v17n12 - JFP Interview with Robert Foster

JAC K S O N

VOL 17 NO. 12

//

FEBRUARY 6 - 19, 2019

// SUBSCRIBE FREE FOR BREAKING NEWS AT JFPDAILY.COM

FREE PRESS MAGAZINE

THE CITY’S SMART NEWS AND CULTURE RESOURCE

JFP INTERVIEW:

Robert Foster Republican Candidate for Governor: ‘A Little More Reserved Than Trump’Pittman, pp 12-14 JPD Officers Involved in Shootings, Revealed Ladd, pp 6-7

Power Couples pp 16-17

Love for Local Cardon, p 18

Shenandoah in JXN Smith, p 24

FREE

ACROSS THE STREET

AND IN THE POOL. MILLSAPS COLLEGE SWIMMING & DIVING

COMING FALL 2019

February 6 - 19, 2019 • jfp.ms

GOMAJORS.COM @MILLSAPS_SWIM

2

contents

JACKSONIAN

February 6 - 19,2019 • Vol. 17 No. 12

ON THE COVER Robert Foster photo by Jamie Johnston for the Robert Foster Campaign

4 Editor’s Note 6 Talks

8 Legislative Roundup

B

eth Morgan Cowan, a 41-year-old Greenwood, Miss., native and current Jackson resident, turned her dream of empowering women while owning her own business into reality in 2007 with the founding of her company, Beth Morgan Photography.

“As a woman, I’ve always been passionate about ways for me to serve other women and see them empowered to reach their goals,” Cowan says.

She attended Pillow Academy High School in Greenwood and then went to Mississippi State University. She received her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the school in 2003. From that year until 2007, Cowan worked for Frontiers, a nonprofit organization in Dallas, Texas, that partners with businesses to aid in helping countries ravaged by war. She says it gave her the opportunity to travel across the world and experience cultures where women were oppressed.

“I fell in love with each country I visited, as well as the people,” Cowan says.

She started her photography business in 2007. Empowering women is an important part of her brand, Cowan says, as women are often their own worst critics.

She seeks to empower them to embrace themselves and show

10 opinion 12 Cover Story 16 Power Couples 18 Food & Drink

Beth Morgan Cowan them that everyone was created equal.

“My goal is to help women love themselves,” she says.

That passion has also morphed into her helping female creative business entrepreneurs brand their businesses by telling their stories with photography.

“I love working with businesses, helping them come up with imagery to propel their brands and seeing them succeed,” Cowan says.

Another focus for her is boudoir, a style of photography that features intimate and romantic images. Those sessions are a time for women to step away from their everyday lives and step into their “power,” she says.

“I take time with each client and come up with words they want to feel in their images, and we develop a mood board from there,” the photographer says.

Cowan is also a wedding photographer. She prefers smaller weddings more than bigger weddings because the intimacy is more apparent.

She met her husband, Michael Cowan, in 2011 on an online dating website. The couple married in 2012.

For more information, visit bethmorganphotography.com.

—Armani T. Fryer

21 events

21 Gettin’ Hitched Having a wedding soon?

We’re here to help.

22 sPORTS 24 Music 26 music listings 28 Puzzles 29 astro 29 Classifieds

30 DIY Headboard Want to add something new to your bedroom?

Check out this tutorial.

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

courtesy Beth Morgan cowan

Broadband, Abortion, Prison Reform, Sex Trafficking

3

editor’s note

by Amber Helsel, Managing Editor

W

hen my last relationship ended about four years ago, I was at a crossroads. For the first time in my 20s, I was single. A couple of months before, I had moved in with my sister, and I was slowly transitioning into being an adult. The breakup sped up that process.

I had a lot of choices to make, and one of those was how to occupy my free time, or really, how to distract myself from all that was going on.

I finally did what I said I was going to do for years and began attending a nondenominational church. I also briefly decided to become a baker and later an artist—something that has stuck to this day. And I began volunteering in the community.

After the breakup, that volunteer work

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

‘Wherever you go, you have to make wherever you are better.’

4

became imperative. But it wasn’t so much a way to give back to the community as it was a distraction. For those few hours, I didn’t have to think about everything that was happening. I could just serve the community in whatever I was doing and think of nothing else.

At first, it was just CARA. I would occasionally go to their adoption events and be a dog handler, and I always got the most energetic one. It was fun, and I got to be around animals—something I love.

A few months later, I decided to volunteer at Mississippi Comic Con and discovered one of my random talents: I’m really fast and efficient at putting wristbands on people. To this day, I still judge people harshly when they put a wristband on me (there is an art to it). About three years ago, I was also a volunteer during the Mississippi Blues Marathon. And for a decent chunk of 2018, I volunteered with daniel johnson’s Significant Saturdays and curious citizens initiative.

These days, I don’t have as much time to volunteer in the community, but it’s still important to me to give back in whatever way I can, whether it’s helping with setup at CityHeart Church or participating in one of the outreach events.

In a 2008 study, researchers at Harvard University found that doing good deeds raises a person’s level of happiness.

Other studies have shown that happiness can create a positive feedback loop in your brain. It also helps people feel more gratitude toward their own lives, and doing good deeds creates more social connection—something all humans crave. So obviously it’s a good thing to do a good thing.

One of this year’s power couples, Tyrone Hendrix and his wife, Ercilla Dometz-Hendrix (see page 16), have a passion for helping Jackson, specifically south Jackson, where Hendrix grew up and the family currently lives. He served the south Jackson neighborhood when he was a councilman, and he and Dometz-Hendrix still try to help the area as much as possible.

“We’re always there to help,” DometzHendrix said. “We always tell people that we’re a phone call away.”

“It’s who we are,” Hendrix added.

They have helped the city in many ways, from his years on the city council to her advocacy for students in Jackson Public Schools. That sense of community and giving back is important to them.

Nicaragua native Dometz-Hendrix said: “Before I came to the states, my dad even to this day still tells (me and) my siblings … ‘Wherever you go, you have to make wherever you are better.’”

In the interview, we talked about how Jackson is a small big city, meaning it’s

Photo by Ben Konfrst on Unsplash

Doing Good Things in JXN

Giving back to the community is important, but it doesn’t have to be something huge. It could be something as simple as helping with shelter dogs at an adoption event for location organizations such as CARA.

pretty large, land-wise, but in a community aspect, it’s a fairly tight-knit community.

When most of us are out and about in the city, we’ll probably meet someone we know or know through someone else.

I’ve also heard multiple people say that we’re so small that if you have an idea, you can make it happen here. For the most part, that’s pretty true. My job here has allowed me to see a lot of interesting and wild ideas implanted in Jackson. Some have failed, but a lot more have stuck. But one thing always seems to remain: that sense of community and loyalty among the people who live, work and play here.

There’s no question, really from anyone, that Jackson needs help. The public schools still don’t have enough funding to give all kids an adequate and equitable

contributors

Ashton Pittman

Armani T. Fryer

Jenna Gibson

State reporter Ashton Pittman is from Hattiesburg, Miss. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he studied journalism and political science. He wrote the cover story on Robert Foster and covers the Mississippi Legislature.

Editorial intern Armani T. Fryer is a young jour­nalist who loves meeting people and gaining positive vibes. He wrote a Power Couples piece on Stevie and Ozie Hendrix and the Jacksonian, Beth Morgan Cowan.

Freelance writer Jenna Gibson is a senior at Millsaps College, hoping to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communications and English literature. After college, she plans to travel and pursue a career in journalism. She wrote a Power Couples piece.

education. Over the last few days, two of our reporters have dealt with damage from potholes—and a pothole on Old Canton is the reason I’m missing a hubcap. The water tastes like someone threw dirt in it, and I constantly get boil-water notices for different neighborhoods in the city.

A lot of us want to look at these problems, and then turn toward the local and state government to fix them. Granted, there are a lot of things that we either can’t or aren’t allowed to do, but there are things we can fix.

For example, what would happen if a group went out once every couple of weeks or so and cleaned up places like Mill Street?

What if people stopped looking down on places like south Jackson and actually invested more in the community? What would happen if there were more dialogues about what we as the people can do?

Many Jacksonians are doing that work, but we need a lot more. We need more dialogue across all barriers. We need more people who are willing to go out and connect with each other. We need people who will roll up their sleeves and do the work. We won’t have many more ideas stick if we can’t sit down and address some of these problems.

We all need to step up and fight for Jackson because our ideas matter.

Managing Editor Amber Helsel is a storyteller who moonlights as an artist. She loves food, cats, anime and art supplies. You can often catch her running sound at CityHeart Church. Email story ideas to amber@ jackson­freepress.com.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

Pre-order your chocolate covered strawberries and handmade chocolates today!

Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Open Sunday, Feb. 10 , 12-5pm Pre-order deadline Feb. 12

Visit the All of Us Journey Come and visit the All of Us Journey. This traveling educational exhibit is heading to local areas across the U.S. We want to share the goal of the All of Us Research Program, which is to speed up breakthroughs in health research. The Journey has activities to help you learn about the program—from our Exploration Station to quizzes, videos, and more. We’d like to welcome you aboard.

JoinAllofUs.org/ummc allofus@umc.edu

February

14-15 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

All of Us Journey Exhibit February 14 UMMC | Guyton Breezeway February 15 Jackson Medical Mall

(601) 815-5073 TM

UP TO 50% OFF FROM LOCAL MERCHANTS

A Member of All of Us Southern Network

Security Cameras Attendant On Duty Drop Off Service Free Wi-Fi 1046 Greymont Ave. (behind La Cazuela)

Maywood Mart t Jackson, MS t nandyscandy.com Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. t 601.362.9553

Visit www.jfpdeals.com today!

M-F 8am-9pm Sat & Sun 7am-7pm

CALL US AT 601-397-6223!

February 6 - 19, 2019 • jfp.ms

Principal Investigator: Stephanie C. Tanner, M.D.

5

news,

cu l

storytelling & re, ir tu

“Hopefully with your help, we can make this community and this country better again. For future kids and future teenagers so they don’t have to suffer all of this.”

TALK JXN

@JXNFREEPRESS

@JACKSONFREEPRESS

@JXNFREEPRESS

ce eren rev

—immigrant Yitzel at a Mississippi Immigrant Rights Alliance rally at the State Capitol

12 Cops, Nine Shootings Since 2017: Most Exonerated

by Donna Ladd

Twelve Jackson police officers were involved in nine officer-involved shootings since November 2017, the Jackson Free Press learned due to an open-records request that disclosed details about a year after we started asking for them.

did not strike either officer, Holmes said.

He was taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment and then released to jail, returning 10 days later for the additional surgery.

Holmes of JPD would not confirm the family’s report that Porter was struck

seven times, or where the bullets struck.

“Porter did suffer a minimum of three gunshot wounds; however, I cannot confirm an exact amount,” Holmes said when asked about the family’s report. “Regarding whether or not he was returned to the hospital for follow-up surgery, I am not aware

and cannot advise, since the correctional facility where he is housed is responsible for his transportation to and from.”

“At least one weapon was recovered along with several spent casings,” Holmes told the Jackson Free Press in an email this week about the case.

Jaxutawney Jill

by JFP Staff You’ve heard of Punxutawney Phil, right? He’s the groundhog that predicts how quickly or slowly spring will come. That’s his whole job.

Here’s what we’re wondering: If we had a groundhog like Punxutawney Phil (let’s call her Jaxutawney Jill), what would she predict?

CLIPART

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

6

KO BRAGG / FILE PHOTO

A

fter about a year of asking, the Jackson Free Press learned the names, current status and in eight out of nine cases, the details of officer-involved shootings since Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba took office in July 2017, promising transparency and police reform.

We also learned that one officer, Anthony Veasey, was involved in three shootings, none of them fatal. A second officer, Rakasha Adams, fatally shot two individuals—a likely mentally ill vagrant with a knife, and then a young mother—less than two months apart. Neither of those officers is currently on active duty while investigations are underway in the most recent of each officer’s shooting incidents.

Internal-affairs officers inside the Jackson Police Department exonerated Veasey in his first two shootings of the period and Adams in her first incident, saying the shootings were warranted.

The only officer shooting incident listed in the documents that provided no details beyond the officers’ names was the most recent—which the JFP correctly deduced and then confirmed with JPD spokesman Sgt. Roderick Holmes was the Jan. 5 shooting of Perez Porter, 18.

Holmes confirmed Officers Veasey and Jarron Carter are on leave with pay during the investigation of the Jan. 5 midday incident in south Jackson, in which Perez Porter, 18, and a 15-year-old allegedly stole a car from the 300 block of Elms Court Circle and then decided to burglarize a house in the 1500 block of Wingfield Drive. A 2-year-old was sleeping in the stolen car, but was unharmed.

Veasey and Carter responded to the burglary call to Wingfield Avenue and saw the two teenagers running away, pursued and then exchanged gunfire with them.

Porter’s family reports that he was hit five times in one leg and two times in the back, and has had surgery because one of the bullets still in his back had “travelled.”

Both Porter and the 15-year-old were charged with auto theft, kidnapping, house burglary and two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer. Gunfire

How much the state is going to underfund Mississippi’s public schools.

How much state officials like being called names like “Phil Billy” and “Tater Tot.” How many potholes Jackson will destroy tires this year?

Also, the ratio of potholes to sinkholes.

How many times we’ll be called a “libural rag.”

How many people know how a roundabout or flashing yellow traffic light works.

Anthony Veasey: Exonerated Twice, So Far The list the City provided to us showed Veasey involved in two shootings since July 2017, with further details provided.

On Nov. 15, 2017, Veasey along with other officers, were conducting an “administrative checkpoint” in two spots near James Garfield Circle and Abraham Lincoln Drive in Presidential Hills.

Mikelle Bracey, 24, ran through a checkpoint, police say, hitting an officer’s flashlight with his rear-view mirror. With police in pursuit, he ran into a grassy embankment. He got out and ran, with Veasey close behind. Several officers said Bracey was holding either a black or a silver item, or a gun, in his hand, depending on the officer. Veasey later said Bracey pulled out the gun in a yard behind a house, and that he fired at Bracey, striking him in the leg.

Police did not, however, recover the weapon officers reported seeing that night, or the next day, although they found a loaded handgun on the passenger seat of the car Bracey had fled.

Bracey was taken to the hospital and was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, but declined to talk to JPD investigators further about the shooting.

JPD Internal Affairs exonerated Veasey.

Records show that then-Lt. Anthony Moore was the supervising officer that night, and was later the interim police chief to whom Internal Affairs reported findings about the Bracey pursuit and shooting.

Three men were police chiefs during the 14 months of shooting these documents details: In January 2018, Mayor Lumumba replaced Lee Vance with Anthony Moore.

He then promoted Assistant Chief James Davis to chief, replacing Moore in September 2018. Davis is the current chief.

The most recent alleged police-

involved fatality—the head trauma that caused 62-year-old George Robinson’s death in January—was on Davis’ watch, and he has not named the officers accused of beating him on Jan. 14, 2019.

Veasey was next involved in a shooting on June 1, 2018, during a checkpoint at Maple Street near Congo when he pulled up with other officers in an unmarked police car. Veasey, along with Officers Lincoln Lampley and Desmond Barney—who were also present at the pursuit of Bracey— told investigators later that they announced themselves as police and were wearing FACEBOOK

“I am not able to confirm whether one or both (teenagers) fired shots. It is safe to assume that a records check of the recovered weapon did not reveal it as stolen because that would have been an additional charge,” Holmes wrote in email.

Porter, the 18-year-old, is in jail without bond. After the Jan. 15 surgery, he is back in the Hinds County Detention Center medical division, where his mother and other family are not allowed to visit. She can talk to him by phone, however.

