sept. 17 Troy; Sept. 24 @ UTEP; Oct. 1 Rice; Oct. 8 @ UTSA; Oct. 15 LSU; Oct. 29 Marshall; Nov. 5 Charlotte; Nov. 12 @ Old Dominion; Nov. 19 @ North Texas; Nov. 25 Louisiana Tech Radio: 105.9 WRKS FM Stadium: Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field

recovering one, but they did have 13 interceptions for 14 total takeaways.

Prediction

MSU starts out with the University of South Alabama before facing the University of South Carolina at home and LSU on the road. The Bulldogs can’t afford to lose both those games before the schedule gets to a good streak of winnable games at colleges such as the University of Massachusetts and the University of Kentucky. The schedule will end on a tough stretch with Texas A&M University at home, Alabama on the road, the University of Arkansas at home and UM on the road. Getting a split out of that stretch will help with MSU’s bowl potential.

This season will be a disappointment if the team bottoms out and loses every SEC game. Still, six wins and a bowl game should be attainable. Seven to eight wins looks likely to be tops in this semi-rebuilding year.

Schedule Sept. 3 South Alabama; Sept. 10 South Carolina; Sept. 17 @ LSU; Sept. 24 @ UMass; Oct. 8 Auburn; Oct. 14 BYU; Oct. 22 @ Kentucky; Oct. 29 Samford; Nov. 5 Texas A&M; Nov. 12 @ Alabama; Nov. 19 Arkansas; Nov. 26 UM see more on page 26

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2016

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b l a z e r s . b e l h a v e n . e d u

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

EAST TEXAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

25

For more coverage, check out jfp.ms/2016footballpreview From page 24

Last Season Recap

Looking back at last season for the Rebels, you have to wonder what it would look like if certain things went differently. That is strange for a team that won 10 games and beat Alabama for the second year in a row.

But what if University of Florida quarterback Will Grier had been suspended before the Rebels met the Gators? Florida’s offense went into the tank after Grier was lost for the season, and it seems almost a given that the Rebels would have stayed undefeated.

The biggest question from last season has to be how the University of Arkansas beat the Rebels. UM had several chances to get the win, including if the Rebels made a stop late in the fourth quarter while they were up by seven points. Arkansas scored a touchdown, forcing overtime. The Rebels then scored again in the overtime. Facing a fourth-and-25 situation, the Razorbacks used a lateral play to get a first down in overtime.

Arkansas later scored a touchdown and got a face-mask penalty, receiving a second shot at the two-point conversion for the win.

UM’s loss to the Razorbacks gave Alabama the SEC West title and allowed the Crimson Tide to play for and win the national title. If things had been different, it

is easy to believe that the Rebels could have finished the season at least as SEC West champions and possibly stayed undefeated.

This Season OutlookThe The Rebels have to replace wide receiver Laquon Treadwell, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche. UM needs to find five new offensive linemen because all the starters of the Sugar Bowl win are gone. The Rebels must also replace last season’s leading rusher, Jaylen Walton, and last season’s second-leading receiver, Cody Core, among others.

Even with all of the departures, plenty of talent is still left in Oxford. Returning quarterback Chad Kelly is the biggest factor for optimism for this season. Both returning running backs Jordan Wilkins and Akeem Judd saw action last season. Wide receivers Quincy Adeboyejo, Damore’ea Stringfellow, Derrick Jones and Markell Pack return this season but must step up to replace Treadwell’s and Core’s production. Tight end Evan Engram should be a major force in the passing attack. Highly rated recruit Greg Little is expected to step in right away to help an offensive line that has few players with game experience. Defensive ends Fadol Brown and

Small Schools Alcorn State University Braves

Head Coach: Fred McNair (0-0 record, first season as a head coach) 2015 Record: 9-4 (7-2 SWAC) Stadium: Spinks-Casem Stadium

Last Season Recap

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

Alcorn had a rough start last season with a 69-6 blowout loss to Georgia Institute of Technology. ASU bounced back with four straight wins by an average 34.5 points per game.

Grambling State University slipped by the Braves in a 35-34 overtime win. ASU returned with a 48-7 win over Southern University before Prairie View A&M beat the Braves 40-34.

The Braves came back with another four wins and beat Grambling State 49-21 in the SWAC Championship. ASU earned a berth in the first Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, where North Carolina A&T State University won 41-34.

This Season Overview

After the season, the USM hired Alcorn head coach Jay Hopson to fill its vacancy. ASU hired Fred McNair, a former star player who spent four seasons as assistant coach and quarterback coach. Now, McNair is tasked with continuing Hopson’s work, which led to two SWAC Championships.

The good news is that he has many returning players including quarterback Lenorris Footman, who stepped in after John Gibbs Jr. was injured, running back Arron Baker, wide receivers Marquis Warford and Brandon Campbell, and line26 men Stacey Garner and Mike Brooks Jr., among others.

Joshua McCoy, University of Mississippi Athletics

Head coach: Hugh Freeze (64-25 overall, 34-18 at UM, entering fifth season) 2015 record: 10-3 overall (6-2 SEC)

Radio: 97.3 WFMN FM Stadium: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

Chad Kelly

Marquis Hayes, who tied a school record with 10 sacks, both return. Linebacker DeMarquis Gates will lead a rebuilt unit.

2016 Outlook

In the first eight games, the Rebels will face FSU at a neutral site and will host Alabama, the University of Georgia and the University of Memphis before hitting the road to face Arkansas and Louisiana State University, finally returning home to take on Auburn University. The Rebels finish the season with back-to-back road games against Texas A&M University and Vanderbilt University before playing at home against MSU.

That is a tough schedule for a team trying to rebuild its offensive line.

Prediction Eight wins is possible with the talent that this team has on its roster. There is no reason, barring an injury to Kelly, that this team won’t go to a bowl game.

The opening stretch of games is a cause for worry if the offensive line struggles or if the defense doesn’t play close to last season’s level, but if the offensive line plays great and the defense is solid, this team could beat the Seminoles, Crimson Tide and Georgia.

A 10-win season seems like a stretch right now, but that would make this year a major success. Eight wins are within reach for this team. Anything less than six wins would make this season a disappointment.

Schedule Sept. 5 Florida State (neutral site); Sept.

10 Wofford; Sept. 17 Alabama; Sept. 24 Georgia; Oct. 1 Memphis; Oct. 15 @ Arkansas; Oct. 22 @ LSU; Oct. 29 Auburn; Nov. 5 Georgia Southern; Nov. 12 @ Texas A&M; Nov. 19 @ Vanderbilt; Nov. 26 Mississippi State

by Bryan Flynn

Schedule

Sept. 4 @ Bethune-Cookman, Sept. 10 Alabama State, Sept.

15 Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Sept. 24 @ Grambling State, Oct. 1 @ Arkansas, Oct. 8 @ Alabama A&M, Oct. 15 Texas Southern, Oct. 29 Southern, Nov. 5 @ Prairie View A&M, Nov. 12 @ Mississippi Valley State, Nov. 19 Jackson State

field this season. The early front-runner for quarterback looks to be Slade Jarman, and he needs to get the ball to star return man and wide receiver Booker Chambers. The secondary could be one of the best in conference with cornerbacks Marquis Green and Farrean Toney.

Schedule

Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils

Head Coach: Rick Comegy (176-105 overall, 3-19 entering third season at MVSU) 2015 Season: 1-10 overall (1-8 SWAC) Stadium: Rice-Totten Stadium

Sept. 2 @ Eastern Michigan, Sept. 10 Alabama A&M, Sept.

