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Two Men, Two Approaches Hood Fixates on Corruption As Reeves Avoids Interviews Pittman, pp 14-17

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contents

JACKSONIAN

oct 30 - nov 12, 2019 • Vol. 18 No. 5

ON THE COVER Jim Hood and Tate Reeves

4 Editor’s Note 7 Talks

9 Past Is Always Present

E

llen Robb, an attorney of counsel at Mitchell Day Law Firm, earned a Pro Bono Award at the annual reception of the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project on Sept. 12.

After graduating from Auburn University in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in international trade with an emphasis in Spanish, Robb went on to earn her MBA at the University of Memphis in 2000 and her law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2003.

She started her law career by spending a year at the Court of Appeals and then joining Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush Law Firm. In 2017, she left to work as an independent attorney before coming to Mitchell Day in September this year.

“I wasn’t one of the people who have always known they wanted to be a lawyer or anything like that. I studied business, and I always found the little section at the end of the chapters that talked about legal aspects or consequences (to be) the most interesting part. So I just thought that it might be something that could help me develop more of that interest,” Robb says.

She has participated in guardianship clinics, helped with divorce cases and represented people in federal court who were representing themselves. She also went to training with MVLP to provide legal assistance to people whom the ICE raids affected.

12 opinion 14 Cover Story 18 Best of Jackson

Ellen Robb

Ballot 20 Food 22 events

Robb has also been to training sessions at the Simpson County and Madison County chancery courthouses, as well as Hinds Community College and Eudora Welty Library.

“I went to a couple of the clinics, and I enjoyed that because they teach you what you need to know there and (because) they have a class before the clients come in,” she says. “You learn what’s going on, and then you really get the client interaction. The people are usually pleased to have the assistance, and that can help people get where they’re trying to go. A little thing can mean a lot.”

Robb is vice president of the board of directors for the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association and regional chair for Alabama and Mississippi for the American Bar Association’s subsection Women in Dispute Resolution.

She is vice chair of the ABA’s General Practice Solo Division’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee.

“I didn’t really set off to do pro bono,” Robb says. “But you do feel like you can help people by really, in my opinion, not doing all that much, but if it makes a difference between someone being able to get a good job or grandparents being able to get their kid in school. It’s just like, why don’t we do this?”

Robb lives in Madison with her husband, Richard, and 3-yearold daughter, Ruby.

– Jenna Gibson

23 ‘Jackson’ Book Review McGrone examines a new novel examining prejudice in 1970 Jackson.

24 sPORTS 25 Music 28 music listings 32 Puzzles 33 astro 33 Classifieds

30 Francine’s Picks Learn Francine Reynolds’ top local organizations and businesses.

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Crystal Marie Photography

Chancellor Glenn Boyce’s recent appointment stirs questions on the subject.

3

editor’s note

by Nate Schumann, Deputy Editor

I

find myself writing this editor’s note— my first one—and I am reminded that I have accomplished something I had decided I wanted to do since my days as a barely 5-foot-tall seventh grader in my “career discovery” class: I became an editor.

I had grown up with a love for reading and knew I wanted to pursue a career that would let me earn a living by reading. To that end, I set off on a journey to enter the publishing sphere as a professional editor.

I have always been ambitious and goaldriven. I suppose that quality is why the Sorting Hat decided that I was a Slytherin, a revelation that initially perturbed me, although I now wear my green crest with pride. Anyhow, sidebar aside, I am the type who goes all in to everything I do, for better or worse. Thus, when I decided I wanted to become an editor, I truly knew I was prepared to pursue this path.

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I continue to learn my own capabilities, and my own limits.

4

As future-oriented as I am, I understood early on that I needed to work really hard in school to help me achieve my goal.

Throughout high school, I would take my textbooks home and study around three or so hours a day. My efforts paid off that one day during the spring semester of my senior year when my mother called and excitedly told me that I had earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi. I enrolled at USM during the fall 2014 semester as an English major and later added public relations as a second major to help give myself an edge when entering a field with a fairly low job outlook.

I first dipped my toes into the editorial waters during my junior year at USM when I became an editorial intern for the University Press of Mississippi here in Jackson. The experience was invaluable. I had amazing coworkers, and my semester helping Emily, Lisa and the others reaffirmed that I wanted to pursue an editorial career.

I joined USM’s student-led newspaper, The Student Printz, where I served as features editor, news editor and later copyeditor. My three semesters with TSP solidi-

fied my grounding in AP Style. So when Editor-in-chief Donna Ladd asked me in my interview for the position of editorial assistant with the Jackson Free Press whether or not I was familiar with AP Style, I emphatically answered, “Yes!”

She sat in a chair adjacent to my own while then-Managing Editor Amber Helsel and Events Editor Micah Smith manned the nearby couch. Micah wore a nerdy Tshirt, and he and I talked about comic books shortly before the others joined us for the interview, which eased my mind. Throughout the interview, I found myself fully believing that the JFP would be a great fit for me— I just had to hope that I was a good fit for the JFP.

The next day, while I was playing card games with my Laurel-based friend group, I checked my email to see that Amber had sent me a congratulatory message. I had landed the job. I was ecstatic. I arranged to crash on a friend’s couch because I did not yet have a place to stay in Jackson (thanks, Mason), and I began work at JFP. As he prepared for his departure from JFP the same week I started, Micah showed me the ropes of his role as events editor.

From there, Amber took me under her wing. Through her feedback on my editing, I slowly began to learn that editing is not all about what is technically correct.

Up to then, I had edited with the frame of mind that being up-to-code with AP Style made a story A-OK. However, Amber and Donna taught me to look at stories from other angles, and my edits became more substantive. Amber not only taught me more about the journalistic field; she made me feel comfortable at the workplace.

She smiled. She encouraged me. She made sure I took breaks. We shared stories

Zilpha Young

Stepping into a Mentor’s Shoes, Hoping They Fit

Deputy Editor Nate Schumann ‘hangs in there’ as he adjusts to his new role.

and laughed together. She served as my professional lifeline and was more instrumental to how far I have come as an editor than she may even realize. Then, two months and a lifetime ago, Amber announced that she was leaving JFP to pursue a career in a new field, one in which I know she is going to do extremely well. But the news hit me in a way I did not expect. I had not worked with Amber as long as my coworkers. She had been here for six years after all. But she ultimately had come to mean so much to me as a friend and colleague.

She was there offering hand sanitizer in the parking garage when I discovered I had a flat and Todd Stauffer was helping me remove my busted tire, and she picked me up and drove me to work the next morning. I knew I could rely on her. But then I suddenly learned that I couldn’t for much longer, at least not in the office.

In the weeks to follow, Amber infused

contributors

Ashton Pittman

Nick Judin

Carlton McGrone:

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 about Jim Hood and Tate Reeves for the issue.

Investigative Fellow Nick Judin grew up in Jackson and graduated from the University of Mississippi. His current focus is on Mississippi’s state institutions of higher education. He wrote about IHL and academic freedom for this issue.

Carlton McGrone earned his bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Southern Mississippi and currently works as an editorial assistant at the University Press of Mississippi. He wrote the literature review of “Jackson” for this issue.

my brain with as much of her acquired wisdom as she possibly could as she prepared me with the skills and knowledge needed to fulfill the duties she performed as managing editor. She even wrote a compendium for me to use as a reference tool, although I still find myself processing all of its contents.

The staff celebrated Amber’s years of service at JFP with cake, Champagne and lots of fried cheese from Hal & Mal’s.

The sendoff was bittersweet, and reading Amber’s farewell editor’s note was even more so. I miss her.

Nevertheless, stepping into my new role of deputy editor has been a transformative experience for me. I continue to learn my own capabilities, and my own limits.

I now have my own team at the features desk in editorial assistant Azia Wiggins and social media assistant Robin Johnson. I am still learning how to delegate, but both of these incredible women have been receptive and eager to contribute—and I thank them for that.

This issue marks the third since Amber left, and while I have now taken a number of steps in her shoes, I find myself hoping I can live up to the mantle she has passed onto me. I enjoyed all nine months that I was able to work alongside her.

In the story of my life and my career, Amber Helsel has a place in it, as one of my most significant mentors.

Now, I have a new goal: I want to make Amber proud and prove to myself that she and Donna chose to put me in this new position for a reason—and I plan to live up to it.

Send your feature story ideas to nate@ jacksonfreepress.com.

VOTE November 5 Polls Open 7am—7pm 9RWH RUJ LV D UHJLVWHUHG F

QRQSUR̬W DQG GRHV not support or oppose any political candidate or party.

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2019

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Seyma Bayram

Michele Purvis Harris has advocated for pay equality with the DA’s office throughout her tenure as Hinds County public defender. She retires Dec. 31.

torytelling & e, s i ur

news, cul t

TALK JXN ence ver rre

Left Behind: Public Defenders Underpaid, Have Little Oversight

W

hen Michele Purvis Harris was city attorney of Jackson, she heard troubling remarks from the people her office was supposed to prosecute.

“I don’t want the public defender, I want a real attorney,” poor defendants would say to the judge. For Harris, who will retire from her role as Hinds County public defender on Dec. 31, changing the public’s perception of indigent defense was paramount to restoring trust in her office when she first assumed it in 2012.

“I wanted people to know that we were going to work hard for them,” Harris said in her office in downtown Jackson.

Seven years later, Harris believes her team of 12 defense lawyers and two investigators have regained the community’s trust.

But she admits the difficulties of serving in Mississippi, where individuals are caught between a sorely underfunded public-defender system, on the one hand, and a lack

of statewide guarantees of effective counsel and a speedy trial on the other.

Harris compared the criminal-justice system to a three-legged stool consisting of law enforcement, the prosecutor and defense. In order for the system to work fairly, all three legs must be balanced. But too often, whether due to pressure from voters or concerns about what the public might think, lawmakers prioritize spending on law enforcement and prosecution.

“We’re left behind,” Harris said of the resulting funding discrepancies.

“We are always behind.”

‘A Black Hole’

Octavious Burks and Joshua Bassett filed a class-action lawsuit in 2014 after Scott County jailed them without indictments, without representation and on unaffordable bail for multiple charges, ranging from attempted armed robbery and disorderly conduct to possession of metham-

phetamines, between 2009 and 2014.

“All told, Mr. Burks has spent over three years in the Scott County jail since Aug. 30, 2009, on three separate charges. … He has only been indicted once, he has never been to trial, and he has never been convicted,” court documents later revealed.

Now-deceased Circuit Judge Marcus Gordon refused to assign public defenders to either man until after indictment—a grand jury’s formal charge—which is contrary to state law.

Public defenders are court-appointed, government-funded lawyers for people who are accused of crimes but cannot afford representation. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 1963 ruling in Gideon v. Wainwright required all states to provide free lawyers for poor defendants in criminal cases.

In Mississippi, people who face jail time can sign an affidavit of indigency—a written statement, signed under oath, which declares their inability to pay for

an attorney. The affidavit guarantees them immediate access to a court-appointed lawyer. Miss. Code Ann. § 25-32-9 states that those in need must have “representation available at every critical stage of the proceedings against him where a substantial right may be affected” and, furthermore, that “(n)o person determined to be an indigent . . . shall be imprisoned as a result of a misdemeanor conviction unless he was represented by the public defender or waived the right to counsel.”

Despite proof of indigency, in some Mississippi counties, people like Burks and Bassett are not appointed lawyers until after indictment.

In 2018, the Sixth Amendment Center published a report on indigent defense services in Mississippi, at the request of the Mississippi Public Defender Task Force.

The report, which focused on trial-level felony cases, found that the State of Mismore JUSTICE, p 8

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by Seyma Bayram

7

news,

storytelling & re, ir tu

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8

sissippi does not provide indigent defense funding except in death-penalty cases. Instead, cities and counties must fund and provide those services themselves.

Only eight of Mississippi’s 82 counties currently have public-defender offices: Hinds, Jackson, Harrison, Forrest, Pearl River, Lamar, Lauderdale and Washington. Both the Lamar and Lauderdale offices have one full-time practicing lawyer.

Private attorneys represent clients in counties with no public-defender offices or when public defenders face conflicts of interest, such as in cases involving codefendants. The county pays that private attorney either hourly or at a fixed rate through its general fund, but payment is capped at $1,000 per case, the report points out, regardless of the time required to defend the case.

This can incentivize lawyers to dispose of cases quickly. Excessive caseloads and insufficient time for defendants to consult with attorneys constitute additional “marker(s) of constructive denial of counsel,” the report warned.

The center also found a serious lack of state oversight to ensure independence “from undue judicial interference” in how attorneys are chosen and compensated.

When judges pick the attorneys to represent indigent clients, this “(renders) the defense attorneys beholden to the judge for their livelihood,” the Sixth Amendment Center stated.

That can lead to a courtroom culture where lawyers might censor their arguments for fear of upsetting judges.

Indigent pre-trial defendants suffer the most under the current system.

“Throughout the state of Mississippi, indigent defendants charged with felony offenses are denied the right to counsel at the critical pretrial stage between arrest and arraignment following indictment, a period that is commonly at least a few months and occasionally as long as a year or more,” the report stated.

What has resulted is a system in which people awaiting trial end up falling into a “black hole,” to borrow a phrase some Mississippians used in the Sixth Amendment Center study.

— Attorney General Jim Hood, Democratic nominee for governor

Pay Parity Problems “Every day I’m getting inmates writing me,” Hinds County Senior Circuit Judge Tomie Green said, raising her hand to mimic a tall stack of papers. She pointed to a freshly opened letter on her desk in her chambers. A man in the Hinds County Detention Center had written to Green to complain about his prolonged pretrial incarceration. He had not yet seen a lawyer after three months in jail.

This scenario is at odds with a 2017 Mississippi Supreme Court ruling and now-revised Mississippi Rules for Criminal Procedure. Before the start of each circuitcourt term, senior circuit judges must assess the conditions of release for all people charged with felonies who are eligible for bail and incarcerated for more than 90 days.

The accused is eligible for release if a judge does not grant a request for a preliminary hearing within 14 days after the request.

Green has been pushing for the former policy for years, even implementing it in her own court since 2013 in Mississippi’s most populous county. But lack of state oversight makes it difficult to know if all courts are following the rules.

The realities also vary in different counties. While Hinds County Circuit Court judges meet six times a year, some circuit courts in rural counties may have only two or three terms, which means that judges will review conditions of release well after 90 days. Circuit-court judges meet only once a year in Paulding, a small town in Jasper County, for instance.

As senior circuit judge, Green also appoints the head public defender for Hinds

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SEYMA BAYRAM

JUSTICE, from page 7

“In 1940, we had better emergency health care in rural Mississippi than we have right now.

That’s insane.”

Senior Circuit Judge Tomie Green says that increased oversight and defense funding can help to reduce lengthy pretrial incarceration rates.