The 15-year-old is also locked up, charged as an adult and facing a $250,000 bond. It is unclear whether he had a gun, as JPD will only confirm that one was recovered at the scene for sure, which Porter likely was carrying.

The Jackson Free Press does not typically name minors charged with a crime.

Jackson police struck Porter Perez seven times, including two in the back, during a burglary, his family says. JPD confirms that it was at least three, but without indicating where the bullets hit him.

vests with “POLICE” across the front. But witnesses on site, there because a friend had been killed, said they didn’t know they were officers when they jumped out of the car.

In an exchange of gunfire, Spencer Jackson was struck, but not fatally.

JPD documents show that one of the men on the scene, Robert White, said he was among the group in front of the house who just had a family member killed. He said the group noticed a white (unmarked) car pull up and people getting out with rifles, thinking they were about to shoot into the group. He said he heard an officer say, “Hey people!” but did not hear them identify themselves as police, and did not know they were officers until he was arrested.

JPD Internal Affairs exonerated the officers who fired that night.

Rakasha Adams: Two Deaths In his report, Precinct 3 Lt. Randy Av-

ery called the man Officer Rakasha Adams shot and killed on Nov. 16, 2017, “a possibly mentally challenged black male.”

Adams answered a call that a vagrant was sleeping in a white rocking chair in front of a senior apartment complex on Mayes Street, holding a stick and a box full of tickets. When she roused Nathaniel Fleming, 39, he said, “This is my property.

Get me to St. Dominic’s right now.”

The officer, who was alone, called an AMR ambulance. But Fleming would not get in because he couldn’t take his cigarette lighter into the ambulance, and then walked away. She followed to tell him he had to leave the property, but he moved toward her cursing, refusing to remove his hand from his pocket. Then, she reported, he pulled out a knive and charged at her.

“Don’t you come here with that bullshit at me!” he yelled, JPD documents show.

Fearing for her safety, Adams drew her gun and fired one time, striking Fleming in the chest. Two AMR paramedics, who were nearby, tried to perform CPR on Fleming, but he was pronounced dead at UMMC. Police say a knife was found in the grassy area where he fell from the gunshot.

Investigators found that Adams “did what she could to render service to the complainant and aid to the male suspect” and did not violate departmental policies.

However, JPD leadership and investigators were not as forgiving about Adams’ next gun fatality on Jan. 27, 2018.

That day, Adams tried to stop a red Pontiac sedan driven by Crystalline Barnes, 22, for a traffic violation. But she did not yield to their blue lights and siren.

JPD documents show that Adams pursued Barnes’ vehicles although the roads were wet from rain from the area around Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Ridgeway Street. She did call on the radio for assistance, but did not notify the dispatcher or her immediate supervisor that she was in an “active pursuit of the car,” then-interim Police Chief James Davis wrote to her nine months later when ordering a 90-day suspension to discipline her for the incident.

“Subsequently,” Davis added, “you and the officer assisting you, fired shots at the vehicle after you said the driver attempted to run over both of you at the Overstreet Avenue location. It was only after the car struck a utility pole and shots had been fired into it that you notified your supervisor by phone of what had transpired.

Unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle succumbed to the injuries sustained as a result of the gunfire.”

Adams had violated the JPD’s “Vehicle Pursuit Policy of only initiating and continuing vehicle pursuits “when the related offense is a violent felony and when

MOST VIRAL STORIES AT JFP.MS: 1. “Sens. Hyde-Smith and Wicker Vote to Continue Shutdown,” The Associated Press 2. “Best of Jackson 2019,” JFP Staff 2. “Medical Marijuana Gains Momentum in Mississippi, with Majority Support” by Ashton Pittman 4. “Sewage Overwhelms Jackson Home as City Rolls Back Assistance” by Taylor Langele 5. “‘They Brutalized My Brother’: George Robinson’s Family Accuse JPD of ‘Murder’”

by Ashton Pittman MOST VIRAL EVENTS AT JFPEVENTS.COM: 1. “Spirits of the Passage,” Feb. 2-Aug. 11 2. Flowood Chocolate Festival, Feb. 7 3. The Vegabonds, Feb. 8 4. “Hell in High Water,” Jan. 29-Feb. 10 5. TEDxJackson: “The Next 200,” Feb. 14

the benefit of apprehension outweighs the risk of injury or death. In all incidents that involve high speed driving, the safety of officers and the public must be the primary consideration.”

Adams also violated the “Attention to Duty” policy requiring officers to be “attentive” to all assigned duties and “use sound judgment,” Davis’ memo stated.

Just after Barnes died, JPD released to media a blurry mugshot of the deceased and evidence of a prior misdemeanor violation. Outcry over that attempt to sully the deceased name, including from this newspaper, led Mayor Lumumba to set a new policy that the City and JPD will not release such prior records to justify use of force by officers in unrelated incidents.

Barnes’ family filed a $10-million lawsuit, on behalf of Barnes’ 2-year-old and 6-year-old children, against the City of Jackson and JPD a month before Davis suspended Barnes from duty. The lawsuit argues that Adams and Officer Albert Taylor violated Barnes’ “constitutional right to be free from excessive force.” The lawsuit accused a third officer, Eric Morris, of conspiring with the other two to cover up the violations in subsequent police reports.

Adams can return to active duty with Jackson police on Feb. 28, 2019.

See jacksonfreepress.com/policeshootings for a full list of recent officer-involved shooting cases. Story tips to ladd@jacksonfreepress.com.

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

CRIME

7

TALK JXN

state

#MSLeg: Broadband, Abortion, Prison Reform

by Ashton Pittman

D

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

8

Mississippi School Safety Act

On Jan. 31, legislators in the Mississippi House Education Committee advanced to the House floor a bill designed to help prepare schools for the worst: the possibility of gun violence.

It would require school districts to devise and conduct active-shooter drills within the first two months of each semester. All school-district employees would be required to attend civilian response and active-shooter training. Every two years, school employees would also attend training courses in mental health.

House Bill 1283 would also “expand student access to mental health resources” and develop ties between school districts and community-health facilities for referrals, school-personnel training, and behavioral-health screenings for students at risk for harm or showing signs of mental or emotional distress.

Under the proposed act, the Mississippi Analysis and Information Center, which is housed in the Mississippi Office

of Homeland Security, “shall employ three regional analysts dedicated to analyzing and resolving potential threats identified by the agency’s statewide social media intelligence platform and the dissemination of school safety information.”

Though she supports the mentalhealth reforms the bill would bring, Lori Gregory, a Jackson-based public-education advocate, told the Jackson Free Press on Monday that she is concerned about the social-media component of the bill.

“I’m worried about monitoring students social-media accounts because if you

“Mississippi is no exception. Speaker Gunn’s bill is exemplary and takes needed measures to strengthen Mississippi laws in order to better protect children who have been subjected to this heinous crime.”

‘License to Harass’ Transgender Kids?

One bill, House Bill 1176, targets transgender school children. It provides “protection from suspension or termination” for teachers who refuse “to refer to students” by their gender identity “if different from biological assignment at birth.” The Ashton Pittman

ozens of beaming legislators stood around Gov. Phil Bryant in the Mississippi Capitol rotunda. With a stroke of his pen on Jan. 30, he signed into law the first major piece of legislation of the 2019 legislative session: the Mississippi Broadband Enabling Act, which is designed to expand high-speed internet access to rural parts of the state.

The act allows the state’s 25 electric cooperatives to offer rural broadband internet to their customers. Those cooperatives, all under the umbrella of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi organization, serve about 1.8 million Mississippians.

In an editorial for the Columbian Progress ahead of the bill’s passage, Rep. Ken Morgan, R-Morgantown, wrote that “rural broadband is a long-term project.”

“I hope that the truly rural areas are the ones that benefit from this legislation— not simply the high-density suburban areas that classify as ‘rural’ but could already attract a provider to invest in that market,” wrote the lawmaker, whose district includes rural parts of Marion and Lamar counties where broadband access is limited.

It could still be years before rural Mississippians see the benefit from the bill. The law appropriates no funds for broadband infrastructure projects, but most electric cooperatives in the state are already applying for federal funds to begin projects.

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed the Mississippi Broadband Enabling Act into law on Jan. 30, 2019. Lawmakers hope the law will extend high-speed internet to rural areas with few options.

aren’t culturally and generationally fluent in those kids’ social media languages, you may assign value to a post that has no real threat or meaning,” she said. “So I think one has to be especially careful there.”

Child Sex-Trafficking Laws

On Jan. 22, the House passed House Bill 571, which clarifies Mississippi’s sextrafficking laws to make it clear that no one under age 18 can be charged with prostitution. The bill would provide additional emotional and mental support to help victims of child sex exploitation. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

In a Jan. 24 letter to House Speaker Philip Gunn, who spearheaded the bill, and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, Bryant praised the bill. “Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the world, and it affects every country and state in the world,” Bryant wrote.

bill is the first of its kind in the country.

“Letting teachers or other public school staff call transgender students by the incorrect names or pronouns isn’t a matter of freedom or public debate,” the ACLU of Mississippi tweeted on Feb. 4. “This bill is government-authorized bullying of vulnerable young people. NO HB1176!”

Transgender teens are already some of the most vulnerable in the country. Last year, a study from the American Academy of Pediatrics found 50.8 percent of female to male teens reported having attempted suicide, 29.9 percent of male to female teens, and 41.8 percent of those who did not identify exclusively with either gender.

Fetal Heartbeat Abortion Ban

Senators on Tuesday advanced Senate Bill 2116, which would “prohibit an abortion of an unborn human individual with a detectable fetal heartbeat except when a

medical emergency necessitates.” Per the American Pregnancy Association, fetal heartbeats may be detectable around six weeks gestation.

“SB 2116 would essentially act as a de facto ban on abortion. Many, if not most, people don’t know they are pregnant at 6 weeks,” Planned Parenthood Southeast Director Felicia Brown Williams tweeted Tuesday. “The Mississippi Legislature knows this is unconstitutional, and simply does not care. This is an insult to Mississippians and to this country.”

Last year, lawmakers passed a law banning abortion after 15 weeks, even though the state’s only abortion clinic does not perform abortions after 14 weeks. A federal judge struck that bill down.

“Again and again, we’ve been told that we should pass legislation, and again and again, it’s been found unconstitutional,” Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, complained to committee members during debate on the fetal heartbeat bill.

Criminal Justice Reform Bills

Lawmakers discussed several criminaljustice reform bills. House Bill 1352 would steer criminal courts away from acting as the venue where the mentally ill are adjudicated. It would also cut back on drivers’ license suspensions.

Senate Bill 2927,The Second Chances, Back to Work Act, though, would do even more to help people avoid being tagged as criminals for life. It would cut probation or parole supervisory times from five years to just two; nix extended sentences for threestrike offenses for those who combined sentence total more than ten years; and first and second felony drug possession charges would be downgraded to misdemeanors.

Like the House bill, it, too, would seek to steer the mentally ill away from criminalcourt proceedings.

Two other bills, House Bill 949 and House Bill 1081, would reform the use of bail money. “Those who can afford bail walk free, while those who cannot languish in jail pending trial even when they do not pose any danger or risk of flight,” wrote Tiffany M. Graves on Twitter on Feb. 4.

“It’s time to end the money bail system in Mississippi.”

See a longer version at jacksonfreepress. com/legroundupfeb. Follow state reporter Ashton Pittman on Twitter @ashtonpittman. Email story tips to ashton@jacksonfreepress.com.

Celebrate

LOVE 3

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

BLACK MIGRATION POP-UP EXHIBITION | 5:30 PM-8 PM Works by Elizabeth Catlett and art students from Tougaloo College on view

3

ART LAB | 5:30-7:30 PM Make & Take Relief Printmaking

GUIDED TOUR | 6-6:30 PM Tour of 2019 Scholastic Art Awards exhibition with Gold and Silver Key recipients

CAPE RE:FRAME | 6-6:30 PM With artist Talamieka Brice

3

6:30-8 PM | BLACK MOVEMENT Performances by vocalist Courtnie Mack, “Black Gold: Mining Our Music,” Blue Light Underground Ensemble, and Deep Seedz Arts Collective, followed by an art talk by Tougaloo College art students and MMA/Tougaloo Art & Civil Rights interns

GALLERIES AND THE MUSEUM STORE OPEN ‘TIL 8 PM

3 Cash bar and food

SUPPORTED BY

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Download our new 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

380 South Lamar St. | Jackson MS 39201 | 601.960.1515

@MSMUSEUMART.ORG get connected:

013

February 6 - 19, 2019 • jfp.ms

available for purchase.

9

C. Liegh MCinnis

AnnApurnA releAsing, llC

Talking About ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’

Editor-in-Chief and CEO Donna Ladd Publisher & President Todd Stauffer Associate Publisher Kimberly Griffin Art Director Kristin Brenemen Managing Editor Amber Helsel EDITORIAL State Reporter Ashton Pittman JFP Daily Editor Dustin Cardon Editorial/Events Assistant Nate Schumann City Intern Reporters Taylor Langele, Natosha Pengarthit State Intern Reporter James Bell Editorial Intern Armani T. Fryer Editorial/Marketing Intern Sarah Pollard Editor-in-Chief’s Assistant Shakira Porter Writers Dawn Dugle, Jenna Gibson, Shameka Hayes,Torsheta Jackson, Natalie Long, Mike McDonald,Tunga Otis, Micah Smith, Brinda Fuller Willis Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Advertising Designer Zilpha Young Contributing Photographers Delreco Harris, Imani Khayyam, Ashton Pittman

“If Beale Street Could Talk,” based on the James Baldwin novel of the same name, stars Stephan James as Alonzo “Fonny” Hunt and KiKi Layne as Clementine “Tish” Rivers. The story follows the couple as they seek to clear Fonny’s name of wrongful charges.

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

F

10

or those of you who have read the book “If Beale Street Could Talk,” the film is as heart-wrenching and depressing as the book. For those of you who have not read it, plan to do something very encouraging and uplifting after you see the movie.

Now, to be clear, I am not telling y’all this to keep y’all from seeing it. It is a great film, but it addresses one of the sad realities of our time: the manner in which the judicial system has complete autonomy to destroy black lives just because it can.

The film is set in the 1970s. It follows the journey of couple Clementine “Tish” Rivers, played by Kiki Lane, and Alonzo “Fonny” Hunt, play by Stephan James, as they seek to clear his name of wrongful charges.

And, yet, what’s most gripping about “If Beale Street Could Talk” is that not much had to be changed from when James Baldwin wrote it 45 years ago. That is the sad reality of America and its need to maintain a permanent underclass to maintain a permanent free-labor base.

However, if one can endure the pain and anger that the film evokes, one can also see a very powerful and beautiful film about the will and ability of African peoples to survive and thrive even when warring against each other

under the most hellish attack of white supremacy.

True to Baldwin’s work, the film does not sugarcoat the nuances and complications of being human. We do not cheer for the protagonists of “If Beale Street Could Talk” because they are perfect but because they are great examples of trying each day to be better than they were yesterday while facing

because those works might make us uncomfortable. In fact, that’s the point of art—to make us uncomfortable. Because the human species is adept at finding comfort in terrible circumstances, one of the goals of art is to make us so uncomfortable with our circumstance that we are forced to reevaluate it and move. So, let’s get moving to the theater to see “If Beale Street Could Talk.”

The film does not sugarcoat the nuances and complications of being human. the fangs of white supremacy.

Even more, the film makes one of the best cases for the value of love— eros (romantic), platonic, storge (family), and agape—showing that in the most trying times love is the only nutrient and weapon that can sustain one against this world’s evil.