17 @ Texas Southern, Sept. 24 Prairie View A&M, Oct. 1 @ Jackson State, Oct. 8 @ Montana, Oct. 15 @ Alabama State, Oct. 22 @ Grambling State, Nov. 5 @ Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Nov. 12 Alcorn State, Nov. 19 @ Southern

Delta State University Statesmen Last Season Recap

The Delta Devils opened last season with a 66-0 loss to the University of New Mexico, and it didn’t get much better. Southern University, Alcorn State, Alabama State, Jacksonville State, Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern and Grambling State all beat MVSU. After falling to a 0-9 record, MVSU notched its only win of the season, beating Alabama A&M 27-24 in overtime. MVSU ended the season with a 25-19 loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

This Season Overview

The building job at MSVU took a step back last season.

Rick Comegy should begin to see mostly his recruits on the

Head Coach: Todd Cooley (22-10 overall, all at DSU entering fourth season) 2015 Record: 6-5 overall (2-5 GSC) Stadium: Parker Field-McCool Stadium

Last Season Recap

The 2015 season had all the makings of something great for Delta State. The Statesmen ranked in the top 25 and opened with a four wins to start the season, but they lost their first conference bout 41-37 to the Florida Institute of Technology. The Statesmen bounced back to win 38-17 over Shorter University. DSU went on a four-game losing streak before closing with a win over Mississippi College.

For more coverage, check out jfp.ms/2016footballpreview

This Season Outlook

DSU starts a healthy Sullivan this season, though backup Tyler Cameron got experience after Sullivan went down with a collarbone injury. Leading rusher D’Juan Bellaire returns and will spend time at running back. DSU will replace five leading wide receivers from last year, but the team will have lineman Sifa Fanau and a strong secondary.

Delta State also had some staffing shake-ups. Defensive coordinator Lanier Goethie left for Louisiana Tech University. Head coach Todd Cooley hired Arkansas Tech University’s Raleigh Jackson, who will have to improve a defense that gave up 401.6 yards per game.

Millsaps College Majors

Schedule

Last Season Recap

Sept. 1 Millsaps, Sept. 10 @ Wisconsin-Whitewater, Sept. 17 @ Huntingdon College, Oct. 1 East Texas Baptist, Oct. 8 @ Sul Ross State, Oct. 15 McMurry, Oct. 22 @ Louisiana College, Oct. 29 Hardin-Simmons, Nov. 5 Mary Hardin-Baylor, Nov. 12 @ Howard Payne

Head Coach: Aaron Pelch (32-27 overall, all at Millsaps entering seventh season) 2015 Record: 3-7 overall (2-6 SAA) Stadium: Harper Davis Field

The season started out hopeful for Millsaps with a 5223 win over in-town rival Belhaven University. After that win, the wheels fell off. The Majors went on a seven-game losing streak with blowout losses to the University of Mary HardinBaylor, Centre College, Birmingham Southern College and Washington University in St. Louis. Millsaps bounced back with two wins over Sewanee and Rhodes College.

Hinds Community College Eagles Head Coach: Gene Murphy (170-69-5 overall, 144-48-5 at Hinds entering 30th season) 2015 Record: 6-3 (4-2 conference) Stadium: Joe Renfroe Stadium

Schedule This Season Outlook

Last Season Recap

Millsaps is going to try to avoid its third consecutive losing season and get back to its winning ways. Defense should be a strong point, with safety Jared Bullock, linebacker Hector Sandoval and defensive lineman Alex Foust back this season.

Foust was first-team All-SAA, Sandoval was second-team AllSAA, and Bullock was an honorable mention. Second-team All-SAA offensive lineman Austin Harris and All-SAA honorable-mention receiver Rashad Sims also return.

The Majors begin the season again with Belhaven and face Trinity University, the only team they didn’t face last season. Millsaps begins conference play by going on the longest road trip of the season against Chicago.

It was a season of streaks for Hinds Community College last year. The Eagles started off with three straight wins, including a four-point victory in the season opener against Holmes Community College.

Hinds then went on a three-game losing streak that put its record at 3-3, though one of those was a one-point loss to eventual national champion Northwest Mississippi Community College. The Eagles got back on track in their final three games with another string of victories to end the season.

Schedule

Marcel Newson of Mississippi College

Mississippi College Choctaws

Sept. 1 @ Belhaven, Sept. 10 Trinity University, Sept. 17 @ University of Chicago, Sept. 24 Hendrix College, Oct. 8 @ Centre College, Oct. 15 Birmingham-Southern, Oct. 22 Washington (St. Louis), Oct. 29 @ Berry College, Nov. 5 @ Sewanee, Nov. 12 Rhodes College

Belhaven University Blazers

Head Coach: John Bland (78-43 overall, 3-17 at MC entering third season) 2015 Record: 2-8 overall (0-7 GSC) Stadium: Robinson-Hale Stadium

Head Coach: Hal Mumme 139-136-1 overall, 4-17 at Belhaven entering third season) 2015 Record: 2-8 overall (1-4 ASC) Stadium: H.T. Newell Field

Last Season Recap

Last Season Recap

The Choctaws opened with a 61-6 win over Texas College but lost their next game 34-17 to the University of North Alabama. MC won its final game of the year 42-21 over Belhaven University. The growing pains of transitioning from Division III to Division II showed the rest of the year.

Starting with a 37-0 loss to McNeese State University, the Choctaws lost their final seven games. The first five losses were blowouts, but there was some improvement in the final two losses. In those games, MC lost by 1 point to West Alabama and 8 points to Delta State, respectively.

It was a rough start for a young Blazers team, who lost its first six games, including blowout losses such as a 62-6 loss to the University Wisconsin-Whitewater and a 59-13 loss to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

The team broke through with a 42-33 victory over Warner University to end a 15-game losing streak that dated back to 2014. Belhaven then dropped its next two games to East Texas Baptist University and McMurry University but ended the season with a 12-6 win over Sul Ross State University.

This Season Outlook

This Season Overview

MC is now a full member of Division II and can take part in the postseason. The Choctaws won’t start competing at that level suddenly, of course. There will still be a growing process, but there should still be improvement this season.

The Choctaws have returning players such as quarterback Walker Meadows, running backs Josh Dixon, Colt Freeman and Moregan Sharp, and wide receiver Marcel Newson.

Schedule

Sept. 3 Point University, Sept. 10 @ Florida Tech, Sept. 17 West Alabama, Sept. 24 Cumberland, Sept. 29 @ Delta State, Oct. 8 West Florida, Oct. 15 Valdosta State, Oct. 22 @ West Georgia, Nov. 5 @ Shorter, Nov. 12 North Alabama

Last season, Belhaven was a young team but also a team in the process of moving from NAIA to Division III. The Blazers started freshmen quarterbacks Clayton Webb and Tristan Hibbeler and only had nine seniors on the roster.

For this season, though, Belhaven will bring back most of its leading rushers and receivers. There were 23 juniors and 25 sophomores on the roster last season, and if most of them come back, this squad should have plenty of experience. That means most of the defense should return and hopefully be a better unit than the one that gave up 38.7 points per game.

As Belhaven moves divisions, there will still be some tough times. Head coach Hal Mumme has seen nearly everything in his career, so chances are good that he will get this program on track.

