JACKSON ADVOCATE-APRIL 16-22, 2020; VOL. 82, NO. 29

VOL. 82, NO. 29

APRIL 16-22, 2020

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI

SECTION: A

MISSISSIPPI

SEE 5A – 7A FOR MORE INFO

3,360 CASES, 122 DEATHS

Obama, Sanders, Warren and more endorse Biden

JANS – On April 14, President Barack Obama endorsed his friend and former Vice President Joe Biden for President. In a nearly 12-minute video filmed at his Washington-area home, President Obama said, “Choosing Joe to be my Vice President was one of the best decisions I ever made, and he became a close friend. And I believe Joe has all the qualities we need in a President right now.”

This comes on the heels of former opponent and Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders’ endorsement. “I am asking all Americans...to come together to support your candidacy, which I endorse, to make certain we defeat...the most dangerous president in the modern history of this country. I will do all that I can to see that that happens,” he says.

Elizabeth Warren also recently endorsed Biden. Of her endorsement, she says, “Joe Biden has spent nearly his entire life in public service. He knows that a government run with integrity, competence, and heart will save lives and save livelihoods.”

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Jackson City Council responds to COVID-19 testing, PPE shortage

A recent PPE shipment from MEMA

By DeAnna Tisdale Johnson JA Publisher

Biden supporters at a local rally held at Tougaloo College on March 8.

Greenville Mayor Simmons under attack for political, not religious, reasons

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has ordered 6,000 COVID-19 tests for the City of Jackson. In an April 14 Jackson City Council Meeting, Mayor Lumumba outlined and answered questions from the city council members about the tests. He estimates that approximately 1,000 tests will be used for Jackson first responders and a partnership with Hinds County that includes testing for persons housed in the Raymond Detention Cen-

(Advocate photo)

ter and the Henley-Young Juvenile Detention Center.

“The close confines by which people live creates a really tragic circumstance if it starts to spread in the jail,” expresses Lumumba.

On the heels of at least two Jackson police officers testing positive for the novel coronavirus, a Hinds County Detention Officer assigned to the Raymond Detention Center has now tested positive for COVID-19. The official statement by the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office states

See Tests on 12A

Easter tornados wreak havoc

By Ivory Phillips

JA Contributing Editor

As Easter Sunday approached, local news outlets reported that not only were some worshippers upset that Greenville police issued them $500 tickets for gathering in the parking lot of Temple Baptist Church, it was reported that some were prepared to file suit against the mayor. Another minister took the matter to the local television station. That news went viral, and because it was regarding the Easter services, it commanded even more attention. There was a racial angle and a religious angle, which is not too surprising to those familiar with the history of the Mississippi Delta.

Before we get to those, however, there are some basic facts that need

Simmons clarifying. The order in which events occurred can help one understand the story objectively.

According to Mayor Errick Simmons, “On March 17, 2020, the Greenville City Council entered its first order adopting CDC and Department of Health social distancing guidelines and mandated that there should be no gatherings of more than ten (10). After that, some churches still had in-person

See Greenville on 12A

Darlene Hathorn, originally from Bassfield, MS, shares photos of the wreckage left by the Easter tornados.

JANS – “It’s terrible.

I thought Katrina was something, but houses for days were gone in a matter of seconds,” says Darlene Hathorn about the Easter storm that hit Mississippi on April 12. A native of Bassfield, MS, which is located in Jefferson Davis county, Hathorn was forlorn over the passing of family members – one family

member lost her husband and one cousin lost an aunt and her daughter.

There were a total of twelve deaths associated with the storm, four fatalities specifically from Jefferson Davis. There are also about 792 total homes affected with more than 16,000 without power in the state.

Residents can self-

report damage to county emergency management agencies through MEMA’s self-reporting tool. Those links for each county can be found on the website: https://www.msema.org/.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is working with the American Red Cross and Mississippi Department of Human Services to provide shelter

for 85 displaced individuals in private hotels.

For those interested in volunteering, visit www. volunteermississippi. ms.gov to fill out a volunteer registration form.

Potential volunteers should not self-deploy, but instead wait until they are contacted and connected with affiliated response organizations.

‘Dude, where’s my money?’ Trillions in virus rescue money leaves door open for theft of billions

By Earnest McBride JA Contributing Editor

The dollar amounts are mind-boggling, and they are being moved about so fast in real time that hardly anyone can keep up with who’s getting how much and when they will get it.

The House and the Senate wrangled over and finally passed the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and

Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law by President Trump on March 27. The bill was designed to give eligible adult U. S. citizens a $1200 tax-free payment, each child in a family of four $500, and provide loans to help businesses big and small to hang on and keep their employees on the job.

“Small businesses, hospitals, frontline workers, and

Rep. Thompson

Kushner

state and local governments across the country are struggling to keep up with this national crisis,” Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Charles Schumer said in a joint statement. “They need more help from the federal government, and they need it fast. Our nurses, doctors, and health care workers need it as much as anyone else.

While the Trump Administration struggles to figure out

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how to distribute the funds provided for in the CARES Act, it’s clear that those appropriated amounts will not be enough to cover the tremendous need.”

When added up, the direct payments to citizens will amount to only $290 billion and the supplemental unemployment checks will total another $260 billion, according to the figures pro-

See Stimulus on 12A

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April 16-22, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

Presidential candidate Joe Biden campaigns in Jackson

Joe Biden, Democratic candidate for President of the United States, fellowshipped with the congregation of New Hope Baptist and elected officials on his trip to Jackson, MS on March 8, 2020. Pictured (left to right) Biden and Atty.

Charlene Priester; Biden and Hinds County Sheriff Lee Vance; Biden and Mitzi Dease Paige, South Eastern Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Biden and retired Chancery Court Judge Patricia Wise and husband Mark Wise; Biden and District 72 House of Representative member Debra Gibbs and her son, Justis Gibbs II; Biden and Judge Latrice Westbrooks (Court of Appeals, District 2, Position 2); Biden and Beverly Evans Smith, National President for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Biden and Gailya Porter; Biden and Ward 5 Councilman Charles Tillman; Toni Moore and Mitzi Dease Paige representing Beta Delta Omega chapter and the South Eastern region of AKA; Jerry Young, president of the National Baptist Convention and pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, and Congressman Bennie Thompson; Judge Westbrooks and Synarus Green; Marshand Crisler, Supervisor David Archie (Dist. 2) and Supervisor Credell Calhoun (Dist. 3); Hinds County Attorney Gerald Mumford with his beautiful family – wife Kamesha Mumford, son Garrison, and daughter Gia; Senator Sarita Simmons (Dist. 13), her father Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons, and MS Representative Alyce Clarke (Dist. 69); and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. National President David Marion, and Mitzi Dease Paige.

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

April 16-22, 2020

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STATE/METRO City of Jackson receives A+ long term rating from Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings

JANS – On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings affirmed its ‘A+’ longterm rating of the City of Jackson’s general obligation (GO) debt, during a time when most sectors of the nation’s economy received a downgrade due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 17, S&P Global Economics determined that the global and U.S. economies had fallen into a recession. Shortly thereafter, S&P Global Ratings placed the entire U.S. public finance sector on a negative outlook. Despite this, in their credit rating, S&P deemed that the outlook for the City of Jackson is stable.

In their report, S&P noted that “following multiple years of negative budgetary results, the city rightsized [its] operations and increased tax rates to stabilize its fiscal position, driving operating surpluses in fiscal years 2016 through 2018.”

The City’s budgetary performance prior to the effects of the

Local convenient store price gouging takes advantage of low-income citizens

COVID-19 pandemic has been strong. Furthermore, S&P’s stable outlook reflects that while the impacts from the COVID-19 shutdowns will have an impact on the FY2020 budget performance, they believe that the City will be able to weather this storm by taking the necessary measures to respond to this fluid situation, coupled with the recent improvements that the City have made in its fund balance and liquidity.

“Today’s news from S&P demonstrates that the difficult choices that my Administration has made over the past three years have yielded positive results. Despite the uncertain times that we face as a City, and globally, planning and effective fiscal management have prepared us to weather this storm. I would like to applaud my Director of Administration, LaaWanda Horton, and her team for all of their hard work to help the City achieve this positive outcome,” said Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba.

On April 11, 2020, Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes and community activists Enoch Sanders and Tony Williams protested Sarb Food Market on the corner of West and Baker streets in Jackson for over-charging customers for water. “Over-charging for water hurts the poor, needy, and elderly. The public has a right to know. Stop taking advantage of a pandemic!” said Councilman Stokes. Also pictured: the case of water that was purchased for over ten dollars and the receipt of the purchase.

Help keep sewer lines clear; avoid flushing inappropriate items

JANS – In an effort to keep sewer lines clear, the City of Jackson is asking residents to avoid flushing sanitation wipes, even if the package states they are flushable. Other alternatives to toilet paper, including paper towels and facial tissues, also should not be flushed in local sewer lines, as people practice guidelines to combat the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While the “flushable” wipes concern is not new to wastewater facilities, there is an increased risk to the system due to the current shortage of toilet paper.

The City is working closely with Veolia North America, which operates and maintains the wastewater treatment plant, to educate people about the need to avoid flushing inappropriate items down their toilets.

They ask that community members pay extra attention to what items they are using and flushing and remind you not to flush anything other than toilet paper, whether being used for personal hygiene purposes or for wiping and cleaning surfaces. Although many socalled “disposable” hand wipes are advertised as being safe for flushing, in reality, they can cause backups in the system and contribute to the buildup of foreign materials. In some

cases, they can attach to buildups of grease in the system and create large blockages called “fatbergs.”

Here are some items that should NOT be flushed down sewer lines: paper towels, napkins, set wipes/baby wipes, and facial tissues.

As a general reminder, here are “Dos and Don’ts” for avoiding backups in the local sewer lines: • DO NOT flush wipes, gloves, towels, or other trash down the toilet, even if they’re labeled flushable.

• DO NOT pour grease down kitchen sinks or toilets.

Instead, put grease in a sealed non-recyclable container and throw it out with regular garbage.

• DO NOT use the sink as a toilet or the toilet as a garbage disposal.

• DO reduce and reuse by using compostable or reusable makeup applicators, like cotton balls, and cleaning supplies, like paper towels or rags.

• DO toss dirty baby, makeup and cleaning wipes, tampons, sanitary pads, and condoms in the trash.

• DO recycle finished toilet rolls, cardboard packaging from toothpaste and brushes, and plastic packaging from shampoos and shower gels.

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April 16-22, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

In her own words:

A woman’s 21-day diary of how COVID-19 nearly destroyed her family

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - Last year at this time, Ericka and Dwight Gibson of Charlotte, N.C. were living their dream life together. A happy marriage with three daughters – a 9-year-old inspiring writer in grade school; a 16-year-old studying in Spain; and a 20-year-old studying journalism at an HBCU. They were all happy, healthy, and excited about the future. And now this. Days once spent writing children’s books with their youngest suddenly transitioned into days documenting the horrors of a Covid-19 infection that has hit her and her husband.

This diary-like testimony, written by Ericka Gibson, 47, not only details the pain of this family, but of thousands of families around the U. S. Of course, our hearts and prayers go out to the many thousands who have actually lost loved ones to this horrid pandemic. But we publish this story with the goal to show those who read it that there is always hope. The following is the 21day diary of Ericka Gibson: It’s been 21 days since the first symptoms appeared. From the onset, I knew this was something different. I didn’t know what it was, but as time went on, it was clear that I had never felt or seen anything like this in my life.

Nothing about this was a hoax.

I wouldn’t wish the coronavirus on my worst enemy. COVID-19 has forever changed our lives.

Three weeks ago, everything around us was normal. Simple things like reading with my youngest daughter, taking family walks, and enjoying meals with family and friends are all a distant blur. COVID-19 turned our world upside down. Smiles and laughter were replaced with masks, gloves, cleaning supplies, and worst of all – isolation.

Headaches, fevers, chills, boneaching pain, and loss of smell and taste became our norm. An overall gloom cast a dark cloud over our home.

My only hope is that people will take COVID-19 seriously.

What follows is my experience with COVID-19, from the day I began having symptoms to my days of being quarantined with my husband. We felt helpless and isolated, and at one point I was afraid that my husband was going to die.

Tuesday, March 3: Flew from Charlotte to Chicago to visit my sister, who is fighting breast cancer.

Wednesday, March 4: Went to the hospital again, left heading back to Charlotte Wednesday evening. Wednesday evening.

Thursday, March 5: Arrived

back in Charlotte at 1:00 AM. Felt tired, like I had done too much in such a short period of time and needed to rest. Stayed in bed a little longer.

Friday, March 6: Drove to Raleigh. Left about 3:30 PM for the drive.

Saturday, March 7: Had an event at a museum where heat wasn’t working. It was cold and I was afraid of catching a cold but didn’t want to get up and leave. Was there most of the day and decided to stay an extra night to stay warm and lessen my chances of coming down with a cold.

Sunday, March 8: Drove back to Charlotte. Definitely feeling like I had caught a cold but feeling much better.

Tuesday, March 10: Woke up feeling achy, head congested, a migraine and feeling like I couldn’t pop my ears. Sneezing, coughing. Scratchy throat.

Wednesday, March 11: Feeling really sick. Nauseous.

Went to Urgent Care. Had trouble getting out of the car. Sat in the car for at least 10 minutes before I felt like I could get out. Swabbed for the flu.

Came back negative. Told it was probably my allergies as well and diagnosed with “viral syndrome.” Prescribed Flonase and Benzonatate. Stayed in bed most of the day.

Thursday, March 12: Slept most of the day. Nausea, congestion, cough, lightheaded, aching all over. Cold, then hot, then cold again. Need 4 blankets to stay warm. Didn’t take my temperature. Scratchy throat.

Friday, March 13: Miraculously feeling better because my daughter came home from Spain. Went into quarantine to be safe since she had been abroad in Europe for 6.5 months. Stopped for groceries and left her in the car.

Saturday, March 14: Who am I kidding? Still not feeling great. What is this?

Sunday, March 15-March 17: My husband, a 45-year-old obstacle race runner, starts to feel sick. I’m nowhere near as bad as he was. He’s sweating.