So, get your minds, hearts and souls ready because this is an important film. As African peoples, we cannot complain about the limited amount of offerings we have when we don’t do our part to see well-crafted works just

Then, y’all go see “The Upside” and “Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse.” I haven’t seen “Aquaman,” yet, either because I was saving my money to see “If Beale Street Could Talk” first.

Now, I can go and get me some laughs ’cause I damn sho‘ need ’em.

C. Liegh McInnis is an English instructor at Jackson State University, the former editor and publisher of Black Magnolias Literary Journal, and the author of eight books.

This column does not necessarily reflect the views of the JFP.

ADVERTISING SALES Digital Marketing Specialist Meghan Garner Sales and Marketing Coordinator Andrea Dilworth BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS Distribution Manager Ken Steere Distribution Damien Fairconetue, Ruby Parks, Eddie Williams 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 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 news magazine, reaching over 35,000 readers per issue 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 views expressed in this magazine and at jacksonfreepress.com are not necessarily those of the publisher or management of Jackson Free Press Inc. © Copyright 2019 Jackson Free Press Inc. All Rights Reserved

Email letters and opinion to letters@jacksonfreepress.com, fax to 601-510-9019 or mail to 125 South Congress St., Suite 1324, Jackson, Mississippi 39201. Include daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length and clarity, as well as factchecked.

Now Through – Dec 31, 2019 Members get a $100 Bonus for opening a new checking account with an automatic payroll deposit and credit card, or other lending product. * Excludes Freedom Loan | Share Secured | Certificate Secured.

Member must be in good standing for 90 days to receive the $100 bonus.

Terms and Conditions Apply.

D ETA I L S AT M S FCU.U S

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2019 MISSISSIPPI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM • 7:00 PM MCM PARTNERS’ SIGNATURE FUNDRAISING EVENT This event supports the Mississippi Children’s Museum in its efforts to inspire the children of Mississippi to discover and achieve their potential as they learn and play inside an innovative place created just for them.

ABOUT IGNITE THE NIGHT

SPONSORED BY

PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY! 601.368.1919 | salandmookies.com

mschildrensmuseum.org • 601.981.5469

February 6 - 19, 2019 • jfp.ms

On February 9, 2019, MCM Partners is inviting grown-ups to take over the museum! Patrons will be headed seaside at MCM during Ignite the Night: Hamptons Holiday. Don’t have a helicopter or weekend estate? Dress your most preppy summer chic, and we’ll bring all the charm and style of Long Island’s East End to Jackson!

On this special evening, guests can bid on swanky silent auction $ Ê#+& $

+ +Ê&Y$ łÊ $

ÊÉ & + ÊÇ$ É& + ( Ê at whimsical lawn games, and get a taste of the New York Elite’s most luxurious night life. It may be February outside, but nothing says summer like a night out in the Hamptons!

11

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

Give me a general idea of why you decided to run.

I decided to run because I have a passion for trying to help our state, and I see a vision of how we can fix all our problems. I did not want to take the typical one step up the political ladder over a 16-, 20-year period because I didn’t want to lose the passion I have now.

I do believe that no matter how strong your convictions are, how passionate you are, if you get into the political system that long, it will grind you down. It will change you and drain you of a lot of that passion because it’s a very grueling process.

12

How has your family-farm business influenced your ideas for the state?

So with my business, it’s all specialty crops. It’s not a big-row crop farm. It’s mostly hand-labor crops that require a lot of attention, a lot of hand labor, and I’ve worked with a lot of different people of a lot of different backgrounds over the years. It’s an entertainment agritourism operation. So we grow crops that draw people to our farm to come pick their own crops and bring their families and kids out for entertainment and school-field trips and company picnics and weddings and family reunions.

So it’s a very unique business.

I grew that business and developed that business model during a very tough time for the country with the recession hitting right there in that time. I firsthand got to feel the effects of how government, at a period when government had reached the highest pinnacle of regulation and taxation,

courtesy Jamie Johnston / Robert Foster Campaign

M

ississippi House Rep. Robert Foster greets me on the floor of the chamber where he is a freshman legislator.

Along with his campaign manager, Colton Robinson, he shows me to a room off to the side of the chamber.

“Freshmen don’t get offices,” says the young lawmaker, whom voters first elected to the statehouse in 2015.

Back home in DeSoto County, where he runs Cedar Hill Farm, an agritourism business, Foster is known for his nice-guy image. On his campaign materials, he touts himself as a “Man of Faith,” a “Conservative Outsider” and a “Farmer.” But online, he has earned a reputation for inflammatory tweets and ultra-conservative stances.

Now, he is running for governor in the Republican primary, running against current Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican from Florence, Miss., among others.

It was early morning on Jan. 30, 2018, when we sat down to go beyond the tweets and discuss his ideas on the issues that could make or break his attempt at a shock primary victory against Reeves.

BIO: Age: 35 Hometown: Hernando Faith: Baptist Alma Mater: University of Mississippi Spouse: Heather Foster Children: Libby, Hayes

JFP INTERVIEW

Robert Foster: ‘A Little More Reserved Than Trump’

by Ashton Pittman how it really held me back from growing my business. We would have grown that business even faster had it not been for all of the barriers put in place by government.

I’ve seen ads where you claim you don’t support Medicaid expansion, but do support “reform.” But what you describe as “reform” on your website sounds a lot like expansion, which involves accepting federal funds to expand access to Medicaid to about 300,000 Mississippians who make too much for traditional Medicaid, but not enough for Affordable Care Act subsidies.

What’s the difference?

You can use the word expansion, or you can use the word reform. I use the word reform because there’s a big difference to me between reforming Medicaid and expanding it and just bringing more people onto the government payroll for health care. I think that’s bad policy. I think it encourages dependency. It discourages people from wanting to take the step into society of working and helping pitch in for what they get back. … I want to incentivize people to continue to work, to have skin in the game, to help pay in something so the State doesn’t have to drain our budget

to help cover their insurance.

But we do need to draw down those federal dollars to help. … All the people who work in Mississippi are paying federal taxes—and our dollars are being redistributed around for health care in other states, and we’re not getting the benefit here. The people contributing should be receiving what they’re helping pay for everybody else to use.

We’re sticking our head in the sand because we don’t like the policy of Obamacare. I think it’s bad policy. The ACA is bad policy that had a lot of flaws, but it is the law of the land, and Mississippi is going to have to do what’s in our best interest until that law is changed in Washington.

We would be a lot better off if Washington block-granted money back to the states in education and health care so we can do what we think is best for our state because every state is not the same. What works for us doesn’t necessarily work for New York or Texas or Tennessee.

Talk more about that.

We have to do what is in our best interest, but we also have to work within what the law allows us to do, and if we can get innovative waivers that are that are different, that are unique—other states have

done something similar, like Indiana and Arkansas—that allow leniency and allow us to do a program that encourages people to keep working and to move up in society.

What the rest of the country needs to look at, with all of our policies on health care and entitlement programs, is we shouldn’t have this threshold line that says, “If you make below this number, then you get all of this assistance. And if you make one dollar over it, you don’t get anything.”

What that creates is people having this dependency. They just stay under that threshold. They realize that if they go get a job, or if they work extra hours, or if they pick up a second job and try to better their lives, it’s going to hit them so hard when they lose all of that safety net that they’ve got. And so they don’t in a lot of cases.

Our system now is so messed up, and Mississippi hasn’t made any reforms at all.

We’ve encouraged people to stay in poverty rather than encourage them to go get a job and help. So that’s what I want to do.

I want to reform Medicaid to help the people that want to help themselves and encourage the people that are trying to help themselves to do that. And they will if we give them an opportunity.

It’s not the people that don’t work; they get traditional Medicaid. It’s not the

In recent years, Mississippi has cut hundreds of billions in corporate taxes, including the corporatefranchise tax. At the same time, we’ve struggled to fund repairs for our roads and bridges. Do you support cutting taxes on corporations further?

I’m 100 percent (in) favor of cutting the franchise tax. I helped push that through the House. The franchise tax is a very regressive tax on companies.

Similarly, you can see we had a warehousing inventory tax on the books some years ago, and right before I came into the Legislature, they cut that tax.

In DeSoto County, which is right on the Tennessee line with Memphis, we had very few to no warehouses.

That changed as soon as they cut that warehousing tax, and they’re now building multi-million-square-foot warehouses all over the state line up there.

Mississippi is bringing thousands of good jobs, and they’re paying tremendous amounts of property tax into the local economy to support DeSoto County Schools. They are buying houses in DeSoto. There are spin-off businesses and industries that are contributing— restaurants and eateries where people go to lunch while they’re working. All of that spin-off, economically, is a huge boom, and that would never happen had we not done away with that regressive tax.

My plan is to completely reform all of our tax policies in our state. We’ve got to get away from regressive taxes that attack businesses and personal income before people decide how they want to spend their money. It’s bad economics to take somebody’s money before they decide how they’re going to spend it.

We’ve got to look at getting to more excise-sales taxes. Then they get to decide how they want to spend their money, to make a conscious decision, “Do I want to go out dinner? Do I want to go to the grocery store to buy my groceries? Do I want to buy this size TV?” Then they get to decide and get taxed as they spend, and you have everybody contributing—everybody passing through our state, everyone helping pitch in to help take care of our roads to help take care of our bridges and to help contribute to the basic cost of maintaining our state government.

Sales taxes are regressive taxes, though. Wouldn’t they disproportionately hurt the poor because they would be paying more for basic necessities like groceries?

Well, you could make that argument.

However, when the economy starts to do better—which I know it will because economically it will unleash our economy on a different level—then the poor will be taken care of. You look at Texas, you look at Tennessee. The poor are being taken care of better in those states because they have a better and stronger economy. And so it’s a chicken-and-egg issue. You can argue that it will affect them more because they’ll have to pay a little bit higher sales tax, but they’re also getting their money to buy their groceries from the government anyway, so it’s kind of a moot argument to me to say that it’s going to hurt them when we’re taking care of them anyway.

Tennessee passed a law making two years of community college free for adults who graduated from its high schools, for the purpose of growing a more educated, ready workforce.

What do you think of that idea?

I don’t agree with that. What we need to be doing is putting vo-tech and careertech in high schools where we’re already spending a tremendous amount of money.

Kids need to have options while they’re in high school—while they’re fully mature enough to learn skills.

They may not know what they want to do for a living, yet, but that’s when they need to be exploring options.

In the past, you have expressed discomfort with the idea of school vouchers. Explain why.

So here’s the issues that I see there. We try to pass policy a lot of times in Jackson, and that’s a one-size-fits-all policy. We say we’re going to blanket this policy across the state, and your local school districts are going to have to do it whether they want to do it or not, and it’s going to affect your local community whether you want it or not. And to me, I think that’s bad policy.

Careers in information technology and computer programming are growing rapidly, and leaders across the country are pushing for computer coding skills to be a part of school curriculums.

What is your view?

We’ve got to instill skills like that with career-tech and vo-tech. I’m for putting it even in earlier stages before high school.

It’s a necessity to transforming education.

We’ve got this whole system backwards more FOSTER p 14

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

people that are wealthy; they have insurance. It’s not the people that work for the state government; they have state insurance. It’s all the working-class people in our state. There are those who work privately for themselves, or for small companies that don’t have any corporate insurance that are being hurt. We’ve got to do something for them.

13

JFP INTERVIEW: Robert Foster, from page 13 of what it ought to be. We ought not be sending everybody on a path to four-year college because there’s not but a small number of jobs out there that require a four-year professional degree. They ought to have the resources put in place to give kids these options to learn these skills so that we can break that cycle of poverty.

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

14

You co-authored the Gestational Age Act, which bans abortions after 14 weeks, but a federal court struck it down last year. Mississippi’s only abortion clinic stops performing abortions after 15 weeks. Why pass an anti-abortion law when it only makes a week’s difference?

I think it’s the principle of the issue that unborn life is not negotiable. We’ve got to push it further and further. It is a very sad situation in society when it’s not about the mother’s health. That’s a separate issue if her life is at risk.

But when somebody wants to choose to end a life for convenience, I think that’s just a very sad thing. It’s an evil to me that our society is going to have to answer for, and we should do everything we can to protect those unborn children. They have done nothing wrong. It’s sad that we try to turn in an argument about a woman’s choice for her body.

You know, if you decide, “I don’t want to have a financial burden of taking care of a child,” what’s the difference between one that’s six weeks and one that’s six months or six years? There isn’t a difference.

By that same token, what’s the difference between 14 and 15 weeks?

Every time we can push it farther and farther, I’m for it.

nation that have a belief that they should not be a part of celebrating something that they think is a sinful act, and there’s a difference between selling somebody a wedding cake from your bakery, and then asking you to make a wedding cake personalized for a ceremony that you believe you don’t want to be a part of for religious reasons.

A gay couple in Texas recently said they were searching for a wedding venue, but were turned down by multiple after they showed up for appointments and the owners realized they were a gay couple. If businesses are going to be allowed to refuse to serve LGBT people, shouldn’t they have to post a “No Gays” public notice?

They could have simply called and just been upfront with them about (beSnap Happy Photography/Jennifer Black

You talk about how we put drug addicts in jail instead of treating them. How will you tackle our mental-health-care crisis?

We have got to figure out a way to get our mental-health facilities funded so they can take in these patients. The place for them is not in jail. It’s bankrupting our local jails and local supervisors trying to afford to take care of them. They’re not equipped to handle people with mental-health issues.

Their job is to house criminals and people we are scared of in society—not people that need to be in mental-health facilities. And we need to figure out a way to get them the resources they need so we can get these people out of the jails.

In one of your tweets, you said being discriminated against is part of the price we pay to live in a free society. What did you mean by that?

Well, I actually feel discriminated against a lot as a conservative. I feel discriminated against a lot as a Christian in our society today, and attacked a lot for my beliefs. But I think people have the right to free speech. I don’t want to quell somebody’s free speech because they don’t believe in what I believe.

We have groups of people out there trying to not even allow the other side to have a say. When you own a business, and you run a business, somebody does not have a right to come in and demand you serve them. There is a two-way street there.

They have to show you respect when they come into your business, and you have to show—you should show—them respect.

Mississippi Rep. Robert Foster, a Republican candidate for governor, owns Cedar Hill Farm, a specialty crop and agritourism business in DeSoto County, Miss. In this photo, he poses with wife, Heather, and children Hayes and Libby.

If you don’t, as a business owner, show people the respect they deserve, the free market takes care of it, because people will not want to do business with somebody who does not show people respect. And if you discriminate against somebody because of their skin color or something of that nature, that is wrong, and everybody would agree that is wrong.

That’s not what I was talking about in that tweet. That was back during the whole House Bill 1523 time period. There is an attack upon Christians and people in this

ing a gay couple). Just call when you know it’s something out of the ordinary and be upfront with the person, and then go do business with the people you want to do business with.

Would you say that to an interracial couple?

I think that’s completely different situation. I just do, to me. It is not an issue. I think race is completely different than getting somebody involved in a religious ceremony that goes against their core beliefs.

There are people who say they oppose interracial marriages on the basis of religious beliefs, though. Historically, Christians in the South believed God “made the races separate.”

Honestly, I just don’t see that in my views as a Christian. I haven’t gotten that from the Bible.

You get a lot of criticism for your inflammatory tweets, such as one where you wrote that “anyone who votes Dem in 18 is either ignorant or evil” because “there is no excuse for supporting killing babies or open borders.” Why do you do it?

It’s not like they don’t ask for it.

