JACKSON ADVOCATE – MAY 7-13, 2020; VO. 82, NO. 32

VOL. 82, NO. 32

MAY 7-13, 2020

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI

SECTION: A

MISSISSIPPI

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8,424 CASES, 374 DEATHS

Mural becomes a bright light in ‘the city with soul’

Perryman (Photo by Sophie Wolf)

By DeAnna Tisdale Johnson JA Publisher

For almost two years, North Street, near Amite in Jackson, has been a hub of activity thanks to the Mississippi Two Museums. Now, thanks to Visit Jackson and Reshonda Perryman, the street will now serve as a monument of sorts featuring icons who have made Jackson a household name because of their works and contributions.

“We wanted to highlight four of the things Jackson is most known for,” says Perryman. Though most of the icons depicted are those whose anthology uplifts the liberal arts, Medgar Evers and his contributions to the Mississippi fight

See Mural on 9A

Icons Eudora Welty, Medgar Evers, Thalia Mara, and David Banner represented in a mural painted by Reshonda Perryman of Visit Jackson

(Advocate photo by Andre Johnson II)

DA Owens responds to DHS scandal, charges JANS – In a press conference Monday, May 4, 2020, Shad White, the Mississippi State Auditor, held a press conference and released subsequent materials about an audit of the MS Department of Human Services that reveals that the department wasted millions of dollars, becoming the biggest embezzlement scandal in Mississippi history.

Millions of dollars of grants from the Mississippi Department of Human Services (DHS) were misspent, converted to personal use, spent on family members and friends of staffers and grantees, or wasted,

according to the audit.

Currently, former DHS Director John Davis, Nancy New, the leader of the Mississippi Community Education Center (MCEC), Zach New, Latimer Smith, Anne McGrew, and Brett DiBiase will be prosecuted in Hinds County.

District Attorney Jody Owens states that the prosecution of this case will show that “old ways are no more and stealing money from needy families will not be tolerated. The District Attorney will not wait for someone else to bring justice. Taking these resources out of communities who

See DHS on 9A

With the passing of Ms. Ruth Shirley, the community loses another living legend

By Ivory Phillips

JA Contributing Editor

On Saturday, May 2, Ms. Ruth Shirley passed away at the mature age of 97. With her passing, it is more than a cliche to say that the community lost a living legend. She had a long and outstanding career as a teacher, activist, and public servant.

On the one hand, it is perhaps because she was, in the words of long-time friend Dr. Velvelyn Foster, such a humble and soft-spoken person, that many outside her immediate orbit may not know of her essential and outstanding work.

On the other hand, it is because

of her effectiveness that, in the words of election commission colleague, Frank Figgers, she was the boss on the Hinds County Election Commission and that Foster and yours truly

See Shirley on 9A

Koch brothers money behind attack on Jackson gun restrictions Center for Public Policy.

The Koch network has continued funding the State Policy Network and its affiliated American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) of which Mississippi Speaker of the House Philip Gunn (now national chairman) is a board member.”

By Earnest McBride JA Contributing Editor

While the blackmajority City of Jackson frantically tried to deflate a deadly spike in gun violence in the middle of the coronavirus plague, white state representative Dana Crisswell of Olive Branch thought he ought to be free to grab an AR15 rifle and strap on his .45 Magnum and romp unobstructed around the city like he saw the good ol’ boys with their Confederate and Nazi banners doing in Lansing, Michigan, the week before.

City of Jackson said “No.” So Crisswell sued – and won.

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba had issued two emergency executive orders on April 1 – a two-week stay athome-order and a no opencarrying of guns order for the same period, in effect nullifying a concealedcarry law passed by the state legislature in 2013.

An organization called the Mississippi Justice Institute (MJI) sued on behalf of Crisswell to block the no-gun order.

MJI identifies itself as the “legal arm” of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy. But the Mississippi Center for Public Policy is a shill for the mean and selfish Charles Koch, the surviving half of the infamous billionaire Koch brothers pair. Brother David Koch died on

August 23, 2019.

This was the second major court action the MJI has brought against the City of Jackson. When the city passed an ordinance that restricted abortion protesters to a certain distance from the medical clinic and the patients, a federal court ruled that the city was in violation of the free-speech rights of the protesters.

Charles Koch nevertheless remains a real menace to the citizens of Jackson and the people of Mississippi in general, according to a report by syndicated columnist Bill Crawford.

“The Koch brothers and their super wealthy compatriots are spending billions of dollars to inform – many say indoctrinate – Americans on how to think about government, how to vote, and how to take down contrary elected officials,” Crawford wrote in the June 2018 edition of the Mississippi Business Journal.

“A foundation Charles Koch created… spent millions over decades to fund groups advocating

the Koch agenda, including conservative state-based think tanks affiliated with the national State Policy Network, e.g., the Mississippi

KOCH POLICY CENTER Koch’s privately owned company – Koch

See Koch on 9A

Ahmaud Arbery slain while jogging, open carry laws cited for no arrests JANS – Ahmaud Arbery, 25, was jogging one Sunday morning –February 23, 2020 to be exact – in the small town of Glynn County, GA when two white men, Gregory and Travis McMichael, followed him in a pickup truck and confronted him with a shotgun on the grounds that there had been robberies in the area.

A battle between Arbery and Travis McMichael ensues and Arbery was fatally shot. The McMichaels are defending themselves by arguing that they are protected by Georgia’s open carry law.

DNC National Press Secretary Brandon Gassaway released the following statement in response to Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tom Durden’s announcement that Arbery’s case

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would be presented to a grand jury: “Ahmaud Arbery was murdered in cold blood.

This case Arbery is a chilling reminder that for black men and boys in America, going for a run, playing with toys in a park, walking to the store for Skittles, or even sitting in your own home eating ice cream means taking your life in your hands. Despite it being two months since this brutal act took place and it being captured on video, there has yet to be so much as a charge leveled against the perpetrators.” A clear message from prosecutors that Ahmaud’s life and the lives of those who look like him hold no value.”

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May 7-13, 2020

Jackson Advocate

ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS AVAILABLE TO U.S. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES

JANS – U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza announced May 4 that agricultural businesses are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs.

SBA’s EIDL portal reopened May 4 as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. The legislation, signed into law by the President, provided additional funding for farmers and ranchers and certain other agricultural businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“For more than 30 years, SBA has been prohibited by law from providing disaster assistance to agricultural businesses; however, as a result of the unprecedented legislation enacted by President Trump, American farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural businesses will now have access to emergency working capital,” said Administrator Carranza. “These low-interest, long-term loans will help keep agricultural businesses viable while bringing stability to the

nation’s vitally important food supply chains.”

Agricultural businesses include businesses engaged in the legal production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)). Eligible agricultural businesses must have 500 or fewer employees.

The SBA will begin accepting new EIDL applications on a limited basis only, in order to provide unprecedented relief to U.S. agricultural businesses. For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL loan application through the streamlined application portal prior to the legislative change, SBA will move forward and process these applications without the need for re-applying. All other EIDL loan applications that were submitted before the portal stopped accepting new applications on April 15 will be processed on a firstin, first-out basis.

For more information, please visit: www.sba.gov/ Disaster.

Jackson, Mississippi

Soldiers with the 298th Support Battalion, Mississippi Army National Guard, palletize vital supplies at a warehouse in Jackson, Miss., to transport to a Mississippi Emergency Management Agency point of distribution site April 29, 2020. The MSNG is providing logistical support to MEMA and the Mississippi Department of Health as part of Mississippi’s COVID-19 State Task Force. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Christopher Shannon)

WOMEN’S FOUNDATION OF MISSISSIPPI AWARDS $55,000 IN RAPID RESPONSE GRANTS

JANS – The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi, a public grant-making foundation focused on improving conditions for women and girls across the state, announced rapid response grant awards totaling $55,000 for eleven Mississippi-based nonprofit agencies and programs directly serving some of the state’s most vulnerable women and families in wake of the public health crisis caused

by COVID-19.

Awards will support organizations across the state that serve women and families, many at or below the poverty level who are already struggling, and find themselves even more severely impacted now. These funds are available for immediate use by the granted organizations and will help them continue serving

their communities.

The organizations and needs the grants will support include: • Cary Christian Center; Cary, MS – funding for personal protective equipment, hygiene items, at-home visits for expecting moms, food supplies • Coahoma Community College; Clarksdale, MS – women’s emergency funding to cover individual, critical needs to support female students at risk of dropping out • East Mississippi Community College; Scooba, MS – funding for a drive-through food pantry and an on-campus pantry including food and personal hygiene items • Hinds Community College; Raymond, MS – funding for the SingleStop center that provides wrap-around services

to at-risk students; technology needs • Jones College; Ellisville, MS – women’s emergency funding to cover individual, critical needs to support female students at risk of dropping out • Magnolia Medical Foundation; Natchez, MS – funding for mental health counseling for women in the Natchez Housing Authority; food and hygiene supplies • The Lighthouse: Black Girl Projects; Jackson, MS – funding for mental health counseling for college-aged women; care packages • Spring Initiative; Clarksdale, MS – funding to support direct assistance to families for rent, utilities, and other critical needs • Teen Health Mississippi;

Jackson, MS – funding to support the Teen Safety and Emergency Fund; delivery of personal care kits for teenagers throughout state • Tutwiler Community Education Center; Tutwiler, MS – funding to support the local manufacturing of personal protective equipment and medical gear including masks; food supplies • Mississippi Low-Income Childcare Initiative (MLICCI); Biloxi, MS – funding to support critical needs for childcare centers.

The mission of the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi is economic security for women. Learn more about the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi by visiting www. womensfoundationms.org.

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

May 7-13, 2020

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MISSISSIPPI COVID-19 UPDATE

JANS – As of the morning of May 6, 2020 the Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting 217 new cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi and 32 new deaths (including 5 from prior weeks identified through death certificate investigation). Mississippi’s total of COVID-19 cases since March 11 now stands at 8,424, with 374 deaths. The number of

Mississippians currently hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection has fallen to 427.

Forty-three of the new cases reported were among residents in long-term care facilities, and there are now 117 active outbreaks of COVID-19 in longterm care facilities (where an outbreak is one or more cases among residents or staff).

Total individuals tested for COVID-19 in Mississippi has now crossed the 80,000 mark, with almost 20,000 of those coming in the past week. Look for testing providers and free testing near you at http://HealthyMS. com/covid19test 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 877-978-6453 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

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

GOVERNOR REEVES AMENDS SAFER AT HOME ORDER TO REOPEN RESTAURANTS AND PARKS

JANS – On May 4, 2020, Governor Tate Reeves announced the next phase for Mississippi to begin slowly reopening the state’s economy while continuing to flatten the curve.

In a new executive order that he signed, Governor Reeves lays out the next steps of a measured, strategic plan following state health officials recommendations to protect lives while restoring Mississippians’ livelihoods. This Executive Order amends his Safer At Home order, which he signed over a week ago and still remains in effect until Monday, May 11. The new guidelines go into effect at 8:00 AM on Thursday, May 7 until 8:00 AM on Monday, May 11, which is when the Safer At

Home order ends as well.

Governor Reeves announced his new executive order at his daily press briefing on May 4, which you can view on his Facebook page.

In this latest executive order, the governor lays out strict social distancing guidelines to begin the process of slowly reopening restaurants and allowing outdoor recreation, including: RESTAURANTS: • Before in-house dining can resume, the entire restaurant and bar must be deep-cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized top to bottom.

• All restaurants and bars are expected to take every step necessary to implement the regulations, orders, and guid-

ance from the Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• All employees will be screened daily at the beginning of their shifts, including asking whether they have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and have they had a fever in the last 48 hours.

• Cloth masks must be provided to all employees who come in direct contact with customers. Employees are required to wear that mask throughout their shift.