County and thus has an intimate view into how the system affects both the accused and their attorneys.

“My concern is that (public defenders) aren’t paid the same as assistant DAs. They are paid about half that,” Green said, adding that the shortage in resources inevitably affects the breadth and quality of representation. “You get what you pay for.”

Pay parity is a key concern for the Mississippi Public Defender Task Force.

Established in 2015, the task force published a comprehensive report in 2018 to advocate for a more robust public-defender system. It will present recommendations to the Mississippi Legislature during its next session, which starts in January.

Current state law requires the head public defender and district attorney in Mississippi in one-county districts like

Hinds to have equal pay, although that does not apply to multiple county districts, where head defenders may earn significantly less than their peers.

State statute mandates that the Hinds County DA earn $125,900 per year. Assistant district attorneys can make between 80% to 90% of the head prosecutor’s salary, depending on years of experience. That means that a new Hinds County ADA with less than five years of experience makes $100,720.

But the salaries of assistant public defenders do not match those of their prosecutor peers, even in one-county districts.

Harris confirmed that a starting salary for an assistant public defender is approximately $55,000. more JUSTICE, p 10

JFP Origin and History Quiz Answers In our recent 17th birthday issue, we ran a JFP trivia quiz. It was too hard: No one got all the answers right.

But here they are; you can view the original quiz at jfp.ms/jfpquiz.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

9/11 Attacks Stephen Barnette, Belhaven, Advertising, lighting design Fortification Street apartment; Fairview Street duplex; current site of Wier Boerner Allin Architecture in Fondren; Capital Towers, downtown Jackson Jackson State art professor Jimmy Mumford Doctor S Frank Melton, 3 times (died before federal retrial)

7.

8.

9.

10.

Mobile Command Center, gas pump, bodyguards, Abby Shirlene Anderson, wash dishes, Robert Shuler Smith James Ford Seale; Henry Dee and Charles Moore Lt. Gov. candidate Barbara Blackmon; artist Anthony DiFatta 11. 116 awards since 2002 12. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s segregation academy by Ashton Pittman; Phil Bryant declaring Confederate Heritage Month by Donna Ladd 13. Horserace Election Coverage

education

Past Never Dead: UM Academic Freedom In Limbo?

by Nick Judin

courtesy Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning

endorsement of one of the initial applicants, former Rep. Chip Pickering, by Washington, D.C.-based lobbyist Trent Lott, an Ole Miss graduate. It published eight names, five drawn from the Campus Search Advisory Committee with the board’s consultants suggesting the remaining three.

The leak sent shockwaves through UM, which one faculty source characterized as “unprecedented, in my experience.”

Dr. Kate McGurn Centellas, Croft Associate Professor of Anthropology, suggested the leak and Boyce’s sudden appointment confirmed widely held beliefs that the IHL never took the committee’s work seriously. Centellas described the leak as “suspicious and strategic.”

“Certainly the analysis of some of my colleagues and peers, almost immediately as the list was published, was that it was a smokescreen, as they put it, a poison pill,” Centellas added. Other sources independently shared this characterization.

A number of people on the shortlist distanced themselves from the process after the leak, whatever its origins or purpose. University of Arizona President Robert Robbins told the Arizona Daily Star that he “shall not and would not seek this position,” while Arkansas State University Chancellor Kelly Damphousse admitted to “exploring” the opportunity but then removing his name from consideration prior to interviewing, citing the counsel of family as he later confirmed to this newspaper.

The Faculty Senate of the University of Mississippi passed a resolution on Oct. 18 declaring “no confidence” in the Institutions of Higher Learning board’s search process to find a replacement chancellor for the university, and no confidence in IHL itself “by reason of its conduct in connection with that search process.”

Campus reaction to Boyce’s hiring was immediate. On Friday, Oct. 4, a coalition of student activists met in front of The Inn at Ole Miss, where the announcement was due. The gathering quickly became a broad protest against the decision and the IHL’s very existence.

A Chilling Effect?

Thomas and other academic sources told the Jackson Free Press that the danger to academic freedom was about more than Vitter’s public condemnation. It was about what they saw as the total abandonment of faculty in the face of bilious outrage.

“If a complaint comes to the university president or chancellor about a professor,” Thomas explained, referencing the American Association of University Professors’ guidelines, “they should follow the chain of command from the provost down the department chair itself. That didn’t happen here. The chancellor rushed to condemn the remarks without understanding their context.”

The backlash rippled across the university, most notably in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

Academic staff confided to the Jackson Free Press that they felt unsafe in the wake of the threats. Some found it difficult to remain on campus. more IHL, p10

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“Y

ou better watch your back. I’m coming for met with a soft-spoken consultant from the Institutions of you,” a voice growled through the receiver. Higher Learning’s Board of Trustees. The biology professor The caller then hung up, leaving Dr. James told this newspaper that the man, Glenn Boyce, fixated on Thomas alone in his University of Mississippi the issue of “academic freedom,” puzzling over the meaning office with the anodyne tones of his phone’s voicemail. of the principle that had so dominated the conversation on

“You have eighty-nine unread messages,” it said. campus in the past year.

The man who promised to hunt Thomas down wasn’t This issue defined Noonan’s conversations with Boyce, the only one to threaten his life, just the only one the FBI he says, and it seemed likely to him that the troubles with treated as a credible threat. The bureau traced the call back J.T. Thomas were the subtext of the consultant’s interest in to Florida, then dropped the matter after a brief investiga- the topic. Less than a year later, the IHL board plucked that tion. The emails came in at a quicker clip, hundreds by the consultant from retirement and dropped him into the Lyend of the month. ceum to serve as the next chancellor.

“Dear fascist twink,” began one, departing into a bizarre rant that referenced Thomas’ “spindly quadroon fingers,” his “gang of black thugs” and compared him to Trayvon Martin, the boy carrying only Skittles when a neighborhood watchman killed him in Florida in 2012. (Thomas is white.) “I hope someone tortures you to death,” another email spat.

Eventually, Thomas stopped checking. A colleague swept the threats and bile into a separate folder, where they still remain.

The barrage of threats and insults started, as it often does, with a tweet. In the midst of the nationwide debate over Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation as a U.S. Supreme Court justice, the associate professor of sociology had taken to Twitter in late 2018 to respond to calls for civility from NBC News television host Joe Scarborough.

“Don’t just interrupt a senator’s meal, y’all,” Thomas tweeted. “Put your whole damn fingers in their salads. Take their apps and distribute them to the other diners. Bring boxes and take their food home with you on the way out. They don’t deserve your civility.”

The road from that post to the eruption of rage As new Chancellor Glenn Boyce settles into the Lyceum at spilling out of Thomas’ phone traveled from conser- the University of Mississippi, questions remain about his vative social-media groups to Fox News, another hor- perspective on academic freedom. ror story about radical professors and their corrupting Furor on Campus influence on the youth of America.

But Thomas is adamant that the escalating focus on Glenn Boyce began his tenure as chancellor of the his tweet began with then-Ole Miss Chancellor Jeffrey Vit- University of Mississippi on Sunday, Oct. 13, amid furor ter on social media. “I condemn statements that encourage over his sudden transformation from paid consultant to the acts of aggression,” Vitter wrote about Thomas’ tweets.

IHL board to its confirmed selection. Boyce replaced In “His Facebook post was the catalyst,” Thomas said. terim Chancellor Larry Sparks, who stepped in last January

Commenters pilloried Vitter and UM for not firing after Jeffrey Vitter resigned. Vitter’s own appointment had Thomas on the spot. Anonymous stalkers sent pictures of followed the controversial ousting of Dan Jones in 2015, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology’s doors, whom many believe was too progressive for IHL’s taste. reminding the faculty inside that they waited and watched Boyce became commissioner of the IHL in April outside. The university assigned a security officer to the de- 2015, immediately after the board replaced Jones, but had partment, but the outrage melted away in time, likely to retired from that post in June 2018. some new target of the campus-watching crowd’s ire.

The swift appointment of Boyce as chancellor follows

After IHL discussed him behind closed doors, Thom- months of concern over the process’ transparency and leas’ tenure was narrowly secured and that, it seemed, was gitimacy. In September, businessman Campbell McCool that. But behind the scenes, sources describe displeasure publicly relayed a rumor that the IHL Board intended to at the highest levels with Vitter’s non-punitive response to cut the search process short and unilaterally name a paid the situation, and it wasn’t long after the NCAA had levied consultant chancellor without first consulting the commitheavy penalties on the university in 2017. tee. That rumor turned out to be exactly true.

Vitter announced his early resignation in late 2018.

Less than a month later, the website Mississippi Today

In early 2019, Faculty Senate Chairman Brice Noonan reported a leak of the IHL board’s shortlist, along with an

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IHL, from page 9

Moreover, Vitter’s remarks about Thomas’ tweets were hard for some to separate from his op-ed in the campus paper The Daily Mississippian, when he seemed to downplay results of the UM Race Diary Project, which chronicled microaggressions toward marginalized groups on campus.

“Since the data in the report are anonymized,” Vitter wrote, “we have no way to reach out to those affected by these incidents.”

Thomas was one of four co-authors on that project.

Vitter’s focus on the anonymity of respondents was at odds with relatively basic principles of sociological research.

The Institutional Review Board, the administrative body responsible for establishing ethical research standards for human subjects, maintains strict standards for protecting anonymity and confidentiality. The need for such bodies became evident after public exposure of horrific research of Nazi physicians, unethical human research during the Cold War and the Tuskegee experiments in Alabama.

Reaching out to investigate the microaggressions described in the study, as Vitter suggested, could have violated those standards. His op-ed left faculty members worried

10

Counties fund public-defender offices, but the State of Mississippi pays for a set number of positions in district-attorney offices. In Hinds County, the State pays for the salaries of the district attorney and 11 “legal assistants,” with the county or grants covering costs of additional staff per the DA’s request. A review of Hinds County budgets reveals that the county spent $480,949.58 on the DA’s office during the 2019 fiscal year—$335,327.49 of which went toward salaries and wages—more than a quarter of the county’s total public-defender budget.

The Hinds County district attorney office said it currently employs 12 ADAs.

Harris has repeatedly asked the Hinds County Board of Supervisors to increase the salaries of her assistant public defenders, but the board has not approved her requests.

Yet, on April 21, 2014, the board unanimously approved a request from Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith to increase a single ADA’s salary by $24,800. That ADA, Ivon Johnson, later pleaded guilty to conspiracy in 2016 for taking money from clients to lower their bail and became an FBI informant for the State of Mississippi against Smith during his trial stemming from trying to help Christopher Butler avoid prosecution.

Harris then came before the board two weeks after Johnson’s raise, on May 5, 2014, to ask for salary raises for all of her employees. The board rejected her request. It then denied Harris’ one-time $5,000-salaryincrease proposal for each assistant public defender earlier this year.

During its 2018 meeting, the task force

reached a compromise with stakeholders and drafted House Bill 1415, which states that assistant public defenders must make 90% of what ADAs earn. The bill died in committee during last year’s legislative session, but the task force will present it before lawmakers in 2020.

Seyma Bayram

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justice, from page 7

that administrators could target their academic pursuits as a result of their private speech.

Thomas, who now contributes columns to the Jackson Free Press, says he is far less concerned with threats to his person than the potential chilling effect his treatment by university leadership might have on other faculty members, especially those who have yet to secure tenure. He reiterated that university officials did not publicly defend his right to free speech, even in the face of so many death threats.

Thomas did cite the support of the United Campus Workers of Mississippi, the first higher-education union in Mississippi, and PEN America, a free-speech advocacy group.

Dr. Jaime Harker, director of the Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies at UM, says the issue of academic freedom demands greater context. She believes the targeting of Thomas started with his involvement in the Race Diary Project, after which conservative media outlets started trawling his Twitter feed.

Harker believes such motivations are the norm. Ideological opposition to types of research, or more broadly, entire fields of inquiry often lie beneath outrage over off-hand comments and private speech, she says. The university has

André De Gruy, a member of the Mississippi Public Defender Task Force, will present recommendations to the Mississippi Legislature in January.

‘Reality Sinks In’

André De Gruy, director of the Office of Capital Defense Counsel and a member of the Mississippi Public Defender Task Force, agrees that oversight and state funding are critical. “The consensus on the task force was the state ought to be the primary funder of indigent defense, just as it has been with other functions of the court. …

But then reality sinks in. If we were going to do this, what would it cost?” De Gruy said

to do more to protect that freedom, Harker said.

“Academic freedom is fundamental to the creation of knowledge,” she said. “You have to have the freedom to follow ideas wherever they lead, even if what you find is inconvenient to those in power.”

Harker says the future of academic freedom at UM is in limbo, with no official communications on the issue since Glenn Boyce’s installation. Speaking to Mississippi Today about Professor Thomas in the days following his appointment, Boyce insisted on his support for academic free speech, while broadly rejecting what he described as “manners that are disrespectful or meant to intimidate.”

The Jackson Free Press could not reach Boyce for comment, but asked James Thomas if he felt the Board of Trustees and its previous commissioner were genuine in their support for academic freedom. He laughed.

“I don’t think the IHL even knows what academic freedom is,” Thomas said.

Email Jackson Free Press investigative fellow Nick Judin at nick@jacksonfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter at @nickjudin. Read his document dump of years of IHL minutes last week at jfp.ms/documents and jfp.ms/dossier.

in an interview with the Jackson Free Press.

The task force looked elsewhere in the southeastern United States to determine the cost of a state-funded public-defender system. It found that “Mississippi is the only state in the Southeast that relies on primarily local funding and is locally administered with no state-level oversight.”

States pay for almost all the costs associated with public-defender offices in 10 of the 15 states, with South Carolina splitting the cost of indigent defense between its state and local governments. Louisiana makes public-defense funding contingent on criminal assessments, the report found.

The task force identified a replicable system in Arkansas, a state similar to Mississippi in population size, as well as poverty and crime levels. Arkansas created a state-wide public-defender system in 1993, with offices in each district. The task force found that Arkansas actually had a lower incarceration rate than Mississippi despite having a higher crime rate. A robust defense system, if fully implemented, would cost Mississippi approximately $24 million over several years, the task force concluded. That is about how much the state allocates to felony-level prosecution, the report noted.

Spending this much on indigent defense was not popular among lawmakers, perhaps owing in part to social attitudes toward poor people who commit crimes.

“Certainly not in an election year—maybe school teachers, but not indigent defense,” De Gruy said.

The task force proposed merging the current county system with a statewide system, with the state paying the salary of the head defender, benefits, office expenses and

the county funding assistants. Another solution could be to give the state defender authority to set up a pilot project in individual districts and assess results, De Gruy added.

The Sixth Amendment Center report points to additional models of oversight and funding. Montana has imposed a cap on county spending, thus leaving the state responsible for ensuring that state standards are met. In Idaho, counties can choose between a local government or state-funded public defense system, but they must comply with state standards regardless of funding source or risk a penalty.