They attack me, and they attack things that I believe in and yeah, I give it back a little bit sometimes, and that’s uncommon for most politicians. A lot of times, politicians ignore it completely and don’t fight back. I can talk policy with anybody, and I’m friends with people that are liberal, conservative and everything in between. I’m just a nice guy and get along with people. But you know, if they don’t want to step in the ring, don’t step in the ring.

Would you be a governor who tweets like Donald Trump?

I’m a little more reserved than Trump, I’ll say. A lot of times things are taken out of context. I know one of the most common ones I’m asked about is one that people misconstrue as me saying Democrats are evil and ignorant. If you look at the rest of the tweet, I’m talking about abortion and openborder policies.

Tweets are hard to get into context.

They’re short. But I’m not saying that Democrats are all evil. That’s not what I’m saying. What I’m saying is that the policies of abortion are evil, and the policies of open borders are ignorant, and to support those policies is voting Democrat(ic). And that’s what we were talking about at the time.

You have to read more into it. A lot of people don’t want to do that. They like to just take excerpts and hammer them. Which is fair. It’s politics. But it’s not the truth.

Full interview is at jacksonfree press.com.ms/2019politics. Follow state reporter Ashton Pittman on Twitter @ashtonpittman. email him at ashton@ jacksonfreepress.com.

MILLSAPS COLLEGE

ARTS & LECTURE SERIES

LEARN HOW TO PROTECT OUR OCEANS

2019 Lecture Series continues with FEBRUARY 12, 2019 A TALE OF TWO OBSERVATORIES

Robert Parker Adams and Tom Howorth

PILOT A FULL-SIZE “SUBMERSIBLE”

MARCH 26, 2019 THE MUSCLE SHOALS INFLUENCE ON MUSIC TODAY

APRIL 16, 2019 ROBERT KENNEDY’S VISIT TO MISSISSIPPI Ellen Meacham, Jane Hearn, and Ron Greer

Will Kimbrough, Kate Campbell, and Spooner Oldham

All programs begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Gertrude C. Ford Academic ComplexRecital Hall.

For more information, go to millsaps.edu/artsandlecture or call 601-974-1130.

Delicious Flickr WWW.MILLSAPS.EDU�CONTED

JAN. 26 � MAY 12 MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE

Twitter

Retweet

Delicious

Flickr DeliciousFacebook Twitter Flickr

Facebook

Slash Dot Mixx MySpace StumbleUpon Facebook MySpace

Slash Dot

Mixx Slash DotReddit Skype Mixx

Reddit

Newsvine SlideShare Google FriendFeed YouTube LinkedIn Reddit FriendFeed YouTube

Google Talk LinkedIn

Newsvine

Yahoo Google Yahoo Buzz Netvibes SlideShare Google Talk Newsvine SlideShare Google

AOL Google Talk

Yahoo

Microsoft MSN Yahoo Buzz Netvibes Yahoo Yahoo Buzz

AOL

Microsoft

MSN

App Store Apple Microsoft MSN

MySpaceRetweet TwitterStumbleUpon

Digg

Skype StumbleUpon

FriendFeed Technorati Skype YouTube

AOL

Apple Netvibes

AmazonMobileMe Last.fm Apple

Digg Retweet

Digg Technorati

LinkedIn Technorati

MobileMe

Mister Wong MobileMe

Thanks to the Jackson Free Press readers for naming aming us the Best Flower Shop in Jackson.

App Store

Qik Amazon App Store

Qik

Vimeo

Tumblr

WordPerss

Last.fm

Vimeo Mister Wong Viddler Amazon Last.fm

Tumblr Viddler

Qik

WordPerss Virb

Vimeo

BehanceBlogger

Tumblr

Blogger

Viddler

Design Float Posterous

WordPerss

Virb Mister Wong

Deviant Art

Blogger

Posterous

Virb

Design Bump

Posterous

Best of Jackson 2019 Beat the rush and order your Valentine's bouquet today.

Behance

Design Float

Friendster

Bebo

RSS

Email

Friendster Deviant Art

Behance

RSS

Bebo

Design Float

Email

Squidoo

Friendster

Bebo

RSS

Email

Design Bump Squidoo

Deviant Art

Share This

Design Bump

Share This

Squidoo

Share This

®

Jennifer and Nash Mixon say: “St. Alexis has a refreshing openness and acceptance of all people that re�lects Jesus’ love and compassion. Rev. Culpepper’s sermons are thought provoking and insightful.”

Weekly Services • Sun. 10am 650 E.South Street, Jackson • 601-454-5716 All are welcome here!

St. Alexis

Episcopal Church

705 N State St. Jackson 601-957-1951 greenbrookflowers.com

February 6 - 19, 2019 • jfp.ms

What do you like about St. Alexis?

15

2019 Power Couples It’s the time of year when many of us are thinking about those we love and what we love. This time of year also means that we look around for the area’s power couples. The 2019 dynamic duos include a dentist-semi-professional-baseball player pairing, couples who use their creative pursuits to improve the city and surrounding areas, couples who have worked to effect change in the community, and more. Check out these couples and stay tuned for a few more in the next issue of BOOM Jackson, which hits the streets on March 6.

WILLIAM H. KELLY III

David and Emmi Sprayberry David and Emmi Sprayberry like to combine their work of art, communication and storytelling in helping Jackson and its people.

“We love the city, and we love our community,” David says.

Emmi and David were both born and raised in the Jackson metro area, although they both left and traveled outside Jackson for extended periods of time.

The couple met at a local concert with Norma Jean, As Cities Burn and Plastic Glasses when Emmi was selling merch for the bands. The two kept bumping into each other at local events and had more than a few mutual friends.

“One day I came by her house with a Jackson Free Press to bring her a list of venues, (but) she knew all of the venues. I just wanted to see her,” David says. The Sprayberrys married in 2005.

Emmi currently works for St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

ALDEN KIRKLAND

16

Juan and Rachel Gomez CityHeart Church youth pastors Juan and Rachel Gomez share a purpose in life.

“We’re community builders,” Rachel says.

The couple’s path together began with different formative experiences.

Juan, 26, grew up in San Antonio,Texas, the youngest of four children.

“I had no dad growing up, he says. “I got into trouble a lot.” After a big fight in high school, a judge ordered him to take an anger management class.

That, he says, is what turned him around. What that class did for him he wanted to do for other kids.

“But,” he says, “after high school things get real for you. I was taking drugs to supplement my loneliness.”

He eventually realized that was not working.

gua in 2006. Later that year, she began studying in Jackson State University’s political-science master’s program. Hendrix, a south Jackson native, received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from JSU in 2006. The two met in the program and married in 2010.

Hendrix says MAE’s mission is to ensure that every child in Mississippi has access to an equitable education, regardless of the person’s zip code. The organization works to give educators a voice in state politics. “We believe that educators know best how to provide a quality education for children,” he says.

Dometz-Hendrix does research for economic policies, such as the impact a lottery would have on Mississippi and presumptive eligibility for Medicaid.

“What we say at our office is that we try to figure out how to make Mississippi better for more Mississippians,” she says.

—Amber Helsel

“I stopped cold turkey,” he says.

Rachel, 25, grew up near Orlando as a middle child of nine.

“I came from a very good family experience,” she says. “My motivation—also based out of my family sit-

uation—is to include more people. Wanting people to belong. To be included. These are people we’re bringing up that are going to be running the world.”

The couple met at Bethany College near Baton Rouge, La., where each graduated in 2015 with a Diploma of Biblical Studies. They married the same year.

They moved to Jackson in September 2017 and became the youth pastors at CityHeart in September 2018.

The couple often do events with the kids, such as cleaning up a park. “We convey to the kids, ‘Speak the gospel, do the outreaches,’” she says. “Christianity is not just sitting down. We live it.”

Juan is a respiratory technician at CareMed Specialty Pharmacy in Ridgeland, and Rachel is a project manager at Red Squared Productions.

—Rebecca Burr

WILLIAM H. KELLY III

Tyrone Hendrix and Ercilla Dometz-Hendrix For couple Tyrone Hendrix and Ercilla Dometz-Hendrix, community and giving back are important parts of their lives. “We ... try to make our community a better place,” Hendrix says.

Hendrix, the executive director of the Mississippi Association of Educators, served as president of Jackson City Council from 2014 to 2017. During his term, he fought for issues such as living wages for city workers and financial transparency in local government.

Dometz-Hendrix, a policy analyst for the Mississippi’s University Research Center at the Institutions of Higher Learning, is currently on the Bond Oversight Committee for Jackson Public Schools and is a member of the Center for Art & Public Exchange’s Community Council.

Dometz-Hendrix received her bachelor’s degree in diplomacy and international relations from American University in Nicara-

and teaches upper school visual arts, including courses such as art, graphic design and photography. She also helps with an after-school tutoring program called Red Door, where she is the arts coordinator and teaches art for first through 12th grades.

David is the assistant director of university relations at Belhaven University. He also teaches a media-relations class and does public-relations work for the Mississippi Museum of Art, Epilepsy Foundation Mississippi, Mississippi Book Festival, CelticFest Mississippi and Mississippi Rep. Joel Bomgar. David and Emmi also have a photography company Bee’s Knees Photography.

“We both want to be intentional with our time and the way we invest it with people,” David says.

Emmi says: “Jackson is overflowing with talented people.

There are so many special individuals, and whether we just get coffee or work together on a project, it’s always enriching.”

—Sarah Kate Pollard

WILLIAM H. KELLY III

Marie and LaRue Owen Marie and LaRue Owen are united in their belief that loneliness, depression and isolation are some of the greatest dangers to communities today, especially among senior citizens.

Both of them are dedicated to bringing people together and building connections in their own way.

LaRue, a retired Methodist minister who practiced in the Jackson metro area for 37 years, has conducted what he calls “Table Talk” at Char Restaurant every night since 2013.

“Every night I come in at 5 p.m., sit at a table and invite people to come and speak with me,” he says. “I know, it sounds crazy and strange, but after six years, there have only been 22 nights where I was by myself. It’s a safe place for people to be themselves, and the one rule is to be nice to each other.”

Marie, a freelance graphic designer, has been working with her

“Canton was a second home, I have family here and spent summers here,” Ozie says.

She started college at Jackson State University in 2004 for public relations, but in 2006, she left the school. The couple met in 2008 while both worked a local restaurant franchise in Jackson. They began dating in 2015 after bumping into each other after a Slim Pusha and Sika premier.

“When I saw her, I spoke. The rest is history,” Stevie says.

They married in July 1, 2016. The couple have two children: Ji’Dante, 12, and Zho’Nla, 2.

—Armani T. Fryer

sister, Hilda Owen, on a co-housing project called “Front Porch Mutual” since 2009. She describes co-housing as a village-like small group of houses grouped around a central common space, in which residents also share common facilities such as gardens and dog parks. The project is meant to address the small number of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in Jackson compared to the large number of seniors.

“People live longer if they’re having fun, and this way you can know everyone, meet on the front porch, share meals and enjoy cocktails in the afternoon,” she says.

The two graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, which is also where they first met. They married and moved to Jackson in 1980. Their son, Frank LaRue Owen Jr., is vice president for strategy at Mad Genius Advertising in Jackson.

—Dustin Cardon

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

were, but we are still very intentional about how we engage with the community both through music and through other ways,” Julia says.

Their son, Jake, 8, plays the drums and daughter Ella, 5, has a soprano ukulele. “We’ve always been the musician couple we’ve always been (now) with two other little musicians,” she says.

On marriage and parenthood, Julia says: “There are challenges neither of us could have anticipated. I have always felt so incredibly fortunate to have landed with this person to move through life with.”

Jamie says: “We are 10 years into our marriage, and it still feels the same way (as) when we first got together.”

—Brynn Corbello

Stevie and Ozie Hendrix Stevie, 31 and Ozie Hendrix, 35, aim to help Canton in both their artistic and business endeavors.

“For me, my point of view is that I can help show people a different outlet (for art) that may be different from the norm,” Stevie says.

Photographer, painter and tattoo artist Stevie owns RockStar Ink Tattoo Studio in the city, and Ozie owns IFAMOUZ CANDLES and SPA. Both businesses are in the same storefront at 355 W. Peace St. in Canton.

Stevie, born in Canton, says he has been interested in art since he was a child.

He graduated from Canton High School in 2007, then attended Hinds Community College for graphic design for a year before deciding college wasn’t for him.

From 2007 to 2009, Stevie worked in the industrial field and at a restaurant franchise. He has been in the tattoo business for 10 years.

“Art is my passion, and I knew from tattooing I could make my own money, and I knew I could do it and be good at it,” Stevie says. He worked at HardRocs Tattoo in Brandon starting in 2009, and then opened RockStar in 2013.

Ozie was born in Chicago, Ill., moved to Canton, Miss., in 2004.

ALDEN KIRKLAND

ALDEN KIRKLAND

Julia and Jamie Weems Julia Weems, 43, is a musician, licensed clinic social worker and Birmingham native. She and husband, Jamie Weems, stay in Jackson because of the strong community here.

“This is where we’re raising our kids, the kind of place people can have an impact if they put their energy into their community,” Julia says.

Jamie, a 41-year-old Meridian native, received his bachelor’s degree in music performance from the University of Louisiana Lafayette 2001. He is an information-technology cyber-security analyst for Jackson-based Pileum. Over the years, he has played with local Jackson musicians, including a duo formed with Mark Roemer. Julia received her bachelor’s degree in English from Birmingham-Southern College in 1997 and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama in 2005. She has a private practice in Jackson that focuses on trauma therapy. Julia plays with St. Brigid, An Irish Celtic band.

The couple met in Washington, D.C., where Julia was living and Jamie was visiting. They married in 2008.

For Jamie and Julia, music is an important aspect of their relationship.

“We have evolved from what we

He met Antoinette while they were students in the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s dental school. They married in 2016. They both now work at Forest Dental Practice. in Forest, Miss.

Trey is going into his ninth summer with the Hattiesburg Black Sox. He has been the team captain for about five years now, he says. The team plays during the spring and summer. They have traveled across the U.S., playing in games such as the 2016 NBC World Series. They also played in the inaugural Bluegrass World Series at Louisville Slugger Stadium in Kentucky.

Besides being a dentist, Antoinette is also a certified yoga teacher. She does not teach in a gym or studio, though. This year, she plans to take yoga to the people, essentially. She plans to teach the members of the Black Sox, along with small business owners, dentists and more.

—Amber Helsel

COURTESY ANTOINETTE JONES

Trey and Antoinette Jones When members of the Hattiesburg Black Sox, a semi-professional baseball team, step onto the field, Antoinette Liles Jones is usually the loudest one in the crowd of wives and girlfriends, she says. “I call myself, like, a Soxy lady,” says the wife of centerfielder and team captain Trey Jones.

When first applying to colleges, Antoinette, a Michigan native, was looking for a school with a marching band.

“I don’t know how I heard of the Sonic Boom of the South, but I truly wanted to be a part of it,” she says. She ended up attending the school on an academic scholarship. She graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

Trey grew up in Morton as the son of a dentist. After graduating from Morton High School, he studied and played baseball at Meridian Community College. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

17

food & drink

Love, Life and Local Events

by Dustin Cardon

“Once Upon a Time” Dinner

Soul Wired Café (111 Millsaps Ave.) will host its “Once Upon a Time” Valentine’s Day dinner from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14. The five-course dinner will have a vegetarian and pescatarian menu, guitar instrumentals and poetry readings. Reservations are required, and the event is limited to 12 couples. Tickets are $50 per couple. For more information, call 601-790-0864 or find the event on Facebook.