• All employees must be provided training on how to limit the spread of COVID-19.

• No more than 50% seat-

ing capacity in both indoor and outdoor dining areas, and floor plans must be updated to ensure at least 6 feet between each group. Party sizes will be limited to no more than 6 people per table.

• Bars and bar areas that do not offer food services are to remain closed.

• Minimizing person-to-person contact through technology, like mobile or online reservations and contact-less payment, is encouraged.

• Customers will be screened upon entry. Restaurants and bars must post signage at each entrance stating no customer with a fever or COVID-19 symptoms are allowed in.

• Cafeteria-style buffets and

food stations that are manned by restaurant staff are allowed with appropriate barriers to limit contact. Self-service buffets, food stations, and drink stations are prohibited.

• All restaurants and bars must place hand sanitizer at all entrances, hostess stations, in/ near bathrooms, and at cashier stations.

OUTDOOR RECREATION: • Gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people for in-

door activities and a maximum of 20 people for outside activities.

• Parks can open to the public from 9:00AM - 7:00PM for outdoor recreation under guidance from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and local authorities, with people following social distancing guidelines such as 6 feet separation. Outdoor recreation activities, such as swimming, are also allowed within those same hours.

MS SUPREME COURT DENIES REQUEST FOR HOLD ON EVICTIONS, HALT ON GARNISHMENT OF FUNDS

JANS – The Mississippi Supreme Court on April 30 issued orders denying a request for a moratorium on judicial proceedings for eviction and denying a request to temporarily halt garnishment proceedings.

These requests were made by the Mississippi Department of Justice (MCJ) which filed the emergency motions to “make sure debt collectors can’t take money that some of the state’s most vulnerable res-

idents need for food, rent, car loans, and healthcare,” says an April 28 press release from the organization.

MCJ’s motion was joined

by Hope Enterprises Corporation, Mississippi Legal Services Corporation, and North MS Legal Services, as well as being supported by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Mississippi, Higher Purpose Co., MacArthur Justice Center, One Voice, Inc., and the SPLC

Action Fund.

“The stimulus checks that Mississippians are receiving as part of the CARES Act are a crucial lifeline for many families at a time of record unemployment,” says MCJ CEO and President Vangela M. Wade. “More than 164,000 unemployment claims have been filed in Mississippi since March 15, a number that already eclipses the state’s job losses during the Great Reces-

sion of 2008. Allowing collections agencies to garnish those checks would make it difficult, if not impossible, for hundreds of thousands of Mississippians to pay for their basic needs.”

In Motion #2020 – 1303 and Motion #2020 – 1336, the Supreme Court notated that “after due consideration, all Justices agree that the requested relief exceeds the constitutionally granted authority of this Court.”

JMAA ANNOUNCES AIRLINE REQUIREMENTS DURING PANDEMIC

JANS – The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) announces air service providers’ new health and safety requirements to wear face masks or face coverings when traveling. The policies were issued May 5, 2020, by Delta, American, and United Airlines – all of which provide legacy air service at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN).

Effective immediately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Delta (DL) and United Airlines (UA) have now made the guideline to wear a face mask or face covering a requirement. American Airlines (AA) is strongly encouraging face masks or face coverings be worn during travel and will begin making the guideline a requirement on Monday, May 11.

In addition to the new mask/face covering changes, American, Delta and United Airlines continue to provide interior aircraft fogging and deep cleaning to provide a clean environment for those traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airlines, when possible, are moving passengers during boarding to provide as much social distancing as possible between travelers.

“Beginning May 4th, all Delta customers and employees will be required to wear a face mask, or appropriate face covering over their nose and mouth throughout their travel, aligning with best practice guidelines from the CDC.”

Face coverings will be required across all Delta touchpoints: • Lobby Check-in • Delta Sky Clubs • Boarding Gate Areas • Jet Bridges • On board the aircraft for the duration of the flight – except during meal service There are exemptions for passengers, including children, who are unable to keep a face mask or face covering in place as well as those who may have difficulty wearing a mask or cov-

ering due to “an underlying medical condition.”

United Airlines has stated that passengers boarding their aircraft are required to wear a mask or covering.

If a passenger does not have either, a United representative will provide one. However, like Delta, children and those medically unable to wear a mask or covering are not required to do so.

As Your Connection to the World, JMAA continues to adhere to all guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and strongly encourage passengers to utilize the following safe travel tips: • Check in online or via mobile device and airline applications; • Bring sanitary wipes and/or 3 oz. hand sanitizer for personal use and onboard aircraft; • Wash hands frequently or use the hand sanitizers installed throughout JAN terminals; • Practice social distancing of six (6) feet apart.

Passengers are also encouraged to monitor airlines and www.iFlyJackson. com or visit individual airlines for any changes to flight status and/or health and safety guidelines.

UPDATE ON HINDS COUNTY GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND PREPARATION FOR EMPLOYEES TO RETURN JANS – The Hinds County Board of Supervisors met with other Hinds County leaders and elected officials to discuss a unified strategy to begin transitioning employees back to work during a phased resumption of normal government operations.

Though Hinds County courthouses and essential offices have remained open the entire duration of the state Shelter in Place and Safer at Home orders, it has been with limited public access.

On Monday, May 11, at least 50% of Hinds County employees, who have been sheltering in place and/ or working remotely, will return to their work stations. The Board of Supervisors has implemented several measures to boost public and employee safety. These measures include physical changes, such as retrofitting partitions and strategic placement of floor markings and signage reminders of CDC recommended practices for public health and safety, to workspaces in offices

and departments that have high foot traffic Upon their return to work, employees are being asked to: • Go through a temperature screening every day when they report to work • Wear a face covering at all times while in the building • Regularly sanitize their work stations • Wash their hands at least once every hour.

The public is also being asked to wear a face covering when entering any Hinds County building.

During these uncertain times surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, we continue to work hard and prioritize the safety, well-being, and security of our employees and every citizen who visits a county building.

For more information about this statement contact Jennifer Riley Collins, Hinds County Administrator, at 601-968-6501.

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May 7-13, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

Education Jackson State to present a virtual ‘2020 Celebration of Graduates’ on May 9

JANS – Jackson State University will present a virtual “2020 Celebration of Graduates” at 12 p.m., Saturday, May 9, after official commencement ceremonies were delayed when the novel coronavirus shut down campuses statewide.

Viewers can watch the event by visiting the JSU website at www. jsums.edu. The event will include video messages from JSU Acting President Thomas K. Hudson, JD., other campus officials, and student leaders.

Hudson said this month’s event

is designed to recognize academic achievements and milestones after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted all university activities.

“We see the ‘2020 Celebration of Graduates’ as a prelude to a future formal ceremony that our honorees truly deserve. Jackson State University, or anyone else, could not have predicted that a global crisis would upend its normal operations. Unfortunately, our scheduled commencement must be postponed. However, our dedicated administrative leaders, academic deans, and student lead-

ers collaborated with faculty and staff to acknowledge our graduates’ accomplishments virtually,” Hudson said.

Dr. Lynda Brown-Wright, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, said the celebration recognizes the hard work and sacrifices of our graduates.

“JSU regrets having to delay the most important event in a student’s life. However, in light of present circumstances, we must first focus on the safety of our campus community. Still, we will acknowledge students’ great

accomplishments virtually, and we urge family and friends of graduates, and other stakeholders, to join us for the special celebration,” Brown-Wright said.

The event will recognize golden graduates, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Also, it will include an RSS feed to allow viewers to offer well-wishes to the honorees. Before the ceremony, participants are urged to submit photographs to publicrelations@ jsums.edu, and these images will be uploaded to various social media sites as gallery slideshows.

Celebrated Mississippi author names winner of full-ride scholarship for young writers

JANS – “All I could do after the call was drop to my knees, cry, and thank God,” was Imani Skipwith’s response when NYT bestselling author Angie Thomas told her she had won a full-ride scholarship to Belhaven University.

Skipwith, a senior at Mississippi School of the Arts, was selected winner of the Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship, based on her writing submission and experience. Thomas said, “Imani is truly gifted from God. That was clear the moment I first read her entry.

The Belhaven Creative Writing program was made for writers like her. It’s an honor to know that such a brilliant young woman will benefit from a scholarship in my honor. I have no doubt that Imani will soar under the guidance of the entire Belhaven family.”

The scholarship was designed to help young aspiring writers who need the extra support to make their dreams of authorship a reality. Thomas encouraged students to apply and observed, “Let’s face it – financial hardship is a huge obstacle for so many young people when it comes to college; it was one for me. This

Imani Skipwith

(Photo by David Sprayberry)

scholarship will remove that stress for Imani and allow her to put more energy into her studies.” Skipwith agrees and adds, “I come from a single parent household, and there are two children – my sister and me. It takes an enormous financial burden off of my family’s shoulders.”

Thomas, along with Belhaven officials, surprised Skipwith on Wednesday, April 8 to deliver the good news during a Zoom call.

“It was such a jaw-dropping moment,” said Skipwith. “My mother and I both cried, and everyone on the call was teary-eyed. Words cannot explain the amount of joy and shock I felt when I heard her

(Thomas) tell me that I won. I look up to her, and it means a lot to me that someone so spectacular has found faith and promise in my work.”

Skipwith is the first student to win the scholarship, which covers tuition, room, and board at the university for four years. The fullride scholarship is awarded to only one incoming freshman each year.

Other applicants received partial scholarships as part of the Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship.

“The creative writing program at Belhaven University is so happy to welcome Imani Skipwith as our first writing scholar,” said Chair and Professor of Creative Writing, Dr. Randall Smith. “Imani brings with her to Belhaven not only a portfolio of already accomplished writing, but also a portfolio of life experiences and artful reflections on those experiences that are so necessary for good writers. She will blaze her own writing trail at Belhaven and beyond as she follows in the footsteps of Angie Thomas.”

These scholarships were named in honor of Belhaven alumna Angie Thomas ’11, author of New

Alcorn announces plans for distribution of CARES Act funds to students JANS – Alcorn State University will receive nearly $6 million in federal emergency funds with half earmarked as grants to students impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

As a result of this funding, the university is announcing plans to disburse grants directly to students following Department of Education eligibility guidelines.

The funding is provided through the recently-passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, better known as the CARES Act. The act provides federal aid to institutions of higher education to help students cover expenses related to the disruptions due to COVID-19 through emergency grants.

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for a CARES Act grant.

• Enrolled at Alcorn as a full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate student during the Spring 2020 Semester and not have withdrawn from the university prior to March 16 • Demonstrate expenses incurred related to disruptions to their education due to the COVID-19 outbreak such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, transportation, and childcare • Be eligible for Title IV aid, which is determined by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or providing proof of eligibility To receive a CARES Act grant,

Alcorn will require students to complete an online application form starting. The Office of Financial Aid will review the application and determine eligibility based on the federal guidelines listed above. The form can be found at the university’s website and students are encouraged to complete their applications as soon as possible.

The grants will range approximately from $450–$1,100. These are one-time grants from the federal government and do not require repayment.

For more information regarding eligibility, students may refer to Frequently Asked Questions located at https://www.alcorn. edu/admissions/financial-aid/ caresactfaq.

York Times best-selling novels On the Come Up and The Hate U Give. The Hate U Give was developed into a major motion picture from Fox 2000. Thomas is also working as a producer on the film version of On the Come Up. “It means the world to me to have a scholarship in my honor and to know that Belhaven has this level of pride for me,” said Thomas. “Even more than that, it’s incredible to know that this scholarship will play a huge role in a young writer’s life. That alone is an honor.”

Brookins hired as Project Manager at JSU

JANS – Former Military Science Department Chair and Professor of Military Science at Jackson State University, retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Dexter M. Brookins, PhD, has now been hired as Project Manager by the university.

