V16n12 - The Holiday Issue by Jackson Free Press Magazine

vol. 16 no. 12

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The

Holiday Issue

BLIGHT OUTTA SIGHT? Bragg, p 10

MERRY CELEBRATIONS Cardon, pp 18-20

TERESA HAYGOOD’S ORNAMENTS Helsel, p 20

CHANGING SUSPENSION CULTURE Dreher, pp 7 - 8

‘HART’ FOR COMEDY Smith, p 26

November 22 - 28, 2017 â&#x20AC;¢ jfp.ms

T H E P ER F EC T H OL IDA Y GIFT!

2 SHOWS - DEC. 26 & 27

2 SHOWS - JANUARY 20

JANUARY 23

FEBRUARY 5

FEBRUARY 7

FEBRUARY 21

MARCH 7

MAY 3

all shows at thalia mara hall g e t y o u r t i c k e t s t o d ay A T J A C K S O N B R O A D W A Y. C O M !

JACKSONIAN Marquise Hunt courtesy Marquise Hunt

arquise Hunt, president of Tougaloo College’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People chapter, has been involved with the organization since his sophomore year in high school. When he came to Tougaloo, the college’s chapter was present but inactive, and Hunt wanted to get it active again. “I ... spoke with the adviser in charge of the chapter, Dr. Daphne Chamberlain, and she helped me figure out what I needed to do,” Hunt says. Chamberlain advised him to run in an August 2016 election for the NAACP executive board. Hunt, 19, won the election by popular vote and became the first freshman to hold the position of NAACP president at Tougaloo. To make the college chapter active again, he began participating in activities such as the March on Mississippi event on March 4 at the Nissan plant in Canton, organizing voting drives, hosting panels on immigration, and working with Tougaloo’s Greek organizations to host discussions on issues such as the Mississippi state flag. Born in Portsmouth, Va., Hunt graduated from Churchland High School and moved to Mississippi to attend Tougaloo in 2016. Hunt said he wanted to attend a historically black college or university because many of his family members did, including

contents

his aunt, Sherae Harding-Griffin, who attended Norfolk State University and told him to check out Tougaloo. He says he decided to attend the college based on the fact that it is wrapped in African American history and the fact that it has often been a safe haven for disadvantaged populations. Hunt is majoring in political science with an emphasis in pre-law and plans to go on to law school to become a civil-rights attorney, but has not decided which law school he would like to attend. “I’m the type of person who wants to help anyone and everyone with their rights,” Hunt says. “A lot of people jump to thinking of African Americans when they hear about civil rights, but it’s a much broader thing. “We’re also living in perilous times right now for civil rights, especially for immigrants and refugees. I was also there in Charlottesville when (James Alex Fields Jr.) drove his truck into the crowd of protesters, and I heard about (DeAndre Harris), a black man who was attacked by neo-Nazis in a garage near the Charlottesville protest and got charged with a felony later, while the neo-Nazis got away. He had done nothing wrong, and people like him need to be represented. Someone has to be ready to stand up and help people like that whenever it’s needed.” —Dustin Cardon

cover photo of mosaic ornaments by Teresa Haygood courtesy Mississippi Arts Commission

6 ............................ Talks 14 ................... editorial 15 ...................... opinion 18 ............ Cover Story 26 ...................... Comedy 27 ......................... Books 28 ........ music listings 22 ......................... 8 Days

7 The Other Clinic in Fondren

The Center for Pregnancy Choices in Fondren is open but fairly hidden due to its inability to post a sign along State Street.

15 A Better World for the Future

“It’s time to focus on the misogynistic, goodole-boy system that birthed and nurtured these actions in the first place.” —Leslie McLemore II, “A Better World for Harper”

24 ........................ Events 24 ....................... sports 30 ...................... Puzzles 32 ......................... astro 32 ............... Classifieds

26 A Mississippi Story

J.C. Villegas didn’t want to be a writer, but a dream about a Mississippi family made avoiding the career path difficult.

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

4 ............ Editor’s Note

courtesy j.c.villegas; courtesy leslie mclemore ii; stephen wilson

November 22 - 28, 2017 | Vol. 16 No. 12

editor’s note

by Donna Ladd, Editor-in-Chief

2017: A Year to Be Thankful … Really

ook, it’s been a tough year. Donald Trump’s election last November was the precursor to so much hell breaking loose on the national and international stages. All sane Americans collectively dread what we’re going to see pop up on our phones in the morning as we grab them to see what madness, or maybe nuclear attack, occurred overnight or the White House occupant’s latest crazy tweet. It’s also been a huge year of reckoning—from facing a renaissance of open racism to the most hideous kinds of predatory behavior going public and even being defended in the name of partisanship. I might be a touch smug if the revelations weren’t so horrible and dangerous as I recall all the editors and journalists around the country who didn’t want to believe that race violence could cross the boundaries into their states, or even into their cities. I do flinch a bit when I see topics I’ve been studying and warning for years—like scientific racism and hate groups—start popping up in mainstream media like the concepts are new. Better late than never, though. But most of all, it’s been a deeply personal and painful year for so many people, and certainly women as we grapple with buried memories, speaking up in a toxic climate and trying to create a new, more equitable culture. With all this déjà vu all over again, I try to both use the experiences to help others and to remind myself to be grateful every day. Otherwise, where’s the hope? So here’s my 2017 grateful list. #metoo. Even with the anguish it all causes me and so many others, every story of a man popping it out or grabbing a crotch without permission or holding a woman (or man) down means we are one step closer to changing this sick

culture that gives power-hungry predators power to destroy lives, careers and futures. JFP managers. There are three women whom I’ve now worked with for years who are my rocks, my confidantes, my friends, my heroes. Kimberly Griffin, Kristin Brenemen and Amber Helsel are three Jackson power women who care about people, the city and the greater Jackson community, the state, the world, the JFP staff, our staff culture and the mission of this newspaper. I’ve learned to rely on them for the hard stuff, and they deliver like the bosses they are.

My lead reporters, Arielle Dreher and Ko Bragg, happened to attend the same journalism graduate school I did, and Ko even shares my hometown (she adopted it). But the thing is the devotion to deep journalism that matters and uplifting attitudes while doing it. Arielle has worked here nearly three years and has raised the journalism bar for state media. Ko is just getting going and is nailing it. We don’t see Willy Kelly as much now—he has to graduate college, after all—but he’s a welcome member of the team. And we call Web Editor Dustin Cardon “Super-Dustin” these days because

It is the only way to work and live.

Jackson. I won’t lie: It can be hard to be a women newspaper editor of the capital city of Mississippi. It’s a mess of a city built on a foundation of corruption, racism and sexism, and is trying to rebuild itself after the people who embedded those problems in our DNA pretty much took off, often trying to hurt us long after they’re gone. But this city is a pleasure to serve (OK, maybe not during election seasons) precisely because there are so many people who see through the bullsh*t and know the only glory days for Jackson are in the future, not in a dark past. I’ve never felt more burning passion anywhere. My news team. I won’t gloss it: Running a rigorous news team can be challenging in today’s world where lethargy and cynicism have infected a lot of news desks. I don’t know how else to say it: I have a dream news team now.

he is nailing it on every front. I can’t wait to get here in the mornings to brainstorm with this stellar crew. Thank you, Lord. Our whole staff, in fact. Music Editor Micah Smith is a superstar who sets the bar high for writing, human interaction, and being such a caring person. Same for Zilpha Young, a super designer who is engaged on every level here and may just win the 2017 hairstyle game. New photographer Stephen Wilson is a delight and a wonderful photographer. In the sales room, Meghan Garner is a force of nature, and Stephen Wright is a newish and so-welcome member of the family. The delightful Rebecca Hester recently replaced Tyler Edwards, whom we’re thrilled is working to register young voters in the state. And I still am hitting the streets to do major reporting projects with my partner in crime prevention, Imani Khayyam,

and am so happy for him starting his own photo business. (Hire him now.) I appreciate Richard Laswell’s hard work coordinating distribution. And my assistant, Inga Sjostrom? She makes my life easier, ensuring vital systems are followed, and we’re decorated for every holiday like clockwork (which I care about, too), and she keeps the style meter dialed high. This team lifts each other up and gives each other the permission to care deeply in every possible direction. It is the only way to work and live. Friends, family and supporters. Everyone knows I notoriously work too much and spend too little time keeping up with loved ones. I appreciate their patience and support despite my scramble to do my part to change the world, which many of them are doing, too. And for readers who show love and support randomly—like those surprise flowers on my birthday—thank you so, so much. Youth Media Project. I can’t say enough about what my newest project does for my spirit and hope during these tough times. I learn continually from the young people of Jackson, who have more heart, ideas and potential than most can imagine. Tap their brains, all. Todd. If there is one person who has helped me be fully myself in a world that prefers that I not, it is Todd Stauffer. I don’t tell him enough how massively grateful I am that he came to my white-trash party nearly 25 years ago in Colorado Springs and started this insane journey with me. He makes me laugh, supports my work and my voice, and picks me up when I’m down. He loves road trips, beaches, mountains and drives well on the wrong side of the road. And he cooks so I don’t starve. And for that I give thanks.

6 7 8

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

contributors

Amber Helsel

Dustin Cardon

Ko Bragg

Arielle Dreher

Stephen Wilson

Micah Smith

Rebecca Hester

Stephen Wright

Managing Editor Amber Helsel is a Gemini, feminist, writer, artist and otaku who is trying to give her cat a better life. Email story ideas to amber@ jacksonfreepress.com. She organized the cover package.

Web Editor Dustin Cardon is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. He enjoys reading fantasy novels and wants to write them himself one day. He contributed to the cover package.

City Reporter Ko Bragg is a Philadelphia, Miss., transplant who recently completed her master’s degree in journalism. She loves traveling and has been to 25 countries to date. She wrote about blight and people’s assemblies.

News Reporter Arielle Dreher is working on finding some new hobbies and adopting an otter from the Jackson Zoo. Email her ideas at arielle@ jacksonfreepress.com. She wrote about school suspension and pregnancy centers.

Staff Photographer Stephen Wilson is always on the scene, bringing you views from the six. He took photos for the issue.

Music Editor Micah Smith is married to a great lady, has two dog-children named Kirby and Zelda, and plays in the band Empty Atlas. Send gig info to music@jacksonfreepress.com. He wrote about Comedy Central’s “Hart of the City.”

Events Editor Rebecca Hester recently moved to the Jackson area, and loves Alabama football, Boston Celtics basketball, the outdoors, music, dogs and volunteering as much as humanly possible. She edited the events.

Sales and Marketing Consultant Stephen Wright is a Clinton native who lives life through the four Fs: faith, family, football and food. For your advertising needs, contact him at stephen@ jacksonfreepress.com.

To curious minds, courageous hearts, and adventurous spirits: Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see you soon. Be one of the first to experience the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, opening side-by-side December 9, 2017, in Jackson, Mississippi. Plan your visit now. For Group Rates and More: museumofmshistory.com mscivilrightsmuseum.com

“I just think suspension is a culture: you go home. And it’s a culture district-wide, so culture, as they say, is one of the hardest things to change.” — Juvenile-justice advocate and former NYPD officer Juan Cloy, on why suspension culture in Jackson’s public schools is pervasive.

Wednesday, November 15 Acting Assistant Attorney General Alan Hanson asks the City of Jackson to review its “sanctuary city” ordinance in order to receive federal funds from the Office of Justice Programs.