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

18

Fischer Galleries Art Lover’s Soiree

Fischer Galleries (736 S. President St.) will host the Art Lover’s Soiree from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14.

The show will feature paintings, photography, sculpture and more from Art Space 86, Due South Co-op and the Mississippi Museum of Art. Fischer Galleries will also have spaces set up for Ferris + Company interior design and Lemuria Books. For more information, call 601-291-9115 or find the event on Facebook.

Photo by Deva Williamson on Unsplash

Valentine’s Day at Saltine Restaurant

Saltine Restaurant (622 Duling Ave., Suite 201) will celebrate the week of Valentine’s Day with a special menu from Wednesday, Feb. 13, to Sunday, Feb. 17.

Chef specials will include appetizers such as shrimp bisque and seafood towers of marinated crab claws, boiled Gulf shrimp and oysters; entrees such as crab-stuffed redfish and chargrilled filet; and desserts such as dark chocolate brownies an strawberry trifles.

Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. For more information, call 601982-2899 or visit saltinerestaurant.com.

“Street Scene” and more. General admission is $25, and students and military get in for $10. For more information, call 601-960-2300 or find the event on Facebook.

Lounge 114 Valentine’s Dinner Lounge 114 (105 Capitol St.) will offer a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner with live music from Malcolm Shepherd from 8 p.m. to midnight. All three courses include asparagus or vegetable medley, This Valentine’s Day, celebrate by supporting salad, bread, and a choice of local businesses and restaurants, and cheesecake or chocolate cake attending local events. for dessert. The entrees include seafood pasta, shrimp and grits, and grilled chicken breast with a lemon herb sauce. For more information or to make reservations, call 601-383-1112 or email Senior Citizens Prom at the Medical Mall lounge114reservations@gmail.com.

Health-insurance company Humana is partnering with the City of Jackson to host a Senior Prom on Valen- Lovers Town at South Street Live tine’s Day inside the Thad Cochran Center at the Jackson Merc B. Williams will host “Lovers Town” at South Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The event Street Live (110 S. St.) from 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursis free and will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon. For more day, Feb. 14. The event will feature performances from Lari information, call Atesa McKinney at 601-982-8467.

Johns’n, Stephanie Luckett and Stefanie Bolton Bernard.

Tickets are $25 per person. Guests can reserve a table “The Night After” Dinner Theater at Kismet’s for two for $60 or a table for four for $125, both of which

The Detectives Dinner Theater will host a Valen- come with a complimentary glass of wine for each guest. tine’s Day show at Kismet’s (315 Crossgates Blvd., Bran- VIP booths are also available for $200. They come with don) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The show is “The Night admission for four people, a bottle of red or white wine, After,” a romantic comedy that revolves around a wed- assorted pastries, exclusive seating and VIP parking. South ding rehearsal dinner. Kismet’s will serve a three-course Street Live is also offering a “V’Day Lover’s/Friends” packmeal along with the show. Tickets are $42. Seating opens age for $500, which includes admission for eight people and at 6:30 p.m., and reservations are required. For more in- photo memorabilia in addition to the VIP booth perks. formation, call 601-291-7444.

For more information, call 601-980-3006 or visit southstreetlive.net.

Cabaret at Duling Hall: “The Truth About Love ... and the Usual Lies” Valentine’s Day Dinner at

The Mississippi Opera will host “The Truth About BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar Love ... and the Usual Lies” at 7:30 p.m. at Duling Hall For Valentine’s Day, BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & (622 Duling Ave.) The cabaret show about falling in and Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., 601-982-8111) will have a speout of love stars Jessica Medoff and Michael Bunchman. cial menu on Feb. 14. It will include dishes such as oysters The event features songs from “Avenue Q,” the opera on the halfshell with a paddlefish caviar and a strawberry

mignonette; a 14-ounce grilled ribeye with lobster tail, truffled gaufrettes (fried potatoes that look like small waffles) and grilled asparagus; and red-velvet cheesecake. BRAVO! will also have wine and cocktail specials, and the full menu will be available.

For more information, visit bravobuzz.com.

“LOVE Wins” Dinner at Amour Venue

Amour Venue (1100 JR Lynch St.) will host its “LOVE Wins” couple’s dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Dinner starts at 7 p.m. and a live performance by blues legend Bobby Rush will begin at 7:30 p.m. The dinner will feature a cash bar, but outside beverages are prohibited.

The event is open to couples over 25. Attendees must make reservations. A VIP package is also available and includes an open-bar pass and one dozen long-stem red roses in a vase. For more information, visit amourvenue.com or find the event on Facebook.

Estelle’s Valentine’s Day Dinner

Estelle Wine Bar & Bistro (407 S. Congress St.) will hold a Valentine’s Day dinner from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The dinner will feature a prix fixe menu and is only open to customers who make reservations.

For more information, call 769-235-8400 or visit estellejackson.com.

High Biscuits Valentine’s Day Brunch Buffet

High Biscuits Tea Room (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland) will offer a Valentine’s Day brunch buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The menu will include beef Bourguignon, shrimp and grits, carved ham with Jezebel sauce, scrambled eggs, tossed salad, buttered noodles, glazed carrots, petit fours, cherry scones with preserves, chocolate cheesecake and fruit salad.

Attendees must make reservations and prepay for the bunch. The brunch is $25.75 per person. For more information, call 769-300-4948 or visit highbiscuitsllc.com.

Valentine’s Day Celebration at Jose’s

Jose’s Mexican Restaurant (136 S. Pearson Road, Suite H, Pearl) will celebrate Valentine’s Day with food and drink specials all day, and live music from Blake Edward Thomas from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant will also give out complimentary flowers for women and candies for men. For more information, call 601-664-0303 or find the event on Facebook.

Treats at Nandy’s Candy

For Valentine’s Day, Nandy’s Candy (1220 E. Northside Drive, 601-362-9553) will have treats like themed chocolate-covered apples, handmade chocolates, chocolatecovered strawberries, white chocolate lips and more.

For more information, visit nandyscandy.com

This list is not complete. See and add more at jackson freepress.com/valentinesday2019.

*CRR[ *QWT '8'4; &#; YKVJ 0'9 (QQF &TKPM 5RGEKCNU

SURIN OF THAILAND Lunch Hours /QP 5CV CO RO ^ 5WP CO RO Dinner Hours 5WP 6JWTU RO ^ (TK 5CV RO (WNN &TKPM 5WUJK $CT .CTIG 1WVFQQT 2CVKQ 2TKXCVG &KPKPI 4QQO )TGCV (QQF (TGUJ 5WUJK #UM CDQWV QWT %WUVQOGT .Q[CNV[ 2TQITCO

6JCPM [QW HQT PCOKPI WU C ¿PCNKUV

BEST THAI $'56 1( ,#%-510

3000 Old Canton Road, Suite 105, Jackson | (601)981-3205 Like us on Facebook! www.surinofthailand.com surinofthailandjxn@gmail.com

Thank You for voting us

Best Place for Cocktails Best Place for a First Date Best Happy Hour Best Margarita Best Outdoor Dining

And the best is yet to come!

BATTLING BORING LIBATIONS SINCE 2011 Woodland Hills Shopping Center 633 Duling Ave. | 769.216.2323 fondrencellars.com

6 2 2 D U L I N G AV E .

|

601-366-5757

E AT B A B A L U.COM

February 6 - 19, 2019 • jfp.ms

BE

ST BE OF ST JA OF CK JA SO CK NF SO N W INAL INN IST 20 12 ER , 20 20 13 15 , 20 ,2 14 01 ,& 7, 20 20 16 18 ! ,& 20 19 !

19

Thank you for naming me Jackson’s best chef.

2018 and 2019

Now booking private events.

February 6 - 19, 2019 • jfp.ms

Featured on Alton Brown’s Cutthroat Kitchen and the Food Network’s Chopped.

20

For All Your Portrait Needs Headshots s Artist Portfolios Weddings s Family Photos

(601) 953-1906

Osirisfotos

nickwallaceculinary.com 601.919.6328

aTo Do Listd

Looking for something great to do in Jackson? Visit JFPEVENTS.COM for more.

COMMUNITY Events at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St., millsaps.edu.)

• What Style Is My House? Feb. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Todd Sanders is the instructor. Participants learn about a variety of architectural styles seen in Mississippi domestic architecture from the 19th century to 20th century. Class meets either Feb. 12 or April 30. $40 per person.

• Arts & Lecture Series: A Tale of Two Observatories Feb. 12, 7-9 p.m. Architect Tom Howorth speaks on the Barnard Observatory at the University of Mississippi, and its 1989 restoration and reuse. It houses the Center for

the Study of Southern Culture. The event will be on the second floor of the Gertrude C. Ford Academic Complex. $10 admission; call 601974-1130; email conted@millsaps.edu.

• Military Medicine During the Civil War Feb. 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m. William Hanigan is the instructor. Participants learn about Union and Confederate medical services in the midst of military conflicts, and a shifting political landscape in the Civil War. $50 per person.

Spirits of the Passage Feb. 6-10, Feb. 12-17, Feb. 19-20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Two Mississippi Museums (222 North St.). The traveling exhibit showcases rare artifacts uncovered from the wreckage of a sunken slave ship. $10 adult, $8 senior, $6 child; email lwheeler@mdah.ms.gov

hitched

Back in the Day: A Celebration of Black History Feb. 7, Feb. 14, 6 p.m., at New Hope Baptist Church (1555 Beasley Road). The annual event features weekly guest-speakers who are prominent African Americans in the community.

Free admission; call 601-981-8696.

Stems, Trees and Leaves Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). The event features interactive crafts, games and displays that focus on Mississippi trees and their significance in both the past and present. $6 adults, $4 children 3 and up, kids under 3 free; find it on Facebook.

Jackson Book Festival Feb. 8, 1-6 p.m., at the Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The literary festival features guest speakers,

prize giveaways, a poetry contest and a vendors market featuring books, art, attire and more. The poetry contest culminates in writers performing their poems onstage. Free admission; call 601372-0229.

Purple Chic Hollywood Gala Feb. 9, 7-11 p.m., at Country Club of Jackson (345 St. Andrews Drive). The fundraising gala for the Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi includes food, drinks, guest speakers, a silent auction, live entertainment and more. The funds help the foundation continue its outreach, education, support groups and advocacy initiatives. $100 per person, $75 ages 21-30, $1,000 table for 10; call 601-9365222; epilepsy-ms.org.

Trendy Times

by Sarah Kate Pollard

Best Community Garden/Nature Attraction Best Museum

While some wedding traditions will remain, new ones have popped up, including dresses with statement backs, nontraditional venues and mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses.

Best Arts Organization Best Place to Get Married Best Caterer Best Place to Book a Party or Shower Best Flower Shop

Best Beauty Shop or Salon Best Barbershop Best Nail Salon Best Place for Unique Gifts Best Day Spa

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

Planning a wedding? Check out these categories at jacksonfreepress.com/bestofjackson2019 for everything from food to venues to gifts.

Photo by Charisse Kenion on Unsplash

S

ome wedding trends never end, and some are timeless, like white dresses, destination weddings, churches and more. We want them to stay, but there a few trends that are new and just as beautiful as the classics.

Wedding Ideas Magazine says that statement backs on a wedding dress, whether it be one with lace details, a low cut or covered in gems is a recent style that has come into fashion. The website also says statement shoes are a trend for the bride or groom, a pop of color or maybe an interesting pattern to change up the usual. Another trend is mix-and-match dresses for bridesmaids. The idea behind this is the bride picks a color or a set few colors, and then lets her bridesmaids pick the style of the dress. This trend can accommodate all body types, and it lets bridesmaids have fun and get creative.

Some couples are also choosing nontraditional venues. The classic venues will always be around, but couples are getting experimental in 2019 and having their special day in the most unexpected of places such as museums, breweries and summer camps.

It seems like one of the overall themes of 2018 trends is personalization, whether it is picking nontraditional dresses, shoes or location, adding a personal touch to the usual wedding traditions is a great way to make your wedding your own.

21

S L AT E

the best in sports over the next two weeks

by Bryan Flynn, follow at jfpsports.com, @jfpsports

The Super Bowl wasn’t the game everyone expected, but it was a great defensive game. The dynasty lives on as the Patriots win their sixth title.

aTo Do Listd TEDxJackson “The Next 200” Feb. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at Museum of Mississippi History (22 North St.). The annual event features videos from TED Talks and live speakers as they present on a variety of subjects such as health, education, economic opportunity and more. $65 general admission; find it on Facebook.

Parent/Teen Dating Violence Summit Feb. 16, 9 a.m.-noon, at King Edward Hotel (235 W. Capitol St.). The event features panels on cyber safety, bullying, human trafficking, suicide pre-

THURSDAY, FEB. 7

Women’s college basketball (6-8 p.m., SECN): Mississippi v.

South Carolina FRIDAY, FEB. 8

Softball (5:30-7:30 p.m., SECN+): Stephen F. Austin v. MSU SATURDAY, FEB. 9

Men’s college basketball (12-2 p.m., SECN): Mississippi v. Georgia SUNDAY, FEB. 10

Women’s college basketball (1-3 p.m., ESPN): Tennessee v. MSU MONDAY, FEB. 11

Men’s college basketball (6-8 p.m., ESPN): Virginia v. North Carolina TUESDAY, FEB. 12

Men’s college basketball (8-10 p.m., SECN): Alabama v. MSU WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13

Men’s college basketball (7:309:30 p.m., SECN): UM v. Auburn THURSDAY, FEB. 14

Women’s college basketball (8-10 p.m., SECN): Missouri v. MSU FRIDAY, FEB. 15

Baseball (4-6 p.m., SECN+): Youngstown State University v.

MSU SATURDAY, FEB. 16

Men’s college basketball (2:304:30 p.m., SECN): Missouri v.

Mississippi SUNDAY, FEB. 17

Women’s college basketball (1-3 p.m., SECN): MSU v. Texas A&M University

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

MONDAY, FEB. 18

22

Men’s college basketball (6-8 p.m., ESPNU): Alcorn v. University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff TUESDAY, FEB. 19

Men’s college basketball (6-8 p.m., SECN): Mississippi v. South Carolina WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20

Men’s college basketball (5:307:30 p.m., SECN): MSU v.

Georgia

Looking for something great to do in Jackson? Visit JFPEVENTS.COM for more.

960-1515; email mdrake@msmuseumart.org; msmuseumart.org.

Events at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd.)

•Visiting Artist: Teresa Haygood Feb. 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Artist Teresa Haygood leads children in creating a mosaic piece made with beans. Workshops take place at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Materials included with admission; call 601-981-5469; email sbranson@mcm.ms; mschildrensmuseum.org.

THURSDAY 2/7 Flowood Chocolate Festival is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Market Street Flowood (Old Fannin Road and Lakeland Drive, Flowood). Participating businesses offer various chocolate tastings to attendees, as well as promotions and discounts in their stores. Additionally, the Northwest Rankin High School and Hartfield Academy art departments will present the Project Yumway fashion RAWPIXEL show, where they will be showcasing outfits constructed of candy wrappers. $5 adult ticket, children 12 and under free; call 601-932-8007; find it on Facebook. vention, healthy relationships and more. Keynote speaker Maisie Brown delivers message about dating violence. Registration requested. Free admission; find it on Facebook.

“Redefining Black Manhood” Symposium Feb. 17, 3:30-5 p.m., at Afrikan Art Gallery (800 N. Farish St.). The REAL Learning Institute, Free the Land Initiative and RBG Coalition present the symposium series on reshaping the image of African American men. The events will take place on the third Sunday of each month. For all ages. Free admission; call 769-572-7441.