His face is red. He can’t stop shaking. He’s burning up. He’s in pain. He scares me but insists that he doesn’t need to go to the doctor.

I feel like when you’re a woman and a Mom, you’re accustomed sometimes to experiencing different levels of stress, pain with childbirth, and especially for black women there are issues like fibroids and all kinds of things that we typically face and we’re just taught to be strong no

matter what and make it through all of it. We’re so good at taking care of others that sometimes we don’t realize when we need to slow down and take care of ourselves. I just felt like I didn’t want anyone around. I just wanted to curl up in my bed and pull the covers over my head and just fight through this, like we fight through everything else.

Seeing my husband sick was a different thing. He was in really bad shape and I didn’t know how to help him...So fast forward, he was kind of doing the same thing, just trying to get through whatever he had because he’s a strong, proud man. And in my mind at this point, I’m thinking,

I be tested too.

Thursday, March 19: I drive to a mobile testing facility and I am tested as well. They tell me 3-5 days. They also tell me that we should assume that we are positive for COVID-19 until we get the results, so from there I join my husband in isolation.

Isolation was the hardest part.

We have three girls, ages 20, 16 and 9. Not being able to interact with them and our Chocolate Lab was tough. They prepared all of our meals and left them at the door. We were confined to our bedroom for the next 12 days. Chills and night sweats were so bad that the sheets were soaked despite layers of cloth-

Ericka and Dwight Gibson he might have COVID 19; never during all this time was I thinking that I would have it.

Wednesday, March 18, 4:00 AM: I hear a strange noise that sounds like someone is bumping against the walls. I sit up in bed.

Then, there’s a loud crashing sound coming from my bathroom. My husband had fallen and passed out. His fall was followed by strange, unintelligible sounds. He comes to and insists that he just lost his balance. I call my doctor, who tells me to watch him carefully and to take him to be tested for COVID-19.

9:00 AM. We drive to Urgent Care, and the nurses come out to the car to test him. They wore gloves, masks, and a clear screen-like face mask. I thought about how difficult this must be for them as well. They tell us the results will be back in 3-5 days.

Wednesday, March 18: We drive home and Dwight goes into isolation. My daughter convinced me to do a Tik Tok dance video with her to keep my mind off things and I blamed the fact that I couldn’t breathe on my age (47). Had to do multiple takes because I was having trouble breathing, was sweating, and felt like I was gonna pass out. I update my doctor on my husband’s status, and she asks me additional questions. She suggested that

ing. My husband had uncontrollable shivers (rigors) and we both lost our senses of taste and smell.

Over the next week, my symptoms were improving and my husband was deteriorating.

We talked about our will and trust and whether we had done everything our lawyer had advised. I was afraid he was going to die. He was afraid he was going to die. COVID-19 literally makes you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck. Looking across to the other side of our bedroom and seeing the strongest of men balled into a knot, trembling with a 104.3 temperature, scared me terribly. Many days, he couldn’t stop shivering.

Trying to work from home made recovery even more difficult for him. All this time, I had thought my test was going to come back negative, especially since I was feeling better. Then, there came

a point when I knew I had it. I saw a story on the news where a woman said she and six or seven of her friends were diagnosed and they all had one common symptom – loss of smell and taste. That’s when I knew to receive the phone call confirming COVID-19 was an inevitable formality.

Wednesday, March 25: We both received calls that we were positive for COVID-19 and our isolation should continue until we were 72 hours with no symptoms. On March 31, the Dept. of Public Health released us from isolation. We remain in quarantine. Where did I get it? I think I got it when I went to Chicago, because an article has come out saying that 12 nurses at the University of Illinois Hospital tested positive and that’s where I was. So that’s what I think happened. I don’t know for sure.

But that’s my best guess. At this point, however, that really doesn’t matter. You can get it anywhere.

What I learned from COVID-19: 1. Make sure your financial and legal affairs are in order.

Where are your documents located, your passwords, and the important items you want to pass down?

2. Being isolated away from friends and family is hard. Invest in technology that allows you to still communicate.

3. Be thankful if you have children who want to take care of you. I’m not sure how we would have gotten through this without them. If you know people who don’t have children or are living alone, check on them.

They need you.

4. Learn to appreciate the introverts in your life. They provide balance and perspective when extroverts like me can’t sit still. My oldest daughter has given me peace during this difficult time.

5. Stop assuming you have time. The thought of not being able to see loved ones again leaves an awful feeling that’s hard to shake. I’ve lost an aunt this week. Not being able to attend her funeral or comfort my cousins comes with a deep pain.

Stop saying “I’ll do it tomorrow” or “next month” or “next year.” When this is behind us, live life. I mean, really live. Find your purpose.

6. Connect with your family members. Tell them how much you love and appreciate them.

Build them up every chance you get. The most painful part of this was not being able to hug my nine-year-old. Just devastating.

7. Stop focusing so much on dance and tennis and math and reading. Teach your kids to cook, clean, budget, and pay bills, because one day they will have to do all of that without you.

8. Keep God in your life.

Honestly, God will be there for you when people let you down.

We haven’t spoken publicly about having COVID-19, and some of the comments we’ve received from the few that we know have been disappointing.

Martin Luther King, Jr., said it best: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Even as I still have a little trouble breathing, gospel music is getting me through.

9. Spend some time outside.

As we started to feel better, just a 5-minute walk (still social distancing) or sitting on our patio made a positive impact.

10. Take the opportunity to relax – read the book you’ve had on your nightstand for months, watch the movie you’ve been meaning to, write your thoughts down. It can help give you a bit of peace in a challenging time.

This was a challenging experience for me and my family.

However, we took it a day at a time; we relied on each other and our extended community of family and friends. And as a result, we were able to make it through to the other side. So, please follow the guidelines being provided by the experts, take all necessary precautions, and prioritize the health and safety of yourself and your family. You don’t want to go through this. You don’t want anyone in your family to go through this.

820 North Street, Jackson, MS 39202

Message from Ward 2 Councilman

Melvin V. Priester, Jr. Still working hard at City Hall for the residents of Ward 2 and all citizens of Jackson, MS 5375 Executive Place • Jackson, MS 39206 Phone: (601) 353-2460 • Fax: (601) 353-2074 info@electmelpriester.com

Gerald A. Mumford, Hinds County Attorney Kamesha B. Mumford, City of Canton Judge

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Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

April 16-22, 2020

5A

From whiskey to washing up! Cathead employees had to pivot rapidly from making alcohol Beneath barrels of Ole Soul Whiskey are buckets of Comfort & Mercy. The hand sanitizer to making hand sanitizer for Entergy and others. Afterward, they provided barrels of the is destined for delivery to Entergy. product to the community for free.

HANDS, HEARTS AND HEADS: HOW NECESSITY, LOVE FOR COMMUNITY AND INNOVATION SAVED JOBS AND MAYBE EVEN LIVES

JANS – During a pandemic, a power outage could be catastrophic. So, it is vital to keep the health crisis from hitting the front lines of a utility company’s workforce. When a national shortage of hand sanitizer threatened, Dillon Allen was one Entergy employee tasked with finding enough of the product to supply thousands who are working to keep the power flowing.

“I had been researching distilleries that had turned to making hand sanitizer and reached out to a friend at the ABC (Mississippi’s Alcoholic Beverage Control) who put me in touch with Cathead Distillery in Jackson,” said Dillon, a senior manager with Entergy Nuclear. “It turned out they

were already making the product, but in very small amounts as they were having issues getting raw materials.”

Allen knew that Entergy would need a lot of the product. He also knew that Entergy’s suppliers could likely provide the raw materials that Cathead needed. Through innovation and collaboration, “Comfort & Mercy” hand sanitizer was born, so named for the U.S. Navy’s two floating hospitals currently docked in New York City and Los Angeles to help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our everyday business, making vodka, bourbon, and other spirits, was hurting with the restaurants and bars closed,” said Majure Markow,

Cathead’s Vice President of Sales.

“Having a true partner in Entergy has been integral in allowing us to ramp up production. It has 100% kept our production team in place.”

So far, Cathead has made 42 tons of hand sanitizer, much of which has gone to Entergy’s nuclear plants, its transmission division, and other functions throughout the company’s service area in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The distillery is also supplying the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Manufacturing these large amounts has allowed Cathead to meet another goal – produce free hand sanitizer for

the community. Barrels were set up in Jackson at a Wal-Mart and three Corner Market grocery stores, where customers could get up to 12 ounces for free.

Cathead is one of many distilleries around the country that began making hand sanitizer after the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau waived certain regulations that prevented them from doing so. Entergy is also sourcing from Rich Grain Distilling Co. in Canton, Miss., SevenThree Distilling Co. in New Orleans, and others to fulfill the needs of its workforce.

In addition, Entergy formed a logistic team to help distribute the sanitizer to those who needed it most in

the New Orleans area. The team researched and ordered bottles and bottling supplies; designed, printed, and affixed labels; and created a streamlined process to repackage and distribute individual bottles of sanitizer to fellow employees.

In fewer than six days, the logistics team produced 1,420 refillable bottles of hand sanitizer that were distributed to more than 450 employees working in transmission asset management and distribution operations in the Crescent City.

To learn about other ways that Entergy is helping its customers, communities, and employees during the pandemic, visit https://www.entergy. com/covid-19/

HINDS CC SUPPLIES VITAL EQUIPMENT TO HELP HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN VIRUS FIGHT

JANS – Hinds Community College’s innovative Fab Lab is helping to make personal protective equipment, or PPEs, become safer and more comfortable in the fight to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

With the help of the latest in 3-D printing technology, the college is supplying tension release bands for surgical masks currently being used by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to treat patients stricken by COVID-19, caused by the virus. All healthcare workers, whether they are directly treating coronavirus patients or not, are now wearing the masks.

The roughly four-inch-long bands will hold the elastic strips of the surgical mask that usually go over the user’s ears. Such prolonged use can produce skin irritation, much like tight-fitting frames on eyeglasses. The strips will then provide comfort to healthcare

Wesley Smith, left, Director of Nursing for Nurse Practitioners at University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Sherri Surgical mask tension release bands lay on a table at the Smith, a Respiratory Therapist at the hospital, demonstrate Fab Lab at Hinds Community College Raymond Campus. how a tension release band works on surgical masks in use (Hinds Community College/Tammi Bowles) by medical personnel. (Hinds Community College/April Garon) workers who are wearing surgical masks all day. Also, they can prevent the user from having to touch the mask to adjust or remove it.

“The amount of time a nurse or doctor wears these masks has increased significantly,”

GOV. REEVES PARTNERS WITH PRIVATE SECTOR TO STUDY ECONOMIC RECOVERY

JANS – On April 14, 2020, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he has asked leaders of Mississippi’s business community to chart a course for economic recovery and re-opening Mississippi’s economy.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi has seen a nearly 9,000% increase in unemployment claims. Small businesses and their employees are struggling to stay afloat. The Governor’s Commission for Economic Recovery will look at the impact on every industry, geographical region, and community and help the governor transform our state’s economy under these new conditions through tailored solutions.

“We need Mississippians helping Mississippians. I have asked a trusted group of our state’s top business minds to do just that. Under the ‘Restart Mississippi’ umbrella, they are going to develop a series of recommendations and goals for our new economy.

They will study the impact of

COVID-19 on our workforce and small businesses. And they will help us recover – day by day,” said Governor Tate Reeves.

The governor has asked Joe Sanderson of Sanderson Farms, a longtime business leader in the state, to serve as the chairman of the effort.

Joining Joe Sanderson, this commission will be comprised of leaders representing Mississippi’s different regions and industries.

Bringing together large economic drivers and small business leaders, this private sector group will develop recommendations for state leaders on economic recovery to help Mississippi businesses and employees navigate our new economy. The commission will study the economic impact of COVID-19 on different industries, communities, and regions with one goal: develop a path forward to Restart Mississippi.

The full list of members with biographies can be found at restartms.ms.

said David Hollis, Robotics and AI Lab Tech Specialist at Hinds. “The elastic strips have a tendency to cut into the skin.”

Hollis and Drafting Technology instructor and Fab Lab director Phil Cockrell produced the first 250 of the bands inside

the lab on the Raymond Campus for a unit at University of Mississippi Medical Center, with more requests expected once other facilities learn about them.

Hinds is among a number of entities around the world

printing the bands and other protective equipment for health organizations. The cost to print the bands was about 58 cents apiece, Cockrell said, though college is donating the bands to UMMC at no cost.

The base technology for producing them was obtained from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Sciences National Institutes of Health 3D Print Exchange. Inside the lab, headed fibers of polylactic acid were fed through one of several 3D printers on hand to make the bands, all according to a set of instructions fed into a computer.

“The small fibers look like weed eater cord going into the machine,” Hollis said. “Our Prusa printers have done all the heavy lifting for the job.”

The Fab Lab is outfitted with 3-D printing machines, laser cutters, and related equipment of varying sizes capable of etching designs or cutting flat sheet material such as acrylic or metal. The lab is financed through the Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) grant, which has also made funding the printing of the mask release bands possible.

AUDITOR WARNS, INFORMS MISSISSIPPIANS WHERE TO REPORT DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCHEMES

JANS – Fraud schemes become more common, according to State Auditor Shad White, during emergencies. To help combat that fraud, the Office of the State Auditor released information on the best authorities to contact if Mississippians see a fraud scheme, along with information on how to protect themselves from the fraud.

“As a Certified Fraud Examiner, I’m alarmed by the number of schemes we’re seeing pop up around Mississippi and on social media,” said White. “Everyone needs to stay vigilant and use common sense in times like these. Please report each of these schemes as you see them so the proper authority is alerted and can begin work.”

The following are examples of schemes authorities are seeing right now: • Fraudsters may promise a stimulus check if you provide your bank account information.

You should contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for information about stimulus funds.

Stimulus schemes can be reported to the Department of Justice at disaster@leo.gov or by calling

the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721.

• Fraud involving counterfeit or fake testing kits, COVID-19 cures, “immunity” pills, and fake protective equipment can also be reported to disaster@leo.gov or by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721.

• Be skeptical of people pressuring you to make a quick purchase of stock in a company based on how the company is fighting coronavirus. This is often referred to as a “pump-and-dump” scheme.