Friday, November 17 The Mississippi Supreme Court states that Chancery Judge Jennifer Schloegel ruled correctly that documents from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources that the Sun Herald newspaper sought in 2012 are public records. Saturday, November 18 Air Force Gen. John Hyten, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, says an order from Donald Trump to launch nuclear weapons can be refused if that order is determined to be illegal. Sunday, November 19 Singer and actress Diana Ross receives a lifetime achievement award during the 45th American Music Awards. … Cult leader and racist Charles Manson, who masterminded murders of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and six others in Los Angeles in 1969, dies at age 83 after a half-century in prison.

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

Monday, November 20 Rukia Lumumba announces the first “people’s assembly” that her brother, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, promised to hold, which will take place at the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, November 21 CBS News fires morning show host Charlie Rose after several women who worked with him made allegations against him of a pattern of sexual misconduct. … Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai moves to repeal net neutrality. Get breaking news at jfpdaily.com.

Changing the Culture of Suspension by Arielle Dreher

uan Cloy remembers being suspended when he was at Provine High School in the 1980s. He and several friends got in a fight with some kids from the neighborhood at school. Everyone involved got suspended. Of course, the idea of suspension is for kids to stay home, but none of the boys did. He and his friends went outside and walked around the corner to find the boys they got into a fight with in a car. “One of the kids pulled a gun out on us,” he said. “…[T]here was no resolution. We never resolved that—ever. To this day it hasn’t been resolved, and this was in high school.” Cloy, who worked as a law enforcement officer for more than 20 years at the Jackson and Canton Police Departments and the FBI, now is the Mississippi director of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, a subsidiary of the Council for a Strong for America. The organization signed a memorandum of understanding with Jackson Public Schools to work on discipline and the relationship between school resource officers and JPD. Specifically, Cloy is working to help implement PBIS—positive behavioral intervention and supports—and restorativejustice programs, like justice circles, which invite everyone to share their experiences and discuss situations openly instead of being suspended, throughout JPS.

Trump’s Thanksgiving Aviary by Micah Smith

he tradition of the presidential turkey pardon isn’t as old as you may think. George H. W. Bush was the first to exonerate a wattle-having White House guest in 1989. Since Donald Trump is set on doing everything the opposite of Barack Obama, though, he may decide on pardoning a different bird this year. Here are a few top contenders.

Stephen Wilson

Thursday, November 16 Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant recommends adding $7 million in funds for the Mississippi Works Scholarship Program to provide free community college for some students.

Blight elimination in west Jackson p 10

JPS Interim Superintendent Freddick Murray told the “Better Together” Commission” in November that the rate of students referred to the alternative school are down so far in the 2017-2018 school year.

Drawing on his suspension experience in high school, Cloy says the school’s discipline procedures and culture should help resolve conflicts—not just remove kids from school. “People say they bring that stuff from the neighborhood to the school, and that’s true,” Cloy says. “But while they’re in our care in the schools, we should have some sort of system set up to help kind of diffuse that and figure out what’s going on.”

• Terrence the Ill-Tempered Toucan • Nigel the Nepotism Nightingale • Elsa the Trickle-Down Economics Egret • Marjorie the Media-Hating Mockingbird • Billy the Secret Bank Account Bald Eagle • Tawny the Twitter Rant T-Rex

A Culture Problem As a part of his work with Fight Crime, Cloy is focused on working with JPD to help the school district suspend and expel students less. “Statistics show that a kid who is out of school for suspension or expulsion is more likely to end up in the back of a police car,” Cloy told the Jackson Free Press in an interview. A new report from Fight Crime published this month shows that Mis-

“When we identify what we want to see happen in a place that we live in and love, then we feel more capacity to help make that change.” — Rukia Lumumba, on why the people’s assembly model is important.

“I look forward to an open and robust debate about the funding formula reforms during the 2018 legislative session.” — Gov. Phil Bryant indicating his willingness to re-write the Mississippi Adequate Education Program.

Fondren Pregnancy Center Denied Sign Request By Arielle Dreher

he Center for Pregnancy Choices takes up the basement of the Kolb’s Cleaners building in Fondren, with a waiting room, two counseling rooms, a back office and one medical room. Decorative paintings adorn the freshly painted walls, and private counseling rooms have comfy sofas. Erin Kate Goode, the center’s executive director, said CPC is a “nonprofit medical clinic” supported by volunteers and funding from more than 60 churches in the Jackson metro area. The nonprofit operates two other centers—one in Jackson and one in Pearl. The Fondren location opened in May, but it is easy to miss due to its location. Unless you see the plastic folding sign right past the entrance to Kolb’s Cleaners on State Street, you might miss the center entirely. To help with visibility, the Fondren CPC asked the City of Jackson for a variance to allow the group to erect a sign on its property line, on top of the retaining wall, which stretches up to the edge of State Street. At the Nov. 7 meeting, city council members could not agree on the request, however, and the vote on the request to either approve or deny the variance tied at 3-3. Council members were torn between the consequences of granting the variance leading to a slippery slope of more businesses asking for the same and thinking CPC was an exception worthy of a variance. The tie vote effectively killed the variance, city officials

confirmed to the Jackson Free Press. “I don’t know where it’s going to go,” Goode said about the sign. “I mean, I really don’t. It’s just, we’re going to get creative, I guess.” The city’s planning department is looking to revamp the variance request process, Director Mukesh Kumar told council members, so the center might be able to take advantage of those changes in the coming months.

The center pointedly does not suggest or refer women for abortion, either. “We do personally, as people, value life. We believe that God has a plan for every life that he creates, but we also believe that God gave each of us free will to do what we will with our lives and our choices,” Operations Director Jay-Tea Leggett told the Jackson Free Press. When a woman walks into CPC, she fills out paperwork, which includes demographic information and consent for services. Then she has to go leave a urine sample. In most cases, in order to receive services, women must have a pregnancy test conducted at the clinic. A nurse processes the pregnancy test with the urine sample for her, while she meets with a volunteer called a “decision specialist,” who is not a licensed counselor, but is trained in listening skills and how to go over the printed material with women. The center offers two decision guides: one for women who plan to be a parent and one for women who are undecided. The guide is a single sheet of paper that asks women to write about each of their options, including abortion. The “undecided” guide asks women to lists the “advantages” and “disadvantages” of adoption and parenting as well as abortion, even though the center does not refer for that service. If a woman mentions she is considering abortion, the nurse walks her through a magazine produced by

The center pointedly does not suggest or refer women for abortion.

PBIS, which rewards students for positive behavior. The district also uses Tools for Life, which teaches younger students their “tools” for negotiating and interacting with others. JPS Interim Superintendent Freddrick Murray says PBIS and Tools for Life are what helped drop the district’s number of discipline cases so far this year. At the end of October in the 2016-2017 school year, 177 students were referred to the alternative school for discipline issues. This year, that number was 145. Murray explained the discipline data to the new Better Together Commission, tasked with conducting a district-wide study and soliciting community input as a part of the third “takeover” option for JPS. “Good leaders run good buildings, and so we have to make sure our prin-

cipals are quality leaders and that they understand that they are responsible for the cultural climate of their building, and again, that doesn’t mean suspending every child, that means being able to adopt a culture,” Murray told the commission on Nov. 8. Cloy agrees. He says he has seen a culture of suspension in his work with JPS so far. Last school year, students in JPS were suspended in some high schools for being out of class or dress code violations, while other students in different high schools receive in-school detention for similar infractions. More than 8,000 out-of-school suspensions were recorded in the 2016-2017 school year in JPS. The district implemented a new code of conduct, with new discipline procedures this school year, in part due to that data.

more PREGNANCY, see page 8

“I just think suspension is a culture: you go home,” he told the Jackson Free Press. “And it’s a culture district-wide, so culture, as they say, is one of the hardest things to change.” All About Leadership That doesn’t mean progress has not occurred in the district, however. Murray mentioned a JPS school he used to go into four years ago where discipline was an issue, but told the commission that it is very different today—and discipline is not an issue anymore. He said responsibility for the discipline goes to the school leader, the assistant superintendents and ultimately to him as the superintendent. In the midst of a potential state takemore SUSPENSION see page 8

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

sissippi has higher in-school and out-ofschool suspension rates than the national average. Cloy focuses on Jackson Public Schools and the Biloxi School District in his work for Fight Crime. JPS has a higher rate of out-of-school suspension than in-school suspension, indicating that administrators are using the latter less overall, opting to just send kids home instead. The second largest district in the state did not have the worst rate of suspension by a long shot, however. Philadelphia, Miss., schools have the highest out-of-school suspension rate in the state, the Fight Crime report shows. JPS administrators have worked to use suspension data to change the district’s discipline policies and implement behavioral management systems like

Abortion-Breast Cancer Link? The Center for Pregnancy Choices’ Fondren branch is just a block away from the state’s only abortion clinic, which is in a bright pink building on North State Street. While the center does not market itself as a religious organization, most of its materials are heavily-laden with components of “spirituality.” Dr. Freda Bush medically supervises the center, its website says. She is one of several physicians listed on Pro-Life Mississippi’s list of approved doctors who do not refer or perform abortions.

TALK | city

PREGNANCY from page 7

Stephen Wilson

allows them to schedule a re-test as well as lists numbers to local clinics like Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health and Crossroads Clinic. Women interested in birth control after b4youdecide.org, which tells the stories of women who a negative test are also given the sheet with the list of local chose to have an abortion and regretted it later, as well as clinics where, nurses tell them, they can get birth control if discusses pregnancy options, including the health risks of they want it. abortions. The CPC is not Like other surgical required to be licensed procedures, there are scienwith the Mississippi Detifically acknowledged risks partment of Health due to having an abortion, like to lax state and federal blood clots accumulating regulations, but Leggett in the uterus in .2 percent said the clinic is fully of cases and infection in 2 HIPPA-compliant anypercent or less of cases that way. The medical staff the National Abortion Fedon site at the center is eration even acknowledges registered nurses who on its website. perform pregnancy tests The Before You Deand sonograms for pacide magazine lists these tients. If a woman needs health risks, without menmedical care beyond a nurse’s expertise, they can tioning the low frequency call local doctors to make at which they happen. The a referral. material also links abortion to an increased risk for The Center for breast cancer, a claim that Pregnancy Choices is one the American Cancer Sociof several “Crisis Pregety dismisses. nancy Centers” listed on “At this time, the scimaterial from the state entific evidence does not health department that support the notion that abortion providers are abortion of any kind raises required to give to their The Center for Pregnancy Choices’ Fondren the risk of breast cancer or clients if they want it 24 office opened in May, but Executive Director Erin any other type of cancer,” hours before their proceKate Goode (pictured) said the clinic will have to get creative since the city council denied the the ACS website says. dure that “offer alternanonprofit’s request to erect a sign on State Street. Despite the American tives to abortion.” Cancer Society’s rejection of the supposed abortion-breast cancer link, Mississippi law ‘More of a Disturbance’ requires physicians to tell women considering abortion that The majority of women who go to the CPC are planit is one of several “particular medical risks.” ning to be parents but are looking for support, Leggett said. After a woman goes through a CPC decision guide, Women can join support groups, including a “post-aborshe goes back to the clinic room, where the nurse reveals tion” support group for women who have previously had the results of the pregnancy test to the patient. If the test abortions, or receive additional counseling from staff from is positive, she can perform a sonogram for the pregnant the Net, a Christian counseling nonprofit. woman. If the test is negative, women receive a sheet that Pregnant mothers can come to the CPC throughout