Marketplace Monday Feb. 18, noon-7 p.m., at 201Capitol (201 W. Capitol St.). The monthly event gives business owners, entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, service providers, networkers, consumers, and information providers and seekers the opportunity to network. Free admission; call 601-870-1388; find it on Facebook.

Ideas on Tap—Locked Up: Criminal Justice in Mississippi Feb. 19, 5:30-7 p.m., at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St.). The program examines the state of the criminal justice system in Mississippi, and its existing laws and ongoing reform efforts. Includes guest speakers Jennifer Riley-Collins, James Robertson and Johnnie McDaniels. Snacks provided. Free admission; call 601-432-6752; email cgillespie@mhc.state. ms.us; find it on Facebook.

• Magic Mondays Feb. 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd. ). The museum will be open for special extended holiday hours on Mondays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Magic Mondays also include a special “Food Lab” program at 3:30 pm.

Included with admission ($10 per person); call 601-981-5469; mschildrensmuseum.org.

•Kids Club Feb. 16, 10-11 a.m. The event

SATURDAY 2/16 Make a Difference: One Step at a Time 5K Race begins 8:30 a.m. at Woodland Office Park (795 Woodlands Parkway). Participants can run or walk in the annual 5K event. Registration at 7:30. 5K Run/Walk costs $20 (pre-registration) or $25 (on-

KIDS Events at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.) • Hoot & Holler Family Creation Lab Feb. 10, 2-3:30 p.m. A museum educator leads families with children ages 6-10 in an art project that takes inspiration from a different artist each month. This event is on the second Sunday of each month. $10 per child; msmuseumart.org.

• Look & Learn with Hoot Feb. 15, 10:3011:30 a.m. The educational event for children up to 5 years of age and their parents features creative play, a hands-on art activity and story time with Hoot, the museum’s education mascot. MMA asks that participants come prepared to get messy. $10 per child; call 601-

RAWPIXEL

day). The 1-Mile Fun Run costs $10 (pre-registration) or $15 (on-day).

Spirit runner cost is $15. $10-25, see description; call 601-398-3689; southgroup.net.

features a Mardi Gras-themed celebration for kids. Includes beads and king cake. Free admission; call 601-863-2300; email sreeks@ northparkmall.com.

FOOD & DRINK Dinner and a Dive Feb. 9, 6-8:30 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). The museum hosts a fourcourse dinner for adults catered by Saltine. An aquarium dive follows dinner. Reservations required and closed after Feb. 2. Must be 21 or older to attend. $75 per person.

“BBQ, Beer & Live Trivia” Feb. 11, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m., at The Pig & Pint (3139 N. State St.). Challenge Entertainment presents Live Trivia, featuring a $50 gift card for first place, a $20 gift card for second place and a $10 gift card for third place. Free; pigandpint.com.

“Once Upon a Time” Dinner Feb. 14, 7-11 p.m., at Soul Wired Cafe (111 Millsaps Ave.).

This event features a five-course dinner with a vegetarian and pescatarian menu. The event also includes guitar instrumentals and poetry readings. Reservations required. Limited to 12 couples. $50 per couple; call 601-790-0864.

Champagne Afternoon Tea Feb. 16, 2-5 p.m., at Estelle Wine Bar & Bistro (407 S. Congress St.).

This event offers beverages and small bites. Reservations required. $27; find it on Facebook.

“The Night After” Dinner Theater at Char Feb. 18, 7-9 p.m., at Char Restaurant (I-55 N. Frontage Road). The Detectives and Char present the comedic dinner theater show with a three-course meal. Cocktails and seating begin at 6 p.m.

Reservations required. $49, plus tax and gratuity; call 601-291-7444; email thedetectivestheatre@ gmail.com; thedetectives.biz.

SPORTS & WELLNESS Hip Hop with Roger and Tena’s Choreorobics Dance Off Feb. 6, Feb. 10, Feb. 13, Feb. 17, Feb. 20, 6:15-7 p.m., at The Cheer Academy (324 Distribution Drive, Madison). The hiphop-dance fitness program features choreography challenges. Walk-ins welcome. $7 per class; call 601-853-7480; email choreorobics@yahoo.com; choreorobics.com.

Mental Health & Wellness Day at the Capitol Feb. 13, 8-10:30 a.m., at Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.). In the Rotunda and West Hallway. The Mental Health Association of South Mississippi, NAMI Mississippi and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health host the event featuring exhibitors, guest speakers and more. Free admission; call 601-899-9058; email stateoffice@namims.org; find it on Facebook.

If You Love Me, You’ll Get Tested Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Hinds Behavioral Health Services (3450 Hwy 80 W. ). The event on sexually transmitted diseases will feature free HIV and STI screenings as well as the opportunity to speak with medical professionals about the illnesses.

Free; call 601-321-2400; hbhs9.com.

Diabetes Super Conference Feb. 16, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at Jackson Marriott (200 East Amite St.).

During the event, those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as their loved ones, can learn more about diabetes and how to live healthy lives with it. Kids age 6-12 can attend the minisession of Camp Kandu while adults attend the lectures. $20; find it on Facebook.

STAGE & SCREEN Event at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St) “Hell in High Water” Feb. 6-9, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 10, 2 p.m. The Marcus Gardley-penned play

King Cake Headquarters!

Pick up hand made sweets for your Sweetie. . a e 5 9 .

6 $2 Order Yours Today!

Available Jan 6th - Mar 5th 1491 Canton Mart Rd. • Jackson, Mississippi • 601.956.7079

New Stage Theatre presents

HELL IN

Massage Foot Reflexology Salt Cave Gift Shop 5490 Castlewoods Ct. Suite D, Flowood, MS 39232 s WWW SOULSYNERGYCENTER COM

HIGH WATER A Play with Music by

Marcus Gardley

Directed by Francine Thomas Reynolds Featuring Vasti Jackson

January 29-February 10, 2019 For tickets: 601-948-3533 or newstagetheatre.com Sponsored by Community Foundation

FOR MISSISSIPPI MEYER AND GENEVIEVE FALK ENDOWMENT FOR CULTURE & ARTS

February 6 - 19, 2019 • jfp.ms

Thank you for voting us the Best Yoga Studio in the metro!

23

aTo Do Listd tells the story of Greenville, Miss., and how the Great Flood of 1927 changed the townspeople’s lives and their town forever. Recommended for ages 12 and up. $30 admission, $25 seniors, students and military; call 601-948-3533; newstagetheatre.com.

Advanced Acting with John Maxwell Feb. 11, Feb. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. John Maxwell assists participants in developing their acting skills. The class emphasizes communication and “growing through a role” rather than “finding a role.”

Includes some homework and may include scene work with a partner outside of class. Some stage experience suggested. $200; call 601-9483533; newstagetheatre.com.

Montage Theater of Dance Presents: “Kansas City: The Story of the Negro Baseball Leagues” Feb. 6-7, 7 p.m., at Cain-Cochran Hall at Hinds Community College (608 Hinds Blvd., Raymond) and Feb. 10, 3 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255, 4115, E. Pascagoula St.). The performance tells the story of Jackie Robinson as he becomes the first African-American to play in MLB and sparks integration in the sport.

MUSIC

24

Advanced tickets are $5 for students and seniors, and $7 for general admission. Tickets at the door are $7 for students and seniors, and $10 general admission. Call 601-857-3460; email p3atr1@yahoo.com.

“Kinky Boots” Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The Grammy- and Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of a struggling shoe-factory owner who gets introduced to the worlds of cabaret and drag performance. $35-$60; jacksonbroadway.com.

Black History Month Documentary Film Series—“ReMastered: Who Shot the Sheriff?” Feb. 7, 7-9:30 p.m., at AND Gallery (133 Millsaps Ave.). The documentary focuses on the political suppression of the roots reggae movement in Jamaica and the mysterious shooting of Bob Marley. Discussion to follow. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Donation of $5 requested. Free admission, donation requested; email andgalleryart@gmail.com; find it on Facebook.

Cabaret at Duling Hall: “The Truth About Love ... and the Usual Lies” Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The

Mississippi Opera presents the musical and theatrical experience about falling in and out of love featuring Jessica Medoff and Michael Bunchman. The event features songs from “Avenue Q,” the opera “Street Scene,” popular American music and more. $25 admission, $10 for students and active military; call 601-960-2300; email exdir@msopera.org; msopera.org.

“If Not Us, Then Who? Freedom Rides to Freedom Summer” Feb. 17, 6-8 p.m., at Northside Baptist Church (1475 E. Northside Drive, Clinton). The play depicts various events that revolve around Freedom Summer and how these events influenced the Civil Rights Movement. Refreshments provided after performance.

Free admission; call 601-924-4555; email info@ northsidebaptistms.org; find it on Facebook.

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS The Vegabonds Feb. 8, 9 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The Nashville, Tenn.-based rock-and-roll band’s latest album is titled “V.” Cody Rogers also performs. Doors open at 8 p.m. $10 in advance, $15 day of the show; call

877-987-6487; ardenland.net.

The Big Fondren Rock Show Feb. 9, 9 p.m., at Soul Wired Cafe (111 Millsaps Ave.). Hunter Chappell performs in the fourth-annual music event. RSVP. Doors open at 7 p.m. $5 ticket; find it on Facebook.

New Orleans Suspects Feb. 9, 10 p.m., at Martin’s Downtown (214 S. State St.). The Louisiana funk band features veteran musicians who have played for acts such as the James Brown Band, North Mississippi Allstars, the Neville Brothers and more. Doors open at 9 p.m. For ages 18 and up. $10; call 601-354-9712; martinsdowntownjxn.com.

Mississippi Chambre Music Guild: USM Graduate Ensembles Feb. 10, 3 p.m., at Municipal Art Gallery (839 N. State St.). Graduate students from The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music perform arrangements from five composers from the 19th and 20th centuries. $10 adult, free admission for children and students; call 601-594-2902; email royce@castlemedia.net; .

Shenandoah: Ready & ‘Reloaded’

hen the Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo returns to Jackson from Feb. 7 through Feb. 13, another southern institution will be returning with it: Grammy Award-winning country act Shenandoah.

Lead vocalist Marty Raybon says that he remembers performing in Jackson with Shenandoah in early 1990, when the Muscle Shoals, Ala.-native group was gaining international attention with hit songs such as “The Church on Cumberland Road,” “Two Dozen Roses” and “Sunday in the South.” Raybon rejoined the band, which now includes musicians Mike McGuire, Jamie Michael, Donnie Allen, Brad Benge and Travis Mobley, in 2014 after leaving about 17 years prior.

“Man, we’re looking forward to coming back,” he says of Jackson. “We always enjoy doing rodeos. It’s the crowd. … Rodeo folks are our type of people. I’m not (saying) that we’re horse farmers or cattlemen or anything like that, but I mean, that’s literally who we are. We’re Middle America. We’re folks that believe you work the same way like everyone else does to get ahead in life. Normally, what you find with people like that are folks that genuinely like what we do with music.”

That is not to say that Raybon backs the idea that Shenandoah’s music is for any one audience. There may be different tastes and some listeners who prefer one genre to another, he says, but a great record will sell to anybody who loves it.

by Micah Smith

“It’s just real wholesome music with lyrics that really say stuff, that edifies and says something to people in their lives,” Raybon says. “That’s the kind of stuff we’ve done literally all our careers. That’s what we strive to do anytime we do a record is find the tunes that really, truly, honestly try to

in April 2016 as their first new release following Raybon rejoining the band. Another element of performing more wholesome material is that it’s just more accurate to who they are, he says.

“We don’t want to sing songs about drinking, we don’t want to sing songs about Chuck Arlund

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

W

Looking for something great to do in Jackson? Visit JFPEVENTS.COM for more.

Grammy Award-winning country band Shenandoah performs in Jackson on Saturday, Feb. 9, for the Dixieland National Livestock Show & Rodeo.

say something to people.”

In part, that comes from the fact that Shenandoah has always been a faith-based band, he says. Many of the group’s most famous songs are centered on Christian themes, and the musicians even put out a gospel album, “Good News Travels Fast,”

cheating, and we don’t want to sing songs that really, honestly and truly, have nothing to do with our lifestyle,” Raybon says.

Most recently, Shenandoah released a full-length titled “Reloaded” in March 2018. The album is primarily made up of newly recorded live versions of popular

songs from Shenandoah’s repertoire, which has included 13 No. 1 records thus far.

Likely most exciting to fans, though, is the fact that “Reloaded” also features the band’s first new music in almost 20 years— singles “Noise,” “That’s Where I Grew Up” and “Little Bit of Livin’.” For those three songs, Shenandoah teamed up with producer Jay DeMarcus, who is best known as the bassist for Rascal Flatts.

“We had kind of reformed the band, as you might say, so therefore, that was the tense of ‘Reloaded,’ and then, we still feel like we’ve got music we want to play for people,” Raybon says. “We still feel like we’ve got something that we want to say musically to people, you know, because we’ve always let our music do our talking.”

With the singles still being so new, Raybon says the verdict isn’t completely in yet as far as fans’ reactions, but he does get to see the songs connect with audience members each night, just as Shenandoah’s classics do.

“The biggest comment that we’ve had, you know, that really means a lot to us, is that people have said, ‘Man, it may have been 20 years since y’all have done a record, but it sounds like you hadn’t gone anywhere,’” he says.

Shenandoah performs for the Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.). Ticket prices start at $20. For more information, visit mdac.ms.gov.

aTo Do Listd

Bravo IV: String Sensation Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.).

The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra presents

TUESDAY 2/19 Mississippi Nurses Association 2019 Legislative Nursing Summit is from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagou-

RAWPIXEL

la St.). The annual event encourages networking and highlights the importance of nursing leadership and involvement in the legislative arena.

Registration only. $80 nonmembers, $55 MNA members, $35 students; call 601-898-0670; email mna@ msnurses.org; msnurses.org.

the concert featuring guest violinist Tai Murray, with musical selections such as Robert Schuman’s “Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120” and Johannes Brahms’ “Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77.” $21-$64; call 601-960-1565; msorchestra.com.

call 601-974-1000; millsaps.edu.

• Intro to Mosaica—Garden Brick Feb. 12-13, 6-8 p.m. Teresa Haygood is the instructor. Participants learn to create mosaic pieces for the garden with basic techniques such as cutting and shaping glass, choosing the proper adhesives and more. $70 plus $25 supplies fee; millsaps.edu.

• Jewelry Findings 101 Feb. 12, Feb. 19, 6-8 p.m. Laura Tarbutton is the instructor.

Participants learn to make their own jewelry findings, such as jump rings, earwires, clasps and more. Class meets Feb. 12 and Feb. 19 at instructor’s studio in Brandon (address sent with confirmation). $40 plus $20 instructor fee; call 601-974-1000; millsaps.edu.

Paint & Sip: New Moon Intentions—Whale Feb. 6, 6-8 p.m., at Jax-Zen Float (155 Wesley Ave.). Attendees will take part in a “meaningful intention-setting ritual” and then paint those intentions into a work of art. In this session, participants will paint a whale as a symbolic reminder to listen to their inner voice. Bring an adult beverage and a personal writing journal. $35 (bring a friend and both receive $5 off); call 601-691-1697; email contact@jax-zenfloat.com; jax-zenfloat.com.

Join us for great food, live entertainment, and an international silent auction! AND … the Top Chef Competition featuring three categories: Chef, Sous Chef, and Pastry Chef.

Mississippi’s finest culinary talents will showcase their Southern-inspired dishes with a Mississippi flair!