Fraud like this should be reported to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at www.sec.gov/tcr. The SEC has also published resources for investing during the pandemic on its website.

• “Phishing” is a fraud scheme where hackers try to convince you to open an email and click on a link. Doing so may give the hackers access to your personal information. Look for emails with misspelled sender addresses or those asking for personal information. Identity theft and phishing schemes can be reported to the Federal Trade

Commission (FTC) on their COVID-19 webpage.

• Price gouging and hoarding falls under the authority of the Attorney General in Mississippi and should be reported to their office by emailing webpage@ago.ms.gov or by calling (601) 359-3680.

• In charity fraud, scammers ask for donations to phony groups they say are raising money for COVID-19 relief.

Be skeptical of charities demanding payment in cash only.

Independently verify any charity or nonprofit asking for donations by Googling the charity.

Report charity fraud to disaster@leo.gov or by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721.

• Be suspicious of unexpected phone calls from those you do not recognize.

Illegal telemarketers can be reported to the Mississippi Public Service Commission by calling (601) 961-5434. Phone call scams can also be reported to the FTC on their website (www. ftccomplaintassistant.gov).

• Vendor fraud – where a company uses public corrup-

tion or intentionally creates fake bills and invoices to steal public money – in Mississippi, cities, counties, and state agencies can be reported to the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor online at www.osa. ms.gov or by calling 1(800) 321-1275. Vendor fraud involving federal funds can also be reported to the U.S. Government Accountability Office at fraud@gao.gov or 1(800) 424-5454.

Theft of government property while employees are working from home can be reported to the Office of the State Auditor or your local police.

“What’s most alarming about many of these schemes is that our elderly often seem to be the targets of the fraudsters,” said White. “Please tell your older loved ones to be on the lookout and to be suspicious of any pandemic-related sales pitches directed to the elderly.”

The Office of the State Auditor and Auditor White will continue to publish information about fraud schemes on the Auditor’s website and via social media in coming weeks.

6A

April 16-22, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

MS COVID-19 UPDATE

Methodist Orthotics & Prosthetics in Flowood, a division of Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson, added making face shields to its normal job of building prosthetic limbs and braces. Staff involved in the project include, from left, Jesse Oaks, Pam Liberatore, Luly Johnson, and Director Chris Wallace.

METHODIST O&P IN FLOWOOD ANSWERS CALL TO CREATE FACE SHIELDS DURING COVID-19 CRISIS

By Susan Christensen Jackson Advocate Guest Writer

Most days, the staff at Methodist Orthotics & Prosthetics in Flowood focuses on building prosthetic limbs and orthopedic braces.

Now, they’re also creating personal protective gear for workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis.

It all started when Mark Adams, the CEO of Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson, saw a YouTube video about a New York City hospital using 3-D printing to fashion desperately needed face shields.

“We don’t have a 3-D printer,” Adams said. “But I thought the injection molding process used by our orthotics and prosthetics division might be an option to produce shields. I called Chris Wallace, Director of Methodist O&P, and he said our Flowood clinic was already working on a prototype.”

“We came up with three or four versions and kept refining it,” Wallace said. “I think we can do about 50 a day once we’re ramped up.”

Wallace said the effort has been an “allhands-on-deck” project. And it’s not the first time staff has gotten creative for a good cause.

Wallace once created a ball cap liner for a young pitcher who needed protection after a skull fracture, but refused to wear a helmet on the mound. Staff also answered a call to outfit a three-legged dog with a prosthetic limb.

Jackson Advocate Guest Writer

The Jackson State University Small Business Development Center is providing technical assistance to small businesses that are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic disaster.

Rickey Jones, Director for the SBDC, says, “Our center is a Small Business Administration resource partner purposed to providing assistance to small businesses seeking to submit or determine if their business operational needs can be addressed by the current COVID-19 Disaster

term health problem like high blood pressure or diabetes. If you have a chronic condition, follow your doctor’s recommendations closely, and strictly follow health precautions of social distancing, isolation, and hygiene.

More details of COVID-19 in the state, along with preventive steps to take against coronavirus, are online at http:// HealthyMS.com/covid-19 The Mississippi Coronavirus Hotline is the best way to get your questions about COVID-19 answered. Call any time: 877-978-6453.

The latest state map shows Mississippi’s case total as reported at 6 p.m. last night.

ASSISTANCE FOR HOMEOWNERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS

Flowood Emergency Operations Director Nathan Harvell said he’s appreciative of the 50 face shields donated to the city by Methodist Orthotics & Prosthetics.

The first batch of shields went to protect residents and staff at Methodist Specialty Care Center, MRC’s long-term care facility in Flowood. The center is home to 60 severely disabled residents, who could be especially vulnerable to infections due to conditions such as quadriplegia and ALS. Methodist O&P also began offering extras to other local entities.

Recently, Flowood Emergency Operations Director Nathan Harvell was given 50 shields that will be used by

Luly Johnson of Methodist Orthotics & Prosthetics models the face shields being built in the Flowood clinic’s lab. the city’s police department during the COVID-19 crisis.

“I think this was a great gift,” Harvell said. “While this is going on, we are being extra cautious. And this is an extra tool we can use to protect our officers. It really helps and we appreciate that.”

Adams said the effort shows MRC can be flexible to benefit patients and the community, and he’s proud of the O&P staff’s ingenuity.

Wallace, in turn, said it has buoyed his staff’s spirit to be of service. “It has been a tremendous morale boost, because we have something we can do to contribute to the fight.”

JACKSON STATE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

By LaToya Hentz-Moore

JANS – As of the morning of April 15, 2020, the Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting 273 new cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi and 11 new deaths.

The total of Mississippi’s cases since March 11 now stands at 3,360, with 122 deaths. Six new outbreaks have been identified in longterm care facilities.

The MSDH website is now carrying more information on cases by race and by underlying health condition such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.

Hospitalization and death from COVID-19 infection is more likely if you have a long-

Relief Programs. The JSU SBDC also collaborates with local lenders such as BankPlus and Hope Credit Union to assist business owners with organizing their request for consideration.”

Guidance by the Center is also provided by answering questions, offering resource support to small businesses, selected non-profits and other employers preparing documents for submission for loan or grant consideration.

The programs that have been reported to assist business owners during COVID-19 are:

• Paycheck Protection Program: provides capital to cover the cost of retaining employees.

• Emergency Economic Injury Grant: provides a quick infusion of a smaller amount of cash to cover current operational needs.

• Small Business Debt Relief Program: assist with easing fears about keeping up with payments on current or potential Small Business Administration loans.

Additionally, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) ACT will

benefit business owners impacted by the pandemic by making loans available that can be used to sustain their operations, especially those businesses that provide goods and services that are considered non-essential. The CARES ACT will also provide opportunities for businesses to retain employees and for select nonprofits to seek loan assistance.

For more information on how the SBDC can assist you and your business, contact Rickey Jones at rickey.d.jones@ jsums.edu or visit http://www. mssbdc.org.

JANS – On April 15, Governor Tate Reeves announced further efforts to support homeowners and first responders who are being stretched thin during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Working with the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) and Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Governor Reeves is providing mortgage assistance for homeowners and emergency childcare for essential personnel and first responders to help relieve the burden of hardworking Mississippians across our state.

Mortgage Assistance MHC has reopened the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) to provide short-term mortgage assistance to those who have lost employment or income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will allow MHC to pay monthly mortgage payment assistance. People can submit applications through an online portal here: mshomesaver.com.

HHF is a program of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which first allocated funds to Mississippi in 2010. Mississippi has used the funds to stabilize local housing markets and help families avoid foreclosures. The program targets assistance toward unemployed homeowners or underemployed homeowners and those with homes that are worth less than their value of their mortgages.

Emergency Childcare for First Responders Working with the Gover-

nor and the state’s COVID-19 response, MDHS has joined with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) to provide much-needed childcare services for emergency and essential personnel who would otherwise not have access to it because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Childcare Crisis Assistance in Isolation Response Plan (CCAIR) is designed to serve as temporary, emergency childcare facilities during this crisis period for families listed as essential workers in Executive Order 1463. These personnel are serving on the frontlines of this pandemic and are unable to isolate at home.

In addition to fulfilling the background, health, and safety requirements, potential partners will have access to free-ofcharge CCAIR training through the Early Childhood Academy.

Upon completing this training, they will be assigned a CCAIR Coach who will guide them through the process of becoming a CCAIR site.

For those who need financial assistance, Emergency Certificates can be applied for. Applications for these certificates will begin one week from today (April 15, 2020).

For more information on CCAIR, as well as what steps that must be taken before being considered for certification as a CCAIR site, you can go to www.mdhs.ms.gov/ccair.

MISSISSIPPI GOVERNOR EXTENDS SCHOOL CLOSURES FOR REMAINDER OF 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR

JANS – Governor Tate Reeves announced Tuesday, April 14, that Mississippi schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year in response to the spread of the coronavirus.

However, he emphasized that although schools will remain closed, it does not mean school is canceled.

School districts across the state are expected to shift or continue to offer distance learning to its students.

Governor Reeves acknowledged the amazing work of teachers, school leaders, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and other staff – as well as parents – to ensure that children

avoid falling too far behind. It is important that students keep practicing the skills they learned before the COVID-19 outbreak and, to every extent possible, that they continue to make academic progress. JPS educators are working hard to ensure that students have the resources they need to be prepared for a successful school experience next year and beyond.

In fact, the District has been implementing strategies to engage students in distance learning for several weeks since the end of Spring Break on March 13.

Teachers and principals are

providing instructional assistance to scholars by conducting Zoom Conferences, assigning lessons using the Google Classroom and/or Canvas platforms, and/or assigning lessons through digital online platforms such as iReady, Moby Max, or Education Galaxy. Teachers are also available for assistance to parents and students during their daily scheduled office hours.

JPS will also continue its Grab and Go meal program for the remainder of the school year and collaborate with its partners to provide dinners and fresh produce packages.

Instructional packets are

also available for students in grades K-12. JPS families can download the packets from the Learn-At-Home website (https://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/ LearningAtHome) or pick up printed copies from one of the 12 Grab and Go locations (www. jackson.k12.ms.us) if they don’t have access to technology at home.

Additionally, the District’s administration has proposed the suspension of several policies to the Board of Trustees related to grading, promotion, retention, and graduation. Governor Reeves says closing schools has been key

to reducing the transmission of coronavirus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, some children infected with coronavirus don’t have a fever, cough or other symptoms, though they can still transmit the disease to other, more vulnerable people.

Jackson Public Schools will continue to expand and enhance its distance learning opportunities for scholars and collaborate with state and local public officials to meet the needs of our families.

For more information, visit www. jackson.k12.ms.us.

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

April 16-22, 2020

7A

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING

(c) gorodenkoff / iStock via Getty Images Plus

TIPS ON HOW TO COMBAT LONELINESS DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING

(StatePoint) As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many people are staying in their homes to help prevent the spread of the disease. Feeling lonely from time to time is natural, but this unprecedented time of social distancing could lead to increased loneliness.

There are some easy ways to feel connected to others, even when you aren’t seeing them in person. Consider these tips from Dr. Doug Nemecek, Cigna chief medical officer for behavioral health.

• USE TECHNOLOGY … BUT NOT TOO MUCH. Social media is a favorite and easy way to stay connected to family and friends, but too much use can leave you feeling lonely. Cigna’s 2020 U.S. Loneliness Index found that 72 percent of very heavy

social media users identify themselves as lonely. Balance technology use with disconnecting and taking time for yourself. Use real-time interactions with others, like video chats, to build meaningful connections and limit time spent passively scrolling social media. Read a book, take a walk or do a puzzle after screen time. It may help you feel more connected when you spend time online.

• JOIN A VIRTUAL CLUB OR GROUP. There are plenty of resources available to find virtual book clubs, craft communities or even fitness challenges. You can start a new hobby, learn a skill or find others who are interested in the same things as you, remotely.

• SPEND TIME OUTDOORS. Simply leaving your

house to take a jog around your neighborhood or to walk your dog a few blocks could improve your spirits, refreshing you for the next time you virtually connect with others.

• ASK THOSE YOU REACH OUT TO HOW THEY’RE REALLY DOING. How you connect with those in your network makes a significant difference in how lonely you feel. People tend to feel less lonely when connecting on a deeper level. Cigna’s study found that those who do not feel they have close relationships that give them emotional security and well-being have an average loneliness score of nearly 15 points higher than those that do. When video chatting with friends, ask them for their most honest response when you ask how they’re doing. Everyone will likely feel better for it.

• RETHINK WORKING HOURS. We spend approximately 90,000 hours at work over our lifetime, so how we spend that time will play an important role in how we feel overall. Improving your worklife balance and connecting with colleagues can reduce loneliness. Your employer may also benefit from you feeling less lonely. Lonely employees are less productive, produce lower quality work and miss more days of work. So, talk to your boss about slight changes you can make to how you spend your working hours. This could help you feel less lonely and benefit your company.

Being unable to spend time with others in-person will likely cause many of us to feel lonely, but there are ways to help lessen those feelings during this challenging time.

(StatePoint) COVID-19 has the public rethinking how they stay healthy -- both physically and mentally. Even those in good health can start to feel anxious and fearful when the words ‘pandemic’ and ‘social distancing’ are mentioned.

But can you stay active and mentally healthy while social distancing? The answer is a resounding yes.

While routines have changed, it’s critical that people keep exercising and eating nutritious meals, since the body is often able to better fight off illnesses when it’s healthy and strong.

Taking these steps helps fight off stress, which most people are experiencing right now in one way or another.

Here is some advice from Cigna chief nursing officer, Mary Picerno to help stay healthy, both physically and mentally, during this time.

• GET OUTSIDE: While it’s important to limit physical interactions, getting outside for a run, walk or bicycle ride is a great way to boost endorphins and enjoy fresh air. Just make sure to maintain six feet between yourself and others. If weather or other reasons limit your ability to go outside, many companies and gyms are offering free online exercises right now. Endorphins have been found to reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness and help fight against depression.

• GET PROPER NUTRITION: Add fruits and vegetables to your plate for colorful, nutrient-rich meals. Vegetables also are a good source of fiber.

Eating well will help you feel better and give you energy to keep moving. Now is a great time to try that new recipe or food subscription box!