This Season Outlook

Hinds almost always recruits well, and head coach Gene Murphy does an effective job behind the helm each season.

The Eagles will likely be competitive again this year.

Schedule

Sept. 1 Northwest, Sept. 8 Itawamba, Sept. 15 @ Southwest, Sept. 22 Pearl River, Sept. 29 @ Gulf Coast, Oct. 6 Co-Lin, Oct. 15 @ East Central, Oct. 20 Jones, Oct. 27 @ East Mississippi

Holmes Community College

Head Coach: Jeff Koonz (18-27 overall, all at Holmes entering sixth season) 2015 Season: 4-5 overall (3-3 conference) Stadium: Ras Branch Stadium

Last Season Recap

Holmes started with a loss to Hinds before getting a win against Pearl River Community College. The Bulldogs dropped two games in a row to Itawamba Community College and East Central Community College.

The team bounced back with a win over Mississippi Delta Community College before a second two-game losing streak against Northwest Community College and East Mississippi Community College. The season ended on a strong note with wins against Coahoma Community College and Northeast Mississippi Community College.

This Season Outlook

Holmes has been close to turning the corner in the last two years, with several close defeats during both seasons. If the Bulldogs can add just a little more talent, they can make that turn. In our state’s junior-college system, it will be hard to rise too far without bringing in new blood. But that doesn’t mean it’s entirely impossible for either Holmes or Hinds.

Schedule

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

courtesy Mississippi College Athletics

Sept. 1 Kentucky Wesleyan, Sept. 10 Texas A&M-Commerce, Sept. 17 @ West Georgia, Sept. 24 Shorter, Sept. 29 Mississippi College, Oct. 8 @ West Alabama, Oct. 15 West Florida, Oct. 22 @ Valdosta State, Oct. 29 North Alabama, Nov. 12 @ Florida Tech

Sept. 1 @ East Central, Sept. 8 Southwest Mississippi, Sept.

15 Mississippi Delta, Sept. 22 @ Coahoma, Sept. 29 @ Northwest Mississippi, Oct. 6 East Mississippi, Oct 13 CoLin, Oct. 20 @ Northeast Mississippi, Oct. 29 Itawamba 27

THURSDAY 8/11

SATURDAY 8/13

SUNDAY 8/14

The Celebrity Lip Sync Battle & Groove is at The Hideaway.

The Amazing Life of Bats is at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.

The Premier Bridal Summer Show is at the Jackson Convention Complex.

BEST BETS August 10 - 17, 2016

The Jackson 2000 August Luncheon is from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). The New York Times best-selling author Richard Grant (“Dispatches from Pluto”) is the speaker. Attire is casual or business casual. RSVP. $12, $10 members; call 9601500; email todd@jacksonfreepress.com; jackson2000.org.

JB Lawrence

WEDNESDAY 8/10

Jackson singer-songwriter Victoria Fortenberry of Standard Issues performs for the “After the Fact” split EP release party on Friday, Aug. 12, at Sneaky Beans.

THURSDAY 8/11

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

Joy Redmond

Purple Rain: The Event Formerly Known as Storytellers Ball is from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). The Greater Jackson Arts Council’s annual fundraiser includes a silent auction, food and an extensive music lineup. This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Prince. $50; call 601-960-1557; greaterjacksonartscouncil.com.

MS News Now anchor Joy Redmond is the keynote speaker for Stilettos on the Pavement’s “What IF” Women’s Health and Empowerment Conference on Friday, Aug. 12, at the Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University.

FRIDAY 8/12

Stilettos on the Pavement’s “What IF” Women’s Health and Empowerment Conference is at 6 p.m. at the Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). Another Family Gathering is the host.

The keynote speaker is MS News Now anchor Joy Red28 mond. Includes networking, dinner from Chef Nick

Wallace and health vendors. Proceeds benefit Flats on the Pavement for college-age women. Space limited. $55; call 601-699-3123; email contact@anotherfamilygathering. com; stilettosonthepavement.com. … The “After the Fact” EP Release Party is from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St.). Jackson singer-songwriters Alex Fraser and Victoria Fortenberry of Standard Issues perform to promote their split EP, “After the Fact,” on Elegant Trainwreck. Free; find the event on Facebook.

MONDAY 8/15

SATURDAY 8/13

TUESDAY 8/16

Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights is from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Carlisle Street and Kenwood Place, behind McDade’s. The annual street festival includes art and food for sale, music on five stages, children’s activities and a silent auction. Rock Eupora, Cary Hudson, Swing de Paris and more perform. $10 in advance, $15 at the gate; greaterbelhaven.com.

SUNDAY 8/14

by Micah Smith

events@

jacksonfreepress.com Fax: 601-510-9019 Daily updates at jfpevents.com

STRUT (Standing Together in Royalty, Unity and Truth) Children’s Fashion Show is at 6 p.m. at The Railroad District (824 S. State St.). VIP admission is at 4 p.m., and includes the pink carpet event and celebrity networking. General admission is at 6 p.m. and includes a children’s fashion show. Proceeds benefit the Cure Sickle Cell Foundation. $10, $40 VIP; call 601-918-3987; email dee@curesicklecell.org; curesicklecell.org or eventbrite.com.

Culture Abuse, Holy Vision and Lisbon Deaths perform from 8 to 11 p.m. at Big Sleepy’s (208 W. Capitol St.). Culture Abuse is an indie/punk band from San Francisco, Holy Vision is a local indie-pop band and Lisbon Deaths is a local dream rock band. Doors open at 7 p.m. All-ages show. $10 in advance, $12 at the door; call 863-9516; email bigxsleepy@ gmail.com; find the event on tandum.com or Facebook.

JSU Crop Drop is from 8 a.m. to noon at Blackburn Middle School (1311 W. Pearl St.) in the vacant parking lot in front of the football field. The public is welcome to take home produce such as potatoes, watermelon and corn.

First come, first served. Free; call 601-979-5828; email heather.a.wilcox@jsums.edu. … The State Street Open House is at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Jackson. Team JXN is the host. Participating businesses include One Block East, Jaco’s Tacos, Hal & Mal’s, Martin’s, Thimblepress, Coalesce, the Old Capitol Museum and the Old Capitol Inn. Schedule available online. Free admission; teamjxn.com.

WEDNESDAY 8/17

History Is Lunch: J. Lee Annis Jr. is at noon at the William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). The author discusses his book, “Big Jim Eastland: The Godfather of Mississippi.” Sales and signing to follow. Free; call 601-576-6998. … Author Troy M. Carnes signs copies of “Dudgeons and Daggers” at 5 p.m. at Lemuria Books (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 202). Reading at 5:30 p.m. $19.99 book; call 601-366-7619; email info@ lemuriabooks.com; lemuriabooks.com.

Events at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.) • History Is Lunch: Trent A. Brown Aug. 10, noon. The author discusses the recently reissued book, “So the Heffners Left McComb.” Sales and signing to follow. Free; call 601-576-6998.

• History Is Lunch: J. Lee Annis Jr. Aug. 17, noon. The author discusses his book, “Big Jim Eastland: The Godfather of Mississippi.” Sales and signing to follow. Free; call 601-576-6998.

The Social Suite Aug. 10, 6 p.m., at ISH Grill and Bar (5105 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road). On second and fourth Wednesdays. Event II Eleven is the host. Enjoy drinks, an appetizer menu, cigars and networking at the biweekly event. Business groups and entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate. Attire is “deal closer.” No cover until 9 p.m., then $5; call 769-257-2723; email event11eleven@gmail.com.