How Scent It Is! Candle Making Class Feb. 8, 6-8 p.m., at Kundi Compound (3220 N. State St.). The event teaches participants how to make their own candles. Materials included in cost. Adults only. $35; call 769-208-3202; email southernscentsationsms@gmail.com; SouthernScentsationsMS.com.

VIP RECEPTION: $100 PER PERSON BASH: $50 PER PERSON

History Is Lunch: Natalie G. Adams & James H. Adams Feb. 20, noon-1 p.m., at Two Mississippi Museums (222 North St. ). In Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium. Guest speakers Natalie G. Adams and James H. Adam present on their book, “Just Trying to Have School: The Struggle for Desegregation in Mississippi.” Book sales and signing to follow. Free admission; call 601576-6998; mdah.ms.gov.

Art House/Tech House: (Buy) Black Art in a Black Tech Space Feb. 8, 7-10 p.m., at Imari Obadele Center for Community Production (922 W. Capitol St.). The event showcases works from African American artists. Includes free food and drink. Donations accepted. Free admission; call 601208-0090; email cooperationjackson@gmail. com; cooperationjackson.org.

CREATIVE CLASSES

PASTRY CHEFS Lucy Taylor, AJ’s, Three Milk Cake Alan Gould, Broad Street Kimberly Ruffin, Kimmie Sweets

For tickets and more details: www.blackhistoryplus.com See you at the Bash!

ARTS & EXHIBITS

“Lost Children Archive” Book Signing Feb. 14, 5 p.m., at Eudora Welty House and Garden (1119 Pinehurst St.). Author Valeria Luiselli signs copies. Reading at 5:30 p.m. $27.95 book; call 601-366-7619; lemuriabooks.com.

Events at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St. ) • Exciting & New Guide to Portrait Drawing Feb. 12, Feb. 19, 6-7:30 p.m. Keisi D.V. Ward is the instructor. Participants learn to sketch faces through various drawing techniques in a relaxed atmosphere. Class meets Tuesdays through Feb. 19. $90 plus supplies;

SOUS CHEFS Louis James, Jackson Marriott And More to Come!

Voiceover 101 with Keri Grayson Horn Feb. 11, Feb. 18, 5:30-7 p.m., at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). The class teaches multiple skills relating to voiceover, including vocal techniques, warm-up exercises, microphone etiquette and approaching the script. Instructor Keri Grayson Horn discusses different aspects of voiceover, as well as where and where not to go for jobs. $150; call 601-948-3533; newstagetheatre.com.

In the Gallery: Working Matters by Kristen Tordella-Williams Feb. 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Pearl River Glass Studio (142 Millsaps Ave.). The event features sculptures by artist and instructor Kristen TordellaWilliams that reflect the theme of work.

Free admission; call 601-353-2497; email vmeek@pearlriverglass.com; find it on Facebook.

LITERARY SIGNINGS

CHEFS Kenneth Everett, 4th Avenue Lounge Glenn Friday, Arrow Grill Marilyn Kithuka, Gumbo Girl Rashanna Newsome, Aplos Lee Vance, Josephine’s Kitchen Gerry Tart, P.F. Chang’s

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.

A few spots left in JFP Editor Donna Ladd’s popular creativity, writing and storytelling workshop.

Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Designed for anyone who wants to be more creative, on or off the job. Enjoy fun exercises and develop a creativity action plan for yourself. Limited seats.

Includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, binder of worksheets and readings, weekly newsletter/writing prompts leading up to workshop.

Workshop meets in the big JFP creative space in Capital Towers, 125 S. Congress St., #1324

$199 until Feb. 15

(regular $250)!

Accept checks, credit/debit cards. Non-refundable

Must register: Call 601-966-0834 or email class@writingtochange.com

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

The Living Room Culture feat. Scott Albert Johnson Feb. 16, 7-10 p.m., at Soul Wired Cafe (111 Millsaps Ave). Harmonica-wielding singer-songwriter Scott Albert Johnson performs. Show also features Carroll McLaughlin.

RSVP. Participants area allowed to bring their own liquor, though there is a corkage fee. $5.

25

courtesy Acoustic Crossroads

2/6 - 2/19 Wednesday 2/6 1908 Provisions - Dan Gibson 6:30-9 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

See more music at jfp.ms/musiclistings.

To be included in print, email listings to music@jacksonfreepress.com.

Acoustic Crossroads

Fitzgerald’s - Joseph LaSalla 7-11 p.m.

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Live Music

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Dan Confait

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

Drago’s - Doug Hurd 6-9 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music

Duling Hall - Corey Smith 8 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Jackson Gypsies 7-10 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison Shaun Patterson

Sunday 2/10

Drago’s - Greg Breland 6-9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Live Music 6:30 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Chris Gill 6-10 p.m.

1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Johnny Crocker 7-11 p.m.

Kathryn’s - The Soleshakers 7 p.m.

Martin’s - Teddy and the Rough Riders w/ The Medium 10 p.m.

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

Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music

Pelican Cove - Road Hogs 6-10 p.m.

Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Southern Roots 9 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Tiger Rogers 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Live Music 6 p.m.

1908 Provisions - Scott Turner 6:30-9 p.m.

Bonny Blair’s - Phil and Trace 7-11 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Greg Breland 6-9 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - The Corner Band 11 p.m. $5 Fitzgerald’s - Chad Perry 7-11 p.m.

Shucker’s - Sonny Duo 5:30 p.m.; Loving Ledbetter 8 p.m. $5; Bill Mauldin 10 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Jay & the Roundup Band 6 p.m.

Soulshine, Flowood - Jason Turner 7 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Chris Gill & Rick Moreira noon-4 p.m.; Phil & Trace 5-9 p.m.

Soulshine, Ridgeland - Ben Payton

Shucker’s - Greenfish 3:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dan Michael Colbert 6-9 p.m.

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

Saturday 2/9

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Aaron Coker

Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Mr. Sipp 8 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Zach Bridges

Char - Bill Clark 6 p.m. courtesy Mr Sipp

Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Monday 2/11 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Central MS Blues Society 7 p.m. $5 Kathryn’s - Stevie Cain 6:30 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Live Music Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Tuesday 2/12 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Mr. Sipp

Kathryn’s - Keys vs. Strings 6:30 p.m.

Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster 8 p.m.

Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m.

Kathryn’s - The Lucky Hand Blues Band 7 p.m.

Martin’s - Live Music 10 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Chris Gill Trio 6-10 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Live Music 9 p.m.

Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 3:30 p.m.; Ian Faith 8 p.m. $5; Bill Mauldin 10 p.m.

Soulshine, Flowood - Brian Smith Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

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

Sunday 2/17 1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Drago’s - Greenfish 7-10 p.m.

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

F. Jones Corner - Live Music midnight $10

Iron Horse Grill - Tiger Rogers 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s Chris Grill 7-11 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Soul Stew 6 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Live Music

Pelican Cove - Jonathan Alexander noon-4 p.m.; Larry Brewer and Doug Hurd 5-9 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music

Martin’s - The Revelries 10 p.m.

Shucker’s - Keys vs. Strings 3:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dan Michael Colbert 6-9 p.m.

Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Live Music 9 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Chad Perry 5:30 p.m.; Ian Faith 8 p.m. $5; Charade 10 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Central MS Blues Society 7 p.m. $5

Soulshine, Flowood - Ron Etheridge 7 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Joseph LaSalla 6:30 p.m.

Soulshine, Ridgeland - Casey Phillips 7 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

1908 Provisions - Chuck Bryan

Shucker’s - Road Hogs 7:30 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

The Hideaway - Live Music 9 p.m.

Wednesday 2/13 Drago’s - Chad Perry 6-9 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - LaLa Craig 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer and Doug Hurd 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Faze 4 Dance Band 7 p.m.

Ole Tavern - Karaoke 9 p.m.

Martin’s - New Orleans Suspects 10 p.m.

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

Pelican Cove - Gina & Buzz 6-10 p.m.

Saturday 2/16

Pelican Cove - Acoustic Crossroads 6-10 p.m.

Shucker’s - Sonny Brooks & Friends 7:30 p.m.

1908 Provisions - Vince Barranco 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Jason Miller Band 9 p.m.

Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster 8 p.m.

Shucker’s - Steele Heart 3:30 p.m.; Lovin Ledbetter 8 p.m. $5; Chad Perry 10 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - High Frequency Band 9 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Jackson Gypsies 6-10 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Singer Songwriter Night 7-10 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Live Music midnight

1908 Provisions - Andrew Pates 6:30-9:30 p.m.

The Hideaway - Live Music 9 p.m.

Shucker’s - Karaoke 7:30 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Hunter Gibson & Rick Moreira 6-10 p.m.

Duling Hall - The Vegabonds w/ Cody Rogers - 9 p.m.

Friday 2/15

Kathryn’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Jason Turner

Drago’s - Johnny Crocker 6-9 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Chad Wesley

Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7:30 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Sherman Lee Dillon 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Steele Heart 6:30 p.m.

Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Eddie Cotton 8 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Stace & Cassie 6-10 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Raphael Semmes 6-9 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Live Music midnight $10

1908 Provisions - Ronnie McGee 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Scott Turner Trio 6:30 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Bill, Temperance & Jeff 7-10 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Patrick McClary 6 p.m.

Friday 2/8

Hal & Mal’s - D’Lo Trio 7-10 p.m.

Drago’s - Simpatico 6-9 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Live Music

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Live Music

Shucker’s - Sonny Brooks and Friends 7:30 p.m.

Thursday 2/7

26

F. Jones Corner - The Corner Band 11 p.m. $5

Iron Horse Grill - John Bull Band 9 p.m.

Thursday 2/14 1908 Provisions - Vince Barranco 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Char - Bill Clark 6 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Live Music midnight

Monday 2/18

Tuesday 2/19 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Simpatico 6-9 p.m.

Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Raphael Semmes 6-9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Road Hogs 6:30 p.m.

Shucker’s - Karaoke 7:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

SATURD

Offsite & Onsite CATERING AVAILABLE

DAILY BLUE PLACE SPECIALS

FEBRUARY

FRI. FEB. 8 | 10 P.M.

Wednesday 2/6

Restaurant Open Thursday 2/7

Mark and Jamie Dining Room - 7pm - Free

Friday 2/8

Wednesday 2/13

Restaurant Open Thursday 2/14

D’Lo Trio Dining Room - 7pm - Free

Friday 2/15

Waterworks Bill, Curve Temperance Saturday 2/9 and Jeff Singer Saturday 2/16 Songwriter Night Jackson Dining Room - 7pm - Free

Dining Room - 7pm - Free

Dining Room - 7pm - Free

Monday 2/11 Central MS Blues Society presents:

Blue Monday Dining Room - 7 - 11pm

$3 Members $5 Non-Members

Tuesday 2/12

Dinner Drinks & Jazz with Raphael Semmes and Friends Dining Room - 6pm

Gypsies Dining Room - 7pm - Free

Monday 2/18

Central MS Blues Society presents:

Blue Monday Dining Room - 7 - 11pm $3 Members $5 Non-Members

Tuesday 2/19

Dinner Drinks & Jazz with Raphael

Upcoming

2/21 Timmy Avalon Duo 2/22 Cary Hudson

2/23 Vittles, Vino & Vinyl w/ DJ Sandpaper

2/28 D’Lo Trio 3/30 MoneyBagg Yo

visit halandmals.com for a full menu and concert schedule 601.948.0888

200 s. Commerce St.

8 14 Z 106.7 PRESENTS

21

SAT. FEB. 9 | 10 P.M.

NEW ORLEANS SUSPECTS $10.00 AT THE DOOR FRI. FEB. 15 | 10 P.M.

THE REVELRIES

UPCOMING

FRI FEB 22 FLOW TRIBE SAT FEB 23 RYAN VISER WITH NOTORIOUS CONDUCT FRI MAR 1 VOODOO VISIONARY PERFORM “SONGS IN THE KEY OF PURPLE: A TRIBUTE TO PRINCE AND STEVIE WONDER” SAT MAR 2 ELEKTRIC VOODOO SAT MAR 16 NAUGHTY PROFESSOR FRI MAR 22 FUNK YOU TUE APR 23 TAUK

22

! 23

T U O D L O S MARCH

5 7 8 19 22 29

APRIL 5 6 10 19

MAY 16

Get on the Hip Ship!

W W W. M A RT I N S B A R 3 9 2 0 1 . C O M 214 S. STATE ST. DOWNTOWN JACKSON

601.354.9712

COMPLETE SHOW LISTINGS & TICKETS

www.dulinghall.com

February 6 - 19, 2019 • jfp.ms

Music/Events

TEDDY AND THE ROUGH RIDERS WITH THE MEDIUM

27

47 Bald baby?

48 In better health 49 Midsection muscles 52 IX’s opposite, on a clock face 53 YA fantasy hero who combats No.1 56 Frazier’s “Thrilla in Manila” opponent 59 Horse race pace, sometimes 60 ___ Lama 61 “___ Artist’s Studio” (Christina Rossetti poem) 62 “You and ___ going to get along” 63 Cheeses in red wax 64 Semiprecious stone used in cameos 65 Not barefoot 66 “GymnopÈdies” composer Erik 67 “The Untouchables” agent Eliot

BY MATT JONES

34 Tic ___ (candy brand) 37 Moore who won an Oscar for “Still Alice” 38 Perjure oneself 39 Baseball Hall-of-Famer Mel 40 Came down pretty hard 41 “First, do no ___” 42 Racetrack boundary 43 Special effects that look real but aren’t, briefly 44 Start of many a “Jeopardy!” response 45 Palindromic Reno casino founder William

46 Bull-themed tequila brand 49 Carne ___ 50 A sharp equivalent 51 “Likewise” 54 “Beware the ___ of March” 55 Sagacious 57 Ruffles rival 58 “Listen Like Thieves” band 61 Charged atom ©2018 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@ jonesincrosswords.com)

Last Week’s Answers

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 #899.

Down

1 Actress Condor of Netflix’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” 2 Element that sounds like the middle two letters should be switched 3 Paycheck deduction, perhaps 4 Wildfire side effect 5 “OK, whatever” noise 6 “Later,” in Lourdes 7 Walks with a cane, perhaps 8 “It’s the end of ___” 9 “The Persistence of Memory” artist 10 Put the pedal to the metal 11 Ono’s love 12 Be a witness to 13 Mandy and Dudley, for two 21 Place that’s not fun to be stuck inside with mosquitos 22 Pizzeria in “Do the Right Thing” 24 Diesel who got to say “I am Groot” in multiple languages 27 Calif. winter setting 28 Blackjack card 29 Gas used in light tubes 30 “Aladdin” character 32 Former Boston Bruin Bobby 33 “___ if I can help it!”

“Can I Get Your Digit?”

Across

1 “The Simpsons” character with a crossword episode 5 Waldorf (but not Statler), for one 10 Flim-___ (swindle) 14 Some are fine 15 Actress Menzel of “Frozen” and “Wicked” 16 Jared of “Panic Room” 17 Webster of dictionaries 18 Hebrew letter on a dreidel 19 Atop 20 Bug with formic acid 21 Show with a protagonist known as

Number Six 23 Early fruit sampler?

25 Olympics chant that must annoy every other country 26 Came up 27 Copper finish 30 Small flashes of light 31 Where to use a No. 2 pencil 35 Cartoonist Avery 36 Pained sound 37 Half of Bennifer, once 40 Movie with a robot called “Number 5” 44 Jill who played Captain Stubing’s daughter on “The Love Boat”

Discover the world’s best walk-in bathtub from

®

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

5 Reasons American Standard Walk-In Tubs are Your Best Choice

28

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

Thank You!