• STAY HYDRATED: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dehydration. According to

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dehydration can cause unclear thinking and mood swings. Not sure how much to drink? Many medical professionals suggest following the 8x8 rule, eight ounces of water eight times a day.

• STAY CONNECTED: Just because you can’t be with friends and family in person doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch. Set up time to connect with video chats, phone calls and emails.

Staying connected doesn’t have to be high-tech. Have kids or just a kid at heart? Write encouraging messages on your driveway or in your windows for your neighbors, and postal and delivery workers.

• KNOW YOUR OPTIONS: One of the best ways to prepare is knowing what to do if you start to show symptoms.

Cigna and many other health insurers are now waiving the costs of doctor visits related to a COVID-19 diagnosis as well as the cost of COVID-19 FDAapproved testing. To minimize your exposure, call or email your doctor or a local health system about a telehealth visit to be screened for COVID-19. The provider will then identify what steps you should take next.

• GET SUPPORT: Talking through concerns and fears can help put them in perspective and make you feel calmer. You may want to reach out for professional support if you’re struggling. Cigna offers many resources and tools, including a 24-hour toll-free help line (1-855-287-8400) to speak with qualified behavior health clinicians, a webinar focused on managing anxiety, fears and concerns, and mindfulness podcasts (available in English and Spanish) focused on improving resiliency and stress management.

During this challenging time, taking care of your health should be a priority.

HOW TO MANAGE STRESS THROUGH MUSIC

(StatePoint) With routines upturned and health concerns top of mind, many people are feeling an extra amount of stress these days, too much of which can be bad for one’s mental and physical health.

However, music has many moodboosting, stress-relieving benefits.

Here are four ways to incorporate more of it into your life without even leaving the house: • Too much time spent scrolling through social media can induce anxious feelings. Allow music to provide a healthy distraction from digital devices. Carve out a block of time each day to practice your instrument.

• Get a fun, easy and most impor-

tantly, stress-free introduction to music-making with the right tools.

By connecting a Casio keyboard with lighted keys to the Chordana Play App or using the app’s keyboard, beginners can gain a better understanding of music study. The app displays the music score and piano roll notation for built-in songs and MIDI files, allowing you to select which tracks to play with your left and right hands.

With the ability to slow the tempo and transpose to a key that’s easier to play, you can practice at your own pace.

Plus, a scoring system lets track your progress.

• Social distancing doesn’t have to be antisocial. Connect with fellow

musicians from the comfort and safety at home by hosting a virtual jam session for the added stress-relieving benefits of socializing with friends, old and new.

• Expressing yourself creatively is one of the best tools for kicking stress to the curb, and making music in no exception. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you may feel empowered to write your own melodies or even develop them fully into songs.

In these unusual times, music can benefit your mood and mental health by serving as a valuable creative outlet, a means for practicing mindfulness and a great way to connect with others.

HOW AND WHY TO KEEP KIDS ON A SCHEDULE DURING SCHOOL CLOSURES

(StatePoint) School closures have forced families nationwide to readjust to the current reality. However, a sense of structure is important for children’s developmental growth.

To create a routine for your kids that sticks, consider the following tips: • Just because there is no formal school day doesn’t mean kids should sleep in or stay up late at night. Keep the same bedtimes, wake-up routines and mealtimes you always maintained during a regular school week. Doing so will bookend the mornings and evenings with a sense of normalcy.

• Mimic a school day to the best of your ability. Use the distance-learning tools your child’s teachers offer as well as other educational apps and resources to have kids focus on different school subjects.

This will help break up the day into little chunks just as would happen in the classroom. Be sure to build in time for art

projects, exercise and music.

Most importantly, don’t forget “recess.” If possible, allow children to play in the backyard where they can socially distance from neighbors, or set up an area of your home for playtime.

• Evenings are a good time to relax and unwind together.

Play board games, watch your children’s favorite movies or even use the many resources available online to enjoy a virtual walking tour of a museum, botanical garden or zoo.

This is also a good time to allow children to connect with their friends using video chat or with family members they are not currently able to see inperson.

• For many children, screens are their greatest distraction.

For this reason, one of the best ways to ensure your children stay focused on the schedule you create for them is by managing their screen time.

One easy way to do so with less direct intervention from

you (since you are likely busy yourself!) is by using a screen time monitoring and scheduling tool like the OurPact app.

Get started by signing up for a free account and pairing your children’s devices. From there, you will be able to manage devices remotely to create a schedule that keeps kids offline when they need to be focused on other things. It can also be customized to allow children to visit and use only certain learning sites or apps during particular hours of the day. Because this schedule lives on the children’s devices as well, you’ll be giving them the comfort of a routine. To learn more or download, visit OurPact.com.

During these challenging times, it can be tempting to let your family routine fly out the window. By using new tools such as distance-learning programming and schedule management apps, you can keep kids to a schedule that makes them ultimately happier and healthier.

(c) Wavebreakmedia / iStock / Getty Images Plus

8A

April 16-22, 2020

Tizzy’s Take

Getting ahead of and below the curve

By DeAnna Tisdale Johnson Jackson Advocate Publisher

“I will now be authorizing each individual governor of each individual state to implement a reopening. And a very powerful reopening plan of their state is going to be very, very close, maybe even before the date of May 1,” President Donald Trump stated in an April 14 White House press briefing.

Though he probably meant this statement to provide hope (to at least his Republican constituents), it perhaps has the adverse effect for healthcare professionals working in ICUs that are full; essential personnel who continue to make sure we get our packages, medicines, and groceries; and citizens who are diligently dedicated to the safe practices of social distancing and cleanliness.

President Trump’s announcement is full of dread for the safety of our country.

For Mississippi, a state that will supposedly reach the peak of its COVID-19 count on April 16 and its death peak on April 19, the worse thing we could do is reopen the state, which, at this date, is set to occur on April 20. To flatten the curve, we have to continue the same safe practices well after our peak. Otherwise, our peak will only become a benchmark and our cases will continue to rise.

The World Health Organization released an outline which includes six measures that countries need to consider before lifting restrictions: • Transmission has to be controlled; • Health system capacities are in place to detect, test, isolate, and treat every case and trace every contact; • Outbreak risks are minimized in special settings like health facilities and nursing homes; • Preventive measures are in place in workplaces, schools, and other places where it’s essential for people to go; • Importation risks can be managed; • And communities are fully educated, engaged, and empowered to adjust to the “new norm” If each state were to also use these measures as criteria for reopening, then for Mississippi alone, the answer would be that we should not reopen.

In an April 15 press conference, Governor Tate Reeves declared that Mississippi is in “the eye of the storm”, yet he followed this by saying that “we will reopen our economy soon” because “the time is coming to safely move beyond it.”

The eye of the storm is calm and peaceful, yet deceptively so. All around the eye is chaos and destruction, especially the surrounding eye wall, which is the fiercest part of a storm. The only way to make sure we don’t get caught up is to bunker down and stay on the course that we’re on and for people to adhere to and be obedient to sheltering in place. That is the only way for us to continue to flatten the curve.

MS Leg. Black Caucus wants healthcare availability addressed after alarming COVID-19 deaths of African Americans

By Senator Angela Turner Ford Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus Chairman

As Mississippi, America, and the world practice social isolation and other safety practices to help reduce the rate of COVID-19 infections, we have learned from the White House, Mississippi Department of Health, and others that African Americans comprise the majority of victims who have died to this virus.

It is said many had pre-existing health conditions including heart disease and diabetes – ailments that when properly managed don’t result in premature loss of life.

We think more front-end health care management for African Americans must be offered.

Because of the poverty gap that causes many African Americans to choose from paying for uninsured health care visits or paying rent and utilities, there must be greater governmental assistance offered.

The COVID-19 crisis has brought to light health disparities that must be addressed through expansion of Medicaid or the offering of increased preventive health services throughout our state.

We as lawmakers when the 2020 Legislative Session resumes must address this healthcare crisis brought to light by the untimely demise of African Americans who, if were afforded healthcare maintenance programs, might be alive today. A life is a life regardless of skin color.

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

Despite the coronavirus crisis, Americans must prepare for the presidential election

By Ivory Phillips

Jackson Advocate Contributing Editor

Part I Because of the danger in the coronavirus outbreak and the continuous blanket covering of it, it is fairly easy to forget or ignore the upcoming presidential election. After all, the table is set for Vice President Joe Biden to face President Donald Trump in November; there have been no dates announced for the Democratic and Republican national conventions; and daily, the country is subjected to the pandemic update sessions that are really campaign opportunities for Trump. Given that set of circumstances, many people have turned their attention to trying to remain healthy and alive.

While that attitude is understandable, we must not leave the November election to chance. If we do, the country may easily find itself stuck with Trump as president for another four years. Realizing that possibility, the writer is devoting this and two subsequent articles to the November election – what needs to be done in order to rescue the country from Donald Trump, whom Senator Bernie Sanders rightly described as the most dangerous president in the country’s history.

It is quite common to hear people say that politicians should be elected based upon their records. The idea is based on common sense, and this time around, Trump has quite a record on which to be judged.

On the campaign trail, the more than two dozen Democratic candidates agreed that talking about the record and the dangers of the Trump presidency should undergird their messaging. With that, the writer agrees, and it should be done beginning now.

The messaging should deal with, but not be limited to: (1) Trump’s violations of the Emoluments Clause, (2) the findings in the Mueller Report, (3) Trump’s quest for absolute power, (4) the evidence gathered during the Trump impeachment investigation, (5) Trump’s attacks on and threats to human rights, especially, of non-white people, (6) his handling of military conflicts, and (7) his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

It is apparent for all to see that Trump has

been, and continues to be, intellectually, morally, and psychologically unfit to lead this country. He is so dangerously unfit, until at least one political leader two years ago said that America will be in serious jeopardy in the case of a war or serious natural disaster.

We see it now during the current pandemic.

Others need to become similarly impressed before something else occurs.

Unfortunately, too many Americans are either caught up by the Trump propaganda machine or simply do not follow events closely.

For those reasons, it becomes the burden of Joe Biden and other Democratic surrogates and supporters to hammer the ideas home – over and over, whenever and wherever possible.

At a minimum, Democrats must present the facts and figures of how Trump has used his office to enrich himself and at the same time left working class people behind or in worse conditions. If done correctly, it should appeal to “his base” much more so than just the constitutional argument about emoluments The findings of the Mueller Report should not be allowed to remain on the shelf. Leaders need to hammer away at the fact that many of Trump’s assistants and associates were found guilty of crimes and that the only reason why he was not indicted is because of a department of justice memorandum which says that a sitting president cannot be indicted. This places him above the law, unlike any other citizen.

He must not be another chance to continue down that path.

Using quotes and actions of the president, people need to be bombarded with the idea that he wants to be and tries to act like a dictator. This includes things like defying and encouraging his subordinates to defy subpoenas. It includes violating the budgetary appropriations of congress. It includes assuming powers reserved to congress and to the states.

The charges on which he was impeached, including those in the Mueller Report, need to be aired, with emphasis on how some of them can lead to Americans not electing their own officials. The idea of Trump appearing to be under the thumb of Vladimir Putin needs to be exploited for what it means to America on the world stage as well.

People see news clips, but because the news moves so rapidly, tend to forget about executive orders violating the rights of Muslims and Arabs, policies against Latinos and their children, anti-Semitic biases, and anti-Black propaganda and hate groups. All of these things need to be heaped together in order to underscore how hateful, dangerous, and unAmerican this man has been and continues to be; that the essence of “making America great again” is the promotion of white supremacy.

Democratic candidates and leaders must hone-in on the military crises provoked, stoked, or otherwise engaged in under Trump.

These include, but are not limited to, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Ukraine, and Iraq. On the one hand, Trump has allowed Russia to take charge in Syria and on the other hand, he has under-minded NATO and the UN, creating chaos among America’s traditional allies.

Finally, there is the fact that he did next to nothing as the coronavirus outbreak became a pandemic, primarily because he was concerned about how closing the economy would hurt his chances of re-election. This inactivity has been heightened by his lack of understanding of science and by the fact that in 2018, he had gotten rid of the entire pandemic response team that had served under President Barack Obama.

The list of entries in the record of Donald Trump could go on and on. There should be no let-up, because he is a danger to the evolving idea of democracy and human rights in America. There may not be many dyed in the wool “Trumpers” who will be won-over, but maybe a few. But there may be a number of independents and even moderate Republicans who are awakened and/or alarmed at what is loudly broadcast. Furthermore, the massive, constant revelations should motivate many Democrats to enthusiastically support the true believers who are running at all levels.

The bottom-line is that Trump is a clear and present danger to this country and the world.

Democrats and others who believe in human rights and expanding democracy must make the case in such a convincing manner that America can shout “hallelujah” the morning of November 4, 2020.

WHEN SUNDAY COMES:

Being the church outside of the building

By Rev. C.J. Rhodes Jackson Advocate Guest Writer

While several churches indefinitely suspended in-person worship services due to the COVID-19 crisis, there is growing anxiety about not being able to assemble in the sanctuary.

This anxiety was most acute this past Resurrection Sunday in which many pastors preached in empty buildings to virtual congregations.

Members who are used to getting up early on the first Rev. C. J. Rhodes day of the week, and commuting to a house of worship, long to feel God’s special presence on holy grounds, in the embrace of church family members, and in the demonstration of joy in song and sermon.

This must be true because ours is an embodied religion, a religion we must feel sometimes, a faith based on the God who became human.

The God of the Bible is not the philosopher’s theory, some distant force setting the universe in motion. Our God is personal and became a flesh-and-blood person. In Jesus Christ, we experience the “withness” of God: the God who walks with us, talks with us, and tells us we are his own.

The “withness” of our faith is rehearsed

Sunday after Sunday when we gather together, break bread together, pray for one another.

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

(Matthew 18:20).” The black church has realized in various ways. We pass the peace, greet or high five our neighbor, hold hands and pray aloud. We dance in the Spirit, are slain in the Spirit, rejoice and weep together in the Spirit. “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together (Psalm 34:3).” Sure, we can praise God alone, but there’s something miraculous when the saints magnify the Lord with one voice.