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

SUSPENSION from page 7

over, Murray reorganized the district into four feeder patterns based on data, including on discipline. The district now has four area superintendents, and as a part of the reorganization, Murray removed and then hired 14 new principals for the current school year. In Fight Crime’s work inside JPS schools, Cloy says Wingfield High School in south Jackson is an example of a school that has implemented alternative and creative programming from an arts program to jiu-jitsu to chess for students that help

combat disciplinary issues. Other schools, he said, are going day-to-day. Cloy said he can tell when a behavioral system in a school is working. “You can tell when a program is run, whatever the program is,” he said. “When the bell rings, and the students walk out of the classroom, you can tell who runs the building. You can tell what program is working and if there’s a program that’s being used.” With autonomy, Cloy says, principals can work to adapt different behavioral interventions from PBIS to restorativejustice practices (both proven to reduce suspension rates) effectively. “Each school has to be treated differ

their pregnancy until their child is 2 years old. Mothers can also receive free diapers each week as well as wipes and baby wash when needed. In January, the CPC plans to roll out sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment at its Fondren location, Goode said. The testing would likely be for patients who come in and have a negative pregnancy test if they want it. The CPC serves a lot of patients without medical insurance, Leggett says, and the center can issue women a verification of pregnancy she can show to a doctor if she seeks prenatal or pregnancy treatment elsewhere. “We feel like we are offering a great service where they can come in and get an ultrasound typically around seven weeks, some of them are further (along),” Leggett said. “I remember one time someone came in and they were 33 weeks, and they thought they were barely pregnant, so you know, we can go ahead and help them and then we will give them a referral to get where they need to get as far as pregnancy care.” The Jackson Women’s Health Organization Director Shannon Brewer told the Jackson Free Press that since the Center for Pregnancy Choices opened this spring, she has seen an increase in protesters outside the clinic. “It just has made more of a disturbance for us and the patients and the entire neighborhood, actually, because there are more people standing out and yelling,” Brewer said. Goode said CPC volunteers and staff members are not recruiting women to come to their center from the Pink House. “That’s against our policy, unless you have permission from Erin Kate to walk over, like if we’re praying,” Leggett said. “Like I was there, a couple weeks ago for a prayer meeting,” Goode jumped in. “I went over there and prayed because people we are friends with were over there at that time, but you have to have specific permission from me to go. And no, you can’t be in here meeting with clients and over there hollering—that’s against the rules. We don’t send people over there to bring people here.” Brewer told the Jackson Free Press that some of women who come to JWHO, who previously went to CPC, might not have gotten accurate results there. “We have patients come to us and tell us they were further along than they are,” Brewer said. Email reporter Arielle Dreher at arielle@jacksonfreepress. com and follow her on Twitter.com @arielle_amara.

Most viral stories at jfp.ms:

1. “How Integration Failed in Jackson’s Public Schools from 1969 to 2017” by Arielle Dreher 2. EDITOR’S NOTE: “The Lies Scientific Racists Told About Jackson’s Children” by Donna Ladd 3. “Miller Wants to End Waiting Games in Public Works” by Ko Bragg 4. “The Poverty-Crime Connection” by Lacey McLaughlin 5. “Best of Jackson 2018: All About Local” by JFP Editorial Board

ently, and certain principals have to be put in place and given full autonomy to run their schools and use their programs,” he said. “And if it doesn’t work, then you get a new principal.”

Most viral events at jfpevents.com:

1. Thanksgiving Day at the Zoo, Nov. 23 2. Record Store Day: Black Friday, Nov. 24 3. Rita B.’s “Hart of the City” Watch Party, Nov. 24 4. The Lighting of the Bethlehem Tree, Nov. 28 5. Dine Against Darkness—Illuminating Child Trafficking, Nov. 30 Find more events at jfpevents.com.

Email reporter Arielle Dreher at arielle@jacksonfreepress.com. Read more about Jackson Public Schools at jfp.ms/jpstakeover and juvenile justice and alternative solutions at jfp.ms/preventingviolence

2 SHOWS - DEC. 26 & 27

2 SHOWS - JANUARY 20

JANUARY 23

FEBRUARY 5

FEBRUARY 7

FEBRUARY 21

MARCH 7

MAY 3

all shows at thalia mara hall g e t y o u r t i c k e t s t o d ay A T J A C K S O N B R O A D W A Y. C O M !

November 22 - 28, 2017 â&#x20AC;¢ jfp.ms

G I V E T H E G I F T O F B ROA D WA Y !

TALK | city

‘Crank It Up’: Taking Action against Blight by Ko Bragg

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

school, taking care of your things, taking care of your neighbors, taking care of your community, taking care of your classmates. “So this is a true testament and example of how all those entities work together and what we’re talking about in the school—we’re bridging that gap between school and the community—it’s a partnership,” she added. Sutton’s students had crossed the street with her to get a safer view of the house demolition. “Crank it up,” the crowd of about two

Ko Bragg

nsightly at best, a former drug house at its worst, a single-story, boarded up bungalow house sat across from Lake Elementary School in west Jackson. Overgrown trees and brush in the yard seemingly swallowed up the crumbling structure. Parents, children and neighbors daily passed by the abandoned property they had come to accept as commonplace. On Thursday, Nov. 16, a group of motivated community members held a public demolition of this home in front of about a dozen students from the school. The children emerged just before the demolition in a single-file line, all dressed in their navy-blue tops and khaki, navy or black pants. Touting an astronomically improved school rating, principal LeKeisha Sutton stepped up to the podium set up in the yard that was mostly sticks and grass. “Hey, hey, what do you say?” Sutton said, the students echoing her chant and the call and response continuing twice over. Sutton was once in the shoes of the students who wrapped around the podium as she spoke—she is a product of Jackson Public Schools, including Lake Elementary. She spoke about encouraging her students to take pride in their community and where they live, saying that becomes possible through community partnerships both in the school and in the neighborhood. “Well, of course, to the students it was an eyesore—it’s an abandoned home,” Sutton told the Jackson Free Press later. “But one of the things is our boys and girls see this so often, they become accustomed to this. The revitalization lets our boys and girls know that this is not—your community does not have to look like this.” Sutton has been the principal of Lake for two years, and in the last year it went from an F-rating to a B-rating. Sutton strives for an A-rating though, and says they are less than 20 points away. She hopes that what she teaches her students inside the classroom about pride and community involvement will work in tandem with neighborhood improvement so that the future adults of Jackson can see positive changes in their home city. “The revitalization of the neighborhood gives the students pride,” Sutton said. 10 “We talked about pride all the time in your

the Rosemont Community Land Trust as it develops and grows. Andy Frame, the executive director of Revitalize Mississippi, likens it almost to chemotherapy, as he refers to the blight throughout Jackson. “Blight is a cancer,” Frame told the Jackson Free Press. “Once you see one blighted property on a street, a few years later it will be three, a few years later it’ll be nine, a few years later it’ll be 27.” “And then there are dozens of properties in this community that need to be torn down because they’re essentially they’ve been abandoned for years,” Frame continued. “It needs a concerted team effort to clean that up, but at the same time, just cleaning it, just doing the blight elimination is not enough. It has to have a sustainable solution going forward.” Frame added that the blight cleanup will work harmoniously with the formation of community land trusts to not only revi-

Jimmie Edwards is the pastor at Rosemont Missionary Baptist Church, which is part of a partnership that is tackling blight in west Jackson. He is pictured here at a demolition across from Lake Elementary School on Nov. 16.

dozen people yelled at the man operating the bulldozer that would soon flatten the house across from Lake Elementary school and another one just a block away. “It shouldn’t take that long,” onlookers correctly estimated to each other. The house crumbled at the bulldozer’s first brush against the siding. The crowd consisted of a visually diverse group of people from Revitalize Mississippi, the Rosemont Community Land Trust, Rosemont Missionary Baptist Church and the nonprofit formed in conjunction with it—Rosemont Human Services Inc., all of which united to clean up west Jackson. Revitalize Mississippi donated the demolition services and will continue to assist

talize the community, but to sustain such progress. Rosemont Missionary Baptist Church sits right across from the second house flattened at the demolition. Rosemont Church and Revitalize Mississippi are helping to revitalize the neighborhood through the community land trust model. Rosemont Pastor Jimmie Edwards, who has been known to tackle blight in his community with his own “Bush Hogs,” donned a cowboy hat and spoke of his congregation’s role as missionaries in west Jackson. “We are Rosemont Missionary Baptist Church. Mission means we go out into the community, and that’s where the work is,” Edwards told the Jackson Free Press. “We come to Rosemont to worship, but we

leave there to serve.” Nationwide, the community land trust model has been adopted as a seemingly fair way to develop struggling neighborhoods. Community land trusts operate through a nonprofit, in this case Rosemont Human Services, Inc., which purchases land in communities to preserve affordability while encouraging land ownership and neighborhood stability. Stacey Donaldson, the director of the Rosemont Community Land Trust, is excited about this process. “It keeps the lands in the community where it doesn’t get sold to outside entities and outside corporations and they can go and do gentrification,” Donaldson told the Jackson Free Press. “Basically it keeps those big companies from coming in and freshening up the companies and the land, making it unaffordable for low-income families,” she added. She says that so far the Rosemont CLT has purchased homes in the Jayne Avenue area for the purpose of rehabilitating those homes or tearing them down to rebuild and later sold for fair prices to locals. Abandoned homes often link to crime. “Neighborhood blight is part of the vicious cycle in Jackson; crime causes blight, and blight fosters crime,” warned researchers for the BOTEC Analysis Corporation’s study of crime in Jackson, commissioned by Attorney General Jim Hood and completed in January 2016. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba talked recently about his interest in applying for Mississippi Home Corporation’s Blight Elimination Program. MHC’s vice president of federal grants, Lisa Coleman, told the Jackson Free Press that she does not have an application from the City to date. The only grant that has been approved in the state is the City of Columbus, Miss. The BEP just became available to Mississippi cities in May of this year, Coleman said, with $20 million available that has to be spent by 2020 or they go back to the Treasury. Cities can apply for $500,000 at a time and up to $4 million total. Coleman also made it clear that this program is not a cure-all for blight, but more ideal for neighborhoods with just a few blighted homes on a street bringing down property value. She hopes that other cities will rush to apply once they see demolitions happening in Columbus. “We’re hoping now that Columbus has been approved, once they’ve done some demolishing, other cities can see that it works. We really want to emphasize that this is a short-term program.” Email city reporter Ko Bragg at ko@ jacksonfreepress.com.

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Intimate, Inclusive People’s Assembly Promise Unfolds by Ko Bragg in terms of we know what the problems are. We don’t always have to wait on government to give the solutions and wait on them to fix it—sometimes we can give solutions to the government and begin this process ourselves.” The people’s assembly model is a benchmark of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement and the New Afrikan People’s Organization. Kali Akuno wrote in a 2012 blog post about the Jackson Kush Plan that the assembly model was developed in Jackson “in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and to run Peoples’ Attorney Chokwe Lumumba for a City Council seat to assess the reach and impact of our work.” “Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and the City of Jackson welcomes the opportunity to hear community voices and utilize collective genius in the City through the People’s Assembly,” Kai Williams, the mayor’s communications manager, told the Jackson Free Press in a written statement. The Democratic Visioning Commit-

tee exists separately from the City government. It is a product of the mayoral transition team, which is a volunteer-based group

The Lumumba administration will host its first People’s Assembly on Nov. 28 at the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center.

Lumumba hopes that this will shift the way governance happens in Jackson from a top-down approach to a more intimate and inclusive model that involves everyone coming together from City Council members to their neighborhood constituents. In the past, Jackson’s people’s assemblies have focused on the airport takeover and the 1-percent sales tax. Rukia Lumumba hopes this upcoming assembly will lay the foundation for a paradigm shift to get community voices heard. “The biggest part of all of this is really increasing the voice of community,” she said. “When we say, ‘When you become mayor, I become mayor,’ we have to actualize that. It can’t just be a slogan, and it can’t just be the same old rhetoric we’ve been saying for years and years: where our voices are heard, but the action that needs to follow doesn’t happen.”

of community members that come together to help advise the mayor. Still, Rukia

Email city reporter Ko Bragg at ko@ jacksonfreepress.com.