The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act provides state-funded grants to county public-defender offices to help them meet state standards. If the county fails to meet standards, MIDC takes over. But to disincentivize counties from willfully neglecting state standards, the commission requires the county to continue paying its local contribution to public defense while reimbursing MIDC a percentage of the cost required to bring the defense office to compliance.

The process toward reform has been a slow one, De Gruy said, and advocating during an election year brings additional uncertainties. With the Nov. 5 general election less than a week away, it is impossible to know before whom the task force will present its recommendations or whether legislators will be sympathetic.

“We will have a new Legislature in January, so we’ll see whether they’ll have an appetite,” De Gruy said.

Follow City Reporter Seyma Bayram on Twitter @SeymaBayram0. Send story tips to seyma@jacksonfreepress.com

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funmi franklin

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My Abuser Apologized, and I Forgave Him

Funmi Franklin forgave the man who abused her when he apologized years later—after reading in this newspaper about her pain from the abuse.

“Forgiveness was easy, as I’d done it years before,” she writes.

A

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

few years ago, I wrote a column evaluating my emotions for never receiving an apology or even an acknowledgement from my abuser for basically hurting me and demolishing my self-value. Writing that column turned into an exercise in acceptance and forgiveness. By the time I was done with it, I realized a few things about myself.

The most significant lesson I learned was that I had been distracted while I’d been so focused on hearing him confess to his wrongdoings. I had not figured that I was overwhelmingly disappointed in myself for allowing him to steal my self-pride. I let loving him break me.

I had to dive into those feelings and rescue my soul.

Next, I learned to embrace the pain for what it was. I’d carried the effects of being beaten with me in anger, frustration and a plethora of baggage. I assigned myself the task of transforming the pain

12

I need to just tell you how sorry I am for hurting you and being abusive to you.

to power, to turn the shame into inspiration. I accepted that I was capable of good love.

It wasn’t until I penned that column for the Jackson Free Press that I realized that I hadn’t yet owned love because I had not fallen in love with me. I was merely reacting to a close connection masked as love. Reluctantly, I shaped the lessons cleanly and placed them in my heart to carry with me.

Healing came through with each word I wrote. I was finally able to move on. I could breathe easy. I didn’t need his apology or his acknowledgement.

But he did.

“Can you talk?” The message came from an unknown number.

“Sure,” I replied after he told me who was texting.

In the past, I would become anxious, fearful even, just at the sound of his voice. I realize now that, at that time, I was still controlled by the pain I’d stored away; the pain of brokenness lived with me for years.

This time, however, I felt prepared.

I was strong and eager. I had no idea why he was calling, but nothing he said could separate me from my peace.

“I need to just tell you how sorry I am for hurting you and being abusive to you. It was a long time ago, but I need you to know I was dead wrong, and I regret treating you badly. You didn’t deserve that,” he told me.

Ever taken a test in school and you weren’t absolutely sure you passed?

Remember that feeling of anxiety and tension you felt waiting for that grade?

Then finally, you get it, and not only did

you pass, but you aced it. The phone call felt just like that. I cried and cried, alone because no one would get how truly awesome this was—but not for me.

I was elated that even though it’s been decades, and he might have never said these words to me, he owned it. I figure there was a time that he blocked it out.

But he had reached back and finally gotten it, and he wanted my forgiveness.

My abuser was making an effort to clear his path.

Then I could see his soul after doubting for years that he even had one.

Forgiveness was easy, as I’d done it years before. For me, healing didn’t arrive until I understood and embraced the young woman who had fallen so heavily in love with falling in love. That young woman blamed herself, vehemently.

I’m no longer that woman.

Because I was able to heal through my last column about his abuse, I am hoping this one lends to his ability to heal. I know many won’t understand the ease I welcomed in forgiving him. But, I’ve released the burden of pain from that relationship. He should be afforded that same freedom.

Therefore, without hesitation, I offered him encouragement and wished peace upon him. I left him with two words to carry with him on the next track of his journey: forgive yourself.

Men can “take the pledge” to stand up against domestic and interpersonal abuse and violence year-round at https://mcadv. org/take-pledge/.

This column does not necessarily reflect the views of the Jackson Free Press.

Editor-in-Chief and CEO Donna Ladd Publisher & President Todd Stauffer Associate Publisher Kimberly Griffin Creative Director Kristin Brenemen REPORTERS AND WRITERS City Reporter Seyma Bayram State Reporter Ashton Pittman Culture Writer Aliyah Veal JFPDaily.com Editor Dustin Cardon Investigative Fellow Nick Judin Contributing Writers Dustin Cardon, Bryan Flynn, Alex Forbes, Jenna Gibson, Tunga Otis Torsheta Jackson, Mike McDonald, Anne B. Mckee EDITORS AND PRODUCTION Deputy Editor Nate Schumann Editorial Assistant Azia Wiggins Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Designer Zilpha Young Contributing Photographers Seyma Bayram, Acacia Clark, Imani Khayyam, Ashton Pittman, Brandon Smith ONLINE & DIGITAL SERVICES Digital Web Developer Ryan Jones Web Editor Dustin Cardon Social Media Assistant Robin Johnson Web Designer Montroe Headd Let’s Talk Jackson Editor Kourtney Moncure SALES AND MARKETING (601-362-6121 x11) Sales and Marketing Coordinator and Writer Andrea Dilworth Advertising Designer Zilpha Young Events Assistant Leslyn Smith DISTRIBUTION Distribution Coordinator Ken Steere Distribution Team Yvonne Champion, Ruby Parks, Eddie Williams TALK TO 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 and Sales (601) 362-6121 Fax (601) 510-9019 Daily updates at jacksonfreepress.com The Jackson Free Press is the city’s award-winning, locally owned news magazine, reaching more than 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 to “gold level” and higher members of the JFP VIP Club (jfp.ms/ vip). 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.

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ORIEN EXPRESS

13

Hood Fixates on Corruption As Reeves Avoids Interviews

by Ashton Pittman

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood, the Democratic nominee for governor, claims wealthy corporate donors control his opponent and much of the Legislature.

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

J

14

ust four months after Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood stood on the Chickasaw County Courthouse steps in Houston, Miss., and bemoaned the town’s dwindling emergency-care options, local resident Shyteria Shardae suffered an asthma attack. The 23-year-old woman’s friends tried to take her to the local hospital, but while they were en route, a 911 operator told them to turn around and head to the fire department instead. The town’s only emergency room, the operator told them, had closed its doors in 2014.

Once at the fire station, the Chickasaw Journal reported in February, an ambulance took Shardae to the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Calhoun City—a 30-minute drive. One hour and 20 minutes after her friends first called 911, a doctor at the hospital pronounced her dead.

Shardae, who was pregnant when she died, left behind a 1-year-old child.

“It’s just like something from a thirdworld country,” Hood told the Jackson Free Press in an interview at his campaign headquarters in late September. He seemed visibly frustrated over what he sees as a stark example of the kind of senseless tragedy that Mississippi’s leaders could have prevented.

It was a scenario that the Democratic nominee for governor all but predicted when he announced his campaign in

Houston, Miss., last year.

“We had an emergency room in Houston my whole life, and now that emergency room is gone,” he said on Oct. 3, 2018.

“In 1940, we had better emergency health care in rural Mississippi than we have right now. That’s insane.”

Houston’s Trace Regional Hospital is one of five rural hospitals that have either closed their emergency services or shut down completely since 2014.

About half of Mississippi’s remaining rural hospitals are at risk of shutting down, a study earlier this year found.

Medicaid Expansion

Hood, along with a growing number of Republicans and hospital groups, blame the State of Mississippi’s rejection of billions in federal dollars to expand the state’s Medicaid program. Failure to make changes, Mississippi Hospital Association President Timothy Moore said in May, “is not an option.” Emergency rooms have to treat people even if they do not have insurance or another way to pay, and in poor towns many people go to the emergency room for non-emergency conditions, forcing hospitals to swallow millions in unpaid costs.

“Some say health care is doing fine.

The facts are, we have 31 rural hospitals on the verge of closing. This is where we are.

This is the decision point,” former Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill

Waller said at the Neshoba County Fair in August, just weeks before Reeves beat him in the GOP primary for governor.

Under expansion, though, about 300,000 Mississippians in working households that earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid (but not enough to afford private health insurance or get federal subsidies) would gain health care, a 2015 Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning study found. That would provide significant relief to the State’s struggling hospitals.

Since 2013, Hood’s current Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, has rejected $5 billion in expansion funds, largely because the money is part of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that former President Barack Obama signed into law.

“I am against Obamacare expansion,” Reeves often chants when asked if he has changed his mind. Reeves’ campaign has ignored repeated requests from the Jackson Free Press for an interview and has told

other media including the Daily Journal in Tupelo that he will only grant off-the-record editorial board interviews.

The fact that expansion has not happened yet, Hood says, is part of a larger problem: the influence of money in Mississippi politics.

“It all boils down to just partisan politics and greedy politicians who aren’t caring about working people. They’re worried about themselves getting elected and protecting their corporate campaign contributors,” he said.

As lieutenant governor, Reeves also serves as president of the Mississippi Senate, where he has significant power to help shape, champion or kill legislation.

Time and again, Hood said, his team has found examples of Reeves acting in a large donors’ interests. Reeves has raised more money than any gubernatorial candidate in Mississippi history—about $12 million compared to Hood, who has raised about half as much.

Election on Nov. 5

The election is on Nov. 5. Anyone who registered to vote by Oct. 7 is eligible to cast a ballot. Voters must bring a state-accepted form of photo ID to the voting booth.

Voters will choose leaders in statewide races, regional races, and in all Mississippi House and Senate district races.

More information on voting, polling locations and voter ID is available on the secretary of state’s website at sos.ms.gov.

Visit jfp.ms/ hindsleg2019 for more info on local legislative candidates.

AShton Pittman

Governor’s Race:

Corporate Cuts

Reeves has also repeatedly rejected efforts to fund needed infrastructure repairs.

Across the state, hundreds of roads and

table. Give them, you know, a tax break.

They hadn’t got any tax breaks,” Hood said in the interview.

He criticized Reeves for dismissing Medicaid expansion as yet another “welfare” program.

“I’ve heard Tate Reeves’ campaign call it ‘welfare.’ This money, health-care money, does not ever touch a poor person’s hands.

It goes to a clinic; it goes to the best-paying job in a rural community like mine,” Hood said. “It would keep our rural hospitals open, cover 300,000 working folks, and have such an economic impact on our state that maybe we could get off the bottom.”

In 2016, Republicans passed the largest series of tax cuts in Mississippi history, including a $262-million cut to the corporate franchise tax. Out-of-state corporations snagged 78% of the benefits.

“That’s 210 million dollars once that’s phased in,” Hood said, snapping his fingers.

Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, the GOP nominee for governor, accuses Hood of giving wealthy trial lawyers big cases in exchange for donations. He is only agreeing to off-the-record media interviews leading into the election.

bridges remain closed, after years of unsuccessful efforts to fund infrastructure repairs in the Legislature. In 2018, he supported the Legislature’s adoption of a state lottery; those funds will go toward road and bridge repairs, but will not be enough to tackle all of the State’s infrastructure needs. Like education, Hood said, it all comes down to where leadership focuses its efforts.

In early October’s televised debates, Reeves often responded to Hood’s proposals by criticizing his opponent as a “liberal” who is proposing an unrealistic amount of new spending.

Hood, though, told the Jackson Free Press that his plans are not unaffordable.

Mississippi just has to stop giving state contracts away to corporate interests—like a Tennessee company that charged $2.3 million to hang posters in a handful of the state’s schools—and stop prioritizing tax cuts for large out-of-state corporations.

“I want to cut the grocery tax on working people. They haven’t been at the

“Boom. It goes out of the state. It goes to large out-of-state corporations. You know, if you’re going to give some kind of tax incentive, it ought to be to a Mississippi business to create jobs that we know are good paying jobs. And he just gave our money away.”

Gov. Bryant, who signed the cuts into law, claimed in a CNBC article in 2016 that the axing the franchise tax “provides greater incentive for businesses to locate or stay in Mississippi.”

Mental Health

When the Jackson Free Press brought the topic of mental health up, Hood again moved the discussion back to what he calls “legal corruption.”

Over the summer, the attorney general’s office defended Mississippi in a federal court in Jackson against a lawsuit in which the U.S. Department of Justice alleged that Mississippi violates the civil rights of its mentally ill residents by not providing proper mental-health resources and facilities.

Hours after a federal judge ruled that the State of Mississippi’s mental-health system violates the Americans with Disabilities Act in early September, Hood told reporters that he “knew this was coming.”

Hood says the problem rests with the Legislature’s refusal to appropriate more funds for mental health. But some mentalhealth advocates say the biggest issue with the State’s mental-health system is not a lack of funding; it’s about the way the system is structured and the lack of coordination between various agencies.

“There is no over-arching infrastructure in our state to coordinate the different parts of the mental-health system like the Department of Mental Health, the Division of Medicaid, the community mentalhealth system and all those private providers that are out there,” Families As Allies Director Joy Hogge said at a press conference in September. “So that is the main reason people are falling through the gaps. ... We don’t even know if it’s about money at this point. Because until those things get addressed, there is no way to know what money is actually being spent on and what we need (when it comes to) money.

“So all those discussions about money are really red herrings at this point and not the most important thing to be talking about. We need to look at how our system is structured, and every lawmaker bears responsibility for that.”

When the Jackson Free Press brought up those kinds of objections to his focus on money, he said he understood the concerns, but insisted that money is an important part of fixing the issues in the system.

“Now, you know, there are certainly issues with the regional mental-health facilities not being in the same department as the Department of Mental Health,” he answered.

“I’m not saying whether or not we should combine the two, but I assume that’s what those people out there are talking about.”

“And there certainly needs to be better coordination,” Hood continued. “But the fact is all this talk about how, ‘Well, we’re not going to throw more money at the problem.’ Well, we never tried. We’ve never tried to actually fund it. What we did is we went the other way. Tate Reeves and his minions, in order to give more money to their campaign contributors through corporate tax cuts, they cut 624 jobs from the Department of Mental Health.”

Hood, of course, does not blame the influence of money on the lieutenant governor alone; every member of the Legislature and every statewide elected office, including his own, is invited to do the bidding of big business to the detriment of the people, he admits.

Reeves is not the only candidate who is familiar with allegations of tradmore ELECTION p 16

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

education under the MAEP standards.

Ahead of the first debate, Reeves did unveil plans for a $4,300 pay raise for teachers. But over the summer, he criticized GOP primary opponent Waller for offering a similarly ambitious pay raise, and during this year’s legislative session, he killed the $4,000 raise the House passed, saying the State could not afford it.