Like many of you, I miss this. Any given Sunday at Mt. Helm, I descend from the pulpit following the benediction in order to greet members and visiting friends. I shake hands, hug, laugh from my gut. There is an indescribable joy in seeing real faces in real time. So many pastors feel what I feel. Though online ministry is essential to our methods now and after this crisis is over, virtual reality is a cheap substitute for social engagement.

But, in this, we see how God is reminding us of other things that matter about being the church. While we are rightly concerned about how COVID-19 will impact worship going forward, it should also be a moment wherein we reevaluate our Sunday-centered understanding of church. For many congregations, everything rises and falls on Sunday morning. I am sure that many pastors have experienced getting

ready to preach only to have a member pass a note about a “must share” announcement that only the pastor can emphasize. Or the family crisis a member experienced Wednesday but strangely was not a crisis until 15 minutes before service started. So much of the business of the church seems to only get done when Sunday comes.

What COVID-19 may be provoking, however, is our need to think more deeply about having and being the church beyond the Lord’s Day. Additionally, it should help us think how ministry is shared responsibility, that every member belongs to one another.

Pastors have important work to do in leading and feeding God’s flock, but we cannot do ministry alone. In fact, we are actually called to equipped the saints for service (Ephesians 4). Though technology can be difficult to fast track, now is the time to think about how all members fulfill all those “one another” verses in the Bible by calling, texting, emailing, or direct messaging each other. We can securely contribute financially to a fund helping laidoff restaurant workers or public school feeding programs. We can pray with friends or share the Gospel via social media.

Until we return to the building, and before next Sunday comes, we can demonstrate the kind of love and servant leadership expected of all those who believe in the crucified and risen Lord who promised to be with us even until the end of the age.

EDITORIALS, ARTICLES & COMMENTS: Letters and articles which appear in the Jackson Advocate reflect the perspective of the writer.

Their appearance on these pages does not constitute an endorsement by the Jackson Advocate or its staff.

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

April 16-22, 2020

9A

Due to social distancing in light of the COVID-19 crisis, please visit the website or social media page of the churches listed below for changes in worship service.

Church Directory

Together: The Black Press and the Pulpit Will Uplift the Community.

Aldersgate

New Bethel

655 Beasley Rd. • Jackson, MS 39206

450 Culbertson Ave. • Jackson, MS 39209

M.B. Church

United Methodist Church Email: AldersgateUMC@comcast.net Phone: 601.366.8071

Sunday School.................................9:30 a.m.

115 Maddox Rd. • Jackson, MS 39212

Sunday Worship............................. 11:00 a.m.

Prayer Meeting.............5:30 p.m. Wednesday

Men’s Bible Study - 1st Monday of each month @ 6:00 p.m.

“A Church After God’s Own Heart”

Anderson

United Methodist Church

Sunday School

11am

Sunday Worship Service

Sunday Church Services...................10:30 a.m.

Live Radio Broadcast: WOAD AM 1300 11:00 a.m.–12:00 Noon

6:30pm Wednesday Bible Study

Bible Classes, Wednesdays Midday: 12:00 p.m. & Evening: 6:30 p.m.

Rev. Johniel Henry Pastor

10am

(601) 969-3481 Office • (601) 969-1957 Fax Email: Revfrlenoir@aol.com Sunday School....................................9:15 a.m.

Pastor Aaron & Lady Latona Banks Senior Pastors

Mission: To be a church empowered by the Glory of God, providing an atmosphere of faith, taking life beyond the norm!

A Church Preparing for a Home Not Built By Man

Greater Bethlehem Temple Church

New Hope Baptist Church

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship Service: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Early Morning Prayer Services (M-F): 5:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m.

Noon Day Prayer Services (M-F): 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Sunday Worship........8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Bible Class Wednesday 12:00 Noon & 7:00 p.m.

Dr. F. R. Lenoir Pastor

1555 Beasley Rd., Jackson, MS 39206

Sunday School............................ 8:00 a.m.

Worship Service.......................... 9:30 a.m.

5202 Watkins Drive (Administrative Offices)

(Exception is Wednesday for Noon Bible Class)

Monday Night Prayer: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday Noon Day Bible Class: Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Bible Class: 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

Bishop Robert N. Friday Evening Youth & Young Adult Service: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Fortson, Sr.

“Building on a Righteous Foundation”

Monday - Friday.............8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Wed. Prayer Meeting.......................6:00 p.m.

Wed. Bible Study.............................6:30 p.m.

Dr. Jerry Young, Pastor

www.newhope-baptist.org • 601-366-7002

Saint Christopher’s Episcopal Church of the Ascension

Cade Chapel

Missionary Baptist Church

643 Beasley Road • Jackson, MS 39206 All are welcome!

Phone: (601) 366-6768 • Email: SaintChristophers@comcast.net

Website: https://saintchristophers.dioms.org

(Sunday) The Holy Eucharist: 9:00 a.m.

Monday Bible Study: 4:00 p.m.

St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church embraces all who approach as we proclaim that the Kingdom of God has come near.

Central United Methodist Church “Here, Let No One Be A Stranger” 500 N. Farish St. • Jackson, MS 39202

Phone: 601-355-7858 & 601-355-7854 • Fax: 601-355-1737

219 Hinds Blvd.

Raymond, MS 39154 (601) 720-0624

kenyamartin@hotmail.com KRMartin@4MartinsAtLaw.com “A Christ Centered Church, Striving for a Spirit of Excellence”

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday Bible Study Service: 7:00 p.m.

5 Ready for a fresh word?

5 Ready for things to actually improve in your life?

5 Ready for more understanding and clarity?

Sunday School.................. 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship..............10:00 a.m.

Various Wednesday Mid-Week Services 6:00 p.m.

We can help!!

Rev. David McCoy Pastor

Christ Tabernacle Church 1201 Cooper Road • Jackson, MS 39212

“We are Kingdom Witnesses, Worshipers and Workers”

Pastor Kenya R. Martin & Min. Tommie A. Martin

Real change starts by simply taking a single step...

Move by faith and never by sight!!

Pastor David Watkins | Min. Jessica Shields

Mailing Address: 5709 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, MS 39209

Hanging Moss Road Church of Christ

5225 Hanging Moss Road, Jackson, MS 39206 601.982.5219 • cwpittman1@comcast.net

Sunday

Church School........... 8 AM Worship..................... 9 AM Hosea J. Hines

Wednesday

Sunday School: 9:30 AM Wednesday Bible Class: 12 noon & 6:00 PM

Pastor

Bible Study............12 Noon & 6:30 PM

www.christtabernaclechurch.org 601-373-1711

College Hill Baptist Church

Moving the Masses Toward the Mission of the Master

1600 Florence Avenue • Jackson, MS 39204 Phone: 601.355.2670 • Email: chmbc@collegehillchurch.org Sunday Worship Service – 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School – 8:45 a.m.

Intercessory Prayer – Mondays at 9:00 a.m.

Dr. Michael T. Williams Pastor

Wednesday Night Together (WNT) 6:30 p.m. – Prayer Service 7:00 p.m. – Bible Study Classes

223 Beasley Road | Jackson, MS 39206 | PH: 601-956-4784 FAX: 601-956-1851 | info@strongerhope.org

Hope Spring MB Church

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April 16-22, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles, that the 2010 HONDA ACCORD bearing Vin# 1HGCP2F4XAA043028 and registered to ANTRINET SIMMONS will be sold along with all contents of the above automobile for repair and storage charges and for the costs of this sale as follows: Date of Sale: April 24, 2020 Place of Sale: Archie Towing, Storage & Recovery Services, 6700 Medgar Evers Blvd., Jackson, MS 39213 Time of Sale: 10:00 A.M.

Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles, that the 2015 Dodge Challenger bearing serial number 2C3CDZBT1FH744518 and registered to Jolana Stuckey and Lewis Wilson (Lien Holder: Ally Financial) will be sold along with all contents of the above automobile for repair and storage charges and for the costs of this sale as follows: Date of Sale: May 4, 2020 Place of Sale: S&S Towing and Recovery, 330 Northmart Plaza #3, Jackson, MS 39206 Time of Sale: 10:00 A.M.

Seller reserves the right to bid on the above property and to reject any and all bids.

3TC: 04-02, 09, 16-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------NOTICE OF SALE

Seller reserves the right to bid on the above property and to reject any and all bids.

3TC: 04-16, 23, 30-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------NOTICE OF SALE

Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles, that the 2017 NISSAN SENTRA bearing Vin# 3N1AB7AP7HY230562 and registered to EDNA KNIGHT AND AT TITLE CO. will be sold along with all contents of the above automobile for repair and storage charges and for the costs of this sale as follows:

Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles, that the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice bearing serial number 1G1BL69Z2GX110014 and registered to Sammie Jordan (Lien Holder: LoanMax LLC) will be sold along with all contents of the above automobile for repair and storage charges and for the costs of this sale as follows:

Date of Sale: April 24, 2020 Place of Sale: Archie Towing, Storage & Recovery Services, 6700 Medgar Evers Blvd., Jackson, MS 39213 Time of Sale: 10:00 A.M. Seller reserves the right to bid on the above property and to reject any and all bids.

3TC: 04-02, 09, 16-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------NOTICE OF SALE Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles, that the 2004 CHEVY TAHOE bearing Vin# 1GNEC13Z44R126402 and registered to JAMEZ ROGERS and WOMACKS AUTO SALES will be sold along with all contents of the above automobile for repair and storage charges and for the costs of this sale as follows:

Area (”HFHMCA”), a Christian non-profit affordable housing ministry, is seeking qualified construction general contractors and sub-contractors and support services contractors in the following areas to support its remodeling of homes in the City of Jackson as well as other areas in Hinds, Rankin and Madison Counties, Mississippi: General residential contractors including framing, drywall, painting electrical, HVAC, insulation, plumbing, roofing, tree removal, site prep, and foundation repair contractors for the purpose of remodeling homes.

Contracts may be bundled to cover up to 5 houses with the possibility of an extension to cover one or more additional projects.

Qualifications: All contractors must provide Mississippi Board of Contractors license. All contractors and subs must provide current evidence of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Licenses and bonds

must also be submitted, where required.

HFHMCA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). HFHMCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital/familial status and political beliefs. Proposals are solicited from small, women and minority owned businesses and certified Section 3 businesses.

HFHMCA is licensed by the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance, NMLS Number 283632.

For information contact: Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area 615 Stonewall Street Jackson, MS 39213 601-353-6060 Kelle Menogan at menogan@habitatmca.org 2TC: 04-16, 23-20 ------------------------------------------------------------------

Date of Sale: May 4, 2020 Place of Sale: S&S Towing and Recovery, 330 Northmart Plaza #3, Jackson, MS 39206 Time of Sale: 10:00 A.M. Seller reserves the right to bid on the above property and to reject any and all bids.

3TC: 04-16, 23, 30-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------Notice to Contractors and Sub-Contractors Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital

Date of Sale: April 24, 2020 Place of Sale: Archie Towing, Storage & Recovery Services, 6700 Medgar Evers Blvd., Jackson, MS 39213 Time of Sale: 10:00 A.M. Seller reserves the right to bid on the above property and to reject any and all bids.

3TC: 04-02, 09, 16-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF HINDS COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOE LOUIS HINTON, DECEASED

MARY LEE HINTON PETITIONER CAUSE NO. P2020-94 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters of Administration having been granted on the 25th day of March, 2020, by the Chancery Court of Hinds County, Mississippi, to the undersigned Administratrix of the Estate of Joe Louis Hinton, deceased, notice is hereby given to all persons having claims against said Estate to present the same to the Clerk of this Court for probate and registration according to law, within ninety (90) days from the first publication of this notice, or they will be forever barred.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, this the 30th day of March, 2020.

/s/Mary Lee Hinton MARY LEE HINTON PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY: /s/Rhonda C. Cooper MID-TOWN LAW OFFICE, P.A. POST OFFICE BOX 11556 JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39283 (601) 354-2594 RHONDA C. COOPER MSB NO. 6511 ATTORNEY FOR THE ESTATE 3TC: 04-02, 09, 16-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------NOTICE OF SALE Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles, that the 2017 AUDI A7 bearing Vin# WAUW2AFC6HN057584 and registered to STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE, INS. CO. will be sold along with all contents of the above automobile for repair and storage charges and for the costs of this sale as follows: Date of Sale: April 28, 2020 Place of Sale: Archie Towing, Storage & Recovery Services, 6700 Medgar Evers Blvd., Jackson, MS 39213 Time of Sale: 10:00 A.M. Seller reserves the right to bid on the above property and to reject any and all bids.

3TC: 04-02, 09, 16-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that sealed or electronic bids for: 2020 Track Renovations (Raymond Campus) Hinds Community College (Community College Board) Raymond Mississippi (HCC Bid # 3196) will be received by the Office of the Director of Purchasing, D.G. “Sonny” Fountain Hall, 608 Hinds Boulevard, Room 208, (Post Office Box 1100), Raymond, Mississippi 39154 until 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

Contract Documents may be obtained from: Mr. Sam Lemonis, CPPB, Director of Purchasing Hinds Community College Post Office Box 1100 Raymond, Mississippi 39154-1100 Phone Numbers: 601/ 857-3204 (Office) / 601/ 857-3566 (FAX) OR: https://www.bidnetdirect.com/mississippi/ hinds-community-college No deposit is required for printed plans and specifications, pdf. versions are available free of charge through Bid Net Direct. You must register with Bid Net Direct to access the bid and to receive plans. Registration is free and easy. Contact Customer Service at 800-8354603 with any questions. Bid preparation will be in accordance with Instructions to Bidders bound in the Project Manual. Hinds Community College reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any or all bids submitted.

El Henderson Real News Tour a Do

you need a speaker or panelist for your church, school, family reunion, or community organization?

a Do you need a Prioritized Action Plan for your organization – in education, politics, religion, family dynamics, wills, investments, or economic development?

If so, call in a request, including event details, to 601.201.1957 or email: clu369@gmail.com Dr. El Henderson is associated with the Action Leaders Forum’s Speakers Bureau.

A Pre-Bid Conference Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, beginning at 10:00 AM in the Physical Plant Conference Room, Physical Plant & Auxiliary Services Building, 505 East Main Street, Raymond, Mississippi.