Imani Khayyam / File PHoto

he “people’s mayor” is making good on a promise to execute “people’s assemblies” in Jackson, using social media over the weekend to announce the first official gathering. Rukia Lumumba, the sister of the self-proclaimed “radical” mayor, is chairing the Democratic Visioning Committee that will meet at the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 6 p.m. Rukia Lumumba says this first assembly will be an introduction to the model that will continue in the new year and a way for the Democratic Visioning Committee to gauge how people understand their personal power in terms of affecting government change. She believes people’s personal power is critical to making change. “When we identify what we want to see happen in a place that we live in and love, then we feel more capacity to help make that change,” she told the Jackson Free Press. “And we are the experts of our own condition. We know what we need

Mental Health Task Force Meeting in Secret by Arielle Dreher

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

for the Olmstead litigation is set for spring 2019. This year, political discussions around mental health have changed dramatically. Both Hood and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves rallied for more community-based services at the Neshoba County Fair during the sumStephen Wilson File Photo

nder legal pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice to repair Mississippi’s system of mentalhealth care, Attorney General Jim Hood last month announced a mentalhealth task force of state practitioners who already serve Mississippians with mental illness. He invited major players in the state— law enforcement officials, judges, advocates, researchers and medical professionals—to participate in the effort to improve Mississippi’s system and delivery of care. Then, though, Hood closed the task force to the public, blocking media and others from accessing its discussions. In August 2016, the DOJ sued the state for an over-reliance on institutions to provide mental health care instead of community-based services. The DOJ litigation will stretch out at least another year, court filings show. Attorneys will go into discovery this winter, which is not due until October 2018. A settlement conference is set for Oct. 16, 2018, but either party can cancel its appearance at the settlement conference a week before it is scheduled if that party believes it “would not be productive and should be 12 cancelled.” Pretrial conference and jury trial

Attorney General Jim Hood assembled a statewide mentalhealth task force this fall, but those meetings will be closed off to the public and the press.

mer. Then Gov. Phil Bryant recommended that the Mississippi Department of Mental Health shift $10 million in its institutional

funds to the services budget to “expand evidence-based, best practice services in the community to reduce reliance on institutional care.” The department’s budget and services are sure to take on a focal point in the coming legislative session. In the meantime, Hood’s mentalhealth task force meetings will be closed to the public and the press, Margaret Morgan, communications director for Hood’s office, said this week. She said Hood was open to having the meetings be public, but after polling members of the task force, decided to close the meetings to the public and press. The majority of members on the task force who responded to the poll asked to have closed meetings but allow journalists to interview certain task-force members who are willing after meetings. Morgan said the task-force meetings do not meet the definition of “public body” found in the Mississippi Open Meetings Act. State law defines a public body as an entity created by “statute or executive order, which is supported wholly or in part by public funds.” State law gives several definitions for a “public body” including a “policymaking entity.” “... (T)his task force is not defined as

a public body because it will not establish policy,” Morgan said in a written statement to the Jackson Free Press, which disagrees with that assertion. “Hood convened this task force precisely to help establish better policy for mental-health services in the state,” JFP Editor-in-chief Donna Ladd said. “It must be open to the press and to the public. Members of a public body should not be able to vote on whether to allow sunshine in or not. That defeats the purpose of having an open-meetings law.” When Hood announced the task force in October, he issued a lengthy press release, which included highlights from the first meeting. “The mental-health task force will also review current legislation as well as needs for additional legislation,” the October press release says. Despite being able to make policy recommendations, Morgan said the meetings are not subject to the Open Meetings Act. “ ... (T)he task force may make recommendations; however, it does not have control over what other groups do with those recommendations,” she said in a statement to the Free Press. “Therefore, it is not subject to the Open Meetings Act.”

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A Better World for Harper

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

he love I have for my 2-year-old daughter Harper is very perplexing. She doesn’t say thank you after I clean her poop. She has an immense catalog of crazy outbursts that is both unexplainable and troubling when you see them from the viewpoint of a reasonable human being. While I try to find balance and stability, she courts chaos and anarchy. Even though she displays these character flaws on a daily basis, the love I have for her is selfless and doesn’t contain an ounce of quid pro quo. I often contemplate the kind of world Harper will be raised in. Ideally, her world would be a world full of hope and opportunity and optimism and equality. But then reality sets in. This world, our world, has beaten the hope and optimism out of me. It has made my gray hairs grayer and my face rugged with scars. OK, maybe my face isn’t rugged with scars because, honestly, I’m more handsome than ever. Nevertheless, this world has admittedly taken its toll on my black soul. My parents tried to change this for me, and in many ways, they succeeded. Even if laws are not practiced with ideal fairness, most are written with fairness, therefore providing traditionally marginalized folks more opportunities in 2017 than there were in 1967. However, I—no, we—still fight a lot of the same battles our parents and grandparents fought in 1967. We face the same battles that a lot of folks, including myself, thought were behind us, buried in the discriminatory pits of hell. One fight that has recently emerged is the battle against sexual violence. Sexual violence in America is as common as apple pie, so when reports of rampant acts of sexual assault and harassment became headline news over the last few months, my initial response was, “No sh*t, Sherlock.” People are finally calling out actions draped in misogyny, and I couldn’t be happier. Never mind that I, myself, have admittedly done some self-reflection and wondered if I contributed to this toxic environment. I have contributed to this toxic environment, by the way. I may not have acted out sexual deviances, but I did nothing when I would hear about such heinous deviances that others committed. The only thing that matters now, though, is Harper and whether these reports will make it a better workplace Sexual for her, a better world for her. violence in The sudden revolt of sexual violence is America is long overdue. Harper’s mother and countas common less generations of women (and men) have been victims of sexual violence in and out as apple pie. of the workplace. The #MeToo movement spotlighted a disturbing tradition that was hiding in plain sight and that generational misogyny created. But I pose this question: If you think the #MeToo numbers are depressing, imagine the number of sexual assaults that go unreported and un-hashtagged. And now that these depressing stories are out (which is only the tip of the iceberg) and actions such as a firm slap on the butt have been deemed unacceptable, it’s time to focus on the misogynistic, good-ole-boy system that birthed and nurtured these actions in the first place. And that starts with folks like me, who should’ve called out such deplorable actions long ago. Statistics on Rainn.org say that every 98 seconds someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted, which means every single day more than 570 people experience sexual violence in this country. Sexual violence permeates our culture, from our television sets to the highest office in our country. I know the actions taken to combat sexual violence won’t save everyone, but if it can make this world, our world a brighter place for Harper, it’s a start. Leslie McLemore II, a Jackson native, is now in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of Jackson State University, North Carolina Central University School 14 of Law and American University Washington College of Law.

No More Secrecy in Mental Health Care

he State is facing federal litigation for its over-reliance on institutions to take care of Mississippians with mental illnesses. All good research shows that locking people away in hospitals is not how to treat mental illness, and while hospitals are needed in some cases for stabilizing people, by and large, people need treatment in their own communities. The state is treating mental illness like a common cold or the flu that goes away after a few weeks, but mental illness often lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. There is no quick cure for mental illness, but even if there was, most of the Mississippians who need the care could not access it. Mental Health America released its 2018 “State of Mental Health in America” report, and Mississippi placed 50th. The state has only one mental-health provider for every 820 people living here, the report found. We also have the highest prevalence of youth and adult alcohol and substance abuse nationally. Access to care is one of several factors that places the state in dead last. Only one in three adults with a disability cannot see a doctor due to costs, the report says. The Department of Mental Health is the largest state agency, driving a strong employment sector for workers at state hospitals—instead of in community-based services. Attorney General Jim Hood, who is fending off federal litigation, started a mental-health task force this fall to bring

all stakeholders together to discuss the system and possible solutions. This is a wonderful idea (and obviously looks good to federal prosecutors beginning their discovery process). This week, the JFP learned, though, that these task-force meetings will be closed to the public. One step forward, two steps back? How will progress in the state’s mentalhealth system be documented, tracked, or believed without public access to these meetings? DMH board meetings are difficult enough to cover, with meetings moving all over the state each month. The state’s mental-health-care system needs to be more community-based—both Democrats and Republicans in power in this state agree with that. Gov. Phil Bryant even recommends a shift in $10 million from the state’s institutions to community-based services for next year’s budget. These are all great ideas, in theory. There is no accountability, however, without access and transparency. Taxpayers are already paying for attorneys in Hood’s office to defend the state. The least he could do is make the process accessible to not just journalists but the public. Men and women are literally sitting in jails around this state waiting to access a bed at Whitfield just to be evaluated for mental illness. It is not a secret that our system is broken— but doors should be flung open to all in order to fix it. Mississippians are in for a year of guarded and closed-off discussions about its mental-healthcare system, if the task force meetings stay closed.

CORRECTION: In last week’s cover story, “How Integration Failed in Jackson’s Schools,” (Vol. 16, Issue 11, Nov. 15-21), we wrote that Alan Huffman and his classmates he interviewed in the book, “Lines Were Drawn,” graduated from Murrah High School in 1971; however, they actually graduated in 1973. Also, a previous version of this story misnamed the song “Good Ship Lollipop” as “Bishop Lollipop,” in a quote from Mr. Gibbs. The Jackson Free Press apologizes for these errors.

Laurie Bertram Roberts

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Amber Helsel State Reporter Arielle Dreher City Reporter Ko Bragg Freelance Reporter William Kelly III JFP Daily Editor Dustin Cardon Music Editor Micah Smith Events Editor Rebecca Hester Features and Social Media Intern ShaCamree Gowdy Writers Brynn Corbello, Richard Coupe, Bryan Flynn, Mike McDonald, Greg Pigott, Julie Skipper,,Abigail Walker Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Art Director Kristin Brenemen Advertising Designer Zilpha Young Staff Photographer Stephen Wilson ADVERTISING SALES Digital Marketing Specialist Meghan Garner Sales and Marketing Consultant Stephen Wright Sales Assistant DeShae Chambers BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS Distribution Manager Richard Laswell Distribution Raymond Carmeans, Clint Dear, Ruby Parks,Tommy Smith Assistant to the CEO Inga-Lill Sjostrom ONLINE Web Editor Dustin Cardon Web Designer Montroe Headd CONTACT US: Letters letters@jacksonfreepress.com Editorial editor@jacksonfreepress.com Queries submissions@jacksonfreepress.com Listings events@jacksonfreepress.com Advertising ads@jacksonfreepress.com Publisher todd@jacksonfreepress.com News tips news@jacksonfreepress.com Fashion style@jacksonfreepress.com Jackson Free Press 125 South Congress Street, Suite 1324 Jackson, Mississippi 39201 Editorial (601) 362-6121 Sales (601) 362-6121 Fax (601) 510-9019 Daily updates at jacksonfreepress.com The Jackson Free Press is the city’s awardwinning, locally owned newsweekly, reaching over 35,000 readers per week via more than 600 distribution locations in the Jackson metro area—and an average of over 35,000 visitors per week at www. jacksonfreepress.com. The Jackson Free Press is free for pick-up by readers; one copy per person, please. First-class subscriptions are available for $100 per year for postage and handling. The Jackson Free Press welcomes thoughtful opinions. The views expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the publisher or management of Jackson Free Press Inc. © Copyright 2017 Jackson Free Press Inc. All Rights Reserved

he looked so youthful, polished, and fresh and ready for her first day at work. My baby girl had risen from all her volunteer work and babysitting gigs to her first day working at a local fast-food joint. My middle daughter has always been one of my most outgoing and ambitious children. She was so proud of her uniform and of getting this job all on her own. I wanted to have only positive things to say to her that day like “have fun” and “good luck.” Instead, the last words of advice I uttered to her were: “Watch out for managers. You are fresh meat, and they will try to come for you.” We later had a more indepth conversation about workplace harassment. The ins and outs of reporting and what the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is. The fact that my first thought was to caution my child about harassment shows that we have a problem. It’s not Hollywood’s problem or just a political problem; it’s a national problem. Predictably, there was a manager at her job sleeping with several employees, and he was working hard flirting with my child, too. When she wasn’t interested, she failed to be a favored employee even as the quality of her work remained unchanged. Women in hourly jobs encounter this level of casual harassment and much, much more every day. My life is littered with incidents of sexual harassment, abuse and trauma. It’s why I stopped my daughter to warn her. I know all too well how dangerous low-wage work can be for young women. When I was a waitress, it happened so often that I had multiple ways to deal from “jokingly” saying I’d dump coffee on offenders to pretending my manager called me. The worst offender was a regular who liked to tell me how he used our bathroom to masturbate while thinking about me. He sat in same booth and stared at me every night. When I complained to management, I was told to “deal with it.” That was the day I caught him masturbating under the table. I long counted these incidents as the cost of being a woman, especially a low-income woman of color navigating life in our world. It goes without saying that it shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be this way.