Voted Best Buffet • Best Soul Food • Best Fried Chicken Best of Jackson 2019

751 Hwy 51, Madison, MS 391 10 behind the Log Cabin 601-856-4407 | www.hamils.com

A+ RATED

Trusted Professional Installation with Best Lifetime Warranty!

Includes FREE American Standard Right Height Toilet

Limited Time Offer! Call Today!

844-358-8078

“Kaidoku”

1,500

$ 1,500 in Savings INCLUDES a FREE American Standard Toilet

Backed by American Standard’s 140 years of experience Ultra low entry for easy entering and exiting Patented Quick Drain® fast water removal system Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, INCLUDING labor backed by American Standard 5 44 Hydrotherapy jets for an invigorating massage

Last Week’s Answers

$

S AV I N G S

1 2 3 4

BY MATT JONES

FREE IN-HOME EVALUATION!

Receive a free American Standard Cadet toilet with full installation of a Liberation Walk-In Bath, Liberation Shower, or Deluxe Shower. Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchaser. See www.walkintubs.americanstandard-us.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. CSLB B982796; Suffolk NY:55431H; NYC:HIC#2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

Twitter wit Notorious Debi Hope advises us, “Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by a**holes.” That’s wise counsel for you to keep in mind during the next three weeks. Let me add a few corollaries.

First, stave off any temptation you might have to believe that others know what’s good for you better than you do.

Second, figure out what everyone thinks of you and aggressively liberate yourself from their opinions. Third, if anyone even hints at not giving you the respect you deserve, banish them for at least three weeks.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Climbing mountains has been a popular adventure since the 19th century, but there are still many peaks around the world that no one has ever ascended. They include the 24,591-foot-high Muchu Chhish in Pakistan, 23,691-foot Karjiang South in Tibet, and 12,600-foot Sauyr Zhotasy on the border of China and Kazakhstan. If there are any Aries mountaineers reading this horoscope who have been dreaming about conquering an unclimbed peak, 2019 will be a great time to do it, and now would be a perfect moment to plan or launch your quest. As for the rest of you Aries, what’s your personal equivalent of reaching the top of an unclimbed peak?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

Eminem’s song “Lose Yourself” was a featured track in the movie “8 Mile,” and it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003. The creator himself was not present at the Oscar ceremony to accept his award, however. He was so convinced his song would lose that he stayed home.

At the moment that presenter Barbra Streisand announced Eminem’s triumph, he was asleep in front of the TV with his daughter, who was watching cartoons. In contrast to him, I hope you will be fully available and on the scene for the recognition or acknowledgment that should be coming your way sometime soon.

While enjoying its leisure time, the peregrine falcon glides around at 50 miles per hour. But when it’s motivated by the desire to eat, it may swoop and dart at a velocity of 220 miles per hour. Amazing! In accordance with your astrological omens, Gemini, I propose that we make the peregrine falcon your spirit creature for the next three weeks. I suspect you will have extraordinary speed and agility and focus whenever you’re hunting for exactly what you want. So here’s a crucial question: what exactly do you want?

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

Now and then the sun shines and rain falls at the same time. The meteorological name for the phenomenon is “sunshower,” but folklore provides other terms. Hawaiians may call it “liquid sunshine” or “ghost rain.” Speakers of the Tangkhul language in India imagine it as “the wedding of a human and spirit.” Some Russians refer to it as “mushroom rain,” since it’s thought to encourage the growth of mushrooms. Whatever you might prefer to call it, Cancerian, I suspect that the foreseeable future will bring you delightful paradoxes in a similar vein. And in my opinion, that will be very lucky for you, since you’ll be in the right frame of mind and spirit to thrive amidst just such situations.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

A study by the Fidelity financial services company revealed that in 43 percent of all couples, neither partner has an accurate knowledge of how much money the other partner earns. Meanwhile, research by the National Institute of Health concludes that among heterosexual couples, 36

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Torre Mayor is one of the tallest skyscrapers in Mexico City.

When workers finished its construction in 2003, it was one of the world’s most earthquake-proof buildings, designed to hold steady during an 8.5-level temblor. Over the course of 2019, Virgo, I’d love to see you erect the metaphorical equivalent of that unshakable structure in your own life. The astrological omens suggest that doing so is quite possible.

And the coming weeks will be an excellent time to launch that project or intensify your efforts to manifest it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

Multitalented Libran singer and actor Donald Glover uses the name of Childish Gambino when he performs his music.

How did he select that alias? He used an online random name generator created by the rap group Wu-Tang Clan. I tried the same generator and got “Fearless Warlock” as my new moniker. You might want to try it yourself, Libra. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to add layers to your identity and expand your persona and mutate your selfimage. The generator is here: tinyurl.com/yournewname.

(P.S.: If you don’t like the first one you’re offered, keep trying until you get one you like.)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “Salvator Mundi” sold for $450 million in 2017. Just 12 years earlier, an art collector had bought it for $10,000. Why did its value increase so extravagantly? Because in 2005, no one was sure it was an authentic da Vinci painting. It was damaged and had been covered with other layers of paint that hid the original image. After extensive efforts at restoration, the truth about it emerged. I foresee the possibility of a comparable, if less dramatic, development in your life during the next ten months, Scorpio. Your work to rehabilitate or renovate an underestimated resource could bring big dividends.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

We can behold colors because of specialized cells in our eyes called cones. Most of us have three types of cones, but a few rare people have four. This enables them to see far more hues than the rest of us. Are you a tetrachromat, a person with super-vision? Whether you are or not, I suspect you will have extra powerful perceptual capacities in the coming weeks. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you will be able to see more than you usually do. The world will seem brighter and deeper and more vivid. I urge you to deploy your temporary superpower to maximum advantage.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

There are two kinds of minor, boring little tasks. One is when you’re attending to a detail that’s not in service to a higher purpose; the other is when you’re attending to a detail that is a crucial step in the process of fulfilling an important goal. An example of the first might be when you try in vain to scour a permanent stain on a part of the kitchen counter that no one ever sees. An example of the second is when you download an update for an existing piece of software so your computer works better, and you can raise your efficiency levels as you pursue a pet project. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to keep this distinction in mind as you focus on the minor, boring little tasks that are crucial steps in the process of eventually fulfilling an important goal.

Homework: What is the best gift you could give your best ally right now? Testify at https://FreeWillAstrology.

on a temporary or intermittent basis at 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Must be personable, outgoing, Dr., Suite 1601, Jackson MS persistent, and willing to learn. 39213 and 2500 N. State St., Commission-driven position with Jackson, MS 39216. Requires a a paid training period and access Bachelor’s Degree in Computer to benefits; potential $3,000- Science, Software of Computer $5,000/mo and beyond! Write Engineering, Information todd@jacksonfreepress.com Systems or related field plus with cover letter and resume. four (4) years of experience in SharePoint 2010 Server Senior Systems Engineer/ Architecture, administration, Programmer migration and patching, University of Mississippi Medical deploying custom applications Center located at 2500 N. State on SharePoint Servers, writing St., Jackson MS 39216 seeks custom applications consuming a Senior Systems Engineer/ SharePoint REST API’s, Programmer to oversee, SharePoint2010custombranding formulate and perform complex and development, writing custom development, installation, applications using ASP.net and testing, evaluation, modification, C# SharePoint Search Service and maintenance of operating Administration, and monitoring systems software programming and troubleshooting SharePoint applications and specified utility services. Please send resume to programs. Provide functional Kerry Marshall, UMMC, 350 W. guidance to assigned subordinate Woodrow Wilson Dr., Suite 1601 personnel or personnel assigned Jackson, MS 39213.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: Post an ad, call 601-362-6121, ext. 11 or fax to 601-510-9019.

Deadline: Mondays at Noon.

$2).+ 30%#)!,3 s "52'%23 s 7).'3 s &5,, "!2 s '!4%$ 0!2+).' ")' 3#2%%. 46 3 s ,%!'5% !.$ 4%!- 0,!9 "%')..%23 4/ !$6!.#%$ s ).3425#4/23 !6!),!",%

E RE N

O RO M

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

percent of husbands misperceive how frequently their wives have orgasms. I bring this to your attention in order to sharpen your focus on how crucial it is to communicate clearly with your closest allies. I mean, it’s rarely a good idea to be ignorant about what’s going on with those close to you, but it’ll be an especially bad idea during the next six weeks.

HIRING Marketing Representative

-Pool Is Cool-

Thanks for making us a finalist!

Best Place to Play Pool Best of Jackson Best Place to Play Pool Since 2006 POOL LEAGUE

Mon - Fri Night

INDUSTRY HAPPY HOUR

Daily 11pm -2am

DAILY BEER SPECIALS

12pm - 7pm

444 Bounds St. Jackson MS | 601-718-7665

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

Can you sit on your own head? Not many people can. It requires great flexibility. Before comedian Robin Williams was famous, he spontaneously did just that when he auditioned for the role of the extraterrestrial immigrant Mork, the hero of the TV sitcom “Mork and Mindy.” The casting director was impressed with Williams’ odd but amusing gesture, and hired him immediately. If you’re presented with an opportunity sometime soon, I encourage you to be inspired by the comedian’s ingenuity. What might you do to cinch your audition, to make a splashy first impression, to convince interested parties that you’re the right person?

Classifieds as low as $35

E TH G

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

29

DO-IT-YOURSELF

DIY Upholstered Headboard

by Zilpha Young

thing came together for under $50 (not including tools), and I am in love with the final result. I splurged a bit on the ultra shiny buttons and metallic fabric, but you can use whatever materials suit your style and budget.

Materials • Plywood or particle board at least 1/2-inch thick and cut to the size you want your headboard • Piece of foam cut the same width and height as the plywood board.

Check out NUTS or other thrift stores for those foam mattress toppers. I bought a big one for under $5 and have been cutting from it for different projects for years.

ZILPHA YOUNG

D

o you have five-star taste, but a one-star budget? Then this project was made for you. I wanted to give my bedroom a facelift for the new year, and I decided the perfect start would be a glam new headboard. The whole

• Two yards of batting • Two yards upholstery fabric buttons • Somewhat heavy, rigid wire • Bobby pins • Two 1-inch-by-4-inch boards cut to the height you need for your headboard • Staple gun and staples • Four screws

----------Directions ---------Head Board

Buttons

Start by making holes in the plywood where you want the buttons to go on your finished headboard.

First draw out an even grid on the wood, and circle the places where the lines cross that you want the buttons to go. Then, drill through all the places you marked.

For mine, I made a pattern of two, one, two, one, two going across.

Next lay down the fabric (face down), batting and foam, followed by the board. You should have several inches of fabric and batting around the edged of the foam and board.

Pull the fabric and batting up and around the board, and staple it to the back. Start by just putting two or three on each side, and then go around and add more to tighten the fabric evenly all the way around.

There is definitely more than one way to do this, but this is the way I did mine with what was lying around.

Cut your wire into pieces that will be long enough to go through the board, foam and fabric (it helped me to cut the wire at an angle to the tip was pointed). Poke the wire through the holes you drilled into the board until it comes through the front of the headboard. You may have to wiggle the wire around a little to get it to poke through.

Use the end of the wire coming through the front to loop into the back of your button, turn the wire back and twist it a few times so it’s secure.

Push the button back in while you pull from the other side and loop the back end of the wire onto a bobby pin, and twist it until you get the desired depth

• Drill for your button. Repeat for every other button hole you pre-drilled.

Legs Finally, add legs. Just lay the legs down on the back of the finished headboard and screw them in. Be sure to use screws are long enough to go through both the legs and the board, but not so long that they might poke you form the front. I placed mine closer to the middle so they can’t be seen from the side of the bed.

Put the headboard behind your bed and bask in the glow of accomplishment. You could also mount it to the wall with some different hardware, but I’m not that fancy.

Do you like DIY projects? Email ideas to amber@ jacksonfreepress.com.

February 6 - 19,2019 • jfp.ms

For your Boo or your BFF

30

Valentine’s Day Dinner Special

Februar y 14-Februar y 16

29.99

1 Appetizer 2 Entrees 2 Desserts *Some exclusions apply

MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

730 Lakeland Dr. Jackson, MS | 601-366-6033 Sun-Thurs: 11am - 10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm WE DELIVER FOR CATERING ORDERS Fondren / Belhaven / UMC area BEST OF JACKSON 2018 BEST PLACE FOR HUMMUS-WINNER BEST VEGETARIAN-WINNER BEST MEAL UNDER $10-FINALIST BEST PLACE FOR HEALTHY FOOD-FINALIST

Male AB Donors Urgently Needed!

Returning Male AB Donors will be compensated up to $85 for a complete donation starting on their 2nd visit.

In order to donate, you need: Valid picture ID Social Security Card Be between 18-70 years old Be in good health

Interstate Blood Bank.

3505 Terry Road Suite 204, Jackson Call us at 601.718.0986 for more information.

Walk-ins are welcome.

New donors will be compensated $50 for a full donation.

Join us for Valentine’s Day because nothing says love like BBQ Trust us

Virtual Office Space Starting at $99/mo Available Services:

Receptionist Business Line Physical Mailing Address Access to Meeting Spaces* Access to Office Space *For an additional fee

CALL TRIAD BUSINESS CENTERS TODAY! www.triadbusinesscenters.com info@triadbusinesscenters.com

BE A HERO. IT’S IN YOUR BLOOD. COME AND DONATE WITH US.

(601)-709-4610

460 Briarwood Drive | Suite 400

Dine In or Carry Out for

UNDER $10

HIBACHI GRILL

0RINT AND $IGITAL -ARKETING 2EPRESENTATIVE :H·UH ORRNLQJ WR DGG D VSHFLDO QHZ PHPEHU WR WKH -)3 %220 -DFNVRQ VDOHV WHDP <RX VKRXOG KDYH VDOHV RU FXVWRPHU VHUYLFH UHWDLO UHVWDXUDQW

H[SHULHQFH DORQJ ZLWK D GULYH WR EXLOG \RXU FDUHHU ZKLOH KHOSLQJ ORFDO EXVLQHVVHV JHW DKHDG LQ WKH -DFNVRQ 0HWUR <RX PXVW EH SHUVRQDEOH RXWJRLQJ SHUVLVWHQW DQG ZLOOLQJ WR OHDUQ &RPPLVVLRQ GULYHQ SRVLWLRQ ZLWK D SDLG WUDLQLQJ SHULRG DQG DFFHVV WR EHQHÃ&#x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

Thank you for your votes!

Finalist for Best Thai.

Two locations to serve you Open seven days a week.

1030-A Hwy 51 â&#x20AC;¢ Madison Behind the McDonalds in Madison Station

601.790.7999

1002 Treetops Blvd â&#x20AC;¢ Flowood Behind the Applebeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Lakeland

601.664.7588

Steak, Scallops, Tuna, and more!

THAI & JAPANESE Pad Thai, Yaki Udon, and more!

SUSHI COMBOS Rainbow Roll, Dynamite Roll, and more!

Come see why our customers rate us 5 stars on Facebook!

Open 7 Days A Week 11:00 am - 9:00 pm 118 Service Dr, Suite 17 Brandon, MS 601-591-7211

$11- 75 (14 ;174 0':6 $+) '8'06 ,#%-510¶5 0'9'56 #0& .#4)'56 '06'46#+0/'06 %1/2.': #0& 8'07' ,#%-510¶5 24'/+'4 8'07' 9+6* 18'4 537#4' (''6 9'&&+0)5 /75+% '8'065 *1.+&#; 2#46+'5 $#037'65 %10('4'0%'5 #0& /''6+0)5

5176*564''6A.+8'

' 5176* 564''6 ,#%-510 /5

(14 $11-+0) 14 /14' +0(1 2.'#5' %#..