• Mississippi Girlchoir Auditions, Grades 3-6 Aug. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Auditions last 15 minutes and consist of vocalizations, rhythm sequences and singing common songs. Appointment required. $25 fee; call 981-9863; email auditions@msgirlchoir.org; msgirlchoir.org.

Teen Summit Aug. 13, 2-3 p.m., at Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave.). On second Saturdays. Jackson-area teens discuss topics to seek motivation and positive progression. Free; call 376-9404; 3rdeyebookingcompany.tumblr.com.

Hoot and Holler Family Creation Lab Aug. 14, 2-3:30 p.m. Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). In the BancorpSouth Classroom. A museum educator leads families with children ages 6-10 in working on a collaborative art project. $10 per child; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

JFP-SPONSORED

Purple Rain: The Event Formerly Known as Storytellers Ball Aug. 11, 6:30-10:30 p.m., at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). The Greater Jackson Arts Council’s annual fundraiser includes a silent auction, food and an extensive music lineup. This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Prince. $50; call 601-960-1557; greaterjacksonartscouncil.com.

Jackson 2000 August Luncheon Aug. 10, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). Author Richard Grant (“Dispatches from Pluto”) is the guest speaker. Attire is casual or business casual. RSVP. $12, $10 members; call 960-1500; email todd@jacksonfreepress. com; jackson2000.org.

Global Leadership Summit Telecast Aug. 11-12, at Broadmoor Baptist Church (1531 Highland Colony Parkway, Madison). Attendees connect worldwide to hear speakers such as Melinda Gates, John C. Maxwell, Bishop T.D. Jakes and more.

Registration required. $209, group rates available; call 601-898-2345; broadmoor.org/gls.

Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights Aug. 13, 4:30-9:30 p.m., at Carlisle Street and Kenwood Place. Behind McDade’s. The annual street festival includes art and food for sale, music on five stages, children’s activities and a silent auction. Rock Eupora, Cary Hudson, Swing de Paris and more perform. $10 in advance, $15 at the gate; greaterbelhaven.com.

Stilettos on the Pavement’s “What IF” Women’s Health and Empowerment Conference Aug. 12, 6 p.m., at Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University (1230 Raymond Road). Another Family Gathering hosts. The keynote speaker is MS News Now anchor Joy Redmond. Includes networking, dinner from Nick Wallace and health vendors. Proceeds benefit Flats on the Pavement. $55; call 699-3123; stilettosonthepavement.com.

The Amazing Life of Bats Aug. 13, 11 a.m., at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). The speaker is Chester Martin, founder of the Mississippi Bat Working Group. $6, $5 seniors, $4 ages 3-18, children under 3 and members free; call 601-576-6000; mdwfp.com.

The Premier Bridal Summer Show: Weddings and Celebrations Aug. 14, 1-4 p.m., at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.).

The event includes door prizes, samples and consultations with wedding professionals. No strollers allowed. $15 in advance, $20 at the door; VIP: $45 in advance, $50 at the door; call 601-9571050; thepremierbridalshow.com.

KIDS Splash Back to School Aug. 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). Includes water slides, a dance party, face painting, information from vendors and a school supply giveaway.

Included with admission (Adults: $10.25, $9.25 seniors and military, $7.25 ages 2-12, children under 2 and members free); call 601-352-2580; jacksonzoo.org.

Events at Mississippi Girlchoir Office (1991 Lakeland Drive, Suite M) • Mississippi Girlchoir Auditions, Grades 7-12 Aug. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Options include the Lyrics Choir for grades 7-9 and the Bel Canto Choir for grades 10-12. Appointment required. $25 fee; call 601-981-9863; email auditions@ msgirlchoir.org; msgirlchoir.org.

State Street Open House Aug. 16, 5:30 p.m., in downtown Jackson. Team JXN is the host. Participating businesses include One Block East, Jaco’s Tacos, Hal & Mal’s, Martin’s, Thimblepress, Coalesce, the Old Capitol Museum and the Old Capitol Inn. Schedule available online. Free admission; teamjxn.com.

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS Events at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.) • Jerry Douglas Band Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m. The 13-time Grammy winner who is known for his dobro skills. $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $3 surcharge for under 21; call 877-987-6487; ardenland.net.

• Dream Cult Aug. 11, 8 p.m. The local indierock band performs songs from the ’80s and ’90s. Bent Denim, Hovvdy and Bonus perform. $10, $3 surcharge for under 21; call 877-9876487; ardenland.net.

LITERARY & SIGNINGS Events at Lemuria Books (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 202) • “Leaving Oxford” Aug. 13, 1 p.m. Janet W. Ferguson signs books. $15 book; call 601-3667619; email info@lemuriabooks.com; lemuriabooks.com.

• “Dudgeons and Daggers” Aug. 17, 5 p.m.

Troy M. Carnes signs books. Reading at 5:30 p.m. $19.99 book; call 601-366-7619; email info@lemuriabooks.com; lemuriabooks.com.

CREATIVE CLASSES Creative Healing Studio Aug. 17, 12:30-1:30 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Licensed art therapist Susan Ainlay Anand is the facilitator. The bi-monthly art therapy program is for cancer patients and survivors. Free; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

EXHIBIT OPENINGS Guild Summer Showcase Aug. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland). The open house includes an indoor and outdoor craft show and sale, refreshments, entertainment and demonstrations. Free; call 601856-7546; craftsmensguildofms.org.

BE THE CHANGE FOOD & DRINK JSU Crop Drop Aug. 16, 8 a.m.-noon, at Blackburn Middle School (1311 W. Pearl St.). In the vacant parking lot in front of the football field.

The public is welcome to take home produce such as potatoes, watermelon and corn. First come, first served. Free; email heather.a.wilcox@jsums.edu.

Downtown Madison Farmers Market’s Tasty Tuesdays Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m. through Sept. 26, at Madison Square Center for the Arts (2103 Main St., Madison). Purchase food from Mississippi farmers. Free; call 813-3015.

Fresh at Five Farmers Market Tuesdays, 5 p.m. through Aug. 30, at Olde Towne Clinton (Jefferson Street and West Leake Street, Clinton). Purchase locally produced items and enjoy vendors, music and interactive demonstrations. Free; call 601-924-5474; clintonms.org.

SPORTS & WELLNESS Head for the Cure 5K Aug. 13, 8 a.m., at Madison Healthplex Performance Center (501 Baptist Drive, Madison). The purpose of the race is to fund research in the fight against brain cancer.

Registration required. $40; $15 kid’s fun run; call 601-856-7757; headforthecure.org.

Celebrity Lip Sync Battle & Groove Aug. 11, 7 p.m., at The Hideaway (Deville Plaza, 5100 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road). The Rho Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority hosts with Maranda J and DJ 901. Includes a local celebrity lip sync battle and dance party. Proceeds benefit Think HBCU. $20, $75 vendors; call 2088283; email info@rlolipsync.com; rlolipsync.com.

Hot Dog Sundae and Rummage Sale Aug. 13, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at Voice of Calvary Ministries (531 W. Capitol St.). Purchase hot dog plates or shop for items at the rummage sale. Includes a bounce house for children. Benefits Aunt Joyce’s Kids. Free admission, $7 plates, item and monetary donations welcome; call 214-0156; auntjoyceskids.org.