Brookins, who started his new role at Jackson State in March, headed the ROTC program from June 2015 to August 2019, when he earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Urban Higher Education at JSU. Brookins worked briefly in February 2020 at the Veterans Benefits Administration in Atlanta before being hired in March by JSU. In his new capacity, Brookins will report to the Vice President for Student Success/Chief of Staff in the Office of the President. His duties include creating and participating in the selection of project designs, managing campus project architects, engineers, design consultants, and construction in the development of plans and specifications.

Brookins will also manage design documents for com-

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dexter M. Brookins, PhD pliance with budget, scope, and campus standards; manage all construction from inception to close; and assist in managing the budget allocated to the project and coordinate compliance with federal, state, and local laws, among other duties.

Brookins of Jackson has 32 years military experience and has served in various Army posts throughout the world, including being Special Assistant to The Inspector General of the Army from June 2006 to June 2007.

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May 7-13, 2020

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Jackson, Mississippi

Business Madison, MS small business Healing Hands Rehabilitation Services (https:// www.hhrehab.com/) has been awarded an Unsung Business $10,000 grant from SheaMoisture. Healing Hands is the onestop shop for rehabilitation needs of various forms of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Led by Dr. Brittany Flaggs and Dr. Jasmine Smith, Healing Hands is extremely proud to be selected for this honor. The Unsung Business award is part of SheaMoisture’s $1 million fund for small minority-owned businesses who have been at the forefront of their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Flaggs and Smith are graduates of Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Flaggs is a native of Natchez and Smith is a native of Jackson.

Legal aid attorneys available by phone

JANS – The Access to Justice Commission and two Legal Services agencies announced that free legal aid providers are available to assist low income people with civil legal needs like family law, housing, and consumer issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Legal Services to close its physical offices to the public, but Legal Services attorneys are available by telephone to assist low income people.

The statewide hotline for Legal Services is 1-800-498-1804.

North Mississippi Rural Legal Services is staffed by 17 attorneys who represent clients in 39 counties in the northern half of the state. The Mississippi Center for Legal Services is staffed by 21 attorneys who represent clients in 43 counties, covering the southern half of the state.

Civil legal assistance may include matters such as bankruptcy, debt collections, evictions, foreclosure defense, education issues, employment issues, divorce, child support, adoptions, guardianships, domestic violence, elder abuse, expungements, emancipation of minors, powers of attorney, and wills. Legal Services attorneys also may assist with issues such as denial of public assistance benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.

The pandemic is expected to increase the need for legal aid for the poor. “About a fourth of our population lived at or below the poverty level before this pandemic began,” said Nicole McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Access to Justice Commission. “What’s going to happen is that the indigent population is going to grow so much that the need is going to be great. What we want people to know is there are options for free legal aid in Mississippi and those offices are open and they are ready to assist.”

The income threshold to qualify for assistance from a Legal Services attorney is 125 percent of federal poverty guidelines. That’s an individual annual income of less than $15,950, a two-person household earning less than $21,550 annually, a family of three living on less than $27,150, a family of four with annual earnings of less than $32,750.

There are circumstances in which eligibility can be up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. There is no income cap for services involving domestic violence.

Access to Justice and Legal Services officials want to make the public aware of the availability of assistance, since Legal Services’ ordinary means of public outreach has been halt-

Over $1 million awarded to public housing authorities

JANS – United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced on April 30, 2020, that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded grant funds to the following: • Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. VI; Hinds County; Hickman Johnson, Executive Director; (601)373-7040 x3998; $700,254 • South Delta Regional Housing Authority; Washington County; Patricia Logan, Executive Director; (662)6862018; $182,840 • The Housing Authority of the City of Jackson; Hinds County; Allison Cox, Executive Director; (601)362-0885; $111,126 • The Housing Authority

of the City of Greenwood; Leflore County; Gregory L. Flippins, Executive Director; (601)453-4822 x102; $28,158 • North Delta Regional Housing Authority; Coahoma County; John F. Schmidt, III, Executive Director; (601)6279627 x101; $65,082 The CARES Act provides funds for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, which funds the Housing Choice Voucher program, for increased subsidy costs and for administrative and other expenses incurred by public housing authorities (PHAs), including “activities to support or maintain the health and safety of assisted individuals and families, and costs related to retention and support of participating owners.”

ed due to the pandemic. Public educational forums on topics such as domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and housing rights ceased, according to Mississippi Center for Legal Services Executive Director Sam H. Buchanan, Jr. North Mississippi Rural Legal Services ceased doing community presentations regarding taxes, foreclosure prevention, wills, and power of attorney, said Executive Director Ben T. Cole II. Buchanan said, “Any time there is a loss of income or loss of resources, it often times results in an increase in legal needs. It’s a lot more difficult, because we can’t reach out to organize and go into the community to let people know about the services.” Outreach efforts now rely on social media.

Phone calls from people seeking assistance have de-

clined to Legal Services and the Access to Justice Commission. The Legal Services call intake center closed for two weeks while Legal Services reorganized staff to work from home. Calls did not resume at their previous level after the call center reopened. Buchanan and Cole said their offices are eerily quiet. They believe the actual needs are increasing, but people may not know where to seek help.

Cole said, “We do expect to see an increase in evictions, various consumer matters, abuse, and domestic violence cases.” They may also see an increase in people seeking wills and powers of attorney.

The statewide hotline for Legal Services is 1-800-4981804. For more information, go to the Legal Services website at MsLegalServices.org, or the Access to Justice Commission website at Msatjc.org.

Dr. Lucille Green has been enjoying one of her many hobbies during the quarantine period.

Green – a longtime Jackson educator, seamstress, and doll maker – shared her love for canning with our readers in 2017 and now has beautiful labels added to her delicacies. “I want to share my canning with the community of readers. To me, canning is an art. I love to see the finished product and I love sharing with my family and friends. This is just an expression of God’s wonderful gift.” Lucille Green’s Jams and Jellies are available for purchase by calling (601) 572-5377 or emailing lucillegreen1@bellsouth.net.

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

May 7-13, 2020

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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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May 7-13, 2020

Tizzy’s Take

A tribute to the childless mothers

By DeAnna Tisdale Johnson Jackson Advocate Publisher

Over the past couple of days, I’ve seen Facebook statuses that display outrage over the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery, who, while jogging, was gunned down on February 23 by two white men, Gregory and Travis McMichael – a fatherson duo who have not been arrested, although a graphic video shows that they were the instigators of this entire ordeal. I have not been able to bring myself to watch the video, but more than outraged by the senseless shooting. I feel exhausted.

I’m exhausted by the endless racist cycle that brings us to this place. I’m exhausted by the pure ignorance of white supremacists and their actions. I’m exhausted by a system that has too many problems to fix and incompetent leaders who can’t fix them. I’m exhausted by the fact that another mother has lost her son. Ahmaud Arbery’s mother’s name is Wanda Cooper. She has been seeking justice for her son for almost three months. And unfortunately, she has now become another name on a long list of mothers who have tragically lost their children to police brutality and/or racism.

Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin, who was tragically gunned down by George Zimmerman (later acquitted for the crime in 2013) is probably the most notable mother of a slain black man in our recent history. She became an activist who fought against gun violence and has drawn international attention from celebrities and politicians to be a catalyst for change. She is now running for office to hold a seat on the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners and has been endorsed by the likes of Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, and Hillary Clinton.

Lesley McSpadden is the mother of Michael Brown, who was a victim of police brutality in Ferguson, Missouri. In the past 6 years, since her son was fatally wounded, McSpadden has also run for office, vying for a position on Ferguson’s city council in Ward 3. She lost the race in April 2019. She released a book entitled, “Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil: The Life, Legacy and Love of My Son Michael Brown”.

There are many more names of women who have lost their child to unspeakable violence that didn’t have to happen. According to The Atlantic, there have been more than 260,000 black men slain in America since 1980. These mothers deserve to be remembered as they celebrate Mother’s Day this coming Sunday without their precious child. And their children deserve the justice that is so rightfully theirs.

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

a tribute to and prayer for mothers

By Ivory Phillips

Jackson Advocate Contributing Editor

Several years ago, the writer saluted his chief baby-sitter in an article entitled, “Unsung – Blanch Whiteside Jennings.” A few years later, he saluted a group of females who had influenced his life under the heading, “Women, or least females, I have known or wish I had known.” Even before those articles, he had published a tribute to his mother entitled, “A mother for all seasons”. This year, 30 years after the death of his mother, let us pay tribute to and pray for mothers, especially the current generation of mothers.

When the writer was growing up in Rosedale, Mississippi, Mother’s Day was a big deal, especially for those who were church-goers, virtually everybody in town. It was a custom for those whose mother was alive to wear a red rose and for those whose mother was deceased to wear a white rose. That appears to have gone by the wayside, but we are not sure for what good reason, and we will keep it in mind this year.

The comments herein are particularly directed to black and working-class mothers – not that Mother’s Day is not for other mothers. It’s just the writer feels that the black and working-class mothers can use this boost more. It is a tribute/prayer for these countless mothers.

Going back to Africa or other points of origin, mothers have often been in the forefront, providing for the physical protection and security of their children. It may have been as direct and open as an African mother bodily intervening in an attempt to prevent the sale of her child; a Hispanic mother trying to prevent ICE officials from placing her child in a separate holding cell; or a Native American mother trying to prevent her child from being sent off to a boarding school. It may have been as subtle or indirect as a black American mother “instructing” her sons in how to conduct themselves around racist white people in order not to get arrested or lynched. No matter the means, these mothers found ways to

provide for the physical protection of their children. Generations have been thankful, because otherwise the children may never have grown to the point of being able to contribute whatever they have to society, and to keep their nation growing.

We offer our prayers that mothers in 2020 and beyond will have the wisdom, the courage, and the will to continue providing physical protection and security for our children. Even as they find new, creative ways, we pray that they will be effective; that their efforts will be appreciated; and that they will be increasingly joined by their men and the rest of society.

Secondly, we have witnessed mothers providing psychological security for their children. It easily comes to mind that this is what was done by Ms. Lucille Bridges, the mother of Ruby Bridges; Ms. Daisy Bates; Ms. Unita Blackwell; and other civil rights activists as they led movement activities. But equally as noteworthy were the countless mothers who told their children that they were as good, as smart, and as capable as any other children, motivating black, red and brown children all over the country to succeed despite segregation and other forms of racial oppression. It is as a result of such mothers that we had children like Thurgood Marshall, Cesar Chavez, Joyce Ladner, and Angela Davis growing up and coming to the forefront from circumstances that would not ordinarily produce such leaders. For their mothers, we must be eternally grateful.

We offer our prayers that going forward, mothers will refuse to step back from such challenges. Just as Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Jane Ellen McAllister, and Fannie Lou Hamer, they can help generations of youngsters make their mark for the advancement of black and working-class people.

Thirdly, mothers everywhere, but especially in the communities of color, have provided the earliest, most consistent and comprehensive socialization/orientation for the children. These “schools of mother’s knee” shape everything from attitudes and practices regarding religion

to those regarding education and school, loyalties and relationships, political and civic participation, work, and economics.

Many mothers can and literally have made their children. The same goes for surrogate mothers such as early childhood teachers.

We often hear about it in black music, especially black gospel music.

As we talk about the need to help the youth understand and appreciate the importance of the history and culture of their people, the role of the mother in this regard should not be overlooked. As we talk about the need for group economics and the need to reduce crime, the role of mothers must never be overlooked. If mothers have the proper knowledge, they can and will get the job done, in each instance.

We owe a debt of gratitude to mothers like Amy Jacques Garvey, Margaret Walker Alexander, Frances Cress Welsing, and Shirley Chisholm for how they have helped provide the necessary socialization/orientation to the children of this Black Nation in the making.