Every day, as more and more stories of sexual harassment and abuse at the hands of powerful men break, I try to keep my mind on justice. What does justice look like moving forward? Can there be any justice for these victims? There can be if we use the model of restorative justice, where offenders have to face what they have done, admit it, make some kind of restitution, and ideally their behavior changes going forward. This is what we collectively need if we want to change this problem. We have to address the actions of offenders, hold them accountable and seek justice for victims where we can. This justice very well may have to come from outside the criminaljustice system, and while we pursue that, we collectively need to start unpacking and unlearning our own behaviors that help uphold a system of oppression that allows this behavior to continue. It means questioning ourselves harshly when the knee-jerk reaction to a person we like being accused of being an abuser is to shame and victim blame. It means truly committing to teaching our kids about consent, boundaries and universal respect. We can do better. We can be focused on equity and justice. We can choose to finally confer all people full and equal human rights everyday. That will take an extraordinary amount of heavy lifting among us all. We are all the products of the toxic heterosexual-centric sexist, transphobic, ableist, classist and racist society we live in that makes life hell for womankind. Yes, all those things matter because sexism and misogyny doesn’t just impact all women equally. It occurs at the intersections of race and class or transphobia and disability, making predators and their behavior all the more easy to engage in and hide. We may feel overwhelmed in these heavy times, but my mind stays on justice. Justice is never about convenience or comfort; it’s about what is right. Either we are here for that or we are not. I’m here for justice, today, tomorrow and moving forward. I hope you join me. Laurie Bertram Roberts is a grassroots reproductive-justice activist, full spectrum doula and writer based in Jackson. She is the co-founder and executive director of the Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund.

We can do better.

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601.896.7479 . P.O. Box 55854, Jackson, MS 39296 Facebook: @reddoorjackson

NCADD Stands Strong On Three Pillars

Missed out on #GivingTuesday? Reserve your non-proﬁt spot in the Good Ideas Issue.

Your

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Offering Life Changing Hope The place where you make all the difference

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STAY SOBER, BY CHOOSING WHICH

PILLAR YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT DONATE TODAY Online at www.ncaddms.org or by phone at 601-899-5880

Feed the Hungry Preach The Gospel Shelter The Homeless Provide Programs and services to those in need in the greater downtown area Gateway Rescue Mission 601-353-5864 328 South Gallatin St. P.O. Box 3763 Jackson, MS 39207

www.gatewaymission.org

Love Thy Neig hbor

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Make the holidays and everyday bright for children in foster care. Methodist Children's Homes of MS has been providing hope and healing for children in Mississippi for nearly 125 years. Your #GivingTuesday donation will directly impact the lives of children in foster care. Find us on Facebook or Instagram. Donate online at www.mchms.org.

Visit www.dialoguejackson.org to become a member, register your interest in a Dialogue Circle or donate online.

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Jingle Bells and Local Celebration by Dustin Cardon and Amber Helsel Christmas Wonderland Christmas Wonderland is at the Mississippi Braves Stadium and the Outlets of Mississippi (200 Bass Pro Drive, Pearl) will host Christmas Wonderland all throughout November and December. The event features an ice-skating rink, ice slides, inflatables, party rooms, a concert space and more. Tickets are $2 for children age 12 and under, and $3 for ages 13 and up. Christmas Wonderland is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. The event runs until Jan. 6, 2018. For more information, find the event on Facebook. Sleigh Bell Fashion Show The City of Jackson Department of Parks and Recreation will host the Sleigh Bell Christmas Fashion Show on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 3:30 p.m. at the center court at Metrocenter Mall (3645 Metro Drive). The show is free to attend, and children ages 5 to 12 can participate. The last day to register for the show is Thursday, Nov. 30. For more information, call 601960-0471 or find the Department of Parks and Recreation on Facebook.

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

MCM Holiday Happenings Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd.) will host Santa Saturdays every week from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23. Children will get the chance to meet and take photos with Santa, and see the “Journey to the North Pole” exhibit, in which the Gertrude C. Ford Exhibition Hall will become a magical winter village complete with twinkling lights, train cars, the 45-foot Snowflake Slide and more. Santa Saturdays are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday and are 18 free with museum admission.

K-LOVE Christmas 2017 K-LOVE Christmas 2017 will be Thursday, Nov. 30, at Pinelake Church (6071 Highway 25). The event includes music from Steven Curtis Chapman, Plumb, Marc Martel and We Are Messengers. Tickets are $18 to $190. The doors for VIP admission open at 5:15 p.m., premium admission at 5:50 p.m., and general admission open at 6 p.m., and the event begins at 7 p.m. For more information, visit klove. com or find the event on Facebook.

Sweet Potato Russell This is a recipe from my Grandma Rose. She was from Kansas and so beautiful that she was a runway model and in Vogue magazine in the 1920s. She was also a great cook. I still have the index card with this recipe, which she typed on her electric typewriter. It is good and decadent—perfect for a holiday. The original recipe calls for half a cup sugar, but I make mine with 1/4 cup. Ingredients Filling 3 cups cooked sweet potatoes, mashed 2 eggs, well beaten 1/3 stick butter or margarine 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup milk or more as needed to soften potatoes 1 teaspoon vanilla Topping 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup chopped pecans 1/3 cup flour 1/3 stick butter or margarine, melted

filephoto

Singing Christmas Tree On Dec. 1-2, Belhaven University (1500 Peachtree St.) will host its 85th annual Singing Christmas Tree event. The concert will feature a choir of Belhaven students and alumni singing Christmas carols on a 35-foot-tall structure. The event, which begins at 7:30 p.m. on both days, is free and open to the public. For more information, find the event on Facebook.

MCM will also host gingerbread house workshops starting on Nov. 25. Museum staff will provide participants with materials needed to design and create their own gingerbread house. Registration for the workshops is $25 for museum members and $45 for non-members, and includes admission to the museum on the day of the workshop. Workshops take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Nov. 25, Dec. 16, Dec. 18, Dec. 22 and Dec. 23. On Dec. 9 and 16, MCM will host

Directions

Mix the filling ingredients and pour into a shallow baking pan, leaving at least half an inch at the top for the casserole to rise. Combine the topping ingredients, place them on the sweet potato mixture, and bake at 350 degrees for one hour. —Jane Flood

“’Twas a Night at the Museum” at 5:30. The event will have hot chocolate, story time with holiday characters, and more, and guests can wear their pajamas. The price is $10 for ages 1 and up. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Regular museum admission is $10 and free for children under the age of 1. For more information, visit mschildrensmuseum.org or find the organization on Facebook.

Chimneyville Crafts 2017 The annual Chimneyville Crafts festival is Dec. 1-2. The event will have 150 booths with craft vendors from around the South, in mediums such as clay, wood, glass, jewelry, mixed media and more. The shopping hours are Friday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per day. The Chimneyville preview party is Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6 p.m. to 9

p.m., and will have music, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Attendees of this event will have first pick of the art. The preview party tickets, which are $50 in advance and $60 at the door, grant admission for Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit craftsmensguildofms.org or find the events on Facebook. Holiday Top Hat Brunch On Saturday, Nov. 25, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.’s Central Mississippi Chapter hosts its annual Holiday Top Hat Brunch at the Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road). This year’s theme is “Holiday Hats on the Runway.” The event will feature brunch, shopping and more. Tickets are $50. For more information, find the event on Facebook. “Black Nativity” Jackson State University’s MADDRAMA Performance Troupe will perform the Langston Hughes-penned holiday musical, “Black Nativity,” at the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium on the JSU campus (1400 J.R. Lynch St.) from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3. The production tells the story of Christmas through gospel song, poetry and dance. The event is $10 general admission, and $5 for seniors and students. On Nov. 30-Dec. 2, the event is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Dec. 3, the event is from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit jsums. edu or find the event on Facebook. Christmas by Candlelight Tour The 22nd-annual Christmas by Candlelight Tour is Friday, Dec. 1, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event will include tours through Jackson with stops at buildings such as the Governor’s Mansion, the Old Capitol Museum, the Mississippi State Capitol and the Eudora Welty House and Garden. Buses will run between the sights, or participants can drive their cars. Each location will have holiday decor, food and drinks, and live holiday music. The event is free and open to the public, and the transportation between locations is also free. For more information, find the event on Facebook.

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Midtown Holiday Studio Tours This year’s Midtown Holiday Studio Tours event is Saturday, Dec. 2, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will include a guided tour of midtown from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Businesses and studios such as Sweet & Sauer and Mississippi Cold Drip Coffee and Tea Company in The Hatch, The Reclaimed Miles, Red Squared Productions, Pearl River Glass Studio, Jax-Zen Float and AND Gallery will hosts events to coincide with the holiday tours. The event is free and open to the public, but it will have arts and crafts, food, coffee and craft beer for sale. For more information, find the event on Facebook. Fondren Unwrapped This year’s Fondren Unwrapped is Thursday, Dec. 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event includes shopping, live music, art, open houses at local businesses, food and more. For more information, find the event on Facebook.

toy to donate to the Mississippi Children’s Home. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information, find the event on Facebook. Santa Claus Crawl The Santa Claus Crawl is on Thursday, Dec. 7, on Main Street in Clinton from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For the event, guests can tour the shops and restaurants in Clinton’s Olde Towne. The event will

by Amber Helsel

courtesy Mississippi Arts Commission

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

Christmas in the City: Home for the Holidays On Saturday, Dec. 16, the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation will host “Christmas in the City: Home for the

Teresa Haygood’s Work to Go on National Christmas Tree

Country Christmas 2017 The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will host Country Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 7, and Friday, Dec. 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event includes food, story time with Mrs. Claus, pictures with Santa and Rudolph, historic crafts-making and more. For more information, call 601-432-4500 or find the event on Facebook. Lucky Town Holiday Happenings Santa Rampage is Saturday, Dec. 2, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lucky Town Brewing Company (1710 N. Mill St.). The event will feature food, beer and more. Participants are encouraged to dress as Santa, one of his elves or other holiday-related costumes. The Jason Daniels Band will play starting at 7 p.m. The event coincides with Midtown Holiday Studio Tours. For more information, find the event on Facebook. This year’s Priced to Move: Vol. 8 is Dec. 15-16 at Lucky Town. The event is free and features live music and local artists and craftspeople selling their works for under $100. For more information, find the event on Facebook or email p2mjackson@gmail.com. Parties with a Purpose, which is a partnership of project jxn, Modern Social and Wonderlust, will host the Tacky Sweater Christmas Party on Thursday, Dec. 21, at Lucky Town from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event includes music, cocktails, door prizes and more. Attendees are 20 encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped

cludes zoo hikes, educational talks about winter animals and themed activities. The price is $45 for members and $50 for nonmembers. For more information, visit jacksonzoo.org.