“We don’t pay our teachers what they’re worth,” Reeves said at the Oct. 14 debate.

That message comes way too late, though, Hood told the Jackson Free Press. Reeves had eight years to fully fund education and give teachers a worthy raise and chose not to, the Democratic attorney general said.

AShton Pittman

Teacher Pay, Vouchers

Money influences education policy, too, the Democratic nominee said. During Reeves’ eight years as lieutenant governor, the State has underfunded education by a cumulative $1.9 billion. Reeves has also opposed significant pay raises for teachers, like the $4,000 pay raise he killed in the Senate earlier this year before agreeing to a $1,500 raise. Considering inflation, though, Mississippi teachers make about $900 less than they did when Reeves took office in 2012.

That does not mean the GOP nominee has not focused on education during his time as lieutenant governor, though.

Indeed, one of Reeves’ core policy pushes has been for so-called “school choice” initiatives, like the 2013 charter-school law and the 2015 passage of the Educational Scholarship Accounts program—a tuition voucher program that uses public funds to send special-needs students to private schools.

The ESA program only covers a few hundred of the 65,000 special-needs children in the state, and many of the participating private schools do not even offer facilities to accommodate special-needs children. Meanwhile, as the State gives millions to private schools, Mississippi underfunded special education by more than $55 million over the past two years, the Parents Campaign estimates.

“We do know that there are cases where parents wish that their children had smaller classes or access to dyslexia therapy in their public schools,” Parents Campaign President Nancy Loome told the Jackson Free Press in March. “But if the Legislature were doing its job and following the law and passing the funding the law requires, students would have smaller classrooms and dyslexia therapy.”

Groups backing “school choice “have given Reeves tens of thousands in campaign contributions. After Reeves helped secretly sneak an extra $3 million for ESAs into an unrelated bill on the penultimate day of the 2019 session, Empower Mississippi—which donated $40,000 to him this year—topped it off with a personal “After Session Thank You” gift worth $64.14, lobbying reports show.

Meanwhile, Americans for Prosperity, a pro-voucher and pro-charter organization backed by the billionaire Koch family, is spending currently uncertain but significant amounts to support Reeves in the 2019 race. While not directly contributing to his campaign, AFP is sponsoring ads and sending mailers out to voters urging them to support Reeves.

Hood is pushing for major investments in public education. He wants universal pre-K for children starting at age 4; he wants to get teacher pay up to the southeastern average; and he wants to fully fund

15

Governor’s Race, ing campaign donations for favors and contracts, though.

What About ‘Trial Lawyers’?

In a 2008 editorial titled “Lawsuits, Inc.,” the conservative-leaning Wall Street Journal reported that Hood was among attorneys generals in several states who “outsource legal work to for-profit tort lawyers” who “then funnel a share of their winnings” back through campaign contributions.

The Journal cross-referenced campaign-finance reports with the names of 27 private firms or individual lawyers within firms that Hood had hired and found that

from page 15

GOP anti-Hood literature. But for Republicans, who depend more on donations from big corporations than lawyers, those objections are also rooted in their support for tort reform. Republicans ran on the issue in 2003, with Haley Barbour leading the charge. The goal was to minimize the ability of Mississippians who claimed a corporation had harmed or in some way injured them from suing and winning large payouts.

Media coverage at the time centered around “greedy trial lawyers” getting rich with “frivolous lawsuits”—not sympathetic portrayals of Mississippians with AShton Pittman

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood is the Democratic nominee for governor.

16

some of his largest donors had received “lucrative” state contracts.

In all, Hood accepted $543,000 from such donors during the 2003 and 2007 election cycles, the Journal found.

Since that 2009 story, Hood has spent more than $100 million in State funds hiring outside counsel. Lawyers remain some of his biggest donors. But when asked, he points to the money he has brought in to the State with those lawsuits and says he hired lawyers on a first-come basis.

“Those lawyers didn’t get a dime unless we brought in money. So, I brought in about $3 billion,” Hood told the AP in mid-October. “And as fast as I could bring it in, Tate Reeves is giving it away in tax giveaways to his corporate cronies.”

During the first gubernatorial debate between Hood and Reeves, the Republican claimed that “the business community in Mississippi is scared to death of having a trial lawyer as governor.”

Warnings about trial lawyers litter

legitimate injuries or grievances. Not only did the GOP’s tort-reform push help cement its power within the business community, but it made it easier to demonize Democrats who accepted donations from trial lawyers.

“In post-tort reform Mississippi, the political dynamic has forever changed.

For businesses and their political allies, a candidate who accepts contributions from trial lawyers becomes radioactive,” wrote Mississippi political strategists Jere Nash and Andy Taggart in their book, “Mississippi Politics: The Struggle for Power 1976-2006.”

Nash is a Democrat, and Taggart is a Republican who recently lost a GOP primary run for attorney general.

Under Reeves’ leadership earlier this year, the Legislature passed and Gov. Bryant signed the Landowner’s Protection Act, which critics say makes it nearly impossible for someone to sue a business if they are injured by a third party on its

property—even if the business-owner knew there was a likelihood for violence and failed to take steps to prevent it.

“You have to prove that they intended to hurt the person who gets harmed on their premises,” Democratic House minority leader David Baria, who is a lawyer, said during debate over the bill earlier this year.

Mississippi’s Prisons

During the sit-down at his headquarters with the Jackson Free Press, Hood talked about decades of corruption in another policy area: Mississippi’s private prisons.

He pointed to the first bill former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour signed, Tallahatchie County Correctional Authority Bill, which the former Republican leader signed under the auspices of “saving Mississippi jobs. It removed restrictions on which classifications of prisoner a corporateowned facility in Tutwiler, Miss., as well as other private prisons across the state, could house. That opened the floodgates for private prison corporations to house virtually any category of Mississippi inmate.

“That was nothing but a political bill.

One-hundred grand went from Corrections Corporation of America to a PAC. That same day, when Haley was running in 2003, that PAC wrote Haley Barbour a $100,000 check,” Hood said.

Hood’s figure was slightly off, but campaign-finance reports do show that the Corrections Corporation of America gave the Republican Governors Association a $110,000 that year. The RGA repeatedly shifted funds to Barbour’s campaign throughout the 2003 race, giving him more than $2 million by its end.

“So, the first bill Haley signed was the Tutwiler prison run by Corrections Corporation of America,” Hood said.

Instead of saving money as Barbour promised, he ended up having to defend the state in lawsuits tied to private prisons, including ones CCA runs. In 2012, a deadly riot broke out at one CCA facility in Natchez.

In recent years, the company sought to rebranding, changing its name to CoreCivic.

“(Private prison companies) don’t hire enough guards. There are riots.

There are problems. People sue the state.

And guess which ones we’ve had to defend the state on? It’s primarily those private prisons,” Hood said.

“And that’s nothing but a debacle.

That’s for campaign contributions. Because they give contributions and those state facilities don’t.”

But Mississippi, the Jackson Free Press pointed out, has an incarceration rate that is nearly 50% higher than the U.S. average. The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world.

A Criminal-Justice Sore Spot

Hood’s positions on criminal-justice issues tend to align more with conservatives than with advocates for reform of the system. He continues to support the death penalty, including the State’s decision to bring back the firing squad for executions, even in some questionable cases. That includes a prominent case in which the work of this newspaper helped halt an execution.

The attorney general worked to expedite the execution of Michelle Byrom, who spent 15 years on death row for her husband’s 1999 murder. In 2014, Hood’s office pushed for the State to execute her on March 27 of that year, despite problems with her conviction and trial that the Jackson Free Press detailed in a series of reports at the time.

Instead, on March 31, the Mississippi Supreme Court threw out her conviction after her attorneys presented the court with a confession letter from Byrom’s son, who claimed that he shot his father.

Byrom left prison in 2015.

During his interview with the Jackson Free Press, Hood said that criminal-justice reform has to be about more than just “turning (people) out,” shifting the conversation to a “re-entry” talking point that conservatives, even Donald Trump, are also embracing now. It has to be about fighting recidivism, too. As attorney general, he said, he asked for money for halfway houses.

“Now we call it re-entry. Many people would get out and have their probation get revoked, and they’d get put back in the penitentiary,” he said. “We wanted to put

Jackson Metro Public Service Commission (Central District) Brent Bailey (R) De’Keither Stamps (D)

Trasnportation Commissioner (Central District) Butch Lee (R) Willie Simmons (D)

Mississippi Senate District 22 Hayes Dent (R) Joseph Thomas (D)

House District 56 Philip Gunn (R) Vicki Slater (D)

House District 64 Bill Denny (R) Shanda Yates (D)

House District 68 Jon Pond (R) Zakiya Summers (D)

House District 73 Jill Ford (R) Gale Walsh Massey (D)

them in a halfway-house situation where they could work and not have to deal with fences and guards or wear ankle bracelets.

They’ve gotta have a job to be there, and they would have drug counseling at night or trade skill training. I’ve been advocating for that for 25 years.

“And I’ve been advocating for re-entry since I’ve been attorney general.”

“If people don’t have any hope, they’re not going to get a job and be a productive citizen in many cases unless you help them,” he continued later. “And so just some of the ways we came up with that didn’t cost any money, like re-entry counseling. You can’t get a job with an MDOC card. So, we had to try to get them drivers licenses.”

Zoë Towns, who is the senior criminal-justice reform director at the New York-based organization fwd.us, said that Hood’s proposals are positive overall, and she also praised Reeves for supporting some incremental criminal-justice reforms in recent years. To really make change, though, she said, candidates ought to first focus on “Mississippi’s extraordinary sentence lengths and long prison times.”

“People spend disproportionately long periods of time behind bars due to a series of laws and decisions that are being made at the legislative and executive level, and any kind of meaningful steps forward for Mississippi is going to have to include robust sentencing reform,” she said.

Hood, though, insists that the reason the Legislature has not pursued more “substantial” reforms when it comes to the State’s prisons is because politicians are beholden to their “corporate masters.”

‘That’s Going to Be a Battle’ “So we’ve got to clean the Legislature up,” Hood continued later in the conversation. “It’s being run by large out-of-state corporations. A regular old millionaire, like a member of the Mississippi Economic Council, can’t influence that Legislature any more; it takes a billionaire.”

If everything in the Mississippi Legislature is about money and “legal corruption,” though, the Jackson Free Press asked Hood, how does he plan to change that?

“Now that’s going to be a battle,” he said. “What I told you about the other three issues, we’ve got the votes to do those things. This one is going to be the tough one. I think we can get some votes to ban

them from taking money during the legislative session. I think we can get that one passed. I think that we can probably ban campaign contributions from corporations. The tough one is going to be the Open Records Act.” The Open Records Act requires transparency from every government agency, which has allowed outlets like—except the Legislature. If legislators were held to the same standards as other state agencies, citizens would be able to get access to legislators’ work-related text messages, call logs, emails and other such communications.

Over the past year, Hood’s office investigated allegations that Reeves pressured the Department of Transportation into building a multi-million-dollar public road that would connect his private community to a popular shopping center.

When Hood’s office asked Reeves for emails and text messages related to the project, he said there were none, but that he would not be obliged to turn any over under public-records laws anyway because he, as president of the Mississippi Senate, has “legislative privilege.” Hood’s office was able to obtain emails from the Mississippi Department of Transportation showing that officials there did communicate with Reeves’ team about the project.

“A reasonable fact finder could review the evidence in the report and conclude that Lieutenant Governor Reeves wanted the frontage road to be built and additionally applied political pressure to that end,” former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice David Chandler, who served from 2009 to 2015, wrote in an opinion on Hood’s findings. Hood is leaving any charging decisions up to the next attorney general.

Reeves denies any wrongdoing.

Opening up public-records laws would not just make it easier for investigators to suss out potential abuses of power, though, Hood said. It might just convince lawmakers to think twice before allowing themselves to be “wined-and-dined” by wealthy donors.

“That may take an uphill climb, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the people get access to their government,” he said.

Follow State Reporter Ashton Pittman on Twitter @ashtonpittman. Send emails to ashton@jacksonfreepress.com.

Meet the Candidates Statewide Candidates

Governor Jim Hood (D) “Putting Mississippi families first.” (website) Age: 57 Hometown: Houston, Miss.

Occupation: Current attorney general Website: Hoodforgovernor.com FB/Twitter: @Hoodforgovernor Tate Reeves (R) “Keep Mississippi strong.” (website) Age: 45 Hometown: Florence, Miss.

Occupation: Current lieutenant governor Website: www.tatereeves.com FB/Twitter: @tatereeves

Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann (R) “Streamlining state government to operate from the citizen up, not bureaucracy down.”

Age: 72 Hometown: Vicksburg, Miss.

Occupation: Current Secretary of State Website: delberthosemann.com FB/Twitter: @DelbertHosemann Jay Hughes (D) “It’s all about education.”

Age: 56 Hometown: Houston, Texas Occupation: Representative, Mississippi House Website: jayformississippi.com FB/Twitter: @Jay4Mississippi

Attorney General Jennifer Riley Collins (D) “I support smart reforms that ensure we prioritize people over prison.” (JFP questionnaire) Age: 53 Hometown: Meridian, Miss.

Occupation: Army colonel; civil rights attorney; former ACLU-Mississippi director Website: jenniferforag.com FB/Twitter: @jenniferforag Lynn Fitch (R) “A solution-driven conservative with a unique skill set in law, finance, administration and policy” (website) Age: 57 Occupation: Current Mississippi Treasurer Website: www.lynnfitchforms.com FB/Twitter: @LynnFitchforMS

Secretary of State Michael Watson (R) “I look forward to bringing my conservative record of consistent success in the Legislature to the Secretary of State’s office.” (website) Age: 41 Hometown: Pascagoula Occupation: Mississippi senator Website: michaelwatson.ms FB/Twitter: @MichaelWatsonMS

Johnny DuPree (D) “It’s not enough to dream of a better tomorrow. One must also work towards that better tomorrow.” (website) Age: 65 Hometown: Hattiesburg, Miss.

Occupation: Former Hattiesburg mayor Website: johnnydupree.com FB/Twitter: @johnnyldupree

Treasurer Addie Lee Green (D) Hometown: Raymond, Miss.

Occupation: Former Bolton alderwoman Website: www.addieleegreen.com/ FB/Twitter: @AddieGreenJMS Dave McRae (R) “Outsider. Conservative. Businessman.”

(Twitter) Age: 38 Hometown: Ridgeland Occupation: Attorney; managing partner at McRae Investments Website: davidmcrae.org FB/Twitter: @DavidMcRaeMS

Insurance Commissioner Robert Amos (D) “I am running for insurance commissioner for all families in Mississippi regardless of political affiliation, race, sexual affiliation or religion.” (Meridian Star) Age: 46 Hometown: Jackson Occupation: College professor; business owner Mike Chaney (R) “Government big enough to give you anything you want is big enough to take away everything you’ve got.”