Attendance by the General Contractors Is not required to bid the job; however, attendance by the General Contractors is strongly suggested.

Bid preparation will be in accordance with Instructions to bidders bound in the Project Manual. Hinds Community College reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any or all bids submitted.

Bids must be submitted on the form to be furnished by the Project Professional. Bid envelope must be sealed, marked and addressed as follows: Hinds Community College 2020 Track Renovations (Raymond Campus) c/o Office of the Director of Purchasing D.G. “Sonny” Fountain Hall 608 Hinds Boulevard, Room 208 (Post Office Box 1100) Raymond, Mississippi 39154 2TC: 04-09, 16-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------NOTICE OF SALE Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles, that the 1989 WHGM J96 bearing serial number 4GTT9C4C1KV801792 and registered to Lakeside Management LLC (Lien Holder: Bank of Yazoo City) will be sold along with all contents of the above automobile for repair and storage charges and for the costs of this sale as follows: Date of Sale: May 4, 2020 Place of Sale: S&S Towing and Recovery, 330 Northmart Plaza #3, Jackson, MS 39206 Time of Sale: 10:00 A.M. Seller reserves the right to bid on the above property and to reject any and all bids.

3TC: 04-16, 23, 30-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------NOTICE OF SALE

414 S. State Street, Suite 104 • Jackson, MS 39201 • janews@thejacksonadvocate.com • (601) 948-4122

“God Gave of His Best, Now We Give You Our Best” Address: PO Box 9955 • Jackson, MS 39286 Phone: (601) 982-2277 • Fax: (601) 982-2162 Email: christiansitters.ms@gmail.com Website: www.christiansittersinc.com Business Hours: 24-hour service, 7 days a week

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

April 16-22, 2020

11A

EDUCATION Millsaps staying strong The Doctoral Scholars Program during COVID-19 pandemic

By Dr. James E. Sulton, Jr. JA Higher Education Correspondent

By Dr. Robert W. Pearigen Millsaps College President

Like every college and university in the country and beyond, Millsaps College is facing the challenges of adapting to the restrictions brought about by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Our students went on spring break in early March but were not able to return to campus, and have now shifted to remote instruction. Reports indicate that although things are

Dr. Robert W. Pearigen certainly different, our faculty continue to deliver an exceptional educational experience and our students maintain their commitment to learning.

Several students have said to me that being together in a virtual classroom is far better than learning alone.

Our faculty have gone above and beyond the call of duty to move to a virtual teaching platform, and I commend them for their continued dedication and creativity in finding ways to engage their students.

Consider the theatre professor who doesn’t view solitude or isolation as an obstacle to his teaching, but instead encourages students to use the present circumstances as a muse for their creativity, such as a spring “virtual dance production” currently posted to our social media pages.

Consider the chemistry professor who can still teach general and organic chemistry on a smart board, but meets the challenge of en-

gaging students in laboratory experiments by filming a colleague running through the necessary processes and collecting the data, which allows students to still practice data analysis.

Our staff are working from home and supporting the needs of the students and the college during a highly stressful time. The bookstore staff who make sure student mail is forwarded to their homes, the IT staff who keep us all virtually connected, and the student life staff who work tirelessly to keep a sense of community, albeit virtually – their work and the work of so many others is invaluable.

All of them – students, faculty, and staff – are demonstrating the best of Millsaps on a daily basis.

Their dedication to learning, teaching, and sustaining is remarkable, and I am confident that Millsaps will emerge on the other side of this crisis stronger than ever.

I am also heartened by the work of our alumni across the country, many of them on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus. Physicians, nurses, clergy, teachers, artists – all offering their talent and skills and many risking their health and safety during a time of tremendous need.

Yes, there are challenges for us now – challenges with regard to finances, enrollment, and operations. But with those challenges come opportunities, and I am confident we will make the most of those before us and create new ones on our own.

Our seniors will earn their degrees and our incoming students will be greeted with open arms. Our faculty will return to the classrooms better equipped than ever, continuing the genuine and personal mentoring that has supported our students in the past and even more so during this present time. All of us will gather in the Bowl again and celebrate everything we love about Millsaps.

LANIER ALL CLASS REUNION 2020

CHANGE OF DATES: From June 12, 13, 14, 2020 to JUNE 11, 12, 13, 2021.

Continue to send in your Registration Fee. Be sure to hold these dates for 2021. For any questions, please contact Lee Bernard (‘68): text 601-960-0030 or email lbernardjr@comcast.net.

The Doctoral Scholars Program (DSP) began in 1988-89 under the aegis of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) based in Atlanta at a time when diversity programs were somewhat in vogue.

State level higher education agencies promoted initiatives to increase recruitment, retention, and graduation of Sulton students, hire faculty, and staff and improve the climate on college campuses. It was a different era.

The DSP was a determined effort to fill a void that had been apparent for a long time.

A disparate need existed due to the lack of African American, Latinx, Asian American and American Indian scholars and the students that stood to benefit from having them. This divide had been acknowledged for many years without ever having been effectively addressed by higher education.

Three decades ago the SREB took determined action to alleviate the problem. Sometimes collaborating with other regional higher education agencies and always working with individual institutions wherever willing partners could be found, the SREB mounted and sustained a wide ranging effort.

The initiative that began with six participating states in the southern region and later grew to include eleven of the sixteen member states as participants.

Today, there are 106 institutions of higher education with participating scholars in the program.

Though perhaps not widely known at the time, the Doctoral Scholars Program started initiatives like the McKnight Fellowship Program in Florida which had been successfully operating for years. Other similar initiatives included the Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship Program, the Ronald McNair Scholars program, and the Ph.D. Project. These programs targeted many fields of study and academic disciplines.

The McKnight Program offered a template for the SREB to use in designing its program.

The McKnight Program had illustrative data to share as well as the benefit of learned experiences from which the SREB could learn. Momentum grew along with zeal for the initiative.

Twenty-seven years later, the program remains strong.

Dr. Ansley Abraham has directed the DSP throughout its

history. He notes that the fundamental requirements for generating more minority faculty members have proven immutable. Unless doctoral recruitment and retention programs have authoritative leadership, measurable goals and objectives, and accountability for results, they will not succeed. A minority faculty program must have strong support at both the institutional and state levels of higher education to yield results.

The Doctoral Scholars Program has always had these features.

The DSP guides promising graduate students of color to join the membership ranks of higher education faculty at American colleges and universities. This happens through a sustained programmatic push focused on degree completion and becoming a faculty member. Twentyseven years after its start, the SREB program has more than withstood the test of time. Its 1,000th successful student completed a doctorate in January 2020.

Among the essential features of the DSP is continuous financial support for doctoral candidates. Experience has shown that many candidates who begin but do not complete the doctoral programs they undertake quit for non-academic reasons. In other words, life experiences unfold in ways that upset planned steps toward obtaining a doctoral degree.

SREB furnishes a five-year package of financial support for its candidates. The SREB sustains candidates for three years of study to complete their course work and pass their preliminary exams. The sponsoring institutions of doctoral candidates underwrite an additional two years of academic work for the candidates. Beyond this, dependable assistance through a dissertation completion year helps candidates to complete their programs of study.

The Institute on Teaching and Mentoring represents another key programmatic feature of the DSP. The institute nurtures professional development and entry

into the professoriate. Through their participation in this mentoring experience, candidates become aware of the barriers they may encounter along the road to tenure.

For example, one form of entrapment for new faculty members is for them to become informal counselors or advisors for multitudes of students of color who happen coincidentally to be enrolled at the institutions where they work. This is an easy mistake to make. It is also hard to

Dr. Ansley Abraham avoid. DSP candidates are assured that helping minority students in as many ways as they can is a good thing. However, they are also made aware that neglecting other job requirements can be detrimental to their careers.

Tenured faculty professionals reinforce the point to candidates that “publish or perish” remains virtual law in the academy. New professors ignore that reality at their peril. The Institute on Teaching and Mentoring teaches about getting published in referred journals and following the best practices to promote academic careers.

The annual event affords candidates access to more than 50 interactive sessions and introduces them to tenured faculty members and other speakers who can help launch their professional careers. The SREB brings experts from all over the country to deliver presentations and serve as guides for the program participants every year.

Beyond this, doctoral pro-

gram candidates learn how to enhance their professional prospects. They become aware that some flagship institutions compete intensely to hire superstars with national name recognition but not as hard to sign new faculty members.

The burden of placement rests on doctoral candidates themselves to a large extent.

One study was conducted to learn how program graduates garner posts at higher education institutions. Its findings showed that approximately 86% of all DSP finishers had moved forward to work at an institution of higher learning in one professional capacity or another. Even those new doctorate holders who did not follow a traditional academic career path had been impactful in a professional role.

Doctoral Scholars who have participated in the program are working all over the United States now. They serve in more than 40 states and 13 countries. Moreover, there are over 500 students working toward Ph.D.’s at various institutions of higher education throughout the country. One major challenge they confront as doctoral candidates is to obtain continuous financial support or assistance from the various states associated with the SREB program. The crux of the program has always been monetary support. It costs a great deal for students to complete their doctoral degree programs.

Outcomes from the DSP over the years have been phenomenal. Besides faculty members, these programs have produced numerous administrators, including deans, provosts, and college presidents.

Evaluations reveal that the program genuinely enhances American higher education. Its results fly in the face of advocacy to stifle diversity efforts in higher education. Its existence gives the lie to perennial myths about why students of color cannot excel or even qualify to become faculty members in higher education.

12A

April 16-22, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

Tests continuation from page 1A that the officer is currently off work and undergoing medical treatment for the illness. It also states that the situation is being actively monitored, and the Sheriff’s Office is in contact with officials of the MS State Department of Health. Mayor Lumumba also expresses that “it is imperative that we move on this as quickly as possible.”

The tests ordered for the City of Jackson are PCR (polymerise chain reaction) tests and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Emergency Use Authorization. This is the most popular test on the market to date and it tests the genetic marker for the coronavirus which is its RNA. Because it tests for the antigens in the body, which are foreign substances that require

an immune response, it is able to catch the virus in a person’s system early on. The way to test is similar to a flu test where a swab is inserted into a person’s nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal passageway, according to the FDA. However, there have been reports that PCR test results may come back flawed, so there is a downside.

The mayor has also secured a local distributor, The P3 Group, Inc., of Co-Diagnostics, Inc., and has identified a local lab that will provide test results, but they are not under a city contract as of today. He also noted that the significant price point for the tests was due to price mark ups. “Because there has been no regulation to date on the cost of this equipment, essentially there’s

price gouging. Masks have gone from .25 cents a mask to $7 per mask,” he stated.

It should also be noted that The P3 Group, Inc., which acts as a middleman between the national distributor of the test and the buyer, has originally operated as a realty and development firm. They have now seized the opportunity that this pandemic has offered to add “public private partnership” to their list of ventures.

All tests will be administered through a partnership with Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center (JHCHC). Dr. Robert Blaine, Chief Administrative Officer for the city, outlines the testing directive: “This is part of a partnership to try and create a comprehensive strategy to be able to fight against

COVID-19 in our community.

They are now setting up drivethrough testing facilities. One will be on Medgar Evers and one will be in South Jackson.

They are also creating a testing center for the homeless to ensure that we work with the homeless population. As well, they have a medical provision bus that they will drive to Raymond to be able to test folks that are detained at the jail.” Testing will be based on symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, incessant coughing, and shortness of breath. JHCHC will provide a hotline for people with symptoms to call. It is not known if this hotline is different from their standard phone line, which is (601) 362-5321.

Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote questioned why the city

only ordered 6,000 tests for a city of over 175,000 people.

Mayor Lumumba noted that the tests were ordered based on the estimated infection rate. Dr. Blaine notes, “If we said that half the population was at risk, we’d be looking at a little bit over 80,000 people. The infection rate per hundred thousand is around 3-6%, so 6,000 kits would put us in that range.”

By mathematical standards, the 6,000 tests would account for an infection rate of 7.5%.

Mayor Lumumba impressed on the council that the tests were only in addition to state testing already being done.

Ward 2 Councilman Melvin Priester asked about reimbursement under the disaster declaration, to which Dr. Blaine answered that the tests were reimbursable under the

CARES Act, but he wasn’t sure at what percentage. Also, through Councilman Priester’s inquiry, it was ascertained that the tests were already in the city’s possession, refrigerated in dry ice, and would be turned over to JHCHC as soon as possible.

Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks asked about forgivable financing for PPE (personal protective equipment) through grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in regard to when employees begin returning back to work, which Mayor Lumumba responded that he is looking into.

In a special council meeting on Wednesday, April 15, it was revealed that the test is a rapid test which takes about 60-90 minutes to process.

Greenville continuation from page 1A services and others had drive-in services, but still congregated outside their cars.

Between March 17, the date of the Council’s original order, and April 2, 2020, the date of the Governor’s Shelter-In-Place Order, the mayor and council were actively engaged with clergy and faith-based leaders in support of all of the social distancing measures they were taking, which included drive-in services and electronic broadcasts and meetings. During this period, some churches continued in-person services that exceeded 10 people. And, we began to receive calls from around the community and state about violations, while some faith leaders publicly refused to comply with the Council’s March 17th Order.

In the meantime, the number of confirmed cases in Washington County increased from 1 confirmed case on March 20, 2020 to 31 confirmed cases on April 2, 2020.

On April 2, 2020, the Governor entered Mississippi’s Shelter-InPlace Order.

The next morning, on Friday, April 3, 2020, the Mississippi Department of Health issued its guideline, stating, “Because of recent COVID-19 cases specifically linked to church gatherings, it is vital that Mississippians not attend in-person church services at any church or other type of facility.’

Up to this point, despite

the known violations and in light of the increase of confirmed cases, no citations were issued.

I continued conversations with clergy and faithbased leaders to ensure there was clarity around the original Council order, the Governor’s ShelterIn-Place Order, and the Mississippi Department of Health guideline about church gatherings. Those conversations included several discussions specifically about drive-in services. Moreover, on a call of the Governor with Mississippi mayors, the question of drive-in services came up and the Governor stated that drive-in services will not work because people of faith like to fellowship.