Teresa Haygood’s mosaic ornaments will be in the National Christmas Tree Lighting display this holiday season.

he Mississippi Arts Commission chose mosaic artist Teresa Haygood to represent the state in the National Christmas Tree Lighting display. For it, Haygood designed ornaments that showcase some of Mississippi’s artistic, architectural, cultural and historic

have hot cider and other drinks, food, carriage rides, a photo booth, door prizes, carriage rides and more. Participants will receive a keepsake mug for the event. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. For more information, find the event on Facebook. Winter Zoo Camp The Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.) will hosts its Winter Zoo Camp on Dec. 9 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The camp is for children ages 6 to 12 and in-

elements, and her ornaments. The ornaments include one that commemorates the state’s bicentennial and one with a magnolia flower on it. Her ornaments will go on one of 56 trees. “It is an honor to decorate my home state tree and help the nation celebrate the holidays in one of our most recognizable national parks, especially during Mississippi’s bicentennial year,” Haygood said in a press release. “I am excited to be a part of the America Celebrates display because I see it as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on Mississippi’s proud tradition of artistic excellence.” For the ornaments, she used globes the National Park Service provided, and used pieces of opaque and translucent stained glass so light would shine through and illuminate the designs. The National Christmas Tree Lighting, which the National Park Service and National Park Foundation present each year, is one of the country’s oldest holiday traditions. The first lighting was for Christmas in 1923, when then-President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree in front of 3,000 people. Since then, each president has carried on the tradition. The trees will be on display from Dec. 1, 2017, to Jan. 1, 2018. The official lighting will broadcast on the Hallmark Channel on Dec. 4, 2017. For more information, visit thenationaltree.org. Holidays” beginning at 7 p.m. at the Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The event will feature food, art and live music, and will have cooking from Iron Chef Cat Cora and a performance from Motown recording artist La’Porsha Renae. Proceeds from the event will go toward creating a community arts and cultural center. Tickets for general seating are $35, and VIP seating is $65. For more information, visit jacksonmedicalmall.org.

Christmas Carnival On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation will host its 13th-annual Christmas Carnival from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at New Horizon Ministries (3565 Wheatley St.). The event will have games, activities, crafts, and children can meet Santa and pick a present. For more information, find the event on Facebook. “The Joys of Christmas” On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Mississippi Boychoir will host a concert with the Warren Central Madrigals at Ascension Lutheran Church (6481 Old Canton Road) beginning at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit mississippiboychoir.org. “Ahmal and the Night Visitors” On Sunday, Dec. 10, the Mississippi Opera will perform “Ahmal and the Night Visitors,” at 2:30 p.m. at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.) The opera tells the story of a crippled shepherd boy named Ahmal who meets the Three Kings and offers a gift to baby Jesus Christ. General admission is $20, and $5 for children, students and military. For more information, visit msopera.org. “Messiah” On Saturday, Dec. 16, the Mississippi Chorus will do performances of the Christmas portion of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Woodland Hills Baptist Church (3327 Old Canton Road). General admission tickets are $25. Student tickets will be available at the door for $5, and children under the age of 12 get in for free. The event also includes a reception. For more information, visit mschorus.org. Cajun Christmas On Friday, Dec. 8, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive) will host Cajun Christmas from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event includes an interactive storytelling of “The Cajun Night Before Christmas,” encounters with swamp animals and the Christmas Gator, Cajun Christmas crafts, holiday music and more. Admission is $6 for adults, and $4 for children ages 3 and up. Children under the age of 3 get in for free. For more information, find the event on Facebook. See the longer version and add more at jfp.ms/holiday2017.

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THURSDAY 11/23

FRIDAY 11/24

SATURDAY 11/25

The Fleet Feet Turkey Day 8K is at Fleet Feet Sports in Ridgeland.

Record Store Day: “Black Friday” is at Offbeat.

Flow Tribe performs at Martin’s Restaurant & Bar.

BEST BETS Nov. 22 - 29, 2017

Leela James performs at 8 p.m. at The Hideaway (5100 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road). The Los Angelesnative R&B singer’s latest album is titled “Did It for Love.” Doors open at 7 p.m. $27.50 standing, $42.50 seated, $47.50 VIP seat; call 601-291-4759; find it on Facebook. … The Molly Ringwalds perform at 9 p.m. at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The 1980s tribute band is known for its theatrical performances and costumes. Doors open at 7 p.m. $25 in advance, $30 at the door; ticketfly.com.

Imani Khayyam

WEDNESDAY 11/22

Sweet & Sauer owner Lauren Rhoades leads the class “Preserving the Season: Fall Vegetable Fermentation” at The Hatch on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

THURSDAY 11/23

Chas Wright

The Thanksgiving Bash is from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Center Stage of Mississippi (1625 E. County Line Road). The concert features R&B and soul music from Karen Brown and Stephanie Luckett. BYOB. Doors open at 7 p.m. Reserved seating available. $15 general admission; call 601-624-8992; find it on Facebook.

“Hart of the City” Watch Party is from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Hideaway (5100 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road). Jackson comic Rita B hosts the watch party for the Comedy Central TV show, which features performances from her and fellow Mississippi comedians Merc B. Williams, Marvin Hunter and Ben Compton. Free admission; find it on Facebook.

SATURDAY 11/25

The Mega Ran Extra Credit Tour is at 8 p.m. at Offbeat (151 by Rebecca Hester Wesley Ave.). The Arizona-based “nerdcore” rapper performs in celebration of the one-year anniverjacksonfreepress.com sary of his album “Extra Credit.” Fax: 601-510-9019 Alfred Banks, Kadesh Flow, Ray Daily updates at Kincaid and DonChe also perjfpevents.com form. $10; find it on Facebook. … The Black Saturday Comedy Show is at 9 p.m. at MikeTown Comedy Club (4107 Northview Drive). Mike Townsend is the host. Includes comedians Sean Larkins, Q-Laugh, KP, Hypeman Lucky and Kaution. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at the door; call 601-983-6046; find it on Facebook.

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

events@

Mega Ran, a Phoenix, Ariz.-based “nerdcore” hip-hop artist, performs at Offbeat on Saturday, Nov. 25, for his Extra Credit Tour.

FRIDAY 11/24

Mississippi-native author J.C. Villegas signs copies of her book “Journey of a Cotton Blossom” at 1 p.m. at Lemuria Books (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 202). $24.99 book; call 601-366-7619; email info@ 22 lemuriabooks.com; lemuriabooks.com. … Rita Brent’s

SUNDAY 11/26

“Photos with Santa” is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Northpark Mall (1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland) at Center Court. Children can visit and take pictures with Santa Claus. Additional dates: Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.,

Nov. 24-25, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Nov. 27-29, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free admission; call 601-863-2300; northparkmall.com.

MONDAY 11/27

Christmas Wonderland is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Trustmark Park (1 Braves Blvd., Pearl). The family-friendly outdoor holiday event includes ice-skating, a double ice slide, inflatables and more. Additional dates: Nov. 22-23, Nov. 28-29, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Nov. 24-26, noon- 11 p.m. $2 for ages 12 and under, $3 for ages 13 and up, activity prices vary; call 601-212-8810; email info@ bigsouthevents.net; find it on Facebook.

TUESDAY 11/28

The Lighting of the Bethlehem Tree is at 6 p.m. at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). The annual holiday tradition features a choral performance, Christmas lights, refreshments and a display with more than 100 18th-century Neapolitan angel and Nativity figures. Cash bar available at 5:15 p.m. Free admission; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

WEDNESDAY 11/29

“Preserving the Season: Fall Vegetable Fermentation” is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Hatch (126 Keener Ave.). Lauren Rhoades of Sweet & Sauer leads the class on basic fermentation and creative uses for fall vegetables. Participants receive an airlock and jar, and a quart of fermented veggies. $30, includes materials; find it on Facebook.

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COMMUNITY Thanksgiving Day at the Zoo Nov. 23, 9 a.m.3 p.m., at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). The zoo offers free admission to guests, chats with zookeepers and more. Free admission; call 601-352-2580, ext. 221; jacksonzoo.org. Record Store Day: Black Friday Nov. 24, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., at Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave.). The national event includes Record Store Day exclusives, sales on pre-owned vinyl, extended store hours and more, find it on Facebook. Jackson Cash & Carry Marketplace Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Jackson Cash & Carry (3250 Terry Road). Local artists sell items such as quilts, jewelry, books and more at the marketplace, which takes place on the fourth Saturday of each month. Free admission; find it on Facebook. Issa Groove SneakerBoxx Pop-up Nov. 25, 2-6 p.m., at North Midtown Arts Center (121 Millsaps Ave.). The pop-up shop includes exclusive merchandise from SneakerBoxx Clothing, food and wine, and a professional photo with any purchase. Free admission; find it on Facebook.

KIDS Santa Saturdays at MCM Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd). Children can take photos with Santa on Saturdays and journey to the North Pole. Includes a including 45-foot slide and the Santa Express. $10; mschildrensmuseum.org.

FOOD & DRINK Holiday Top Hat Brunch Nov. 25, 11 a.m.1 p.m., at Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road). The National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Central Mississippi Chapter hosts the brunch and shopping experience. $50 per person; call 601-668-9070; find it on Facebook. Myles’ Taco Shop Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., at Babalu Tapas & Tacos (622 Duling Ave., Suite 106). The pop-up shop is a benefit event for Myles Davis, an 8-year-old Jackson resident who is battling soft-tissue Ewing’s sarcoma. The restaurant donates a dollar from every taco purchased to his treatment. Prices vary; call 601613-6679; jackson.eatbabalu.com.

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

SPORTS & WELLNESS

Fleet Feet Turkey Day 8K Nov. 23, 7-9 a.m., at Fleet Feet Sports (500 Highway 51, Suite Z, Ridgeland). The 8K features prizes for different age groups and genders. A free Turkey Trot follows. Registration starts at 6 a.m. $40 walk/run, $70 VIP walk/run; raceroster.com. Thanksgiving Donation Yoga Class Nov. 23, 10-11 a.m., at M Theory Yoga (118 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland). Marci Williams leads the class for all skill levels. The class is free with the donation of canned foods, shelf-storable items, and new underwear in all sizes. Free with donations; call 601-790-7402; mtheoryyoga.com. Mississippi State University Women’s Basketball Game Nov. 29, 7 p.m., at Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.). The MSU Bulldogs face off against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Ragin’ Cajuns. $5 adults, $3 ages 17 and under, $10 reserved; ticketmaster.com.

STAGE & SCREEN Events at The Hideaway (5100 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road) • Rita Brents’s “Hart of the City” Watch Party Nov. 24, 9-11 p.m. Jackson comic Rita B hosts the watch party for the Comedy Central TV show, which features performances from her, Merc B. Williams, Marvin Hunter and Ben Compton. Free; find it on Facebook. • The Joking Around Comedy Series Nov. 25, 8-10 p.m. Includes performances from

SLATE

The Molly Ringwalds Nov. 22, 9 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The 1980s tribute band is known for its theatrical performances and costumes. Doors open at 7 p.m. $25 in advance, $30 at the door; call 877-987-6487; ardenland.net.