(Neshoba County Fair) “The aim is to create the highest degree of economic security, quality of life and public safety for citizens at the lowest possible cost.” (website) Age: 75 Hometown: Tupelo, Miss.

Occupation: Current insurance commissioner FB/Twitter: @electmikechaney

Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson (R) “We will make sure the future of Mississippi agriculture will remain strong.”

Age: 42 Hometown: Brandon, Miss.

Occupation: Current agriculture commissioner; pastor Website: andygipson.com FB/Twitter: @CommAndyGipson Rickey Cole (D) “Change our food system for the better.”

Age: 53 Hometown: Laurel, Miss.

Occupation: Former Mississippi Democratic Party chairman; farmer Website: cole4foodcommissioner.com FB/Twitter: @RickeyCole

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

Listen to our Let’s Talk Jackson Politics podcasts in which we discuss the issues with some of the candidates running in this year’s local and state elections. To listen, go to letstalkjackson.com

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N O M I N A T I O N B A L L O T powered by

RULES READ FIRST: Please read before completing your ballot, as violations will disqualify your entire ballot and possibly your chance to win: 1. You must nominate in at least 20 categories for your ballot to count. We will discard ballots that repeat the same vote in non-relevant categories.

B

est of Jackson voting is divided into two stages—a nominations ballot and a final ballot. We must receive your mailed nominations ballot by Nov. 13, 2019, or you may submit it online by midnight on Nov. 15, 2019. If you opt for the paper ballot, you must tear it from your copy of the Jackson Free Press (no photo™ copies allowed). We will announce the finalists on Nov. 27, 2019, and then you can vote on the final ballot until midnight on Dec. 15, 2019.

REMEMBER THAT BEST OF JACKSON HONORS OUR LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES AND PERSONALITIES WHO LIVE AND WORK IN THE JACKSON METRO CURRENTLY. Please vote

only for the best local, authentic choices (see jfp.ms/bojlocal/ for more info on the rules and who is qualified), and “new” means it opened or started Dec. 1, 2018, or later.

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3. Your ballot must include your real first and last name with local phone number and email address for verification (if needed). Do not ask friends and family from outside the Jackson metro area to nominate you or your business.

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P E O P L E Note: Vote for one local person, include first and last name, and include business they work for if applicable.

Must spell correctly for it to count!

Barber Barista Bartender Best Dressed Chef Craig Noone’s “Rock It Out” Award for best new chef Facialist/esthetician Hair stylist Fitness trainer Local business owner Local drag performer Makeup artist Massage therapist Nail technician Photographer Professor Public figure Real Estate Agent Server/waitperson Sexiest bartender Teacher Urban warrior Visual artist (living)

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

C O M M U N I T Y C U L T U R E

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Annual event Art gallery Arts organization Category we left off Community garden/nature attraction Dance group Festival Kids’ event Live theater/theatrical group Local podcast Locally owned business Museum New addition to Jackson Nonprofit organization Public forum/speaker series Radio personality/team Radio station Reason to live in Jackson Stage play Tourist attraction

M U S I C Bar Blues artist/band Club DJ

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N I G H T L I F E

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7. Fraudulent ballots (using other people’s names and contact information) will be discarded.

College student hangout Country artist/band Cover band Gospel artist/group Happy hour Hip-hop artist/group Jazz artist/band Karaoke DJ Live music venue Musician Open-mic night Place for cocktails Place to dance Place to drink cheap Place to play pool Place to watch the game Pub quiz/trivia night R&B artist/band Rock artist/band Service industry hangout Singer

F O O D

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D R I N K

Note: Vote for only one locally owned restaurant, and do not list individual dishes.

Bakery Barbecue Beer selection (restaurant) Beer selection (store) Breakfast Brunch Burger Chicken Sandwich Chinese food Crawfish Doughnuts Ethnic market Fine dining Food truck/mobile vendor French fries Fried chicken Gumbo Hangover food Italian food Liquor/wine store Lunch counter/lunch buffet Margarita Meal under $10 Mexican/Latin food New restaurant Outdoor dining Oysters Pizza Place for coffee Place for dessert

You can also go to bestofjackson.com to vote online.

8. No employees, full- or part-time, of Jackson Free Press Inc. are qualified to win Best of Jackson categories, and must not campaign on anyone’s behalf.

9. Violation of any of these rules causes immediate disqualification from being nominated for or winning Best of Jackson awards.

10. “New” indicates opened since Dec. 1, 2018.

VOTE ONLINE and see more rule explanations at www.bestofjackson.com.

Place for healthy food Place for hummus Plate lunch Restaurant Sandwich place Seafood Soul food Steak Sushi/Japanese food Thai food Vegetarian options Veggie burger Wine list/selection

U R B A N

L I V I N G

Animal shelter Barbershop Beauty shop/salon Car dealer (new or used) Caterer Dance studio Day spa Fitness center/gym Flower shop Geek Hangout Local bank/credit union Local jeweler Local men’s clothing store Local women’s clothing store Nail salon Place for a first date Place for unique gifts Place to book a party/shower Place to buy antiques Place to buy kids’ clothes/toys Place to get married Place to get your car fixed Place to work Tattoo/piercing parlor Thrift/consignment shop Veterinarian/vet clinic Yoga studio

™ You must include your name, email address and a valid phone number with area code for your ballot to count.

Caution: We call many voters to check ballot authenticity.

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Name Phone Email Mail ballot to the address below by Nov. 15, 2019: Jackson Free Press 125 South Congress Street Suite 1324 Jackson, MS 39201

“Best of Jackson” is a registered service mark in the state of Mississippi.

InHouse District 56 —

The students, educators, and families of HOUSE DISTRICT56 deserve better.

Paid for and approved by the Vicki Slater Campaign.

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

Let’s vote for our schools and our futures on November 5.

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food&Drink

Chicken Liver Pate, Classic Vinaigrette and Boeuf Bourguignon

by Jane Flood

W

hile in college, I worked at a local restaurant. It had the best pizza and pastas, soups, salads and iced tea in the world. The main chef invited several other chefs and servers over for dinner one Sunday night. It was such a memorable meal, including the courses: pate on crostini, a delicate bouillabaisse and a crisp salad followed by boeuf bourguignon, and a spectacular flourless

chocolate cake topped with powdered sugar.

He obliged in giving tips to us all for his pate, salad dressing and boeuf bourguignon. The following is my version. The bonus is that the ingredients are all relatively inexpensive while the dish is easy to make. Sure, pizza is wonderful, but so is this sophisticated meal with the perfect glass of wine. clipart

Chicken Liver Pate This dish makes for a tasty, standout appetizer.

Ingredients 8 ounces chicken livers, cleaned of fat and rinsed 2 teaspoons flour 3 tablespoon unsalted butter Handful of fresh sage leaves 3 shallots, minced 1 garlic clove, minced 3 tablespoons brandy ½ granny smith apple, peeled and sliced Salt and pepper to taste

them until they are tender.

• Add chicken livers and sauté until medium rare.

Flame with brandy (or just add brandy and cook alcohol off if your stove is not gas).

• Transfer liver mixture into food processor work bowl and puree until smooth.

• Season with salt and pepper and turn pate into serving containers. Cover each container with a thin layer of melted butter and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve (at least an hour, but this can be made the night before serving).

• To serve, spread pate on toasted baguette slices and top with a leaf of fried sage.

This is a nice vinaigrette which can easily be adjusted with the vinegar and herbs that you have on hand.

Always remember, for vinaigrette, 3 to 1 oil to vinegar. Dijon is optional and a tasty addition. Serve on cold, mixed greens.

Directions • In a medium bowl, whisk vinegar and mustard until smooth. While whisking, slowly drizzle in oil to form an emulsion.

• Add tarragon and correct seasoning with salt and pepper

Directions • Sauté bacon in olive oil until lightly browned. Remove bacon and reserve in medium bowl.

• Heat remaining bacon fat in pot until very hot. Dry

Classic Vinaigrette Ingredients 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar 6 tablespoons olive oil 1/8 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon dijon mustard 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon Fresh ground pepper to taste

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

Ingredients 6 bacon slices, chopped and blanched 3 pounds stewing beef, cut into 2-inch cubes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 carrot, chopped 1 onion, chopped 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoon flour 3 cups full-bodied young red wine (merlot or red bordeaux are nice choices) 2-3 cups beef stock 1 tablespoon tomato paste 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon fresh thyme 1 bay leaf, crumbled 18 pearl onions, browned in butter 1 pound quartered mushrooms, sautéed in butter Parsley to garnish

Directions • Pat chicken livers dry with paper towels. Dust with flour.

• Melt butter in a medium skillet and quick fry the sage leaves. Remove leaves with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

• Add shallots and garlic to butter mixture and sauté until soft but not browned. Add apple and cook

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Boeuf Bourguignon

(Serves 6) This is worth the time and preparation, and is surprisingly easy. Once combined, it gently cooks itself. The entire house smells wonderful and it tastes as amazing. Beef sold for stew is generally chuck or round— “tough” cuts that will become tender with slowly simmering in liquid.

Avoid beef top round because it is too lean to braise.

Get 20% OFF your meal!

Monday-Wednesday, 3-6pm. *Not valid with any other offers. Dine-in only.

beef pieces with paper towel and brown in hot fat a few pieces at a time. Remove beef from pan and add it to bacon bowl.

• Sauté chopped carrots and onion until tender and set aside.

• Return beef and bacon to pot and dust with flour. Put pot in 475-degree oven for 4 minutes. Stir beef and roast for 4 minutes more. Remove beef from oven and turn oven down to 325 degrees.

• As temperature of oven lowers, place pot on top of stove.

Stir in wine and enough stock to cover beef. Add tomato paste, garlic and herbs. Bring pot to a simmer.

• Cover and return to oven. Cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours.

• Once cooked, add mushrooms and onions and simmer on stove until warmed through.

• Serve with boiled potatoes, rice or noodles. Garnish with parsley.

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October 30 - November 12, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ jfp.ms

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aTo Do Listd

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

JFP SPONSORED Mistletoe Marketplace 2019 Nov. 6, 7-11 p.m., Nov. 7, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Nov. 8, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). The Junior League of Jackson hosts the nationally recognized holiday marketplace, where vendors from across the country gather to offer an array of holidaythemed goods. Also features several sub-events that take place throughout the shopping event that participants purchase tickets to attend. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, there is a preview gala. On Thursday, Nov. 7, special events include Mistletoe Morning: Sip & Sparkle and Girls Night Out: Bubbles & Blues. On Friday, Nov. 8, spe-

Free admission, food prices vary; call 601-9256431; email mfrasier@morrisonheights.org; morrisonheights.org/fallharvest.

The Haunting of Olde Towne Oct. 31, 6-8:30 p.m., at City of Clinton (300 Jefferson Street).

Clinton Parks and Recreation Department hosts a Halloween event including cake walks, costume contests for all ages, carnival games, Monster Mugshots (Clinton Police Department), pumpkin carving contest and candy and toys for game participants. $2 general admission; call 601-924-5474; find it on Facebook.

Troopers and Friends Trunk or Treat Oct. 31, 6-8:30 p.m., at Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop C Enforcement Division (3851 Highway 468 W., Pearl). Mississippi Highway Patrol

WEDNESDAY 10/30 Elephant Wrecking Ball begins 10 p.m. at Martin’s Downtown (214 S. State St.). The instrumental, electronic, trombone-led power trio known for implementing a variety of influences from jazz, hip hop, electro and the avant-garde performs. $10 cover; call 601354-9712; find it on Facebook.

DANI BRANDWEIN

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

cial events include Marketplace Brunch - Glitter, Shine & Shop, Ladies Luncheon and Style Show - Glitter & Glow, Tween Fashion Show - Peace, Love & Glitter and Friday Night Event - Mustache Glitter Bash. On Saturday, Nov. 9, there is a Children’s Event - Rudolph’s Sleigh Bell Bash event. See descriptions of sub-events elsewhere on the JFP events calendar. Santa photo-ops are held on Friday and Saturday for $10 per visit. A cocktail bar is available on Thursday and Saturday at $10 for a drink ticket. $10/$15 general, $5 kids/ seniors, sub-event prices vary; call 601-948-2357; email info@mistletoemarketplace.com; mistletoemarketplace.com.

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HOLIDAY Boos & Ballot Bash Oct. 31, 5-7 p.m., at 4 Your Occasions (1015 Northside Drive).

The forum informs attendees about political candidates for upcoming elections. The event also includes candy, food, music and children’s activities. Free admission; call 601-362-1100; find it on Facebook.

Fall Harvest 2019 Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m., at Morrison Heights Baptist Church (3000 Hampstead Blvd., Clinton). The church hosts its annual fall festival. The event features hayrides, crafts, games, “trunk-or-treat” and more. Includes piglet races and a petting zoo with a live kangaroo.

The Christian Motorcycle Association set up a display. Children can interact with police cars, a fire engine and a Humvee. Food trucks on-site.

hosts the first Annual Trunk or Treat event that includes a hayride and display of emergency vehicles, MHP motorcycles, SWAT vehicles and big rigs. Free admission; call 601-420-6342; find it on Facebook.

2nd Annual Barrelhouse Halloween Party Oct. 31, 7-10:30 p.m., at Barrelhouse (3009 N. State Street). The 2nd Annual Halloween Costume Party includes live music from Wyatt Edmondson, costume contest (chance to win free tuna nachos for a year), and Halloween themed cocktails. Free admission; call 769-216-3167; for more information, find the event on Facebook.

Hometown Christmas Market Nov. 1, noon-7 p.m., Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at The Vault Venue (202 N. College Street, Brandon).

Hometown Rankin Magazine hosts shopping event featuring various Mississippi vendors.

Vendors visit thevaultvenue.com/Christmas for an application. $5 general admission, free admission for 12 and under; call 601-2609277; email events@thevaultvenue.com for more information.

Family Santa Portraits Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Parker Studio (169 W. Peace Street, Canton).

Parker Studio presents a children photography opportunity including story time with Santa and five magical portraits with options to print on throw pillows and blankets for home decor. $300 for 30 minutes and 5 photos; call 601-832-6610; find it on Facebook.

COMMUNITY Kickback at the Compound Oct. 30, Nov. 3, Nov. 6, Nov.10, Nov. 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Kundi Compound (3220 N. State St.). The venue hosts an adult game night where participants play friendly matches of card and board games.

Attendees may bring their own adult beverages if they wish. Free admission; call 601-345-8680; email kundicompound@gmail.com; find it on Facebook.