It is our prayer that today’s mothers, and those of future black and working-class generations, will not only understand the role played by their fore-bearers, but let nothing deter them from gladly taking up the mantle and carrying it further.

Finally, it is true that in every generation, mothers have been able to have their work continued, if and when, they have developed genuine companionship with their off-spring. As each generation matures, the elders should come to respect and realize that the youngsters are now ready to share in and often lead the work that they have endeavored. By the same token, the youngsters should come to appreciate the continuing assistance that their mothers can be after they are no longer the chief source of energy and/or skills for the lead.

It is our prayer that this transition develops to the maximum so that we can always genuinely say and generate the deep meaning behind the saying, “Happy Mother’s Day,” whether it is accompanied by a red rose or white rose.

Justice is important to how we worship

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

Since March, the International Sunday School lessons have journeyed through select prophetic books. These books comprise part of what is commonly called the Minor Prophets. They are called this not because they are unimportant or insignificant in comparison to other books of the Bible.

Though many of us seldom study or preach from Amos or Micah, that doesn’t mean Rev. Rhodes they aren’t just as valuable to our instruction and edification as are Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Nay, these books are minor simply because of their length. Nevertheless, these minor prophets have major words about repentance and the Lord’s call for justice and righteousness.

These themes are relevant today.

As churches have struggled in how to best serve and survive during this pandemic, we would be negligent if we ignore the broader impacts COVID-19 is having on the mental, social, and economic health of members of our congregations and communities. For theological and practical reasons, church leaders differ on how and when the people of

God should get involved in “worldly affairs” like politics. These debates are enduring and will not be resolved by a newspaper column.

But, I proffer that churches, black churches to be precise, have historically been the institutions best situated to respond to life and death issues with a level of empathy not always possessed elsewhere. To be sure, churches have often dropped the ball in this area and there is much to say about ways in which faith leaders, and the organizations they guide, have hurt people. Without denying this reality, I also want to lift up that when churched true to Christ and responsive to culture, amazing things happen.

I firmly believe that pastors occupy a space in which we must attend to the priestly and prophetic nature of our unique callings. As priests, we marry, bury, baptize, preach, pray, and sing praises to God. As prophets, we cry loud against idolatry, immorality, and injustice and herald a better world into being. How we balance or hold these two responsibilities differs from pastor to pastor. But, we are nevertheless called to be heavenly minded and do earthly good. There is no other way to be faithful to the whole counsel of God. Likewise, the churches we serve must be about the salvation of souls and the transfor-

mation of society. God wants us to care for whole persons – mind, body, and soul. Indeed, there are persons in our pews and organizations we can refer others to who attend to mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

We are called to disciple people in ways that nourishes their souls with the Word of God and makes sure their bellies are fed. Churches are invaluable in giving hope to the hopeless as we proclaim the Good News of God’s amazing grace. We also offer hope through food pantries, soup kitchens, benevolence, tutoring, rehabilitation ministries, and the like.

Churches do so much in the communities and often without fanfare, viral videos, or reports on the nightly news. Any given day, a church is responsible for feeding a family, paying a past due light bill, and giving a scholarship for a promising college student.

Even during this moment, many churches still believe it’s better to give than to receive.

Moreover, I encourage more of us to appreciate that while charity is good, justice and liberation are better. Yes, churches should continue to help provide immediate relief.

We have a greater responsibility, however, to ask questions about why that person is in that place of need. Sometimes it’s because of their

need for instant gratification or lack of selfcontrol. Sometimes, though, it’s because of systems beyond their control – food deserts, banking discrimination, inequities in health care, inadequate public education, fragile infrastructure, loss of jobs, and so many other things that impact human flourishing result from policies and policymakers. Our world is still divided into the haves and the have nots.

The minor prophets remind us that God wants justice for the have nots. We should want what God wants.

So, as we rightly concern ourselves with when we will be able to return to church services, we should also not be guilty of vain religion. As Amos prophesies, “I hate, I despise your feast days, And I do not savor your sacred assemblies.

Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings.

Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments.

But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.”

(Amos 5:21-24)

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

May 7-13, 2020

Jackson, Mississippi

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Mural continuation from page 1A for justice during the Civil Rights Movement cannot go unnoticed, and so he became an icon. Eudora Welty was chosen to represent literature; Thalia Mara was chosen to represent performance arts; and David Banner was chosen to represent music.

“Art is something that is often overlooked. It’s not valued as much as it should be.

I think this mural doesn’t just represent these people, but it represents the people who fall under these pillars who want to be seen in this light and see themselves as current and future icons. I want them to see this piece and see themselves,” communicates Perryman.

Perryman, who has worked for Visit Jackson for about nine months, is the Creative Design Manager and creates and oversees graphic designs and all things creative pertaining to events and publica-

tions for Jackson’s visitor’s bureau.

Perryman describes herself as a self-taught artist who is trained in graphic design. “I wanted to create a career for myself where I merged the two,” she says.

“One of the reasons I started working [at Visit Jackson] was that I would be able to incorporate some of my art background into my design work,” Perryman expresses.

“One of the projects I wanted to start was a beautification project installing public art around Jackson. This is the first of what we hope is the catalyst for other people to start doing similar things.”

Perryman, who created the idea for the mural, collaborated with the Visit Jackson staff to finalize the specific icons for the artwork and reached out to The Old Capitol Inn, who is a partner with Visit Jackson, to facilitate the

provision of one of their walls for the mural to be painted on. “We asked them if we could use their wall and they graciously allowed us to. It’s great that it’s in this location because to me it’s a sign of the partnership we have with the hotel,” she states. She is also happy that the Two Museums will be able to utilize the mural as well. Everyone who visits will be able to see it and take pictures of it and in front of it.

Perryman said that this opportunity has allowed her work to “be a bright light to the city and to bring the community together.”

From the small town of Fayette, MS where she has a close knit family, Perryman expresses that her life growing up has given her a strong sense of community. “I’m from a small town where everyone knows everyone.

There’s something special

about knowing that you have a community and that you aren’t sort of going through life alone. There are people available who care about how you exist in this world. I want what I do to give people that feeling. I want to be able to spread that kind of joy.”

With a background in formal arts, Perryman pursued a degree in graphic design from Jackson State University. For graduate school, she attended Savannah College of Art and Design where she received a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.

She moved back to Jackson in 2015 to focus on social awareness and communitybased design. “If I’m going to be doing community work, it may as well be for my own community,” she expresses.

When asked who are the icons that she most looks up to, she stated that her parents are her biggest influence. “My icons

DHS continuation from page 1A desperately need them creates a void that contributes to crime, poverty, and lack of opportunities,” says Owens.

“The charges of embezzlement, conspiracy, and fraud these individuals have been indicted on must not be overlooked of impacting the largest county in Mississippi.

“These funds are in place to assist our citizens and pure greed allowed them to be misused.”

Owens also stated that if there are any other prosecutorial offenses, the culpable parties will be held responsible.

“Recent DHS audit report shows numerous questionable expenditures of TANF funds.

We will continue to work with our partners with the federal government to hold these and others who have been identified accountable,” he states.

The audit’s formal finding is that over $94 million of that grant money has been “questioned,” meaning auditors either saw clear misspending or could not verify the money had been lawfully spent. Examples of questioned spending included:

• MCEC and FRC used TANF money to hire lobbyists with TANF money, which is unallowable, often with no paperwork describing the work the lobbyists were hired to do.

• MCEC awarded contracts to and hired former DHS Director John Davis’s family members, sometimes paying them up front in lump sums.

• MCEC and FRC paid large sums to wrestlers Ted Dibiase, Ted Dibiase, Jr., and Brett Dibiase for work that was not performed, for unreasonable travel costs, or with little proof the programs helped the needy.

• MCEC and FRC used TANF money to fund religious concerts with no proof they benefitted the needy.

• MCEC made multiple donations with TANF money – like donations to the American Heart Association, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, booster clubs, pageants, universities – and provided no proof the donations were used to help the needy. FRC also made unallowable donations.

Among the grantees, MCEC was particularly dependent on TANF funding and engaged

in extensive misspending.

From 2016 to 2019, MCEC was given over $60 million in grants from DHS, while raising just under $1.6 million from other sources. Examples of questioned spending at MCEC included: • MCEC paid Victory Sports Foundation TANF money for fitness programs for Mississippi legislators and other elected officials/staffers at no charge.

• MCEC purchased three vehicles with grant funds, each for over $50,000, for Nancy New (Director of MCEC), Zach New, and Jess New. MCEC also paid salaries, cell phone bills, and other costs for a variety of members of the New family.

• MCEC made many unallowable sports-related expenditures – like sponsoring a college baseball tournament – for services that could not be proven to benefit the needy.

Some sports-related spending was for services that were not actually performed.

• MCEC transferred over $6 million to a private school and organization owned by Nancy New and also purchased cur-

ricula and supplies with TANF funds for the school.

• MCEC paid a speeding ticket for Nancy New with TANF funds.

• MCEC issued a $3,000 check to the bookkeeper of MCEC with a handwritten note saying the payment was actually for John Davis.

• MCEC paid a variety of consultants, including Jess New, for no clear deliverables or where there was no proof the spending met TANF requirements.

• Zach New took a loan out against his MCEC retirement plan and repaid the loan with TANF money.

• MCEC paid for extensive unallowable advertising, like using TANF money to advertise at the NCAA basketball tournament and a college football bowl game. TANF money was also used to purchase tickets to a college football game.

• MCEC paid excessive rent well above market value to a holding company owned

by Zach and Nancy New. Sometimes the rent paid for spaces that were not used for TANF-related purposes.

Koch continuation from page 1A Industries – is reputed to be the second largest privately owned corporation in the United States, after agricultural giant Cargill. It is valued at $92 billion.

The Mississippi Center for Public Policy is the main organization running interference for Koch against the City of Jackson. And the federal courts have tentatively agreed with them, remanding the complaint against Jackson to the state courts for resolution. The Mississippi Center for Public Policy is located at 520 George Street in Jackson.

Concerns for possible threat and/or intimidation against the mayor and other city officials were put at ease

by City Public Information Officer Megan Gosa.

“There was no threat or intimidation demonstrated towards him directly,” Gosa said. “There was a great outpouring of complaints and criticisms online and on social media, however. The mayor’s executive order restricting the open carrying of weapons expired on April 30,” she said. “He extended the stayat-home order. That’s the only one he extended.”

Attorney Patricia Ice, Legal Project Director for the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance, was very sensitive to the potential threat and intimidation that often comes about when men parade around with guns and raising a ruckus over their right to carry them anywhere, anytime.

“Immigrants have always been afraid of the police,”

she said. “I don’t know that they think very much about these people rising up at the state capitols around the country. Undocumented immigrants are frequently taken advantage of and they get robbed a lot because they don’t have bank accounts.”

White men frequently arm themselves and parade along the Mexican border in Texas and Arizona and they pose a serious threat and try to intimidate many of the Hispanics who travel along the backroads, Ice said.

“Yes, they’re afraid of being killed,” she said. “And I think they’re really afraid of being arrested by ICE, especially now because of the Trump Administration and all these policies he’s put in place. Even the documented immigrants are afraid. If these were black people marching around with guns, they’d be arresting us right away, like the Panthers and others.”

CHECKBOOK SEGREGATION The Koch Brothers have stretched their arms across the entire spectrum of education and politics in the country to advance their anti-government, antienvironmental rules agenda, a number of journalists and Koch opponents report.

The Koch brothers openly poured millions of dollars into an effort to “re-segregate” the schools of Wake County, North Carolina, in 2009. Raleigh is the largest municipality of Wake County. They won

in the first round. But the people of Wake County regrouped and booted out the conservatives at the next election.