STRUT (Standing Together in Royalty, Unity and Truth) Children’s Fashion Show Aug. 14, 6 p.m., at The Railroad District (824 S. State St.).

VIP admission is at 4 p.m. and includes the pink carpet event and celebrity networking. General admission is at 6 p.m. and includes a children’s fashion show. Proceeds benefit the Cure Sickle Cell Foundation. $10, $40 VIP; call 601-9183987; curesicklecell.org or eventbrite.com.

Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings, or to add your own events online. You can also email event details to events@jacksonfreepress.com to be added to the calendar. The deadline is noon the Wednesday prior to the week of publication.

THURSDAY

8/11

OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL 5-9 P.M.

FRIDAY

8/12

BROTHER HAWK 10 P.M.

SATURDAY

8/13

CHAPTER:SOUL FEATURING

KIRK JOSEPH DIRTY BAND,

FOUNDING MEMBER OF

DOZEN BRASS

& CALVIN JOHNSON 10 P.M.

SUNDAY

8/14

BEER BUCKET SPECIAL (5 Beers for $8.75)

ALL DAY LONG!

MONDAY

8/15

OPEN MIC NIGHT

$5 APPETIZERS (D O ) INE IN

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TUESDAY

8/16

SHRIMP BOIL 5 - 10 PM

$1 PBR & HIGHLIFE $2 MARGARITAS 10pm - 12am

UPCOMING SHOWS 8/19 - Downright 8/20 - The Congress 8/26 - Darcy Malone & The Tangle 9/22 - Samantha Fish 9/24 - Earphunk w/ Atlas Road Crew

See Our New Menu

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601.354.9712

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

COMMUNITY

29

presented by:

Mississippi

01.07.17

MArathon years Running

Jackson, Miss. www.msbluesmarathon.com

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

30

SOUL Searching

Music listings are due noon Monday to be included in print and online listings: music@jacksonfreepress.com.

Aug. 10 - Wednesday

by Micah Smith

Courtesy Chapter:SOUL

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Duling Hall - Jerry Douglas Band 7:30 p.m. $25 advance $30 door ardenland.net Fitzgerald’s - Hunter Gibson & Chris Link 7:30 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - New Bourbon Street Jazz free Kathryn’s - Jeff Maddox 6:30 p.m. free Kemistry - Open Mic Night 9 p.m.

601-665-2073 Pelican Cove - Jonathan Alexander 6:30 p.m.

Shucker’s - Lovin Ledbetter 7:30 p.m. free Table 100 - Charles Scott 5-9 p.m.

Aug. 11 - Thursday

(Left to right) Kirk Joseph, Terry Scott Jr., Calvin Johnson and Kashonda Bailey of Chapter:SOUL perform Saturday, Aug. 13, at Martin’s Restaurant & Bar.

N

ew Orleans’ rich musical history has long been one of the signature facets of the Crescent City and a big draw for tourists. But for saxophonist Calvin Johnson, bandleader of funk and soul outfit Chapter:SOUL, that legacy is also an important part of his family heritage.

As a third-generation New Orleans musician, Johnson has been an entertainer since he was about 6 years old, and as an adult, he has performed, toured and recorded with many well-known acts such as Aaron Neville, Harry Connick Jr. and Big Sam’s Funky Nation.

While he released two albums under his own name, his solo career took a backseat to his work as a sideman for nationally known artists until he decided to make the leap to bandleader in 2012.

Johnson says: “After being born and raised in the music, doing this, recording and traveling with everyone, one day, I woke up and said, ‘Man, I really have something I want to say now, and being a sideman is not giving me that platform to say what I want to say musically.’”

He called his friend and mentor Kirk Joseph, the sousaphone player for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Music had always been a deep connector for the pair.

Both grew up in large musical families, and their grandfathers, fathers and uncles played and toured together throughout their lives. Johnson told Joseph that he was considering starting his own band. “I think you should do it,” he replied. “I think it’s about that time.”

Of course, Johnson says, the next question he asked was if Joseph would become the first member to join. He agreed, and later that day, the duo walked into Le Bon Temps Roulé, a staple of the New Orleans club scene, and walked out with a weekly Sunday gig.

While Chapter:SOUL, which also features keyboardist Kashonda Bailey and drummer Terry Scott Jr., has certainly become a priority, every musician also regularly perform with other groups in between performances and tours. “It’s New Orleans,” Johnson explains with a laugh.

After one recent tour that ended in Texas, he says, he went to sleep in their hotel, and when he came down for call time the next morning, his band mates had already left on flights out of Dallas, headed for gigs in Europe and California.

“It’s hard,” Johnson says. “I’m not going to lie or BS it or glamorize or romanticize it to make it seem like a walk in the park. Everybody still plays with other people, and because of that, sometimes we still have conflicting schedules. We have schedules that make it razor thin, you know what I’m saying? … When we’re together, I cherish those moments that we’re onstage.

Once we leave the stage, everybody goes in their different paths, but that’s also another beautiful thing about this band: Everybody has their own identity, as well as everyone having their own musical personality.”

Performing with established acts has also been a learning experience, of course.

Johnson says many of the successful artists that he has toured with over the years have helped shape his work ethic now that he’s in the position of a bandleader. Whether it’s seeing how Big Sam would deliver the same energy for an audience of one person or 1,000 or finding Connick Jr. still toiling away at new arrangements after a successful show at the White House, Johnson says he repeatedly discovered one thing: If Chapter:SOUL was going to reach that level, he would have to put in the work.

Chapter:SOUL performs at 10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13, at Martin’s Restaurant & Bar (214 S. State St.). For more information, visit chaptersoul.com.

Burgers & Blues - Shaun Patterson 5:30 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Duling Hall - Dream Cult, Bent Denim, Hovvdy & Bonus 8 p.m. $10 Fenian’s - Brotherly Love 9 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Andrew Pates & Barry Leach 7:30 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Brandon Greer Georgia Blue, Madison - Jason Turner Hal & Mal’s - D’Lo Trio free Iron Horse Grill - Jericho Road Show 6 p.m.

Kathryn’s - The Owen Brothers 6:30 p.m. free Pelican Cove - Hunter Gibson 6:30 p.m.

Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7:30 p.m. free Sylvia’s - Thursday Night Live feat.

The Blues Man & Sunshine McGhee 9 p.m. free Table 100 - Charles Scott 5 p.m.; Andy Henderson 6-9 p.m.

Aug. 12 - Friday Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Scarab (Journey Tribute) 8 p.m. $10 Cerami’s - Linda Blackwell & James Bailey 6:30-9:30 p.m. free Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Sorrento Ussery midnight $10 Fenian’s - Jonathan Alexander 9 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Steele Heart w/ Cucho Gonzalez 7:30 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Skip MacDonald Georgia Blue, Madison - Shaun Patterson Hal & Mal’s - Bill & Temperance 7-10 p.m. free The Hideaway - Miles Flatt 9 p.m. $10 Iron Horse Grill - Diedra & the Ruff Pro Band 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7 p.m. free M Bar - Flirt Fridays feat. DJ T. Lewis free Martin’s - Brother Hawk 10 p.m.

Ole Tavern - Johnny Sharp & the Straighten It Out Band Pelican Cove - Road Hogs 7 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Hairicane Shucker’s - Andrew Pates 5:30 p.m. free; Faze 4 8 p.m. $5; Brian Jones (deck) 10 p.m. free Sneaky Beans - Alex Fraser & Victoria Fortenberry EP Release Show 7-9:30 p.m. free Table 100 - Charles Scott 5 p.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6-9:30 p.m.