Events at Two Mississippi Museums (222 North St.) • 34th Social Studies Teachers Workshop Nov. 1, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The museum hosts the annual workshop for instructors who teach social studies. Concurrent sessions held throughout the day. Staff members from George Washington’s Mount Vernon give presentations. Robby Luckett, director of the Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University, leads a tour of Jackson’s significant sites in the Civil Rights Movement. The first 100 applicants receive a $30 discount on registration. $60 advanced, $80 day-of; call 601-5766997; email outreachprograms@mdah.ms.gov; mdah.ms.gov.

• Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 8, 10:30-11 a.m. In the Neilsen Auditorium. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History partners with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mississippi Veterans Affairs and the Mississippi War Veterans Memorial Commission to honor Mississippians who serve and have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Free admission; call 601-576-6850; email info@twomississippimuseums.com; mdah. ms.gov.

Jackson 1st Annual Adult Prom Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m.-midnight, at Jackson Square Promenade

(2460 Terry Road). A Slay Productions host Jackson’s first annual Winter Wonderland Adult Prom, a formal affair that includes music by DJ Gman, cash bar, food bar, giveaways, raffles and selection for Prom King/Queen and Best Dressed. Tickets available on Eventbrite ($45 general admission, $85 for couples) and aslayproductions.com ($40 general admission, $64 for couples, $86 for couple VIP tickets). To reserve a VIP table (includes reserved seating, dinner and free drinks), email aslayproductions@gmail. com. Interested vendors email aslayproductions@ gmail.com (vendor fee $35). Attendees must be 21 or older, ID required. No refunds. $35 general admission, $250 VIP package; call 601-339-0391; email aslayproductions@gmail. com; Find it on Facebook.

The Great Hangout Nov. 8, 6 p.m. through Nov. 9, 9 a.m., at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton). Clinton Community Nature Center hosts the overnight outdoor adventure and hammock camping event for adults and children 12 and older (under 18 requires adult supervision). Hot dogs and s’mores included. Purchase tickets online or with cash at The Clinton Courier office located at 400 Monroe Street (open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). $8 members, $10 non-members; call 601-926-1104; find it on Facebook.

Candy Cane Marketplace Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Hinds Community College - Clyde Muse Center (515 Country Place Parkway, Pearl). Park Place Christian Academy hosts the 8th Annual Christmas crafts fair featuring over 70 Mississippi vendors as a fundraiser for the junior class.

The event includes door prizes and refreshments for purchase from the Sader Cafe`. $1 general admission; call 601-939-6229; email candycane@goppca.com; find it on Facebook.

KIDS

SATURDAY 11/2

RAWPIXEL

Walk to END Epilepsy is from 10 a.m. to noon at Flowood Nature Trail (4077 Flowood Drive, Flowood). The Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi hosts a community walk fundraiser to spread awareness and help fund programs and services for the foundation. Free admission; call 601-936-5222; find it on Facebook.

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

• Visiting Artist: Sam King Nov. 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd.). Visiting artist Sam King leads children in the creative workshops. $10 general admission, free with MCM membership; call 601-981-5469; mschildrensmuseum.org.

• PhUn Day Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ryan, associate professor of physiology and biophysics and director of graduate studies in physiology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, gives an educational presentation to attending children. $10 general admission, free for MCM members; call 601-981-5469.

Family Day | Movement Makers Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-noon, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Families engage in art, music, stories, writing activities and dance. Attendees also explore the “New Symphony of Time, Nick Cave: Feat, and The Prize: Seven Decades of Lyrical Response to the Call for Civil Rights” exhibit. Dress for mess. Food trucks on-site. Free admission, food prices vary; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

aTo Do Listd

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

TUESDAY 11/5

MDWFP

Sketchbook Nature is from noon to 1 p.m. at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). Sam Beibers walks participants through his process of nature journaling with examples and practical instruction. No artistry experience required.

Admission TBA; call 601-576-6000; email nicole.smith@mmns.ms.gov; mdwfp.com.

FOOD & DRINK True Local Market Nov. 2, Nov. 9, 2-6 p.m., at Cultivation Food Hall (1250 Eastover Drive).

The weekly farmers market brings together local vendors selling produce, crafts and other goods.

Vendor prices vary; call 601-487-5196.

SPORTS & WELLNESS Boxing & Kickboxing Oct. 30-31, Nov. 4-7 and Nov. 11-13, 5-7 p.m., at Boxers Rebellion Fighting Arts & Fitness (856 S. State St., Suite E). Instructors teach participants boxing and kickboxing skills. $15 single day, $100 session;

more options shown on website; call 262-9943174; email jeremy@boxersrebellion.com; boxersrebellion.org.

DanceFit Workshop Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Salsa Mississippi Club & Studio (605 Duling Ave.). Athlete and Zumba Instructor LaTasha Estus presents a 90-minute dance workshop including a 30-minute dance party, a 60-minute breakdown of the choreography and video. Only 8 spots left. $25 general admission; call 601-213-6355; email naturallyfitt601@ gmail.com; find it on Facebook.

STAGE & SCREEN “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 7:30-10:00 p.m., Nov. 3, 2-4:30 p.m., at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). The theater presents a performance of the play written by Ken Ludwig based on the

novel by Agatha Christie. Belgian detective Hercule Poirot investigates a murder that happens on famous train. $30 general admission; call 601-948-3533; newstagetheatre.com.

Improv Comedy Show Nov. 7, 7:30-9 p.m., at Olde Towne Depot (281 E. Leake St, Clinton).

Hearth and Mantel Theatre’s improv team, “Dismantled,” presents a theatre experience that uses your suggestions and their imaginations to build a one-of-a-kind night of comedy. $10 General / $5 Student - tickets sold at the door; email info@hearthandmanteltheatre.com; hearthandmanteltheatre.com.

TAPS 2019 SHOWCASE: Back with The Thickness Nov. 7, 7:30-10:30 p.m., at A-1 Event Center (1415 Country Club Drive).

Thick and Proud Sisters present the 2019 class of sisters to represent full minds, full frames and sisterhood. Tickets available online and at the Kundi Compound (3220 N. State Street). $20 general admission; find it on Facebook.

ART

‘Jackson’ Regales a Laborious, History-Packed Tale

by Carlton McGrone

D

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

COURTESY CINDY MARABITO

espite the leaps of progress in our capital city, its less-than-glamorous roots come object than a human being. Told entirely in first-person, Jody’s inner thoughts are strangely as no shock to natives or migrants. Often, a forced encounter with that bloody analytical and unfeeling in the wake of unfamiliar, morally corrupt occurrences. She comes history is met with drastic denial and resistance, especially when experiencing this across as a character who regularly experiences disassociation, which would be understandturmoil through an allable considering the life she had lived taking care of her mentally decaying mother. encompassing narrative. However, Jody’s inner dialogue ironically makes the narrative that much more impersonal, drawgiving a courageous lens to curious ing the reader’s attention toward her longreaders can present a reflective comwinded explanations and away from whatmentary on an era overflowing with ever point she may or may not be making. ignorance. Boasting a digestible, As Jody mentions early in the novel, engrossing title, “Jackson” aims to she has always been a fan of history, and the portray the titular city at the height author is never afraid to flex this particular of one of its most disastrous momuscle through the portrayals of her characments in history. ters. Marabito’s fascination with the various In this novel, Austin, Texas, social contracts hidden within Mississippi’s resident Cindy Marabito constructs climate is what makes this novel so compela narrative in the vein of her influencers, ling. As his name was mentioned, novelist F. namely Harper Lee, Margaret Mitchell and Scott Fitzgerald’s influence is also entangled Eudora Welty. At its very core, “Jackson” is throughout the narrative. a novel about smashing prejudice and unBig Jim’s family is one worthy of the raburying genuine love for a wide variety of cially obsessed Tom Buchanan as he is charpeople, despite differences. It examines the acterized as the most immediate threat Jody treatment of the mentally ill, toxic masculinfaces in her everyday life. Men, in general, ity and even the maturing lineage of femiplay a chaotic role in Jody’s story. Marabito nism. capitalizes on the sheer vile nature of the Cindy Marabito’s novel “Jackson” focuses on dark times in Mississippi The story, which is set in 1970 Jackson, most basic instincts of white, southern men, follows the aptly named Jody Luther, a 15displaying how the trait contaminates offyear-old white southerner who transfers into Murrah High School on the historic day that spring and those within their vicinity. black students were finally allowed to attend. Marabito magnificently runs with this initial Jody and her younger sister are, both physically and morally, shown as foils to the premise, sketching iconic black-and-white photos of armed soldiers reluctantly escorting intolerable Big Jim and Jim Jr. Meanwhile, Jody’s “insane” mother ends up being the one to children onto the premises. Passive racism and silent hatred ooze from Jody’s classmates teach her the value of equality, while the remaining members of her family idly encouraging who are suddenly squashed into a classroom under the care of a black teacher. racist tendencies only serves to punctuate Marabito’s underlying criticism of the social treatJody, herself, presents one of the biggest triumphs and tragic failures of the novel. In ment of the mentally ill—however sparse and disconnected that particular storyline feels some ways she is a cliché white hero; she is strong-willed and not easily bent toward the from the rest of the novel. whim of others, thanks to the enlightened household she grew up in with her forwardDespite its various weaknesses, “Jackson” achieves, and surpasses, what it sets out to thinking mother, Grace. Still, being a high school student, Jody is woefully unaware of her accomplish. While Marabito may not be the most elegant when it comes to her prose and safety and privilege until she is forced to research Emmett Till, the 14-year-old black boy scene construction, her surrounding cast of utterly uncomfortable characters feels unique murdered by white men in Money, Miss., with her black classmate. to this familiar yet out-of-reach world. With it, Marabito has bottled the hopeless despair of However, in several instances within the book, Jody more closely resembles a rambling a Jackson forced to integrate in 1970.

23

aTo Do Listd CONCERTS & FESTIVALS Live Entertainment at 4th Avenue Lounge Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 6-8 p.m., at 4th Avenue Lounge (209 S. Lamar St.). The venue hosts live music every Thursday evening. Free admission; call 855-246-9636; email 4thavenuejxn.com.

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

Events at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.) • Newscast / Schaefer Llana / Rod Smoth Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). Jackson synth-pop band Newscast, Cleveland songstress Schaefer Llana and Jackson singer-songwriter Rod Smoth perform at the Halloween-themed music event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter.

Seating is first-come, first-serve. Persons under 21 must pay a $5 upcharge. $10 general admission; call 601-292-7121; dulinghall.ticketfly.com.

• The Gray Havens Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). Husband-wife music duo Dave and Licia Radford perform.

Wilder Atkins, known for his witty lyrics, also performs. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Persons under 21 must pay a $5 upcharge. $12 advanced general, $15 day-of general, $37 VIP; call 601-292-7121; dulinghall.ticketfly.com.

Events at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.) • The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ Nov. 1, 8 p.m.

Z106.7 and The Black Jacket Symphony present a live performance of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album in its entirety. Doors open 7 p.m. Reservations required. $25-$35 ticket; call 601-960-1537; thaliamarahall.net.

• Kevin Gates - I’M HIM TOUR Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. The rapper, singer and entrepreneur performs as part of his “I’m Him” tour celebrating the upcoming release of his new album under the same name. YK Osiris, Rod Wave and SDoT Fresh also perform. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Each concert ticket purchased online comes with a digital copy of the album that can be redeemed after its release. $39.50-$150 ticket; call 601-960-1537; thaliamarahall.net.

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Offbeat Friday Night Live Nov. 1, Nov. 8, 8 p.m., at Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave.). The weekly event features live music from various alternative acts in genres such as hip-hop, indie-rock and R&B. Doors open 7 p.m. $5 cover charge; call 601-376-9404; email veryoffbeat@gmail.com; find it on Facebook.

CMBS Blue Monday Nov. 4, Nov. 11, 7 p.m., at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St.). The Central Mississippi Blues Society presents the weekly blues show, which features a “Front Porch Acoustic Hour” and a jam with the Blue Monday Band. Cash bar available. $5 admission, $3 for CMBS members; call 601-948-0888; halandmals.com.

BankPlus International Gumbo Festival Nov. 9, 11 a.m., at Smith Park (302 E. Amite St.).

The festival features a gumbo cook-off, where participants can sample gumbos and vote for their favorites. Includes live music throughout the day by The Vernon Brothers, Hood Baby

Looking for something great to do in Jackson?

Visit JFPEVENTS.COM for more. and the Barnacles, Arkansauce and Fruition.

Winners are announced at the end of the day’s festivities. A limited number of four-pack tickets are available for $30 total. $10 advanced, $15 day-of, $30 four-pack; call 601-292-7121; ardenland.net.

ARTS & EXHIBITS Let Us March On: Lee Friedlander and the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom Oct. 30-Nov.1, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at Jackson State University’s Johnson Hall Art Gallery (1400 John R. Lynch St.). Jackson State University Margaret Walker Alexander Center hosts a Civil Rights photography exhibit open to the public until Nov. 1. Free admission; call 601-979-3935; email mwa@jsums.edu; jsums.edu.

Mother-Daughter Christmas Village Collage Nov. 9, 5-8 p.m., at The Stompin Grounds (310 Airport Road, Pearl). The Stompin Grounds host a Christmas themed mixed media painting event for two including canvasses and art supplies. $75 per pair; call 601-487-8081; find it on Facebook.

PROFESSIONAL & BIZ Events at Embassy Suites (200 Township Ave., Ridgeland) • Rotary Meeting: James D. Burnham from Holmes Community College Nov. 4, 5:307:30 p.m. Vice President James D. (Don) Burnham of the Holmes Community College Ridgeland campus presents as guest speaker at the Capital Area Sunset Rotary Club meeting.

Dr. Burnham speaks on the school’s programs and efforts. Free admission; call 601-4411889; Find it on Facebook.

TUESDAY 11/12 Beginner Yoga Classes for Teens and Adults Nov. 5, Nov. 12, 5:306:30 p.m., at Medgar Evers Library (4215 Medgar Evers Blvd.). Medgar Evers Library hosts yoga classes for beginners (teens and adults) every Tuesday evening with Eternal Yoga

• Rotary Meeting: Lynn Wentworth from Mississippi Opera Nov. 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Lynn Wentworth, board member of Mississippi Opera, presents as guest speaker at the Capital Area Sunset Rotary Club meeting. She speaks on the organization and its programs.

Free admission; call 601-441-1889; find it on Facebook.

7 Keys to Finding & Keeping Valuable Volunteers, Part 1 Nov. 6, 9 a.m.-noon, at Families First (750 North State St.). The class teaches the basics of volunteer management from start to finish, including strategically assessing your organization’s needs, writing position descriptions for the people you need, recruiting skills-based and other volunteers, training and retaining them and recognizing and rewarding your volunteers.

Registration required. Free admission; call 601968-0061, ext. 15; email jeffery.duplessis@ alliancems.org; thedatabank.com.