The Kochs’ primary organization, Americans for Prosperity, had sought to win the election of four conservatives on the nineseat school board.

“AFP swooped in to fund and organize on behalf of four candidates who sought to kill the district’s policy of busing to ensure diverse, desegregated public schools,” a member of the Institute for Southern Studies said. “They were definitely pushing an agenda to resegregate these schools. But there was also a real push toward privatization.”

Since 2011, they have adapted to changing circumstances and have begun their effort to win over a select number of HBCUs to their reactionary conservative program. Both the UNCF and the Thurgood Marshall Fund (based at Howard U.) received $25-million “donations” from Koch between 2014 and 2018.

“This is really Robin Hood in reverse,” Moral Mondays leader Rev. William Barber said in an Aug. 25, 2014 interview with freelance writer Mariya Strauss for Political Research Associates. “It is government of business, bought by business, for business. And not just business – because lots of business leaders disagree with them – but this is tea-party greed. This is

Koch brother-type greed.”

ALEC TAKEOVER While the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) was established before the Koch brothers began their program of seeking to control the writing of state legislation through co-opting the key committee chairs and other leadership in each state legislature, ALEC became one of their favorite and most impactful efforts.

“The right-wing billionaire Koch family, an assortment of lobbyists, corporations, and wealthy donors, fund ALEC,” columnist Bill Crawford said.

Of all the Kochs’ investments in right-wing organizations, Crawford said, ALEC provides some of the best returns, it gives the Kochs a way to make their brand of free-market fundamentalism legally binding.

In 2017, ALEC boasted that it had over 2,000 state legislative members within its fold. They also revealed that these lawmakers had introduced over 1,000 bills that either originated with or agreed in full with ALEC’s pro-business, antigovernment principles.

Philip Gunn is the first speaker of a state house or senate to take over the chair of ALEC. Crawford is concerned that the interests of the people of Mississippi will be sacrificed in favor of “corporate-friendly and antipublic education legislation” to satisfy the ALEC agenda.

are people like my mother, my father, my family, the people who have directly influenced who I am.”

For Perryman, her family consists of helpers. Her mother has always worked in some capacity in a school system from financial aid director to career counselor to substitute teacher, and her father taught kids in the community how to train horses.

Yet, the biggest way her parents influenced her was allowing her to be herself.

“I’m a little bit of an outlier, but they’ve never steered me in a different direction. They just kind of nurtured that in me. And I like to see other people be themselves and not conform to their environment or who the world thinks they should be.”

Perryman said that that is part of the reason why the mural was so important to complete during this trying

time for our state and nation. “I wanted this to be a bright spot during a time of so much uncertainty and stress.

I wanted people to come back out to something new and pleasant.”

Perryman is excited about future projects and the official unveiling of the mural where David Banner and the families of the other icons will be in attendance.

Kim Lewis, the Communications & Destination Development Manager, says that Visit Jackson is doing its best to continue the work of attracting visitors to Jackson. “One of the things that we talked about was that we wanted Jacksonians to feel the pride in it and be proud of the accomplishments that these icons have made. The fact that they’re from the same place and were able to make such a difference shows community pride.”

Shirley continuation from page 1A can testify that Shirley was a master teacher. In short, the work that she did was legendary, even though she did not toot her own horn regarding it.

Although there are other dimensions to this great lady, including her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and her life-long affiliations with St. Mark and St. Christopher’s Episcopal Churches, there are three that are noted herein.

They are her role as a teacher; her role as an activist and her role as a public servant.

Growing up as one of eight children born to Charlie and Eddie Shirley, Ruth Shirley attended and graduated from Lanier High School. From there she went to Tougaloo College, where she earned a Bachelors degree. She furthered her education by earning a Masters degree from the University of Michigan and a Specialist from Johns Hopkins University. Armed with this education and a passion to teach, she was hired at her alma mater to teach social studies.

It was at Lanier High School that the writer met her in 1962.

Because of her knowledge of the subject matter, her skill as a classroom teacher and her passion for the students, she was generally assigned the brightest and most gifted students in the senior high school division.

Because of her, the community and the country have benefitted from the professional work of the students. They include in just one year, the likes of doctors Maxine Hayes and Timothy Summer; attorneys Frank Stimley and Timothy Jones; educators; consultants; and other professionals such as Josephine Kelly, Billie Joyce Ware, Sandra Holly, Betty Bell, Rubin Taylor, Bobby Rose Mason, Evelyn Harrion, and Curtis Wilder – a virtual who’s who of black achievers. It is also fair to say that the writer would not have entered the teaching field had it not been for the influence and example of Ms. Ruth Shirley, under whose guidance he did his student teaching.

With the desegregation of Jackson Public Schools, Shirley was hired as a history teacher at Jackson State College (now Jackson State University). This may have been a new position, but was just a change of venue for this dedicated educator. According to Dr. Foster, Shirley continued to show herself to be a master teacher. Dr. Foster testifies that, “Ruth loved her students and her students loved her. They often gathered in her office to hear her talk about her work in the civil rights movement and learn other life lessons.”

Just as the writer talked about her influence on him as a teacher, Dr. Foster says, “Ruth was a great friend and mentor to me. She took me under her wings when I ar-

rived at Jackson State in 1970.

She taught me that the role of a professor was to not only impart subject matter, but to inspire students to be the best they can be.” Just as at Lanier High School, many students at Jackson State became endured to her. After she retired from Jackson State, many kept in contact with her as she did with them.

Retiring from teaching in the classroom, however, did not mark the end of her contributions. It was at that point that she became even more of a community activist / public servant. She involved herself in more than a few political campaigns and eventually was elected to the Hinds County Election Commission. She not only served as a member of the commission, but was elected by her peers to be its chairwoman. According to Frank Figgers, who served along with Shirley and three other members, “she was a straight-shooter; she was knowledgeable of the job, and was ‘the boss.’ She was sorely missed when she left the commission. But while she was there, significant political gains were made by black Democrats.

Another side of her story was her work with the civil rights movement.

Although the Mississippi State Legislature went so far as to forbid public school teachers to belong or make contributions to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Shirley and other teachers like her found ways to support the civil rights movement. Many did in fact secretly join and/or contribute to the civil rights organizations. They individually advised and encouraged students as they organized and participated in boycotts and civil rights demonstrations, whether they were initiated at Tougaloo College, Campbell College, or even Lanier High School. It was during this period that her brother, Aaron, served as a physician for civil rights participants and black people in the Mississippi Delta who were often without access to adequate healthcare. She was supportive of his efforts then as well as later, both in the field of medicine and black community development.

To say the least, she lived a full life, always making contributions benefitting others. As Dr. Foster stated, “She loved people and worked to make the community and the world a better place.” She survived her mother and father as well as her seven siblings – Eddie Mae, Katheryn, Charles, the twins Lillian and Lillie Vell, Arrington, and Aaron. While we mourn her passing, what she did for this city, county, and state will live on far beyond her demise.

10A

May 7-13, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF HINDS COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes governing the STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, EX REL. sale of abandoned motor vehicles, that the CITY OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI POLICE 2012 NISSAN ALTIMA bearing serial number DEPARTMENT, NARCOTICS DIVISION 1N4AL2AP5CN552674 and registered to PLAINTIFF FELEFIA GRIFFIN and NISSAN MOTOR ACCEPTANC CORP. will be sold along with all VS. contents of the above automobile for repair

and storage charges and for the costs of this TWO THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED NINETY sale as follows: FOUR DOLLARS IN U.S. CURRENCY ($2,494.00) DEFENDANT Date of Sale: MAY 20, 2020 Place of Sale: Archie's Auto & Wrecker Service, NO. 20-1335 6700 Medgar Evers Blvd., Jackson, MS 39213 Time of Sale: 10:00 A.M. SUMMONS Seller reserves the right to bid on the above TO: Jaquan Malik Williams property and to reject any and all bids.

3919 Old Brandon Road, Apt 87 3TC: 04-23, 30, 05-07-20

Jackson, MS 39203 -----------------------------------------------------------------NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance A Complaint for Forfeiture has been filed in with the Mississippi Statutes governing this Court by the State of Mississippi, by and the sale of abandoned motor vehicles, that through the City of Jackson, Mississippi Police the 2011 BMW 328 bearing serial number Department, Narcotics Division in Jackson, WBAPH7G54BNN07987 and registered to ALKIA Mississippi seeking the forfeiture of the above M. BROOKS and ASI FEDERAL CREDIT UNION described property, which was seized on will be sold along with all contents of the above March 13, 2020 in Hinds County, Mississippi. automobile for repair and storage charges and for the costs of this sale as follows: If you are the owner of the defendant property and you wish to contest the forfeiture of said Date of Sale: MAY 20, 2020 property then you are required to mail, or hand Place of Sale: Archie's Auto & Wrecker Service, deliver a written response to the Complaint for 6700 Medgar Evers Blvd., Jackson, MS 39213 Forfeiture to Sue M. Perry, Assistant District Time of Sale: 10:00 A.M. Attorney, Hinds County District Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 22747, Jackson, MS 39225-2747.

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

YOUR RESPONSE MUST BE MAILED OR 3TC: 04-23, 30, 05-07-20 DELIVERED NOT LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS -----------------------------------------------------------------AFTER THE DAY OF APRIL 23, 2020, WHICH NOTICE TO BIDDERS IS THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS SUMMONS. IF YOUR RESPONSE IS RFP # 1014 – ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE NOT SO MAILED OR HAND DELIVERED, A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT WILL BE ENTERED Hinds Community College is now accepting AGAINST YOU FOR THE PROPERTY request for proposals on Elevator Maintenance OR OTHER RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE until 2:00pm CST, May 21, 2020. Interested COMPLAINT FOR FORFEITURE. bidders can obtain more information by contacting Sam Lemonis at 601-857-3204 or You must also file the original of your splemonis@hindscc.edu . response with the Clerk of this Court within the aforesaid time.

The Hinds Community College District reserves the right to reject any and all bids, Issued under my hand and the official seal of and to waive any and all informalities. this Court this the 14th day of April, 2020.

2TC: 04-30, 05-07-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------CIRCUIT CLERK NOTICE OF SALE SUE M. PERRY, MSB No. 102685 ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY HINDS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE P.O. BOX 22747 Jackson, MS 39225-2747 Telephone: (601) 968-6568 Fax: (601) 968-6655 sperry@co.hinds.ms.us 3TC: 04-23, 30, 05-07-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF HINDS COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD EMMETT RUTLEDGE, DECEASED CIVIL ACTION FILE NO. P-2020-87 M/4 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters of Administration having been granted on the 13th day of April 2020, by the Chancery Court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County, Mississippi, to the undersigned upon the Estate of Donald Emmett Rutledge, deceased, notice is hereby given to all persons having claims against the said estate to present the same to the Clerk of the said Court for probate and registration according to law within ninety (90) days from the date of first publication of this Notice, or they will be forever barred.

This the 20th day of April, 2020.

KENDALL L. RUTLEDGE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD EMMETT RUTLEDGE, DECEASED Paul David Hastings Attorney for Administrator (MSB #2075) 321 Hwy. 51 - Suite B Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157 Tel:: (601) 607-2996 Fax: (601) 607-2997 Email: pdhastings@bellsouth.net 3TC: 04-23, 30, 05-07-20 ------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are the owner of the defendant property and you wish to contest the forfeiture of said property then you are required to mail, or hand deliver a written response to the Complaint for Forfeiture to Sue M. Perry, Assistant District Attorney, Hinds County District Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 22747, Jackson, MS 392252747.