In light of this statement, the Governor’s Shelter-InPlace Order, CDC guidelines, the MS State Department of Health guidelines on church gatherings, known violators, the capacity of our police force to monitor over 100 churches, the limited number of hospital beds, and the looming date in which PPEs, medical supplies, and healthcare resources will run out, the Council had a lengthy discussion at the City Council meeting.

In this context, on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, the Greenville City Council, with a vote of 4 to 1, issued a stricter order on church services to address the influx of calls that churches were violating the first order and CDC guidelines. This order allowed for pastors, musicians, and production/

media teams in the churches so long as there were no more than 10 people and banned drive-in services. This order was put in place for the sole purpose of saving lives and preventing the spread of COVID-19 specifically linked to church gatherings. On that date, the number of confirmed cases stood at 40, with 1 confirmed death. Still, no citations were issued.

On the following day, April 8, 2020, officers arrived at Temple Baptist Church after several calls that it was having drivein services. Parishioners were kindly asked by law enforcement to leave. Most members immediately left.

Only those members who refused to leave were issued citations. These were the first citations issued after three weeks of defiance. At no point in time have our officers raided or staked out any place of worship.

In a separate incident, on Thursday, April 9, 2020, officers were called to King James Baptist Church under provocation of its pastor regarding the April 7th Order. Many of you have seen this incident captioned on Facebook Live, which did not result in any citations to the pastor or parishioners as they were in compliance with the Order. There were less than 5 people present including the pastor at this particular church.”

The pastor, nevertheless, complained that he was going to have service because it was his (First Amendment) right. From

there, he scheduled an interview with the local television station.

On April 13, Mayor Simmons held a news conference to clarify the matter. In that conference, he explained that the reason for the order was to protect the health and lives of Greenvillians due to the three-week history of violations of the council’s first order. The mayor further explained that the April 7 order built upon the governor’s executive order to Shelter-In-Place and the CDC and MSDH health department’s guidelines regarding gatherings of 10 or less; that the order would become null and void once the governor’s executive order is lifted; and that in order to help the city move ahead in a more united manner, the $500 tickets issued on April 8 would not have to be paid. The mayor also challenged the governor to provide clear, bold, and definitive leadership on the matter.

Those are the basic facts.

The rest of the story is now history, and can be seen from its religious, racial and political angles.

The religious angle was played-up, because it had to do with church services. It always seems newsworthy when there is a supposed conflict between church and state. It has been a source of controversy since before the Bill of Rights was written.

Therefore, the events of April 8 and 9 quickly caught the attention of the public.

Opponents of the city order had their sound-bites heard by the public. Added to them, however, was the threat of a lawsuit by Temple Baptist Church (which has now been filed in federal court) and the fact that both pastors of Temple Baptist Church and Rev. Hamilton of King James Baptist Church went on Fox News to blast the mayor. It also happened that Governor Tate Reeves got in on the act, suggesting that the order of the Greenville City Council was not in keeping with his Shelter In-Place Order.

As of April 14, 2020, a federal lawsuit has been filed

by Temple Baptist Church.

We must wait to see what, if anything else, develops from the incidents. One question is whether or not certain church-goers will continue to press the matter of inperson, especially large, congregational services.

The racial angle to the story can be seen as a white congregation deciding to defy the black city leaders. It can be seen in the willingness of a black pastor to go on FOX News, which has a well-earned racist reputation, to air his complaint and the network’s eagerness to accommodate him.

The thrust of the attack in this news story, nevertheless, is much more political than religious or even racial. The political angle can be seen from several perspectives.

First of all, it should be noted that the attack was on the mayor, more so than

the city council, which issued the order. Second, in his discussion with FOX News, Rev. Hamilton felt the need to say that Simmons supported the Democratic candidate in the recent gubernatorial election.

Reeves further muddied the waters by trying to make it appear that Democrats are anti-religious. Third, there is no mention by any of the media outlets that Simmons and his family have strong religious backgrounds in the Baptist and Methodist churches in Greenville; that one of his first initiatives as mayor was the “Worship on the City Waterfront” program each fifth Sunday.

(This is a program wherein 60 or more pastors and their congregations, black and white, Catholic and Protestant, have engaged in religious services by the riverfront.) Finally, Mayor Simmons has made it possible through arrangements with radio stations WBAD and WESY to have local church services broadcast so that the elderly can experience their favorite services at home. Thus, it is easy to see that he is not anti-religious as the first news story might have one believe.

Nevertheless, based upon the Holy Week incidents, Mayor Simmons and his brother, State Senator Derrick Simmons, have been receiving death threats.

This is a serious political matter that is hiding behind the facade of a struggle for religious freedom.

enough. Even before the ink was dry on that first money bill, Trump and his Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin leaned on the Republicanruled Senate to pass another $2.3 trillion. Although thousands of business owners have been and still are complaining that the banks are blocking them from getting the money allocated for them in the first bill, Trump and the Republicans claimed they need another $250 billion immediately to help small businesses with loans or to get into the Paycheck Protection Program, i.e., to obtain loans to pay their employees, which would be transformed to a grant if they kept them on for eight weeks.

Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats said they wouldn’t allow Republicans to get their $250 billion unless they included an equal amount of money for local governments, hospitals, and food programs to feed families now out of work.

Republicans tried to sneak a favorable “unanimous consent” vote through the Senate last Thursday on a $250 billion bill to fund the Paycheck Protection Program

(PPP), but Dems blocked it, insisting that an additional $250 billion for the states, food programs, and hospitals should be included.

The National Governors Association called Saturday (April 11) for $500 billion to go to states to cover their revenue shortfalls during the lockdowns and economic freeze.

Thompson says he believes the President is at serious odds with most Americans and will likely lose his reelection bid in November.

“I think the public has said, ‘This guy Trump has stretched the limits of legality so far that the only way we’re going to have to fix it is at the ballot box,’” he said. “So, it started a year and a half ago when the house of representatives flipped right before his eyes.

Democrats have started winning. And you can tell from the winning that anything that comes up in the Democrats’ favor, Trump is upset.

But I’m convinced that the public has been so embarrassed over his conduct over the last 3-plus years that they can’t wait until November to fix it.”

Stimulus continuation from page 1A vided by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a public watchdog group.

Questions of accountability quickly come to mind: Everyday people will get a total of $550 billion of the $2.2 trillion from the CARES Act. Who gets the other $1.7 trillion?

There’s a saying in Washington that 10 percent of any money bill disappears before the money gets out of D.C. And 10 percent of a trillion dollars is a hundred billion. By this measure, $220 billion of the $2.2 trillion would have evaporated before it left Washington.

Lost, strayed, stolen?

“This administration doesn’t believe in accountability,” Congressman Bennie Thompson, Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said Tuesday.

“Here, you have a Republican President who ran for the office while talking about draining the swamp, fiscal responsibility, and tightening your belt. But he has been the complete opposite.”

On March 15, two weeks before the Congressional bill became law, the Federal Reserve spent $700 billion

to keep the nation’s banks flush with cash, purportedly “to shelter the economy from the effects of the virus.” This money was a completely separate package from the money bill passed by Congress. A short while later, the Fed announced that by midsummer it would purchase an additional $500 billion in bonds and debts from the states, cities, and counties, as well as Washington D.C. to keep them from defaulting and facing bankruptcy. The average citizen is kept on the outside of these monetary transactions.

KUSHNER IN CHARGE President Donald Trump has put his son-in-law Jared Kushner in charge of a major part of the rescue operation.

It helps to remember that in 2017 Trump also put Jared in charge of his proposed trillion-dollar Infrastructure program that never saw the light of day. Could they be making up for lost opportunities?

Congressman Thompson said this appointment has the appearance of a conflict-ofinterest for both the President and Kushner. Given

that both Trump and Kushner, through his father, had longstanding reputations of cheating and circumventing the law prior to Trump’s occupancy of the White House, Thompson suggests that the current relationship should be kept under close scrutiny by the oversight agencies.

“Ostensibly, Trump set up this procurement body headed by Jared Kushner, his son-in-law,” Thompson said. “Most people would try to stay away from even an appearance of a conflict. But Trump makes a mockery of that whole process and appoints his son-in-law. That is about as big a conflict as one could have.”

The Associate Press reported on March 26 that the $2.2 trillion “package” was “carefully written” to prevent Trump and his family from taking any of the money. “But the fine print reveals that businesses owned

by Trump and his family still may be eligible for some assistance,” AP said.

Trump fired the Inspector General that Congress confirmed as a watchdog over the $2.2 trillion. Someone else is filling in as active IG

for the program.

Bennie Thompson says it was not illegal for the president to fire the inspector general that Congress had selected.

“It is inherent in the president’s authority to appoint the Inspector General,” he said.

“Traditionally, that individual has always acted outside the purview of politics. Trump, however, has made a mockery of the old standards of the inspector general’s oversight and responsibility. From a legislative standpoint, we can pass the legislation, and we can put into law those things we think should be there, but the ultimate decider is the executive. Now, there are standards for procurement that generally they will still have to adhere to. But, because we are in what is considered a disaster mode, some of those things can be waived due to the urgency of the situation.

And Trump has mastered using the urgency of the situation to the advantage of himself and his supporters.”

MORE TRILLIONS Despite the enormity of the amount of the rescue funds, that still wasn’t

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

April 16-22, 2020

Do you have questions about the COVID-19 Stimulus Bill?

Please refer to the COVID-19 Stimulus Report on my Congressional website:

https://benniethompson.house.gov (Newsletter Archive)

Don’t forget to 

November 3, 2020

!!!! 

RE-ELECT BENNIE THOMPSON U.S. Representative for Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District Email address: bennie_thompson@bellsouth.net Website: benniethompson.com Phone: (601) 866-9100 • (866) 423-6643 PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF BENNIE THOMPSON

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April 16-22, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

Hinds County School District Weekly Update!

Engaging • Empowering • Ensuring • Excellence

HCSD shares tips on how to slow or prevent the spread of COVID-19 As with other respiratory infections like the flu or the common cold, public health measures are critical to slow the spread of illnesses. Based on the latest guidance from the Mississippi State Department of Health, individuals should adhere to the following:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand rub with at least 70% alcohol.

• Avoid any gatherings with more than 10 people.

HCSD providing weekly to-go breakfast and lunch for students The Hinds County School District (HCSD) is now serving to-go meals for students weekly. Students will be given a to-go lunch for the day and a breakfast for the following morning. Meals will be provided for children ages 18 and under, Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the following school sites (The student must be present in order to receive the meal.):

The HCSD is asking any parents who have relocated and/or changed their contact information to go to the district website at www.hinds.k12.ms.us and take the Update Your Contact Information Survey. This will allow the district to better communicate with its parents and mail students their “Blended Study at Home Course Work” during our school closure.

Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School

9700 I-20, Bolton, MS 39041

Gary Road Elementary School

7255 Gary Road, Byram, MS 39272

Raymond Elementary School

417 Palestine Road, Raymond, MS 39154

Terry High School

235 West Beasley Road, Terry, MS 39170

Utica Elementary/Middle School

260 Highway 18 and 27, Utica, MS 39175

The HCSD is asking all parents to go to the district website at

www.hinds.k12.ms.us and take the High-Speed Internet Survey.

The information from the survey will allow the district to determine your home internet capability for various devices (desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablets).

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

April 16-22, 2020

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STATE/METRO Buie family expands Iowa business to serve Brookhaven

By Brinda Fuller Willis, PhD Jackson Advocate Contributing Writer

Brookhaven, MS native son, Frederick V. Buie, is expanding his Iowa/Keystone Electrical Manufacturing business to his hometown.

Buie is a 1974 Bachelor’s degree graduate of Mississippi State University, where he also received his Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering. Upon graduation from MSU, General Electric sought his talents. Over a seventeen-year tenure, he served as a Project and Quality Engineer with Production Management duties across five business groups.

He purchased Keystone in 1998 and has successfully run the business with his wife, Valeska Lemon Buie, who is also the Keystone Vice President/Co-Owner. They have been in business for more than 22 years. Originally from Columbus, MS, Mrs. Buie is a Mississippi State University Computer Science and Industrial Engineering graduate (1977) and received her MBA from Mississippi College (1984).

The newly expanded Mississippi arm of the Keystone Company will be located at 702 Saints Trail and housed in a 54,000 square-foot facility in the Agracel building of the City of Brookhaven’s Linbrook Business Park. The investment totals approximately $4M initially, creating 30 new jobs. Keystone produces protection and control relay panels, medium voltage switchgear, and turnkey control centers used in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power for the utility industry nationwide.

The Keystone expansion has allowed president Buie to develop strategic partnerships with several local Brookhaven entities and the greater Mississippi business community. The Mississippi Development Authority is aiding the Agracel building improvements. Additional partnerships include the Brookhaven Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, Cooperative Energy, Southwest

Frederick Buie, President of Valeska Lemon Buie, Vice PresKeystone Electrical Manufac- ident and Co-Owner of Keyturing and Brookhaven native stone Electrical Manufacturing

Electrical technician works on A truck delivers a control building to Keystone site in Brookhaven. panels at Keystone.

Mississippi Electric Power Association, and the CopiahLincoln Community College Workforce Development Center.

In a previous statement with the Mississippi Development Authority, Buie said, “Keystone is very pleased to be expanding to Brookhaven. The workforce, operating costs, and proximity to customers were key factors in our decision. All the agencies involved were very responsive and had the information we needed at their fingertips. Additionally, the opportunity to bring jobs and investments to my hometown is very special. It was an easy decision.”

According to an interview with the Jackson Advocate, Fred Buie stated, “Keystone will build up to a total of 30 employees, hiring local electrical technicians with a two-year certification, and/or equivalent experience, as much as possible with pay ranging from $15-19 per hour. However, I will probably bring one or two employees from the Keystone/Iowa operation at first and I will be in Brookhaven initially. I will then drop in once or twice a month as I’m needed, splitting my time between Iowa and Mississippi to facilitate the need for my presence.