Two Rivers, Canton - Sid Thompson & DoubleShotz 8:30-11:30 p.m.

WonderLust - DJ Taboo 8 p.m.2 a.m.

Aug. 13 - Saturday Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Nashville South 8 p.m. free Big Sleepy’s - Deaf&Poor, Primative, Surfwax & Finding Peace in Gunshots 8:30 p.m. $5 (free with Pokemon Pub Crawl wristband) all ages Burgers & Blues - Stormy Monday Blues Band 6 p.m.

Lisbon Deaths F. Jones Corner - jj Thames midnight $10 Fenian’s - Risko Danza 9 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Jim Tomlinson Georgia Blue, Madison - Brandon Greer Hal & Mal’s - Leo Moreira 7-10 p.m. free The Hideaway - Bubba Sparxx & SilaS 9 p.m. $15 Iron Horse Grill - Jessie Howell 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Luckenbach (Willie Nelson Tribute) 7 p.m. free M Bar - Saturday Night Live feat. DJ Shanomak free Martin’s - Chapter:SOUL 10 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Acoustic Crossroads 2 p.m.; Sid Thompson & DoubleShotz 7 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Burnham Road Shucker’s - Greenfish (deck) 3:30 p.m. free; Faze 4 8 p.m. $5; Jonathan Alexander (deck) 10 p.m. free

8/12 - Gavin DeGraw - IP Casino, Resort & Spa, Biloxi 8/12 - Touché Amore - The Hi-Tone Cafe, Memphis 8/13 - Deerhoof - Gasa Gasa, New Orleans 8/14 - Corinne Bailey Rae - New Daisy Theatre, Memphis 8/16 - Hillsong Worship - Baton Rouge River Center 8/17 - Jenny Lewis - Iron City, Birmingham 8/17 - Alice Cooper - Saenger Theater, New Orleans

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6-9:30 p.m.

WonderLust - Drag Performance & Dance Party feat. DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-3 a.m. free before 10 p.m.

Aug. 14 - Sunday Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Fenian’s - Matt Nooe 8 p.m.

The Hideaway - Mike & Marty’s Jam Session Kathryn’s - Kern Pratt 6 p.m. free Pelican Cove - The Extremes noon; Chris Gill & the Sole Shakers 5 p.m.

Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads (deck) 3:30 p.m. free Sombra Mexican Kitchen - John Mora 11 a.m.

Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Jazz Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Charles Scott 6-9 p.m.

Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m..

Aug. 15 - Monday Big Sleepy’s - Culture Abuse, Holy Vision & Lisbon Deaths 7 p.m. $10 all ages Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Don Grant 7:30 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Central MS Blues Society (rest) 7 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Joseph LaSalla 6:30 p.m. free Martin’s - Open Mic Free Jam 10 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Brian Jones 6:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6-9 p.m.

Aug. 16 - Tuesday Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Fenian’s - Open Mic Fitzgerald’s - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 7:30 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Andrew Pates 6:30 p.m. free Last Call Sports Grill - Top-Shelf Tuesdays feat. DJ Spoon 9 p.m.

Margarita’s - John Mora 6 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Stace & Cassie 6:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6-9 p.m.

Aug. 17 - Wednesdaye Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Johnny Crocker 7:30 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 6:30 p.m. free Kemistry - Open Mic Night 9 p.m.

601-665-2073 Offbeat - Count Bass D, Ray Kincaid & DJ Sandpaper 7 p.m. $5 Pelican Cove - Barry Leach 6:30 p.m.

Shucker’s - Silverado 7:30 p.m. free Table 100 - Charles Scott 5-9 p.m.

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

MUSIC | live

Derek Middlebrook

DIVERSIONS | music

31

BY MATT JONES

46 Hourly wage 47 ___ fugit 48 Olympic skating medalist Michelle 50 “Feed me kitten food!”

51 Barks like a fox 53 Ornamental carp 55 Schoolroom furniture with a surface shaped like a “7” 63 River into which Ali threw his gold medal 64 Lost spectacularly, in slang 65 “... hit me like ___ of bricks” 66 Recurring “Seinfeld” character from Pakistan 67 Center square occupant Paul 68 Tony of “Veep” 69 Czech Republic river 70 Freight hauler 71 “Ye ___ Curiosity Shoppe”

32 West Coast NFLer as of 2016 33 Bring bliss to 34 Humans ___ York (photo/interview site) 36 Time to drink cheap 38 Old West challenge 40 Astronaut’s pressurized garb 44 Blacktop makeup 45 Rest for a while 49 Head bob 52 Attendant of Bacchus 54 State where “Wayward Pines” is set 55 Cop or call lead-in

56 “If ___ $1000000” (Barenaked Ladies song) 57 Dig 58 “99 Luftballons” singer 59 Actress Conn of “Grease” 60 “Too many more to mention” abbr.

61 Gavel-banging word 62 Meniscus location ©2016 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@ jonesincrosswords.com)

For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800 655-6548. Reference puzzle #784.

Down

“Shell Games” —from an outside perspective.

Across

1 ___ of Maine (toothpaste brand) 5 Name associated with a philosophical “razor” 10 Some insurance options, for short 14 Stonestreet of “Modern Family” 15 “Star Trek” character that speaks Swahili 16 Little green guy of film 17 Maitre d’ handout 18 Get red, maybe 19 Google cofounder Sergey 20 Alternative rock band formed in 1984 that’s called Honolulu, Austin,

and Chicago home 23 Treatment facility 24 “Rikki-Tikki-___” (Kipling short story) 25 Auth. submissions 28 Colonial critters?

31 Punk rocker with the backup band The Pharmacists 35 Scratcher’s target 37 Bovine Old Testament idol 39 Headwear banned by the NFL in 2001 41 “La ___” (Debussy opus) 42 Actor Killam of both “Mad TV” and “SNL” 43 Races, like the heart

1 Fill-in at the office 2 Cookie sometimes eaten insideout 3 iPod Nano precursor 4 Gulf War missiles 5 The Little Rascals, alternately 6 Motherboard component 7 “We’ll tak a ___ kindness yet”: Burns 8 “___ you just the cutest thing ever?”

9 Formal order 10 Prius, e.g.

11 Memento ___ 12 Norse counterpart of Ares 13 Ratted 21 ___-Locka (city near Miami) 22 Track meet component 25 In the ___ of (surrounded by) 26 Add fuel to 27 See-through scenery piece 29 Grant’s landmark 30 Aerodynamic

Last Week’s Answers

BY MATT JONES Last Week’s Answers

“Kaidoku”

Each of the 26 letters of the alphabet is represented in this grid by a number between 1 and 26. Using letter frequency, word-pattern recognition, and the numbers as your guides, fill in the grid with well-known English words (HINT: since a Q is always followed by a U, try hunting down the Q first). Only lowercase, unhyphenated words are allowed in kaidoku, so you won’t see anything like STOCKHOLM or LONG-LOST in here (but you might see AFGHAN, since it has an uncapitalized meaning, too). Now stop wasting my precious time and SOLVE! psychosudoku@gmail.com

Mississippi honey iced coffee roasted by Cups IN Mississippi C U P SE SP R E SSO C A F E . C O M

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

Do You Get the JFP Daily?