YOUR RESPONSE MUST BE MAILED OR DELIVERED NOT LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE 30th DAY OF APRIL, 2020, WHICH IS THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS SUMMONS. IF YOUR RESPONSE IS NOT SO MAILED OR HAND DELIVERED, A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE PROPERTY OR OTHER RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE COMPLAINT FOR FORFEITURE.

You must also file the original of your response with the Clerk of this Court within the aforesaid time.

SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI TO: ANY KNOWN AND UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JAMES E. NORWOOD, DECEASED; AND ANY AND ALL OTHER PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING LEGAL OR EQUITABLE INTEREST IN THE LAND HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED

NOTICE TO DEFENDANTS You have been made a Defendant in the suit filed in this Court by Essie Norwood and Edward Norwood, Plaintiffs seeking relief in the Petition to Quiet and Confirm Title and for Other Relief. Defendants other than you in this action are Any Known and Unknown Heirs of James E. Norwood, Deceased.

CIRCUIT CLERK

You are required to mail or hand deliver a written response to the Complaint filed against you in this action to Anita Mathews Stamps whose post office address is Post Office Box 2916, Jackson, MS 39207, and whose street address is 269 East Pearl Street, Jackson, MS 39201.

SUE M. PERRY, MSB No. 102685 ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY HINDS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE P.O. BOX 22747 Jackson, MS 39225-2747 Telephone: (601) 968-6568 Fax: (601) 968-6655 sperry@co.hinds.ms.us 3TC: 04-30, 05-07, 14-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF LINCOLN COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI

YOUR RESPONSE MUST BE MAILED OR DELIVERED NOT LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE 30th DAY OF APRIL, 2020, WHICH IS THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS SUMMONS. IF YOUR RESPONSE IS NOT SO MAILED OR DELIVERED, A JUDGMENT

BY DEFAULT WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE MONEY OR OTHER RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE COMPLAINT.

You must also file the original of your Response with the Clerk of this Court within a reasonable time afterward.

ESSIE F. NORWOOD AND EDWARD W. NORWOOD PLAINTIFFS

Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, this the 20th day of April, 2020.

Issued under my hand and the official seal of this Court this the 22nd day of April, 2020.

VS. SHELLYE L. HANSBROUGH, ANY KNOWN AND UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JAMES E. NORWOOD, DECEASED; AND ANY AND ALL OTHER PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING LEGAL OR EQUITABLE INTEREST IN THE LAND HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED

DEFENDANTS CAUSE NO. 2020-0159

Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles, that the 2002 LEXUS RX3 bearing serial number JTJGF10U520144763 and registered to LAUREN ROBINSON and MISSISSIPPI TITLE LOANS 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 20, 2020 Place of Sale: Archie's Auto & Wrecker Service, 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: 04-23, 30, 05-07-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------IN THE COUNTY COURT OF HINDS COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

POST OFFICE BOX 2916 JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39207-2916 TELEPHONE: (601) 354-4747 3TC: 04-30, 05-07, 14-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF HINDS COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES EDWARD GRAY, III, DECEASED VANESSA LLOYD GRAY PETITIONER CAUSE NO. P2019-605 G/2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Letters of Administration having been granted on the 10th day of February, 2020, by the Chancery Court of Hinds County, Mississippi, to the undersigned Administratrix of the Estate of James Edward Gray, III, 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 (90) days from the first publication of this notice, or they will be forever barred.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, this the 10th day of February, 2020. /s/ Vanessa Lloyd Gray VANESSA LLOYD GRAY PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY:

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: 04-30, 05-07, 14-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------IN THE COUNTY COURT OF HINDS COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, EX REL. CITY OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI POLICE DEPARTMENT PLAINTIFF VS.

NINETEEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SIXTY DOLLARS IN U.S. CURRENCY ($19,260.00)

DEFENDANT NO. 20-1332 SUMMONS TO: Lorenzo D. Sutton

3856 Noble Street, Apt 1313

Jackson, MS 39209 Or

214 Queen Victoria Lane

Jackson, MS 39209

NOTICE A Complaint for Forfeiture has been filed in this Court by the State of Mississippi, by and through the City of Jackson, Mississippi Police

/s/ Alisha McGehee by T. Lewis ALISHA MCGEHEE, CHANCERY CLERK (SEAL)

Submitted by: ANITA MATHEWS STAMPS STAMPS & STAMPS ATTORNEYS AT LAW 269 EAST PEARL STREET JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39201

“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

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, EX REL. CITY OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI POLICE DEPARTMENT PLAINTIFF VS.

EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTEEN DOLLARS

IN U.S. CURRENCY ($815.00) DEFENDANT NO. 20-1260 SUMMONS TO: Michael Lovell Holliman

5551 Shaw Road, Apt. A3

Jackson, MS 39209

NOTICE A Complaint for Forfeiture has been filed in this Court by the State of Mississippi, by and through the City of Jackson, Mississippi Police Department in Jackson, Mississippi seeking the forfeiture of the above described property, which was seized February 13, 2020 in Hinds County, Mississippi.

AKC Registered German Shepherd Puppies 3 1/2 weeks old parents, grandparents, great grandparents on site

$250 non-refundable deposit Total price $800 (662) 403-1269 4TC: 04-23, 30, 05-07, 14-20

HINDS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT Notice of Bid

The Hinds County Public School District will receive Electronic Sealed Bids via Reverse Auction for the purchase of the following: HVAC Services A complete bid package is available by registering at www. southernprocurement.com. Please email Vaughn Blaylock at vaughn@southernprocurement.com for further instructions.

Registration with Southern Procurement Services and acceptance of the Southern Procurement Services Platform Agreement is not optional and is required in order to participate in this bid event.

All bids shall be legally binding. The Purchasing Entity reserves the right to waive formalities and to reject any and all bids in the best interests of that Entity.

Specification Response Forms Due: 27 May 2020 4:00 PM Local Time Bid Date: 28 May 2020 10:00 AM Local Time 2TC: 05-07, 14-20

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.

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

Department in Jackson, Mississippi seeking the forfeiture of the above described property, which was seized March 17, 2020 in Hinds County, Mississippi.

Telephone No.: (601) 360-8622 Facsimile No.: (601) 939-3713 E-Mail: dherndon@jmaa.com

May 7-13, 2020

11A

LEGAL NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS

If you are the owner of the defendant property and you wish to contest the forfeiture of said property then you are required to mail, or hand deliver a written response to the Complaint for Forfeiture to Sue M. Perry, Assistant District Attorney, Hinds County District Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 22747, Jackson, MS 392252747.

YOUR RESPONSE MUST BE MAILED OR DELIVERED NOT LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE 30th DAY OF APRIL, 2020, WHICH IS THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS SUMMONS. IF YOUR RESPONSE IS NOT SO MAILED OR HAND DELIVERED, A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE PROPERTY OR OTHER RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE COMPLAINT FOR FORFEITURE. You must also file the original of your response with the Clerk of this Court within the aforesaid time.

Issued under my hand and the official seal of this Court this the 27th day of April, 2020.

CIRCUIT CLERK SUE M. PERRY, MSB No. 102685 ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY HINDS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE P.O. BOX 22747 Jackson, MS 39225-2747 Telephone: (601) 968-6568 Fax: (601) 968-6655 sperry@co.hinds.ms.us 3TC: 04-30, 05-07, 14-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR JAN FIRE ALARM SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

BY THE JACKSON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY PROJECT NO. 12100-004-20 APRIL 29, 2020 The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority ("JMAA") requests Proposals (“Proposal") for JAN Fire Alarm System Improvements for Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport.

JMAA will receive Proposals at the offices of JMAA, Suite 300, Main Terminal Building, Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, 100 International Drive, Jackson, Mississippi 39208, until 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on May 18, 2020 (the "Deadline").

JMAA will not consider any Proposals received after the Deadline for any reason whatsoever. Information for Respondents relating to this Request for Proposals ("RFP") is on file and open for public inspection at the offices of JMAA. The Information for Respondents contains a copy of the RFP, General Information for Respondents, Information Required from Respondents and Criteria for Selection. Interested persons may obtain a copy of the Information for Respondents from JMAA by contacting Mr. Deuntagus Herndon, JMAA's Procurement Specialist, as follows: Jackson Municipal Airport Authority 100 International Drive, Suite 300 (39208) Post Office Box 98109 Jackson, Mississippi 39298-8109 Attention: Deuntagus Herndon, Procurement Specialist

or from JMAA's website at https://jmaa.com/ corporate/partner-with-us/procurement/

NO. G20-432 O/3 SUMMONS (By Publication)

THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Based on the Proposals received, JMAA will select a maximum of three (3) Respondents with whom to enter into negotiations to provide the Services. JMAA will initiate negotiations with the Respondent ranked first on the list. If such negotiations fail to produce an agreement in form and content, satisfactory to JMAA, within a reasonable period of time, then JMAA may reject the first-ranked Respondent and follow the same process with the other Respondents, in the order of their ranking, until a Respondent agrees to and enters into an agreement satisfactory to JMAA.

TO: ROBERT DESHAWN KELLEY

JMAA will hold a Pre-Submission Conference at 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on May 11, 2020, in the Community Room, 3rd Floor Mezzanine Level, at the Main Terminal Building at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, 100 International Drive, Jackson, MS 39208. Attendance at the PreSubmission Conference is highly encouraged for all those interested in submitting Proposals as a Prime Consultant for the Services and persons seeking opportunities to provide work as a Sub-Consultant. The benefits of attendance include networking opportunities between Prime Consultant and Sub-Consultants, as well as the opportunity to be on a list of contacts that will be published to interested parties as part of the minutes from the Pre-Submission Conference; and a detailed review of the scope of work. No additional conferences or meetings will be scheduled.

YOUR RESPONSE MUST BE MAILED OR DELIVERED NOT LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE 30th DAY OF APRIL, 2020, WHICH IS THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS SUMMONS. IF YOUR RESPONSE IS NOT SO MAILED OR DELIVERED, A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE MONEY OR OTHER RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE COMPLAINT.

You have been made a Defendant in the suit filed in this Court by AMBER NICOLE LEE KELLEY, Plaintiff, seeking A Divorce.

Defendants other than you in this action are None.

You are required to mail or hand deliver a written response to the Complaint filed against you in this action to Amber Nicole Lee Kelley, Plaintiff, whose address is 5551 Shaw Rd., Apt. 139, Jackson, MS 39209.

You must also file the original of your response with the Clerk of this Court within a reasonable time afterward.

Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, this 27th day of April, 2020.

Eddie Jean Carr, Chancery Clerk P.O. Box 686, 316 S. President St. Jackson, Mississippi 39205 3TC: 04-30, 05-07, 14-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------Advertisement for Bid Bid 3130 Capital City Alternative School Site Drainage and Foundation Repairs

Sealed, written formal bid proposals for the above bids will be received by the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District, in the Business Office, 662 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 10:00 A.M. (Local Prevailing Time) June 03, 2020, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud. A Pre-Bid Conference concerning Capital City Site Drainage and Foundation Repairs will be held at 2221 Boling Street, on May 15, 2020 at 1:30 P.M. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is not mandatory but strongly encouraged. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive informalities, and to withhold the acceptance of any bid if approved for forty-five calendar days from the date bids are opened.

Plan holders are required to register and order bid documents at www.jpsdmsprojects. com. A $100.00 Non-refundable deposit shall be required on each printed set of bid specs/documents. A $100.00 Nonrefundable deposit shall be required on each digital PDF set of bid specs/documents. Documents must be purchased through the website.

All plan holders are required to have a valid email address for registration. Questions regarding website registration and online orders, please contact Plan House Printing,

607 W. Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38804, (662) 407-0193. Questions regarding bid documents please contact Krystal Lamm at Duvall Decker Architects, Phone: 601-555-5555 or Email: kl@ duvalldecker.com.