Raphael Semmes leads the mostly weekly jazz event, which features different musicians with each installment. Free; halandmals.com.

Thanksgiving Bash Nov. 23, 7-11 p.m., at Center Stage of Mississippi (1625 E. County Line Road). The concert features R&B and soul music from Karen Brown and Stephanie Luckett. BYOB. Doors open at 7 p.m. $15 general admission; find it on Facebook.

Events at Lemuria Books (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 202) • “Journey of a Cotton Blossom” Nov. 24, 1 p.m. Mississippi-native author J.C. Villegas signs copies. $24.99 book; lemuriabooks.com. • “Growing Weeders into Leaders” Nov. 29, 5 p.m. Jeff McManus signs copies. Reading at 5:30 p.m. $16.95 book; lemuriabooks.com.

the best in sports over the next seven days

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

New Orleans stormed back from 15 points down late on Nov. 19 and beat the Redskins in overtime for the Saints’ eighth win in a row. The victory broke the 7-9 cycle of the Saints’ last three seasons. THURSDAY, NOV. 23

College football (6:30-10 p.m., ESPN): Grab a plate of leftovers and pull up in front of the TV for the Egg Bowl, as the Bulldogs look to improve their bowl standing while hosting the Rebels, who are still looking for their sixth win in a wacky season. FRIDAY, NOV. 24

College football (11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., ABC): The Miami Hurricanes have to finish the regular season against the Pittsburgh Panthers before they can focus on the ACC title game. SATURDAY, NOV. 25

College football (2:30-6 p.m., CBS): The 2017 Iron Bowl has it all— playoff implications, bragging rights and a spot in the SEC title game—as Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide clash. SUNDAY, NOV. 26

NFL (3:25-7 p.m., CBS): The New Orleans Saints look to make it nine comedians Shaun Jones, Deric “Sleezy” Evans, Kerwin Claiborne, Skip da Comic and Nardo Blackmon. $15 in advance, $20 at the door; call 601-709-7894; find it on Facebook. Black Saturday Comedy Show Nov. 25, 9 p.m., at MikeTown Comedy Club (4107 Northview Drive). Mike Townsend is the host. Includes comedians Sean Larkins, Q-Laugh, KP, Hypeman Lucky and Kaution. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at the door; call 601983-6046; find it on Facebook.

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS Leela James Nov. 22, 8 p.m., at The Hideaway (5100 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road). The Los Angeles-native R&B singer’s latest album is titled “Did It for Love.” Doors open at 7 p.m. $27.50 standing, $42.50 seated, $47.50 VIP seat; call 601-291-4759; find it on Facebook.

wins in a row as they travel west to face the surprising L.A. Rams. MONDAY, NOV. 27

NFL (7:30-11 p.m., ESPN): The Baltimore Ravens host the Houston Texans, with both AFC teams trying to keep their playoff hopes alive. TUESDAY, NOV. 28

College basketball (7-9 p.m., SECN+): As you settle back into the work week after the holiday, tune in to see the UM Rebels men’s team host South Dakota State University. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29

College basketball (7-9 p.m., SECN): Relax as the week hits the halfway point and watch the UM Rebels women’s basketball team host Middle Tennessee State University. The Saints, now at 8-2, can focus on trying to make the playoffs in their final six games. The final month and a half of the season will mean a lot to this New Orleans squad. Events at Martin’s Restaurant & Bar (214 S. State St.) • The Quickening Nov. 24, 10 p.m. The New Orleans, La., psychedelic soul, funk and blues band performs. Doors open at 9 p.m. For ages 18 and up. $10 admission; martinslounge.net. • Flow Tribe Nov. 25, 10 p.m. The New Orleans-based funk-fusion ensemble’s latest album is titled “Boss.” Doors open at 9 p.m. For ages 18 and up. $12 in advance, $15 at the door; martinslounge.net. Mega Ran Extra Credit Tour Nov. 25, 8 p.m., at Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave.). The Phoenix, Ariz.based “nerdcore” rapper performs in celebration of the anniversary of his album “Extra Credit.” Alfred Banks, Kadesh Flow, Ray Kincaid and DonChe also perform. $10; find it on Facebook. Dinner, Drinks & Jazz feat. Raphael Semmes & Friends Nov. 28, 6-8:30 p.m., at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St.). Best of Jackson winner

LITERARY SIGNINGS

Events at Barnes & Noble (1000 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ridgeland) • “Planning from the Inside Out” Book Signing Nov. 25, noon. Rhonda Fetcko signs copies and reads an excerpt from her book. Free admission; barnesandnoble.com. • “Flim Flam” Book Signing Nov. 25, 2 p.m. Steve Robertson signs copies of his book, “Flim Flam: The Truth Behind the Blind-Faith Culture That Led to the Explosive NCAA Investigation of Ole Miss Football.” $21.79 book; barnesandnoble.com.

CREATIVE CLASSES Paint Workshop Nov. 24, 10 a.m., at The Wood Center (111 Clinton Blvd., Clinton). An instructor leads participants in creating a painting step by step on the last Friday of each month. All skill levels welcome. Paint and brushes provided, but participants must bring a canvas. Free admission; call 601-924-6387; clintonms.org. Preserving the Season: Fall Vegetable Fermentation Nov. 29, 5-7 p.m., at The Hatch (126 Keener Ave.). Lauren Rhoades of Sweet & Sauer leads the class on basic fermentation and creative uses for the abundance of fall vegetables. Participants receive an airlock and jar, and a quart of fermented veggies. Refreshments provided. $30, includes materials; find it on Facebook.

EXHIBIT OPENINGS The Lighting of the Bethlehem Tree Nov. 28, 6 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). The annual holiday tradition features a choral performance, Christmas lights, refreshments and a display with more than 100 18thcentury Neapolitan angel and Nativity figures. Cash bar available at 5:15 p.m. Free admission; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

BE THE CHANGE Jumping for Jeans 2017 Nov. 27, 3-6 p.m., at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The Williams family from the TV show “Bring It,” the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation and Clothing Across America hosts the giveaway, which offers free jeans, socks, and other clothing and necessities to those in need. Free admission; email fbrewster@jacksonmedicalmall.org. Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings, or to add your own events online. You can also email event details to events@jacksonfreepress.com to be added to the calendar. The deadline is noon the Wednesday prior to the week of publication.

LET'S

S U N DAY | D EC E M B E R 1 0 | 2 0 1 7

make memories TOGETHER

______________________

UNTIL DECEMBER 24TH CENTER COURT MONDAY - SATURDAY | 10AM-9PM CLOSED TO FEED THE REINDEER DAILY 1-2PM & 5-6PM

SUNDAY | 12-6PM

CLOSED TO FEED THE REINDEER 2:30-3PM CLOSED THANKSGIVING

CHRISTMAS EVE | 10AM-6PM

1:00 p.m.

'ALLOWAY 3ANCTUARY Gallowayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chancel Choir, Glory Singers and Orchestra

'ALLOWAY #HAPEL

As we remember those we have loved and lost, whether it was The Festival of Nine Lessons and recently or many years ago, we Carols, dating from the mid-19th will gather as a church family on century, is a service of Christian Sunday, December 10, in the worship celebrating the birth of Galloway Chapel at 1:00 p.m. to Jesus that is traditionally followed honor those who will not be with us at Christmas. The story of the fall during the holiday season. Through of humanity, the promise of the song, prayer, music and scripture, Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings from we will remember that God will Genesis, the prophetic books and the show us the way and will go with us Gospels, interspersed with the singing into our tomorrow. Candles may be of Christmas carols, hymns and lite in memory of your loved ones. choral music.

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November 22 - 28, 2017 â&#x20AC;¢ jfp.ms

PHOTOS WITH SANTA

8:30 & 11:00 A.M.

3ERVICE OF ,ESSONS #AROLS 3ERVICE OF #OMFORT AND (OPE

DIVERSIONS | comedy

The ‘Hart’ of Jackson Comedy by Micah Smith

lenty of fans around the country tune in for actor and comedian Kevin Hart’s TV series, “Hart of the City,” each week. For the latest episode, however, Jacksonians will have just a bit more incentive to watch than most viewers. Since its second season premiered on Nov. 3, the Comedy Central show has featured local talent from Seattle, Phoenix and Paterson, N.J. On Nov. 24, the series will shine a spotlight on the burgeoning stand-up scene in the Mississippi capital, with performances from Jackson com-

“I just happened to be scrolling (through) my Facebook one morning and saw they would be coming to Jackson to do auditions. … I was like, ‘What do I have to lose at this particular point?’ and just jumped on it,” he says. “I was actually scheduled to do (May 20) but ended up having a gig that same night, and I was like, ‘Man, I’m going to miss the audition.’ They said, ‘Well, we’re going to do two of them,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, good!’ So I still got a chance.” It wasn’t as simple as jumping on a stage and trying to be funny on the fly, though. The auditions came with

courtesy Cherita Brent - Jack Patterson

Jackson stand-up comics Rita Brent and Merc B. Williams are two of entertainers featured in the Jackson episode of Kevin Hart’s “Hart of the City,” which airs on Friday, Nov. 24, on Comedy Central.

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

ics Rita Brent and Merc B. Williams, as well as Hattiesburg comedian Ben Compton and Vicksburg native Marvin Hunter. Brent says it was a meeting between Hunter and a member of Hart’s company, HartBeat Productions, that helped pave the way for the show’s stop in Jackson. “It was interesting because I had been seeing ‘Hart of the City’ come to surrounding states,” Brent says. “A lot of my friends in Atlanta and just some other places, (like) Alabama, had gotten picked. I wondered, ‘Is he going to come to Mississippi?’, because I didn’t know if Kevin Hart even knew there were comedians in Mississippi.” Earlier this year, Hart’s team contacted Mississippi event promoter Elton Pope, founder of the Just Joking Around Comedy Series, about putting together auditions for a Jackson-centered “Hart of the City” episode. Ultimately, about 30 comedians came out to the auditions, which took place at The Hideaway and MikeTown Comedy Club. Williams almost wasn’t one of them. 26

a strict eight-minute time limit, and anyone whose set exceeded that time limit was disqualified. “So you kind of think, ‘OK. Let me put together what I think is the best seven-and-a-half minutes that I can do,’ and you just practice it,” Williams says. “You practice it for people. You practice it in the mirror. I think I had a couple gigs prior to that and bombed both times with the same set—the exact same set!” It didn’t discourage him, though, because bad nights are part of becoming a better stand-up, he says. One time, the audience even booed him. “At least you’re reacting,” he says. “I’m getting something. I would have been worried had they not said anything. It just kind of challenged me to go back, tweak some

things and work some things out until I felt comfortable because that’s what you want as a comedian. You don’t want to seem like you’re trying.” Brent says that, in addition to selecting TV-appropriate material, part of her preparation was making sure the jokes in her set would make people in Los Angeles or New York City laugh just as much as people in Jackson would. “I hear a lot of comedians talk about the potholes in Jackson,” she says. “Well, if you aren’t from Jackson, and you don’t have potholes where you’re from, then that may not be funny. So that was one thing—make sure my jokes are universal, which is a constant thing as a comedian. It’s staying true to where you come from, and I’m a Mississippi comedian so I have Mississippi flavor, but at the same time, I don’t want to isolate people by being too regional.” A few weeks after the auditions, HartBeat selected four comics to represent the city of Jackson. A confidentiality agreement kept the winners from sharing the good news with their friends and families, but Williams says they were able to congratulate each other. “It was crazy because I saw Rita the same night I found out. She actually was gigging at Hops & Habanas, and so I kind of pulled her to the side like, ‘Did you get a phone call? I got a phone call.’ And she was like, ‘Yeah, I got a phone call,’” he says with a laugh. “... It’s just cool to kind of celebrate and share that accolade with people that not only are you cool with or friends with, but people you’re a fan of.” After learning that she would be one of the featured comedians, Brent says that she felt grateful for the honor and also wanted to plan how to make the most of the opportunity after the episode airs. She says that she has talked with a few previous “Hart of the City” stand-ups about their experiences following the show. “Some are saying, ‘Well, since my show aired, I’ve gotten more work,’ and some have said it’s been transformative for their careers, so I want to see how to capitalize on this opportunity,” she says. “That’s where I am now.” Brent says that one of the things that she most admires about the show is its commitment to highlighting the local experience in the cities it visits, which even extended beyond the performers. Hart, who is a health-food enthusiast, filmed a segment at Foot Print Farms in Jackson, and HartBeat allowed Pope to hire local filmmakers Melvin Robinson and Eddie Wright to film the auditions. It’s a nice boost for local businesses, but for comedians, it can be a crucial step in furthering their careers. “The major thing is exposure,” she says. “All four of the comedians—me, Merc B. Williams, Ben Compton and Marvin Hunter—this will be our first time on a primetime network. Especially with me and Ben, we’ve only been doing it for a few years, so to have a big credit like this so early on is really amazing.” Brent says that many comedians feel that the right exposure is what will take them to the next level in their career. “I’m hoping that’s what happens,” she says.