32

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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

Let’s assume, for the sake of fun argument, that you do indeed have a guardian angel. Even if you have steadfastly ignored this divine helper in the past, I’m asking you to strike up a close alliance in the coming weeks. If you need to engage in an elaborate game of imaginative pretending to make it happen, so be it. Now let me offer a few tips about your guardian angel’s potential purposes in your life: providing sly guidance about how to take good care of yourself; quietly reminding you where your next liberation may lie; keeping you on track to consistently shed the past and head toward the future; and kicking your ass so as to steer you away from questionable influences. OK? Now go claim your sublime assistance!

Although you may not yet be fully aware of your good fortune, your “rescue� is already underway. Furthermore, the so-called hardship you’ve been lamenting will soon lead you to a trick you can use to overcome one of your limitations. Maybe best of all, Virgo, a painful memory you have coddled for a long time has so thoroughly decayed that there’s almost nothing left to cling to. Time to release it! So what comes next?

Here’s what I recommend: Throw a going-away party for everything you no longer need. Give thanks to the secret intelligence within you that has guided you to this turning point.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

Here comes a special occasion—a radical exemption that is so rare as to be almost impossible. Are you ready to explore a blessing you have perhaps never experienced? For a brief grace period, you can be free from your pressing obsessions. Your habitual attachments and unquenchable desires will leave you in peace. You will be relieved of the drive to acquire more possessions or gather further proof of your attractiveness. You may even arrive at the relaxing realization that you don’t require as many props and accessories as you imagined you needed to be happy and whole.

Is enlightenment nigh? At the very least, you will learn how to derive more joy out of what you already have.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

In the coming weeks, I suspect that life will attempt to move you away from any influences that interfere with your ability to discern and express your soul’s code. You know what I’m talking about when I use that term “soul’s code,� right? It’s your sacred calling; the blueprint of your destiny; the mission you came to earth to fulfill. So what does it mean if higher powers and mysterious forces are clearing away obstacles that have been preventing you from a more complete embodiment of your soul’s code? Expect a breakthrough that initially resembles a breakdown.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Maybe you know people who flee from the kind of Big Bold Blankness that’s visiting you, but I hope you won’t be tempted to do that. Here’s my counsel: Welcome your temporary engagement with emptiness Celebrate this opening into the unknown. Ease into the absence.

Commune with the vacuum. Ask the nothingness to be your teacher. What’s the payoff? This is an opportunity to access valuable secrets about the meaning of your life that aren’t available when you’re feeling full. Be gratefully receptive to what you don’t understand and can’t control.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

I placed a wager down at the astrology pool. I bet that sometime in the next three weeks, you Capricorns will shed at least some of the heavy emotional baggage that you’ve been lugging around; you will transition from ponderous plodding to curious-hearted sauntering. Why am I so sure this will occur? Because I have detected a shift in attitude by one of the most talkative little voices in your head. It seems ready to stop tormenting you with cranky reminders of all the chores you should be doing but aren’t—and start motivating you with sunny prompts about all the fun adventures you could be pursuing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

What you are most afraid of right now could become what fuels you this fall. Please note that I used the word “could.� In the style of astrology I employ, there is no such thing as predestination. So if you prefer, you may refuse to access the rich fuel that’s available. You can

keep your scary feelings tucked inside your secret hiding place, where they will continue to fester. You are not obligated to deal with them squarely, let alone find a way to use them as motivation. But if you are intrigued by the possibility that those murky worries might become a source of inspiration, dive in and investigate.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

Are you ready for your mid-term exam? Luckily I’m here to help get you into the proper frame of mind to do well. Now study the following incitements with an air of amused rebelliousness. 1. You may have to act a bit wild or unruly in order to do the right thing. 2.

Loving your enemies could motivate your allies to give you more of what you need. 3. Are you sufficiently audacious to explore the quirky happiness that can come from cultivating intriguing problems? 4. If you want people to change, try this: Change yourself in the precise way you want them to change.

Help Wanted

Tree Service Tri-County Tree Service. Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Stump Grinding. 20 Plus Years of Experience, Licensed and Insured.

Call 601-940-5499 Needs Assistance? Let Us Help!

Magnolia Sitters, LLC is a privately owned non-medical home care company that is proudly serving the Jackson and surrounding areas. Our services include: - Meal Preparations - Bathing/hygiene care - Mobility assistance - Light housekeeping - Laundry - Transportation - Medication reminders Companionship Contact us today! 601-2080915 or go to magnoliasitters.com for more information.

Print and Digital Marketing Representative We’re looking to add a special new member to the JFP/BOOM Jackson sales team. You should have sales or customer service (retail, restaurant) experience, along with a drive to build your career while helping local businesses get ahead in the Jackson Metro.

You must be personable, outgoing, persistent, and willing to learn. Commission-driven position with a paid training period and access to benefits; potential $3,000-$5,000/mo and beyond! Write todd@jacksonfreepress.com with cover letter and resume.

Copy Editor / Proofreader / Factchecker We are seeking a detail-oriented and fact-obsessed person to do copy-editing, proofreading and factchecking for the JFP. You must love the hunt for mistakes in copy, as well as have no fear of the telephone. Must be a fast editor, extremely reliable and have stellar time-management skills. Position will start about 10 hours a week. We will give you a copy-editing test before scheduling an interview. Write amber@jacksonfreepress.com to schedule a test time. No phone calls.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Using scissors, snip off a strand of your hair. As you do, sing a beloved song with uplifting lyrics. Seal the hair in an envelope on which you have written the following: “I am attracting divine prods and unpredictable nudges that will enlighten me about a personal puzzle that I am ready to solve.� On each of the next five nights, kiss this package five times and place it beneath your pillow as you sing a beloved song with uplifting lyrics. Then observe your dreams closely. Keep a pen and notebook or audio recorder near your bed to capture any clues that might arrive. On the morning after the fifth night, go to your kitchen sink and burn the envelope and hair in the flame of a white candle. Chant the words of power: “Catalytic revelations and insights are arriving.� The magic you need will appear within 15 days.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD:

Post an ad, call 601-362-6121, ext. 11 or fax to 601-510-9019.

Deadline: Mondays at Noon.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

This would be a good time to have a master craftsperson decorate your headquarters with stained glass windows that depict the creation stories of your favorite indigenous culture. You might also benefit from hiring a feng shui consultant to help you design a more harmonious home environment. Here are some cheaper but equally effective ways to promote domestic bliss: Put images of your heroes on your walls.

Throw out stuff that makes you feel cramped. Add new potted plants to calm your eyes and nurture your lungs. If you’re feeling especially experimental, build a shrine devoted to the Goddess of Ecstatic Nesting.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

You Geminis are as full of longings as any other sign, but you have a tendency to downplay their intensity.

How often do you use your charm and wit to cloak your burning, churning yearnings? Please don’t misunderstand me: I appreciate your refined expressions of deep feelings—as long as that’s not a way to hide your deep feelings from yourself. This will be an especially fun and useful issue for you to meditate on in the coming weeks. I advise you to be in very close touch with your primal urges.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

Be vulnerable and sensitive, as well as insatiable and irreverent. Cultivate your rigorous skepticism, but expect the arrival of at least two freaking miracles. Be extra nurturing to allies who help you and sustain you, but also be alert for those moments when they may benefit from your rebellious provocations. Don’t take anything too personally or literally or seriously, even as you treat the world as a bountiful source of gifts and blessings. Be sure to regard love as your highest law, and laugh at fear at least three times every day.