The Bean Path l Tech Office Hours Nov. 10, 12:30-3:30 p.m., at Medgar Evers Library (4215 Medgar Evers Blvd.). The tech-focused nonprofit provides free technical advice and guidance to individuals, new startups and small businesses in the community at the library. Free admission; email theresa@thebeanpath.org; thebeanpath.org.

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

Alcorn State University is rolling through the SWAC. The Braves bested the top team in the west, Southern University, 27-13. ASU is off this weekend before a three game sprint to end the season.

THURSDAY, OCT 31

NFL (7-10:30 pm Fox): San Francisco 49ers v. Arizona Cardinals.

FRIDAY, NOV. 1

College football (7-10:30pm ESPN2): Navy v. University of Connecticut.

SATURDAY, NOV. 2

College football ( 6-9:30 pm ESPN): University of Mississippi v. Auburn University.

SUNDAY, NOV. 3

NFL (8:30am-12pm NFLN): Houston Texans v. Jacksonville Jaguars.

1% Sales Tax Commission Meetings Nov. 13, 2 p.m., at Warren G. Hood Building (200 S. President St.). In the Andrew Jackson Conference Room. The City of Jackson 1% Sales Tax Commission oversees revenue collected by the 1% Sales Tax to fund capital projects, reconstruction/resurfacing projects and water/sewer and drainage projects. Admission TBA; find it on Facebook.

MONDAY, NOV. 4

Jackson, MS ServSafe® Manager Certification Exam & Instructor-Led Course Nov. 12, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at Best Western Plus Flowood Inn & Suites (1004 Top St., Flowood). The program blends the latest FDA Food Code, food safety research and years of food sanitation training experience. Managers learn to implement essential food safety practices and create a culture of food safety. All content and materials are based on actual job tasks identified by a foodservice industry expert. Certification exams administered following the training. $100$340; find it on Facebook.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6

BE THE CHANGE Wall of Heroes Dedication Nov. 8, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at University of Mississippi Medical Center ‘s Chapel (2500 N. State St.). Donate Life of Mississippi and Children’s of Mississippi presents the annual dedication of the adult and pediatric Wall of Heroes to honor donors. Attendees should park in Garage A and bring ticket for parking validation. Free admission; call 601-9841000; find it on Facebook.

PIXABAY

instructor, La’Desha Jones. The first ten attendees will be provided yoga mats and water. Additional date: Nov. 5. Free admission; call 601982-2867; email ssimmons@jhlibrary.com; find it on Facebook.

S L AT E

the best in sports over the next two weeks

NFL (7-10:30pm ESPN): Dallas Cowboys v. New York Giants.

TUESDAY, NOV. 5

College football (7-10:30pm ESPN): Ball State University v. Western Michigan University.

College football (7-10:30pm ESPN2): Ball State University v.

University of Miami (OH).

THURSDAY, NOV. 7

NFL (7-10:30pm Fox): Los Angeles Chargers v. Oakland Raiders.

FRIDAY, NOV. 8

College football (6-9:30pm ESPN2): University of Central Florida v. University of Tulsa.

SATURDAY, NOV. 9

College football (2:30-6pm NFLN): University of Alabama, Birmingham v. University of Southern Mississippi.

SUNDAY, NOV. 10

NFL (12-3:30 pm Fox): Atlanta Falcons v. New Orleans Saints.

MONDAY, NOV.11

NFL (7-10:30pm ESPN): Seattle Seahawks v. San Francisco 49ers.

TUESDAY, NOV. 12

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.

College basketball (6:30-9pm SECN+): Norfolk State University v.

University of Mississippi.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13

NBA (6:30-9pm ESPN): Los Angeles Clippers v. Houston Rockets.

music

Groovin’ and Chewin’ with Gumbo Fest by nate schumann Dustin Chambers

@XperienceJXN

From left: Fruition is Jeff Leonard (bass), Tyler Thompson (drums), Jay Cobb Anderson (guitar/vocals), Kellen Asebroek (acoustic guitar, keys, vocals) and Mimi Naja (mandolin, guitars, vocals).

The Vernon Brothers (11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.)

The members of this musical “family” have been playing together since 1980.

While they initially did not know what genres they would embrace, they eventually shifted into traditional bluegrass.

The group’s hook is that they are a pretend family who herald from the fictional town of Vernons Gap, Miss., although they are from the Jackson metro. As such, each member has a stage name that ends in “Vernon.” Members include Hal Jeanes, or Freeman Vernon, on mandolin; Connie Jeans, or Connie Bob Vernon, on upright bass, guitar and fiddle; Jerry Brooks, or RCA Victor “Vic” Vernon, on banjo and guitar; and Johnny Rawls, or Smokey Vernon, on guitar and upright bass as well.

Hood Baby and the Barnacles (12:45-1:30 p.m.)

Another Mississippi-based band, Hood Baby and the Barnacles, brings 1970s funk into 2019. The band features Garrett “G-Funk” Caver on bass; Ronnie Bullock on vocals, keyboard and saxophone; Vaughan “V-Boog” Brenner on drums; and Wes Toner on guitar and backing vocals.

“I don’t think it’s possible to come to

one of our shows and be bored,” Caver says. “Even if you don’t really like the type of music that we play, we try to give as much energy to the music that we can, and I think people really respond to that well.”

MS COLISEUM BOX OFFICE // TICKETMASTER.COM BETTINA'S SOUL FOOD KITCHEN 108 W. CENTER ST CANTON 601-937-6889 CUTTING EDGE BARBER SHOP 908 HWY 35N. KOSCUISKO 662-289-5374 PARKER CELLULAR 307 CHURCH ST. PORT GIBSON 601-437-3130 SLYVESTER'S BBQ 9434 MS-18, RAYMOND 601-346-8000 HARRIS SHOE REPAIR 421 HOWARD ST, GREENWOOD 662-453-5431 WILSON'S ELECTRONICS 841 S. DR. MLK JR BLVD, GRENADA, MS 662-226-0745 VINTAGE BARBIE 222 N. BIERDEMAN RD, PEARL, MS 601-214-0039

FOR TABLE RESERVATIONS OR MORE INFO: CALL/TEXT 678-322-8098

Arkansauce (2-3 p.m.)

The four-string band blends elements of bluegrass, “newgrass,” folk, Americana, country, blues and funk. Stationed out of Fayetteville, Ark., the group includes Ethan Bush on mandolin, Zac Archuleta on guitar, Tom Anderson on bass and Adams Collins on banjo. Everyone sings.

Since forming in 2014, Arkansauce has produced three albums and is putting its finishing touches on its fourth album, “Maybe Someday,” which is set to release by the end of the year. In February, the group will travel to Europe for a three-week tour, where they will perform shows in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and other nearby areas.

Fruition (3:30-5 p.m.)

Headlining the Gumbo Festival is Fruition, a group based out of Portland, Ore., who has performed all over since forming in 2008. The folk-rock, Americana, soul and blues band is made up of Jay Cobb Anderson on lead guitar, harmonica and vocals; Kellen Asebroek on rhythm guitar, piano and vocals; Mimi Naja on mandolin, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and vocals; Jeff Leonard on bass; and Tyler Thompson on drums and banjo.

“I like to say that Fruition sounds like bacon tastes … warm and delicious and leaves a lasting impression,” Asebroek says.

More music: jfp.ms/musiclistings

@XperienceJXN

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MS COLISEUM BOX OFFICE TICKETMASTER.COM DOORS OPEN AT 6PM PARTY STARTS AT 7PM FOR RESERVED TABLES OR MORE INFO: CALL 678-322-8098

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

E

ach year, the BankPlus International Gumbo Festival allows attendees to sample a number of gumbo dishes and vote for their favorites. Additionally, though, the annual event also features musical acts. This year, four groups perform at Smith Park on Saturday, Nov. 9, starting at 11:30 a.m.

tickets available at

25

J. Harris photography

Yung Jewelz

10/30 - 11/12 Wednesday 10/30 1908 Provisions - Dan Gibson 5:30 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Kathryn’s - The Gator Trio 6:30 p.m.

Martin’s - Elephant Wrecking Ball 9 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Chris Gill 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Sonny & Co. 7:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

Thursday 10/31 1908 Provisions - Hunter Gibson 6:30 p.m.

Bonny Blair’s, Brandon - Keys vs.

Strings and Charade 7 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Joseph LaSalla 6 p.m.

Duling Hall - NEWSCAST, Schaefer Llana and Rod Smoth 5:30 p.m.

Fenian’s Pub - Risko and Friends 9 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Chris Minter & the KJ Funkmasters 11 p.m. $5 Genna Benna, Brandon - Zach & Trey 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Casey Phillips 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music

See more music at jfp.ms/musiclistings.

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

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

Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Fortag 8 p.m.

Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m.

Genna Benna, Brandon - Live Music 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Shaun Patterson 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music 7 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Jay Wadsworth & The Round Up Band 7 p.m.

Martin’s - Voodoo Visionary 10 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Dead End Circle 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Sonny Duo 5:30 p.m.; Snazz Band 8 p.m. $5; Grosshart & Gaines 10 p.m.

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

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

Saturday 11/2 Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Fortag 8 p.m.

Char - John Clark 6 p.m.

CS’s - Karaoke 8 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Live Music midnight Beth Brooks

Shucker’s - Big Al & The Heavyweights 3:30 p.m.; Snazz Band 8 p.m. $5; Chad Perry 10 p.m.

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 11/3 1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

Duling Hall - The Gray Havens & Wilder Adkins 5:30 p.m.

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

Kathryn’s - Bonfire Orchestra 6 p.m.

Offbeat - Handout, Mess and Lisbon Deaths 6:30 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd noon Shucker’s - Dirt Road Cadillac 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.

Monday 11/4 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - CMBS presents Blue Monday 7 p.m. $5 Kathryn’s - Phil Yarborough 6:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

Tuesday 11/5

26

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Skip and Mike 6:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

Vernon Brothers

7 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Steve Chester 6 p.m.

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

Shaggy’s, Brandon - Halloween Party: Larry Brewer and Doug Hurd 7:00 p.m.

Shucker’s - Double Shotz 7:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Friday 11/1

$10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Live Music 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Aaron Coker 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music 7 p.m.

Kathryn’s - The McGees 7 p.m.

Martin’s - Southern Komfort Brass Band 10 p.m.

Wednesday 11/6 1908 Provisions - Bill Ellison 6:30 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

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

Martin’s - Open Mic 9 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Gina and Buzz 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Sonny & Co. 7:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

November 7, 2019 - Thursday 1908 Provisions - Chuck Bryan 6:30 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Duling Hall - Sid Herring 6:30 p.m.

Fenian’s - Chris Nash 9 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Chris Minter & the KJ Funkmasters 11 p.m. $5 Genna Benna, Brandon - Live Music 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Jason Turner 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music 7 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - LaLa Craig 6 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Steele Heart 6:30 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Shaun Patterson 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Road Hogs 7:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Friday 11/8 1908 Provisions - Vince Barranco 6:30 p.m.

Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Doug Allen Nash 8 p.m.

Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Live Music midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Live Music 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Dan Confait 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music 7 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7 p.m.

Martin’s - Magic Beans & Mungion 10 p.m.

Offbeat - 4th Quarter Exchange: Charity Hicks, Jewelee Wilson, Gentrae` LilKelo Rogerz, Remidee Effect, #UNKNWN 7 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Jason Turner 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Hunter & Ginger 5:30 p.m.; Lovin Ledbetter 8 p.m. $5; Josh Journeay 10 p.m.

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

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

Saturday 11/9 Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Doug Allen Nash 8 p.m.

Char - John Clark 6 p.m.

CS’s - Karaoke 8 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Live Music midnight $10 Genna Benna, Brandon - Live Music 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Chad Wesley 7 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Madison - Live Music 7 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Johnie B. Sanders Blues Band Revue featuring Ms. Iretta 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Faze 4 Dance Band 7 p.m.

Martin’s - Little Rain Band 10 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Four on the Floor 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Chris Gill & The Sole Shakers 3:30 p.m.; Lovin Ledbetter 8 p.m. $5; Charade 10 p.m.

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 11/10 1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

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

Kathryn’s - SOULSTEW 6 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Double Shotz 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 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.

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

Hal & Mal’s - CMBS presents Blue Monday 7 p.m. $5 Kathryn’s - Joseph LaSalla 6:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Tuesday 11/12 Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m.

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

Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2

• ARTISTS CALL •

Offsite & Onsite CATERING AVAILABLE

OCTOBER

Music/Events

31

Wednesday 10/30

NOVEMBER 3 15

23

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW THROUGH DEC 6, 2019

30

DECEMBER

PRESENTED BY THE RIDGELAND TOURISM COMMISSION

John Worthy and the Bends

Friday 11/8

Tony White Dining Room - 7pm - Free

12

Blue Monday

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

20

Saturday 11/9

Singer Songwriter Night with Nat Long Dining Room - 7pm - Free

Sunday 11/10

SAINTS VS. FALCONS Sunday Potluck

12pm |Big Room BYOF (Bring your own food)

Central MS Blues Society presents:

Tuesday 11/5

Monday 11/11

Central MS Blues Society presents:

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

Tuesday 11/12

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

Upcoming

21 31 COMPLETE SHOW LISTINGS & TICKETS

www.dulinghall.com

HAPPY HOUR AT DULING

TWO HOURS BEFORE EVERY SHOW $1 OFF FOOD & DRINKS CRAFT COCKTAILS • SMALL BITES • GOOD TIMES

www.zapplication.org

Waterworks Curve

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

6

www.zapplication.org festival information: 800-468-6078 ridgelandartsfest.com

Dining Room - 7pm - Free

11/13 - New Bourbon Street Jazz Band 11/14 -D’Lo Trio 11/15 - Brian Jones 11/15 - Big K.R.I.T 11/16 - Barry Leach 11/17 - Sunday Saints Potluck Saints vs Bucs NOON 11/17 - Sunday Patio Series 11/18 - CMBS Presents Blues Monday 11/19 - Dinner, Drinks, and Jazz with Raphael Semmes and friends 11/21 - Dine Against Darkness 11/22 - Cary Hudson 11/23 - Crooked Creek

11/24 - Sunday Saints Potluck Saints vs Panthers NOON 11/25 - CMBS Presents Blues Monday 11/26 - Dinner Drinks and Jazz with Raphael Semmes and friends 11/27 - New Bourbon Street Jazz Band 11/28 - Closed for Thanksgiving 11/29 -Ally and the Jazz Katz 11/29 - Beebee’s, Bark and Witchcake 11/30- Kerry Thomas 11/30-WANNU 12/5 - Ken Block and Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel 12/7 - Drag Brunch

We’re now on Waitr!

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

200 s. Commerce St.