2TC: 05-07, 14-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------Advertisement for Bid Bid 3131 Hardy Middle School Restroom Renovations

Sealed, written formal bid proposals for the above bids will be received by the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District, in the Business Office, 662 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 10:00 A.M. (Local Prevailing Time) June 05, 2020, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud. A Pre-Bid Conference concerning the project Hardy Middle School Restroom Renovations will be held at 545 Ellis Avenue, Jackson, MS on May 18, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. Attendance at the prebid conference is not mandatory but strongly encouraged. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive informalities, and to withhold the acceptance of any bid if approved for forty-five calendar days from the date bids are opened.

Plan holders are required to register and order bid documents at www.jpsdmsprojects. com. A $ 100.00 Non-refundable deposit shall be required on each printed set of bid specs/documents. A $100.00 Nonrefundable deposit shall be required on each digital PDF set of bid specs/documents. Documents must be purchased through the website.

All plan holders are required to have a valid

email address for registration. Questions regarding website registration and online orders, please contact Plan House Printing, 607 W. Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38804, (662) 407-0193. Questions regarding bid documents please contact Krystal Lamm at Duvall Decker Architects, Phone: 601-713-1128 or Email: kl@ duvalldecker.com.

2TC: 05-07, 14-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------Advertisement for Bids Bid 3132 Child Nutrition Warehouse Food Products Bid 3133 Child Nutrition Warehouse Paper & Stock Supplies Sealed, written formal bid proposals for the above bid will be received by the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public School District, in the Business Office, 662 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi, until 10:00 A.M. (Local Prevailing Time) May 27, 2020, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive informalities, and to withhold the acceptance of any bid if approved for forty-five calendar days from the date bids are opened Proposal forms and detailed specifications may be obtained free of charge by emailing jewalker@jackson.k12.ms.us, calling (601) 960-8799, or documents may be picked up at the above address or downloaded from JPS website at www.jackson.k12.ms.us 2TC: 05-07, 14-20 ------------------------------------------------------------------

JMAA reserves the right to: (1) reject any and all Proposals, for any reason, any time before execution of a contract with a Respondent selected by JMAA to perform the Services.

There is no DBE participation goal for this RFP. JACKSON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY 2TC: 04-30, 05-07-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------NOTICE OF SALE

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

Notice of Sale is hereby given in accordance with the Mississippi Statutes governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles, that the 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU bearing serial number 1G1ZJ577484283732 and registered to ISABEL PRYOR and HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK 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 28, 2020 Place of Sale: Archie's Auto & Wrecker Service, 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: 04-30, 05-07, 14-20 -----------------------------------------------------------------IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF HINDS COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI AMBER NICOLE LEE KELLEY PLAINTIFF VS ROBERT DESHAWN KELLEY DEFENDANT

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: 21ST CENTURY ACROSS 1. A bit cracked 5. Traitor’s blow?

9. Cause of Princess’ downfall 12. Hawaiian tuber 13. Prospector’s mother?

14. Heavy footsteps 16. “Iliad” or “Odyssey” 17. Caribbean color 18. Frustration, in print 19. *Proponent of colonization of Mars 21. Small island 22. *Edmond Halley’s apparition, 2061-2062 23. Expression of disgust or recoil 24. *2007 “Invention of the Year” 27. Give satisfaction 31. Neither a win nor a loss 32. Having no courage 35. Medicinal houseplant 36. Dodge, as in a tax bill 38. Take the gold 39. Anti-seniors sentiment 40. Immigrate 41. Bold and without shame 43. Take illegal drugs 44. Adverb of steep 46. Tower of London guard 48. *Legalized in many states 49. Cambodian monetary unit, pl.

51. Gift toppers 53. *Major spring 2020 occurance 56. *23andMe unit 57. Baron Munchhausen, e.g.

58. Original thought 60. Not yes or no 61. Nobel Peace Prize home 62. Long forearm bone 63. Formal wear, colloquially speaking 64. *Review service 65. *Walter White’s concoction DOWN 1. Polished off 2. Mock or make fun of playfully 3. Seed covering 4. Late Baroque 5. *Harvey Weinstein’s new home, slangily 6. Part of chef’s uniform 7. Sunbaked, archaically speaking 8. Bird’s groomer 9. Opposite of knit 10. Competitive advantage 11. Combustion product 14. Boreal forest, in Russia 15. *Number sign turned metadata tag 20. Time being 23. Coffin alternative

24. Agenda entries 25. Turning point 26. Launch or throw 27. *Millennials’ followers, for short 28. One hipbone 29. “Madagascar” predator 30. *Site of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi/Houthi conflict 33. Best-laid plans often go ____ 34. Roman road 37. *Sites with no easy access 39. Anoint 41. Sandwich with acronym name 42. Ophthalmologist’s prescription quantity

45. Wild West group 47. Os 49. Pay hike 50. All told 51. One of the Bridges 52. December stone 53. Clever tactic 54. Opposite of busy 55. Copper coin 56. Greenwich-related acronym 59. Expression of pleasure See answers on page 12A

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May 7-13, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

Perspective Innocence

By Willis Washington, Jr.

Pastor-Teacher, St. Mark Church, Clinton, MS

It is very important to study the Bible with these things in mind: Who? What? When?

Where? Why? Otherwise, there is a great probability that we will follow instructions intended for Washington somebody else. We may even attempt to implement something that does not apply to us.

We must know whom God is talking to, what He expects, when it applies, where it occurs, where it is applicable, and why He instituted it. By doing so prayerfully and with an open mind to the Spirit of God, we can be blessed with greater understanding of His Word.

God has always had a period of time wherein He expects those who follow Him to comply with current guidelines, i.e. His rules and regulations for living and worshipping Him during that time. It is obedience and compliance to the CURRENT/FORMER guidelines IN THE BIBLE that we gain God’s approval and our salvation. While the period is not necessarily preset or set in advance, during that time He expects our obedience to the instruction provided in His Word. In a roundabout way, I am talking about a dispensational understanding of the Bible.

This method of bible study

and understanding is like all others – imperfect. However, it solves countless questions and helps us set things in their proper place for our clearer understanding. Even so, without the spirit of God, even the Holy Ghost, we cannot rightly divide the Word of God and make the right application of that Word in our lives.

Having said all of that, we introduce our first dispensation, Innocence. It started with the creation, Genesis 1:1, and ended with the fall of man and his expulsion from the Garden of Eden, Genesis 1:28 – 3:6.

In this dispensation, man was innocent (Genesis 2:25), given a simple test (Genesis 2:16, 17) and warned of his disobedience. However, he sinned any way. Remind you of anybody? Just in case you cannot remember, I have provided the answer: ME AND YOU. Man did not have to sin.

He chose to sin, giving in to the woman and the tempting of Satan. You see, it was the woman who was deceived, but the man deliberately sinned, 1 Timothy 2:14. As I stated, God gave the command to the man, Genesis 2:15-17.

There are several characteristics of the dispensation of innocence, some of which we will share with you next week, if the Lord wills, James 4:15.

The Lord bless you, and please remember 2 Timothy 2:15, because of 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

May His grace be with you......always.

Coronavirus: Overcoming fear and embracing the new normal

By Marita Baker

Jackson Advocate Guest Writer

Looking back to the reported beginning of COVID-19 in the United States at the beginning of March 2020, the more I heard about the coronavirus, the more frightened I became. It is surprising to see that many people have not taken COVID-19 seriously or have been joking about it, despite the catastrophic number of deaths.

These are Baker unparalleled times of uncertainty where we must proceed cautiously, especially among African Americans who are at higher risk for the coronavirus. I am sharing my story, hoping that it will help you to find encouragement if you have COVID-19 symptoms or wondering what to do if you think you may have the coronavirus. If you or your family members are sick, my prayer is that you will have a full recovery.

Initially, there were five symptoms that were warning signs of the coronavirus. This list as of April 27, 2020 has now expanded to what they define as nine symptoms, which appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.

I am actually listing each one separately, as I think the list is greater than nine. Based upon research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) here is the updated list: 1. Fever 2. Cough 3. Shortness of breath 4. Difficulty breathing 5. Chills 6. Repeated shaking with

chills Muscle pain Headache Sore throat New loss of taste or smell Persistent pain or pressure in the chest 12. New confusion or inability to arouse 13. Bluish lips or face 14. Other severe symptoms that concern you.

Source https://www.livescience. com/coronavirus-symptoms.html I am a 35-year-old African American female who is passionate about her job and selfmotivated. I am engaged in marketing and public relations and assist companies and individuals with brand building. As you can imagine, with the shutdown across the nation, business has been harder to come by.

This big C – coronavirus – can take the wind right out of your sails and sales, literally. Businesses have become hesitant to make decisions, which has made it very difficult recently in my line of work at Freestyle Branding and Marketing. Having your business impacted so dramatically can create feelings of discouragement and depression. So, I would like to publicly thank Taraji P. Henson and other African American females (of course and males) like her that have taken the charge to make things better!

As I read the article by Taraji P. Henson (actress for the Empire series), I can see how people in the African American community can benefit from some professional encouragement and therapy. Ms. Henson has funded an initiative to provide therapy services for the African American 7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

community. You can read about the article “Taraji P Henson creates free ‘virtual therapy’ service for coronavirus-hit African Americans” here at the following URL: https://www. theguardian.com/film/2020/ apr/09/taraji-p-henson-createsfree-virtual-therapy-servicefor-coronavirus-hit-africanamericans A little history – beginning on March 10th, 2020, I came down with symptoms that appeared to be COVID-19 related, i.e., sweating, difficulty breathing, runny nose, fever, lack of energy and a bad cough. A co-worker, noticing these symptoms, informed me that it was necessary to go home after having a medical check-up.

The thoughts that started running through my mind were “if I have the coronavirus, what do I need to do to maintain cashflow and make my business survive?” I knew then that I must re-frame my thinking and have a plan. I needed to think about this concept of new normal. In other words, keeping myself healthy.

To this end, I started doing research on how to take practical measures to stay healthy. I knew that this would involve Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and solutions (i.e., mask, latex gloves). Then, I thought about the business opportunities that would arise as a result of COVID-19 and the coronavirus. I also thought about the ways that I could help other people deal with this new normal.

Out of nowhere, I was approached by Golden Ratio Management Corporation (GRMC) to develop their new PPE website (www.grmcppe.com). I quickly developed the website

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.

AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support Lanier High School National Alumni Association when you make purchases from AmazonSmile. You will find the exact same low prices, vast selections, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to Lanier High School National Alumni Association. Simply click on this link https://smile.amazon.com/ch/64-0907379 and it will take you to the location where you can purchase your items.

Answers from 11A

in order to get GRMC’s PPE offering visible to web surfers all over the world. Acting as the marketing lead for GRMC’s website has helped them launch a very successful PPE offering to support the needs of all Americans who are searching for PPE. I’m truly thankful for this opportunity afforded me by GRMC and I hope to build on this opportunity and grow my small business.

As you think about my story and any challenges that you might be facing, there might be an opportunity for you right now that could result in a life-saving or health-improving business venture amidst this global health crisis. While I have decided to focus on the marketing of PPE for COVID-19, perhaps support services may be an option for you. For example, I am seeing many new virtual and remote job opportunities open up across many industries. These include everything from customer service to information technology.

I am also seeing technical and support services that involve cleaning and sanitization of facilities. We also can see that traffic flow and customer occupancy levels will present many possibilities for consulting and re-design of how companies service their customers.

I wish you the best of success and keep in mind that the future will be bright. As you consider the new normal, do not feel embarrassed to wear a mask or latex gloves in the months to come as this will help you to stay healthy. A healthier life is a better life.

Marita Baker is Marketing and Advertising Professional, GRMC PPE.