“We have postponed the opening due to the coronavirus, but we are hoping for a June or July

2020 opening date. Right now, we have closed on the building and acquiring bids on the build out. Purchasing functions will remain in Iowa, but we will use as many local suppliers as possible. Most of our purchased materials are specified by our customers and come from suppliers such as General Electric, ABB, and Electroswitch. Brookhaven

Buie states, “As a wife and business partner, I’m excited and supportive of the expansion to Brookhaven. I oversee hiring, employee benefits, Department of Labor, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), reporting time and attendance, and payroll systems for Keystone. I am able to utilize my more than 25 years of IT experi-

was ideal for the Keystone expansion, because it was first and foremost a familiar place and it offered an available workforce with favorable real estate costs with a community that I feel can appreciate and benefit economically from a business model such as Keystone. Also, I have other business interests in Brookhaven, and we’ve maintained a residence in Brookhaven for several years.

Additionally, I have continued to operate a 350-acre timber farm in the rural area.”

Keystone/Iowa Vice President and Co-Owner, Valeska Lemon

ence to assist in the infrastructure of the business. My college courses in engineering afford me a level of technical understanding of the manufacturing processes of Keystone. Being a woman working in a male-dominated field, I am keenly aware of how important it is to advocate for more women to be counted in the industry. Therefore, I am proud to say that Keystone employs ap-

American Association of State Colleges, Universities invites JSU VP/Chief of Staff to join Millennium Leadership Initiative as 2020-21 cohort JANS – Dr. Debra MaysJackson, Vice President for Student Success and Chief of Staff at Jackson State University, has been selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) as a member of its 2020 cohort for the Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI).

JSU Vice President and Chief of Staff Dr. Debra Mays-Jackson joins the coveted 2020-21 cohort of the Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

The MLI program helps underrepresented senior-level higher education professionals ascend to the presidency.

Since joining JSU in 2017, Mays-Jackson has served in a multifaceted role that provides oversight for JSU’s Internal Audit, Public Safety, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Title III Departments.

“I am honored to have been selected for the 2020-21 AASCU Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) cohort. The MLI is known for enhancing leadership skills, fostering professional networks, and establishing holistic educational philosophies that have proven

to be an essential foundation for a future college or university presidency. I intend to utilize this collaborative opportunity to glean much from my mentors and peers. I anxiously await the start of the program.

It is with the greatest of ‘Tiger Pride’ that I represent Jackson State University,” Mays-Jackson said.

AASCU’s MLI program assists underrepresented groups of senior-level higher education professionals to develop valuable skills to advance to the presidency. Since its inception 21 years ago, MLI has helped higher education institutions in diversifying its executive leadership.

“This is a great opportunity for Dr. Mays-Jackson to get the tools she needs for the next step in her career,” said Thomas Hudson, J.D., acting president.

“She is a decisive and astute leader who exemplifies excellence in her daily work.”

Before her role at JSU, she was the first woman vice president of Hinds Community CollegeUtica Campus and the first African American female on the Hinds Community College President’s Cabinet. There, she supervised operations of the Utica and Vicksburg-Warren campuses and was responsible for administrative services at all six HCC campuses that included EEOC, affirmative action, and civil rights. She coordinated a 37 percent hike in enrollment at the Utica and Vicksburg campuses, reestablished the agriculture program and coordinated numerous capacity-building projects through Title III.

Her collegiate experience at HCC-Utica after Terry High School was the start of her successful association with that institution, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Piano Performance.

As part of her lifelong commitment to education, she serves as an adjunct professor at JSU in the Education Leadership Department.

Mays-Jackson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music for Piano Performance; a Master of Arts in Music Education; and a Specialist degree in Education Administration from Jackson State University. Also, she earned a Doctorate from Mississippi State University in Education Administration and Supervision.

proximately a 30% ethnically diverse female workforce.”

Addressing the historic significance and economic impact of the Keystone expansion in Brookhaven, Keystone/VP Lemon Buie expressed her sentiments this way, “Fred and I see Keystone as a legacy business that the Buie family has established in Iowa and now will also have a footprint in Brookhaven – a place where the Buie name can contribute to the economic development of the region and Mississippi. Keystone will provide jobs that will hopefully elevate the employees’ standard of living in the Buie hometown, which Fred is, and has always been, extremely passionate about.

The Keystone expansion in Brookhaven allows him to exercise his vision in a place where he knows the people generationally, many of whom he grew up with as a child in Brookhaven. And, being a Mississippian also, I am relishing the opportunity to be a part of an entity that helps to raise the standard of living in a state that I grew up in… that gives me great pride.”

Frederick Buie is a graduate of Brookhaven High School and Valeska Lemon Buie is graduate of Lee High School in Columbus, Mississippi. They met while students at Mississippi State University and have sustained

over 40 years of marriage while raising three now adult children that have given them two grandchildren. Valeska is the daughter of the late Booker and Sylvia Lemon of Columbus. Frederick is the son of the late Jesse and Leatrice Buie of Brookhaven.

The Jackson Advocate will follow up on the Keystone expansion in Brookhaven when the grand opening takes place.

According to the most recent Brookhaven Census data (2018): • Total Population = 12,289 (2018) • African American Population = 55.6% • Caucasian Population = 42.9% • African American Owned Businesses = Unknown at press time • Median Age = 36 • Median Income = $31,844 (2018) • Highest Paid Jobs = Architecture, Engineering, Management Business & Financial, Computer, Mathematical, Engineering, and Science • Highest Paid Industry = Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas Extraction, Transportation & Warehousing, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting • Poverty Rate = 29.9% (Most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Brookhaven is Black)

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April 16-22, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

Entertainment MEDA MADE IT: Hispanic drum major is the first in history of JSU’s renowned Sonic Boom

JANS – If a ball of energy were a person, Marvin Garcia Meda would probably be one. The first-year biology premed student partly credits his energy for helping him secure a coveted spot as a member of J5 – the exclusive drum major squad for the Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band.

This accomplishment makes Meda Marvin Meda the first Hispanic drum major in the history of the Boom.

“I almost teared up, but I was like you have to ‘hold it in, Marvin,’” said Meda, whose mother emigrated from Guatemala to the U.S in the mid-90s.

Dr. Roderick Little, Associate Director of Bands and Marching Band Director at JSU, calls the moment groundbreaking and emphasizes that the program encourages excellence from all. As long as students can “get the job done,” said Little, and uphold the morals and standards of the university, they are fit for leadership positions.

Little added that diversity brings about new ideas from people with different perspectives and backgrounds that strengthen organizations. The director said the more positive and forward-thinking ideas an organization can have, the further the organization will flourish. Little calls the Sonic Boom a “micro-environment” that reflects the world around it.

“Having a Hispanic drum major speaks to the influence the Sonic Boom has on all ethnicities, not just African Americans. This can also be seen with the viral sensation Justin Heideman (white drum major) from Jefferson Davis High School in Montgomery, Alabama,” said Little, who also serves as Instructor of Music in the Department of Music. “He does a phenomenal job with adopting the J5 drum major style and has

gotten major publicity for it. Our style is definitely second to none, and it all originated here at JSU.” The J5 style may have originated at JSU, but that has not stopped former band members from sharing it with youth throughout the nation. Growing up in Dallas, Meda said he was introduced to the sound of the Sonic Boom and the J5 style as a student at Skyline High School. Meda’s band director, Carlton Williams, is a JSU graduate and former member of the Boom. Williams and Little are also longtime friends.

“Mr. Williams is one of the many outstanding alumni that we have in the field of music education who teaches in the secondary sector. We rely heavily on our alumni to send us quality students, because they know exactly what we look for,” Little said.

“My freshman year (at Skyline), I had so much energy in the stands.

Mr. Williams had to tell me all the time to calm down,” said 19-yearold Meda from his Texas home.

During his junior year, Meda auditioned and was chosen to be a Skyline drum major. It’s a position he held until his graduation. In fall 2019, Meda began his studies at Jackson State University, making him the first in his family to pursue higher education. He shares that title with his twin brother, Kevin Garcia Meda, who is enrolled at a community college in Dallas.

“I wanted to go to Jackson State because of the Boom. I like the way they were disciplined,” Meda explained. “The weight that they carry.

Plus, the people. They have amazing band directors like Dr. Little, Dr. (Lowell) Hollinger and Mr. (Kevon) Johnson.”

Motivated by a belief in himself, Meda began to prepare for J5 auditions held in early March 2020.

“I wanted to make history. I wanted to become the first Hispanic member of J5, and it happened. I just had to put the work in and get it done,” he said.

Meda shared that the band’s up-

Marvin Meda, a freshman at Jackson State University and member of the Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band, appears with the 2020-2021 J5 drum majors. They consist of Gemal Duncan, Nathanial Kenner, Xavian Mitchell and Gregory Turner. (Photos special to JSU) perclassmen and his fellow bandmates, which include Skyline alums such as Xavian Mitchell and Paolo Martinez, were also supportive throughout the process. He also attributes his success to technology and mentorship. Meda said Coach Isaiah Hicks and Tyler Battle are JSU alums and former members of the Boom. Both men work at Skyline, where Battle trains the Skyline drum majors.

“I would FaceTime them (including Williams) like during winter break and other days to see what I could do to better myself and my moves,” said Meda, who chose the song “Off the Wall” by Michael Jackson for his JSU tryout.

According to Meda, those vying to join the J5 must go through a series of challenges that include an attention sequence, conducting, and a dance routine.

“We have to show the band director that we can conduct the band without them being there. We also need to show that we can control the mace (ceremonial staff) because drum majors use a mace with their moves,” he explains. “Then, you have your individual routine where you can be creative and make up your moves and stuff.”

Little contends that those who doubt the Dallas native can meet the challenges of J5 style are in for a surprise. “That’s because he totally crushes misguided, stereotypical expectations once you see him perform. He has a special type of ‘flair’

and ‘swag’ when he executes the moves,” Little said. “Headed by our newly appointed head drum major, Nathanial Keener, this 2020-2021 J5 group will be second to none.”

In addition to Meda, Little announced the members of the Sonic Boom of the South’s J5 as Kenner, a sophomore Civil-Engineering major; Mitchell, a freshman Graphic Design major; Gemal Duncan, a

freshman Electrical Engineering Major; and Gregory Turner, a freshman Music Technology major.

Meda shouts out Williams for traveling to his audition and recording it. He said that his mother learned of the news through Williams’ Facebook post, and she was moved to tears. His brother, Kevin, was equally enthusiastic. “He was like, ‘I love you, Bro. I’m proud of

you, man. You can do whatever you want to do,” said Meda, who plans to become a pediatrician.

“Of course, my mom, she always wanted – you know Hispanic parents – they always want you to be a doctor,” he said, laughing. “You know, I’m doing it for my mom, but mostly for me, because I really want to work with kids.”

As for right now, Meda said he is enjoying his college experience with the Boom. He noted that one of the most memorable moments thus far was the last football game of the season.

“I think it’s every freshmen’s favorite part because of the bonding we did afterward. We took pictures together, and all your hard work in the fall feels like it’s finally paid off,” he said. “My section became my family.

My section leader, Paola Martinez, is like a mother, because she’s helping to raise me up in the Boom. Everyone is like aunties, uncles, sisters, and brothers. We’re a family.”

The Central Mississippi Blues Society represented their organization at the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Art Day at the Capitol, which was held March 5. Pictured (l-r): Frances Flemings, Nettie Stowers, Malcolm Shepherd, and Hilliard Williams.

(Photo by Andrew Welch)

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

April 16-22, 2020

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CPSD DISTANCE LEARNING

Although all public schools will remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Canton Public School District continues to engage its students by using technology. Students are immersed in learning through the weekly online resources offered. The district also provides printed materials for students without internet access or digital devices.

CANTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT SERVES LUNCH-TO-GO The health and well-being of our students is our top priority. We want to make sure our students have access to wel-balanced meals during this time.

Therefore, the Canton Public School District began serving Lunch-To-Go Monday through Friday on March 23, 2020 and will continue until further notice at McNeal and Canton elementary schools. All school-aged children will eat FREE. Lunch will be served from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

CHS STUDENT SELECTED AS STAR STUDENT

Coach Boyd “Ras” Bayles (left) and Jamichael A. Branch The Canton Public School District congratulates Jamichael A. Branch for being named STAR Student for the 2019-2020 school year by the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) M. B. Swayze Foundation, sponsor of the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program.

The Canton High School senior will be acknowledged among the over 330 STAR Students in Mississippi for their academic achievements.

Star Students are selected on the basis of academic excellence. Both American College Test scores and scholastic averages are compared to determine the school’s STAR Student. The STAR program encourages and promotes academic achievement among

Mississippi’s high school seniors. Each STAR Student is asked to designate a STAR Teacher, the teacher who has made the greatest contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement.

Coach Boyd “Ras” Bayles, who teaches AP U.S. Government, U.S. History, and World History, was designated as STAR Teacher.

This year, over 660 STAR Students and STAR Teachers will receive this prestigious recognition from MEC’s M.B. Swayze Foundation. This year will mark the 55th Anniversary of the STAR program. Established by the Mississippi Economic Council in 1965, the purpose of the STAR program is to recognize outstanding students and teachers in Mississippi.

The CPSD thanks its outstanding, hard working, supportive, and caring assistant principals.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our children. Your awesome contributions don’t go unnoticed! CPSD salutes you during Assistant Principals Week! Keep up the good work! #PerseveranceConquersAll

18A

April 16-22, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

College Hill M.B. Church hosts annual banquet

JANS – The annual College Hill M.B. Church Sam Bailey Scholarship & Heritage Banquet was held on February 29, 2020. The speaker for the event was Pamela D.C. Junior, director of the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson. Dr. Tim Rush presided over the program. Family members of the late Sam and Lucile Bailey were also in attendance.

Hope Reeves, a student at JSU and member of College Hill, presented a documentary entitled “A Tragedy to Triumph”, which was her class project on the tragic shooting of Phillip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green. Entertainment was provided by Minister Andrew Lewis and Marva Smith. The Samuel L. Bailey “Ordinary Man” Scholarship was awarded to Milalai Walden for $2,000.00, and the book stipend was awarded to Jerry Mitchell, III in the amount of $500.00.

College Hill also recognized the Black Achiever Award. This award was presented to Daphne Monix Higgins. Higgins is a member of College Hill and serves as Advisor to the College Ministry, Sunday School Teacher, and Deaconette. She is married to Deacon John Higgins and they are parents of two children, Charence and John.