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events Champion

Scott Albert Johnson

Monday 11/4

• $7,000 Cash Awards

Southern Travel Treasure

by AAA’s Southern Traveler

Restaurant Open

Thursday 11/7

Thursday 10/31

Dining Room - 7pm - Free

29

• Schedules well with other southern spring shows

Restaurant Open

Saturday 11/2

• Limited to 100 artists • Reduced hotel room rates

Restaurant Open

Dining Room - 6:30pm - Free

22

• Affordable $250 booth fee • 24-hour security

Wednesday 11/6

Friday 11/1

21 A Juried Fine Arts Festival Featuring 100 of America’s Finest Artists

DAILY BLUE PLACE SPECIALS

27

ghost 35 “Tom Sawyer” band 36 Like popular library books 40 It’ll show you the way 41 Insulting comment 43 “___ not kidding” 44 Language for Llanfairpwllgwyngyll 46 ___ Donuts 47 Quavering, like a voice 50 Draw out 51 Wailers fan, maybe 52 Presidential policy pronouncement, probably

48 Yokozuna’s activity 49 “The Stranger” author Camus 53 Hare crossing your path, e.g.

55 Eucharist disks 59 “See-saw, Margery ___” 60 Cold-weather coat 62 Golf course hangout known as the “19th hole” 64 Simon’s brother 65 Chuck 66 ComÈdie segment 67 Charges on personal property 68 “Karma Chameleon” singer ___ George 69 Achievement

BY MATT JONES

53 Birthstone of some Scorpios 54 Burkina Faso neighbor 56 “Oh,” overseas 57 Mess up, as lines 58 Prefix with vision or Disney 61 Part of Q&A, for short 63 Lummox ©2019 Jonesin’ Crosswords (jonesincrosswords@gmail.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 #918.

Down

“Hey Nineteen” --welcoming in the new year.

Across

1 Gymnastics equipment 5 Pointillism detail 8 It’s called “orange” but is really black 13 “Grand Ole” venue 14 Salve plant 16 Collect little by little 17 Element #19, whose chemical symbol derives from the word “alkali” 19 “No Hard Feelings” band The ___ Brothers 20 Here, at the Louvre 21 Italian city where “Rigoletto” is set 23 ___ facto 24 British tabloid since 1964

26 Not so much 28 Card game holding where it’s impossible to score 19 points 34 Number on a liquor bottle 37 Instrument with stops 38 Actor Keegan-Michael 39 Julia Roberts, to Emma Roberts 40 Singer with the hit 2008 debut album “19” 41 Lima, for one 42 Belarus, once (abbr.)

43 Afghani neighbor 44 Spend thoughtlessly 45 Stephen King series that makes many references to the number 19

1 Hasbro game with voice commands 2 Division of a geologic period 3 “Glee” character Abrams 4 One of four singers on the “Lady Marmalade” remake 5 Coca-Cola bottled water brand 6 “The Reader” actress Lena 7 Publicize 8 Links gp.

9 Language spoken in “The Lord of the Rings” 10 Souvenirs 11 They may be steel-cut 12 Prefix meaning “inside” 15 National bird of Australia 18 Character pursued by Gargamel 22 Aquarium accumulation 25 Aberdeen resident 27 End of the end of October?

29 “___ Yellow” (Cardi B song) 30 Spiner of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” 31 Spaghetti ___ e olio (garlicky pasta dish) 32 “That’s swell!”

33 Physical force unit 34 Realm of one “Christmas Carol”

BY MATT JONES Last Week’s Answers

“Kaidoku”

Each of the 26 letters of the alphabet is represented in this grid by a number between 1 and 26. Using letter frequency, word-pattern recognition, and the numbers as your guides, fill in the grid with well-known English words (HINT: since a Q is always followed by a U, try hunting down the Q first). Only lowercase, unhyphenated words are allowed in kaidoku, so you wonít 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

Episode 7x17

K L A T S ’ T LE N O S K C A J October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

Now available on

28

Dr. Karla McCullough October 30, 2019

Dr. Karla McCullough graduated from Callaway High School in Jackson in the mid-1990s and then immediately left the state, getting her undergraduate degree from Tuskegee University in Psychology and a masters in public administration from Auburn University. After having a son and feeling the tug of home, she return to Mississippi, where she got a PhD in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University.

She’s the executive director of the Juanita Sims Doty Foundation, which offers, among other initiatives, the Evers Academy for African American Males, which is a program to inspire young men of color to honor the life and legacy of slain civil rights work Medgar Evers as they interact with a “village” of role models and mentors.

Let’s Talk Jackson is sponsored by Mississippi Federal Credit Union (http:// msfcu.us/); this episode also is brought to you by the Center for Art & Public Exchange at the Mississippi Museum of Art. More at http://museumcape.org/.

Join hosts Donna Ladd, Todd Stauffer, Ashton Pittman and others in Season 7

Let's Talk Jackson is powered by the Jackson Free Press.

WWW.LETSTALKJACKSON.COM

Classifieds as low as $35

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

In his novel Zone One, Scorpio author Colson Whitehead writes, “A monster is a person who has stopped pretending.” He means it in the worst sense possible: the emergence of the ugly beast who had been hiding behind social niceties. But I’m going to twist his meme for my own purposes. I propose that when you stop pretending and shed fake politeness, you may indeed resemble an ugly monster—but only temporarily. After the suppressed stuff gets free rein to yammer, it will relax and recede—and you will feel so cleansed and relieved that you’ll naturally be able to express more of your monumental beauty. Halloween costume suggestion: your beautiful, fully exorcised monster.

“I am glad that I paid so little attention to good advice,” testified poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. “Had I abided by it, I might have been saved from some of my most valuable mistakes.” This is excellent advice for you. I suspect you’re in the midst of either committing or learning from a valuable mistake. It’s best if you don’t interrupt yourself! Halloween costume suggestion: the personification or embodiment of your valuable mistake.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Cleopatra was an ancient Egyptian queen who ruled for 21 years. She was probably a Capricorn. All you need to know about her modern reputation is that Kim Kardashian portrayed her as a sultry seductress in a photo spread in a fashion magazine. But the facts are that Cleopatra was a well-educated, multilingual political leader with strategic cunning. Among her many skills were poetry, philosophy, and mathematics. I propose we make the REAL Cleopatra your role model. Now is an excellent time to correct people’s misunderstandings about you—and show people who you truly are. Halloween costume suggestion: your actual authentic self.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

Around the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the eleventh sign of the zodiac, Aquarius, will be capable of strenuous feats; will have the power to achieve a success that surpasses past successes; will be authorized to attempt a brave act of transcendence that renders a long-standing limitation irrelevant. As for the eleven days and eleven hours before that magic hour, the eleventh sign of the zodiac will be smart to engage in fierce meditation and thorough preparation for the magic hour. And as for the eleven days and eleven hours afterward, the eleventh sign should expend all possible effort to capitalize on the semimiraculous breakthrough. Halloween costume suggestion: eleven.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

Author Robert Musil made a surprising declaration: “A number of flawed individuals can often add up to a brilliant social unit.” I propose we make that one of your mottoes for the coming months. I think you have the potential to be a flawed but inspiring individual who’ll serve as a dynamic force in assembling and nurturing a brilliant social unit. So let me ask you: what would be your dream-come-true of a brilliant social unit that is a fertile influence on you and everyone else in the unit? Halloween costume suggestion: ringleader, mastermind, orchestrator, or general.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Do you have any skill in fulfilling the wishes and answering the prayers of your allies? Have you developed a capacity to tune in to what people want even when they themselves aren’t sure of what they want? Do you sometimes have a knack for offering just the right gesture at the right time to help people do what they haven’t been able to do under their own power? If you possess any of those aptitudes, now is an excellent time to put them in play. More than usual, you are needed as a catalyst, a transformer, an inspirational influence. Halloween costume suggestion: angel, fairy godmother, genie, benefactor.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

Author Amy Tan describes the magic moment when her muse appears and takes command: “I sense a subtle shift, a nudge to move over, and everything cracks open, the writing is freed, the language is full, resources are plentiful, ideas pour forth, and to be frank, some of these ideas surprise me.

It seems as though the universe is my friend and is helping

me write, its hand over mine.” Even if you’re not a creative artist, Taurus, I suspect you’ll be offered intense visitations from a muse in the coming days. If you make yourself alert for and receptive to these potential blessings, you’ll feel like you’re being guided and fueled by a higher power. Halloween costume suggestion: your muse.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

More than a century ago, author Anton Chekhov wrote, “If many remedies are prescribed for an illness, you may be certain that the illness has no cure.” Decades later, I wrote, “If you’re frantically trying to heal yourself with a random flurry of half-assed remedies, you’ll never cure what ails you.

But if you sit still in a safe place and ask your inner genius to identify the one or two things you need to do to heal, you will find the cure.” Halloween costume suggestion: physician, nurse, shaman, healer.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

Cancerian artist Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a playful visionary and a pioneer of modernism. He appealed to sophisticates despite being described as a dreamy, eccentric outsider who invented his own visual language. In the 1950s, Picasso observed that Chagall was one of the only painters who “understood what color really is.” In 2017, one of Chagall’s paintings sold for $28.5 million. What was the secret to his success? “If I create from the heart, nearly everything works,” he testified. “If from the head, almost nothing.” Your current assignment, Cancerian, is to authorize your heart to rule everything you do. Halloween costume suggestion: a heart.

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Deadline: Mondays at Noon.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

The Dead Sea, on the border of Jordan and Israel, is far saltier than the ocean. No fish or frogs live in it. But here and there on the lake’s bottom are springs that exude fresh water. They support large, diverse communities of microbes. It’s hard for divers to get down there and study the life forms, though.

The water’s so saline, they tend to float. So they carry 90 pounds of ballast that enables them to sink to the sea floor.

I urge you to get inspired by all this, Leo. What would be the metaphorical equivalent for you of descending into the lower depths so as to research unexplored sources of vitality and excitement? Halloween costume suggestions: diver, spelunker, archaeologist.

THE NEW LEADERSHIP WE NEED IN THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

“We have stripped all things of their mystery and luminosity,” lamented psychologist Carl Jung. “Nothing is holy any longer.” In accordance with current astrological omens, Virgo, your assignment is to rebel against that mournful state of affairs. I hope you will devote some of your fine intelligence to restoring mystery and luminosity to the world in which you dwell. I hope you will find and create holiness that’s worthy of your reverence and awe. Halloween costume suggestion: mage, priestess, poet, enchantrix, witch, alchemist, sacramentalist.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

“One language is never enough,” says a Pashto proverb.

How could it be, right? Each language has a specific structure and a finite vocabulary that limit its power to describe and understand the world. I think the same is true for religion: one is never enough. Why confine yourself to a single set of theories about spiritual matters when more will enable you to enlarge and deepen your perspective? With this in mind, Libra, I invite you to regard November as “One Is Never Enough Month” for you. Assume you need more of everything. Halloween costume suggestion: a bilingual Jewish Santa Claus; a pagan Sufi Buddha who intones prayers in three different languages.

Homework: “Be homesick for wild knowing,” wrote Clarissa Pinkola Estés.

Try that out. Report results to FreeWillAstrology.com.

A Skilled Problem Solver

Shanda’s experience as a working mother, attorney and small business owner enables her to find common ground and real-life solutions.

A Record of Achievement

Shanda is no stranger to hard work. She was the first in her family to graduate college and was an honors graduate at Mississippi College School of Law. Shanda has been recognized as a “Leader in Law” by the Mississippi Business Journal and served as editor with the MS Defense Lawyers Association.

Rooted in the Community

Shanda and her family are members of Galloway United Methodist Church. She is a long-standing member of the Jackson Junior League where she has worked on numerous projects to help students in the Jackson Public Schools. yatesforhouse64.com info@yatesforhouse64.com yatesforhouse

October 30 - November 12, 2019 • jfp.ms

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

SERVICES

29

LOCAL LIST

5

3

2

Top 10 1

1 Walkers Drive In (3016 N. State St.; 601-982-2633; walkersdrivein.com) I, like most, love the Anna redfish.

2. Briarwood Animal Hospital (1471 Canton Mart Road; 601-956-5030; briarwoodhospital.com) The hospital took great care of my last German Shepherd, Jasper, who lived for 14 years and is now taking great care of our current German Shepherd, Franklin.

October 30 - November 12, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ jfp.ms

3. Crazy Cat Eat Up (1491 Canton Mart Road; 601-957-1441; crazycateatup.com) I especially love the dessert menu.

30

7

Francine Reynolds

4. The Craftsmenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guild of Mississippi (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland; 601-856-7546; craftsmenguildofms.org) I have purchased many things through the years, mostly Sam Clark dragons.

5. Mississippi Department of Archives and History (200 North St.; 601-5766850; mdah.ms.gov) The department has so many great places to visit and sponsors a number of fantastic events like â&#x20AC;&#x153;History Is Lunch.â&#x20AC;?

6. The Broadmeadow Neighborhood Association (4531 Brook Drive; 251-753-

8

9

10

Francine Thomas Reynolds, originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has made Jackson her home for many years alongside her husband, Chuck, and currently serves as the artistic director of New Stage Theatre. Here are her top 10 local favorites in the Jackson metro.

6917; topoffondren.com) We take care of each other and our neighborhood.

7. The Mississippi Humanities Council (3825 Ridgewood Road, Suite 317; 601432-6752; mshumanities.org) This organization is vital to enriching our culture and fostering civil conversation.

8. Banner Hall (Interstate 55 S. Frontage Road) I love to have lunch at Broadstreet Bakery; get hair done at Barnettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hair Salon and browse Lemuria Book Store.

Do You Get the

JFP Daily?

UĂ&#x160; Ă?VÂ?Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;Ă&#x160; iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160; >VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x192;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;*>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;t UĂ&#x160; i>`Â?Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x192; UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x203A;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;V UĂ&#x160;-ÂŤiVÂ&#x2C6;>Â?Ă&#x160;"vviĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x192; UĂ&#x160;/Â&#x2C6;VÂ&#x17D;iĂ&#x152;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;i>Ă&#x153;>Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x192;

9. The Library Lounge at The Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.; 601-948-3429; fairviewinn.com) The staff is great and have been very accommodating when I want to arrange cocktails and appetizers for the New Stage Theatre casts after performances.

10. The Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.; 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org) The museum is a cultural highlight of Jackson and houses beautiful gardens.

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Francine Thomas reynolds ; WyaTT WaTers; courTesy BriarWood animal hospiTal; imani Khayyam; courTey sam clarK; deonica davis; courTesy Bna; ms humaniTies council; imani Khayyam; Trip Burns; Trip Burns

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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

Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7pm! $5 Margaritas, $5 Mezcalitas, $3 Patron Shots $1 off all beer

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.

! h c t a B w e N t your local distillery Suppor

Monday

Scrub Day 20% Off Your Meal with Scrubs or a Hospital Badge * Dine in only.

Tuesday

Taco Tuesay $2 Tacos All Day (Excludes shrimp and fish tacos)

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