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

May 7-13, 2020

Don’t forget to 

November 3, 2020

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!!!! 

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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May 7-13, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

Hinds County School District Weekly Update!

Engaging • Empowering • Ensuring • Excellence

TO ALL HCSD NEW STUDENT ENROLLEES Beginning May 1, 2020 all new enrollee parents are asked to visit the website at www.hinds.k12.ms.us to complete the new student enrollee survey. Once the survey is completed and submitted, parents will be contacted by the school with key details on completing the enrollment process.

Remember: Your child’s JOURNEY to EXCELLENCE starts at the Hinds County School District.

HCSD RECOGNIZES SENIOR SPRING ATHLETES CHRISTIAN BORDERS

CHEVALIER DORRIS

School: Terry High School

School: Raymond High School

College/Career Program: Undecided

College/Career Program: Jackson State University (baseball and academic scholarships) – majoring in Civil Engineering

Sport: Baseball Favorite High School Memory: My inside the park homerun during the 2019 varsity baseball playoffs on the Coast. What made it the most memorable moment was that it was “WJTV’s Baseball Play of The Day.”

JAMAL C. HARRIS School: Terry High School College/Career Program: Hinds Community College Sport: Baseball Favorite High School Memory: Hitting my first homerun in baseball

JOSHUA PARKER School: Terry High School College/Career Program: Mississippi Delta Community College Sport: Baseball Favorite High School Memory: Playing basketball with the team during the meetings

Sport: Baseball Favorite High School Memory: I enjoyed being amongst all of my fellow 2020 classmates while at Raymond High. But, my favorite memory would be our last baseball game this year. We won our first game of the season vs Ridgeland, and I was able to hit my first homerun.

COLBY HENDERSON School: Terry High School College/Career Program: Undecided Sport: Baseball Favorite High School Memory: Game winning triple vs Raymond

ROBI RIGGIN School: Raymond High School College/Career Program: Hinds Community College (baseball and academic scholarships) – majoring in Biology/Pre-Med Sport: Baseball Favorite High School Memory: The night we beat Clinton as I contributed a base clearing triple

CAMERON FROST School: Terry High School College/Career Program: Ole Miss Sport: Baseball Favorite High School Memory: Making the baseball team in the 8th grade and the trip to the Biloxi tournament my 9th and 12th grade year

MATT JONES School: Raymond High School College/Career Program: Undecided to date, but will be on baseball scholarship (major – Business Management) Sport: Baseball Favorite High School Memory: Hitting a triple in the first game of my senior season

MICHAEL SLOYAN School: Raymond High School College/Career Program: Undecided to date, but will be on baseball scholarship (major – Business Management) Sport: Baseball Favorite HS Memory: My favorite memory is moving to Raymond High School and meeting my new coaches and teammates. I was only there for a couple months due to this virus, but they made me a better player and teammate.

We had lots of laughs and long practices, but we made the best of them. I wish we got to play more than five games with each other, but I’m happy to call them family.

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

May 7-13, 2020

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500 West County Line Road Tougaloo, Mississippi 39174 601-977-7871

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May 7-13, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

Remember, lest we forget Ms. Leola C. Washington Coach Marino ‘The Godfather’ Casem

Marino H. Casem was born to the union of Eloise King Casem and Benito A. Casem on June 23, 1934. He was a native of Memphis, TN and a resident of Baton Rouge, LA. He entered eternal life on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the Baton Rouge General Hospital on Bluebonnet Blvd. in Baton Rouge, LA at the age of 85.

A private, graveside service for former Alcorn State University legend Coach Marino “The God-

father” Casem was held Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Green Oaks Memorial Park Cemetery, located on 9595 Florida Blvd. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

On the field, Casem was a fierce competitor who demanded the best from his players. Off the field, he made it a priority to instill life lessons into his players so they could succeed in all areas of life.

Roynell Young, who played for Casem from 1976-1980 and went on to have an eight-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, credits Casem’s years of advice for shaping him into the man he is today.

“Coach Casem was a one-ofa-kind individual, and chances are, we won’t see anyone like him anytime soon,” said Young.

“I was a young, cocky, and out of control 18-year-old from New Orleans when I met Coach

Casem, but he was able to grab my attention and change my way of thinking. I owe a great deal to this man. I love him not only for what he did for me on the football field but also for what he instilled in me as a man. I don’t know if I would still be here had it not been for him.”

Alvin Moore, who also played for several of Casem’s championship-winning teams, remembers his sense of humor and wise counsel.

“He would joke with us by saying that because he gave us football scholarships, he saved us from being drafted into the Vietnam War,” said Moore. “At the time, my teammates and I didn’t realize that he was molding us into better men. As I look back on what he did for us, I can see the results of his teachings, because we turned out to be good men. He was a father figure for us during that time.”

Casem was the head football coach at Alcorn for 22 seasons and served as Director of Athletics for 20 years. During his time coaching the Braves, the team won seven Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) football championships and four Black National Titles in 1967, 1968, 1973, and 1984. He was also named SWAC Coach of the Year seven times during his tenure.

In his career at Alcorn, Casem’s record is 132-65-8 from 19641985. The Braves football stadium, Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium, is named in his honor.

In 1975, as an athletic director, Casem played a significant role in the construction of the Davey L. Whitney Complex, where the Braves men’s and women’s basketball teams host games.

Casem was named to the SWAC Hall of Fame in 1992, Alcorn Hall of Fame in 1993, College Football Hall of Fame in 1998, and Mississippi Sports Hall

of Fame in 2003.

He was an active member of St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Marino and his wife received the St. Joseph Apprentice Award in 2016. He was also a member of the Knights of Peter Claver. He was a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He was also a member of Men of Distinction.

Marino is survived by his wife Betty Jean of 63 years; a sister-in-law, Sylvia McCain; five nephews; four nieces; and many great nephews and nieces and friends. He also leaves to cherish his memory two very special young ladies, Alexis and Simone Craven, whom he was very proud of and honored to be Paw Paw. Marino was preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother, Bessie Hall King; his grandfather, Roy King; his brother, Benito A. Casem, Jr.; his sister-in-law, Patricia N. Casem; and his brotherin-law, Billy Joe McCain, Sr.

Leola C. Washington, also fondly known as “Peaches”, died peacefully in Evanston, IL on April 25, 2020, at the age of 72.

Washington was born in Cleveland, MS to Leola R. Washington and Jesse Washington. She graduated from East Side High School in 1965 and attended Mississippi Valley State University in 1968 and graduated with an Associate’s degree in Nursing.

She then went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Mississippi in 1976.

In the earlier part of her career, she was the Acting Director of Nursing at Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center.

Washington spent most of her career as Head Nurse of the Dialysis Unit at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Washington also had a successful military career and rose to the rank of Major in the 183rd Air Evacuation of the Air National Guard at Thompson

Field, Jackson, MS. She was the first African American flight nurse/flight instructor and the first African American Major in the Air Evac Squadron. During her tenure in the military, she trained a diverse group of nurses from around the world.

She was most admired for her leadership style, nursing knowledge, excellent clinical skills, and strong work ethic.

After moving to Chicago in 1990, she worked as the charge nurse in the Emergency

Department of Cook County Department of Corrections.

Washington was an accomplished cook, avid reader, event planner, artist, and loved to travel. She was loved by her patients and friends and had a generous spirit and loved living well.

Washington is survived by her daughters: Rhonda Washington, Philadelphia, PA, and Carla Washington, San Francisco, CA; her siblings: Jesse Washington, Nashville, TN, Louise Reed, Chicago, IL, and Geraldine Caston, Clinton, MS; nieces, Kimberly Reed, Tracey Pledger, Tamara Terry, and Talmadge Smith; and a godson: DeMarquis Clarke.

A celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Leola C. Washington’s name to the United Negro College Fund or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank the staff at Astoria Place and Northshore Hospital for their care and dedication.

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

May 7-13, 2020

17A

CPSD 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 well-balanced meals during this time. Therefore, the Canton Public School District began serving LunchTo-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 is being served from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

SALUTING CANTON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020 Thanks for sharing your photos with us! (Part II)

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May 7-13, 2020

Jackson Advocate

Jackson, Mississippi

Nation/World Joe Biden’s plan for empowering black America

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

When former Vice President Joe Biden sat for an exclusive live stream interview with National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. in February, the now presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said it was crucial to secure the black vote if he is to unseat President Donald Trump in November 2020.

Now, the two-time former second-in-command to President Barack Obama has laid out a comprehensive plan for African Americans.

Biden said the plan reflects many months of work and feedback from local elected officials, activists, organizations, practitioners, policy experts, strategists, and young people.

His campaign called the plan “a living document.”

It said the Biden team looks forward to hearing from everyone as they continue to develop the Democrat’s vision for all of America.

In a news release, the campaign noted that Biden “knows we need a comprehensive agenda for African Americans with an ambition that matches the scale of the challenge and with a recognition that race-neutral policies are not a sufficient

response to race-based disparities.”

They said the Biden Plan for black America would: • Advance the economic mobility of African Americans and close the racial wealth and income gaps.

• Expand access to high-quality education and tackle racial inequity in our education system.

• Make far-reaching investments in ending health disparities by race.

• Strengthen America’s commitment to justice.

• Make the right to vote and the right to equal protection real for African Americans.

• Address environmental justice.

“Joe Biden knows that African Americans can never have a fair shot at the American Dream so long as entrenched disparities are allowed to chip away at opportunity quietly,” his campaign’s statement noted.

“He is running for President to rebuild our economy in a way that finally brings everyone along – and that starts by rooting out systemic racism from our laws, our policies, our institutions, and our hearts.”

Joe Biden said he plans to hold financial institutions accountable for discriminatory practices in the housing market, and he will restore the federal government’s power to enforce settlements against discriminatory lenders.

With the novel coronavirus hitting African Americans the hardest, Biden’s plan recognizes the disparities long faced by the black community.

In April, he called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to collect more data regarding how COVID-19 is affecting com-

munities, including breaking down its impacts by race.

“The data we’ve seen so far suggests that African Americans are dying from COVID-19 at a higher rate than whites,” the campaign noted.

“Long-standing systemic inequalities are contributing to this disparity – in-

cluding the fact that African Americans are more likely to be uninsured and to live in communities where they are exposed to high levels of air pollution.”

Biden’s campaign continued: “African Americans also represent an especially high percentage of the front-line workers putting themselves at greater risk to sustain the economy and keep the rest of the country safe and fed – and are less likely to have a job they can do from home, forcing them to make the difficult choice between their health and a paycheck.

“While there’s a lot we don’t yet know about COVID-19, we do know that equitable distribution of resources, like testing and medical equipment, can make a difference in fighting the virus. Biden believes this should be a priority, and action must be taken now.”

Other highlights of the plan include rolling back Trump Administration policies that gutted fair lending and fair housing protections for homeowners and giving local elected officials the tools and resources they need to combat gentrification.

Biden said he plans to hold financial institutions

accountable for discriminatory practices in the housing market, and he will restore the federal government’s power to enforce settlements against discriminatory lenders.

Additionally, the plan calls for Biden to strengthen and expand the Community Reinvestment Act to ensure that the nation’s bank and non-bank financial services institutions are serving all communities.

Biden plans to eliminate local and state housing regulations that perpetuate discrimination and establish a $100 billion Affordable Housing Fund to construct and upgrade affordable housing, providing tax incentives for the construction of more affordable housing in communities that need it most.

Biden also plans to create a White House “Strike Force” to partner with rural communities to help them access federal funds.

“Today, we need a comprehensive agenda for African Americans with an ambition that matches the scale of the challenge and with a recognition that race-neutral policies are not a sufficient response to race-based disparities,” Biden stated.

Joe Biden’s full plan for black America: https:// joebiden.com/blackamerica/.