“Hart of the City” airs Fridays at 10 p.m. on Comedy Central. Rita Brent will host a free watch party for the Jackson episode at 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 24, at The Hideaway (5100 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road). For more information about the program, visit cc.com.

DIVERSIONS | books

Be thankful

A Mississippi Tale, Past and Present by Micah Smith

Smoked Turkey

$55

that we can cook the turkey!

1491 Canton Mart Rd. Jackson • 601-956-7079 AS

New Stage Theatre Production of

Music by

Alan Menkin

Lyrics by

Howard Ashman & Tim Rice

OLA TA D LE AS TI M

Book by

Linda Wolverton

Originally Directed by

Robert Jess Roth Originally Produced by

Disney Theatrical Productions Directed by

Francine Thomas Reynolds

December 5-21, 2017 Sponsored by

Sam E. and Burnice C. Wittel Foundation

For tickets: 601-948-3531 or newstagetheatre.com

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

COURTESY J C VILLEGAS; BROWN BOOKS PUBLISHING

.C. Villegas was moving from Mis- dealing with heavier subject matter will be sissippi to Texas when she began able to appreciate the book for the charwriting her debut novel, which acters within it, and its story of love and came to her in a dream—one that self-acceptance. For those who have not she tried to ignore. experienced discrimination, the book can “My background is not writing,” she be a lens, and for those who have, “Cotton says. “I had no intention of being an au- Blossom” can be a reminder that they aren’t thor, but the dream came to me, gave me alone, she says. this story, and told me I had to write it. I “I think it does deal with very real thought, ‘Yeah, that’s cute. I have other topics, but it is about this family, about the things going on.’” family’s journey in life and their A few months after the dreams started, the Flowood native relocated to Dallas for her wife Catalina’s job in sports marketing after nearly a decade in Hattiesburg, where Villegas ran nonprofit animal rescue Dog Advocate. For nine months, she continued having the dreams, which laid out the story of multiple generations of a Mississippi family and became more detailed over time. “It was getting to where I couldn’t sleep, so I just had to sit down and start writMississippi-native author J.C. Villegas signs copies of her book, “Journey of a Cotton ing,” she says. Blossom,” on Nov. 24 at Lemuria Books. That became the foundation of her first book, “Journey of a Cotton Blossom” (Brown Books Publishing, 2016, journey inwardly and outwardly in society, $24.99), which centers on Joseph, a about their love for each other and trying mixed-race plantation worker separated to find love for themselves,” she says. “I from his mother at birth, and his son, think (readers) can really find something Isaiah, who faces a different kind of dis- similar in themselves in the characters.” crimination as he comes to terms with his Since releasing the novel in September homosexuality. While the novel spans de- 2016, Villegas has donated 10 percent of cades, Villegas says the characters share a each book sale to the Campaign for Southcommon goal: a life of equality, free from ern Equality, an LGBT advocacy group discrimination and prejudice. based in Asheville, N.C., that she became “You can really see that (goal) if you acquainted with while in Hattiesburg. start in the ’40s, you know, and you see “I just see how much they’re pusha woman and her child, who’s a de facto ing for change in the South and in Misslave,” she says. “Then, her child has to sissippi,” she says. “Right now, they’re grow up from plantation to plantation, strongly fighting HB 1523 that was just and he lives through the civil rights era of passed, and they’re pushing to get that to the ’60s, pushing to go to college. Then, up the Supreme Court. … With this kind of until the 2000s, his son, fighting for equal- book, I think it was important to back an ity being a gay man in Mississippi and organization like that.” fighting for equality within his own family. J.C. Villegas signs copies of “Journey of a You really get the whole feel of what people Cotton Blossom” at 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 24, have had to go through for generations.” at Lemuria Books (Banner Hall, 4465 InterVillegas says she hopes that even read- state 55 N., Suite 202). For more informaers who do not typically pick up books tion, visit jcvillegasbooks.com.

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

NOV. 22 - WEDNESDAY Alumni House - Ralph Miller 5:30-7:30 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Duling Hall - The Molly Ringwalds 9 p.m. $25 advance $30 door The Hideaway - Leela James 8 p.m. $27.50-$47.50 Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 6:30 p.m. Martin’s - Thanksgiving Show feat. European Theater 10 p.m. Pelican Cove - Acoustic Crossroads 6-10 p.m. Shucker’s - Shayne Weems 7:30 p.m. free Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

NOV. 23 - THURSDAY Center Stage - Thanksgiving Bash feat. Karen Brown & Stephanie Luckett 7-11 p.m. $15 Georgia Blue, Flowood - Brandon Greer McB’s - Friendsgiving feat. Waylon Halen & Sonny Brooks 4-9 p.m.

NOV. 24 - FRIDAY

November 22 - 28, 2017 • jfp.ms

by Christmas andlelight CTOUR

ൻඎඌൾඌ උඎඇ ൻൾඍඐൾൾඇ

Governor’s Mansion • Manship House • Old Capitol Museum State Capitol • Eudora Welty House and Garden • State Archives

Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Mr. Sipp 8 p.m. $10 Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m. Cowboy’s Saloon - Allen Lane Band 10 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Duwayne Burnside midnight $10 Fenian’s Pub - Coop & John 9 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Shaun Patterson Georgia Blue, Madison - Stevie Cain Iron Horse Grill - Deeb’s Blues 9 p.m. Kathryn’s - Johnie B. Sanders Blues Revue Band feat. Ms. Iretta 7-10:30 p.m. M Bar - Flirt Fridays feat. DJ 901 free Martin’s - The Quickening 10 p.m. Pelican Cove - Road Hogs 6-10 p.m. Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 5:30 p.m.; Snazz 8 p.m. $5; Jonathan Alexander 10 p.m. Soulshine, Flowood - Chad Wesley 7 p.m. Soulshine, Ridgeland - Brian Jones 7 p.m. Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Underground 119 - Southern Komfort Brass Band 8:30 p.m. WonderLust - DJ Taboo 8 p.m.2 a.m.

NOV. 25 - SATURDAY Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Eddie Cotton 8 p.m. $10

Char - Bill Clark 6 p.m. Cowboy’s Saloon - Mike Rob & the 601 Band 9 p.m. Drago’s - Ronnie McGee 6-9 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Big Money Mel & Small Change Wayne 10 p.m. $1; Fred T & the Band midnight $10 Fenian’s Pub - Jason Daniels 10 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Kevin Ace Robinson Georgia Blue, Madison - Larry Brewer The Hideaway - Splendid Chaos 9 p.m. $10 Iron Horse Grill - Ben Peyton Blues Trio 9 p.m. Kathryn’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7-10:30 p.m. Martin’s - Flow Tribe w/ Midnight Revel 10 p.m. $12 advance $15 door Med Fish & Grill - Antwone Perkins 9 p.m. Monsour’s, Vicksburg - Hired Guns w/ Angela Pittman 9 p.m. Offbeat - Mega Ran’s “Extra Credit Tour” w/ Alfred Banks, Kadesh Flow, Ray Kincaid & DonChe 8 p.m. $10 Pelican Cove - Jason Turner 6-10 p.m. Pop’s Saloon - Trademark 9 p.m. COURTESY AKAMI GRAHAM

MUSIC | live

Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 3:30 p.m. Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Ronnie Brown 6-9 p.m.

NOV. 27 - MONDAY Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Fitzgerald’s - Johnny Crocker 7:30-11 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Central MS Blues Society (rest) 7 p.m. $5 Kathryn’s - Joseph LaSalla 6:30-9:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

NOV. 28 - TUESDAY Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Drago’s - Johnny Barranco 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fenian’s Pub - Open Mic 9 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Dinner, Drinks & Jazz feat. Raphael Semmes & Friends 6-8:30 p.m. free Kathryn’s - Andrew Pates 6:309:30 p.m. Last Call Sports Grill - Top-Shelf Tuesdays feat. DJ Spoon 9 p.m. Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

NOV. 29 - WEDNESDAY

Akami Graham Shucker’s - Andrew Pates 3:30 p.m.; Snazz 8 p.m. $5; Josh Journeay 10 p.m. Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Underground 119 - John Horton Band 9 p.m. WonderLust - Drag Performance & Dance Party feat. DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-3 a.m. free before 10 p.m.

Alumni House - Pearl Jamz 5:30-7:30 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Drago’s - Johnny Barranco 5:30-8:30 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Sherman Lee Dillon 6-9 p.m. Johnny T’s - Akami Graham 6:30-8:30 p.m. Kathryn’s - Gator Trio 6:30-9:30 p.m. Pelican Cove - Shaun Patterson 6-10 p.m. Shucker’s - Sofa Kings 7:30 p.m. Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

NOV. 26 - SUNDAY 1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. The Hideaway - Sunday Jam 4-8 p.m. free Kathryn’s - Faze 4 Dance Band 7-10:30 p.m. Pelican Cove - Hunter Gibson noon-4 p.m.; Keys vs. Strings 5-9 p.m.

Friday, December 1 • 4:30-8:30PM FREE • 601-576-6800

ඉංർඍඎඋൾඌ ඐංඍඁ ඌඍ ඇංർ඄ අංඏൾ ඁඈඅංൽൺඒ ආඎඌංർ ආඈൽൾඅ ඍඋൺංඇඌ ආංඌඌංඌඌංඉඉං ൽൾඉൺඋඍආൾඇඍ ඈൿ ൺඋർඁංඏൾඌ ൺඇൽ ඁංඌඍඈඋඒ

11/24 - Martina McBride - Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi 11/27 - Aaron West & the Roaring Twenties - Zydeco, Birmingham 11/28 - Tank & Leela James - House of Blues, New Orleans 11/29 - Faith Healer - Proud Larry’s, Oxford

Submit listings to music@ jacksonfreepress. com by noon Monday for inclusion in the next issue.

Amahl and the Night Visitors

5WP &GE Ĺ&#x201C; &WNKPI *CNN Ĺ&#x201C; 2/ Travel with the three Kings following the star to Bethlehem. Stop for shelter at the home of Amahl, a poor, crippled shepherd boy. Amahl offers his simple gift to the Christ Child and a miracle happens. Inspired by the Wise Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tale of a kingdom â&#x20AC;&#x153;built on love alone.â&#x20AC;?

Bring the whole family and get in the spirit of the season!

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NOV 21 - JAN 7

November 22 - 28, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ jfp.ms

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