Homework: What do you foresee happening in your life during the rest of 2016?

Make three brave, positive predictions. Truthrooster@gmail.com.

%VENTS %DITOR

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August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Services

33

7E´VE GOT YOUR Tailgate Covered

s ’ n o Dix ner Di Dixon’s Diner Fish House

The simple menu offers great Southern seafood— pan-fried trout, catfish strips, butterfly shrimp— along with wings or a pork chop sandwich. Try the sides! Fried pickles, green tomatoes, mustard greens.

Home cookin’!

1553 W Northside Dr., Jackson, MS 39213 601-981-9450

to find out more about Dixon’s Diner, visit

@VISITJACKSONMS

MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

FOOTBALL SEASON IS ALMOST HERE! ORDER YOUR TAILGATING TRAYS TODAY. 730 Lakeland Dr. Jackson, MS | 601-366-6033 | Sun-Thurs: 11am - 10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm W E D ELIVER F OR C ATERING O RDERS Fondren / Belhaven / UMC area

Write stories that matter August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

for the publications readers love to read.

34

Download our app!

Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Maywood Mart Shopping Center 1220 E. Northside Dr. 601-366-5676 www.mcdadeswineandspirits.com Please Drink Responsibly

The Jackson Free Press and BOOM Jackson are seeking hard-working freelance writers who strive for excellence in every piece. Work with editors who will inspire and teach you to tell sparkling stories.

Email and convince us that you have the drive and creativity to join the team.

Better yet, include some kick-ass story ideas. Send to:

micah@jacksonfreepress.com

-Pool Is Cool-

We’re still #1!

Best Place to Play Pool Best of Jackson 2016

INDUSTRY HAPPY HOUR Daily 11pm -2am

DAILY 12pm BEER- 7pm SPECIALS

POOL LEAGUE Mon - Fri Night

DRINK SPECIALS "52'%23 s 7).'3 s &5,, "!2 GATED PARKING BIG SCREEN TV’S LEAGUE AND TEAM PLAY B EGINNERS TO A DVANCED I NSTRUCTORS A VAILABLE

444 Bounds St. Jackson MS

601-718-7665

NEVER A COVER! WEDNESDAY 8/10

Pub Quiz W I T H A NDREW M C L ARTY 7:30 P M

THURSDAY 8/11

BROTHERLY LOVE 8PM

FRIDAY 8/12

JONATHAN ALEXANDER 9P M

SATURDAY 8/13

RISKO DANZA

THURSDAY 8/11

D’LO TRIO

& dobro master

Friday, February 12 Thursday, August 11

Free _________________________

FRIDAY 8/12

BILL AND TEMPERANCE

DREAM CULT, BENT DENIM, BONUS & HOVVDY Friday, August 26

_________________________

OH, JEREMIAH

Restaurant - 7-10pm - Free

SATURDAY 8/13

sam mooney

Saturday, August 27

dream cult + fides

M ONDAY 8/15

CENTRAL MS BLUES SOCIETY PRESENTS:

Sunday, September 11

_________________________

KARAOKE

BLUE MONDAY

9P M - 1A M

_________________________

TUESDAY 8/16

TUESDAY 8/16

WITH

MATT COLLETTE

OPEN MIC WITH

MATT NOOE 9P M

Best of Jackson 2016

(601) 354-4665

_________________________

JERRY DOUGLAS BAND 13 time grammy winner

MONDAY 8/15

WINNER: Best Open Mic Night Best Place to Drink Cheap

www.chimneyville.com

Free

Wednesday, August 10

8PM

MATT NOOE

970 High St, Jackson

NEW BOURBON STREET JAZZ BAND

& HOMECOOKIN’ REUNION

S UNDAY 8/14

4KDU 5KFGU

&GNKEKQWU

WEDNESDAY 8/10

LEO MOREIRA Restaurant - 7-10pm - Free

9P M

9G /CMG 6CKNICVKPI 'CU[

COMING UP

_________________________

Restaurant - 7 - 10pm $3 Members $5 Non-Members

PUB QUIZ

w/ Jimmy Quinn Restaurant - 7:30pm - $2 to Play

_________________________

WEDNESDAY 8/17

Restaurant Open as Usual

_________________________ OFFICIAL

HOUSE VODKA

901 E FORTIFICATION STREET

Visit HalandMals.com for a full menu and concert schedule

WWW.FENIANSPUB.COM

Downtown Jackson, MS

601-948-0055

601.948.0888 200 S. Commerce St.

BEN MARNEY

Thursday, September 8

THE WEEKS

THEhelms MELVINS alee Tues. & Wed., September 13 & 14

INDIGO GIRLS minton sparks

Tuesday: Few Tickets Remain Wednesday: SOLD OUT

Thursday, September 15

RADNEY FOSTER shannon mcnally

just ced! announ

Sunday, November 13

TAUK the jag

JX//RX

COMPLETE SHOW LISTINGS & TICKETS

dulinghall.com

August 10 - 16, 2016 • jfp.ms

E TH G

O RO M

E RE N

35

Keep It Cool For Your

NOW TAKING TAILGATING ORDERS!

!UTHENTIC #UISINE 'ROCERY

Favorite School JSU - Blueberry and Pina Colada MSU - Cherry and Wedding Cake USM - Black Cherry and Birthday Cake Millsaps - Grape and Pina Colada Belhaven - Ice Cream and Key Lime Pie Ole Miss - Blueberry and Strawberry

Mention this Ad to Receive a Free Drink!

9am - 8pm | Dine in or Take Out 2275 Hwy 80 W., Jackson 601-352-6300

MONDAY - THURSDAY

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Domestic Beer

Front Two Windows Tinted for ONLY $69

$1 OFF

1030-A Hwy 51 • Madison

Behind the McDonalds in Madison Station Mon - Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. t 6 01.362.9553 .BZXPPE .BSU t +BDLTPO .4 t OBOEZTDBOEZ DPN

601.790.7999

1002 Treetops Blvd • Flowood Behind the Applebee’s on Lakeland

601.664.7588

Margaritas & Tacos don’t care what team you’re cheering for this fall.

Come and cheer $1 Tacos your team on with us!

2x1 Margaritas

Any Type of Credit! Bad Credit! No Credit! Walking Man’s Friend!

$22,65 0 2013 Nis san T

itan Only 78,0 0 0 Mi Getting R eady To Hles For The Fa aul Tailgate I ll? n This!

Tuesdays!

Mexican Restaurant

Cinco de Mayo

880 Lake Harbour Dr. Ridgeland, MS | (601) 957-1882

TASTE of INDIA

TASTE of TUESDAY – SUNDAY INDIA LUNCH 11:00 AM TO 2:30 PM DINNER 4:30 TO 9:00 PM (Closed Monday)

3246 Hwy 80 West Jackson, MS | Bus: 601-360-2444 Fax: 601-360-2447 jandjwholesales.com

BUFORD PLUMBING COMPANY, INC.

MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS

HVAC & Plumbing Specialists Repair Services & Installation In Business over 50 years Ask About Our Summer Specials

957 HIGHWAY 80 E CLINTON MS 39056 601-272-3000

www.solarcontroljackson.com 601.707.5596 • 291 US-51 E4, Ridgeland, MS

601.372.7676

25% OFF

JACKSON STATE AND ALCORN STATE JERSEY AND JACKETS

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